Best Hatchbacks in UAE 2021-22: Price, Specifications, Mileage, Colors, Images

In a region where SUVs and sedans rule the roost, there’s little space for the underdog. And who is this underdog? Of course, it is the hatchback. Hatchbacks are mainly meant for those people who want an affordable and practical vehicle for daily use. Moreover, if you are a first-time car buyer, a hatchback is a good way to get about the city without having to spend a lot of money. Then again, this is not to say that there are no fun and pricey options in the market. Keeping all this in mind, here’s the Cars24 list of the best hatchbacks in UAE for 2021-22.

Best Hatchbacks Prices in UAE

Depending on your preferences and budget, the UAE market has quite a few hatchbacks from various brands. Of course, while some models see a lot more fame and success, others are unfortunately not that lucky. Demand for some hatchbacks remain strong despite the constant onslaught of well-priced crossovers and SUVs.

While several buyers eventually move onto crossovers, many still like the idea of owning a cheap and cheerful little hatchback. At the same time, there are also those that really love models from premium automakers and those that want nothing but a hot hatchback in their driveway. In a region that is as dynamic as this, companies usually offer multiple models from each segment, with some putting more effort than others.

However, some hatchbacks are not only more popular than others, but they also sell in healthy numbers. In the meantime, there are many more that are meant for a specific type of car buyer, but these models may not necessarily be doing great in terms of their sales numbers. Buyers looking for certified used cars in Dubai will find multiple options on Cars24. The inventory also consists of second-hand cars for sale in Sharjah and other major locations in the UAE.

Kia Picanto

Ever since the Korean marques reached the UAE, their rise to fame has been a steady one. Following this trajectory is the Kia Picanto, the smallest and most affordable hatchback sold by the company in the country. Built on the same platform as the Hyundai i10, the Kia Picanto is sold by Al Majid Motors in the UAE and starts from AED 42,900. However, you can easily find many second-hand cars in Dubai on Cars24 for even less money.

In the UAE, there are two trim levels of the Kia Picanto on sale, with up to 11 vibrant exterior colors to choose from. Customers can opt for shades such as Celestial Blue, Honey Bee, Lime Light, Shiny Red, Clear White with Red accent, and Aurora Black Pearl with Red accent. Understandably, the Picanto is a small car, even for a city-runabout. It measures 3,595mm in length, 1,595mm in width, and 1,495mm in height. Meanwhile, the Picanto’s overall wheelbase comes to 2,400mm and it has a boot capacity of 255 liters.

The Kia Picanto is priced quite well, but that doesn’t mean that the design of the car looks dainty or cheap. In fact, the Picanto is certainly one of the better-looking economy hatchbacks in the UAE. The front-end features Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille, a pair of large projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and a sizeable bumper with integrated fog lamps and air intakes. The Picanto can also be had with 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, while the stylish rear tail lamps surely add to this hatchback’s cute but attractive exterior.

Just like its exterior, the interior of the Kia Picanto looks stylish and feels adequately modern (especially considering its price tag). There are vertically-set air vents up front, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a large metallic strip running along the center console, and even leather on the seats. Features found in the top trim level of the Picanto include keyless entry, automatic climate control, electrically-operated & closing door mirrors, tilt-adjustable steering, illuminated front sunvisors, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Kia Picanto’s safety features consist of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-start Assist Control, and rear parking sensors along with a rearview camera. Powering the Kia Picanto is a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 83hp and 122Nm of torque. It comes mated to an old-school 4-speed automatic transmission, which means the journey from 0 to 100 kmph takes nearly 14 seconds and a top speed of 161 kmph. Meanwhile, the Picanto is capable of returning a mileage of 16.6 kmpl or 6 L/100 km.

Ford Figo

Priced in the neighborhood of 42,000 dirhams, the Ford Figo is visibly a touch larger than the Picanto. In the UAE, the American subcompact hatchback is sold by Al Tayer Motors. Based on a modified version of the Mark 5 Fiesta, the Figo is also the Blue Oval’s most affordable car in the region. But if you want something even cheaper, Cars24 happens to have a good collection of old cars for sale in Abu Dhabi at an even lower price point. There are also several used Ford cars in Dubai that you can take a look at on Cars24.

