Best medium-size cars in the UK
High quality midsize cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best medium-sized cars of 2025
‘Medium-sized cars’ is quite a broad term, but it really means family-friendly cars which aren’t too big. Think of the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, for example; the best medium-sized cars are big enough to carry most families and their luggage, while still being easy to park and not too expensive to run.
While hatchbacks are classic examples of medium-sized cars, with the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic having been around for over half a century, you can get practical cars in a wide variety of shapes these days.
The practical, road-biased medium-sized SUV became popular with the Nissan Qashqai, but you could choose a rougher, tougher example such as the excellent Dacia Duster, the sensible and sturdy Skoda Karoq or the funky, super-economical Toyota C-HR instead.
There are some rather posh models to choose from too, with the Audi A3 offering sharp styling both inside and out with a cracking hybrid system. Or, if you really want to turn heads, then the Peugeot 3008 coupe-SUV is a real looker - with an awesome interior to boot.
If you live in the city and want to maximise space or minimise your car’s footprint, you can look to boxier, smaller hatchback-cum-SUVs in the Renault 4 and Kia EV3, which offer a surprising amount of boot and interior space respectively, especially for cars on the smaller end of the scale.
Our expert reviews team has tested every car on sale in the UK in real-world scenarios; school runs to motorway journeys, loading weekly shops in the boot and driving on the bumpiest roads we can find. We’ve put together this list of the ten best medium-sized cars you can buy, but if you need more space, there’s a list of the best large SUVs, or this list of our favourite family cars in a variety of sizes.
1. Honda Civic
Honda Civic review
Best for: all-round ability
Where a lot of its alternatives look quite similar to one another, the Honda Civic is a little bit sleeker. You get a good-looking front end with crisp lines, a sporty, sloping roofline and simple light bar at the back.
The interior stands out when compared to other hatchbacks, too. It’s a simple, striking design that manages to avoid feeling barren, with a very smart-looking strip of metal trim across the dashboard which integrates the air vents, and a neat infotainment display on top.
You’re surrounded by high-quality, soft-touch materials on all of the surfaces you’re likely to touch, while the climate control and steering wheel buttons all feel suitably solid and pleasant when you press them. It’s all easy on the eye and feels upmarket.
There’s loads of space up front, and while rear passengers have plenty of legroom, that sloping roofline does impact headroom for the tallest of adults in the back. Still, you get loads of storage for odds and ends, as well as a plentiful 410-litre boot; bigger than most hatchbacks of this size.
As soon as you set off it's clear that the Civic is a great car to drive, not just to sit in. There’s only a 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid option to pick, which is both economical and plenty powerful enough for a sensible family car.
Thanks to its well-judged suspension the Civic is very comfortable around town, undisturbed by speedbumps and potholes, while its excellent all-round visibility makes it easy to manoeuvre into tight parking spaces, or for checking over your shoulder when changing lanes.
Get it on the motorway and the Civic will impress you with its refinement, as it’s not only quiet at high speeds but very comfortable too, returning near enough 60mpg at the national speed limit. Even on a twisty road you’ll end up smiling in the Civic, as it feels stable, composed and genuinely fun.
Where a lot of its alternatives look quite similar to one another, the Honda Civic is a little bit sleeker. You get a good-looking front end with crisp lines, a sporty, sloping roofline and simple light bar at the back.
The interior stands out when compared to other hatchbacks, too. It’s a simple, striking design that manages to avoid feeling barren, with a very smart-looking strip of metal trim across the dashboard which integrates the air vents, and a neat infotainment display on top.
You’re surrounded by high-quality, soft-touch materials on all of the surfaces you’re likely to touch, while the climate control and steering wheel buttons all feel suitably solid and pleasant when you press them. It’s all easy on the eye and feels upmarket.
There’s loads of space up front, and while rear passengers have plenty of legroom, that sloping roofline does impact headroom for the tallest of adults in the back. Still, you get loads of storage for odds and ends, as well as a plentiful 410-litre boot; bigger than most hatchbacks of this size.
As soon as you set off it's clear that the Civic is a great car to drive, not just to sit in. There’s only a 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid option to pick, which is both economical and plenty powerful enough for a sensible family car.
Thanks to its well-judged suspension the Civic is very comfortable around town, undisturbed by speedbumps and potholes, while its excellent all-round visibility makes it easy to manoeuvre into tight parking spaces, or for checking over your shoulder when changing lanes.
