These are the 5 best affordable hatchbacks of 2020

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Aside from obvious advantages like cargo flexibility and overall utility, the modern hatchback has some often-overlooked attributes. They tend to be easier to park. In most cases the hatch is shorter than its sedan counterpart and the driver can see the D-pillars, which gives a visual reference — a plunging trunk lid line often means the corners of a sedan go unseen. They also have more rear seat headroom because of the longer, flatter roofline, and if you ask us, that also leads to superior looks, whether in practical econobox trims or spicy hot-hatch flavours. Here are Driving’s five picks for best hatchbacks. All start at under $30,000 (except for our honourable mention) and come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the key safety features unless otherwise noted.

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Honda Fit

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Talk Honda hatchback and most immediately think Civic. However, the Fit arrives with more cargo space for a sharper dollar. Yes, it suffers from a performance standpoint, but it works as an about-town runabout that’s well suited to a growing family. Key are the rear Magic Seats. They fold in a number of ways to accommodate cargo of varying shapes and sizes — the “refresh” mode sees the front seat recline flat to form an ottoman for the rear rider. It also allows a longer item to be carried inside the Fit with the tailgate closed. The format delivers a maximum capacity of 1,402 litres.

The downside is the limited list of safety equipment. Only the two top models (EX and EX-L) get Honda’s camera-based LaneWatch setup, and it only covers the right side of the car.

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The Fit arrives with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder that makes 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque when teamed with the six-speed manual. The output drops slightly when the CVT is taken (by 2 hp and 1 lb.-ft.). The performance, as the numbers suggest, is so-so — a 10.2-second run to 100 kilometres an hour. That said, it never feels out of place in the cut and thrust of a busy drive. Another of the Fit’s plusses is that the suspension delivers a comfortable ride while dialling out unwanted body roll. This and its compact dimensions make it a nimble drive.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul revolutionized the market when it hit the road — there were boxy entries like the Nissan Cube and Honda Element, but they proved to be little more than passing fads. The Soul has endured through three generations with the latest having been totally reworked for 2020. It has a sharper style, a nicer interior and all the mod cons. It is also big inside given its compact dimensions. There are generous amounts of head- and legroom in all positions — six-footers will not brush the headliner! There’s also 530 L of space behind the rear seat and 1,758 L with the seats folded. While most models get a comprehensive list of safety aids, the base LX is devoid of the lot — things like blind spot monitoring are not even optional here.

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The Soul is offered with one engine — a 2.0L four that pushes 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike many CVTs, this unit shifts more like a proper automatic and so the engine does not scream when pushed. The fact that Kia Canada does not offer Canadians the 1.6L turbo-four found in the US is one of the Soul’s few black marks.

In spite of its overtly boxy look the handling is solid. The suspension controls body roll well and the steering is light with plenty of feel and feedback when turned off-centre.

Mazda3 Sport

The Mazda3 has been the darling of the compact class since its introduction. Its extensive remake in 2019 brought a fresh new exterior look and the addition of an all-wheel-drive model. The cabin remains one of the nicest with a high-tech look that’s centred around an 8.8-inch infotainment screen and two of the most comfortable front seats in the segment. It also boasts all the amenities, including a full suite of safety aids on all but the base GX, although that one does come with blind spot monitoring. There’s also decent rear seat space and 569 L cargo space seats up and 1,334 L when folded flat.

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While the GX makes do with a so-so 2.0L four, the GS and GT get a more powerful 2.5L four that pushes 186 hp and 186 lb.-ft. of torque — it delivers the right level of performance across the board. One of the keys to the Mazda3’s agile handling is G-Vectoring Control Plus. It reduces engine output slightly heading into a corner, which loads up the front tires and brings a crisper turn-in. At the exit of the corner it dabs the outside front brake to get things back on track in a smoother manner. Moving forward, the 2021 Mazda3 will be offered with a 2.5L turbo-four. When so equipped it gives the driver access to 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque when burning premium gas.

Mini Cooper 5 door

The latest Mini Cooper is offered in both three- and five-door models — the latter makes more sense for anyone that uses the back seat more than very occasionally. The cabin is full of the original’s styling cues — the toggle switches and a round infotainment screen that mimics the original speedo placement. Rear seat space and the cargo capacity is limited — 278 L with the seats up and 941 L when folded down.

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Where the Mini trips up is that key safety features are in a $1,000 package that requires moving up to the Premier or Premier+ model to access it. Likewise, Apple CarPlay “Preparation” requires the Connected Navigation Plus option ($1,600) on the Premier model. It is standard on the Premier+. Android Auto is not supported.

However, all that is forgotten when you get behind the wheel and take your first corner. The best powertrain choice is found in the five-door Cooper S. The 2.0L turbo-four pushes 189 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque at 1,350 rpm through a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. It is quick and feels even more so because of the manner in which the Cooper S devours a corner. It remains flat, precise and unflustered in all it does, which leaves the driver wearing a massive smile.

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Volkswagen Golf

The VW Golf has earned its stripes through seven generations, with an eighth generation arriving imminently. It’s a driver-focused ride with lots of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel so it is well suited to taller or shorter drivers. It also has uncluttered sightlines and a fit and finish that is a cut above the norm, although the 6.5-inch infotainment screen is passé by today’s standards — the Highline gets a better eight-incher. The back seat is comfortable and adult friendly. The cargo capacity rates 493 L with the seats up and 708L when folded.

Again, the Golf trips up by making the Advanced Driver Assistance package ($1,295) available only on the Highline trim. Yes, it comes with a comprehensive array of features, but not offering it on the base Comfortline is a mistake.

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The Golf arrives with a 1.4L turbo-four that pushes 147 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm through a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. As with the Mini, the Golf is famed for the manner in which it hammers through a corner. The steering is quick and precise; the suspension keeps thing flat. The combination means fun. If more is wanted there’s always the Golf GTI. It gets 228 hp, a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission along with a lowered, sportier suspension and better brakes.

Honourable EV Mention: Chevrolet Bolt

Finally, with the world going electric it’s impossible to overlook the Chevrolet Bolt — it speaks to the future of the hatchback. It has all the utility demanded while underscoring the strengths of an electric vehicle. It delivers a substantial 417-kilometre driving range (up 34 km this year) when the 66-kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery is fully charged, and it leaves zero tailpipe emissions in the process. It’s also quick — the 200 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque from Rev One see it run to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The other upside is it has 481 L of space with the seats up and 1,603 L when folded, so it cedes nothing for being green.

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There really is no winner here — all are very good at delivering on the hatchback promise. Which one is right choice for you boils down to personal preference.