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Best hatchbacks to buy in 2024 - what are our most recommended small family cars right now?

  • Which is the best family hatchback of the bunch?
  • They’re a great alternative to SUVs, and often cheaper
  • Check out our favourite small family cars below

Written by Keith Adams Updated: 4 October 2024

It’s not that long ago that hatchbacks seemed to be the default family car. With their compact dimensions, practical load area and useful space inside, they proved perfect for those that didn’t need a bulky estate car or multi-purpose vehicle. Skip to today, and it’s the SUV that’s king of the hill thanks to the promise of improved practicality and a more interesting image. Does that mean you should ignore the humble hatch? Absolutely not.

Buy a good one, and you’ll end up with a car that combines low running costs, practicality, reliability and good old fashioned driver appeal. Affordability is also essential, whether you’re paying cash or, like the vast majority of new car buyers, via PCP finance, and a typical carmaker’s hatchback is considerably cheaper than the SUV that’s based on it. So, choose one of these cars and you’re potentially beating the system.

Moreover, the trad hatch is staging something of a comeback. The latest generation of models are going for style and tech in a big way, as evidenced by the brilliant 11th-generation Honda Civic and the supremely talented Skoda Octavia. In addition, some very interesting new electric-powered hatchbacks have joined the fray, allowing buyers to take a fresh look at the format, and we’ve thrown a couple of these in, too.

Read on to find what we think are the best hatchbacks currently available to buy new.

Best hatchbacks for 2024

Simply the best hatchback available

The Honda Civic is the best family hatchback around, and so good, that we awarded it our Car of the Year award back in 2023 – and so far, it's yet to be beaten. Our writers were impressed with its relatively-large 2.0-litre hybrid engine with 184hp on tap. It’s good to drive and almost ludicrously efficient, with 60mpg on the cards.

It’s great value too. Even the base model has lots of equipment, while the mid-level Sport and range-topping Advance models really pile on the kit. For the huge number of buyers unable or unwilling to plug-in at home, or use increasingly stretched and costly public EV chargers, this is the state of the art family car for everyone.

To find out more, read our full Honda Civic review

Pros

  • Punchy and smooth to drive
  • Excellent practicality
  • Supremely economical

Cons

  • No diesel or plug-in
  • Rear headroom could be better
  • Overall rating
    4.3
  • Performance
    4.6
  • Behind the wheel
    4.7
  • Running costs
    4.4
  • Reliability
    4.0
  • Safety
    4.5
Performance 140bhp,
Economy 56.5 - 60.1 mpg
Boot space 410 litres
Insurance group 28
Starting price £35,005

The original and (almost) the best

The Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 is still very much the benchmark in the hatchback class – it's been improved for 2024 with a revised line-up of engines and a new (and much improved) infotainment system. Gone are the entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines, and in their place a range of 1.5-litre TSI EVO power units that major on economy and refinement. It's a very polished package.

The Golf is very comfortable and very easy to live with, too. The car’s suspension is great at isolating the cabin from motorway lumps (especially when teamed with the car’s smallest 16-inch alloy wheels) – and even this entry-level petrol engine can return around 50mpg on a gentle cruise. One to buy if you want trouble-free family car motoring, and Civic aside (which is appreciably larger), it's now best-in-class.

To find out more, read our full Volkswagen Golf review

Pros

  • Punchy and frugal petrol engines
  • Impressive interior
  • Plug-in and electric available

Cons

  • Limited legroom
  • Inferior PHEV handling
  • Overall rating
    4.1
  • Performance
    3.9
  • Behind the wheel
    4.0
  • Running costs
    4.5
  • Reliability
    3.8
  • Safety
    4.5
Performance 108 - 201bhp
Starting price £27,420
Insurance groups 14-27
Fuel economy 38.2 - 67.3 mpg
Boot space 381 litres

The most practical hatchback

While based on the technology that underpins the Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia looks and feels very different on the road. Though prices have crept up, it remains very good value-for-money. It's been improved for 2024 with a very light facelift to make the most of its best attributes.

Its longer, sleeker shape is more like a traditional family car such as the Volkswagen Passat. And that means there’s tons of space. The smooth ride and host of new tech coupled with the wide range of fuel-sipping engines give families much food-for-thought. But it's been bested by the Volkswagen Golf 8.5, which has been developed more thoroughly in its most recent update.

