8 small hatchbacks for your in-city mobility
Updated Mar 10, 2022
Introduction
Being small is not always a disadvantage. This is proven by small hatchbacks, generally known as the better choice as city cars for years. Well, this type of vehicle comes with some of the smallest engine displacements in the market, making it consume less fuel which can be handy in bad traffic conditions.
Hatchbacks are born for the city
In city driving, you won’t need a powerful engine anyway, with vehicles crawling in bumper-to-bumper traffic most of the time. Hatchbacks offer a dedicated trunk space where you can place your shopping bags, work equipment, or luggage. Tight parking spaces are also not a problem for a hatchback’s small size and maneuverability.
The best part about a small hatchback is its affordable price tag. With that being said, we have compiled eight small hatchbacks that you might want to consider for your in-city mobility.
1. Suzuki S-Presso
We shall begin this list with the most affordable hatchback you can get in the Philippines, the Suzuki S-Presso. This model made its way to Suzuki Philippines’ lineup last 2020, further expanding the brand’s small hatchback family. It is offered with only a single variant priced at Php 523,000, and for the price, it already comes with a touchscreen head unit.
This represents what type of vehicles Suzuki makes
The Suzuki S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-liter K10B 3-cylinder gasoline engine capable of generating 67 hp and 90 Nm of torque. It sends power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The India-spec S-Presso is available with the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission, and hopefully Suzuki Philippines brings it in to broaden the SUV-styled mini car’s appeal.
Know more about Suzuki S-Presso 2024
The Suzuki S-Presso 2023 is a five-seater city car. In the Philippines, it has two available trims. These are the S-Presso GL 1.0 MT and the GL 1.0 AGS. The GL MT is priced at Php 620,000, while the AGS version retails at 660,000.
Size-wise, the S-Presso 2023 has a length of 3,565mm, a width of 1,529mm, and a height of 1,565mm. It also has a ground clearance of 180mm.
Locally, the S-Presso competes against the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, Honda Brio, among others.
₱ 620,000 - ₱ 660,000
Explore2. Suzuki Celerio
Another member of the Suzuki hatchback family in the country is the Suzuki Celerio. One can say that this hatchback embodies what an ideal small city hatchback should be – affordable, compact in size, and practical. Pricing starts at Php 558,000 for the MT variant and goes up to Php 628,000 for the CVT option. It shares the same engine as the Suzuki S-Presso.
You can't go wrong with a Suzuki when it comes to city driving
Inside, the cabin can accommodate up to five passengers, but a maximum of four is advised to retain a semblance of comfort, especially on long drives. It offers a 254-liter cargo space which should fit a couple of large suitcases. Also, a 7-inch infotainment screen is integrated into the center console as standard to provide entertainment on the go.
Know more about Suzuki Celerio 2024
The 2023 Suzuki Celerio is a subcompact hatchback. In the Philippine market, it has two variants. There’s the Celerio 1.0 MT, and the Celerio 1.0 AGS. These come at a price of Php 708,000 and Php 754,000, respectively.
Size-wise, the third-generation Celerio is 3,695mm long, 1,655mm wide, and 1,555mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,435mm, and a ground clearance of 170mm.
Under the hood, the 2023 Celerio uses a 1.0-liter K10C inline-3 gasoline engine capable of making up to 66 horsepower and 89 Nm of torque. It can either be paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, or an automated gear shift transmission (AGS).
Locally, the Celerio competes against the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Picanto, Honda Brio, etc.
₱ 708,000 - ₱ 754,000
Explore3. Toyota Wigo
In the hatchback category, the Toyota Wigo is a popular choice among car buyers. In fact, it is the third best-selling model in the Philippines for 2020, placing third right after the Toyota Vios and Toyota Hilux. The Japanese hatchback is not only practical and affordable, but also brings sporty styling with the top-of-the-line TRD variant.
A small hatchback that screams Toyota reliability
The top-spec trim’s sporty finish comes at Php 700,000. A more budget-friendly option would be the Wigo’s G trim priced at up to Php 658,000. Meanwhile, the base E variant is available at Php 568,000. All grades are powered by a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine that makes 65 hp and 89 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the hatchback uses either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Know more about Toyota Wigo 2024
The 2023 Toyota Wigo is a subcompact hatchback. For the Philippine market, its refreshed model gets three different variants: the Wigo J MT, Wigo E CVT, and Wigo G CVT. Prices for these trims range from Php 609,000 to Php 729,000.
Size-wise, the next-gen Wigo is 3,760mm long, 1,665mm wide, and 1,515mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,525mm.
Under the hood of the Wigo is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that can produce up to 66 horsepower and 90 Nm of torque. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 5-speed manual gearbox depending on the trim.
Locally, the Toyota Wigo competes against the Honda Brio, Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback, Suzuki Celerio, Suzuki Swift, etc.
₱ 609,000 - ₱ 729,000
Explore4. Kia Picanto
Korean automaker Kia fields its entry to the local hatchback segment in the form of the Kia Picanto. The pricing starts at Php 590,000 for the LX 1.0 MT and goes up to Php 745,000 for the EX 1.2 AT. A feature exclusive to the top-spec EX is the addition of a 7-inch infotainment screen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Style is not compromised
There are two different engine options offered by Kia Philippines. The LX variants use a 1.0-liter inline-3 gasoline engine capable of generating 66 hp and 95 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the EX variants come with a larger 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 83 hp and 122 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Know more about Kia Picanto 2024
The Picanto is a city car model sold by Kia Philippines. There are is one for this model, the Picanto EX MT. Prices for this Kia Picanto 2023 trim currently stands at Php 700,000.
In the Philippines, the Kia Picanto uses a 1.2-liter engine that can produce up to 83 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Size-wise, the Picanto is 3,595mm long, 1,595mm wide, and 1,495mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,400mm.
