Best hatchbacks arriving in 2021

BMW expanded its performance hatchback footprint with the introduction of the 128ti in May, with it slotting in below the already-on-sale M135i xDrive.

Whereas the M135i xDrive sends power to all four wheels as an Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A35 rival, the 128ti is strictly a front-drive variant with a meaty 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

This lines it up against more mainstream fare like the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST in performance, while its $56,900 before on-road costs sticker price should mean BMW will have no trouble finding more than a few homes for the 128ti.

Hyundai’s first crack at a proper hot hatch, the i30 N, was a rock-solid critical hit when it landed in early 2018, but a new version due in July 2021 will address one of its biggest flaws.

Though the first car was paired exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox (great for purists), the updated i30 N will also be offered with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (great for everyone else).

A peppy 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine drives the front wheels, but a two-pedal set-up should broaden the appeal of Hyundai’s VW Golf GTI-rivalling hot hatch.

For those that think a 200kW/370Nm all-wheel-drive manual Yaris just isn’t quite enough, Toyota started offering the even more hardcore Rallye version from April.

What’s different? The Rallye scores stickier Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, 18-inch BBS alloy wheels and Torsen limited-slip differentials on both axles to make it an even bigger track-day terror.

However, Toyota is only offering the first 200 special-edition Yaris GR Rallyes at $56,200 driveaway, with pricing expected to revert to $54,500 before on-road costs once the first batch are snapped up.

Honda Australia will shelve the sedan version of the new-generation Civic and offer up only the hatchback when the box-fresh small car lands in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Launching with a carryover 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, outputs have been bumped up by 4kW/20Nm, to 134kW/240Nm, but plans are underway for a hybrid powertrain in 2022.

Styling inside and out will be all-new, while tech has leapt forward thanks to available equipment including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless smartphone charger and a 9.0-inch touchscreen.

Style has always been at the forefront of the Mini brand, and its refreshed three- and five-door Hatch (and Convertible) line-up certainly put its most glamorous foot forward in April.

Changes are subtle, including new front and rear fascias, but key to the update is much more personalisation offered with a wider mix of engine and trim options.

Five trim levels are offered across three different engines and three body-styles, so Mini is hoping there will be a hatch in its new line-up that catches your eye.

Want to know what new models are due in 2022? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.

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- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2022

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