The new Ford Figo is available in only two variants in the UAE, though customers have the option of picking from 7 colors. Some of the colors on offer include Deep Impact Blue, Diamond White, Moondust Silver, and Ruby Red. In terms of its exterior dimensions, the Ford Figo comes in at 3,886mm in length, 1,695mm in width, and 1,525mm in height. The hatchback has a wheelbase of 2,490mm and a boot capacity of around 257 liters.

After a recent facelift, the exterior styling of the Ford Figo has been improved. The wide front grille now boasts a studded pattern with a chrome surround, with the sweptback headlamps being accompanied by stylish C-shaped chrome garnish on the front bumper. Meanwhile, the tall-ish stance of the Figo may not be to everyone’s taste, but the pronounced character lines along the sides and slightly sloped roofline makes the Figo seem a little sporty. Finally, there are the small 14-inch alloy rims and a stubby rear spoiler, alongside a deeply-carved rear bumper – the exterior of the Figo is nowhere near as interesting as some of its rivals.

As expected at the price point, the interior of the Ford Figo has quite a lot of hard plastic bits all over. On the bright side, there’s enough space to seat four adults in comfort, with three in the back seat a possibility over short distances. Ford has updated the design of the cabin, though the changes aren’t vast over the old model. That said, the all-black interior, while lacking in quality, makes up by feeling quite sporty and tactile.

The Figo’s equipment list leaves a lot to be desired as it lacks several new-age and useful features. The Trend variant’s standard kit only includes items like front fog lamps, keyless entry, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, front & rear power windows, manual air-conditioning, fabric seat upholstery, and MyFord Dock with support for Bluetooth and USB. As far as its safety features are concerned, the Ford Figo offers two front airbags, ABS with Hill Launch Assist, height-adjustable front seatbelts, and rear ISOFIX anchor points. Overall, the Figo’s equipment catalogue seems pretty spartan in comparison to its rivals.

The Ford Figo is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that puts out a respectable 122hp and 151Nm of torque. The naturally-aspirated motor is married to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, allowing the Figo to achieve an average fuel economy of 16.9 kmpl or 5.9 L/100 km. As for its performance, the Figo manages to hit 100 kmph in under 10 seconds and tops out at around 175 kmph.

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Chevrolet Spark

As the cheapest car on this list, at approximately 37,000 dirhams, the Chevrolet Spark could be an attractive option if you are looking to buy your first new car. Sold in the UAE by Al Ghandi Auto (Dubai) and Bin Hamoodah Auto (Abu Dhabi), this little hatchback is based on the Opel Karl and made its global debut back in late 2015. While it is one of the most affordable cars in the country, there are even cheaper options. For example, Cars24 has an inventory of many used cars for sale in Sharjah.

The Chevrolet Spark is available in some interestingly-named exterior colors. These include Burning Hot Metallic, Caribbean Metallic, Merry Berry Metallic, Vixen Metallic, Pull Me Over Red, and Summit White. As is apparent, the Spark is a pretty compact city car – it is 3,636mm long, 1,595mm wide, and 1,483mm tall. The wheelbase stands at 2,385mm, while the tiny boot can hold up to 313 liters of cargo, means it is actually larger than the boot of the Ford Figo.

Chevrolet last updated the design of the Spark in 2018, which made the hatchback seem larger than it actually is. The facelift gave the Spark a revised front fascia with new and larger headlamps, a split front grille with a taller air dam, and a sportier-looking bumper. Meanwhile, the side profile has remained the same, save for the new 15-inch alloy wheels and some extra character lines. At the rear, the Chevrolet Spark gets new tail lamps, a roof spoiler, and a reprofiled bumper. While its styling may not be groundbreaking, the Chevrolet Spark looks pretty decent.

On the inside, the Chevrolet Spark doesn’t feel as exciting as its name would suggest. It is mostly a sea of black and dark grey, intermittently broken up by some silver plastic and gloss black trim. Having said that, this cabin is surprisingly roomy for what is an otherwise small hatchback. Of course, it is only really meant to carry four people. The predominantly analogue gauge cluster is easy to read, while all the controls are practically laid out. And even though it is the cheapest, avoid the base variant since it lacks many features and thus actually feels bargain-basement.

