All of the cars that qualify here are, obviously, hatchbacks. Hatchbacks are defined by the big vertical hatch door in the back, giving access to the cargo area.
Each category winner is then decided from amongst these shortlisted candidates.
HATCHBACK OF THE YEAR
WINNER:
Dongfeng Box
319 points
The Dongfeng Box is refreshing, offering a blend of affordability, modern features, and practicality.
For urbanites looking to transition into the world of electric mobility, this compact hatchback makes a persuasive argument.
HATCHBACK NOMINEES
Volkswagen Golf R-Line | 296 pts
PREMIUM HATCHBACK OF THE YEAR
WINNER:
BMW 116
329 points
The BMW 116 doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It won’t worry sports cars at the traffic lights or beat a fully-loaded Korean hybrid in a fuel economy showdown.
However, it captures BMW’s core values remarkably well, delivering genuine driving pleasure, sharp handling, and understated style in a compact package. It might be the entry-level rung on BMW’s ladder, but it feels authentically part of the family.
PREMIUM HATCHBACK NOMINEES
Audi A3 Sportback | 301 pts
PERFORMANCE HATCHBACK OF THE YEAR
WINNER:
MINI JCW Convertible
317 points
Is it the most practical? Not even close. Is it the most refined hot hatch on sale today? No, and that is not the point either.
What the MINI JCW Convertible offers is personality, and that is becoming rare these days. In a world of ultra-serious performance cars and clinically silent EVs, this MINI feels refreshingly real.
PERFORMANCE HATCHBACK NOMINEES
