Hatchback. A small, practical car that is handy for most of your driving and commuting needs. These little cars bring the bread and butter for automakers since they see the highest sales volumes consistently. Here we bring you UAE's most favourite hatchbacks in no specific order.
First up are hatchbacks from Japanese manufacturers:
Toyota Yaris
Toyota is by far the most bankable name in the UAE automotive industry. A car with the Toyota badge on it is known to be reputable, durable, and the most convenient to own. This is not personal bias, but decades of ownership experiences by Toyota drivers across the world.
The Toyota Yaris is a four-door hatchback available in two engine guises. The entry-level SE trim is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 98hp. The SE+ trim offers a 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor good for 106hp.
You get steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, and a music player with Bluetooth and USB input as standard across all trims. As for safety, Toyota has equipped the Yaris with ABS, traction control, six airbags, TPMS, rear parking sensors, hill ascent/descent assist, and a rear parking camera.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris costs AED 58,700 for the SE trim while the SE+ trim comes in at AED 68,200.
Nissan Micra
Available in a single trim, the 2020 Nissan Micra is pitched directly against the segment leader: Suzuki Swift. Powered by a 99hp/134Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the tiny Japanese hatchback is a good blend of practicality and affordability.
Nissan has equipped the car with a comprehensive safety package that includes ABS, brake assist, EBD, immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, and two airbags. It does miss out on features like cruise control and hill start assist, but then it also significantly undercuts rivals who offer those features. Inside, the car features a practical, versatile cabin. Ideal for those wanting their car to fit multiple roles, the cabin is highly flexible and accommodating.
The 2020 Nissan Micra SV is available for AED 45,800.
Suzuki Swift
Ah, the segment leader. Suzuki nailed the Swift's design three generations ago, and hasn't toyed with it since. Here is a car that looks like an exotic, yet is available at throwaway prices. Plus with well-timed nips and tucks, it has also managed to stay abreast of times.
In the UAE, the Suzuki Swift comes in two trims powered by the same 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine good for 86hp and 114Nm. Suzuki has thrown all sorts of safety technology at the base GL trim. The car gets ABS, two airbags, anti-theft alarm, brake assist, EBD, immobilizer, ISO-Fix child seat anchors, TPMS, and Vehicle Stability Control.
Inside, a central Multi Information Display takes care of the occupants' infotainment needs. The steering wheel comes with audio and telephony controls. The seats are set low inside the car, and the Swift is surprisingly roomy despite its rakish profile.
GL costs AED 49,300.
Mazda 2
Mazda has been selling the Mazda 2 hatchback since 2013 in the UAE. Part of its popularity lies in the ease of ownership and maintenance. Although a bit more expensive than rivals from Nissan and Suzuki
, the Mazda 2 is good value for money.
For starters, it has four airbags, ABS, EBD, and an immobilizer. Central locking is standard, and leather seats are optional. There is a dashboard-mounted Multi Information Display that also serves as an infotainment hub for passengers.
And finally, would you just look at it! The Mazda 2 wears a fetching design with smart proportions, bold grille, and unique DRL signature. Powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, the car puts down 108hp and 139Nm. Drivers can expect punchy performance from this smart little hatchback.
The 2020 Mazda 2 S is available for AED 57,200.
These are UAE's favourite Japanese hatchbacks. In the next article, we will look at popular hatchbacks from Europe and the USA. Stay tuned!
