Top Petrol Hatchbacks With Great Performance and Economy

Introduction: The Sweet Spot of Hatchbacks in 2025

In a world leaning rapidly towards electrification, petrol hatchbacks continue to be one of the most versatile, affordable, and enjoyable vehicle options on Australian roads. Whether you’re looking for a zippy city runabout, a performance-oriented drive, or a reliable daily with fuel economy in mind, hatchbacks with petrol engines still offer serious value in 2025.

Compact in size, practical in function, and big on personality, hatchbacks sit perfectly at the intersection of fun and frugality. And if you're not ready to switch to an EV or hybrid, petrol-powered hatchbacks can still give you solid fuel efficiency without compromising on driving engagement.

Let’s dive into the best petrol hatchbacks you can buy in Australia right now that balance great performance with impressive fuel economy.

Why Petrol Hatchbacks Still Matter in 2025

While hybrids and EVs are growing rapidly, petrol hatchbacks remain incredibly popular. Here’s why they still make so much sense:

• Affordable Price Points – Ideal for first-time buyers or budget-conscious drivers.

• Strong Resale Value – Certain models like the Toyota Corolla or Mazda3 retain value well.

• Proven Engine Tech – Petrol engines are well-refined and supported across Australia.

• Widespread Fuel Access – No reliance on charging infrastructure.

• Fun to Drive – Light, agile and nimble — many petrol hatches offer genuine driving pleasure.

What to Look for in a Petrol Hatchback

Before we get into the top models, here are key things to consider:

• Fuel Economy: Anything below 6.5L/100km is good; sub-5.5L is great.

• Engine Output: A 1.0L–1.5L turbo can offer great performance and efficiency.

• Transmission: CVT or dual-clutch automatics are common, but manuals are still fun.

• Technology: Infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and safety features like AEB.

• Interior Space: Rear legroom and boot capacity for real-world practicality.

• Warranty & Ownership Costs: Long warranties and capped-price servicing matter.

1. Toyota Corolla Hatch ZR (Petrol)

• Engine: 2.0L petrol

• Power: 126kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.0L/100km

• Transmission: CVT

• Price: From $36,000 drive-away

The Toyota Corolla remains a benchmark in the segment, and the ZR variant is the sportiest of the bunch. Its 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine delivers lively acceleration, while Toyota’s safety suite and legendary reliability make it a complete package.

Pros:

• Sharp design

• Great infotainment system with wireless CarPlay

• Excellent resale and ownership value

Cons:

• CVT feels rubbery under hard acceleration

• Rear headroom is a bit tight

2. Mazda3 G25 Evolve SP

• Engine: 2.5L petrol

• Power: 139kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.6L/100km

• Transmission: 6-speed auto

• Price: From $33,000 drive-away

Mazda’s 3 is one of the most premium-feeling hatchbacks in the mainstream market. With its punchy 2.5L engine, it's one of the most powerful non-turbo options in this class.

Pros:

• Premium interior and refinement

• Sporty, smooth engine

• Excellent ride and handling balance

Cons:

• Slightly tight boot space

• Higher fuel use compared to smaller engines

3. Kia Cerato GT Hatch

• Engine: 1.6L turbo petrol

• Power: 150kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.8L/100km

• Transmission: 7-speed DCT

• Price: From $37,000 drive-away

The Cerato GT adds serious spice to Kia’s affordable hatch. A turbocharged engine, firm suspension, and sports seats make this a proper warm hatch.

Pros:

• Great performance and handling

• Long 7-year warranty

• Loads of tech and features

Cons:

• Firm ride might not suit all

• DCT can feel jerky at low speeds

4. Hyundai i30 N Line

• Engine: 1.6L turbo petrol

• Power: 150kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.9L/100km

• Transmission: 7-speed DCT or 6-speed manual

• Price: From $36,000 drive-away

The i30 N Line offers genuine driving fun without the full-on commitment of the i30 N hot hatch. It's an enthusiast’s pick with great daily usability.

