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Can a hatchback replace the wagon? Some of the best for your family

The humble wagon is a relic of a bygone age. Can a zippy new hatchback replace it - and then some? We find out.

Children in car
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This article is brought to you by Savvy Finance.

When we see big, clunky wagons on the road, we may assume it’s a “kid carrier,” the vehicle to cart the little-ones around (and their various bits of equipment for sports and activities). Wagons are long, difficult to park and a nuisance to maintain. Can a large to medium hatchback replace the humble family wagon? We think the five-door variations definitely can – so we spoke to Bill Tsouvalas, CEO at Savvy Finance, Australia’s leading car finance institution to come up with the list for you to consider over a big old (and considerably more expensive) wagon.

FORD FIESTA SPORT

A good balance of performance, comfort and roominess, the Ford Fiesta Sport is the first ‘wagon killer’ on the list. It’s powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo EcoBoost engine. Even if you’re not a petrolhead, you’ll agree that’s small. But it pulls well low in the revs, bolstered by smooth steering and handling. Cabin space and storage is ample, too.

Ford Fiesta
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HOLDEN BARINA RS

The Barina RS features a MyLink entertainment system, perfect for the kids on long trips. It’s much more spacious than the Fiesta, being taller, longer and wider. The Barina also features a double glovebox, cup holders and front seat heating. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, perfect for city driving, revs it up. Though you will have to get used to some mushy controls, though. This could prove a decent stopgap until the re-introduction of the Opel (rebranded now as Holden) Astra hatch next year.

Holden Barina RS
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 92TSI COMFORTLINE

A step down in length from the bulky Volkswagen Golf R wagon, the 1.4-litre turbochargedfour-cylinder puts out a handy 92kW and 200Nm, which is more than enough for the suburbs. It boasts a big high resolution 6.5-inch touchscreen display, controlling the satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functions. It’s not the biggest hatch on the market, but the inside is far roomier than the outside suggests.

Volkswagen Golf
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TOYOTA PRIUS C I-TECH

Feel like going green? (Or rather, saving money on fuel?) Packed with storage and features such as an infotainment system and enhanced ride comfort, the i-Tech is the updated – and cheaper – version of the original Prius C released earlier this year. The petrol engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder outputting 54kW, teamed up with a 45kW electric motor and nickel-metal-hydride battery. The best part? Toyota claims it only uses 3.9L/100km combined.

Toyota Prius C I-Tech
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MAZDA 3

Australia’s fourth most popular new vehicle, the Mazda 3 has improved its safety equipment, cabin space and dashboard for easier USB charging and steering. A 2.0-litre inline-four cylinders pumps out 114kW, which is more than enough grunt for driving around the suburbs. Couple it with its unique G-Vectoring system that helps smooth out steering, and the handling is that much more exciting. The cabin is also a winner, rivalling some of the larger (and more expensive) cars in its class.

Mazda 3
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