Top 10 Best-Selling C-Segment Cars of 2022

Hyundai Elantra debuted in early 2020 with a bold and innovative design. However, the most significant update for the 2021 model was the introduction of a new hybrid system, combining a 1.6L GDI Atkinson gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 1.32 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the rear seats. This hybrid system, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivers 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyundai hosted a virtual unveiling of the 2022 Elantra in California, which is now a common approach, seen with models like the 2022 Kia Sonet and Kia Sorento. The 7th generation Hyundai Elantra 2022 brings positive changes, including a more refined exterior and the addition of new entertainment and safety technologies. The updated Elantra is 56mm longer, 25mm wider, and 20mm lower than its predecessor, giving it a larger presence when compared to competitors like the 2022 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, KIA K3, and Mazda 3.

Key Features:

• Smooth handling: The Hyundai Elantra Sport, with its 204-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 265Nm of torque, offers a more agile driving experience. It comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the standard 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
• Independent multi-link rear suspension provides smooth handling. The specially designed exhaust system enhances driving excitement.
• One of the most stylish in its class: The Elantra's refined exterior features include a more rounded hood, narrower headlights, and sharper fog lights, giving it a sleek and premium look.
• Family-friendly design: The spacious cabin offers up to 914mm of rear legroom, making it a comfortable ride for families. Additionally, Hyundai has enhanced the soundproofing materials in the cabin for a quieter experience compared to its predecessor.
• Improved safety features: The new Elantra includes advanced safety features such as Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), a rearview camera, and tire pressure sensors.
• Updated infotainment system: The new Elantra features a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen with faster processing, and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi wireless charging for smartphones.

Price Reference: 769 million VND

Volkswagen Bora, established in 1937 by the German Labor Front, has grown into a major automotive group, acquiring many renowned global car brands. Alongside developing products for its subsidiaries, Volkswagen focuses on advancing its own VW brand, and has partnerships with Maserati and Jaguar Land Rover for distribution. The VW lineup includes everything from compact sedans to large vehicles, sports coupes, and crossovers/SUVs. In terms of driving performance, while the engine's 160 horsepower may seem average for a 2.0L engine, the Volkswagen Jetta's secret lies in its 240Nm of torque available as early as 1,500 rpm. This early torque delivery ensures quick acceleration, enabling the Jetta to reach 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds. The Jetta strikes a balance between affordability and luxury, offering German craftsmanship, spacious interiors, and solid performance, making it a C-segment car worth considering.

Key Features:

• While the Jetta's design and interior may impress, it is the driving performance that truly convinces buyers to invest in this car.
• Unlike many other C-segment sedans that use traditional 1.8L to 2.0L engines, the Volkswagen Jetta features a 1.4L turbocharged TSI engine with direct fuel injection, delivering 160 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.
• Despite the seemingly modest 160 horsepower, the Jetta's strong torque available at low rpm makes it an agile car, capable of rapid acceleration and reaching 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds from a standstill.
• The Jetta's throttle response is also exceptional, offering a smooth and quick acceleration, creating a relaxed driving experience, especially on the roads of Vietnam.
• While the Jetta can reach 120 km/h quickly, it may slow down slightly beyond that, a common trait in small-engine vehicles. However, for driving conditions in Vietnam, this performance is more than adequate.
• The responsive throttle and precise steering feedback make the Jetta an enjoyable car to drive, allowing drivers to quickly adapt to it and feel in control from the first drive.

Price Reference: 992 million VND

If you're a regular follower of the Chinese automotive market, you're probably familiar with the phenomenon of one car model being sold in two versions, each with a different name and design. A perfect example of this is the Toyota Corolla. In China, there are two versions of the Corolla, each produced by different joint ventures. One version carries the Toyota Corolla name and shares the same design as the Corolla Altis found in Southeast Asia. The other is the Levin, which follows the design of the Toyota Corolla sold in the United States. At the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show, Toyota unveiled a new version of the Levin, called the GT. This is essentially an extended version of the Toyota Levin currently available in China. The 2022 Toyota Corolla was officially revealed at the 2022 Shanghai Auto Show by Toyota's joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile. In the Chinese market, this differently styled version is named Toyota Levin.

