Germans are the greatest leaders in the automotive industry, and there is no doubt about that. The traditional German hatchback market might not be the fastest-growing, but it remains one of the most crucial and hotly contested. Within it, class stalwarts are reflecting on themselves all the time, while brand-new entrants come regularly. Each of them is intended to break through and take the market by the scruff of the neck. The standard hatchback once we knew, no longer exists. Once the simple day-to-day hauler of people and their luggage has now been transformed into often quite striking five-door aspiration machines. Offering something for everyone, whether a frugal diesel, a peppy turbocharged petrol engine, bargain transport, or something with a sporty lilt.
Contents
10. Audi RS3 Sportback
The Audi RS3 Sportback is a hyper-hatch as it does 0-60 mph in only 3.6 seconds on the road and already reaches 180mph as its speedometer needle hits the electronic limiter. This is all while being cheaper ($83,800) than the AMG A45 it goes head to head with. The automaker has engineered and packaged it well, equipping it with standard torque-vectoring Quattro AWD, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a “Drift Mode” button.
9. BMW i3
This Beemer features a futuristic exterior and interior, and has its style, with unique looks. Which is the main charm of it. The car is available as a fully electric vehicle or as a ‘range extender’ aided by a two-pot motor placed beneath the floor of the boot. It is smooth and quick, with good acceleration and a quiet interior. However, it’s regenerative braking system is quite different and some drivers may take some time to get used to it.
8. BMW 1 Series
The 1 Series by BMW is a heavy contender to the Benz A-Class and Audi A3, as it is a premium family hatchback that packs a lot of fun to drive. The 1 has refined driving manners, which is expected from a prestigious marque like BMW. The hatch has great build quality, stylish looks, and a high-quality cabin. Similar to the A-Class, the 1 Series also holds its value well. If you go to buy one, you won’t be disappointed as it is available in a great range of models and mileage. Best of all, most come well-equipped as standard.
7. Mercedes-Benz A Class
Mercedes-Benz is a great name from Germany, and it does have that premium image that is synonymous with luxury. Delivering some of the finest rides in its class, the company’s compact family hatchback, the A-Class, continues to uphold such statements. Nearly carrying all the trademarks of the famous marque. The A-Class has a dynamic exterior and a high-quality interior as well, setting the standards of the segment. It also offers an excellent driving experience and, as you’d expect from Mercedes, strong build quality.
6. Volkswagen ID 3
No other family hatchback has come along this way and given a more convincing argument to ditch fossil fuel than the VW ID 3. Based on a popular electric-car platform, and powered by a rear-mounted drive motor. This EV offers in terms of cabin packaging and handling maneuverability is a real advantage to its owners. It’s available with a ton of battery options, but the smallest one still gives a near-200-mile range. The ID3 is pretty diminutive-looking and doesn’t have the biggest boot, but cabin space is on par with many of the other cars in this segment.
5. Volkswagen ID.4
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 is another addition to compact electric cars from the german giant. It features a good family-friendly design that looks modern but not so bold. With neat looks, the ID.4 offers a practical cabin with plenty of comforts paired with a rich and high-tech interior. The VW EV offers a sweet set of powertrain from a 201-hp single motor and 295-hp dual motor. The ID.4 delivers impressive driving with lots of comforts and performs well on road.
4. Volkswagen Up!
Volkswagen always takes the lead in the city car sector and is another leader in this department with the UP. The car is offered in a range of frugal petrol engines or as an EV, this compact requires very low running costs. The car is well-built and agile for zipping across the city, making it a good-to-drive car. However, the Up also shares a platform with the Skoda Citigo and the Seat Mii. The three siblings are very similar to one another.
3. Volkswagen Polo
One of the very best superminis on the market from German and had always remained consistent in being the best-seller. The Volkswagen Polo helps set the standards of the class. It is fun to drive, way more feasible than its size suggests and has a comfortable cabin with a premium finish to it. Also, it features an excellent layout. As Germans are well known for their excellent build quality, the car is very safe indeed. Furthermore, it offers a good economy too.
2. Audi A1
When it comes to hatches with badge appeal and superior German quality, there are few to compete with the Audi A1. The stylish car does have a high-starting price, but at that price, it is an excellent supermini. It is great to drive, sports a sporty design, a well-laid-out interior, and good levels of practicality. The A1 also offers good mpg and low running costs. However, when it comes to insurance, younger drivers should be aware that the A1’s premium badge leads to a higher insurance group compared to other cars of this class.
1. Volkswagen Golf
The recent updates employed on the latest Golf are relatively light, but it still sits on the same MQB platform as its predecessor. The car is still seriously impressive, as far as ride refinement, handling balance, and performance are all concerned. Interior space has been improved, too, and even more, the high-tech infotainment offering is appealing to many. The latest GTI version has proved to be an effective hot hatch, but with a sharper, more focused set-up than ever before.