7 Best Compact Hatchback Car Models in Malaysia (2024)

The daily life course in Malaysia stretches from jobs, family work, weekend trips, and tourism purposes. This requires a car that is friendly to our finances and that satisfies our needs.

Here a hatchback car comes into play. These car models are contemplated as fulfilling the needs of a small family and settling in less space in the garage.

There are certain dimensions where compact cars dominate over other car categories, such as being easy to run in urban locations and being fuel-friendly, along with having higher rear visibility and ease of driving and parking, making them stand out in the car market.

Small compact car Malaysia are distinguished for being multifunctional, requiring less maintenance, and being affordable. Out of the scores of the options available, here are the best choices of hatchback cars in Malaysia. 

7 Best Hatchback Cars in Malaysia

Considering the primary features, safety attributes, and price range, here are the top 7 cars in this category available in the Malaysian car market. 

Malysia’s largest car manufacturer, Perodua, has brought AXIA in hatchback variety.  Possessing a 998 CC engine with a maximum output of 50kW/6000 rpm, it gives a mileage of 25-27 kmpl (with the eco idle system). The safety features include an ISOFIX System with a Top Tether for child safety besides Vehicle Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, and Hill-start Assist. 

Price Range (Based on Varients) – RM 40,000 to 49,500

Toyota’s Yaris is also a top contender in this category. Yaris comes in two variants – 1.5G AT, and Yaris 1.5E AT. Both variants have a 1,496 cc engine and CVT Transmission System with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode. 

Its safety features include a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, vehicle stability control, and seven airbags, making it a good choice.

Starting Price – RM 88,000 

Another entrant by Perodua in the compact car category is MYVI. This maestro model comes in 3 variants. The eye-catching features of Myvi are a 1496 CC engine and a D-CVT transmission that provides a decent mileage of 21.1 (in eco-driving mode). The car has an ‘Eco Idle’ system that makes it more fuel efficient. 

Six airbags, an ABS and EBD brake system, a Hill Start Assist, and an Integrated Driving Video Recorder show Perodua’s concern for safety. 

Price Range – RM 50,900 to RM 59,900

Proton has spread its tentacles in the car market, with Iriz as its ace model. 

Its 2 variants come with a 1332 cc and 1597 cc engine, coupled with a CVT transmission system. The additional feature of the Multi-Point fuel Injection system triggers efficient fuel combustion, leading to less harmful emissions. The safety features include 4 and 6 airbags (differing with variants), ABS, EBD, Electronic stability control, and Hill Hold Assist to have safer drives. 

Starting Price – RM 42,800

Honda is renowned for manufacturing the best car models in every category with the Honda City being a hit in the Malaysian car market. It comes with a  1,498 CC engine and CVT transmission system (City Hatchback 1.5L e: HEV RS comes with electric CVT), delivering a claimed mileage of 17-18 km/l and a maximum speed of 175-195 kmph. From a safety perspective, it contains dual front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags accompanied by vehicle stability assist, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist, and Emergency Stop Signal. The additional features of the Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) highlight its position in the market. 

Starting Price – RM 84,900

The Chinese car manufacturer has come up with the DOLPHIN model as a good option for those looking for an electric compact car. Depending on the variant, the general features of the car include a battery of 14.9 to 60.48 kWh which produces a power of 90 HP – 200 HP. BYD claims the car can take a volting speed from 0 to 100 kmph in 7–12.3 seconds (depending on the variant). The battery provides 5000 charge and discharge cycles and one charge gives a driving range of 427 KM (WLTP).

Starting Price – RM 100,000

This small beast by Mazda is one of the top competitors in the hatchback category in Malaysia. It has a 1998 CC engine to generate a thrust of 162Hp/6,000rpm. The car comes with i-Stop Idling Technology, G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology (GVC Plus), and a wireless charging point that adds a star to its performance. 

The car has been designed with many safety features, the most significant being the SRS Airbags System, ABS and EBD brake systems with Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Engine-Immobilizer with Anti-Theft System.

Other key features include an Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist System, Smart Brake Support, Radar Cruise Control, and Cruising & Traffic Support.

Starting Price – RM 165,000

What Ahead?

The hatchback car is best for small group drives or the needs of a small family. Its small size and packed internal space make it more fuel-efficient, requiring less maintenance. Those who are looking for a decent car at an economical price can go with the above models. The precise account of car models tabulated above will help you find a worthy hatchback car. All of them have some common features, such as an emergency stop system, hill start assist, and traction control. There is no common yardstick for the best features or specifications, but having a gross understanding of the requirements that fit our budget is always prioritized.

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