Key Features:

• The new Toyota Levin features a redesigned front end with a larger octagonal grille, sharp-edged Bi-LED headlights, and an angular front bumper. The front fog lamp housing has been updated with new chrome details, and the LED fog lights are now located within the air intakes on either side of the bumper.
• At the rear, the Levin now sports LED taillights and a more robust, integrated rear bumper. Additionally, the standard 16-inch wheels have been replaced with 17-inch alloy rims.
• The interior remains largely unchanged, but now includes circular air conditioning vents at the corners of the dashboard. The steering wheel has been redesigned to integrate control buttons and HVAC controls, and the driver’s instrument cluster has also received a design update.
• The 2022 Toyota Levin offers two engine options: a 1.2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 116 horsepower and 185 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission; and a 1.8L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower, also available with a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission. This engine is supported by Toyota's new Smart Stop system to reduce fuel consumption. The CVT version of the 2022 Levin also includes a Sport mode.

Price Reference: 771 million VND

The Mercedes A200 has earned the prestigious title of “World’s Most Beautiful Car” as voted by the audience of EuroSport channel. The overall exterior design of the new A200 2022 generation marks a new step in Mercedes-Benz's ‘Sensual Purity’ philosophy. The standout feature of the Mercedes A200 2022 is its advanced front design, highlighted by a low hood, flat LED headlights, chrome accents, and integrated torch-shaped daytime running lights. With a wheelbase of 2,699 mm and ample headroom, the Mercedes A200 provides a comfortable cabin, fitting the standards of a Hatchback. The interior is upholstered in high-quality Artico leather and features a unique two-tone color scheme of Black and Crystal Grey, with a carbon-fiber pattern. The most striking feature is the air vents designed like jet engine turbines, adding a bold and dynamic feel to the car. The Mercedes A200 comes equipped with a remarkable infotainment system, including a 7-inch TFT color display resembling a tablet, CD player, MP3, Bluetooth interface, internet browsing, a card reader for GPS navigation, and satellite navigation. The car also features an automatic climate control system with air vents that enhance cabin cooling, ensuring comfort for passengers. Moreover, the adjustable 12-color ambient lighting adds a major plus to the Mercedes A200.

Key Features:

• The “Heart” of the Mercedes A200 2022 is a 1.6L, 4-cylinder, gasoline engine that delivers 156 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm.
• This power is paired with a 7-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, allowing the Mercedes A200 2022 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. The car is extremely fuel-efficient, consuming only 5.1 to 5.4 liters of fuel per 100 km.
• Standard safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist, Adaptive Braking with a hold function, Adaptive Brake Lights that flash when braking at high speed, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Tire Pressure Warning System.

Price Reference: 1.339 billion VND

The Volkswagen Sagitar is a model specifically designed for the Chinese market, much like the Bora, and is produced by the FAW-VW joint venture. Based on the 5th-generation Volkswagen Jetta, the Sagitar sits between the Bora and Passat in Volkswagen's lineup in China. Unlike many other cars in the C-segment, which typically use engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.0L, the Volkswagen Jetta uses a turbocharged 1.4L TSI engine with direct fuel injection. This engine delivers 160 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.