Get it on the motorway and the Civic will impress you with its refinement, as it’s not only quiet at high speeds but very comfortable too, returning near enough 60mpg at the national speed limit. Even on a twisty road you’ll end up smiling in the Civic, as it feels stable, composed and genuinely fun.
Battery range up to 356 miles
Best for: clever interior storage
The Skoda Elroq is a shortened version of the Enyaq, which is one of our favourite electric SUVs. The Elroq combines good looks, comfortable ride and loads of clever storage spaces to be an excellent family hauler, but it’s a little bit dull.
Though it’s still a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of Skoda’s range, with smart - if unexciting - exterior styling. Gone is the big, chunky Skoda grille in favour of a sleek, black glass panel that joins up a pair of slim running lights, hiding all of the car’s sensors. The rest of the Elroq is fairly unremarkable, but it’s easy on the eye in an under-the-radar way.e
The interior is identical to the larger Enyaq up front, with a sleek dashboard that swoops down in the middle below the large infotainment touchscreen. While entry-level models come with funky denim-like fabric upholstery, higher trim levels get an altogether more boring leatherette instead.
Where the Elroq really shines is in practicality, with loads of clever little storage spaces dotted around the cabin for loose items, and a large storage compartment underneath the centre console. The seats are massively comfortable, too, and there’s loads of room for three adults to sit in the back.
The 470-litre boot is usefully large and a handy square shape, while it has an oh-so-sensible net underneath the parcel shelf to store the charging cables, and even handy shelves behind the wheel wells for smaller items. Overall quality is rather good, but while the Elroq feels solid inside, there are a fair few scratchy plastics creeping up the door cars and centre console.
Around town the Elroq is a breeze to drive, with its responsive electric motors and strong brake regeneration if you push the lozenge-like gear selector into ‘B’. The suspension is very soft and does a great job of cushioning blows, but it can feel a little bit too wallowy at times.
It’s very comfortable on the motorway too - and has a handy range of up to 355 miles in some models - but the Elroq can feel a bit floaty over bigger dips, while country lanes aren’t much fun. There’s not much steering feel and the Skoda doesn’t seem all that grippy around faster corners as a result.
The Skoda Elroq is a shortened version of the Enyaq, which is one of our favourite electric SUVs. The Elroq combines good looks, comfortable ride and loads of clever storage spaces to be an excellent family hauler, but it’s a little bit dull.
Though it’s still a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of Skoda’s range, with smart - if unexciting - exterior styling. Gone is the big, chunky Skoda grille in favour of a sleek, black glass panel that joins up a pair of slim running lights, hiding all of the car’s sensors. The rest of the Elroq is fairly unremarkable, but it’s easy on the eye in an under-the-radar way.e
The interior is identical to the larger Enyaq up front, with a sleek dashboard that swoops down in the middle below the large infotainment touchscreen. While entry-level models come with funky denim-like fabric upholstery, higher trim levels get an altogether more boring leatherette instead.
Where the Elroq really shines is in practicality, with loads of clever little storage spaces dotted around the cabin for loose items, and a large storage compartment underneath the centre console. The seats are massively comfortable, too, and there’s loads of room for three adults to sit in the back.
The 470-litre boot is usefully large and a handy square shape, while it has an oh-so-sensible net underneath the parcel shelf to store the charging cables, and even handy shelves behind the wheel wells for smaller items. Overall quality is rather good, but while the Elroq feels solid inside, there are a fair few scratchy plastics creeping up the door cars and centre console.
Around town the Elroq is a breeze to drive, with its responsive electric motors and strong brake regeneration if you push the lozenge-like gear selector into ‘B’. The suspension is very soft and does a great job of cushioning blows, but it can feel a little bit too wallowy at times.
It’s very comfortable on the motorway too - and has a handy range of up to 355 miles in some models - but the Elroq can feel a bit floaty over bigger dips, while country lanes aren’t much fun. There’s not much steering feel and the Skoda doesn’t seem all that grippy around faster corners as a result.
2025
Smart Spender Award
3. Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster review
Best for: off-roady families
We really like the Dacia Duster. Most of its SUV alternatives are near enough hatchbacks on stilts, and while they look off-road ready, they won’t get you down the beaten track. The Duster is properly rugged, practical and good to drive, but it’s not as refined as other medium-sized SUVs.
