Crossover SUVs might be big sellers at the moment, but the trusty five-door hatchback never goes out of style.
Hatchbacks are versatile, fun to drive and come with all the space and connectivity you could wish for.
Here, we look at some of best and most popular hatchback models on the market this year.
Vauxhall Astra
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While the Vauxhall Astra might be one of the most popular cars in the UK, it also remains one of the most economical hatchbacks.
We are now on to the eighth-generation Astra and it looks sharper than ever. Stretching across the front, making the Astra look even wider, the Vizor front end seamlessly integrates technologies such as the ultra-slim IntelliLux LED headlamps and the front camera of the Intelli-Vision parking camera.
Inside, Vauxhall has focused on detoxing the interior compared to its previous models – making it simple and intuitive to use. Vauxhall’s Pure Panel digital interface dominates the interior, with all models from launch featuring a 10-inch driver instrument cluster and a 10-inch digital touchscreen with satellite navigation as standard.
The Plug-in HYBRID-e variant combines Vauxhall’s 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 12.4 kWh battery for a power output of 180PS, with a more powerful, 225PS Plug-in Hybrid Electric variant also available. Both models are capable of up to 35 miles (WLTP) of electric range – enough to cover 85 per cent of all typical journeys. With emissions as low as 24g/km CO2, Astra is ideal for both fleets and private buyers looking to save on running costs.
A fully-electric Astra is set to be released this year.
Peugeot 308
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A humble hatchback that offers plenty in both looks, tech, and performance, the Peugeot 308 retains the Gallic flair and panache of its forebears, with some cool new touches, like its dynamic new Peugeot lion badge which is more reminiscent of a modern sports franchise, and smart chrome details streaking off from it.
The Peugeot 308 has excellent fuel economy across the range, with most delivering upwards of 50mpg, and the Blue HDi 100 version claiming up to 65mpg. The 308 interior is minimalist but considered, retaining the smaller, sporty i-Cockpit steering wheel, which gives the driver more room to manage the user-friendly touchscreen controls, with the infotainment system housing both sat nav and smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android technology. And with its piercing ‘cat’s eye’ LED lighting guiding drivers through murky Alpine pass or winding coastal road, the array of tech and aesthetic artistry on show makes the 308 a magic little number.
Kia Ceed
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First launched in 2021, the new Ceed range offers buyers a fully comprehensive choice of powertrain configurations, including mild-hybrid diesel engines, with horsepower ranging from 99bhp to 201bhp. You can also pick from a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, the 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol and the 1.6-litre diesel powertrains.
From the outside, the exterior has been rejuvenated, with a completely redesigned front end, which features Kia's new logo, a simplified graphic of the company name.
The iconic tiger-nose grille, which makes the Ceed a recognisable Kia, is upgraded to a black gloss finish with satin chrome upper and lower wing-shaped garnish for a sleek and modern appearance. To the sides, two large side air intakes shoot through the front bumper creating the sportier look. The ‘wing’ inspired theme repeats in other elements of the front redesign, such as the satin chrome trim on the lower air intake grille and the sweeping side garnish which extends into the front wheel arch.
Ford Focus
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The Ford Focus has long been considered the ‘everyday hero’ for the general public. Drivers young and old choose the trusty hatchback to take them where they need to go, and car enthusiasts lap up the style and power of the Focus ST.
The recently refreshed Ford Focus features a new, sculpted bumper and front grille design. The iconic blue oval Ford badge has also been relocated to the front of the grille for a more prominent position.
Like many competitors, LED lights now come as standard on all Focus models. The headlights have been slimmed down, which gives the whole front of the car an edgier look. There’s also integrated fog lights with cornering lights enabled. The taillights have been darkened to match the new design.
Inside, drivers can benefit from the use of Ford’s SYNC 4 system featuring a 13.2-inch HD touchscreen. This interface replaces not only the infotainment system, but also climate control button, as these are now integrated into the one whole package. Drivers and passengers can easily listen to their own music through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and have no need to fear getting lost thanks to its navigation system.