Key Features:

• If the exterior and interior design aren't enough to convince you, the performance of the car is what truly drives people to make a purchase. Unlike other cars in the C-segment, which often feature engines from 1.8 to 2.0L, the Volkswagen Jetta uses a turbocharged 1.4L TSI engine with direct fuel injection. This engine produces 160 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and delivers a peak torque of 240 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.
• Looking only at the horsepower, many may be disappointed by the 160 horsepower, which is a number that many 2.0L engines in other common cars can easily achieve. However, the true strength of the Volkswagen Jetta lies in its peak torque of 240 Nm, which is available from a low 1,500 rpm. This high torque at low RPM allows the Jetta to respond well to the accelerator, making it quick off the line and capable of reaching 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds from a standstill.
• Another highlight of the Jetta is its quick throttle response, meaning that the car accelerates exactly as you press the pedal, creating a comfortable and intuitive driving experience, especially on Vietnam's roads.
• The Volkswagen Jetta can quickly reach 120 km/h, but it starts to slow down slightly above that speed, which is a typical characteristic of smaller engines. However, this level of performance is more than adequate for the driving conditions in Vietnam.
• The sensitive accelerator and precise steering feedback provide an enjoyable driving experience, allowing drivers to quickly get used to the car from the very first drive and feel in full control.

Price Reference: 1 billion VND

The Mazda 3 received a major update last year, introducing significant improvements. The most notable is the 2.5 Turbo version, priced almost 1.5 times higher than the standard model, equipped with a 2.0L engine. The Japanese brand has enhanced its best-selling Mazda 3 with a more dynamic, modern, and stylish appearance, without losing the elegance of its KODO – Soul of Motion design language. Every exterior detail has been carefully crafted to highlight movement when the car is in motion. Inside, the cabin exudes sophistication and clarity with an intuitive, organized layout. The seats offer exceptional comfort, especially the driver's seat, which features electric adjustments for easy customization. While the Mazda 3 has continuously improved over generations, certain flaws still remain.

Key Features:

The safety system in the 4th generation Mazda 3 has been significantly enhanced with the addition of the i-Activesense suite from the CX-8, which includes advanced features like:

• Lane-keeping assist.
• Lane departure warning (ABSM).
• Smart brake assist.
• Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• 360-degree camera.
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).
• Automatic emergency braking (SCBS-R).
• The previous 1.5L engine has been replaced with a 2.0L SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder petrol engine in both Sedan and Hatchback variants, delivering 165 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
• Notably, the i-Activ AWD system is available on the highest trim, offering a flexible power distribution between both axles, improving performance. If implemented in Mazda Vietnam, it could revolutionize the market, as most competitors still use front-wheel drive.
• The G-Vectoring system has been upgraded to G-Vectoring Plus, enhancing stability during turns and straight-line driving, contributing to better safety.
• According to Mazda Thailand, the Mazda 3 2022 has a fuel efficiency of 6.3L/100km.

Price Reference: 850 million VND

The Audi A3 first debuted in 1996 from the renowned German automaker and is recognized as Audi's first premium compact model. The Audi A3 2022 belongs to the fourth generation. This car strikes a perfect balance between classic elegance and modern appeal, aimed at younger audiences. With its powerful yet refined athletic design, Audi A3 has become an icon. Both its exterior styling and engine performance have received widespread acclaim.

Key Features:

• Performance and Safety: The Audi A3 2022 incorporates shift-by-wire technology, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal and expanding the cabin's space. It features front-wheel drive.
• The Audi A3 Sportback 2022 offers three engine options: a 1.5L TFSI petrol engine with 150 horsepower, a 2.0L diesel engine with 116 horsepower, and a 2.0L diesel engine with 150 horsepower. Additionally, Audi provides a 2.5L five-cylinder engine from the RS3, producing 400 horsepower.
• The Audi A3 Sedan 2022 is available in two variants: a TFSI petrol engine and a TDI diesel engine.
• The 35 TFSI version features a 1.5L turbocharged engine with 148 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission.
• The 35 TFSI version also offers a 1.5L turbocharged engine with 148 horsepower, a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 48V mild-hybrid system.
• The TDI turbo diesel version includes a 2.0L engine with 148 horsepower and a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission.
• Driver-assist systems available in the Audi A3 2022 include front sensors, adaptive cruise control, optimization mode, and collision warnings when opening the door.