It’s really matured into the current, third-generation model which looks far more expensive than it really is. You get a broad grille and headlight combo with a funky pattern, big, bulging wheel arches, loads of tough body cladding and a pair of funky taillights. You’d never guess that the Duster costs less than a Volkswagen Polo.
The interior isn’t quite as inspired as the exterior, and while it’s far more sophisticated than in previous models, it’s still a basic cabin compared to the other cars on this list. The dashboard is arrow-straight and there are lots of hard plastics around you, but it doesn’t feel nasty, and it’s a worthy compromise for such a low price.
Every Duster has loads of room inside and comfortable seats all-round, while the 472-litre boot just edges out the Skoda Elroq for space, though you won’t notice that in reality, and the Duster also has a lot of handy little storage spaces for phones and other bits and pieces.
Around town the Duster is a bit less refined than its alternatives, and while the rest of the engines are a bit weedy, the hybrid engine feels peppy. While it’s never uncomfortable, the Duster does thud through potholes a bit less pliantly than its alternatives .
You’ll need to floor it to get up to the national speed limit in the non-hybrid versions, but once you’re there the Duster feels stable - if a touch noisy.. Country lanes aren’t the Duster’s natural home, but there’s little in the way of body lean and plenty of grip in turns.
We really like the Dacia Duster. Most of its SUV alternatives are near enough hatchbacks on stilts, and while they look off-road ready, they won’t get you down the beaten track. The Duster is properly rugged, practical and good to drive, but it’s not as refined as other medium-sized SUVs.
It’s really matured into the current, third-generation model which looks far more expensive than it really is. You get a broad grille and headlight combo with a funky pattern, big, bulging wheel arches, loads of tough body cladding and a pair of funky taillights. You’d never guess that the Duster costs less than a Volkswagen Polo.
The interior isn’t quite as inspired as the exterior, and while it’s far more sophisticated than in previous models, it’s still a basic cabin compared to the other cars on this list. The dashboard is arrow-straight and there are lots of hard plastics around you, but it doesn’t feel nasty, and it’s a worthy compromise for such a low price.
Every Duster has loads of room inside and comfortable seats all-round, while the 472-litre boot just edges out the Skoda Elroq for space, though you won’t notice that in reality, and the Duster also has a lot of handy little storage spaces for phones and other bits and pieces.
Around town the Duster is a bit less refined than its alternatives, and while the rest of the engines are a bit weedy, the hybrid engine feels peppy. While it’s never uncomfortable, the Duster does thud through potholes a bit less pliantly than its alternatives .
You’ll need to floor it to get up to the national speed limit in the non-hybrid versions, but once you’re there the Duster feels stable - if a touch noisy.. Country lanes aren’t the Duster’s natural home, but there’s little in the way of body lean and plenty of grip in turns.
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4. Kia EV3
Kia EV3 review
Battery range up to 375 miles
Best for: big space, small car
Kia pulled a blinder with the EV3, because while it’s a sensible hatchback-SUV combo, it’s also one of the funkiest-looking cars on the road. It just so happens that it’s practical, comfortable and affordable, too.
It really does look like a movie prop from a hit sci-fi flick, with tall headlights pushed right to the corners of its funky, boxy body, while the taillights, chunky body cladding and outlandish wheel designs resemble nothing else on the road - aside from the rest of Kia’s funky model range.
The interior isn’t quite as outrageous as the EV3’s exterior. There’s an expanse of glass all around you, with a minimalistic screen perched on top of the dashboard, lack of a centre console and chunky, comfortable seats.
The boxy silhouette means there’s loads of room inside, with plenty of headroom and legroom both front and rear, while upper-spec trim levels get a sliding tray on the armrest, which doubles up as a table. The 460-litre boot is a good size, too, and gets a handy adjustable-height boot floor - as well as a 25-litre front boot.
It’s a very comfortable car to drive around town, with light steering, great visibility and a one-pedal driving mode too. It’s a bit heavy though, and it can feel a little unsettled over big bumps and dips as a result.
Motorways are no bother in the EV3 either, even if there’s more noticeable wind noise than in some alternatives, while country roads are best taken at a steady pace because there’s a noticeable amount of body lean into corners.
