The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car of all time – so it's definitely doing something right.
But, just because something is popular, doesn't mean it's right for you. There are lots of great family hatchbacks you could consider instead of the timeless Toyota.
We've pulled together our 10 favourite Toyota Corolla alternatives, so you can pick the one that fits you best. Most of these models are available as nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
- Volkswagen Golf
- Honda Civic
- Peugeot 308
- Ford Focus
- Cupra Leon
- Kia Ceed
- Mazda 3
- Skoda Scala
- Vauxhall Astra
- Hyundai i30
Volkswagen Golf
The Corolla is legendary, but the Volkswagen Golf is a benchmark in its own right. For many, this is the definitive family hatchback, with decent practicality, solid build quality and an easygoing driving experience. There are lots of different flavours of Golf too, including affordable petrol versions, efficient plug-in-hybrid models, and even speedy Golf GTI and Golf R variants. Recent Golf have relied a little too hard on their infotainment systems but, once you've ignored all that and fired up Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it shouldn't annoy you too badly.
Shop used Volkswagen Golf cars or read our Volkswagen Golf review
Honda Civic
The other Japanese hybrid hatchback. Honda has built nearly as many Civics as Toyota has Corollas over the years, and enjoyed similar success. We're big fans of the latest Civic. It's moved further upmarket and become more expensive, but it earns that position thanks to its sheer quality. The interior is spacious, well built and easy to use – and the hybrid engine is smooth, swift and refined. Honda's also announced a recent update that adds simulated 'gears' to the hybrid gearbox like the Honda Prelude to make the Civic even more entertaining to drive.
See used Honda Civic cars or read our Honda Civic review
Peugeot 308
Lots of family hatches on this list score highly for the sensible stuff – practicality, ease of use and efficiency. If you're looking for a hatch that excites the heart as well as the head, check out the Peugeot 308. This still ticks a lot of boxes for family buyers, but you'll remember the 308 for its attractive design and premium-feeling cabin. Peugeot's equipped the car with a glossy infotainment system and Star-Trek-style digital shortcut keys, plus lots of tasteful design details throughout the cabin.
Browse used Peugeot 308 cars or read our Peugeot 308 review
Ford Focus
For all the Corolla's virtues, it's not a particularly exciting car to drive. If you'd like a sensible family hatchback that can also make you smile on a twisty back road, check out the Ford Focus. Even standard versions of this family favourite have superb composure at speed and tactile controls. For a real thrill, however, check out the Focus ST, which adds a 280hp turbo engine and a sub-six-second 0-62mph time. Inside, the cabin design is subdued but easy to get your head around, so you'll rarely be hunting around for the feature you want.
Search used Ford Focus cars or read our Ford Focus review
Cupra Leon
Cupra has now taken the place of SEAT in the VW Group lineup. That means you have the same tried-and-tested mechanical hardware underneath, but with swoopy, eye-catching bodywork on top. As a result, the Cupra Leon has virtually the same practicality and ease of use as the Golf it's based on, but looks much more dramatic in the metal. Everything from the sculpted sides and beady headlights helps this car stand out in the company car park. Plus, like the Golf, the engine range has everything from sensible petrols to zippy high-performance models.
Shop used Cupra Leon cars or read our Cupra Leon review
Kia Ceed
The Kia Ceed is sometimes overlooked in this class. Some rivals have a longer heritage, while others have more bombastic styling – but the Ceed has many quiet qualities. It's easy to drive, it's decently practical and, like-for-like, it often has more equipment than most competitors. As an ownership proposition too, the Ceed makes life less stressful with solid reliability backed up by Kia's generous seven-year warranty. There's a choice of hatchback or estate bodies for the regular Ceed, plus the SUV-like XCeed and graceful ProCeed shooting brake.
Browse used Kia Ceed cars or read our Kia reviews
Mazda 3
Family hatches like the Corolla are often practical, sensible cars, and don't always focus on desirability. That's not the case for the Mazda 3, however, which has flowing lines, an attractive profile, and a piercing gaze from its beady headlights. Those facets are enhanced by a selection of attractive metallic shades like Platinum Quartz shown here, or the brand's famed Soul Red hue. Inside, it's not quite as spacious as the best-in-class, but there's still enough room for a family, and the design and material quality are top-notch.
View used Mazda 3 cars or read our Mazda 3 review
Skoda Scala
Despite its excellence, the Skoda Octavia's saloon-like shape left a gap in the Czech brand's range for a proper family hatchback. Step in the Skoda Scala. This is a small family car with a more familiar profile but all the same virtues we've come to expect from Skodas. That means it's right at the top of the class for passenger and cargo space, with room for tall adults in the back seats and a massive 467-litre boot – nearly 90 litres more than you get in a Volkswagen Golf. It's a calm car too, with soft suspension and intuitive controls.
Check out used Skoda Scala cars or read our Skoda Scala review
Vauxhall Astra
Older Vauxhall Astras were sensible, dependable family transporters, but they didn't always get the heart pumping. This new model, though – it's angular, chiselled, and has the brand's new 'visor' signature front end. The good news, however, is that none of the Astra's newfound style compromises its well-balanced overall package. There's still a long equipment list and competitive prices, plus an easy, composed driving experience. You even have more flexibility under the bonnet, with petrol, plug-in-hybrid and fully electric options.
Browse used Vauxhall Astra cars or read our Vauxhall Astra review
Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 is the Kia Ceed's sister car. As a result, it has most of the same benefits including the straightforward user experience, and plenty of equipment. It's a relaxing and faithful companion on the road too, with a well-judged balance between ride and handling. The turbo petrol engines are peppy and the manual gearbox is easy, though we'd try to track down a model with the DCT auto for even smoother city driving. Factory cover isn't quite as long as the Kia but Hyundai's five-year warranty still beats the industry standard.
See used Hyundai i30 cars or read our Hyundai reviews
Fabulous savings on family hatches
Shop nearly new and used hatchbacks for sale at Motorpoint. All our cars have the lowest prices guaranteed and flexible finance options.
