If we cast our minds back to 2010, New Zealand’s car fleet looked a bit different. The two bestselling new passenger cars sold were both hatchbacks - the Toyota Corolla and the Suzuki Swift.
Today, these same models have slipped down the list considerably. The Corolla – which is also available as a wagon and a sedan - is currently the eighth bestselling vehicle so far this year, with the Swift one position ahead in seventh.
So, what style of car has leapfrogged the trusty hatch? You guessed it – SUVs. In fact the top four bestselling cars are all SUVs. Today, medium and compact SUVs reign supreme, making up a huge 40 per cent share of the market. In contrast, small and light vehicles make up just a 13 per cent share combined.
Despite their apparent fall from grace, both the Corolla and Swift still have a lot to offer.
Toyota Corolla Hatch GX
The Current Toyota Corolla hatch comes in five models, starting from an affordable $29,990 (TDP) for the entry level GX model, all the way up to the $39,990 (TDP) for the range-topping ZR Hybrid model.
Toyota Corolla Hatch GX
Despite the lower price point, the GX comes equipped with all the modern day essentials like voice recognition and sat nav, as well as a few things that you might not expect, like the Toyota Safety Sense package. This includes Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection and even All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Indicator-Linked Control and Road Sign Assist. All variants received a 5 star ANCAP rating during testing in 2018.
You can also upsize your order to the GX Hybrid model, which adds pleasant bucket seats and drops the fuel consumption from the 7.5L/100km to just 4L/100km for an extra $3,700.
The Toyota Corolla Hatch emits between 97g and 139g of CO2 per km, depending on the variant you choose.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is still a popular sight on our roads, and currently there’s something for everyone in their range, from the entry-level variant (starting from $20,750 +ORC) which looks great and sports modern tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Suzuki Swift
If you’re after something slightly more efficient, there are now three new hybrid options starting from $26,500 (+ORC). The Swift Hybrid CVT automatic consumes 4.1L/100 km, compared to the 4.8L/100km for the Swift GL CVT automatic.
Probably the most entertaining model of the Suzuki Swift family is the Sport from $29,990 (+ORC). The Sport possesses a lively direct injected BoosterJet Turbo engine and the robust, lightweight HEARTECT platform which boasts a remarkable 4.2:1 weight-to-torque ratio (kg:Nm).
The newest version of the Swift Sport has also been on a diet, and managed to shave around 90kg off the weight of the previous model.
The standard Swift emits between 106g and 199g of CO2 per km, where as the Swift Sport is slightly less economical at 141g. The Swift Hybrid emits just 94g/km.
All Suzuki Swift models received a 5 star ANCAP rating during testing in 2018, apart from the GL (base) variants.
Hot hatches
There have been some great hot hatches recently that broaden the appeal of smaller cars.
The Toyota GR Yaris, for example, benefits from the design and engineering skills of Toyota GAZOO Racing and, despite its small 1.6-litre engine, can thrust you to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds.
Another option is the Hyundai i30 N, which features a 202kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers an exciting 353Nm of torque. The latest i30 N has received a sporty makeover, with dressed front and rear bumpers, along with performance-based Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. All in all, it’s a very appealing package if you’re looking for a practical hatch with a bit of added spice.
Hyundai i30 N
Will hatches continue to decline in numbers?
While the Toyota Corolla and Suzuki Swift were the only hatch options still present in the top 15 new passenger models of 2020, they are still compelling in their own way.
There’s still a place for a hatchbacks, albeit in fewer numbers; the latest models are not short on features and offer good value, as well as safety, space and practicality. Hatchbacks are great for learning to drive, in fact, AA Driving School uses the Suzuki Swift as their preferred car.
Hot hatches will likely be here for some time to come too, as there’s little substitute for their wheel on each corner go-kart-like handling, especially when paired to some of the latest engines available.