Kia pulled a blinder with the EV3, because while it’s a sensible hatchback-SUV combo, it’s also one of the funkiest-looking cars on the road. It just so happens that it’s practical, comfortable and affordable, too.
It really does look like a movie prop from a hit sci-fi flick, with tall headlights pushed right to the corners of its funky, boxy body, while the taillights, chunky body cladding and outlandish wheel designs resemble nothing else on the road - aside from the rest of Kia’s funky model range.
The interior isn’t quite as outrageous as the EV3’s exterior. There’s an expanse of glass all around you, with a minimalistic screen perched on top of the dashboard, lack of a centre console and chunky, comfortable seats.
The boxy silhouette means there’s loads of room inside, with plenty of headroom and legroom both front and rear, while upper-spec trim levels get a sliding tray on the armrest, which doubles up as a table. The 460-litre boot is a good size, too, and gets a handy adjustable-height boot floor - as well as a 25-litre front boot.
It’s a very comfortable car to drive around town, with light steering, great visibility and a one-pedal driving mode too. It’s a bit heavy though, and it can feel a little unsettled over big bumps and dips as a result.
Motorways are no bother in the EV3 either, even if there’s more noticeable wind noise than in some alternatives, while country roads are best taken at a steady pace because there’s a noticeable amount of body lean into corners.
Battery range up to 247 miles
Best for: small families
The Renault 4 might be pushing the lower limits of the medium-sized car, but it’s such a good example of a family-friendly hatchback that looks great and is such good fun to drive that it deserves to be considered among its larger peers.
It’s based on the fantastic Renault 5, which means it’s got great jeans, and while it’s not quite as cute as its smaller sibling the 4 still looks funky thanks to its upright proportions, chunky body cladding and retro nods to the old farmer’s favourite hatchback of the same name.
The interior is just as handsome as that in the Renault 5, with a stepped dashboard that offers a lot of space for the passenger, slick infotainment and driver’s display combo and a choice of funky fabric or denim upholstery for the seats.
Space up front is surprisingly good for such a small car, but while the wheelbase has been stretched compared to the Renault 5, you’ll still struggle to fit tall adults behind one another in the cabin. There’s plenty of room for kids, though, and the 410-litre boot is not only a good size, but the tailgate goes all the way down to the boot floor making it easy to load and unload cargo.
It’s even better to drive than it is to look at, because the Renault 4’s motors are very smooth around town and though the suspension is a little firm, it’s never uncomfortable - even on bad roads. It’s refined and quiet on a motorway cruise, offering up to 247 miles to a charge, and while it’s not a barrel of laughs on a country lane it feels perfectly at home in fast bends.
The Renault 4 might be pushing the lower limits of the medium-sized car, but it’s such a good example of a family-friendly hatchback that looks great and is such good fun to drive that it deserves to be considered among its larger peers.
It’s based on the fantastic Renault 5, which means it’s got great jeans, and while it’s not quite as cute as its smaller sibling the 4 still looks funky thanks to its upright proportions, chunky body cladding and retro nods to the old farmer’s favourite hatchback of the same name.
The interior is just as handsome as that in the Renault 5, with a stepped dashboard that offers a lot of space for the passenger, slick infotainment and driver’s display combo and a choice of funky fabric or denim upholstery for the seats.
Space up front is surprisingly good for such a small car, but while the wheelbase has been stretched compared to the Renault 5, you’ll still struggle to fit tall adults behind one another in the cabin. There’s plenty of room for kids, though, and the 410-litre boot is not only a good size, but the tailgate goes all the way down to the boot floor making it easy to load and unload cargo.
It’s even better to drive than it is to look at, because the Renault 4’s motors are very smooth around town and though the suspension is a little firm, it’s never uncomfortable - even on bad roads. It’s refined and quiet on a motorway cruise, offering up to 247 miles to a charge, and while it’s not a barrel of laughs on a country lane it feels perfectly at home in fast bends.
6. Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen C3 Aircross review
Best for: a small seven-seater
Think of the Citroen C3 much like the Renault 4, in that it’s a stretched, more practical version of an excellent city car - the Citroen C3. That places this longer version into the lower end of the medium-sized car category, but it’s got a party piece - you can have it with seven seats.
While some elongated SUVs look a bit ungainly, the bigger C3 still looks excellent. In fact, from side on the Aircross is better proportioned than its dinkier sibling, which has a slightly awkward rear end. You get the same C-shaped headlights and taillights, but more road presence in this version.