Price Reference: The Audi A3 Sportback comes in two versions with the following prices (including VAT):

• Audi A3 Sportback 1.4L: 1.52 billion VND
• Audi A3 Sportback 1.0L: 1.55 billion VND

On March 9th, Toyota Vietnam launched the new generation of the C-segment sedan, Corolla Altis 2022. Built on the new TNGA platform, this model was introduced globally in 2018. The new Altis features a refreshed design with a large grille similar to the Camry, elegant headlights seamlessly connected to the logo with chrome accents for a unified look. Overall, the car feels much younger, although it doesn't quite exude the bold character seen in competitors like the Civic, K3, Mazda3, or Elantra. The sedan comes in three variants: 1.8G priced at 719 million VND, 1.8V at 765 million VND, and the most expensive hybrid model, the 1.8HV, at 860 million VND (an additional 8 million VND for pearl white). All three variants are equipped with LED headlights, featuring adjustable height. The 12th generation of Corolla Altis offers a more dynamic and robust design with a comfortable interior, advanced safety technology (TSS2), and exceptional driving performance, thanks to the new TNGA chassis. The Hybrid version promises a greener and eco-friendly driving experience. The Toyota Corolla Altis is available nationwide at Toyota dealerships from today, March 9, 2022. As of August 2021, after 55 years, Toyota Corolla achieved an impressive milestone of 50 million units sold worldwide, making it the most successful Toyota model and one of the best-selling cars in the world. An interesting fact is that for every five Toyotas produced, one is a Corolla. In Vietnam, since its debut in 1996, over 80,000 Corolla vehicles have been sold. With its glorious history and customer reception, the Corolla Altis has become a legendary product for Toyota globally, as well as in Vietnam. During the online launch, Mr. Keisuke Tokunaga, Sales and Service Director at Toyota Vietnam, shared: “Today, I’m delighted to introduce the Toyota Corolla Altis, 12th generation. A versatile car that allows owners to express their unique personality while maintaining a sophisticated look. In any situation, the owner of the Corolla Altis will perform at their best. With its enhanced features and advanced technology, Corolla Altis offers a breakthrough image and a thrilling driving experience. Let’s explore and feel this in every movement of the new Corolla Altis.”

The Honda Civic was originally a B-segment urban car but has evolved into a C-segment vehicle since 2000. It sits between the Honda City and Honda Accord in Honda's lineup. The newly updated Honda Civic is imported from Thailand and available in three variants: Civic E 1.8L CVT, Civic G 1.8L, and Civic RS 1.5L Turbo CVT. In Vietnam, the Civic competes in the C-segment sedan category against local models like the Toyota Altis, Mazda 3, Kia Cerato, and Hyundai Elantra. The Honda Civic attracts buyers with its sporty coupe-like design, responsive handling, high practicality, and the reliable Honda brand. Some drawbacks include its higher price, noisy tires, and missing features. The 11th generation Honda Civic was first unveiled globally in the U.S. in April 2021 and in Southeast Asia in August 2021, quickly gaining popularity. It has since earned several prestigious awards, including North American Car of the Year 2022, Top 10 Best Interiors 2021, Top 10 Best Driving Experiences 2021, and the “Top Safety Pick+” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This model has garnered significant attention from Vietnamese customers. The 11th-generation design focuses on creating an exciting driving experience based on Honda’s core value of “putting people first.” Honda aims to provide customers with a fresh and thrilling experience in the all-new Civic.

Key Highlights:

• A bold and sporty design with stylish alloy wheels and striking red interior accents. The low-slung, supportive seats help keep passengers stable during high-speed driving, with excellent steering response across various speeds. The firm and stable suspension system enhances handling.
• The 1.5L turbocharged engine offers powerful acceleration, making it competitive within the C-segment. It maintains stability during sharp turns, providing a secure driving experience.
• Equipped with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a Sport mode for driving enthusiasts. It also features various automatic functions such as auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding mirrors, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality.
• The rear seats offer generous legroom and headspace. The remote start function helps cool the cabin when the car is parked under the sun, keeping the doors locked for safety. To activate, press the lock button twice, followed by the remote start button. Once inside, unlock the doors and press the brake to restart the engine for safe operation.
• The Honda Civic RS stands out as the sportiest model in the C-segment sedan category, offering a thrilling driving experience for younger drivers. Its features are also practical for daily use.