The higher variant of the Chevrolet Spark comes with front & rear power windows, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, and a 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Spark’s main safety equipment consists of ABS, a tire pressure monitor, Electronic Stability Control, ISOFIX anchor points, rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags.

Under the hood of the Chevrolet Spark lies a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that develops around 98hp and 127Nm of peak torque. This four-popper drives the front wheels and comes with a CVT automatic gearbox as standard in the UAE. The Chevrolet Spark is not exactly quick, taking an excruciating 12 seconds to touch 100 kmph. Meanwhile, its top speed is around 170 kmph and averages 19.6 kmpl or 5.1 L/100 km.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift that we know today, came into existence in late 2004. From that point on, there was little stopping this hatchback from winning the hearts of many car buyers all over the world. Over the coming years, Suzuki grafted a couple of major facelifts to the Swift, but it remained a sporty-looking fun little hatchback. With the latest iteration, all that continues, with the car being retailed by the Al Rostamani Group in the UAE.

With a starting price of around AED 49,000, the Suzuki Swift offers a decent bag for your buck. However, there are two variants on sale in the UAE, though that’s a non-issue. On the other hand, if you want an even cheaper deal, check out Cars24 as it has pre-owned cars in Ajman and other emirates as well. As for a brand-new Suzuki Swift, it is available in Mineral Grey Metallic, Super Black, Pure White Pearl, and Burning Red to name a few.

The Suzuki Swift measures 3,840mm in length, 1,735mm in width, 1,495mm in height, and has an overall wheelbase of 2,450mm. Meanwhile, the Swift’s boot capacity is rated at 265 liters. There is no denying that the design of this hatchback makes it look modern and sporty, though it may not appeal to everyone like its predecessor. At the front, the Suzuki Swift gets sleek LED headlamps with LED DRLs, a large grille with a honeycomb pattern and a thick chrome bar, plus a slightly reprofiled bumper with circular fog lamps.

The Swift comes with a ‘floating roof’ effect that’s coupled with a sloping roofline, rear door handles that are integrated into the back windows, and chic 16-inch alloy wheels. At the back of the Swift, you will find a small roof spoiler, stylish tail lamps with funky C-shaped running lights, and a sculpted rear bumper. Meanwhile, the interior of the new Swift gets a few upgrades over the old one, including a nicer-looking flat-bottom steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster with red highlights, and a redesigned center stack with new HVAC controls.

Depending on the trim level you choose, the Suzuki Swift will come with keyless entry & go, automatic climate control, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 4-speaker audio system with CD, USB & Bluetooth support. The Swift’s primary safety nannies include four airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, and rear parking sensors. Propulsion comes from a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol motor that makes 83hp and 113Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT automatic, the Swift will hit 100 kmph in just over 12.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the Swift’s mileage is rated at about 18.5 kmpl or 5.4 L/100 km.

Peugeot 208

The chic Peugeot 208 has had no trouble finding takers in the UAE since its arrival less than a decade ago. In typical Peugeot fashion, the cute but contemporary styling of the 208 meant that it was one of the top choices of those who wanted their small hatchback to turn heads without blowing up the wallet. In the UAE, the Peugeot 208 is sold in two trim levels, with prices starting from around 67,000 dirhams.

Meanwhile, buyers can also check out Cars24 and find an ever-increasing inventory of pre-owned cars in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, you can find old cars for sale in Fujairah (among other emirates). The latest iteration of the Peugeot 208 stretches 4,055mm in length, 1,745mm in width, and 1,430mm in height. As for its wheelbase, that comes in at 2,540mm, while the 208’s boot capacity is 265 liters.

In this market, the Peugeot 208 can be had in one of 8 exterior colors: Artense Grey, Banquise White, Elixir Red, Faro Yellow, and Perla Black Nera to name a few. Design is definitely one of the key factors why one would choose a Peugeot 208 over any of its competitors. This is even more true for the all-new model, which looks far more aggressive and upscale compared to its precursor.