Skoda Octavia
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Given a look in early 2020, the Skoda Octavia is longer and wider than its predecessor and even has a larger boot.
The new interior combines an excellent amount of space and outstanding functionality with high-quality materials and clever details. Meanwhile, innovative connectivity and new assistance systems raise the comfort and safety of the brand.
New and soft-touch materials lend the interior a premium look, while the new LED ambient lighting indirectly illuminates the front doors, dashboard and footwells.
For the first time in the Octavia, Ergo seats are available as an option and offer an electric massage function.
Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class
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The new Mercedes‑Benz A‑Class brings something special to the compact segment and offers customers class for every day.
Even from the front, the new A‑Class conveys power and dynamism. The front view is dominated by the forward-sloping bonnet with its two power bulges and steep 'shark nose', the redesigned radiator grille with star pattern and the flat headlamps, available as an option in an LED variant. The sporty character is underlined by externally flush wheels with four additional rim designs in sizes up to 19 inches, including optional high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design and with a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line.
Even in the base variant of the new A‑Class, Mercedes‑Benz offers a high-quality comfort, while a new, dark carbon-fibre look trim element further enhances both the instrument panel and the doors.
BMW 1 Series
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Now in its third generation, the BMW 1 Series features a dynamic design, roomier interior, a raft of cutting-edge technologies as well as BMW’s trademark agility and superior performance.
There have been a number of design changes including a new standard LED headlight arrangement, a more wedged shaped silhouette and a pronounced ‘shark nose’. At the front, the BMW kidney grille is larger and, for the first time in this model range, the kidneys merge in the middle.
The interior has more space and features high-quality materials throughout, driver-focused controls and innovative details, such as backlit trim strips.
Also, for the first time a panoramic roof is available as an option for the BMW 1 Series.
Mini Hatch
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In 2021, the exterior of the Mini Hatch was refreshed with even more attention now focussed on the car’s central design features. The front-view is dominated by a larger radiator grille and its black, hexagonal surround, and the hallmark round Mini headlights. The position lights have been replaced by vertical air inlets to optimise aerodynamics and the central bumper strip is now in body colour, rather than black. The wheel arch has new contours, the side indicators have been redesigned to feature LED technology and at the back of the car, the fog light is now integrated into the rear apron as a narrow LED unit.
On the inside, an 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display and piano black high-gloss surface are now standard and the audio control unit and function buttons for hazard warning lights and driver assistance systems are integrated more harmoniously into the circular control unit.
Meanwhile, the operating system of the Mini Hatch is now more advanced than ever before thanks to a new graphics display and further developed options for selecting and controlling the vehicle functions, audio system, hands-free telephone system, navigation and apps. The screen display with symbols and text on new colour backgrounds has a modern look and menu items are now displayed as "live widgets" to be called up by swiping the touchscreen. Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are available in optional packs, which have also been extended.
MG4 EV
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MG is positioning itself as an electric car manufacturer for the masses. The automaker has already given us the ZS and MG5, which are both reasonably priced.
The MG4 hatchback, though, is built on a brand-new platform and it certainly looks the part. Few cars could lay claim to taking inspiration from a Lamborghini Urus, but the MG4’s front end, with its slope, jagged headlights and aggressive air intakes, looks like MG’s designers have based it on Lambo’s iconic appearance.
Admittedly the rear looks nothing like a Urus, and its shapeliness won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it at least has personality and a cool lightbar running along the width of the boot.
Prices start from just a fiver under £26,000, which is inexpensive by electric car standards – for comparison, it’s cheaper than the Vauxhall Corsa-e.
With battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, the MG4 EV Standard Range is capable of 218 miles on the WLTP cycle, with Long Range SE and Trophy models capable of 281 miles and 270 miles respectively.
The 64kWh battery is also capable of recharging at up to 135kW, meaning a charge time of only 35 minutes from 10% - 80% using a 150kW DC rapid charger.
The MG4 EV carries MG’s trademark seven-year/80,000-mile warranty as standard, which remains one of the longest fully-transferable warranties in its class.