Price Reference:

• Honda Civic E: 730 million VND
• Honda Civic G: 770 million VND
• Honda Civic RS: 870 million VND

Recently, Volkswagen introduced the VW Golf TGI, featuring a new compressed natural gas (CNG) engine. This move aligns with the brand's natural gas strategy. Back in 2013, Volkswagen had also launched the Golf Variant TGI equipped with a CNG engine and BlueMotion technology. The latest Golf TGI offers several improvements, such as the use of compressed air in its engine instead of gasoline or diesel. This means the pistons are driven by air pressure rather than combustion, offering a cleaner alternative. Despite the hatchback segment losing ground to crossovers, Volkswagen continues to place significant trust in the 2022 Golf, which boasts notable changes in design, technology, powertrains, and safety. The Volkswagen Golf, the best-selling C-segment hatchback in Volkswagen's history for the past four decades, enters its eighth generation, making its grand debut in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Key Features:

• The 2022 Golf is built on a new chassis with overall dimensions of 4284 x 1789 x 1456 mm. While it's longer, the car sits lower compared to its predecessor.
• The first major improvement is the lowered front end, which reduces air drag. The car now boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.275cd, enhancing acceleration performance.
• Even though the Golf is a mainstream vehicle, Volkswagen went all out by adding the IQ Light matrix LED headlights, which can adjust to avoid blinding oncoming drivers, improving safety.
• The front grille has been streamlined to match the iconic Volkswagen logo. The new daytime running lights feature a horizontal LED strip combined with sharp, hook-shaped LEDs, giving the front a more dynamic look.
• The side profile of the Volkswagen Golf 2022 looks stronger and more athletic, thanks to prominent lines running through the entire body. The side mirrors and door handles are color-matched to the body for a sleek, unified look.
• Notably, the steering wheel has a new 4-spoke design that mimics a spinning wheel. It is available in two sizes: 16 inches or 17 inches.
• The rear of the car has been sculpted to look more angular, with new horizontal taillights and striking parallel LED strips.
• The rear window is now smaller, and the dual exhaust outlets are purely decorative, with a shiny chrome trim linking them to the rear bumper.
• Inside the cabin, the extended wheelbase increases space, with a 20 mm longer distance between the axles, offering more room. The 8th-generation Golf also features customizable ambient lighting with 10-32 color options.
• The dashboard introduces a high-tech experience with two 8.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, which can be upgraded to 10 inches. Though they are separate, the design gives the impression of a seamless interface. The dashboard surface is thinner, with metallic trims stretching across the sides.
• The multifunction, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel is enhanced with metal accents, and while the bottom is flat, it’s not as pronounced as in sports cars.
• Designed for four passengers, the rear seats are suitable for two adults, while seating three could feel cramped.
• The air conditioning system, featuring the Climatronic automatic climate control, cools the cabin quickly and efficiently.
• The 2022 Volkswagen Golf offers the most engine options, with five configurations, including hybrid-electric variants. Among these, two plug-in hybrid versions allow the car to travel up to 60 km without the internal combustion engine.
• Internal combustion engines use either gasoline or diesel, both turbocharged and direct fuel injection. These engines deliver power ranging from 88 to 295 horsepower.
• In addition to the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 6-speed DSG, the 2022 Golf also offers a 6-speed manual transmission for front-wheel-drive models to reduce CO2 emissions.

Price Reference:

• Volkswagen Golf GTI S: From 29,545 USD (~680 million VND).
• Volkswagen Golf GTI SE: From 34,295 USD (~789 million VND).
• Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn: From 37,995 USD (~875 million VND).