One of the most versatile types of cars is the hatchback. There’s a range of sizes from superminis like the Fiat 500 to spacious family cars like the Ford Focus across all of the UK’s brands so there’s a lot of different models to choose from. A hatchback can be the ideal choice for first time drivers, families and adventurers alike.
Our expert team have taken a look at what is currently available for you to drive today and picked their top 10 hatchbacks for 2024.
The Best Hatchbacks for 2024
1. Honda Civic
Our first pick is a hatchback that’s beloved by drivers and the industry alike – the Honda Civic. With over 50 years on the road and now in its 11th generation it’s one of the all time top hatches available on the market.
Unlike previous models if you opt for the standard Civic then there’s just one engine option, one body shape and two trim levels for you to choose from. Although this might sound like a downgrade it’s actually all you need as Honda have perfected the Civic over the years and these two models offer drivers everything they need.
There’s a 2.0 litre self-charging hybrid petrol engine, which allows for a little electric-only range as well as providing additional support in key moments to reduce fuel consumption and emissions but without needing to charge it.
The latest model retains the low front seating positions with electronically adjustable lumbar support and a comfortable and sporty curved design. There’s a digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel, 9.0 inch touchscreen infotainment screen with built-in satnav alongside key operational control buttons for ease of use when driving.
If you’re looking for a hot hatch, then the Civic Type R is available and offers a more dynamic driving experience.
We’ve got fantastic leasing deals on the Honda Civic and Civic Type R if you’re interested in one for your next car, so why not take a look at our Civic leasing page or give us a call on 0330 221 0000.
2. MG4
The MG4 is a favourite of ours here at Xcite Car Leasing and has made it into a few of our top picks over the past year or so. It’s great value for money, an electric hatchback that pairs practicality with style, and suitable for first time drivers and families alike.
MG Motors was originally a British brand, though it is now owned by a Chinese company, that has been reinvented in the past 10 years and gained popularity over the past five thanks to their affordable electric cars.
The MG4 is available with three battery sizes, the entry level is 58 kWh with an official range of 218 miles, the Long Range models come with a 61.7 kWh battery that offers up to 281 miles and the Extended Range models have a huge 77 kWh battery for up to 323 miles.
It has a fairly clear dash with a 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment centre in the console with a few key control buttons below it and a 7 inch digital driver display behind the wheel for your key information.
In terms of price the MG4 is often cheaper than comparable petrol or diesel models, and we’ve been able to get some great leasing prices on it if you’re interested in one for your next car. Our team is on hand to answer any questions you might have, simply give us a call on 0330 221 0000.
3. Volkswagen Golf
Another hatchback that has long been a favourite of drivers, and us at Xcite Car Leasing, is the Volkswagen Golf. A staple of UK roads it’s rare that you go for a drive and don’t see one.
VW are offering a range of different engines for you to choose from including petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrids across all trim levels. Of which there are three, the Life, Style and R-Line. The Life is the entry level model which comes with a digital instrument display, a 10 inch touchscreen infotainment centre and wireless smartphone charging as standard.
There are also sportier models in the GTI (petrol), GTD (diesel) and GTE (plug-in hybrid (PHEV)) and R variants for drivers who want something with a little more power under the hood.
If you’d like to take a look at any of the variants then why not take a look at our VW Golf leasing deals?
4. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a classic hatchback that is beloved by UK drivers. Like it’s sibling the Fiesta the Focus has been one of Ford’s most popular models in the past 20+ years since it was first introduced in the late 90s.
It’s obviously been through several generations since 1998 and had a few facelifts to keep it up to date with latest trends and technology and today’s model has a range of trim levels for you to choose from so that you really get what you want features wise from your car. You can also choose from a petrol, diesel or hybrid powertrain, each offering drivers economical running costs.
There’s plenty of room for four adults to fit comfortably and a spacious boot that can handle most standard pushchairs making it a great choice for families with both little children and older ones.
One thing to be aware of with the Focus is that Ford announced a number of models that will be removed from their production line up permanently and will stop being produced in 2025. If you’d like to get a Focus before they are discontinued then take a look at our Focus leasing deals or give us a call on 0330 221 0000.
5. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has had a resurgence in popularity in the past year with UK drivers and we think that the current model is a great option as a family car. It’s affordable, comfortable and roomy which ticks the three main boxes.
There are two petrol hybrid engines available, a 138 bhp 1.8 litre and a punchier 193 bhp 2.0 litre. Neither of which need to be plugged in to charge them as they have self-charging technology.
The drive is one of the smoothest with soft suspension, comfortable seats and precise steering working together to make sure you and your passengers don’t feel a bump in the road.
There is an estate version of the Corolla available as well, if you like the car but need a little more space in the rear seats or boot area then we recommend taking a look at this one.
Why not check out our Toyota Corolla leasing offers if you’re interested in one for your next new car?
6. Skoda Octavia
Skoda is a brand well known for their reliable and affordable models so we couldn’t create a top 10 without including one. We’ve opted for the Skoda Octavia which is one of the largest hatchbacks available at the minute.
