Crossovers and SUVs might be the go-to choice for British car buyers, however, the familiar hatchbacks can still win the hearts of a lot of people.
Hatchbacks still offer the same number of seats and impressive practicality of their high-riding cousins, but, with a more familiar driving experience and often better dynamics.
There are still plenty of offerings from European, Korean and Japanese car makers on the new market for hatchbacks.
Here is our guide to the best family hatchbacks on sale in the UK today.
Mazda 3
Not only that, but Mazda’s always score well for reliability and after two decades and four generations of the 3 later, it’s a tried-and-tested platform.
Honda Civic
All standard Civics now are hybrid only which should be good when it comes to running costs.
Additionally, you can also get a Type R variant with 319bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox, making it a perfect choice for the motoring enthusiast.
Ford Focus
Furthermore, not only is the Focus a practical hatchback, but you can also have the option of an estate version as well.
Interior space is also impressive with decent leg and headroom for four adults and you can get an ST model that has a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine and 283bhp.
Vauxhall Astra
The latest Astra went on sale in 2021 and shares a lot of its underpinnings with the Peugeot 308. Available in electric, petrol or hybrid format, the Vauxhall has affordable running costs across its range and if you want even more practicality, you can get it as an estate, too.
Skoda Octavia
A hot VRS model also gives more power and grip and is a lot sharper to drive, while still being able to carry passengers and their luggage in comfort. Its underpinnings are shared with the Volkswagen Golf, but the Octavia offers more interior space and luggage capacity.
Toyota Corolla
The current generation is good to drive, offers ultra-low running costs and has a classy cabin – while maintaining Toyota’s reputation of making solid, dependable and reliable cars. An estate version called the Touring Sports is available as well as a Commercial version which is perfect for business users.
Volkswagen Golf
It’s well made, reasonably good to drive, has a solid cabin and an upmarket feel and there are performance-oriented models available including the GTi, R and Clubsport versions.
Audi A3
Furthermore, the A3 can be had in either hatchback form or even as a compact saloon – giving buyers plenty of choice.
BMW 1 Series
Space in the back may not be as spacious as a Golf or Civic but the 1 Series should be relatively affordable to run and own thanks to decent fuel economy and low emissions.
Peugeot 308
While the backseats are a little snug for passengers, it makes up for that by offering a very large boot capacity.