The interiors, meanwhile, are identical bar for the addition of two extra seats in the rear - or a bigger boot, if you’ve opted for the five-seater version. That means the same minimalistic dash with funky fabric trim and a plethora of hard plastics, but then again, this is a very cheap SUV, so you can forgive it for that
There’s lots of headroom all round, while you also get more legroom in this Aircross version than in the regular C3. Third-row passengers aren’t all that well catered for, though, as it’s rather tight back there - and with seats six and seven in use, there’s no boot space at all.
You don’t get any powerful engines to choose from either, and you can really feel the C3 Aircross struggling when it’s fully loaded with people. It’s very comfortable around town though, with ultra-light steering and an effortless gearchange in manual versions.
It feels slow on the motorway, and you won’t want to hurry it down a country lane as it leans a lot into bends. You don’t want six ill passengers on board, after all.
Think of the Citroen C3 much like the Renault 4, in that it’s a stretched, more practical version of an excellent city car - the Citroen C3. That places this longer version into the lower end of the medium-sized car category, but it’s got a party piece - you can have it with seven seats.
While some elongated SUVs look a bit ungainly, the bigger C3 still looks excellent. In fact, from side on the Aircross is better proportioned than its dinkier sibling, which has a slightly awkward rear end. You get the same C-shaped headlights and taillights, but more road presence in this version.
The interiors, meanwhile, are identical bar for the addition of two extra seats in the rear - or a bigger boot, if you’ve opted for the five-seater version. That means the same minimalistic dash with funky fabric trim and a plethora of hard plastics, but then again, this is a very cheap SUV, so you can forgive it for that
There’s lots of headroom all round, while you also get more legroom in this Aircross version than in the regular C3. Third-row passengers aren’t all that well catered for, though, as it’s rather tight back there - and with seats six and seven in use, there’s no boot space at all.
You don’t get any powerful engines to choose from either, and you can really feel the C3 Aircross struggling when it’s fully loaded with people. It’s very comfortable around town though, with ultra-light steering and an effortless gearchange in manual versions.
It feels slow on the motorway, and you won’t want to hurry it down a country lane as it leans a lot into bends. You don’t want six ill passengers on board, after all.
7. Skoda Karoq
Skoda Karoq review
Best for: a sturdy, sensible petrol car
This is the car where the Skoda Elroq gets its name, because in essence it’s the petrol-powered alternative version. Electric Karoq makes ‘Elroq’ if you smush the names together, and much like its electric alter-ego, the Karoq is an excellent family car, if a bit dull.
You can tell that it’s not quite as fresh or modern as the Elroq by its styling, with the now old-school Skoda grille and rectangular lights. You could mistake it for almost any other Skoda, Volkswagen or Audi from the side, too, while at the back you get some funky taillights - at least.
The interior is easy on the eye, with an infotainment screen set back into the dashboard. There isn’t much wow factor, but it’s a sturdy cabin that feels high-quality, the physical climate control knobs are a delight to use and the seats are very comfortable.
There’s plenty of room all around the cabin, too, and if you opt for the clever Varioflex seats you’ve got a lot of adjustability in the rear bench - meaning you can have up to 588 litres of boot space.
On the road it’s equally pleasant, if equally unexciting. It’s comfortable around town thanks to its soft suspension and light clutch pedal in manual versions, it’s stable and quiet at speed and it feels planted on a country lane. It’s an excellent choice for low-key families who don’t want an EV.
This is the car where the Skoda Elroq gets its name, because in essence it’s the petrol-powered alternative version. Electric Karoq makes ‘Elroq’ if you smush the names together, and much like its electric alter-ego, the Karoq is an excellent family car, if a bit dull.
You can tell that it’s not quite as fresh or modern as the Elroq by its styling, with the now old-school Skoda grille and rectangular lights. You could mistake it for almost any other Skoda, Volkswagen or Audi from the side, too, while at the back you get some funky taillights - at least.
The interior is easy on the eye, with an infotainment screen set back into the dashboard. There isn’t much wow factor, but it’s a sturdy cabin that feels high-quality, the physical climate control knobs are a delight to use and the seats are very comfortable.
There’s plenty of room all around the cabin, too, and if you opt for the clever Varioflex seats you’ve got a lot of adjustability in the rear bench - meaning you can have up to 588 litres of boot space.
