Top 10 Affordable Hot Hatchbacks You Can Buy For Under RM35,000

If you want a small car and big smiles on a budget, then go for a hot hatchback. Not only will the best cars in this category provide a heap of driving fun, they’ll be practical enough for you to use them every day. These are Weekend Octane top picks;

MINI One (R50)
The entry-level MINI One with 90bhp using the 1.6-litre Tritec motor is one of the cheeky-est car you can buy today. The cheapest unit we found on carlist.my , a 2007 MINI One 1.6 (A) is listed for only RM33,000. Sharp steering and playful handling were key highlights of the MINI. If you’re a motorhead, there’s a manual transmission but it is very rare these day.

BMW 1 Series (E87)
BMW 1-Series is now in Malaysia in both forms – 5-door and 3-door.  When it was first released, the 116i offers good performance and economy. Powered by 1.6-Litre engine, it produced approximate 120hp. It’s just about the almost perfect car – it’s rear-wheel drive, naturally-aspirated and sports a practical hatchback except that the BMW 1-series is the first to get an electric power steering and it’s just not good enough.

Ford Fiesta (Ecoboost S)
There were plenty issue with the early Fiesta 1.6 and in 2004 it was replaced by Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost. This Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS is an excellent car to drive in virtually every way. It’s light, agile, fun, responsive, refined, comfortable and efficient. Most importantly, it also has less problem too. Today, you can fine a decent unit for RM30,000 or less.

Honda Jazz (GE)
The second generation Honda Jazz was launched in 2007.With an even longer wheelbase than its predecessor, it is longer and wider in overall size. There are two variants a 1.3-litre Hybrid and 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a maximum output of 118hp. The Jazz is one of the more comfortable cars in the small car class. While it is not particularly fun to drive (compare to the Ford Fiesta or MINI One) it’s safe and predictable, and perfectly pleasant to steer around at moderate speeds.

Mazda 3 (BK)
Mazda 3 has a long history being a small car. The 3 replaced the highly regarded 323 in the old range. When it was released, at first glance the 3 was unmistakably new, from top to bottom, bumper to bumper. Mazda offered the 3 in two engines 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre. It is almost a 20 years old car today, buying one would generally cause their owners little concern; they are robust and reliable. The only complaint that is regularly aired by owners is the level of road noise that is audible in the cabin.

Toyota Yaris (XP90)
Reliable and economical, the subcompact Yaris is Toyota’s least expensive car. Powered by a 1.5-litre engine, fuel economy is excellent in overall even when compared to modern cars today. The Toyota Yaris is a perfect small car to drive around the city. The only downside, it is not a very large car, tall passenger might have problem at the rear seats.

Suzuki Swift Sport (ZC31)
The complete redesigned Suzuki Swift launched in 2004 was a big hit around the world. It has various specs including a performance Suzuki Swift Sport. The High Compression M16A 1.6-litre engine produces 125HP and 148Nm has a sportier bumper, stiffer suspension, twin exhaust and Recaro seats. In short, it’s really fun for most of the time. Our check on several websites, you can find a stock unit for under RM35,000

Perodua Kelisa
Dubbed the Mini Cooper of the east, the Perodua Kelisa was introduce into the country in 2002 as a replacement of the popular Kancil. The Kelisa is also one of the cheapest car in several countries including neighboring Singapore and United Kingdom. Available in two variants, 850cc and 1.0-litre engine, it has more than enough power to move the tiny box around the city. In essence, driving the Kelisa will spark joy.

Peugeot 208 Allure
Peugeot is treading a brave path by aiming its 208 at the likes of MINI. Powered by a 1.6 VTi engine, it is decent with enough pulling power of 122hp and 160Nm. The 208 has its plus points, especially the way it looks and the quality feel of the interior. However, it’s way too compromised in too many other areas to trouble the class-leaders. If you’re not totally sold on the 208’s styling, we’d advise you to look elsewhere. You can get a 2014 Peugeot 208 1.6 CTi Allure (A) for just under RM25,000 today.

Kia Picanto
The second generation Kia Picanto is a complete remodeled and was launched in Malaysia since 2011. The five-door hatch is powered by a 1.2-litre engine, offering approximate 80HP and 111Nm, mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Picanto is surprisingly fun to drive, stable road manners, gets great fuel mileage, and boasts a well-built interior. With all elements at play, you get a likeable little car that offers a splash of sportiness. The only downside to the Kia Picanto is its 4-speed automatic gearbox which are great for the city but not on interstate highways.