To find out more, read our full Skoda Octavia review

Pros

  • Petrols, diesels and hybrids
  • Massive amount of space
  • All models are economical

Cons

  • Not the sharpest to drive
  • Some interior controls are fiddly
  • Overall rating
    4.1
  • Performance
    4.1
  • Behind the wheel
    4.4
  • Running costs
    4.0
  • Reliability
    3.9
  • Safety
    4.5
Performance 108-201bhp
Starting price £26,775
Insurance group 12-23
Fuel economy 42.2-68.9 mpg
Boot space 600 litres

Seriously good, excellent value

The MG4 EV arrived on the scene and immediately changed the game. Yes, it's much cheaper to buy or finance than its rivals, but unlike previous offerings from the firm, this one's also highly competent. Just how good? We rate it as highly overall as the VW ID.3 or Renault Megane E-Tech, which cost around £10,000 more.

It's good to drive, stands out from the crowd and comes with an excellent seven-year warranty. We suspect most people will opt for a Long Range model, although a Standard Range makes a compelling choice compared to similarly priced EVs especially as many have much shorter ranges. 

To find out more, read our full MG4 EV review

Pros

  • Better than more expensive rivals
  • Good ride/handling balance
  • Long range and accurate read-outs

Cons

  • Some cheap plastics inside
  • Space not the best in class
  • Overall rating
    4.5
  • Performance
    3.9
  • Behind the wheel
    3.9
  • Running costs
    4.6
  • Reliability
    3.5
  • Safety
    4.0
Performance 167 - 241bhp
Starting price £26,995
Fuel economy 3.6 - 3.8 miles/kWh
Insurance group 27-33
Boot space 363 litres

Brilliant all-rounder

The BMW 1 Series might now be primarily front-wheel drive, but that change hasn’t seen the popularity for the model dip. This family hatchback is slightly taller and longer than others, so it’s frustrating that the rear-seat headroom remains compromised.

That said, the use of physical dials in the cabin, coupled with the slick infotainment system and serious refinement means, budgets allowing, the BMW 1 Series will always make the shortlist. Strong fuel economy further justifies attraction for families.

To find out more, read our full BMW 1 Series review

Pros

  • Impeccable refinement
  • Gadget heavy
  • Nice steering and handling

Cons

  • Disappointing digital dash
  • Rear-seat headroom a bit limiting
  • Overall rating
    3.8
  • Performance
    4.0
  • Behind the wheel
    4.2
  • Running costs
    3.7
  • Reliability
    3.8
  • Safety
    3.8
Performance 114-187bhp
Starting price £31,065
Fuel economy 50mpg
Insurance group 16-23
Boot space 300 litres

Stylish and up-to-date hatch

SEAT’s Leon is perennially popular because of its sharp styling, competitive pricing and comfortable cabin. There’s bags of space inside for rear seat passengers, while the minimalist dashboard up front means it hasn’t been littered with buttons.

While heavy reliance on the central touchscreen for the controls and the firm ride on rougher roads won’t suit all drivers, the entry-level trim levels are well-equipped and it won’t cost you the earth to run. Expect it to climb the rankings once the facelifted version goes on sale.

To find out more, read our full SEAT Leon review

Pros

  • Economical engines
  • Sharp to drive
  • Spacious interior

Cons

  • Firm ride
  • Too much touchscreen
  • Overall rating
    3.9
  • Performance
    3.9
  • Behind the wheel
    3.8
  • Running costs
    4.0
  • Reliability
    4.5
  • Safety
    4.5
Performance 108-201bhp
Starting price £24,250
Insurance group 11-25
Fuel economy 39.8-65.7 mpg
Boot space 380 litres

Sporty electric hatch with long-range options

In many respects, the Cupra Born is a tempting proposition, especially if you enjoy driving. While it isn’t as fun as a conventional hot hatch, it’s a brisk and capable machine that is satisfying to drive quickly on a country road. It's also well-finished and has an appealing interior.

Pricing is in line with key rivals and even entry-level models get plenty of equipment, but the MG 4 EV exposes it as more expensive than it need be. Unsurprisingly, it shares most of its plus points with the car it's based on – the Volkswagen ID.3 – but with a more distinctive and sporty flavour that we suspect will appeal to many buyers.

