2024 Top 10 Cheapest Hatchbacks in Australia

In 2024, there’s a heap of choices when it comes to an affordable hatchback, with clever designs offering more practicality than you might expect, as well as a fun driving experience behind the wheel.

When it comes to outright value, it’s hard to beat the humble hatchback design, so with that in mind, let’s take a look at ten of the cheapest hatchbacks on sale here in Australia in 2024.

MG MG3

Starting from $18,490*

For now, the MG3 remains Australia’s cheapest hatchback on sale up until the arrival of a brand new MG3 that will receive a significant price hike.

Until then, the current MG3 range offers a tonne of value for money, though it’s not the most competitive in the area of active safety equipment that will be remedied with its more expensive replacement.

As standard, the current entry-level MG3 comes packaged with alloy wheels, cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol (82kW/150Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 6.7L/100km

• Boot Space: 307 - 1081L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inch

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wired

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

Kia Picanto

Starting from $16,290*

A recent update for the Kia Picanto has given it a brand-new styling package and updated safety equipment list, with an accompanying price hike that means it’s no longer the cheapest hatchback in Australia.

The Picanto does, however, remain within reach for a huge number of Australian buyers looking for an affordable and charming hatchback that, thanks to the recent update, receives more equipment as standard.

The update has seen the entry-level Picanto Sport pick up key safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and lane-keep assistance that make it a very compelling value proposition.

• Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol (62kW/122Nm) 

• Fuel Economy: 5.4 - 6.0L/100km

• Boot Space: 255 - 1010L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches 

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated  

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

Mazda 2

Starting from $21,510*

The Mazda 2 sits proudly in the hatchback segments as one of the most charming and engaging packages that prove hatchbacks need not be boring.

From every angle, the Mazda 2 is a rock-solid proposition for those looking for a fuel-efficient, well-appointed and incredibly user-friendly hatch that feels at home in the urban jungle and far more sophisticated inside than its price tag might suggest.

• Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol (81kW/142Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 5.0L/100km

• Boot Space: 250 - 852L

• Infotainment Display Size: 7.0-inches

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Suzuki Swift

Starting from $22,490*

The Suzuki Swift proves that small hatchbacks can be a tonne of fun while offering a surprising amount of practicality and outstanding fuel economy.

While it doesn’t have a heap of power, the Suzuki Swift’s lightweight stature translates to sporty handling that makes it a perfect fit-for-purpose city car that can squeeze into virtually any car space.

With a heap of variants on offer, there’s a Suzuki Swift to meet almost every budget within the affordable hatchback segment, where it remains one of the best value propositions here in Australia.

• Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol (66kW/120Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 4.6L/100km

• Boot Space: 242 - 556L

• Infotainment Display Size: 7.0-inches

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wired

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Hyundai i30

Starting from $24,000*

The Hyundai i30 is one of the most impressive hatchbacks on sale in Australia, which is made even more impressive by just how attractively the base model is priced.

On the road, the i30 feels sure-footed and surprisingly refined, making for a versatile little hatch that is user-friendly around town and more than up to the task of a long-distance road trip while the practical cabin keeps passengers nice and comfortable.

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder (120kW/203Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 7.3 - 7.4L/100km

• Boot Space: 395 - 1301L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches 

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Toyota Yaris

Starting from $24,800*

Toyota’s most affordable vehicle comes out of the ranks proving that good things really do come in small packages, with the Yaris standing as one of the most user-friendly vehicles for the urban jungle.

With a surprisingly practical cabin and outstanding fuel economy, even without Toyota’s hybrid tech, the Yaris is a great way to get around town with its zippy handling and trim down your fuel bills in the process.

• Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol (88kW/145Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 4.9L/100km

• Boot Space: 270L

• Infotainment Display Size: 7.0-inches 

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wired

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Kia Cerato

Starting from $26,290*

For those looking for some more interior real estate than the pint-sized Picanto, the Kia Cerato is a great hatchback that offers a nice space premium while retaining the Hyundai’s famously generous approach to features and warranty coverage.

The Kia Cerato is available as both a sedan and hatchback, the latter of which has a boot measuring 428L, which is super healthy for the segment and makes the Cerato one of the most practical hatchbacks on sale in 2024.

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (112kW/192Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 7.4L/100km

• Boot Space: 428L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Four-star (S and Sport variants) five-star for remaining variants

• Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

Fiat 500

Starting from $27,220*

The Fiat 500 is an icon of the hatchback segment, with its pint-sized stature and charming looks making for one of the most aesthetic hatches on the market that offers exceptional fuel efficiency.

On the road, the Fiat 500 offers some substance beneath its cute styling package, with its featherweight platform offering zippy handling that is perfect as a daily driver around town, so long as you don’t have a family in tow.

• Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol (51kW/102Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 4.8L/100km

• Boot Space: 185 - 500L

• Infotainment Display Size: 7.0-inches

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wired

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Unrated

• Warranty: Three-year/150,000-kilometre

Toyota Corolla

Starting from $29,270*

It wouldn’t be a comprehensive list of the best and cheapest hatchbacks on the market without a mention of the almighty Toyota Corolla, arguably the benchmark for its rivals.

As a complete package, the Corolla is difficult to fault, with its comfortable and user-friendly nature on the road buoyed by an impressively practical interior layout and the bonus of hybrid offerings across each variant for buyers at different price points.

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (126kW/202Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 6.0L/100km

• Boot Space: 217 - 333L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

Volkswagen Polo

Starting from $25,750*

Our list wraps up with a charming little hatchback that gives buyers a slice of premium European motoring that feels very much at home in the urban jungle and offers outstanding fuel efficiency.

With nimble handling, a tiny wheelbase that can easily squeeze into a tight car space and a surprisingly refined cockpit, the VW Polo looks and feels great and will leave few buyers feeling short-changed.

For 2024, the Polo has received a number of safety features that were removed from last year’s lineup, and while these have been accompanied by price rises, it remains within reach for many Australian buyers.

• Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol (85kW/200Nm)

• Fuel Economy: 5.4L/100km

• Boot Space: 351 - 1079L

• Infotainment Display Size: 8.0-inches

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wired

• ANCAP Safety Rating: Five-star

• Warranty: Five-year/unlimited-kilometre

FAQ: What is the Best Hatchback to Drive?

For the money, the Suzuki Swift Sport and Mazda 2 offer some of the most engaging handling you’ll find at an affordable price, while larger hatchbacks like the Hyundai i30 are impressive little performers when pushed.

If you’re willing to stretch your budget a little bit, the Hyundai i20 N is one of the most impressive hatchbacks on the road thanks to its potent turbocharged engine and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

FAQ: What is the Fastest Hatchback in Australia

There are a few hatchbacks here in Australia designed with speed in mind.

While they’re not the most affordable, they offer some of the most accessible thrills on the market; these include cars like the:

• Hyundai i20 N

• Mercedes-AMG A35

• Golf GTI and Golf R variants

• BMW M140i

• Toyota GR Yaris

• Audi RS3

• Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

• Hyundai i30 N

• Toyota GR Corolla

• Cupra Leon

• Ford Fiesta ST

• Abarth 695

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If you’re looking at your best options for an affordable hatchback, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help narrow down your shortlist and find the best possible price.

* Prices accurate at time of writing.