On the road it’s equally pleasant, if equally unexciting. It’s comfortable around town thanks to its soft suspension and light clutch pedal in manual versions, it’s stable and quiet at speed and it feels planted on a country lane. It’s an excellent choice for low-key families who don’t want an EV.
8. Peugeot 3008
Peugeot 3008 review
Best for: head-turning looks
While it’s not quite as beloved as the enormous, oh-so-spacious Peugeot 5008 seven-seater, the 3008 takes the same striking styling and comfortable drive, compressing it into a more compact, even sleeker package.
The 5008 may be a huge slab of Peugeot, but the 3008’s swoopy, ultra-sleek roofline suits its aggressive front and rear ends down to a tee. It’s not only a good-looking medium-sized car, it’s one of the most stylish cars you can buy right now - period.
Step inside and things get even better, with a fabric-trimmed dashboard that wraps around you and your passengers, joined up to a centre console that has a customisable shortcut screen for the stunning widescreen infotainment and driver’s display.
The seats are hugely comfortable and while there’s more than adequate space inside for most, tall adults will feel their hair ruffling the roof in the back. The 588-litre boot is enormous for a car of this size, too, and while the rakish roofline means you can’t load bulky items, that’s more than enough space for a family of four.
It’s also very refined around town, as even cobbled roads do little to upset the 3008’s composure, while motorway journeys are simply serene thanks to the lack of wind and road noise. The sporty-looking Peugeot falls apart a little on a twisty road when it leans and pitches into bends, but take it easy and you’re in for a relaxed drive.
While it’s not quite as beloved as the enormous, oh-so-spacious Peugeot 5008 seven-seater, the 3008 takes the same striking styling and comfortable drive, compressing it into a more compact, even sleeker package.
The 5008 may be a huge slab of Peugeot, but the 3008’s swoopy, ultra-sleek roofline suits its aggressive front and rear ends down to a tee. It’s not only a good-looking medium-sized car, it’s one of the most stylish cars you can buy right now - period.
Step inside and things get even better, with a fabric-trimmed dashboard that wraps around you and your passengers, joined up to a centre console that has a customisable shortcut screen for the stunning widescreen infotainment and driver’s display.
The seats are hugely comfortable and while there’s more than adequate space inside for most, tall adults will feel their hair ruffling the roof in the back. The 588-litre boot is enormous for a car of this size, too, and while the rakish roofline means you can’t load bulky items, that’s more than enough space for a family of four.
It’s also very refined around town, as even cobbled roads do little to upset the 3008’s composure, while motorway journeys are simply serene thanks to the lack of wind and road noise. The sporty-looking Peugeot falls apart a little on a twisty road when it leans and pitches into bends, but take it easy and you’re in for a relaxed drive.
9. Toyota C-HR
Toyota C-HR review
Best for: hyper-efficiency
The Toyota C-HR gives the Peugeot 3008 a close run for its money in the head-turning looks department, with a similar design ethos, full of ‘penned-with-a-ruler’ creases and angles all over its compact body. It’s even more fuel-efficient than the 3008, but loses out on space.
Toyota has bestowed the hybrid SUV with one of the pointiest designs of any car on sale, and the C-HR looks excellent for it. The angular, C-shaped headlights, high-mounted taillight bar and optional two-tone paint schemes certainly stand out amongst traffic.
It’s a shame the interior isn’t quite as interesting, because while the dashboard curves towards the driver in a fighter-jet-esque kind of way, the sheer expanse of dark grey plastic all around you is dour. Even the ambient lighting strips don’t do much to help lift the ambience.
Space up front is good if not great, but it’s in the back where the Toyota C-HR loses some points. Children will fit in with relative ease, but tall adults will feel a bit cosy - and the small rear windows and massive back pillars mean it’s rather dark. You only get a 388-litre boot, too.
Its hybrid engine is most at home in town, where the C-HR is very comfortable and highly efficient, and it manages to be just as comfortable on the motorway too. The engine is a bit noisy when it kicks in, though, and the C-HR isn’t much fun on a country lane either.
The Toyota C-HR gives the Peugeot 3008 a close run for its money in the head-turning looks department, with a similar design ethos, full of ‘penned-with-a-ruler’ creases and angles all over its compact body. It’s even more fuel-efficient than the 3008, but loses out on space.
