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Best hatchbacks 2021

Hatchbacks are loved the world over for their practical boots. The best are also roomy, come with efficient engines, cool tech and are smart and stylish too. We’ve gathered a list of the best for you.
1. Volkswagen Golf

1. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is an excellent family hatchback that’s easy to drive, spacious and well equipped. Its looks won’t appeal to everyone, though, and some features are tricky to use.
Read our review
2. Ford Focus

2. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is crammed with the latest technology, looks great and is brilliant to drive. Its infotainment and interior quality are the only downsides.
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3. Mercedes A-Class

3. Mercedes A-Class

The Mercedes A-Class is a sensible family hatchback with a premium badge. Buy it and you get a car with smart styling and a lovely interior that’s packed full of unbelievable technology. It’s not the most fun to drive though and it’s a bit expensive.
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4. Peugeot 208

4. Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is a superb small hatchback that comes with generous levels of equipment and is brilliant in EV form. It is a little tight for adults in the back, though.
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5. Audi A3

5. Audi A3

The Audi A3 Sportback has one of the best looking interiors of its kind. It has advanced tech and is well made. It’s also bit more expensive than alternatives.

Read our review
6. Mazda 3

6. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 has sharp look, a stylish interior, an easy-to-use infotainment system and a range of efficient engines that could tempt you away even more premium German hatchbacks. It’s sporty to drive too, although there are more practical hatchback cars.

Read our review
7. BMW 1 Series

7. BMW 1 Series

The new BMW 1 Series is more practical than before and gets more tech, but the fact that it’s no longer rear-wheel-drive might upset those who loved the way the old car drove.

Read our review
8. Toyota Corolla

8. Toyota Corolla

You’ve not always been able to say a Toyota looks cool, but this is certainly the case with the Corolla. Not only does this hybrid hatchback look great,  it’s fun to drive and has a smart interior, too. Alternatives are better for space, though.

Read our review
9. Vauxhall Astra

9. Vauxhall Astra

With the Vauxhall Astra you get a hatchback car that is comfortable and fun to drive, comes with a good infotainment kit and usually comes with decent discounts too. Some alternatives are a bit more spacious inside – and feel a bit posher too.

Read our review
10. Volkswagen Polo

10. Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is a small car that’s comfortable to drive and has a spacious, plush cabin, but it’s far from exciting to drive and some desirable features cost extra.

Read our review

Best small hatchbacks

These five of the best small hatchbacks are still great to drive, but are easier to park and cost less to buy and run than their bigger brothers.
1. Peugeot 208

1. Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is a cool-looking small, French hatchback that’s generously equipped and even comes as a brilliant electric car option too. You might find it a bit tight in the rear seats, though.
Read our review
2. Volkswagen Polo

2. Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is a small car that’s comfortable to drive and has a spacious, plush cabin, but it’s far from exciting to drive. Some handy features cost extra though.
Read our review
3. Ford Fiesta

3. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is the small hatchback that you’ll love to drive. It’s stylish and available with lots of high-tech kit, although alternatives are roomier.
Read our review
4. Audi A1

4. Audi A1

The Audi A1 Sportback is a posh small car that is comfortable and practical. It’s easy to drive but just not quite as cool as a MINI.
Read our review
5. Vauxhall Corsa

5. Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa looks good, has a range of efficient engines and even offers a pure-electric version. Its interior is a bit drab, though, and space in the back is tight.
Read our review

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More advice about hatchback cars

Hot hatches: If you want a hatchback with a bit more spice
If you prefer your next hatchback to have a bit more power and excitement, take a look at the best hot hatches on sale today.
VW Golf or Polo?
The Volkswagen Golf and Polo are two of the most popular hatchbacks in the UK – but which is better?
Compare cars side-by-side
Can’t quite decide on your next hatchback? Check out our car comparison tool to help you choose.

Frequently asked questions about hatchbacks

A hatchback is a type of car where the boot lid and rear window form a hatch that opens up, allowing access into the boot inside. The boot space is part of the car’s cabin, as opposed to a saloon car, where the boot is in a separate compartment behind the rear seats. Hatchback cars are popular with UK car buyers, who like the practicality of an easily accessible boot combined with the flexibility of being able to fold the rear seats down to create an even bigger load space. Also, because the rear window is close to the end of the car, hatchbacks can be easier to park than a saloon car. You know where the corners are.

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