See all Motoring News The car market may be going crazy for crossovers and SUVs, but the hatchback segment continues to offer excellent value, and 2022 will be no different. We take a look at some of the best new hatchbacks due to arrive next year.
Cupra Born
After getting off to a good start in Ireland, Spanish brand Cupra will continue to expand its line-up early in 2022 with a fully electric hatchback called the Born. Based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born will feature the same dual-screen setup on the dashboard, but unique exterior styling.
Two battery packs will be offered to buyers of the Cupra Born, starting with a 58kWh version capable of a single-charge range of up to 420 kilometres. A higher capacity 77kWh model will travel up to 540 kilometres, and both versions feature a rear-wheel-drive chassis.
Peugeot 308
The all-new, third-generation Peugeot 308 continues the French brand’s more striking new look. Beneath the car’s blend of curves and sharp lines is a new chassis that stretches the wheelbase to increase passenger room.
The Peugeot 308 will continue to offer one of the largest boot capacities in its segment at 412 litres. Inside, the Peugeot i-Cockpit interior features two 10-inch displays, a digital voice assistant and wireless smartphone connectivity. A range of petrol and diesel engines will be joined by a pair of plug-in hybrids with up to 60 kilometres of electric range.
Opel Astra
One of Ireland’s best-loved hatchbacks, the Opel Astra, returns for 2022 with a radical new design that carries on what has already been seen in the Opel Mokka crossover. Its bold and distinctive ‘Vizor’ grille makes it instantly recognisable and differentiates it from the Peugeot 308 with which it shares the same platform.
Its interior will be equally impressive thanks to a dual-screen layout and higher quality materials than its predecessor. Along with a larger boot measuring 422 litres, interior space improves as the Astra is also longer and wider than previously. Like the Peugeot 308, the Astra will have plug-in hybrid options in addition to diesel and petrol engines.
Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia returns in 2022 as an all-new model that is larger than before and promises to be a genuine rival for the Volkswagen Polo. Its contemporary design is more striking, and there is more interior space too thanks to a stretch in size.
Complementing the usual practical Skoda features will be modern tech, including an optional digital instrument display and up to a 9.2-inch touchscreen — the kind of thing we typically see in cars one size class up. A range of engines will start with a 1.0-litre petrol unit and go up to a 150hp 1.5-litre option. Skoda will not be offering a diesel engine for this generation of Fabia.