All the R1-million hatchbacks on sale in South Africa – Performance and efficiency compared

There are seven hatchbacks in South Africa that cost around the R1-million mark.

As you might expect, they are from premium brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG – the latter of which actually has two options that cost in excess of seven figures – but there are also a few unexpected culprits, namely Honda, Renault, and VW.

While the budget hatchback segment is highly competitive in South Africa, the other end of the spectrum is just as cut-throat in its own right.

When no expense is spared and the automaker has equipped the hatch with every feature at its disposal, it comes down to looks and perhaps more importantly, power and performance.

All these high-end city cars are aggressively styled with low bumpers, fins, spoilers, and large wheels; and they are all fitted with powerful engines that lend them the “hot hatch” credentials.

The most potent of the lot is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S which pushes out 310kW and 500Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged mill, whereas the Renault Megane RS300 Trophy is the most “tame” with its 221kW and 420Nm.

While efficiency isn’t all that important in a high-performance car, it does help to cut down on those irritating trips to the filling station, so if you want to spend as little time as possible at Engen while still enjoying all the thrills and spills of a hot hatch, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is your best option with its combined economy of 7.4l/100km.

R1-million hot hatches

The table below compares the performance, efficiency, and pricing of all the approximately R1-million hatchbacks you can currently buy in South Africa.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.