A decade ago, premium hatchbacks were a rare sight on our roads. For the yuppie who wanted a car that reflected his status, only a saloon from a luxury carmaker would do. Hatchbacks weren’t attractive to him because they didn’t have the perceived prestige of a notchback, and it didn’t help that buyers felt they were getting “less” car for their money.
This perception began to change when BMW launched its first-generation 1 Series to replace the 3 Series Compact. With the 1 Series, the idea of a premium hatchback became a very palatable one indeed. Now into its second generation, the 1 Series continues to appeal not just to affluent yuppies, but also to enthusiasts who are drawn to its traditional rear-wheel-drive layout (the only one in this Group Test).
Keen to give the Bimmer a run for its money is the dramatic-looking Volvo V40. Aside from its aggressive R-Design bodykit, this particular unit is also equipped with a re-tuned ECU from Polestar (a Swedish firm that specialises in modifying Volvos) to raise the car’s performance levels.
The latest entrant to this segment is the all-new Audi A3 Sportback, which we test here in 1.4-litre Ambition guise. Although its styling is more restrained compared to the 1 Series and the V40, the A3 nevertheless aims to impress with its refined cabin and slick drivetrain.
Which of these hatchbacks will appeal most strongly to the buyer with $200,000 to spend? Read on to discover our answer.
BMW knows that desirability must go beyond the badge, and it shows in the 116i. Despite this variant being the entry-level model of the Bimmer range (in November 2013), it’s still imbued with the brand’s key traits such as a communicative chassis and precision handling. But the 1 Series’ lack of interior space ultimately makes it less appealing than its two rivals.
From a performance and safety perspective, the Volvo V40 is untouchable. This Volvo might have been the clear winner, too, if not for its considerably steeper asking price. Costing $15.8k and $18.2k more than the A3 and 116i respectively at press time, the premium it commands would make a yuppie think twice before signing on the dotted line.
Edging out the competition in this shootout, then, is the Audi A3. Despite being the underdog in terms of outright sportiness, the A3 manages to score points where it really counts. The A3’s top-notch quality, refinement and comparatively reasonable sticker price make it the most desirable premium hatchback in this story.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1395cc
BORE X STROKE 74.5mm x 80mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 122bhp at 5000rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at 1400-4000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 99.6bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 203km/h
CONSUMPTION 20km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 116g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Dunlop SportMaxx RT
SIZE 225/45 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4310mm
WIDTH 1785mm
HEIGHT 1425mm
WHEELBASE 2636mm
KERB WEIGHT 1225kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $184,150
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Highest build quality, greatest fuel efficiency, fastest gearbox
– Least cushy rear bench, poorest rear visibility, low-key exterior styling
* BEST OF THE THREE IN PRACTICALITY
SPECIFICATIONS
Volvo V40 T4 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1596cc
BORE X STROKE 79mm x 81.4mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 180bhp at 5700rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 125.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 8.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 225km/h
CONSUMPTION 16.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 143g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Pilot Sport 3
SIZE 225/40 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSTC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4369mm
WIDTH 1783mm
HEIGHT 1420mm
WHEELBASE 2647mm
KERB WEIGHT 1435kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $200,000
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Fantastic seats, coolest dashboard design, commanding performance
– Stiffest sticker price, lowest fuel economy, smallest cargo hold
* BEST OF THE THREE IN LONG-DISTANCE DRIVING
SPECIFICATIONS
BMW 116i 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1598cc
BORE X STROKE 77mm x 85.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 136bhp at 4400rpm
MAX TORQUE 220Nm at 1350-4300rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 105.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
CONSUMPTION 17.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 134g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone Potenza S001
SIZE 225/45 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4324mm
WIDTH 1765mm
HEIGHT 1421mm
WHEELBASE 2690mm
KERB WEIGHT 1290kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $181,800
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Sharpest handling, most accurate steering, most attractive price
– Least spacious cabin, anaemic air-con, poorest practicality
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVEABILITY
