Strictly from the luxury showrooms, today we’re bringing you 5 of the best premium & luxury hatchbacks on the market today, all of which come demanding prestige and respect from their refined engineering and luxurious interiors.
5. Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDi 110 Match Edition 5dr £212 per month - personal lease
The Golf from VW is a tried and tested hatchback which excels an a fantastic 'all rounder.' The Golf is just as comfortable cruising long journeys on the motorways as it is on the school run. You'll also get a solid 74 mpg from this diesel engine, which will help you make savings throughout ownership, so too will the road tax which comes in at just £20 a year. The current model of the Golf, the Mark 7, is probably the most complete package that Volkswagen have offered under their Golf marque and it is a vehicle that delivers on expectations time and time again across all areas.
4. Audi A3
Audi A3 1.4 TFSi 123 SE £232 per month - personal lease
It’s no secret that Audi produce some of the cleanest and most modern interiors out of all the premium manufacturers, and these exist in cars throughout the range.
There’s a lot to love with the latest A3, the engines are powerful while also being efficient, the handling is comfortable while also being precise and the exterior changes make a huge improvement but don’t stray far from the DNA of the A3.
There’s also a huge variety of engines available, with the 1.2,1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI petrol engines and the 1.6 and 2.0 TDi diesel engines.
You can also choose between front wheel drive, which is standard, or the famous ‘Quattro’ 4 wheel drive. Sadly no rear wheel drive option, which immediately makes the drive less engaging when compared to the likes of the BMW 1 Series.
3. Mercedes-Benz A Class
Mercedes A Class A200 Sport 5dr £210 per month - personal lease
Next up is the A Class from Mercedes Benz. It was a bold move from the luxury German manufacturer to enter the hatchback segment, a foreign marketplace for Mercedes who have traditionally built larger luxury vehicles and sports-coupe’s, but the A Class is a fantastic first attempt.
The A class is available with some strong and efficient engines, and exterior of the car sets itself as probably one of the most attractive cars in it’s class, although this is subjective of course.
Where the A Class falls short is on ride comfort, however. Even in ‘Comfort’ mode the car is crashy and every bump is felt through the cars body. Some may desire this as a sporty feel, but probably not while on their commute through a potholed suburbia...
2. Infiniti Q30
Infiniti Q30 1.6T SE £196 per month - PCP
Remember that Mercedes A Class above? Imagine a very similar car, only more exclusive, (arguably) better built and loaded with much improved technology. Introducing, the Infiniti Q30.
The chassis has been borrowed from the A Class, so too have the drivetrain, the engines, the gearboxes, and loads of interior kit too. We’re going to throw it out there, the Q30 may just be the quietest and most relaxed vehicle in it’s class when out and about.
The 1.5litre diesel engine will be the most popular in the range, which is a turbocharged unit returning a healthy 68.9mpg.
The Q30 scores so highly in this list simply for the fact that if you’re after a practical hatchback that will be economical and comfortable on the motorway, this is probably the best of the premium hatches available, we really can’t emphasise just how pleasant long journeys become when you’re behind the wheel of the new kid on the block.
1. BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series 116d Sport £200 per month - personal lease
With a huge variety of engines available, in both petrol and diesel forms, as well as the complimenting rear wheel drive system, the 1 Series is at the top of our list of premium hatchbacks for being the most complete package.
Firstly, it’s an absolute hoot to drive and the steering is sharper than every other competitor. Secondly, the interior is typically German, and by that we mean it’s well thought out, simplistic and sophisticated all at the same time. And finally, because it’s actually surprisingly affordable to own and run.
BMW have some great servicing deals available, and you can expect just shy of 80mpg from the 118d diesel models! Some of the 116d models are even free to tax each year as they only push out 99g/km of CO2.
So there you have it, 5 brilliant cars for the premium hatch buyers, which is you favourite?