Latest news with #hatchback
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Buying a used hatchback? I've driven 47 used hatchback cars – this BMW 1 Series is by far a standout
OK, so 47 is an estimate, but I have driven a lot of hatchbacks, and the BMW Series 1 is a standout. The quintessential hatchback is, of course, the Golf, which in all its incarnations has delivered – but the BMW pips it, and I'll explain why. 5 FIND HERE I'd always associated BMWs with committed middle managers driving company cars. A few minutes behind the wheel of the BMW Series 1 M Sport changed all that. I'm not going to say that the VW Golf has had its day (or make a joke that the current version of the car is as unfashionable as the sport, as that would be cruel). But the BMW Series 1 does everything you need a hatch to do – but better than the others. With people ditching the convertibles for a hatchback, read on to see why the BMW Series 1 is a standout choice for me. What is a hatchback? A hatchback is a car with a large rear door that opens to create a large boot space. Hatchback cars are flexible. You can typically carry 4 or more passengers in comfort. When you need extra carrying space, you can lower the back seats. (Make sure the passengers aren't in there first.) The VW Golf pretty much defined what a hatchback is and what it does, and – despite what we've written above – we still love it. Reviewers know it still does the business, but the Golf spawned a whole lot of imitators – some of which are now ready to challenge for the hatchback king's crown. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace * Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 21.6%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check, with no impact on your score 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here. Benefits of a hatchback Small, manoeuvrable, great handling Excellent visibility from the large rear window Sporty looks (especially souped-up variants, including GTI, M Sport, FR, etc.) Versatile, with space for 4 passengers and luggage Fold-down seats provide extra carrying capacity Perfect for families, city drivers or country dwellers BMW 1 Series: An overview When you're buying a hatchback, it's 50% heart and 50% head. It's got to look great and have the speed and performance you want. It's also got to be fuel efficient, reliable and – in these cash-strapped times – affordable. Let's work through the list. The BMW 1 Series looks, to me, fantastic. Looks are personal, so feel free to disagree. Parkers call it the best premium hatchback. The M Sport version goes above and beyond with 18' alloys, a rear spoiler and splitters, as well as a full leather interior and a beast of an engine. (Ticks box) It's hard to argue with performance. The majority of modern (post-2019) Series 1s are front-wheel drive with either a 3- or 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive makes more space for luggage at the back without impacting the driving experience, which is impeccable. (Ticks box) In-car entertainment and tech is top-notch, as you'd expect on a premium BMW. (Ticks box) It's not a class leader (and real-life returns will vary on your driving style, condition, etc.), but you can expect around 40mpg from an older Series 1. (Ticks box) The BMW Series 1 was one of only two cars that achieved a 100% reliability rating from WhatCar?. (Ticks box) Affordable? Check out this round-up of used BMW Series 1 cars for sale. Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 per month on Sun Motors here. Used BMW 1 Series for sale Here are some of the BMW Series-1s for sale on Sun Motors that piqued our interest… Great value: BMW 1 SERIES 1.5 118i SE 5 FIND HERE This 2018 BMW Series-1 isn't the cheapest on the market at £6,949, but represents something of a bargain. The mileage is low, with 65,000 miles half that of others on the market. The relatively low use shows up in the condition of the car, which is excellent. It's a well-presented car – and the good bits don't stop. The 118i SE model is a slightly more premium package (just below M Sport). The 138 bhp engine is a bit of a beast, but you'll still get almost 40mpg. (Check out the full specs on Parkers.) If we were looking for a great family runaround that would still turn a few heads, this would be a perfect choice. M Sport Monster: BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport FIND HERE BMW M Sport is legendary, with better internal trim, external styling and engine. If you're buying a BMW, we all want that little badge, don't we? (Forget about the insurance premiums for a minute…) If comfort, acceleration and speed are important to you, then check out this BMW 1 Series 1.5 118i M Sport. Stylish? Absolutely. You'll get the better body kit, leather