Best Small Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks are one our favorite picks of all the car models out there. When you compare a sedan to a hatchback, you will find the latter is more spacious and it has a better fuel economy.
Indeed, some people feel that Hatchbacks are “Cars for losers” – well, that is far from the truth. We are about to dispel the lies and stigmatization.
Mazda 3
In its class/price range, the Mazda 3 is friendly, economical and fun to drive. It is one of the cars with an efficient fuel economy. If you are on a fairly limited budget, the Mazda 3 is the right fit for you. It boasts a 2.0 liter engine, which adequate for a car with a 5 speed.
The Mazda 3 is a reliable car with a great handling, torque?, and “excellent MPG”. It is not as fast as other models in its category, but you can bet it will serve you well if you maintain it. This can is fun to drive compared to its competitors like the Civic and Corolla.
While its interior isn’t pleasing to all because they find it small, it is stylish and comfortable. There are plenty of unique features and functions.
The Mazda 3 rivals models like the FRS, WRX, and GTI. Also, it has a manual transmission.
In this price range, it is hard to find a reliable car that clocks high mileage, with a stylish interior, and a solid build-quality.
Comes with two engines: 2.3 liter and 2.0 liter engine. Rank up to 40k miles without any noticeable issues.
Volkswagen Golf

For forty years, VW Golf has served the family hatchback car enthusiasts. Founded in 1976 – in Australia – the Golf is now its 7th generation.
If you are looking to get a Golf, you could with the GTI MK6 – the 6th generation model, and of the hottest hatchbacks out there. You could also go with the newest generation – GTI MK7. Both models offer a fun, sophisticated driving experience.
GTI MK6
The Golf Mk6 is the 6th generation model, introduced in 2009.
comes in an aerodynamic design, with its cabin more streamlined compared to the Golf Mk5.

It’s one of the cars with efficient fuel economy.
Golf Mk7
• Generation: 7th generation.
• Weight: 100 kg lighter than its predecessor.
• Pricey: stylish, superior cabin, sophisticated driving experience.
• Engine: 2010 model has a 2.5l (gasoline) engine; reliable for VW model.
• Mention different Golf prices.
Toyota Auris
“So, you want to buy a Toyota Auris, why not get a move upgraded car?”
It is not unheard of to hear someone utter that statement when you are conversing about your interests to buy a car.
But what do people who drive Toyota Auris love about this breed?
Toyota Auris has used several engine lines ups since its introduction. Earlier models had different engine options. Petrol options used 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre engines while diesel used 1.4 litre. Recent models, as from 2018 run on 1.2 turbo engine or…
Experience with the Auris:
Honda Civic
Sensible, and spacious family car.
Toyota Auris comes with range of engine options, including a hybrid model. You get to choose from two petrol options. One of the engine options is a 1.3 liter (four cylinder) non-turbo model. Being a non-turbo engine, it feels slow to drive models fitted with this engine. The other engine option is a smaller 1.2 liter engine (four cylinder), which has more power and torque.

With this engine, the car
Advanced safety systems:

Elegant styling and interior.
Subaru Impreza

Mercedes Benz A-Class
Mercedes Benz A-Class is yet another small hatchback you’ll see on Kenyan roads. It’s a stylish, 5-seater car. No doubt if you’re behind the wheels, you’ll turn heads out there in the streets. It is not exactly built for performance, so it’s not a fast car. You’ll hear some complain about performance but mostly there are people expecting a lot from the A-Class.
It comes with several engine options:
• 1.6L turbo with 102 horsepower; 122 horsepower; and 156 horsepower.
• 2.0L engine (210 horsepower or 218 horsepower).
• 1.5L diesel engine, 90 horsepower.
• 2.1L diesel engine, 177 horsepower.
It’s economical on fuel economy, ranging about 30-50 mpg.

Pros:
• Beautiful interior.
• Fitted with plenty of standard equipment.
Audi 3
Audi 3 is a German engineering hatchback – small, cozy, and beautiful. It has been in the market since 1996. It packs enough performance and delivers a smooth ride.
The hatchback style Audi comes either as a 3-door or a 5-door style. You can choose from either petrol engine models or diesel engine models.

Petrol engine:
– 1.0L 3-cylinder engine (turbo 30 TFSI). Get from 0-62 mpg in 10 seconds. This engine connects to a 6-speed manual gear box.
– 1.5L 35 TFSI engine. Accelerate from 0-62 mpg in 8 seconds.
Diesel engine:
– 2.0L (four-cylinder) engine – 35 TDI. Also a Four-wheel drive with automatic gear box.
The diesel engine feels punchier than the 35 TFSI engine.
Its interior is spacious – there is enough room for up to four passengers. The front and rear have a decent length of headroom and legroom. However, the passenger who gets to sit in the middle seat may not feel as comfortable on long trips.
The boot space is spacious with a wide opening. Compared to the A-Class, the Audi has spacious boot with a volume of 380 liters. Moreover, the rear seats can be folded to create more room, up to three times more.
It comes with standard safety features like 16-inch allow wheels,…
Pros
• Variety of engines.
• Spacious interior and boot space.
• Upgraded dashboard.
• Standard safety equipment features.
Cons

Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla

Honda Fit

Toyota Vitz/Toyota Yaris
Toyota Vitz is a Japan exclusive model. It has been in the market since 1999 – and since then, it has released three generations.
• First generation XP10: (1999 – 2005).
• Second generation XP90: (2005 – 2010).
• Third generation XP130: (released in 2011).
Of the three generations, you would be mostly interested with the 2011 Vitz. The 2011 model comes in three different engine options.
– 1.0 L (1KR engine).
– 1.3 Litre engine.
– 1.5 Litre engine
Also, the 2011 Vitz has both 2WD and 4WD.

The engines link to an automatic CVT, 4 speed. Or a manual transmission – 5 speed.
Because it is a small car, a tall driver will find the leg room uncomfortable.
About the chassis,
It has the same power train as that of Toyota Prius. 1.8L engine.
Toyota Corolla replaced this model in 2019.
Pros
• Easy-to-drive.
• Low-running costs.
• Standard equipment.
Cons
• Unexciting to drive.

Comes with different engine options.
Price:
Competitors: Mazda Demio, Honda Fit, VW Polo.

Pros
– Reliable fuel economy.
– Low-cost maintenance.
–
Cons:
– Low ground clearance.
Mazda Demio