Six of the best: Hatchbacks

Hatchbacks have to be brilliant or they just won’t sell

This is great news for us - hatchbacks have to be brilliant or they just won’t sell.

Andy Goodwin presents the best-in-class.

Honda Civic

The last Honda Civic had a predominantly mature customer base, so in a bid for sales success Honda took the brave step of designing a radical new Civic this time around. The result is so futuristic it is somewhat reminiscent of a spaceship – and we love it. Thankfully it is also great to drive, has decent engines and plenty of room for passengers and luggage.

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Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is one of the most popular models in brand history. The current model (Mk V) is a class act which shows the others the way forward in its level of quality. Unfortunately this comes at a price and basic cars are stingily equipped compared to competitors. Handling and refinement are excellent and there is an engine to suit every customer.

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Ford Focus

It might not look quite as special as the first Focus, but that hasn’t stopped the new car being the best selling in the UK. Why? It is competitively priced, brilliant to drive and easy to run. Quality has improved too, the interior now feels like that of a German car and there is bags of space for a small family. With the largest dealer network in the country there are almost 600 places to have it serviced too.

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Skoda Octavia

The Skoda beats the competition for value, and is a great car to own too. Based on the new Golf the Skoda shares many of its parts, including its great engine line-up. Practicality is even better, with the huge boot of the Octavia swallowing luggage with ease. The estate is even more practical – and good looking too. Forget the old jokes, the Octavia has a positive, understated image and earns plenty of respect.

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Vauxhall Astra

The Astra has a dynamic appearance, and doesn’t disappoint on the road. Handling is good and engines are peppy. Even basic models come with lots of equipment installed, so you won’t feel hard done by. The interior doesn’t feel special though, and the dashboard controls are fussy.

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Mazda 3

Want to be a bit different? The Mazda 3 isn’t as common in the UK as the other hatches on this list, but not because it’s a bad car. Sharing it’s chassis with the Ford Focus is a good start – the three handles with aplomb. It is also practical, has a smart interior and being a Mazda, it keeps its value pretty well too.

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