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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 a fantastic all-rounder that’s practical, comfortable and very easy to drive. The looks might not be for everyone though, and its infotainment can be a bit fiddly.
Read our review
2. Ford Focus

2. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a good-looking family hatchback that majors on driving fun. There’s plenty of passenger space inside too, but the cabin does look a bit dull.
Read our review
3. Mercedes A-Class

3. Mercedes A-Class

The Mercedes A-Class is a posh family hatchback with a tech-laden, space-age cabin and plenty of luxury appeal. It’s comfortable too, but is a bit pricey.
Read our review
4. Peugeot 208

4. Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is an excellent small hatchback with big style appeal. Standard equipment is generous, and it’s a doddle to drive in town – particularly in EV guise. Passenger space is a bit tight, though.
Read our review
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.

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6. Mazda 3

6. Mazda 3

Not only does the Mazda 3 look the part inside and out, it’s one of the more entertaining family hatchbacks to drive too. Space is a bit tight in the back though.

Read our review
7. BMW 1 Series

7. BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a sharp-handling hatchback for people who want driving fun and plenty of upmarket appeal. Its cabin looks a bit serious, but it’s spacious, plush and very well put together.

Read our review
8. Toyota Corolla

8. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla packs plenty of styling punch, and comes with a powerful but efficient hybrid powertrain. It’s fun to drive, comfortable and extremely well-built. Alternatives offer more passenger space, though.

Read our review
9. Vauxhall Astra

9. Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra won’t blow you away by being boldly designed or exceptionally posh inside, but this is still a sensible, comfortable family hatchback that comes with plenty of kit and a range of decent engines.

Read our review
10. Volkswagen Polo

10. Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is a small hatchback that’s practical for its size, impressively comfortable and very well built. It’s not the most exciting car in the world to drive, but it’s very refined.

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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