Meet the finalists in the Fun Hatch category of the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank!

Now in its 5th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa's definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 4th year running, by the country's leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.

Read more about the finalists in the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank here!

Best Fun Hatch in SA

The Fun Hatch category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.

Eligibility for this category includes a list price that falls between R300 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (1 September 2019) to ensure that this doesn’t become a category dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.

Pillars of Success in this category include drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.

Visit www.carsawards.co.za for more information. The finalists are as follows:

Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T

The Suzuki Swift Sport delivers loads of fun-to-drive appeal and has gained a cult following over the years. Now, the Hamamatsu-based firm has introduced a new Swift Sport featuring a new turbocharged BoosterJet engine that seeks to up the fun-factor in Suzuki’s feisty compact hatch.

View specification details for the Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T

Do you own a Suzuki? Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey here!

Mini Cooper S Sports-Auto

When you think of a “fun hatch”, the Mini Cooper S always springs to mind. No fast small hatchback shootout is complete without the original “go-kart for the road”. For 2019, the Cooper S sports a few styling changes and neat new tech, but it remains a blast to whip around corners.

View specification details for the Mini Cooper S Sports-Auto

Do you own a Mini? Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey here!

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen substantially revised the Polo GTI in 2018. The boy racer image has (somewhat) diminished and in its place is a junior hot hatch – a playful executive, if you will. Some detractors have called the Polo GTI a "Golf GTI lite", which is a trifle unfair, the Polo GTI is, as a matter of fact, powered by a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor from its "Golf 7.5 GTI" sibling. What's more, the Polo GTI also features its bigger brother's trick XDS electronic front differential, which should liven things up in the handling stakes.

View specification details for the Volkswagen Polo GTI

Do you own a Volkswagen? Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey here!

See last year's #CarsAwards winners here!