Features / 19 December 2022 / Michael Taylor

All the hatchbacks that went on sale in South Africa in 2022

South Africa welcomed its fair share of hatchbacks to the local motoring scene in 2022, with models ranging from the cheapest car in the country to high-end hot hatches.

Hatchbacks have seen a decline in popularity in recent years owing to the rise of the crossover – essentially compact SUVs that retail at more affordable prices.

With crossovers effectively splitting the difference between hatchbacks and SUVs, the body type has seen a surge in popularity, leading to automakers catering to the segment with an extensive range of new models.

Even so, hatchbacks continue to see sustained interest owing to their easy-to-drive nature and the fact they are by and large the most affordable vehicle type on the market.

This year, South Africa welcomed the latest iteration of the fan-favourite VW Polo and a new, more affordable variation of the Golf GTI dubbed the Jacara Edition.

It also saw the introduction of the fifth-generation Renault Clio, a Toyota Corolla hatch fitted with mild-hybrid technologies, and a new addition to the BMW 1 Series with the Mzanzi Edition.

For the performance enthusiasts, there’s the new Hyundai i30N and the fourth-generation Audi RS3 Sportback – both of which promise an exhilarating time out on the track.

On the opposite end of the price spectrum, Suzuki recently updated its S-Presso, the cheapest car in the country, and it also released two other models this year comprising the Baleno and Celerio.

Similarly, Toyota brought out the updated Starlet which shares the Baleno’s architecture and uses the same engine.