Small hatchback cars are the chameleons of the automotive world, seamlessly blending the maneuverability of a compact car with the surprising cargo capacity and versatility of a larger vehicle. For drivers seeking practicality without sacrificing city-friendly dimensions, the hatchback configuration offers a compelling solution. These vehicles maximize interior space within a small footprint, providing ample room for passengers and cargo, often exceeding the trunk space found in traditional sedans. The added benefit of a fold-down rear seat further amplifies their utility, creating a cavernous area capable of handling everything from grocery runs to weekend getaways. In the “small” car category, we’re focusing on subcompact and smaller models, ensuring these hatchbacks are truly nimble and efficient for urban environments. Let’s explore some of the standout Hatchback Small Cars from the 2015 model year, presented in reverse alphabetical order.
Toyota Yaris
The 2015 Toyota Yaris makes a strong case for itself in the hatchback small cars segment, offering both three-door and five-door configurations to suit different needs. While both body styles maintain the same compact length, the five-door Yaris edges out the three-door slightly in cargo volume with the rear seats up, offering 15.5 cubic feet compared to 15.3 cubic feet. Although detailed cargo specs with the rear seats folded down are less readily available, the Yaris is known for its practical interior. The 2015 model year brought a refreshing update to the Yaris’ design, showcasing a more streamlined and aerodynamic exterior. Inside, the cabin received a welcome upgrade with more premium soft-touch materials and the inclusion of standard Entune audio, which can be further enhanced with Toyota’s navigation system. This blend of practicality and updated styling positions the Toyota Yaris as a solid choice for those seeking reliable and efficient hatchback small cars.
Nissan Versa Note
For those prioritizing cargo space in hatchback small cars, the 2015 Nissan Versa Note stands out. Serving as the hatchback counterpart to the value-oriented Versa sedan, the Versa Note truly emphasizes versatility. With an impressive 18.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and expanding to 38.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, it significantly outpaces the Versa sedan’s maximum trunk volume of 14.9 cubic feet. Nissan further enhances practicality with the available “Divide-N-Hide” adjustable floor, allowing owners to customize and secure their belongings more effectively. In 2015, Nissan introduced the sporty SR edition, injecting an athletic flair into the hatchback with unique front and rear fascias, a distinctive front grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, and interior upgrades. This combination of generous cargo space and available sporty styling makes the Nissan Versa Note a compelling option within the hatchback small cars category.
Nissan Versa Note showcasing its hatchback design
MINI Hardtop 2 Door
When considering hatchback small cars that deliver a fun driving experience, the 2015 MINI Hardtop 2 Door rises to the top. Even the base model benefits from BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology, featuring a sophisticated three-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, earning it a “10 Best Engines” award from WardsAuto. This energetic performance is complemented by a range of premium infotainment and technology features. The MINI Wired Package, in particular, is a highlight, offering an 8.8-inch high-definition display, the MINI Connected XL system, navigation, and enhanced Bluetooth capabilities. While its cargo space is more modest compared to some competitors, offering 8.7 cubic feet that expands to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, the 2015 MINI Hardtop 2 Door prioritizes driving dynamics and premium features, appealing to those who seek a more engaging and stylish hatchback small car.
Mazda Mazda2 (Anticipated 2016 Model)
While not officially released in the US as a 2015 model, the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 is a highly anticipated entrant in the hatchback small cars segment. Projected to bring Mazda’s signature technologies to the subcompact class, the Mazda2 promises to incorporate Skyactiv powertrain and chassis technologies, the Mazda Connect infotainment system, and Activsense proactive safety features. Globally, the next-generation Mazda2 is expected to offer a diesel engine and all-wheel drive, although their availability in the U.S. market remains unconfirmed. The anticipation surrounding the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 underscores Mazda’s commitment to delivering engaging and technologically advanced hatchback small cars.
