What are the best hatchback cars?

Hatchbacks have long been the go-to car style for those that want practicality without giving up on at least a modicum of style, and often a lick of performance too. While SUVs continue their dominance in the UK’s sales charts, the humble hatchback – and plenty of not-so-humble models, too – continue to offer a very solid alternative. We Brits have been in love with hatchbacks for decades, because they generally offer excellent value, fuel efficiency and, often, better driving dynamics than taller, heavier SUVs. Whether you’re after a compact commuter, a family-friendly all-rounder or a tech-filled hybrid or electric car, there’s very likely a hatchback with your name on it. And we’re going to help you find it.

Best overall hatchback: Honda Civic

The Honda Civic ticks all the boxes. Well, almost all – some rivals are cheaper, and some have a bit more headroom in the back. But apart from that, the Civic is a box-ticking legend. It has a striking design, a spacious interior and a hybrid drivetrain that keeps the fuel bills down. Honda also promises up to 60mpg from the combination of the 2.0-litre engine and electric motor, yet it still delivers smooth and punchy performance. There’s plenty of oomph, a big boot and the Civic strikes a great balance of being fun to drive, yet comfortable. In short, there’s not much it can’t do.

Best practical hatchback: Skoda Octavia

You want a small car, but also you want a big car. Yeah? The Skoda Octavia is an automotive cake that you can both have and eat, because even though it’s in the same class (and price range) as cars like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, it’s got space inside that makes rivals seem positively pokey. How does a 600 litre boot sound? Echoey, we’d imagine. There’s also a range of efficient engines, including a plug-in hybrid option, and it gives you a driving experience that makes up for in comfort what it lacks in excitement. It can’t deliver thrills, but there’s space inside enough for it to deliver just about everything else.

Best electric hatchback: MG4 EV

If you’ve not looked at new cars for a few years, you might have missed the return of MG, the classic British marque that went away for a bit but is now back with Chinese ownership and a considerable expertise in affordable electric tech. The MG4 is a cracking example, with a starting price of (much) less than £30,000, a range of up to 281 miles on a single battery charge, and a driving experience that’s really rather entertaining. Sure, the interior quality can’t match some of its (more expensive) rivals, and it’s not the most refined of cars in terms of noise at speed, but when you consider its price, these quibbles are entirely overlookable. Fine work, MG, we’re glad you’re back.

Best hatchback for comfort: Toyota Corolla

Reliability. Efficiency. Comfort. Those are a few of the favourite things at Toyota, and the Corolla packages them all up into a very attractive hybrid-powered package. Not only does it sip gently from the fuel tank, it boasts a refined ride that’s perfect for longer journeys, and has a high-quality interior with a very generous equipment list. That it’s got a very decent warranty only enhances your peace (of mind). Yes, the infotainment system isn’t one of the best on the market, and the comfort of taller passengers could be slightly lessened by the moderately tight headroom in the back, but for most the Toyota Corolla is a very chilled out way to wile away the miles.

Best value hatchback: Kia Ceed

Value isn’t just about price when it comes to cars, although the Kia Ceed is notable for being very competitively priced. But on top of that, you get so much for your money. It’s spacious inside, which makes it practical for family yes, and every version is very well-equipped, even when you consider how much it costs. It’s comfortable, easy to drive and has a stonking seven-year warranty from new. Is it exciting? Well, not conventionally, but lots of people get very excited when they get a bargain. And in that case, the Kia Ceed could be very exciting indeed.

How we chose these cars

We thought about several different factors when coming up with this list:

• Size: Hatchbacks, by and large, are compact enough to park in tight spaces, but spacious enough to park your passengers and cargo inside.
• Fuel efficiency: We looked at different options for traditional engines, hybrid models and electric cars to suit different driving requirements.
• Practicality: When space is at a premium, which cars make the best use of it?
• Reliability: Cars with strong reputations for durability and peace of mind.
• Driving experience: Hatchbacks should be fun, and if they’re not fun then they should be very comfortable. Ideally, a blend of both.

What other body types could I consider?

If these hatchbacks aren’t lighting your fire, you could also have a look at:

• Small SUVs. Many small SUVs are basically hatchbacks on stilts, with a higher driving position and a versatile interior space, with features like sliding rear seats and flexible boot configurations. Look at cars like the Ford Puma and Renault Captur.
• Crossovers: Mixing together hatchback and SUV traits, crossovers like the Toyota Yaris Cross can offer extra style while still being practical in a compact package.
• Estates: Take a hatchback, make the boot bigger. Ideal for those that need maximum interior practicality from their next car.