The front-end styling surely catches your eye with its feline-like demeanor. The new fascia sports a wide-open grille that’s flanked by LED headlamps that each feature the brand’s signature saber-tooth-inspired LED running lights. There’s also a deep front bumper that adds to the 208’s sporty character. The sculpted hood of the 208 leads to the smooth-flowing side profile of the car. Adding some character here are the extended gloss black wheel arches and the 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the rear of the Peugeot 208 gets the brand’s “3-claw” LED tail lamps with a gloss black band connecting each, a large spoiler, and a sporty-looking bumper with twin-exhaust pipes.

The interior of the Peugeot 208 looks funky and cool and it certainly feels modern enough. Some of its main appeal comes from the unconventional design of the steering wheel, the fully-digital instrument cluster, the large touchscreen that’s angled towards the driver, and the equally unconventional-looking gear selector. Then there’s all the different textures, shapes, and colors that Peugeot has used to break any monotony that might otherwise be visible. Also, the quality of much of the materials feels premium and well screwed-together.

On the features front, the Peugeot 208 comes with automatic LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, keyless entry with push-button start, an electronic parking brake, a 10-inch infotainment head unit with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 8-color LED ambient light, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Meanwhile, the 208’s safety nannies come in the form of Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program with Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, front & rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, and multiple airbags.

The Peugeot 208 is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 130hp and 230Nm of max torque. In the UAE, this motor comes along with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 208 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in less than 9 seconds and is capable of hitting a top speed of 208 kmph. According to Peugeot, the 208 should average around 18.5 kmpl or 5.4 L/100 km on a combined cycle.

Mini Cooper

Mini is one of the most iconic names in the automotive industry and was the car of choice for Mr. Bean. Of course, over the many decades since its debut, the Cooper (also known as the Mini Hatch) has become more mature and technologically advanced. And since Mini is now a part of the BMW Group, in the UAE, all new models are sold by Abu Dhabi Motors or AGMC. As for its price, the standard Mini Cooper (3-Door) starts from around AED 145,000.

Buyers that are in search of more affordable options will find plenty of certified used cars in Sharjah via Cars24. The list will also include multiple used cars in Ras Al Khaimah, among other locations. The new Mini Cooper is based on the BMW Group’s front-wheel-drive UKL platform, and is therefore a bit larger than its ancestor. In terms of its dimensions, the Mini 3-Door measures 3,876mm in length, 1,727mm in width, and 1,414mm in overall height. The wheelbase is carried over from the previous-gen model, at 2,495mm. Finally, the luggage-carrying capacity of this hatch is 211 liters (3-Door version).

In the UAE, the Mini Cooper can be painted in one of ten colors, depending on the variant. The options include shades such as British Racing Green, Blazing Red Metallic, Electronic Blue, Deep Blue Metallic, White Silver Metallic, and Midnight Black. Compared to the previous-gen model, not much has changed on the outside of the new Mini Cooper. However, it now gets new oval-shaped LED headlamps along with an oval LED-surround. The front and rear bumpers have also been tweaked so they look more aggressive and edgy.

As before, the Mini Cooper looks best and better proportioned in its traditional 3-door format. Customers can opt for black racing stripes on the hood, a dual-tone paint scheme, gloss black exterior trim with chrome detailing, and sporty-looking 18-inch all-black alloy wheels. While the Mini is no longer ‘mini’ in size, it continues to have a certain wow factor to this day. The interior of all Mini models not only look fancy and cutting-edge, they also feel quite special.