Locally, the Kia Picanto competes against the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Brio, Suzuki S-Presso, and Chevrolet Spark.
₱ 700,000
Explore5. Honda Brio
The Honda Brio is the Japanese automaker’s entry-level model in its Philippine lineup. It starts at Php 601,000 for the S 1.2 MT, while the top-ranging RS 1.2 CVT comes with a price tag of Php 730,000. A 1.2-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine is used across the trim, producing 89 hp and 110 Nm of torque.
This hatchback gets the job done
In terms of size and practicality, the Honda Brio pretty much offers similar features as most of its rivals. However, what makes this Japanese hatchback a bit distinct from the competition is its sporty design. Honda Cars Philippines offers the RS variant which comes with exclusive body kits that enhance the overall finish of the hatchback.
Know more about Honda Brio 2024
The 2024 Honda Brio is the Japanese automaker's entry into the local hatchback segment. It is considered to be the small hatchback option with a price ranging from Php 735,000 to Php 863,000. The small hatchback is regarded as the entry-level vehicle of the Japanese carmaker. It is available in four variants, including a Black Top option for the top-of-the-line RS variant.
Under the hood, a 1.2-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine is standard across the range, delivering 89 hp and 110 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the engine can be paired to either a 5-speed manual or an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Brio Philippines offers dimensions that span 3,798 mm in length, 1,682 mm in width, and 1,487 mm in height. The RS trim gets is a bit longer at 3,811mm. Rivals in the hatchback segment include the Toyota Wigo, Kia Picanto, and Suzuki Swift.
₱ 735,000 - ₱ 863,000
Explore6. Chevrolet Spark
Sixth on the list is a hatchback from the only American car brand on this list, the Chevrolet Spark, although the model actually traces its roots to Korea as the Daewoo Matiz back in 1998. Since then, the nameplate has evolved into one agile city hatchback, competing on its fourth-generation form.
A veteran competitor in the hatchback market
Under the hood, the Chevrolet Spark offers the largest displacement on this list with its 1.4-liter EcoTec engine. The mill sends 98 hp and 127 Nm of maximum power to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Chevrolet offers the Spark with a price that ranges from Php 694,888 to Php 734,888.
Know more about Chevrolet Spark 2024
The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is the brand's entry into the hatchback market. It is available in two variants with a price that ranges from Php 694,888 to Php 734,888. Under the hood is a 1.4-liter DOHC DVVT gasoline engine capable of delivering 98 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the engine can be connected to a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), sending power to the front wheels.
In terms of dimensions, the Spark is 3,635 mm long, 1,595 mm wide, and 1,483 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,385 mm. Locally, the American hatchback is competing against the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Honda Brio, and Suzuki Celerio.
₱ 694,888 - ₱ 734,888
Explore7. Mitsubishi Mirage
Known for its excellent fuel efficiency, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a noteworthy hatchback in the local market. It is proudly Philippine made and has been a partner by many Filipino city dwellers since its local debut in 2013. Mitsubishi Philippines is offering the Mirage with a starting price of Php 704,000 for the GLX MT variant and goes up to Php 765,000 for the GLX CVT variant.
It needs no introduction
As standard, the Mitsubishi Mirage is powered by a 1.2-liter inline-3 DOHC MIVEC engine that is capable of generating 77 hp and 100 Nm of torque. The only difference between the two variants is found in the transmission option. A 5-speed manual is used on the base trim, while the top-spec variant benefits from a CVT.
Know more about Mitsubishi Mirage 2024
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is fielding the Mirage in the subcompact hatchback category. From the original lineup of four variants across two trim levels, the Mirage currently has a single GLX trim, available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission. Both route power to the front wheels from a 1.2-liter 3A92 3-cylinder gasoline engine with MIVEC technology.
The Mirage measures 3,795mm long, 1,665mm wide, and 1,500mm high, on a wheelbase of 2,450mm. Mitsubishi Mirage prices in the Philippines range between Php 704,000 and Php 765,00. Customers can avail of the GLX manual variant for as low as Php 8,485 with a 50-percent downpayment and 60-month loan contract. Among the Mirage’s competitors are the Toyota Wigo, Honda Brio, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Celerio, Kia Picanto, and the Chevrolet Spark.
₱ 711,000 - ₱ 772,000
Explore8. Suzuki Swift
Rounding up this list is yet another Suzuki offering in the local hatchback segment, the sporty-looking Suzuki Swift. It is longer and wider than its two aforementioned siblings. However, the Swift comes with a lower height of 1,495 mm, giving it a sporty edge.
The most premium hatchback in the brand's Philippine lineup
The Suzuki Swift comes with a price tag that ranges from Php 755,000 for the GL MT variant to Php 819,000 for the GL CVT variant. The top-spec variant looks like the best pick if you want to get around the city with less driver fatigue. Plus, CVTs are generally known to be more efficient than geared transmissions, resulting in more savings for you as you drive through the urban jungle.
Check out some of our car lists to help make up your mind on your next car purchase.
Know more about Suzuki Swift 2024
The Swift is the Japanese small-car expert Suzuki's entry into the growing demand for reliable subcompact hatchbacks. For the Philippine market, the Suzuki Swift 2023 has one variant which is the Swift 1.2 CVT. It comes with a price tag of Php 972,000.
Powering the Philippine-spec Suzuki Swift is a 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. This four-banger can make up to 82 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) only. Power is then sent to its front wheels.
Size-wise, the Suzuki Swift 3,840mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,495mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,450mm, and a ground clearance of 120mm.
Locally, the Swift Philippines competes against the likes of the Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Brio, Kia Picanto, and the Mazda2 Hatchback.
₱ 972,000
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