Do you remember a time when hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf were the default choice for families in search of a practical, spacious, economical and stylish car?
Today, many families prefer high-riding SUVs to family hatchbacks, but that’s not to say that the hatch has had its day.
Indeed, buyers have never had it so good. Buy a new family hatchback in 2024 and you’ll be treated to the latest safety and connectivity technology, extremely low running costs and a car that’s nicer to drive than a SUV.
We’ve pulled together a list of the best family hatchbacks to buy this year, with our choices presented in alphabetical order.
Audi A3 Sportback
With distinctive styling and the right badge, the Audi A3 is brimming with showroom appeal. Its technology-packed interior is very appealing, too – despite lacking the flawless quality that characterised Audis of old. A Virtual Cockpit digital driver display sits alongside a 10.1-inch touchscreen with super-sharp graphics. Sat-nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio come as standard, but many features are extra-cost options.
An engine range stretching from efficient TFSI e plug-in hybrids to the 400hp RS3 hot hatchback means there is an A3 to suit most tastes. Audi’s trademark Quattro four-wheel drive is available on some models, too. In general, the driving experience offers a good balance between comfort and dynamic poise. Just beware the firmer ride on sportier S line versions.
We said: ‘Despite strong competition – not least from its German rivals, the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class – the Audi A3 is an impressive car that’s hard to overlook.’
Read our review of the Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 1 Series
Predictably, BMW purists grumbled about the switch from rear-wheel-drive to front- or four-wheel-drive for this latest 1 Series, launched in 2019. However, it’s arguably the best resolved ‘baby BMW’ yet, with more space for rear-seat passengers and a larger boot. That said, many rivals are still more spacious in the back.
Overall quality is good enough to rival the more expensive BMW 3 Series, while the petrol and diesel engines offer a terrific blend of performance and economy. The level of standard equipment is excellent, with the entry-level SE model featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED rear lights, automatic air conditioning, keyless start, cruise control, sat-nav with real-time traffic information and Apple CarPlay for one year.
We said: ‘The third-generation BMW 1 Series represents a radical departure from models of old. The cabin is a tad sombre, but there’s an impressive array of equipment, especially on the higher trim levels.’
Read our review of the BMW 1 Series
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is one of the standout cars in this crowded class, especially when you take price into account. It’s also the best to drive, maintaining its position as the dynamic benchmark and a great car for enthusiasts who need something sensible. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, is punchy and economical.
The plush Titanium is now the entry-level trim, with a lavish Titanium X available if you’re after even more tech and creature comforts. Active models feature raised suspension for a smattering of off-road ability, while the racy Focus ST is powered by a fabulous 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.
We said: ‘The Focus is arguably the best all-rounder in its segment, even if the Volkswagen Golf trumps it for quality and badge kudos.’
Read our review of the Ford Focus
Kia Ceed
There’s more to the Ceed than Kia’s famed seven-year warranty. Look beyond the fact that it’s covered until 2031 and you’ll find a car that’s inoffensively styled, packed with equipment and pretty good to drive. It doesn’t really excel in any particular area, but all-round competency is perhaps the Ceed’s biggest strength.
Every model except the Ceed 2 comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, but even this entry-level version features an 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All versions are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that can deliver up to 51.4mpg.
We said: ‘There is no shortage of choice in this class. If you want something more stylish, maybe consider the Mazda 3. If you’d like a sharper drive, the Ford Focus is hard to ignore. And if your tastes are more upmarket, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a classy contender. However, the Ceed earns its place on our best family hatchbacks list by being a capable and likeable all-rounder.’
Mazda 3
If this was a beauty contest, the svelte Mazda 3 would win hands-down. The fact that it’s also engaging to drive and beautifully built might seal the deal for you anyway. Despite its mainstream Mazda badge, the 3 – available as a hatchback or equally stylish saloon – feels genuinely premium.
What’s not to like? Well, there’s no diesel option, which is less of a problem than it was. But the lack of a hybrid will be an issue for some. Hefty C-pillars also make the rear seats feel slightly claustrophobic and the 351-litre boot is smaller than most cars here. We could overlook these foibles in such a desirable overall package, though.
We said: ‘You could buy the Mazda 3 on the strength of its styling alone. Available as a five-door hatchback or four-door saloon, it’s the most head-turning car in its class – but there’s more to the 3 than just sleek looks.’
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a regular entry on the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars list. Buyers are happy to pay a little extra per month in exchange for a desirable badge, impressive interior and the latest technology. All models get a pair of 10.25-inch widescreen displays, which join in the middle to create an almost entirely digital dashboard for the driver.
Although the Sport and Sport Executive models pack a generous level of equipment, many buyers choose to upgrade to one of the stylish AMG Line trims. The Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback is one of the fastest point-to-point cars you can buy, while the A250e plug-in hybrid offers up to 47 miles of electric range.
We said: ‘At its heart is the finest cabins of any hatchback – particularly once you’ve added a few options. It looks modern and feels premium.’
Read our Mercedes-Benz A-Class review
Seat Leon
Fancy a Volkswagen Golf but would like to save money? The Seat Leon is for you. It shares the same platform and running gear, yet the Spaniard is arguably prettier than the German, and still packs the very latest technology. It’s also more spacious than the previous Leon, particularly in the back, although the boot is a little small for this class of car.
Prices start from around £23,500, so the cheapest Leon undercuts the most affordable Golf by around £3,000. You can buy a mid-range Leon FR for the same price as an entry-level Golf. Features include sharper styling, sports suspension, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control and park assist.
We said: ‘The roomy interior is comfortable, even if the infotainment is as overburdened as a Golf’s. Seat is a bit more generous with standard equipment, and you’ll want an FR for its stylish trim and bolstered seats.’
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia has collected plenty of awards, so it’s just as well it has a cavernous boot to carry all that silverware. Indeed, its massive 600 litres of luggage space is enough to rival cars from the segment above. You may find that you don’t need the spacious Octavia Estate.
Like the Seat Leon, the new Octavia is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, but the Skoda majors on interior room and value for money. The entry-level SE costs around £24,500 and features the likes of 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Meanwhile, the sporty Octavia vRS offers a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains, with the latter available with four-wheel drive. Put simply, the Skoda Octavia is all the family hatchback you’ll ever need.
Read our Skoda Octavia vRS review
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla costs more than some of its key rivals, but it pays to look beyond the purchase price. In addition to a plenty of standard equipment, the Corolla is also powered by a choice of efficient petrol-electric hybrid engines that offer the economy of a diesel. Both the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre versions could return up to 64.1mpg, so there’s no penalty for choosing the more powerful unit.
The Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which answers one of our criticisms of the car when it was launched. Priced from around £30,000 to £35,000, the Corolla is backed by a five-year warranty – and Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability.
We said: ‘Overall, the Corolla is an excellent car that should be on the shortlist of buyers looking for a smart and efficient family hatchback.’
Read our Toyota Corolla review
Volkswagen Golf
The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf looks so familiar, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an evolution of the old model. The swoopy LED headlights and new corporate badge are the biggest clues to the Golf 8’s identity. You can hardly blame Volkswagen for playing it safe; the Golf is the default choice for millions of motorists.
The inside is less conventional. Volkswagen calls it a ‘digitalised workplace’, which is marketing speak for a digital dashboard and a range of touch-sensitive controls. You can use gesture control for some functions, while saying “Hello Volkswagen” triggers the voice control. There are even 32 ambient colours to choose from. The Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia make more financial sense, but many people will opt for the upmarket Golf.
We said: ‘Although much has changed, the Volkswagen Golf still feels like the benchmark. It’s easy to see why it’s the go-to family hatchback.’
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