Three hatchbacks slug it out for the title of ACOTY’s Best Cat B Hatchback.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
Hatchbacks and liftbacks that qualify for this category need to be sold with a Category B Certificate of Entitlement (COE Cat B). Done deal.
Meet The Contenders
Representing Germany is the Volkswagen Golf R (left), flying the British flag is the Mini Cooper SE (right), and championing Japan is the Toyota Prius.
If it’s hot-hatchery you’re after, the Volkswagen Golf R needs no introduction. 315hp and 420Nm of torque make this top-shelf Golf take off like a rocket. Practicality doesn’t take a backseat either, as it has very usable back seats and boot. Strap your family in and go for a blast!
The Mini Cooper SE may be electric, but it drives and feels like a Mini should. The interior is very cheerfully appointed, there’s enough tech to keep the Mini driver happy, and it’s practical for its relatively diminutive size too!
The Toyota Prius received the title “King of Full Hybrids” in our review because that’s how brilliantly economical its hybrid system is. Add to that Toyota’s legendary reliability, straightforward interior and decent luggage space and you’ve got a family liftback that’s hard to beat.
One ICE, one pure electric and one hybrid. Interesting mix we have this year. And so, the winner is…
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B Hatchback
Mini Cooper SE
| Vehicle | Points Tally |
| Volkswagen Golf R | 351 |
| Mini Cooper SE | 398 |
| Toyota Prius | 389 |
The winner with 398 points is the Mini Cooper SE. Mini has absolutely nailed its traditional formula in an electric vehicle. That it is still so much fun to drive is what gave it the resounding win.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the Mini Cooper SE for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Cat B Hatchback!
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!
