1st - Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatch
With over 32 million units sold since 1966, Corolla is the world’s top-selling model. This exceptionally rigid platform offers more interior space, great ergonomics and a super-refined drive with reasonable driver engagement in the process. It’s offered at the sharpest price point in the class (equal to a Mazda 3 Neo hatch).

None of the in-class entrants can step up to standard electronic stability control. Corolla also proved a clear winner on insurance, where it’s significantly cheaper than next-closest insurance rival, Civic. But Civic also out-points Corolla on resale ranking and fuel consumption — however, not by nearly enough to sway the difference.

2nd - Holden Astra CD Hatch
A photo finish across the podium saw Astra slung into the silver slot by a margin of just 0.58 points, and beating Civic by an even slimmer 0.06. Astra tied with Corolla on safety and fuel consumption, but fell behind on insurance rrp and retained value.




3rd - Honda Civic VTi
Brilliant interior, top resale ranking and lean fuel consumption weren’t enough to punt Civic beyond bronze, where it finished a cigarette paper ahead of the Ford Focus LX. All Jap entrants in class are mired in 10,000km service intervals, while Holden and Ford have pushed on from there.