interior, and large alloys. It's a superb-looking car. Under the bonnet, the BMW has a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that will fly when you put your foot to the floor. Thinking with the head, it's a good price for a relatively new BMW Series-1 with just 61,000 miles under its belt. Go on, you know you want it. Latest model: BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive FIND HERE We've gone for the super powerful and ultra-cool BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive. We're talking about 0-60mph in under 5 seconds. That's achievable because of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that knocks out 301 bhp. Ouch. It's a 4WD car, which delivers good handling, traction and stability. The 2025 model here is the latest version with updated and improved external styling. This isn't your average motorway munching BMW, but a powerful sports car that's been somehow sanitised a little bit. Our choice is basically a new car with 100 miles on the clock. If you buy it, can we have a drive? Are BMW 1 Series reliable cars? The BMW 1 Series is the best in class for build quality, which means an ultra-reliable drive, which is vital for families. OK, things can still go wrong, but buy a good BMW Series 1, and you should be OK. 5 Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic hatchback returns as EV with quirky ‘bug eye' headlights & 260 miles of range – as huge brand reveals cost
THE ICONIC Nissan Micra has returned as an all-electric hatchback, complete with its signature 'bug eye' headlights. The much-loved model, which was canned back in 2023 after some 40 years and multiple generations, is back and ready to put Nissan back in the fight on the supermini front. 4 4 4 4 Offering up to 260 miles of range on a single charge with its 52kWh battery option, the Micra's starting price starts at £22,995 - making it one of the nation's most affordable EV options. Much like the recently launched and heavily praised Renault 5 EV, the new Micra combines nostalgic design elements - such as its bug eye headlights with cutting-edge tech. With two battery options available, the 40kWh offering a range of 198 miles and the 52kWh delivering an impressive 260 miles, the Micra shares its platform with the Renault 5 - a result of Nissan's longstanding collaboration with the French Renault Group. It also shares cabin similarities with the Renault 5, such as fabric materials and dual-screen setups, but also features some unique touches, such as Mount Fuji graphics throughout the interior to distinguish the Micra. But while the 5 went away for multiple years before its return, the Micra has been a beloved vehicle in Britain consistently since its debut in 1983. Over six million units have been sold globally spanning six generations, with the newest being by-far the largest with a more SUV-like design in a bid to attract family buyers - featuring wider proportions and robust styling. Officially, three trim levels will be available at launch, starting with the entry-level Engage, priced at £22,995 and comes with a 40kWh battery. The Advanced is a mid-tier option, priced at £24,995 for the 40kWh version and £26,995 for the 52kWh battery. Finally, the Evolve is the top-tier trim, priced at £29,865 with a 52kWh battery. Part of Nissan's strategy to recover from financial losses and reinvigorate its brand, the company has faced a string of challenges over the last 18 months or so, including declining sales, difficulties transitioning to electric vehicles and increased competition from Chinese brands. New Nissan Leaf tested - it's bigger, better and goes further Furthermore, the company's troubles have been compounded by scandals involving its former CEO, factory closures, job cuts and poor financial performance - including its worst returns in 25 years. But as part of its new strategy, the Japanese manufacturer is focussing heavily on electrification and aims to launch a range of new electrified models. As well as the Micra, the third-generation Leaf is expected by 2026, redesigned as a spacious family crossover. Electric versions of the wildly popular Juke and Qashqai models are also set for Europe by 2026, using advanced platforms. Nissan also aims to reduce production costs for EVs by 30% by 2030, making them as affordable as petrol cars - thanks to the use of modular manufacturing, integrated powertrains and battery innovations. Nissan's Formula E racing team is also helping to develop tech for future high-performance electric cars under their famous Nismo division, potentially also influencing road car designs. Sun Motors supremo Rob Gill recently took the new Micra on a road test and said it proves the small car isn't dead, with the latest iteration a million miles better than old ones.