To find out more, read our full Cupra Born review

Pros

  • Generously equipped
  • Fun to drive and capable
  • Range of 300+ miles

Cons

  • Poor braking feel
  • Cheaper VW ID.3 almost as good
  • Overall rating
    3.8
  • Performance
    4.2
  • Behind the wheel
    4.4
  • Running costs
    4.4
  • Reliability
    4.0
  • Safety
    4.0
Performance 201-226bhp
Starting price £34,535
Insurance group 25 - 28
Fuel economy 3.5 - 4 miles/kWh
Range 253.5 - 342.4 miles
Boot space 385 litres

Capable and premium choice

The Audi A3 is a polished premium hatchback rocking a trendy design. Lining up against the BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class, as well as top trims of any car in this list, the A3 needs to work pretty hard.

In most areas, it triumphs with a highly efficient engine range, dynamic driving experience and classy interior. While it’s a bit short on internal space, when compared with the competition, what it lacks in room, it makes up for in build quality. A 2024 facelift adds even more appeal.

To find out more, read our full Audi A3 review

Pros

  • Engaging drive
  • Polished interior
  • Wide engine range

Cons

  • More expensive than rivals
  • Lacking in rear legroom
  • Overall rating
    4.1
  • Performance
    3.9
  • Behind the wheel
    4.5
  • Running costs
    4.0
  • Reliability
    3.5
  • Safety
    4.0
Performance 108-241bhp
Starting price £28,920
Fuel economy 37.7 - 65.7 mpg
Insurance group 14 - 29
Boot space 380 litres

Striking and reliable family hatchback

The Corolla is not all show and no go, trumping most other family hatchbacks for running costs. With a choice of two hybrid powertrains, it makes a relaxing and very easy to drive, not to mention cheap to run, hatchback. 

While the boot is a decent size, the Corolla isn’t the most spacious hatchback in the rear. The media system lags behind rivals, too. Nonetheless, it has a family friendly interior with good quality materials and a generous amount of equipment.

To find out more, read our full Toyota Corolla review

Pros

  • Comfortable ride and seats
  • Low running costs
  • Excellent dealers and warranty

Cons

  • Cramped rear seats and boot
  • Infotainment lags behind rivals
  • Overall rating
    4.0
  • Performance
    4.0
  • Behind the wheel
    4.1
  • Running costs
    4.6
  • Reliability
    4.5
  • Safety
    4.7
Performance 114-193 bhp
Starting price £30,505
Insurance group 14-22
Fuel economy 39.4-64.2mpg
Boot space 361 litres

A good all-rounder and excellent value for money

The Ceed is an impressive offering in the hatchback class that’s up there with the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. It’s not a particularly exciting car, but it’s comfortable, good to drive and should be painless to own thanks to a strong reliability record and long warranty.

Get yourself a mid-spec petrol model to find the best balance between performance and price. Don’t discount the entry-level cars, which still have plenty of equipment and offer a useful cost saving.

To find out more, read our full Kia Ceed review

Pros

  • Well-equipped
  • Lots of space inside
  • Seven-year warranty

Cons

  • Small engine range
  • Limited personalisation
  • Overall rating
    3.6
  • Performance
    3.5
  • Behind the wheel
    3.5
  • Running costs
    3.8
  • Reliability
    4.5
  • Safety
    4.0
Performance 114-201 bhp
Starting price £23,105
Fuel economy 38.2-64.2 mpg
Insurance group 8-22
Boot space 395 litres

Is a hatchback big enough for a family?

Hatchbacks work well for families because the right design enables the rear seat to fold down and increase the boot capacity immensely. Split rear-seat folding offers brilliant versatility for bulky luggage, but in seconds, the whole car can be reconfigured to suit a completely different journey.

If you’re looking to transport two kids, two grandparents and two parents regularly though, you’re probably looking for a seven-seater to have sufficient luggage space fully loaded.

What is the most comfortable hatchback?

Comfort is subjective. One man’s firm ride is another’s spongy cushion. But we were keen to ensure the driving experiences in our picks aren’t so firm that they take on every UK pothole like a champion hurdler.

For families, cubbies and pockets to store oft-forgotten paraphernalia is a must, too.

Why we’ve chosen these as our best hatchbacks

The Parkers team tests hundreds of cars throughout the course of a year, and this list has been created to reflect the expert views of team members. Our regularly updated list of best hatchbacks has been compiled from the reviews section as well as the highly recommended models, reflecting what growing families need from their cars.


Keith Adams 

Keith Adams is the editor of Parkers and has been an automotive journalist since 2004. He’s also edited Classic Car Weekly, Modern Classics, Honest John Classics as well as contributed to CAR, Evo, Octane, Autocar and Pistonheads as well as many other titles in a varied career.