Crossovers might be giving the humble hatchback a run for its money, but this master of most trades remains the go-to choice for thousands of UK families.
It all boils down to a classic combo of value for money, affordable running costs and compact dimensions bursting with five-door practicality. You can even have fun behind the wheel if you pick wisely, so no wonder a few of the UK’s best-selling cars are still Golf or Focus-sized.
The only problem is that buyers are spoilt for choice, which is why we’ve whittled down the current crop to just the very best in this guide…
Volkswagen Golf
Read our Volkswagen Golf review
After its 2024 facelift, the Volkswagen Golf is right back at the top of the class. There's a brand-new touchscreen that's far more intuitive to use – and its personalisation options make it easy to get to your most-used features – and the reintroduction of proper buttons on the steering wheel. One of the great things about the Golf is how vast its bandwidth is – entry-level models offer cheap running costs, the range-topping Golf R is ballistically fast on any road, and new plug-in hybrid models offer up to 88 miles of electric driving. All are wrapped up in Volkswagen's trademark solidity, and all are good to drive while also being comfortable. Golf star.
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Ford Focus
Read our Ford Focus review
The Focus has always been the driver’s choice in this segment and the new one still leads the pack with its supple suspension and fleet-footed handling. A 50mm longer wheelbase compared with the previous model gives nearly best-in-class rear legroom too. Turbodiesels come in 1.5- or 2.0-litre flavours, but the diddy 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrols are our pick – they offer surprisingly eager performance, especially when boosted by mild-hybrid tech for 155hp and an easy vault over the 50mpg bar. ST-Line trim is your ticket to hot-hatch looks for less money, but the real McCoy is the ST with a 2.3-litre petrol engine shared with some versions of the Mustang.
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MG 4
Read our MG 4 review
You’ll have noticed more and more MG 4s appearing on our streets – some in this Lamborghini-esque shade of searing orange. This new EV contender is a fantastic family hatch, and not just because it’s cheap for an electric car. Performance isn’t whoa-there rapid like a Tesla Model 3 (until you get to the range-topping XPower version), and nor is the MG 4 particularly exciting to drive, but its ace cards are comfort and refinement on the go, an interior that’s much roomier than the compact exterior suggests and build quality to make the Tesla look shaky. Throw in up to 300 miles of zero-emissions range and it’s easy to see the appeal.
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Skoda Octavia
Read our Skoda Octavia review
What the Octavia lacks in white-knuckle excitement, it more than makes up for it with sensible, glorious practicality. The Octavia’s saloon-like style means it’s a bit longer than the likes of the Golf or Focus, but that extra length is very well used. Rear-seat space is enormous; the boot is even more so. But the Octavia’s also good to drive, comfortable, efficient and quiet – a total joy to drive day-to-day. Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines are available, as is a faster vRS version – so there’s an Octavia to suit any buyer and budget.
If you think the Octavia’s going to be too big to park, there’s also the Skoda Scala.
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SEAT Leon
Read our SEAT Leon review
The SEAT Leon is a VW Golf letting its hair down on a Spanish resort holiday – the two are basically the same under the skin, but outside and in the SEAT rocks a younger, more stylish vibe. Core models are powered by either 1.0- or 1.5-litre petrols, both of which are optionally available with an eTSI mild-hybrid boost, or there’s a 2.0-litre turbodiesel to max out mpg. Spend a little more and you can upgrade to a plug-in hybrid for 40 miles of zero-emissions freedom. The Cupra Leon is your actual full-house hot hatch, or just pick FR Sport trim for a pinch of that spice with lower running costs.
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Peugeot 308
Read our Peugeot 308 review
Goodness, hasn’t the Peugeot 308 been hit with the beauty stick? Like a lot of new Peugeots, the new 308 looks like a concept car that’s escaped to real life. The interior is just as concept-like, with lots of high-res screen real estate and a dazzling array of switchgear materials. All new-shape 308s have an easy automatic gearbox, and the two available plug-in hybrids offer a 37-mile electric range. Perfect for zero-emission nap drives!
Fancy a bit more space and SUV/coupe looks? Check out the underrated Peugeot 408.
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Honda Civic
Read our Honda Civic review
It’s often been seen as a bit of a left-field alternative to the hatchback establishment, but the latest Honda Civic should be right at the top of your shortlist. Now hybrid only – save for the sublime Civic Type R – the new Civic offers clever tech, nippy acceleration and almost 60mpg if you’re being gentle. It also boasts a more grown-up feel, both inside and out, and yet it’s still capable of putting a smile on your face down a twisty B-road – just like a Civic should. After a growth spurt that’d outdo a teenager, the Civic is now one of the biggest family hatches, so interior space is really generous.
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Renault Megane E-Tech
Read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
Want something a bit more grown-up than the MG 4 and a bit nicer inside than the Volkswagen ID.3? Head for the French diamond brand and try out a Renault Megane E-Tech. Its 60kWh battery enables a 280-mile range, it has a bigger boot than its rivals, and its premium interior is improved by built-in Google software in the touchscreen – meaning a joined-up navigation experience and route planner that'll find you the best places to charge on longer trips. The Megane feels fast and fancy, yet it's comfortable too.
Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale at Motorpoint
Mercedes A-Class
Read our Mercedes A-Class review
The A-Class is Mercedes bringing its A-game to the hatchback segment. There are frugal petrol and diesels, all-wheel drive hot hatches in either warm A35 or molten-hot A45 flavours, and the A250e plug-in hybrid does a little of everything very well indeed – it’s quick despite fielding only 1.3 litres, handles tidily and can run free on electricity for up to 44 miles at a time. The best is saved for the interior, which brings a level of quality and premium fairydust that makes rivals look dowdy. MBUX infotainment is the jewel in the crown with twin infotainment screens controlled by touchscreen, touch control or even ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control that understands you better than a best mate.
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Citroen C4
Read our Citroen C4 review
The Citroen C4 is here to inject a bit of French glamour and verve into the family hatch market. We’d even go so far to say it’s trendy, with its SUV-coupe-like styling and electric e-C4 version that’ll go over 220 miles between plug-ins. Its quirky Citroen-ness is also available with more conventional petrol and diesel engines if you don’t fancy plugging in just yet. Whichever you pick, you’ll get a car that focuses on comfort and relaxation ahead of any hint of sportiness, which is top stuff for a family car. You don’t want your kids’ tablets flying around the car on a twisty road, do you?
Perhaps the best bit is that you get all that for not an awful lot of money – the C4 is a great-value used buy – and it’ll not cost much to run, either.
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