Auto Express
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Hatchbacks are cool again! Young drivers see SUVs as cars for old people
A recent early viewing of an updated model provoked an interesting chat about the future of different bodystyles. We all know that SUVs have come to dominate the car market recently, with drivers loving their higher driving positions, butch looks – which hint at an active lifestyle that may, or may not, exist – and the perceived safety they offer. Advertisement - Article continues below SUVs have plenty of critics, though, and have been an easy target for people who don't like the idea of a rugged-looking vehicle that never leaves the city, and object to a body that is likely to be heavier, less efficient and more harmful to anything it hits than that of a traditional car. However, some believe the hatchback is far from dead. The move to crossovers and SUVs has hammered sales of traditional mid-sized five-door cars, to the point where the curtain is coming down later this year on the once-dominant Ford Focus. The Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia, Peugeot 308, Vauxhall Astra and others do still exist, of course, but only the Golf troubled the sharp end of the UK sales chart last year, with eight of the top 10 sellers being SUVs of some sort. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Thinking of buying a car? Our Find a Car service has over 45,000 used cars in stock , with everything from superminis to supercars - all at a great price. Check it our now. The product boss I was chatting to mused that, far from hatchback cars being in terminal decline, their lower-slung profile and more compact footprint could be key to their resurgence in the coming years. 'Younger people like them because they see SUVs as the cars of their parents, so it could come full circle,' she told me. In effect, the humble hatch could become cool again, because young drivers want something different to what their uncool parents have! Which is ironic when SUVs killed off family MPVs such as the Ford C-MAX, Citroen C4 Picasso et al by offering a trendier and less boxy alternative that still provided space and practicality. Hatchbacks are more efficient too, and their smaller bodies use less material to produce, which could also be important considerations for the future's potentially more eco-conscious buyer. Maybe they could morph into a new type of car that's slightly taller than before – as we move to electric cars, the batteries have to be housed somewhere – but still lower and less of a family wagon than an SUV. So maybe the hatchback sector is set for a major turnaround, and in a tale as old as time, a revival will be built on the next generation making sure they don't turn into their parents! Click here for our list of the best-selling cars in the UK ... Find a car with the experts Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra slash electric car prices Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra slash electric car prices Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra aren't waiting around for the government grant by cutting £1,500 from their EV prices Car Deal of the Day: MGS5 EV for under £200 a month is a true bargain Car Deal of the Day: MGS5 EV for under £200 a month is a true bargain The ZS EV's replacement is an excellent small electric SUV, and our Deal of the Day for August 4 How green is an EV? BMW reveals the surprise truth about EV vs ICE carbon footprints How green is an EV? BMW reveals the surprise truth about EV vs ICE carbon footprints The new BMW iX3 will have less of a carbon footprint than the petrol-powered X3 after just 12,428 miles of driving
Auto Car
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
New-look 2025 Honda Civic revealed as orders open at £34k
Honda has given the Civic a new face in a round of mid-life updates for the hybrid hatchback. The company says its Volkswagen Golf rival has been "refined in response to customer feedback", with the front end reworked for a "more assertive" look. The upper and lower grilles have been sharpened and accentuated by their contrasting black gloss finishes, while the bumper has been restyled with "bolder character lines". There's a new colour-coded front spoiler and the front foglights have been removed in line with the cleaner treatment. Honda said the Civic's LED headlights can "ensure optimal visibility is maintained" in foggy conditions, making the separate foglights redundant. Elsewhere, there's a new 18in wheel design available on selected trim levels, a new blue paint option and some exterior accessories can be finished in black, silver or bronze. The Civic's interior has been largely left untouched, but all trims now come with a "more premium" black finish for the roof and pillars, together with matt chrome air-vent surrounds. Top-spec Advance cars now come with illuminated footwells, while mid-rung Sport now gets a heated steering wheel and 10.2in digital display as standard. All versions have a wireless phone charger. The new Civic is on sale from today (1 August), priced from £33,795 in entry-level Elegance trim - slotting it neatly in between the entry-level Toyota Corolla hybrid, at £30,795, and the cheapest Volkswagen Golf hybrid, which is £36,420. Mid-rung Sport trim bumps the Civic up to £35,395 and the range-topping Advance costs £38,695. The Civic Type R hot hatch is no longer on the price list, having bowed out of Europe as the limited-run Ultimate Edition.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2026 IMPREZA
