The best used hatchbacks – driven, ranked and rated
If you find the VW Golf a bit ‘straight down the middle’ these classy used hatchbacks offer a strong alternative
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by Sam Phillips
4 mins read
19 September 2024
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The usual recommendation for someone looking to buy a refined, comfortable and family-friendly used hatchback is the Volkswagen Golf.
The long-standing people’s car has been the go-to for families for years, hence why they’re regularly seen on Britain’s roads. But what do you buy if you don’t want the Golf?
Pleasingly there are swathes of hatchbacks available today that can match up to Wolfsburg’s offering. Most cover the basics of practicality, spaciousness, frugality and versatility right; others go further by offering exceptional value for money thanks to strong levels of standard kit.
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Some go as far to offer the keen drivers among us genuine driver appeal, with finely tuned chassis affording excellent handling dynamics and ride quality. We consider the Ford Focus to be the best of the lot as it covers all of these bases.
The hatchback is, even in an automotive landscape dominated by SUVs and electric cars, the true all-rounder. And as a used car, it’s even more enticing.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best used hatchbacks you can buy today.
1. Ford Focus
9
Pros
Agile, playful chassis is class-leading
Solid ergonomics
Cons
Iffy motorway economy
Plain interior
Best for: Overall ability
Our choice: Ford Focus 1.5 Ecoboost Titanium
For all-round appeal the Focus is hard to beat. The Mk4 may be a bit plain inside, but it’s the driving experience that appeals most: it can out-handle just about every other in its class.
And there are plenty of petrol and diesel options to choose from.
Read our Ford Focus review
Finance this car with Drivenfi
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2. Audi A3
8
Pros
Immaculate, upmarket interior
Engine response and efficiency
Cons
Reserved, unexciting engine
Vocal engine
Best for: Badge appeal
Our choice: Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S Line
The Mk3 A3 is a cut above its VW Golf sibling, being plusher and more refined, and its interior is pretty much perfect.
Sporty S Line cars look more swish but have a firmer ride, so try before you buy.
Read our Audi A3 review
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3. Skoda Octavia
8
Pros
Exceptional practicality
Easy-going refinement
Cons
Humdrum handling
Ordinary performance and economy
Best for: Space
Our choice: Skoda Octavia 1.5 SE L
Refined, well made, decent to drive and class-leading spaciousness, the Mk3 Octavia is a robust and dependable hatchback that’s ideal for both long motorway journeys and urban jaunts.
Read our Skoda Octavia review
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4. Mazda 3
9
Pros
Incisive handling
Frugal petrol engine
Cons
Not the roomiest cabin
Secondary ride lacks refinement
Best for: Simplicity
Our choice: Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G MHEV SE-L Lux
This is a compelling choice, not least for its external beauty and classy, button-filled interior. We would go for the regular 2.0-litre atmo petrol (not the novel X version, which adds complexity in return for very little extra MPG) in one of the lower trims, seeing as they are well equipped and avoid ride-ruining big wheels.
Read our Mazda 3 review
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5. BMW 1 Series
8
Pros
Refined interior is loaded with technology
Decent ride sophistication
Cons
Slight shortage of grip
Not particularly distinctive about looks or interior
Best for: Posh interiors
Our choice: BMW 118i M Sport
There is a lot to like about the third-generation 1 Series. It’s roomy inside and has heaps of usable standard technology, plus it rides and handles with more composure than the older model, despite the switch from rear- to front-wheel drive.
Those looks are controversial, but it’s nevertheless one of the most complete premium hatchbacks you can buy.
Read our BMW 1 Series review
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6. Mercedes A-Class
8
Pros
Materially rich interior
Excellent infotainment system
Cons
Gearbox can be hesitant at low speed
Choppy ride at town-speeds
Best for: A show-stopping interior
Our choice: Mercedes A180 AMG Line
With its materially rich cabin, tech-laden interior and dynamic handling, the Mk4 A-Class is a solid used buy. Plump for a smarter-looking facelifted car if you can.
Read our Mercedes A-Class review
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7. Honda Civic
8
Pros
Practical cabin and boot
Revvy, warm-hatch level performance
Cons
Ride and handling lack sporting finish
Cabin quality mixed
Best for: Big car sophistication wrapped in a hatchback shell
Our choice: Honda Civic 1.0 EX
The Mk10 Civic’s looks were certainly radical, but that didn’t stop it from being a practical hatchback with big car sophistication on the road and a not insignificant dose of sportiness to its drive.
It has proven very tough, too, and even mid-level versions were well kitted out, with the EX model going so far as to include adaptive dampers.
Read our Honda Civic review
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8. Kia Ceed
8
Pros
Spacious cabin and boot
Inoffensive driving manners
Cons
Cheap materials inside
Unsettled ride on rougher surfaces
Best for: Long warranties
Our choice: Kia Ceed 1.6 Eco 2
Comfortable and easy to drive, the Mk3 Ceed is every bit as good as some of its better-known rivals – and then there’s Kia’s seven-year warranty.
Read our Kia Ceed review
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9. Vauxhall Astra
8
Pros
Strong, frugal diesel engine
Spacious, well priced and well equipped
Cons
Firm, fidgety ride
Styling is a mixed bag
Best for: Value
Our choice: Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi VX-Line
Priced from as little as £2500, the Mk7 Astra is a bargain these days. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol offers enough real-world performance and economy. The car would hold even greater appeal if it were a bit more dynamic and felt a little less ordinary to travel in, though.
Read our Vauxhall Astra review
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10. Seat Leon
7
Pros
Decent real-world performance
Pretty well equipped
Cons
Pretty ordinary to drive
Bland interior
Best for: A touch of flair
Our choice: Seat Leon 1.5 TSI Evo FR
The last Mk3 Leons are the best, benefiting from the Volkswagen Group’s newer and more refined 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.
Overall, this is a solid hatchback that rides and handles well and looks really smart – especially in sporty FR trim, which features all the desirable mod cons, including sat-nav and Apple CarPlay.
Read our Seat Leon review
Finance this car with Drivenfi
11. Renault Megane
6
Pros
Pliant, hushed ride
Neat, well-finished cabin
Cons
Indifferent handling
Not the most spacious inside
Best for: Technology
Our choice: Renault Megane 1.5 Blue dCi Iconic
While the Mk4 Mégane lacks a bit of substance in the chassis and powertrain departments, it’s decent to ride around in, thanks to its solid and appealing interior. There’s plenty of standard technology inside, too.
Read our Renault Megane review
Finance this car with Drivenfi
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12. Citroën C4
6
Pros
Good level of standard kit
Stylish coupe looks
Cons
Ride isn’t comfortable enough to justify other dynamic compromises
Rear passenger space is poor
Best for: Comfort
Our choice: Citroen C4 1.2 Puretech Shine
It doesn’t get top marks for practicality or interior space, nor indeed driver appeal, but no rival rides in such a soft fashion as the good-looking Mk3 C4. Used prices are appealing, too.
Read our Citroën C4 review
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13. Nissan Leaf
6
Pros
Solid electric performance to match ICE rivals
Good balance of compactness and practicality
Cons
Low electric range and charging speed
Bland interior
Best for: Zero-emission driving
Our choice: Nissan Leaf e+ 62kWh Tekna
You don’t need an actual engine to have a true all-rounder. A used Mk2 Leaf with the bigger battery (the e+) is a fine electric alternative that’s spacious and well equipped, with a 239-mile range.