The Mini Cooper’s cabin definitely seems sporty and all the styling elements work together to make you feel like you are sitting in something more than just a regular premium hatchback. At the same time, the quality of most of the materials is good. There are a few scratchy bits lower down in the cabin, but they aren’t too bad either. As for features, the Mini Cooper gets adaptive LED headlamps, keyless entry & go, dual-zone climate control, a fully digital driver’s display, a BMW-sourced 8.8-inch touch-infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, LED mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, radar-guided cruise control, full leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The Mini Cooper takes care of its occupants, courtesy of its 6 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Braking function, front & rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, ISOFIX anchor points, and ABS with EBD. The base version of the Mini Cooper comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 136hp and 220Nm of torque. This one can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.1 seconds and hit a top whack of 210 kmph. Meanwhile, the John Cooper Works model makes 231hp and 320Nm out of its 2.0-liter turbo-four. This means a top speed of 246 kmph and a 0 to 100 kmph time of 6.1 seconds. All Cooper models in the UAE come with a 7-speed automatic gearbox (except for the JCW version).

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Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has long been considered as a yardstick for hot hatchbacks. Its near-perfect blend of usable power, dynamic performance, exceptional handling, and an appreciably subtle design have been key to its success. In a land where performance hatchbacks thrive, the likes of the Golf GTI are here to stay. Volkswagen has now introduced the all-new Golf GTI in the UAE, and it is sold by Al Nabooda Automobiles (Dubai) and Ali & Sons (Abu Dhabi).

Going up against the likes of the Mini John Cooper Works Hatch, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI has a price tag that starts from AED 144,900. If that seems like a bit much, you can always check out Cars24 for pre-owned cars in Dubai or second-hand cars in Umm Al Quwain. Coming back to the new Volkswagen Golf GTI, one can buy this hot hatch in colors like Dark Iron Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Tornado Red, and White Silver to name a few.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI comes in at 4,287mm in length, 1,789mm in width, 1,463mm in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2,631mm. Meanwhile, the 5-door hatchback has a boot capacity of 374 liters. Since this is the latest-gen iteration of the Golf, Volkswagen has given it a thorough styling overhaul. The front is now sleeker and appears wider, thanks to the low grille and sophisticated LED headlamps. The front bumper been enlarged and sculpted more aggressively, while adding gloss black effect to the lower apron and incorporating suave LED fog lamps into each corner. There’s also a thin LED strip connecting the two headlamps.

Along the sides, the handsome proportions of the new Golf are evident. Then there are the cool GTI touches such as the multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, ‘GTI’ badging on the front fenders, and sporty side skirts. The rear of the Golf GTI comes with the mandatory roof spoiler, chrome-plated twin tailpipes, and sleek LED tail lamps. While the front fascia of the new Golf may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it sure looks dynamic in this GTI avatar.

Volkswagen has also heavily updated the interior of the new Golf GTI. Not only are the lines cleaner and more interesting to eye, the driver-focused cockpit beckons you to climb on board and drive. The premium sports seats and GTI steering wheel look and feel great, while the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster goes hand-in-hand with the new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Some may not particularly like the new shift-by-wire gear selector that VW has used in the new Golf, but it works just fine.

The features list of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI sees items such as adaptive LED performance headlamps, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, built-in navigation system plus wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charging pad, multi-color LED ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Meanwhile, the Golf GTI’s safety tech includes Park Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, a rearview camera, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, ISOFIX anchorages, and a plethora of airbags.

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI comes equipped with a front differential lock along with an electronic locking diff for tackling the bends. This goes well with the 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that churns out 242hp and 370Nm of peak torque. The gearbox that’s tasked with handling all this power is a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic that uses a shift-by-wire logic. With all this technology, the new Golf GTI will go from a standstill to 100 kmph in 6.2 seconds while also boasting a top speed of 250 kmph.

Hyundai Veloster N

Starting from around 149,000 dirhams, the Hyundai Veloster N is a hot hatchback that’s unlike most Hyundais. While it is quite practical and as reliable as any modern-day Hyundai, the Veloster N is designed for the kind of person who wants a grin on their face every time they head out for a drive. In the UAE, all new Hyundai models are sold exclusively by the Juma Al Majid Group.

However, if you are on a tighter budget and want something a little less feisty than a Veloster N, you are in luck. Cars24 has a wide variety of affordable used cars for sale in Fujairah and several pre-owned cars in Sharjah. The Hyundai Veloster N comes in at 4,265mm in length, 1,810mm in width, and has an overall height of 1,394mm. Meanwhile, the distance between the front and rear wheels is 2,650mm, and the Veloster’s boot volume comes to a surprisingly capacious 563 liters.

