Best Luxury Hatches
1.BMW 1 Series
8.5
3 badges available
$54,800 - $76,600*MRLP
What we love
- -Single-rate suspension done right
- -Premium, well-kitted interior at an agreeable price point
- -A front-wheel-drive car that doesn't succumb to torque steer
What we don't
- -Not quite as engaging as cheaper alternatives
- -Silly seat design lacks shoulder support
- -Australian cars get detuned
2.Audi A3
8.3
2 badges available
$47,700 - $57,200*MRLP
What we love
- -Entry-level powertrain is fantastic
- -New interior layout
- -Standard kit and pricing are appealing
What we don't
- -Cabin can be noisy depending on the road surface
- -Small boot is now smaller
- -Comfort Package should be standard
3.SKODA Scala
8.3
2 badges available
$32,790 - $40,990*MRLP
What we love
- -Cabin space and ergonomics are excellent
- -Ride quality is accomplished over any surface at any speed
- -Value for money is unquestioned
What we don't
- -More storage would be welcome, especially into the second row
- -No conventional switches to adjust AC fan speed
- -Aero wheel design polarised opinion
4.Audi A1
8.2
3 badges available
$34,250 - $48,850*MRLP
What we love
- -Gorgeous design inside and out
- -Digital widescreen dash display
- -Agile handling
What we don't
- -Not everyone will enjoy the three-cylinder thrum or the at times jerky twin-clutch auto
- -Expensive
5.Volkswagen Golf
8.2
3 badges available
$35,190 - $69,990*MRLP
What we love
- -Carries an immense amount of speed through bends
- -Excellent technology array
- -Super-sharp dual-clutch gearbox
What we don't
- -Seats could use some more bolstering
- -Silly touch panels to control air-conditioning
- -Lack of steering directness
6.Honda Civic
8.0
3 badges available
$47,200 - $72,600*MRLP
What we love
- -Incredibly focused driving experience
- -Interior feels special
- -Useable every day
What we don't
- -Lack of a real spare tyre
- -Aural character could be enhanced
- -Big price jump from predecessor
8.Hyundai i30
7.7
4 badges available
$24,000 - $56,200*MRLP
What we love
- -Raw, emotive driver appeal
- -Addictive soundtrack
- -Drive-N changes look pretty cool
What we don't
- -Interior presentation showing its age
- -Steering and gearshift not perfectly precise
- -Limited numbers make these scarce
9.Mazda 3
7.6
4 badges available
$27,160 - $43,310*MRLP
What we love
- -This latest variant includes the Vision Technology package as standard
- -Feature-packed
- -Stylish and premium offering
What we don't
- -Lacks rear seat and boot space
- -Pricey in comparison to others in the market
- -Wireless charging isn't offered in the rangeÂ
10.Peugeot 308
7.5
2 badges available
$43,990 - $64,990*MRLP
What we love
- -Beautifully styled outside and in
- -Economical powertrain
- -Driving dynamics nail the brief
What we don't
- -Cramped inside
- -Safety credentials fall short
- -Powertrain struggles under load
Drive's Best Cars
Drive's team of experts reviews and rates hundreds of the latest models each year to help you find your next new car. Browse our Best Car lists to discover how different models rank against each other and what our team loves and doesn't love about these top-rating vehicles.
* ‘MRLP’ is the manufacturer’s recommended list price as provided by our data provider and is subject to change, so is provided to you for indicative purposes only. Please note that MRLP is inclusive of GST, but is exclusive of any options and does not include on-road costs such as registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery. Where an MRLP is stated as a price range, this reflects the lowest to highest MRLP provided for that model range across the available variants.
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