Now in its fourth generation the Octavia is a great choice for those who want a larger affordable family car with all the must have features, and some extras, as standard.
Skoda is a brand under the Volkswagen Group. One way that the Volkswagen Group is saving money, improving R&D and providing better models across all the brands under its umbrella is to share platforms across different models, not just within the same brand. This means that the Skoda Octavia shares its platform with the VW Golf and SEAT Leon. However, the Octavia has a longer body which means it has a little more boot space and roomier rear seats.
There are petrol, diesel and hybrid versions of the Octavia for you to choose from, so you can get the right fuel type for your driving habits. Depending on the model you opt for the plug-in hybrid then you can achieve a purely electric powered distance of 41 miles.
If you need more room then there is also an estate version of the Octavia and we have leasing deals on them both.
7. Mazda 3
Now in its third generation the Mazda 3 is a hatchback that’s designed to stand out from the crowd. Looking more like a four-door coupe the Mazda 3 has a sleek looking exterior and modern interior with driver centred dashboard and all the latest tech.
There’s two engines for you to choose from, both 2 litre petrol engines but the 178 bhp Skyactiv-X uses a compression ignition that burns petrol more like it was diesel for a more efficient engine. You’ll also get the option of an automatic or manual gearbox so will be able to choose the one best suited to your driving needs.
We think that the Mazda 3 is the ideal hatchback if you want something stylish and fun to drive. Why not take a look at our current leasing deals on our dedicated Mazda 3 leasing deals page, which includes the larger Mazda 3 saloon if you like the look of the Mazda 3 but need a little more room.
8. Kia Ceed
The Kia Ceed is another great choice if you’re looking for an affordable family car.
Kia is one of the few brands that offer a manufacturer’s warranty longer than three years, with a whopping seven year warranty. This means that when you’re looking at a new lease then you will have the warranty for the full length of your lease, even if you opt for a our year lease or extend beyond your original lease period.
The Kia Ceed is available as a five door hatchback, crossover SUV with the XCeed, an estate in the Sportswagon or a saloon in the Proceed Shooting Brake. We’re focusing on the standard hatchback models for this article but we think the overall variety of body shapes available make the Ceed a very versatile car.
In the standard Ceed, there’s three petrol engines and one diesel option to choose from. If you cover a lot of distance then we recommend going for the diesel as it will be more efficient for you, otherwise one of the petrol engines is ideal for running around town.
The interior is clean, with button controls that mean you’ll be able to adjust things easily on the go. All models come with a touchscreen infotainment centre that controls the radio, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity and mirroring. And with higher spec models you’ll be upgraded to a larger 10.25 inch screen and built in satnav.
If you’d like to learn more about the Kia Ceed or want to see what kind of leasing deals we have available then head over to our dedicated Ceed leasing page.
9. Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall is a British brand that’s been a popular choice for UK drivers who want a reliable family car at an affordable price. In recent years the brand has scaled back the number of models they’re producing and focused on refining their models so they really offer modern drivers what they want.
There’s currently two hatchbacks in their catalogue and we’ve chosen the Astra for our top 10 pick. Whilst the Corsa is a classic on UK roads we think that the Astra has a little more to offer drivers.
It’s recently had a revamp into its eighth generation to give it a facelift and technology update meaning it has everything you could need.
The Astra is another model that’s available with fully electric and hybrid powertrains as well as the traditional petrol and diesel. Unlike some other brands Vauxhall have managed to create electric versions of a car that is the same car drivers know and love with little change to the handling. The PHEV versions have an electric only powered range up to 42 miles and the fully electric has a range of up to 258 miles.
You’ll get comfortable seats, digital instrument display and smartphone mirroring as standard. And if you opt for higher spec models then there’s head-up display, and voice controlled programming that can change the music, turn the air conditioning on and much more.
Why not take a look at our Astra leasing deals to see how much a brand new Astra could cost you?
10. BMW 1 Series
Our final choice for the best hatchbacks of 2024 is the BMW 1 Series. Now in its third generation, the 1 Series is a family car from one of the big three German brands that offers drivers a high-quality finish, premium technology and fun driving experience.
One of the biggest changes in the latest model is that the 1 Series is now front wheel drive, rather than rear wheel drive as it was previously. This may have upset some drivers but we think that it has helped improve the feel of driving giving it a sportier touch. And if you really want to you can upgrade to the hot hatch BMW M135i xDrive to get four wheel drive.
There’s plenty of room in the rear seats with more head, leg and shoulder room than previously. Though if you opt for the panoramic sunroof you won’t get quite as much head room as it has a more curved roofline.
Up front you’ll get height, reach and seat adjustments to really make it the most comfortable driving seat for you. All of your key controls are within reach and easy to use with a touchscreen infotainment centre, rotary wheel and voice controls. You’ll get a digital instrument display as standard with the option to add head-up display as well.
Take a look at our BMW 1 Series leasing deals or give us a call on 0330 221 0000 to find out more about leasing a 1 Series.
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