The Best Hatchbacks in Australia

SUVs might be stealing the spotlight, but hatchbacks are still going strong. At John Hughes, we see plenty of drivers choosing them every week (and for good reason). They’re easier to park than your mate’s lifted ute, cost less to run, and are surprisingly well-equipped these days.

If you’re after something that’s easy to live with and doesn’t blow the budget, a hatchback could be exactly what you need. In this guide, we’ve pulled together the best hatchbacks in Australia for 2025, with honest advice on how they drive, what they cost to own, and which type of buyer they really suit.

What to look out for when buying a hatchback

If you’re in the market for a hatchback, there’s a few things we always recommend worth paying attention to.

• Fuel economy
• Easy to drive and park
• Safety features
• Comfort and practicality
• Running costs

Top hatchbacks in Australia right now

Toyota Corolla Hatch

The Corolla Hatch is one of those rare cars that manages to tick just about every box, and that’s why we see it continue to sell strongly year after year. It’s compact enough for city parking, efficient enough to keep fuel costs low, and packed with Toyota’s latest hybrid tech and safety features as standard.

Inside, it’s surprisingly tech-savvy. All grades get a clear 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims add extras like sat nav, wireless phone charging, JBL audio and even a digital driver display. The back seat and boot aren't the biggest in the class, especially in the Ascent Sport and SX, but the ZR makes up for that with a larger 333L cargo area.

Quick specs

• Engine: 1.8L petrol hybrid
• Power: 103kW (combined)
• Fuel economy: 4.0L/100km (combined)
• Boot space: 217L (Ascent Sport/SX), 333L (ZR)
• Safety: Toyota Safety Sense with AEB, lane trace assist, blind spot monitor, 7 airbags
• Transmission: Auto CVT
• Driveaway from: $36,199

Who’s it for?

The Corolla Hatch suits a wide range of drivers, but we especially recommend it to:

• Fuel-conscious commuters
• First-car buyers after reliability and safety
• Young families needing a second runabout
• Anyone who wants a hassle-free ownership experience

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the most recognisable hatchbacks on Aussie roads, and its German roots give it that bit of extra refinement you can feel in the cabin and on the road. It’s a well-rounded option that blends comfort, performance and practicality without going overboard.

Inside, it feels more upmarket than most in its class. Even the entry-level Life gets a sharp digital cockpit and wireless phone connectivity, while higher trims bring bigger screens, ambient lighting, and leather-appointed seats. The layout’s smart, and thankfully not too fiddly.

The 374-litre boot is one of the biggest in this segment, and there’s a two-stage floor if you need to carry a bit more. It’s practical, comfortable, and feels a bit more polished than some of its competitors, which is exactly why it still appeals.

Quick specs

• Engine: 1.4L turbo petrol
• Power: 110kW, 250Nm
• Fuel economy: 6.3L/100km (combined)
• Boot space: 374L (seats up)
• Safety: Full suite including AEB, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert, Travel Assist, 7 airbags
• Transmission: 8-speed auto FWD (GTI models run a 2.0L engine with 7-speed DSG)
• Driveaway from: Around $40,990 (110TSI Life)

Who’s it for?

The Golf is a solid pick for drivers who want a bit more polish without going full luxury. It’s ideal for:

• Professionals who want comfort and badge appeal
• Small families after a practical yet refined hatch
• Downsizers who still want space and tech
• Anyone who values a well-made car with a quality feel

Hyundai i30 N Line

The Hyundai i30 N Line has become a go-to hatchback for Aussie drivers who want something reliable, good-looking and enjoyable to drive. It’s a genuine all-rounder that feels just as at home in city traffic as it does cruising down the freeway.

The 1.5‑litre turbocharged mild‑hybrid engine delivers smooth, responsive power while keeping fuel use impressively low. Inside, it’s well‑equipped and easy to live with, you’ll be greeted with leather‑appointed seats, a 10.25‑inch digital dash, wireless phone charging and Hyundai’s full SmartSense safety suite all come standard.

