Once very popular, the compact hatchbacks are now endangered species. The C-segment models are still very practical and affordable cars with five-doors, reasonable space for luggage and compact dimensions. Still, people seem to flock to SUVs that don’t offer much more in terms of practicality or driving characteristics. However, compact hatchbacks still represent great value and choice for those looking for usable commuter cars with enough room for family duty, which can be easily parked and fell at home in the city and on the highways. That is why we compared the three most popular models on the Australian market to see which one of them is the best and offers the most for the price.
Kia Cerato
Even though Cerato started as the low-cost competitor to likes of Volkswagen Golf, Holden Astra or Ford Focus, in its fourth generation, it became one of the best models in the segment. The Cerato grew in size, equipment list and in performance which turned this Korean hatchback into a very formidable competitor in the class. With a new design, two body styles (five-door hatchback and sedan) and lots of optional extras, the Cerato is an intelligent proposition for young families, offering practicality, usability and affordability.
The engine lineup for the 2022 Cerato starts with a 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 112 kW and 192 Nm of torque. This unit is will not amaze you with its power, but it will provide enough grunt for everyday use. The second engine on offer is an optional, turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 150 kW and 262 Nm of torque. This engine is available only on GT grade level and has almost hot-hatch performance. Interestingly, 2.0-litre comes with 6-speed automatic while a 1.6-litre turbo engine comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which further improves the potential of this motor.
The 2022 Cerato is offered in four trim levels, starting with the Cerato S, followed By Sport, Sport + and with the Cerato GT as the highest grade. The standard cars have a sizeable list of features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert, LED daytime running lights, Lane Keep Assist, 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. All Ceratos are smartphone connectible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play systems. The GT package includes leather sports seats and a particular external trim package with sporty details and unique wheels. In terms of infotainment, the base grade gets an 8-inch touchscreen while upper trim levels get bigger 10.25-inch screens on the central console. The cabin architecture is amongst the best in class, with excellent ergonomics, good materials and layout.
However, the new Cerato excels in comfort and the amount of space it offers to its passengers. If you choose the hatchback version, you will get 428 litres of usable space in the boot, which is more than some competitors. The sedan version has an even bigger boot at 502 litres which is more than some mid-size SUVs. Knowing all of the above, it could be that Cerato is the better choice for you, primarily known that it starts at $25,490 and goes up to $35,290 for a sedan or hatchback.
Toyota Corolla
We believe that there is no need for a detailed introduction to Corolla since we are talking about the car that has been produced in over 50 million examples. The Corolla is genuinely a global bestseller and the vehicle that hasn’t changed its nature regardless of the countless generation, versions and models. In its twelfth generation, introduced in 2018, it is still honest, usable, dependable and practical compact hatchback (or sedan) with affordable price and modern features.
Available as a sedan or hatchback, Corolla has a recognisable design and overall dimension slightly bigger than its predecessor. In terms of engine technology, Toyota Corolla comes with two petrol engines; one is 2.0-litre, 125 kW and 200 Nm unit while the other is a 1.8-litre hybrid engine with 72 kW and 142 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, both versions are delivered only with CVT automatic transmissions, which we feel is not as good as automatics offered by competitors in the segment. However, with this combo, the Hybrid-equipped models can return excellent fuel economy, which is a top concern for some buyers.
Even though the interior of Corolla is well-designed and easy to use, we feel that it could be a bit better since all other cars in the segment offer a more interesting layout and more sporty design. The dashboard shows the signs of age, while the central part of the dash with the infotainment system looks a bit cheap. The 2022 Corolla is offered in three distinctive trim levels – Ascent, SX and ZR. You can get the hybrid option with any of those grades. The standard models get LED daytime running lights, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, manual air conditioning and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display on the centre console. The Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard, but satellite navigation is optional. However, the standard safety package is pretty comprehensive and includes Lane Trace Assist, Pre-Collision Safety System and Active Cornering Assist, stability control, and seven airbags.
Even though the Corolla is filled with advanced tech, it still lacks the luggage space of its rivals, and, strangely, such an accomplished model has just 361 litres in hatchback form, and it shrinks to 333 litres when you opt for Hybrid model due to lager battery. The sedan is somewhat better at 470 litres but still a bit smaller than Kia’s. The base price for the 2022 Corolla is $25,390, and the top of the line ZR Hybrid model will set you back $35,645.
Hyundai i30
You could dismiss the i30 as just a Kia Cerato twin brother with different styling since those two cars come from basically the same company. But there is so much more about i30 than just that. First of all, it is an older design that has been refreshed for 2020 and hides its age well. Second, it has some unique features, and third, if you like the design, there is a sublimely good performance version called i30 N, one of the best hot hatches around. However, we will now cover the standard versions comparable to other cars on this list.
Being basically a 2016 model that has been upgraded has some downsides in motorisation. The 2022 i30 has two petrol engines available, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 120 kW and 203 Nm and a well-known 1.6-litre turbocharged unit with 150 kW and 256 Nm of torque. The 6-speed automatic offered on the base engine is not the latest box, but it gets the job done, although the 7-speed dual-clutch unit available for the turbocharged motor is modern and efficient. Interestingly, there is an upside of the i30 older design, and that is that it is offered with 6-speed manual transmission for both engines. Pair the optional 1.6-litre turbo with a manual, and you will get a competent family hatchback for driving enthusiasts.
Available as a sedan or five-door hatchback, the Hyundai i30 comes in base i30 grade followed by Active, Elite, N-Line and N-Line Premium trim levels. Despite the age, the dashboard’s design is modern, although the materials could be better. The base version gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (10.25-inch for more expensive models), a rear camera with parking guides and Hyundai’s Smart Sense safety package, which is very important. The amount of space is decent, and five adults could travel comfortably. The luggage compartment is smaller than in Kia but bigger than in Corolla, with 395 litres of usable space. The sedan version offers 474 litres which are more than enough for most small families. The base price for the 2022 i30 is $23,420, but the top-spec N-Line Premium with the sunroof is $52,000, which is pretty costly for this segment.
The Conclusion:
Even though the Corolla was the undisputed king of this segment for many years, we have to say that Kia Cerato is a better and more usable vehicle in just about any aspect. With better standard equipment, a roomier interior, and a bigger boot, it is more practical, and with the turbocharged engine, it could be a choice for people looking for performance. The Corolla is still a very well-sorted machine with an attractive Hybrid option but is not as good as it could be. That is why the Cerato comes on the top spot in our comparison. At the same time, the Hyundai i30 is an exciting package that is due for replacement, and the overall design shows age even though it still has some qualities. It is a pretty usable and practical family hatchback.