Pros:

• Strong engine and gearbox

• Manual option available

• Excellent infotainment and cabin design

Cons:

• Suspension is quite firm

• Slightly outdated interior in base trims

5. Volkswagen Polo Life 85TSI

• Engine: 1.0L turbo petrol

• Power: 85kW

• Fuel Economy: 5.4L/100km

• Transmission: 7-speed DSG

• Price: From $31,000 drive-away

The Polo may be small but it feels premium inside. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine offers brisk city performance and top-tier refinement for the price.

Pros:

• Great fuel efficiency

• Euro-style interior and tech

• Smooth dual-clutch gearbox

Cons:

• Rear legroom is limited

• Options can quickly raise the price

6. Suzuki Swift GLX Turbo

• Engine: 1.0L turbo petrol

• Power: 82kW

• Fuel Economy: 5.1L/100km

• Transmission: 6-speed auto

• Price: From $27,000 drive-away

A featherweight contender that’s big on efficiency and fun. The Swift GLX Turbo is light, agile and zippy around town with a fantastic turning circle.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy

• Light and agile for urban driving

• Low cost of ownership

Cons:

• Basic interior materials

• Not ideal for tall passengers in the rear

7. Skoda Scala 110TSI

• Engine: 1.5L turbo petrol

• Power: 110kW

• Fuel Economy: 5.5L/100km

• Transmission: 7-speed DSG

• Price: From $34,000 drive-away

The Scala blends European design with practicality. It’s one of the roomiest hatchbacks in its class and offers VW Group engineering with a twist of Czech value.

Pros:

• Huge boot (467L)

• Very efficient turbo engine

• Value-for-money features

Cons:

• Not as sporty as rivals

• Limited brand recognition in Australia

8. Peugeot 308 Allure

• Engine: 1.2L turbo petrol

• Power: 96kW

• Fuel Economy: 5.3L/100km

• Transmission: 8-speed auto

• Price: From $40,000 drive-away

French flair meets efficiency in the updated Peugeot 308. The 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine is surprisingly peppy and the cabin design is upscale.

Pros:

• Stunning design inside and out

• Very economical

• Excellent 8-speed transmission

Cons:

• Pricey compared to rivals

• Not everyone will love the small steering wheel

9. MG3 Core (New Generation Coming)

• Engine: 1.5L petrol

• Power: 82kW

• Fuel Economy: 6.7L/100km

• Transmission: 4-speed auto

• Price: From $21,000 drive-away

While a new-gen MG3 Hybrid is on the way, the outgoing petrol version is still popular due to its price. It’s Australia’s cheapest new hatchback, with decent performance for the money.

Pros:

• Cheapest in the segment

• Sharp looks

• Low insurance and rego costs

Cons:

• Outdated tech and safety

• Old 4-speed automatic gearbox

Key Specs Comparison Table

Final Thoughts: Which Petrol Hatchback Should You Choose?

Each of these petrol hatchbacks offers a different blend of economy, performance, and personality. Here's a quick summary:

• Best All-Rounder: Toyota Corolla ZR

• Most Fun to Drive: Hyundai i30 N Line / Kia Cerato GT

• Best for Value Seekers: Suzuki Swift GLX Turbo / MG3 Core

• Most Premium Feel: Mazda3 G25 / Peugeot 308

• Best Boot Space: Skoda Scala 110TSI

Buying Tips for Petrol Hatchbacks in 2025

• Compare Capped-Price Servicing Plans

• Check ANCAP Safety Ratings

• Consider Warranty Length – Kia and MG offer long warranties.

• Think About Usage – Urban commuters vs. highway use might influence engine choice.

Let your needs and lifestyle guide your decision. Whether it’s a budget MG3 or a sporty i30 N Line, Australia’s petrol hatchback market still has plenty to offer in 2025.