Car shopping is no simple thing. Size, body type, power output, equipment and amenities, there are so many factors to consider. Different drivers have different needs, and understandably, different models will cater to different requirements.
And, of course, price is a major factor, made especially more stark in this high-COE climate.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
First up, affordable hatchbacks.
Well, "affordable". Given where COE prices are now, the $170k-and-below price point may seem ludicrous to call affordable, but that's just where we are in the car market these days.
Traditionally, some people may consider this segment as 'starter cars', in the sense that these are good first cars for new drivers. Compact in size so easy to drive, and also on the more affordable-end of the price spectrum, many drivers probably began their car ownership journey in a hatchback.
Shopping in this particular segment? Here are our Editorial Picks. (All prices correct at time of publishing.)
Sensible pick: Honda Jazz Hybrid
Price: $173,999
Depreciation: $16,700/yr
Okay, we're cheating here ever so slightly, but at a hair over $170k (and there's a $5,900-off promo, so technically it's less than $170k), the Honda Jazz Hybrid is the sensible (and perhaps somewhat obvious) pick. The Jazz has traditionally been a very approachable and sensible first car, and this being a hybrid offers improved fuel efficiency as well.
This current generation model's design may be slightly divisive, but its high level of equipment, interior flexibility, drivetrain refinement and overall ride composure are impressive.
Pros:
• Good fuel efficiency from the hybrid drivetrain
• Comprehensive equipment for its segment
• Interior flexibility
Cons:
• Small-ish bot
• Divisive design
• Not the quickest in a straight line
Read our review of the Honda Jazz Hybrid
Fun Pick: Suzuki Swift
Price: $139,888
Depreciation: $13,500/yr
The Suzuki Swift has always been a cheerful car. Not particularly quick, not particularly spacious, but manages to put a smile on the driver's face thanks to its eager handling.
This new one sticks to that same general formula. It's not very quick - the 1.2-litre powerplant produces just 82bhp). And the cabin, while improved in terms of equipment and quality, is ultimately still a compact one (though the 265-litre boot is relatively decent).
But the Swift still delivers a cheerful driving experience. It's nimble and eager through corners, but perhaps more relevantly for new drivers, its small footprint makes it easy to negotiate traffic, and to park.
Pros:
• Reasonably good efficiency
• Enjoyable to drive
• You won't find many other new cars at this price point
Cons:
• Not much in the way of power
• Can feel slightly bare bones
• Not for bigger families
Read our review of the Suzuki Swift
Electric Pick: MG 4 EV
Price: $168,888
Depreciation: $16,888/yr
If you are ready to go electric (not everyone is), the MG 4 would be the one to have, especially as it's now available with a Cat A COE to bring its price down.
Yes, there's less power here, but 99kW and 250Nm of torque is still plenty, allowing brisk acceleration and easy highway cruising. Thankfully, the MG 4 remains lovely to helm - low CG, 50:50 weight distribution, and rear-wheel drive!
With a long wheelbase, the cabin also delivers more space, especially for the rear passengers. There's also a good amount of equipment offered, though the infotainment can be on the laggy side.
Pros:
• Sensible and usable performance with relatively good range
• Nice to drive, and offers pretty good range as well
• Relatively spacious and practical
Cons:
• Infotainment is laggy
• Not the most polished interior
• EVs are not yet for everybody
Used Pick: Mazda 3 Hatchback Mild Hybrid
Depreciation: ~$15,000/yr
If you are considering the used market, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is worth checking out (at a similar-ish depre of around $15k/yr).
Examples of this current-generation Mazda 3 Hatchback on the used market range from 2 to 4-years old, so there's still a decent usage runway left (we're not considering cars nearing the end of their 10-year COE cycle).
The Mazda 3 is a pretty car to look at, delivers high cabin refinement and equipment, and is plenty good to drive too. Downsides? The boot space isn't great, and fuel consumption, even with mild-hybrid assistance, is not that good.
Pros:
• Pretty styling
• Cabin refinement - high on quality and equipment
• Drives with sophistication
Cons:
• Fuel consumption is so-so
• Average boot space
You can see available listings of this model here, and also read our review of the car here.
