TMR Best Buy 2016 – Top 5 Small Hatchbacks: VW Golf, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla
Welcome to the most popular segment in Australia. More people who bought new wheels in 2015 picked from the under-$40k small car category than the 17 other vehicle segments. A full 233,122 small cars were sold out of the 1.155 million new car
Welcome to the most popular segment in Australia. More people who bought new wheels in 2015 picked from the under-$40k small car category than the 17 other vehicle segments.
A full 233,122 small cars were sold out of the 1.155 million new cars purchased last year. Is that a surprise when there are as many as 28 players in a segment that can start from less than $19,990 driveaway?
Actually, our ‘top 5’ best buys in this class listed below represented 50 per cent of total small car sales volume in 2015. There are good reasons why…
Volkswagen Golf
Price Range: $22,490 (92 TSI FWD manual) - $36,990 (110 TDI Highline FWD automatic)
Engine: 92kW/200Nm or 110kW/250Nm 1.4 turbo petrol 4cyl, 110kW/320Nm 2.0 turbo diesel 4cyl
Transmission: 6sp manual, 6sp or 7sp dual-clutch automatic
Now in its seventh generation, the Volkswagen Golf has never been more affordable to buy nor more convincing to drive.
Starting at $22,490 (plus on-road costs), it still isn’t the cheapest car in its class, though you do get cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and touchscreen audio with integrated reverse-view camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Towards $30k you start to find additional luxury and performance in the more powerful 110 TSI 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 110 TDI 2.0-litre turbo diesel specification. You can also choose hatchback or wagon bodystyles.
Corolla ZR Sedan Review