Ratings of cars and auto products
Reviews, comparisons & tips for motorists
With oil prices skyrocketing, vehicle economy was the driving force behind the rise of hatchbacks to unprecedented popularity. It was in the distant 80s, and although the hydrocarbon market has changed its vector of development several times since then, the idea that the small dimensions of a city car is a decent price for less gasoline consumption has become firmly rooted in the minds of Europeans. The rest of the world is steadily tightening up, and today even in Russia, where sedans were traditionally treated to, the situation is changing right before our eyes. Automakers are not lagging behind: hatchbacks are beginning to prevail in the range of many of them. For the end consumer, this situation creates certain difficulties with the choice of the optimal model. Let's try to make life easier for them by presenting an updated rating of the best hatchback cars of 2021.
Sedan or hatchback
Since the army of fans of both types of cars is large, but there are also doubters, it would not be superfluous for the latter to familiarize themselves with the advantages and disadvantages of sedans and their classmates antipodes.
Let's start with the benefits of hatchbacks:
- first of all, these are compact dimensions. On the crowded streets of metropolitan areas, a small hatch is much easier to maneuver, not to mention parking;
- the volume of the trunk with an equal length of cars in the hatchback is greater, and with the rear row of seats folded down, the difference becomes even more noticeable;
- the cost of the hatchback is noticeably lower compared to the sedan of the same configuration;
- this body type traditionally has more possibilities for tuning than a classic sedan, and automakers are eagerly developing this direction for the sake of fashion for individuality;
- having smaller dimensions and weight, hatchbacks are less voracious in terms of fuel consumption.
And now about the disadvantages:
- in fact, the trunk and the cabin are separated purely symbolically, this often causes inconvenience to the passengers in the cabin;
- the sedan's streamlining is noticeably better, which affects when driving at high speeds;
- in winter, the hatchback takes longer to warm up, in summer it needs more time for the engine to cool down.
Disadvantages of hatchbacks become merits of sedans, and vice versa. In addition, three-volume cars are safer in the rear, that is, when another car enters the stern.
If the car owner regularly uses the car for domestic cargo transportation, if he desperately needs a maneuverable car and often goes out into the countryside, a hatchback will definitely be the optimal type of car, when buying which you can also save a lot.
So, let's go directly to the rating of the best hatchbacks of the 2021 sample.
Bmw 1-series
In our opinion, this particular model deserves the title of the best hatchback of our time. Traditional German reliability and practicality are organically combined here with stylish appearance, power and impeccable safety. The range of power units is represented by motors with a volume of 1.5-3.0 liters, the power limits are correspondingly large - 135-340 "horses". Take your pick, I don’t want to!
The laconic exterior makes it as stylish as a sedan, no complaints about the ergonomics of the cabin. On the top-end BMW 1-Series engine, 4 seconds are enough to accelerate to "hundreds", and the security system includes many systems, sensors and assistants.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Famous brand | High cost of ownership / maintenance |
Modern security systems | |
Eye-pleasing design | |
A wide variety of motors |
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The model with the index W177 is in second place in the top 10 best hatchbacks. According to its characteristics, it is practically not inferior to the leader: an equally stylish and austere exterior, a large selection of power units, safety and reliability. By the way, the body of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is made of special high-strength steel, extremely wear-resistant, providing an excellent car resource and its safety.
More about motors: there are three types of motors available in Russia: two petrol and one diesel with a power in the range of 115-160 horsepower. The cruising speed of a car with the weakest engine is 200 km / h, the maximum speed is limited to 250 km / h. Average fuel consumption, depending on the engine, is 5.0-6.5 liters / 100 km.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Stylish appearance | High cost of ownership / maintenance |
Powerful motors | |
Decent profitability |
Mazda 3
If the best hatchbacks of the German car industry demonstrate restraint and nobility of the exterior, then the Mazda 3 is an example of aggressiveness and audacity, so popular with those under 40. Inside, it is a very comfortable car, the interior of which is thought out to the smallest detail, the Japanese are famous for this. Do not be surprised that the hatchback is literally stuffed with electronics, thereby making life easier for the driver and making the car safer. Looking at this car, you are confident that it was created for drive. And the 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine really allows you to accelerate to a non-trivial 190 km / h, and with such power it consumes only 5.7 liters of gasoline / 100 km of run. We also note the proprietary G-Vectoring Control technology, which provides reliable grip on the road regardless of weather factors.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Economical engine of our own design | Without such |
Improved road grip | |
Comfortable and ergonomic interior |
Volvo V40 Cross Country
Lately, many different models of the Swedish brand have been ranking high. The V40 Cross Country, which took the prestigious fourth place in the list of the best hatchbacks of 2021 in the Russian Federation, was no exception. Largely due to the presence of all-wheel drive, which is very rare for this type of body.