Sixth-generation Impreza with sporty 5-door hatchback design and standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Impreza RS trim level now equipped with newly refined 2.5-liter, 180-hp SUBARU BOXER® engine Standard Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility Equipped with the latest version of Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology Newly available Citron Yellow Pearl premium paint option Starting price at $26,595 MSRP CAMDEN, N.J., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced pricing today on the 2026 Subaru Impreza hatchback. The sixth-generation compact hatchback features impressive styling, upgraded safety features, and a standard Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system. For 2026, the Subaru Impreza RS boasts a revised 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine making 180 horsepower, exclusive 18-inch wheels, and unique interior and exterior accents. The 2026 Subaru Impreza is offered in Sport and RS trim levels, exclusively as a 5-door hatchback, to emphasize the vehicle's versatility, capability, and sportiness. Citron Yellow Pearl is now available as a premium paint option for all trim levels to complement new black rear badging. Last year's Impreza Base trim level has been discontinued. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on all trim levels. The 2026 Subaru Impreza will begin arriving at retailers this fall. The Subaru Impreza Sport is equipped with a 2.0-liter, direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 152 hp and 145 pound-feet of torque. The Subaru Impreza RS upgrades to a 2.5-liter BOXER® engine with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, which makes more torque available for better responsiveness at lower RPM. Standard on all trim levels is a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT). The 2026 Subaru Impreza features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters with 8-speed manual mode, allowing drivers to shift among eight preset ratios. Underpinning the compact hatchback is the Subaru Global Platform, which offers 10% higher torsional rigidity than the last-generation Subaru Impreza. Full inner-frame construction and additional structural adhesive (from approximately 26.2 feet to approximately 88.5 feet) contribute to better body rigidity and lighter weight. These updates deliver improved dynamic performance, a smoother ride, and a quieter cabin. New for 2026, the Subaru Impreza is now equipped with Auto Vehicle Shutdown, which turns off the engine after 30 minutes of idling to reduce fuel consumption and prevent the engine from being left on accidentally. Standard on all 2026 Subaru Impreza models is the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. New for 2026, Emergency Lane Keep Assist is included on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The safety feature works with EyeSight® and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control depending on traffic in adjacent lanes to help avoid crashes when merging at speeds between approximately 37 and 90 mph. 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport Starting at $26,595 MSRP, the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport features an impressive array of standard equipment, including EyeSight® Driver Assistance Technology and Subaru 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system with six speakers, SiriusXM with 360L (4-month free trial subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link® (4-month free trial subscription), wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, SI-DRIVE engine performance management system, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. On the outside, the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels in dark gray machine finish and includes LED fog lights and LED steering-responsive headlights. Standard crossbar mounting points add to the hatchback's versatility. The interior features premium black sport cloth upholstery with red stitching, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Welcome Lighting. Up front, the 2026 Subaru Impreza features a 4.2-inch LCD combination meter display, 12-volt power outlet, and illuminated USB-A and USB-C input/charging ports in the center console. The functional, 60/40-split folding second row includes a rear seat armrest with dual cupholders for passengers when upright. An option package with Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, newly added Emergency Lane Keep Assist, All-Weather Package, and Power Moonroof is available for $1,900 MSRP. 2026 Subaru Impreza RS Returning this year after its introduction for the 2024 model year, the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS upgrades to a revised 2.5-liter BOXER® engine paired with a Lineartronic® CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters. The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS is priced from $29,495 MSRP. Building on features found in the Subaru Impreza Sport, the RS trim level adds an All-Weather Package, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and newly added Emergency Lane Keep Assist. The Subaru Impreza RS offers signature interior and exterior elements, including "RS" badging on the front doors and rear hatch; 18-inch alloy wheels in dark gray finish; black finish on the front grille, side spoilers, and side mirrors; and upgraded LED headlights. Inside, the Subaru Impreza RS stands out with unique interior trim accents in gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber, as well as supportive sport front seats in black cloth with red cloth bolsters, and RS-branded carpeted floormats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter are also included, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, wireless phone charger, and illuminated USB-A and USB-C charging ports in the rear center console are exclusive to the Subaru Impreza RS. A retractable cargo area cover adds privacy to the hatchback's cargo area. An option package for the Subaru Impreza RS adds a Harman Kardon® 10-speaker system with 432-watt equivalent amplifier, Power Moonroof, and 10-way power-adjustable front seat with lumbar support for $2,070 MSRP. The 2026 Subaru Impreza is assembled in Gunma, Japan, and will begin arriving at Subaru retailers this fall. 2026 Subaru Impreza Model/Trim Transmission ApplicableOption MSRP MSRP plusDestination andDelivery ($1,195)[i] Impreza Sport CVT 21, 23 $26,595 $27,790 Impreza RS CVT 31, 33 $29,495 $30,690 2026 Impreza Option Packages Code Description MSRP 21, 31 Standard Model N/A 23 Blind-Spot Detection with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, All-Weather Package, Power Moonroof, Illuminated Vanity Mirrors $1,900 33 Harman Kardon® Audio, Power Moonroof, Power Driver Seat $2,070Citron Yellow Pearl Premium Paint $395 Destination & Delivery is $1,195 for Impreza and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,345 for retailers in Alaska. About Subaru of America, of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Aaron ColeProduct Communications Manager856.488.3697acole1@ Miranda JimenezProduct Communications Specialist856.438.2820mjimen@ Karley DowdyProduct Communications Specialistkdowdy@ 856.488.8527 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