In the UAE, the Hyundai Veloster N is only available in 4 exterior colors: Chalk White, Phantom Black, Ignite Flame, and the N-signature Performance Blue. The front-end of the Veloster N sports a large mesh-type grille which extends all the way into the bumper, pulled-back headlamps with distinctive LED running lights, a front splitter & side wings, and integrated air channels. The side profile of the Veloster N features extended side skirts, muscular wheel arches, 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, N-branded brake calipers, flared rear haunches, and a sloped roof.

The back of the Hyundai Veloster N features a big two-stage spoiler with a triangular stop light, swanky-looking tail lamps, N badging on the tailgate, and a sporty rear bumper with an integrated rear diffuser and large twin tailpipes. There are also some faux vents and of course, red accents all around for that sporty touch. The Hyundai Veloster N not only looks sporty, its rarity in the UAE will also ensure that you don’t lose it in a parking lot.

Unlike the exterior, the interior of the Hyundai Veloster N isn’t all that interesting at first glance. The predominantly black theme means it can feel dark and dingy in this cabin, but Hyundai has splattered some contrasting blue color on things such as the seatbelts, around the engine start button, on the N steering wheel and two of its buttons, on the manual gear lever, and there is even blue stitching on the N sport seats. While the overall theme is still kind of dull, the blue highlights and N logos do make some difference.

The Hyundai Veloster N comes equipped with sports exhaust, keyless entry, LED shift light, a touchscreen infotainment head unit with N-specific menus and settings, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, and N-specific gauge cluster. The Veloster N obviously gets all the basic safety features including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, and high-performance N brakes.

Power for the Veloster N comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 271hp and 353Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox carries out all the transmission duties, while there’s Launch Control, automatic rev-matching, an electronic limited-slip differential, electronically-controlled suspension, and a dedicated sports mode. Do it just right, and the Veloster N will go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.1 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed of this hot hatch is an electronically limited 250 kmph.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class, known internally as the W177, was launched in 2018. Built on the posh brand’s new MFA2 architecture, the new A-Class is a premium hatchback that rivals the likes of the BMW 1-Series and Volkswagen Golf in the UAE. The new A-Class hatchback (and the sedan as well) is sold by Gargash and the Emirates Motor Company (EMC), with prices starting at around AED 186,000 for a mid-spec version.

Thankfully, you will find way more options on Cars24 for far less moolah. There are many old cars for sale in Dubai and several more second-hand cars in Ras Al Khaimah. As for a brand-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, it can be had in one of 12 different colors. Some of the examples include shades such as Cosmos Black, Digital White, Night Black, Mojave Silver, Moutain Grey, and Patagonia Red. In terms of its exterior size, the A-Class hatchback is 4,419mm long, 1,796mm wide, and 1,440mm tall. It has a wheelbase that measures 2,729mm and a boot capacity of 370 liters.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback is undeniably a gorgeous and modern design. Its undisturbed lines and delicately-carved surfaces give it an admirable yet confidant stance. The front fascia of the A-Class features angular and sleek LED headlamps, a prominent three-star logo on the grille, and a well-integrated bumper with faux vents and a subtle splitter. The sides of the A-Class look classy and urbane, thanks to the five-spoke 18-inch wheels, protruding fenders, and the chrome surrounds for the windows.

Meanwhile, the back of the new A-Class hatchback gets almost-elliptical LED tail lamps, a sharp-looking roof spoiler, and faux twin tailpipes on the bumper. Unlike its precursor, this new A-Class comes across as a more upmarket and better-styled hatchback. However, it is the interior that really sets this new model apart from the old one. Mercedes-Benz has plastered the interior of the new A-Class with its fancy twin-digital screens, while also revamping the design of the whole dashboard and center stack area. Even better, the build quality has gone up by a few folds, with much of the fit-and-finish feeling properly upscale.