The exterior of the car is Scandinavian and harsh and not devoid of charm. In the engine compartment there is a powerful turbocharged gasoline unit producing 245 "horses", which allows it to accelerate to the "first automobile" in 6.5 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption is not so great - 8.3 l / 100 km. The spacious trunk (390 liters) and the fuel tank (57 liters) provide the ability to travel long distances. The increased cross-country ability will also be appreciated by fans of active out-of-town recreation. The Swedes have not forgotten about safety, which this automaker traditionally pays special attention to.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Powerful enough power unit | Fuel consumption is too large by modern standards |
Good trunk capacity | |
High security |
Audi A1
Closing the top five of the world's best hatchback cars is another model from the German automaker. Three out of five places is a great indicator, isn't it? The novelty really turned out to be great. Restrained elegance of the exterior, increased body strength, excellent technical equipment - these are just a few of the epithets that the world press has endowed with the Audi A1.
Possessing subcompact dimensions, the hatchback has an extensive range of engines in the engine compartment with a capacity of 125-190 hp. from. Impressive as the indicator of dynamics (7-9 seconds to accelerate to "hundreds"), and the efficiency of engines (about 6 l / 100 km). The safety of the hatchback is also at its best, the electronic filling is represented by a considerable number of different systems and assistants.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Decent economy | High cost of ownership / maintenance |
Excellent quality body parts | |
Enhanced security |
Toyota Auris
Although the brand is not considered the most affordable even among the "Japanese", in Russia in 2021 this hatchback can be called a budget hatchback. At an affordable cost, the car stands out for its excellent technical characteristics, turning it into a real family car.The power of the range of motors is not impressive (97-145 hp), as well as the dynamics: it takes 10 seconds for the car to reach the first 100 km / h. But on the other hand, their efficiency at the highest level - 5.4 l / 100 km is an excellent indicator worthy of the attention of those motorists who prioritize this criterion. The interior with soft upholstery and well-thought-out ergonomics will appeal to the most fastidious drivers.
Advantages | disadvantages |
Excellent economy | Relatively weak motors |
Comfortable salon | |
Good technical equipment |
Hyundai Elantra GT
The first and only "Korean" to be included in the list of the best hatchback cars needs no special introduction. Modern stylish appearance with pronounced aggressive notes, thoughtfulness of all interior and exterior details make its appearance irresistible. For the sake of increased versatility and reliability, the manufacturers decided to sacrifice the speed characteristics of comfort: the body here is more rigid than that of the sedan, and the range of power units is not impressive with its parameters (100-140 "horses"). This is quite enough for confident driving around the city, but on the high-speed lane the dynamics will be lacking. The equipment of Elantra can be envied by many leaders in the rating: leather interior, automatic braking system, modern multimedia system and navigation and many other attractive little things.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Stylish appearance | Weak dynamics |
Profitability | |
Excellent technical equipment |
Peugeot 308
A nice compact car from Peugeot belongs to the category of inexpensive hatchbacks with good maneuverability, which residents of modern cities have already appreciated. The appearance of the Peugeot 308 is appropriate, a bit futuristic, which makes the car especially attractive to young people.
Possessing a sporty appearance and a low stance, the hatchback is equipped with rather powerful engines, producing about 135-225 horsepower. With a consumption of about 6.5 l / 100 km, a nice car can accelerate to 205 km / h - very good for a car of this class. Safety here is also at a level corresponding to current trends.
Dignity | disadvantages |
Excellent dynamics | Not the best equipment |
Good looks | |
Relatively low fuel consumption |
Renault Megane R.S.
Another "Frenchman" with a pronounced sporty appearance and the same quick disposition takes the 9th place in the 2021 rating of the best hatchbacks available in Russia. Owners of a configuration with a 250-horsepower engine will be delighted with the speed characteristics of the model, which allow you to pick up a speed of 100 km / h in less than 6 seconds. The suspension, traditionally excellent for this brand, provides maximum comfort for aggressive drivers, making travel as safe as possible, regardless of the condition of the road surface. Proprietary R.S. technology Drive allows you to choose the most suitable driving style, from economical to sporty.
Advantages | disadvantages |
Stylish exterior | Relatively high fuel consumption |
Excellent dynamics | |
Comfortable suspension |
Seat Ibiza
The updated representative of the Spanish car industry is the cheapest hatchback in Seat's lineup, and although it has modest dimensions, this cannot be called a drawback. The ideal city car stands out for its stylish appearance, concern for the safety of the driver / passengers and good technical characteristics. The line of engines is represented by motors with powers in the range of 90-150 "horses". Despite its compactness, the hatchback has a capacious 355-liter trunk. Low fuel consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions - a tribute to the fashion for ecology and economy.
Advantages | disadvantages |
Environmental friendliness, safety | Dynamics falls short of above average |
Low fuel consumption | |
Large trunk | |
Excellent equipment |
Note that the presented rating is posted by us for purely informational purposes. We did not set ourselves the task of pushing the reader to choose a specific model. Moreover, such tops become outdated rather quickly, as new models with improved characteristics are released.