Managing Editor

30 Jun 2022 • 1 min read

Best hatchbacks arriving in 2022

Tim Nicholson

Managing Editor

30 Jun 2022 • 1 min read

The all-new Peugeot 308 adopts a sleek new look, including the brand's new lion badge.

It looks like 2022 will be much quieter than 2021 when it comes to hatchback launches, with just a handful of small and light cars expected to hit Australian showrooms.

It’s an all-European affair with Volkswagen Group making up the vast majority of arrivals, but there are some other funky European models on the way.

Hot-hatch fans are in for a treat with a number of spicy offerings on the cards. That is, of course, dependent on how the global semiconductor shortage plays out. Timing of some of these models may change.

Cupra Leon - July

Cupra might be an unfamiliar name, but it’s about to get a lot of attention in Australia. It is the performance spin-off of Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand, Seat.

Cupra will offer three models from its June 2022 launch, including the Formentor and Ateca SUVs, as well as the Leon small hatchback.

The Leon will be available with a choice of three 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol variants – 140kW, 180kW and 221kW – as well as a 180kW/400Nm plug-in hybrid that has an all-electric driving range of 60km.

Cupra Leon

From

$48,490

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Ford Fiesta ST - May

It feels like the Ford Fiesta ST only just went on sale in Australia, but the Blue Oval is wheeling out a facelifted version of the five-door hot hatch in May 2022.

The only change under the bonnet is an increase in torque from 290Nm to 320Nm, while power remains at 147kW. A six-speed manual is still the only transmission available, driving the front wheels.

Exterior changes include new headlight and tail-light treatments, a tweaked grille and two new colours. Inside, the Fiesta ST gains new sports seats, a digital instrument cluster, extra connectivity functions and a boost to active safety.

Ford Fiesta

3.9

Ford Fiesta

From

$30,250

Peugeot 308 - Third quarter

More than seven years after the current model landed, Peugeot will replace the 308 with the striking third-generation version in the third quarter of 2022. It adopts Peugeot’s latest design language and debuts the brand’s new ‘lion’ badge.

Based on an updated version of PSA’s EMP2 platform, the new 308 is 110mm longer but the height has been reduced by 20mm for a lower, sleeker look.

Peugeot was forced to offer the new 308 in some global markets without the promised digital instrument cluster because of the ongoing semiconductor shortage. But the carmaker’s Australian importer says it will definitely come to market with the digital display.

Peugeot 308

3.7

Peugeot 308

From

$43,990

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Skoda Fabia - Third quarter

Based on the same MQB-AO platform as the current VW Polo, the Fabia’s boot space has increased by 50 litres, and it gets a big uptick in onboard tech and safety gear.

It will only be offered in range-topping Monte Carlo guise from launch in the third quarter – likely powered by a 110kW turbo-petrol engine – meaning the price of entry will increase to around $30,000.

Skoda Fabia

3.8

Skoda Fabia

From

$32,390

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Volkswagen Golf R - April

The pinnacle of the Mk8 Golf range, the new Golf R hatch hits Australian shores in April 2022, alongside its wagon sibling.

The new Golf R packs a 235kW/400Nm punch from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, representing a 22kW/20Nm increase over the outgoing version.

Both Golf R variants drive all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the hatchback can dash from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the wagon.

Volkswagen Golf R 2022 review

Volkswagen Golf

From

$39,190

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Volkswagen Polo - May

The facelifted Polo is heading upmarket with pricing for the four-variant range starting from just over $25,000 (BOC), or about 30 per cent more than the outgoing model’s opening price.

Three powertrains are available, including the 147kW turbocharged unit in the sporty GTI, plus the Polo gains a new steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and dashboard, as well as tweaks to the multimedia screen.

Volkswagen Polo 2022 review

Volkswagen Polo

3.9

Volkswagen Polo

From

$29,490

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Audi A3 - March

Audi’s new-generation A3 range is available in 35 TFSI, 40 TFSI, S3 and flagship RS3 guise in both Sportback (hatch) and sedan body styles.

The range-opening 35 TFSI is powered by a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the 40 TFSI quattro S line uses a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Audi A3 2022 review

Audi A3

3.8

Audi A3

From

$50,600

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Ford Focus ST - May

Ford has dropped all Focus variants except for the spicy ST hot hatch as part of a midlife update for the fourth-generation small hatchback.

Lobbing in quarter two, 2022, the revised Focus ST features a redesigned front end with unique LED daytime running lights, new LED tail-lights, fresh alloy wheels and a new 'Mean Green' body colour.

It also gains a new 13.2-inch landscape touchscreen powered by Ford's SYNC4 multimedia system. A more premium ST X model grade will also be offered, but there are no changes under the bonnet.

Ford Focus

3.8

Ford Focus

From

$44,000

Honda Civic Type R - Late 2022

A new-generation Honda Civic Type R is a big deal, and given what we know about the new-generation hot hatch landing before the end of 2022, expect it to make a splash.

Rumours suggest it will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain paired with two electric motors for a total system output of 294kW.

Given the regular Civic hatch has gone upmarket as part of the brand's premium push, expect the new Type R to be pricier than the outgoing version's $54,990 (before on-road costs) price tag.