We'd like to welcome the hatchback Class of 2012, a strong group of newcomers. By sheer force of numbers—along with sizable horsepower output—cars such as the Ford Focus ST, Mini Coupe and Volkswagen Beetle Turbo are combining city-friendly proportions with driving fun, along with fuel economy that won't break the bank.
A couple of our longtime favorites—the MazdaSpeed3 and VW Golf GTI—aren't listed only because they're not significantly brand spanking new in 2012. And while hatchbacks are often handy when it comes to hauling stuff, not all the cars in this list would be our first choice for a run to Ikea. For fun, we've even included the current King of the Hatchbacks, an Italian budget-buster that serves up 651 bhp and will set you back more than $300,000.
Our best hatchbacks of 2012:
2012 Ford Focus ST
The new Ford Focus is already a standout performer in the realm of hatchbacks, thanks to its attractive styling, high feature content and solid steering. True, you can always opt for the Focus sedan. But that would mean missing out on the (arguably) better looks of the hatch, along with the hotter performance of the upcoming Focus ST. There's nothing wrong with the 160-bhp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the standard car. We just think a 246-bhp turbocharged 2.0-liter sounds, well, a lot more exciting. Ford has even stated that the Focus ST will deliver "significantly better fuel economy" than previous models, which were sold in Europe.
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
The Fiat 500 is another recent European transplant now making a name for itself in the U.S. market. You can't talk about the 500 and not mention "huggable," at least once. Although chic, the 500 Coupe and Cabrio are definitely no speed demons. A 101-bhp 1.4-liter 4-cylinder is good on gas, but lacks the high-revving fizz that enthusiasts crave. Be patient, because the upcoming Abarth sports model will offer a turbocharged 170-bhp 4-cylinder, along with other go-fast goodies like a lowered suspension, beefier brakes, larger alloy wheels, and a vicious body kit. The Fiat 500 starts at roughly $15,500, but we expect the Abarth model to start well past $20,000 when it goes on sale next year (likely as a 2013 model).
2012 Hyundai Veloster
The Veloster looks like a hatchback coupe, but this strange little car has three doors: one on the driver's side, and two on the passenger's side. While not a traditionally beautiful car—that front end can look very busy from certain angles—it's definitely a bold new design. We guarantee you will never lose a Veloster in a parking lot. A direct-injected 138-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine will deliver more than 40 mpg during highway driving. A 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission are available. Hyundai is also working on a turbocharged Veloster that could offer upward of 200 bhp.
2012 Mini Coupe
Mini has always been great at building cars with razor-sharp handling and engines that love to rev. The new Mini Coupe simply cranks this up another notch. We came away highly impressed with this car after a brief stint behind the wheel. Okay, the rear seats have been jettisoned—but that's no great loss considering the cramped rear confines. The Mini Coupe is even more dialed into the kind of point-and-squirt driving that makes the regular Mini Cooper such a blast. Engines range from a 121-bhp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to a turbocharged 208-bhp powerplant in the John Cooper Works model.
2012 Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet subcompacts have often featured anonymous styling, which is good, since the driving experience was often equally dull. But the new Chevrolet Spark could turn the tides of history by offering frugal mechanicals in a very funky little package. The Spark has been on sale in other markets around the world, though the existing 1.0- and 1.2-liter engines are probably a tad too weak for U.S. tastes. Look for a power boost (thanks to turbocharging or slightly larger 4-cylinder) and some chunkier looks, courtesy of a mid-cycle freshening that's due the entire Spark range.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo
In case you haven't already heard, this is the new "masculine" update of the Beetle. Whatever you think about the marketing, the new Beetle is definitely sportier and far less cute. To our eyes, this latest Beetle even looks more like the original. A 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine is standard, but we'd recommend the turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. During a test drive, we found that Volkswagen’s engineers balanced the sports suspension to provide a comfortable highway ride and highly spirited handling.
2012 Ferrari FF
This is the King Kong of hatchbacks, although Ferrari would probably prefer that you simply call it a gran turismo, or something similarly cool and Italian. We'd love to see someone try loading a FF with garden supplies, but we'd much rather have the keys ourselves and open up that 651-bhp V-12 engine for as long as possible. Ferrari quotes a top speed of 208 mph, with the sprint to 60 mph taking only 3.7 seconds. An all-wheel-drive system is standard, making this your perfect $300,000 year-round supercar.
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