Kia Rio 5-Door
The 2015 Kia Rio 5-Door distinguishes itself in the hatchback small cars market by offering both hatchback and sedan versions at the same starting price. Unlike some competitors, Kia doesn’t charge a premium for the added practicality of a hatchback. The Rio 5-Door delivers a substantial cargo advantage over its sedan counterpart, providing 15 cubic feet of space behind the second row and expanding to 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In contrast, the Rio sedan offers a maximum trunk space of 13.7 cubic feet. This cargo versatility is even more impressive considering the Rio 5-Door, at 159.3 inches in length, is significantly shorter than the Rio sedan. The 2015 Kia Rio 5-Door presents a value-driven option for buyers seeking affordable and spacious hatchback small cars.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent has emerged as a strong contender in the hatchback small cars category. The Accent hatchback boasts impressive cargo capabilities, accommodating 47.5 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded down within its 172-inch length. Even with the rear seats upright, it provides a generous 24.1 cubic feet of rear cargo space, significantly more than the Accent sedan’s 13.7 cubic feet of trunk capacity. For the 2015 model year, both the hatchback and sedan versions received mid-cycle updates, including refreshed styling for the grilles, headlights, and taillights, redesigned wheel covers, updated interior fabric patterns, and new exterior color options. The 2015 Hyundai Accent hatchback offers a compelling blend of cargo space, updated styling, and value within the hatchback small cars segment.
Honda Fit
Often considered a benchmark in the hatchback small cars class, the 2015 Honda Fit arrived with a new, next-generation design. This iteration of the Fit is not only more powerful and fuel-efficient than its predecessor but also further optimizes its hatchback design to enhance passenger volume by 4.9 cubic feet, all while reducing the overall length by 1.6 inches. A standout feature of the Fit is its “Magic Seat,” a uniquely designed system that allows for multiple seating and cargo configurations. Depending on the configuration, owners can accommodate items up to 7 feet, 9 inches long or nearly 4 feet tall, achieving a maximum cargo volume of 52.7 cubic feet. The 2015 Honda Fit also earned recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a 5-star overall safety performer from NHTSA, solidifying its position as a top choice for practical and safe hatchback small cars.
Ford Fiesta
The 2015 Ford Fiesta is available in both hatchback and sedan body styles, but the hatchback configuration offers a significant cargo advantage despite being shorter overall. While the sedan provides 12.8 cubic feet of trunk space, the Fiesta five-door hatchback boasts 14.9 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 25.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. For drivers seeking enhanced performance in hatchback small cars, the Fiesta ST is a standout option. Powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, it delivers 197 horsepower and 202 lb.-ft. of torque, exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Despite its performance capabilities, the Fiesta ST still achieves respectable EPA fuel economy ratings. The 2015 Ford Fiesta, particularly in its ST trim, caters to those seeking a fun-to-drive and practical hatchback small car.
FIAT 500
Bringing Italian style to the hatchback small cars segment, the 2015 FIAT 500 is characterized by its distinctive and fashionable design. The 2015 model year introduced three new eye-catching exterior colors: Giallo Moderna Pearl (Modern Pearl Yellow), Laser Blu (Bright Metallic Blue), and Billet Argento (Billet Silver). Premium features include available Beats audio, BLUE&ME hands-free communication technology, a turbocharged engine option, various special editions, and a redesigned instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition color display. The Fiat 500’s compact dimensions, measuring just 139.6 inches in length, contribute to its agile handling. It offers 9.5 cubic feet of rear luggage space, expanding to 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The 2015 FIAT 500 appeals to buyers who prioritize style and nimble handling in their hatchback small cars. (Note: The cabriolet version, while available, leans more towards a trunk than a traditional hatchback in terms of cargo access).
Chevrolet Spark
The 2015 Chevrolet Spark exemplifies the hatchback advantage in a truly compact package. Despite being only 144.7 inches long, the Spark offers up to 31.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 11.4 cubic feet with all seats in use. Beyond its cargo capacity, the Spark was among the first Chevrolet models to offer OnStar 4G LTE technology for the 2015 model year, providing advanced connectivity and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Spark also stood out as the only car in its class to achieve a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and offered a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2015 Chevrolet Spark is a compelling choice for those prioritizing safety, connectivity, and maximizing space in the most diminutive of hatchback small cars.