For most buyers, the i30 strikes the perfect balance between fun, value and everyday usability. It’s a car that’s easy to own and even easier to recommend.

Quick specs

• Engine: 1.5L turbo petrol mild hybrid
• Power: 117kW, 250Nm
• Fuel economy: 5.6L/100km (combined)
• Boot space: 395L
• Safety: Hyundai SmartSense with AEB, lane keeping, blind‑spot assist, adaptive cruise control
• Transmission: 7‑speed dual‑clutch auto
• Driveaway from: Around $33,000 (N Line variant)

Who’s it for?

The i30 is a great fit for:

• Drivers wanting a reliable hatch with a sporty edge
• Young professionals or couples who value comfort and tech
• First‑time buyers after peace of mind and a strong warranty
• Anyone looking for a car that’s fun to drive without the “hot hatch” price tag

Mazda3 Hatchback

The Mazda3 Hatch is all about sharp design and sporty dynamics. It’s one of the best-looking small cars on the road, and it backs that up with a premium-feeling interior and a surprisingly engaging drive.

While rear seat and boot space (295L) aren’t standouts for the class, the Mazda3 makes up for it with a refined ride, quality materials, and a long list of standard safety tech across the range, including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping, rear cross-traffic alert and more. You’ll also find dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and even a 12-speaker Bose audio system in higher trims.

Quick specs

• Engine: 2.0L or 2.5L petrol
• Power: 114kW (G20), 139kW (G25)
• Fuel economy: 5.9L/100km (G20), 6.6L/100km (G25)
• Boot space: 295L
• Safety: AEB, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, 7 airbags
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Driveaway from: ~$33,000 (G20 Pure)

Who’s it for?

The Mazda3 Hatch is a great choice for people who want style, comfort, and a sporty edge. Best suited for:

• City dwellers who value design as much as practicality
• Singles or couples wanting a fun daily driver
• Drivers who prefer a more connected, premium-feel cabin
• Those not needing the biggest boot but wanting big-car features

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto might be the smallest car in this list, but it’s packed with personality. Bright, bold and practical, this compact hatch is purpose-built for city life.

Don’t let its size fool you. The latest model comes with a peppy 1.2‑litre four‑cylinder engine, a roomy 255L boot (expanding to over 1,000L with seats down), and plenty of smart tech. Inside you’ll find an 8‑inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth multi‑connection and a clear 4.2‑inch digital cluster. Safety’s also impressive, with features such as AEB, lane keep assist, blind spot detection and rear cross‑traffic avoidance all standard on higher trims.

Quick specs

• Engine: 1.2L 4‑cyl petrol
• Power: 62kW, 122Nm
• Fuel economy: 5.4–6.0L/100km (combined)
• Boot space: 255L (rear seats up), 1,010L (rear seats folded)
• Safety: AEB, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, rear cross‑traffic alert, 6 airbags
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual or 4‑speed auto
• Driveaway from: Around $22,140 (Sport manual)

Who’s it for?

The Picanto is ideal for:

• First‑time buyers wanting something affordable and easy to park
• City commuters needing a dependable runabout
• Downsizers who don’t want to compromise on tech or safety
• Anyone looking for a zippy second car with low running costs

Why buy your hatchback with John Hughes

When you buy from John Hughes, you’re dealing with a local team that knows hatchbacks inside out and takes the time to help you find the one that’s right for your needs and budget.

• Huge range in one place
• Perth’s most trusted dealership
• Transparent pricing
• Flexible finance and trade-in
• Aftercare you can count on
• We’re always here to help

The hatchback still makes sense

If you're looking at hatchbacks for sale in Perth, you're in the right place. There’s a wide range of styles, sizes and features out there, and it’s all about finding the one that suits how you drive and what you need.

Swing by for a test drive and chat with our team. We’ll walk you through your options, compare features, and make sure you drive away with the car that actually fits your life.