The small hatchback segment is becoming increasingly popular once again. This, as people are increasingly only moving around within towns and large cities, as well as needing a light city car with regards to soaring fuel prices. Luckily, we recently tested the Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and the Mazda 2.
hatchback
Sprint Review: Kia Rio Hatch 1.4 LS Auto
Thanks to the unstoppable armada of SUV’s, hatchbacks are following their sedan brethren by dying a not-so-slow death in our sales charts. Nonetheless, Kia still makes this wholesome Rio and we give you our quick impression of it.
First Drive: Hyundai Grand i10
“Ask them if the new one can take a towbar? And if they fixed the intermittent wiper!” chirps my mom-in-law when she heard that I’d be driving the latest version of her Hyundai Grand i10.
Sprint Review: Ford Figo Hatchback 1.5
“There’s no replacement for displacement…” is an often-used phrase whose author I couldn’t determine. Usually it goes together with enormous V8 motors but it also applies to this cut-price Ford Figo model…
Tested: 2019 Mazda3 hatchback 2.0 Astina (Automatic)
The premium pity
Stuff you wouldn’t find in the sales brochure. That’s what I like to base most of my reviews on because – let’s face it – you probably know all about this car’s airbag count and active driver aids.
Launched: Tata Bolt
New Tata is a Bolt of a surprise!
Henrie Geyser
The newly-arrived Tata Bolt range of passenger cars is going to inject a healthy dose of brand perception-change in this country because of its much improved European styling, quality finish, ride quality and cabin comforts which the brand has lacked to date.
Tested: Toyota Auris XR
The proper fight
If you wanted a small family car decade or two ago, you probably drove out of a Toyota showroom. Going right, presumably. These days, if you’re after a sensible car around 250 to 300 kays, there are hordes of choices with the latest tech and engines. But not many Toyotas…
Sprint Review: Subaru WRX
One new car, lots of information in random paragraphs.
What you need to know: The artist previously known as Impreza Sedan WRX is now just the WRX, thanks to Subaru’s culling of the hatchback version. Heavily infused with World Rally genes, this car has a turbo-charged flat-four (Boxer) petrol engine which sends up to 197kW or 350Nm to all four wheels.
Tested: Mercedes-Benz GLA200 CDI
The alluring ticket
Purpose. It’s a subject I can’t shake every time I test a new car and the most fascinating topic when discussing people’s choice of vehicle. There’s no rule or law which dictates the proper use of a vehicle which is why you’ll find 4×4’s on the school run and small Asian rentals knee-deep in Sossusvlei sand.
Launched: Hyundai Accent hatchback
The new reason
By now, Hyundai’s success story is well documented and the Korean manufacturer has carefully crafted its tracks in the local motor industry. With over 50,000 units sold last year, Hyundai’s S.A. division ranks 13th worldwide and has helped the global brand from 6th to 5th position for car makers.