Toyota has bestowed the hybrid SUV with one of the pointiest designs of any car on sale, and the C-HR looks excellent for it. The angular, C-shaped headlights, high-mounted taillight bar and optional two-tone paint schemes certainly stand out amongst traffic.
It’s a shame the interior isn’t quite as interesting, because while the dashboard curves towards the driver in a fighter-jet-esque kind of way, the sheer expanse of dark grey plastic all around you is dour. Even the ambient lighting strips don’t do much to help lift the ambience.
Space up front is good if not great, but it’s in the back where the Toyota C-HR loses some points. Children will fit in with relative ease, but tall adults will feel a bit cosy - and the small rear windows and massive back pillars mean it’s rather dark. You only get a 388-litre boot, too.
Its hybrid engine is most at home in town, where the C-HR is very comfortable and highly efficient, and it manages to be just as comfortable on the motorway too. The engine is a bit noisy when it kicks in, though, and the C-HR isn’t much fun on a country lane either.
10. Audi A3
Audi A3 Sportback review
Best for: day-to-day poshness
The A3 is a bit of a gem in the Audi range, because while it still gets a posh badge, sharp looks and a high-quality cabin, it also gets the comfortable drive and excellent hybrid system from the Volkswagen Golf with which it shares a lot in common.
Though unlike the slightly blobby Golf, the A3 gets razor-sharp details such as the intricate headlights and shoulder line as well as a set of really very pumped-up wheel arches. It looks far sportier than a lot of sensible mid-sized hatchbacks.
Where a lot of new Audis have somewhat lacklustre interiors, the A3 soldiers on with a cabin that may not look as fresh and swoopy as the latest batch of cars with four rings on their boot lids, but the build quality feels practically carved from stone by comparison.
It’s also practical, and while the 380-litre boot isn’t as big as in a lot of the medium-sized SUVs on this list, it’s more than enough for most families. There’s plenty of space up front, and adults won’t feel cramped in the back either.
Get it out on the road and the A3 is a very relaxing car to drive, especially in hybrid form with an outstanding 88 miles of range to a charge - for silent motoring. On the motorway it sits at the national speed limit quietly and comfortably, and while it’s not as fun as a BMW on a country lane the A3 has plenty of grip and little body lean - especially in S-Line form.
The A3 is a bit of a gem in the Audi range, because while it still gets a posh badge, sharp looks and a high-quality cabin, it also gets the comfortable drive and excellent hybrid system from the Volkswagen Golf with which it shares a lot in common.
Though unlike the slightly blobby Golf, the A3 gets razor-sharp details such as the intricate headlights and shoulder line as well as a set of really very pumped-up wheel arches. It looks far sportier than a lot of sensible mid-sized hatchbacks.
Where a lot of new Audis have somewhat lacklustre interiors, the A3 soldiers on with a cabin that may not look as fresh and swoopy as the latest batch of cars with four rings on their boot lids, but the build quality feels practically carved from stone by comparison.
It’s also practical, and while the 380-litre boot isn’t as big as in a lot of the medium-sized SUVs on this list, it’s more than enough for most families. There’s plenty of space up front, and adults won’t feel cramped in the back either.
Get it out on the road and the A3 is a very relaxing car to drive, especially in hybrid form with an outstanding 88 miles of range to a charge - for silent motoring. On the motorway it sits at the national speed limit quietly and comfortably, and while it’s not as fun as a BMW on a country lane the A3 has plenty of grip and little body lean - especially in S-Line form.
Factors to consider when buying a medium-sized car
If you’re choosing your only family car then there are a lot of important factors to take into account. For families with three children, or grown-up children for that matter, you’ll want a car with ample headroom and legroom in the back such as the Dacia Duster or Kia EV3.
They’re perfectly competent in town, too, but the smaller options such as the Renault 4 and Citroen C3 Aircross really shine when threading them through narrow streets or into small parking spaces - though they’re not as spacious in the back as a result.
For families that take frequent road trips, the Peugeot 3008 is almost certainly the best choice thanks to its enormous boot and lots of legroom, while the Honda Civic is just as easy to drive and better suits a driver who prefers a low-slung seating position.
If owning an EV suits your lifestyle, with easy access to cheap charging at home or at work, there’s a strong argument for the Skoda Elroq and again - the Kia EV3 - and they both offer a lot of range with their bigger-battery versions.
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