For first-time car buyers looking for a new hatchback (sub R130 000), emphasis should be placed on affordability, reliability and fuel efficiency. Here are our Top 5 picks of the best entry-level B-segment hatchbacks.

Toyota Etios 1.5 Xs Hatch

Due to its uninspired design, the Etios can be considered the ugly duckling in this comparison, but Toyota's legendary build quality and reliability might just turn it into a small car swan.

The second best-selling car in South Africa during February costs R121 000, which nets buyers a fair amount of standard features including EBD (Electronic brake-force distribution), electric power steering and remote control central locking. Unfortunately, as with the styling, the Japanese powerplant of the Etios is a bit undercooked, with a 1.5 litre (biggest capacity engine in this comparison) delivering only 66 kW at 5600 RPM and 132 Nm of torque at 3000 RPM.

Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente

The Figo is primarily aimed at younger, first time car buyers and as a result it retails for an affordable R120 484, while offering plenty of standard kit including dual airbags, air-conditioning radio/CD audio system, power steering, ABS with EBD, and key operated central locking.

Some of the more upmarket features we want, such as Ford Sync, the Blue Oval's in-vehicle infotainment system that offers Bluetooth music streaming, did not get the green light on the Figo though. Its 1388 cc Duratec petrol engine only churns out 62 kW at 6000 RPM and 127 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. Fuel usage figures are a claimed 6.6 litres per 100 km.

Hyundai i10 1.25 Fluid Manual

Hyundai's designers have impressed us of late, but we find the look of the i10 a bit too bland and safe. The i10 does, however, make for a reliable and practical little car, offering a claimed sub-5 litres per 100 km fuel usage on a combined cycle, and a 5 year or 150 000 km warranty.

Like the design, the performance of the 1248 cc four cylinder motor is uninspiring, delivering a so-so 64 kW at 6000 RPM and 119 Nm at 4000 RPM. The i10 retails for R119 900, landing buyers plenty of standard kit such as an in-car sound system, aircon and as well as passenger and driver airbags.

VW Polo Vivo 1.4

At a recommended retail price of R123 100, the Polo Vivo is only the second most expensive car in this comparison, but its Achilles' heel is a lack of standard options. Gone are the ABS braking (R2 040) and radio/CD sound system (R3 200) as found on the other vehicles, but luckily you do receive air-conditioning, airbags and power steering.

In February, the Vivo was the best-selling passenger car in SA, so this should equate to some excellent resale value come trade-in time. Finally, the 1.4 litre four cylinder engine can deliver a claimed 6.2 litres of fuel usage per 100 km.

Kia Picanto 1.2 EX manual

On this list, at an RRP of R127 995, the Kia will put the biggest dent in your bank account. However, as with the i10, it is kitted out with plenty of spec-bang to match its pricetag, including Bluetooth connectivity. The Picanto's 1248 cc DOHC inline four cylinder motor produces 65 kW at 6000 RPM and 120 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM, with this powerplant good for six litres per 100 km.

Although the equipment level and performance of the Picanto matches that of the i10, this vehicle does come wrapped up in a far more easy-on-the-eye package than either the i10 and Polo Vivo. Beyond its design, the Picanto's interior and ride quality punches above its lower B-segment weight division, helping it reach the pinnacle of our list of lower B-segment hatchbacks. [HD]