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes quite well-loaded with several creature comforts as well. Taking pride of place are the two high-definition digital displays – the 10.25-inch driver’s display and the 10.25-inch infotainment head unit look fantastic. Buyers can also opt for features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered & climate-controlled front seats with memory function, 64-color mood lighting, radar-guided cruise control, stiffer AMG sports suspension, MBUX infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and dual-zone climate control, and a head-up display among others.

Being an all-new Mercedes-Benz, the A-Class hatchback comes loaded with passive and active safety features. Some of the most important ones include up to 7 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Active Distance Assist with Active Braking Assist, Active Driver Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Parking Assist with a 360-degree parking camera. In the case of the A250, power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo-four that makes 224hp and 350Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and can push to A-Class to 100 kmph in 6.2 seconds.

BMW 1-Series

Just like its A-Class rival, the BMW 1-Series went through a comprehensive update a couple of years back. And just like the Mercedes, the 1-Series is well-liked and is meant to be the stepping stone into the world of BMW. As with the Mini Cooper, the BMW 1-Series is sold by AGMC (Dubai) and Abu Dhabi Motors (Abu Dhabi). It costs somewhere in the neighborhood of 198,000, and it is one of the latest BMW models in the UAE.

In the meantime, those interested in certified used cars in Abu Dhabi or pre-owned cars in Fujairah should check out Cars24’s inventory. The latest-gen BMW 1-Series is based on the same platform as the Mini Countryman and the X1 crossover SUV. As such, the outgoing 1-Series is larger than its second-gen predecessor, but not by a huge margin. It measures 4,329mm in length, 1,799mm in width, 1,434mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,670mm, which is less than that of the old model. However, the boot capacity has gone up to 380 liters, 20 liters more than the old 1-Series.

The BMW 1-Series (120i M Sport) is offered in only a few standard colors, the rest being optional. Some of these exterior colors are Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Melbourne Red, and Mineral Grey. The design of the BMW 1-Series has now become a lot more palatable and sophisticated, especially when compared to the old model. Up front, the face of the 1-Series wears the trademark BMW kidney grille and sports dual-chambered LED headlamps. Meanwhile, the deep front bumper looks muscular and gets LED fog lamps and multiple air intakes as well.

In its 120i M Sport avatar, the 1-Series comes with 17-inch M-Light Alloy wheels with runflat tires. Some of the notable styling features on the sides also includes a rising beltline, flared fenders, gloss black window surrounds, a sloped roofline, and sporty side skirts. The back of the BMW 1-Series incorporates wraparound LED tail lamps, a subtle roof spoiler, and a chunky rear bumper which also gets dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.

On the inside, the BMW 1-Series feels suitable upmarket and well-upholstered. However, it is neither as exciting nor as special a place to be in when compared to the new A-Class. Having said that, BMW’s build quality is second-to-none and everything feels quite solid and expensive. Moreover, the sporty feeling continues thanks to the M steering wheel, sports seats, and the driver-oriented center console and infotainment head unit. The metal accents in the cabin go well with the M stitching on the seats and door pads, whilst the seat themselves are comfortable and supportive.

In terms of its features, the BMW 1-Series can be had with adaptive LED headlamps, dynamic cruise control, LED ambient lighting, two-zone climate control, power-operated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, and Apple CarPlay. The safety aspects are taken care of by at least 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Park Distance Control, Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning and Rear Collision Warning among others.

Under the hood of the BMW 120i M Sport is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 178hp and 280Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox. As for performance, the 120i M Sport can hit 100 kmph in around 7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 235 kmph.

Conclusion

The UAE market has more than enough hatchbacks to cater to almost every type of car buyer. As expected, the economy models sell in good numbers and have little trouble finding takers. On the other hand, performance-oriented hot hatchbacks find it a little difficult to bag buyers. This is primarily because they are meant for those with a penchant for speed and adrenaline, so the low numbers are justifiable.

Then there are the premium hatchbacks that cost well north of 100,000 dirhams. These are targeted at those that want a blend of decent performance and luxury features – a combination that’s almost impossible to get in the above-mentioned two categories. In this regard, cars like the BMW 1-Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and Mini Cooper have few rivals that can topple their position. Meanwhile, the battle for the best economy hatchback will rage on for a long time as automakers better their existing models or release new ones.

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