Hatchback

While we define a city car as something less than 3.7 metres long and an executive hatchback as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family hatchbacks tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, they’re designed for daily versatility, so a blend of efficiency and interior space is paramount. The best also combine agile steering with a suspension setup that’s supple enough to ensure groceries – and passengers – aren't tossed around.

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Showing 61 - 90 of 103

Toyota Yaris

from £21,799
Although it’s well equipped and has a hybrid option, the Toyota Yaris doesn’t excel enough to stand out in the small car class

Volkswagen Golf GTE

from £22,495
The GTE is a Golf for people with an eye on performance, but also on the environment and running costs
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BYD Dolphin

from £25,279
The BYD Dolphin is a spacious small electric car with a competitive starting price

Ford Focus ST

from £21,499
The Focus ST is still one of the most enjoyable all-rounders in the hot hatch class. It's good value and easy to live with.

Peugeot e-208

from £18,099
The e-208 is a stylish electric hatchback that’s available with two battery options

Kia Ceed

from £22,840
The Kia Ceed has tidy handling, a well-built interior and a long warranty. Even so, rivals are better in many key areas

Suzuki Swift Sport

from £17,404
The Suzuki Swift Sport is well equipped and fun to drive, but a high list price and underwhelming handling stop it from achieving hot hatch greatness

Kia Picanto

from £14,999
The Kia Picanto is one of the very best city cars, with a smart interior, tidy handling and decent practicality

Audi S6 e-tron

from £89,995
The S6 e-tron sprints from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds and is available as an electric estate car

Volkswagen Polo GTI

from £17,990
A fine all-rounder, but rival hot hatches will put an even bigger smile on your face

Fiat 500e

from £18,556
The Fiat 500 is wonderfully stylish and competent in most areas, but there are rivals that are both cheaper and better to drive.

Citroën ë-C3

from £17,995
The ë-C3 is keenly priced and roomy inside but there are better all-round electric SUVs

Vauxhall Corsa

from £15,490
The Vauxhall Corsa is keenly priced if you choose carefully, but it's outclassed by newer rivals in most areas

Fiat 500 Hybrid

from £12,675
The new 500 Hybrid is a stylish city car that rivals the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto

Polestar 2

from £40,210
The Polestar 2 has a smart interior and a long range, but some alternatives are more rounded

Mazda 2 Hybrid

from £22,695
The 2 Hybrid offers a comfy ride and excellent efficiency but consider the Toyota Yaris too

Cupra Leon

from £25,000
The Cupra Leon combines sporty looks with sharp handling and is also available as a practical estate car

Audi A6 e-tron

from £49,999
The A6 Sportback e-tron is an impressive addition to the electric executive car class

Hyundai i30 Fastback

from £24,593
Despite average dynamics and sedate performance, the i30 Fastback impresses with its range of standard equipment and top build quality

Mazda 2

from £26,495
The Mazda 2 has decent performance and is well equipped, but it is a little expensive.

DS No 4

from £44,290
The DS 4 lacks the quality feel of premium rivals and has a suspension that is far too stiff.

Citroën ë-C4

from £25,990
The ë-C4 electric coupé SUV is comfortable and stylish but the smaller battery option has a sub-par range

Hyundai i30

from £24,593
The Hyundai i30 is worth considering if you value ease of ownership and minimal running costs above speed and driving enjoyment

Peugeot 308

from £24,000
The Peugeot 308 has some frugal engines, but it falls way short of its best rivals to drive and rear space is tight

Mini Cooper

from £24,735
The Mini 3dr is a desirable car with plenty of substance to match its style; if you want a premium small car, it should be on your shortlist

Mercedes AMG A35

from £28,880
Hot hatchback is fast and grippy, but there are more rewarding cars drive

BYD Dolphin G DM-i

from £25,279
The BYD Dolphin G is a plug-in hybrid with an official EV range of 65 miles

Leapmotor T03

from £12,495
The T03 is a very small and competitively priced electric car from Chinese brand Leapmotor

Dacia Sandero Stepway

from £16,065
The Dacia Sandero Stepway adds a better ride to the Sandero's cheap and cheerful formula

Mini Cooper 5-Door

from £26,905
The Mini 5dr is your best bet if you’re after a small car with a posh badge. It’s refined to drive and more practical than an Audi A1
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More on Hatchbacks

Honda N-One RS review: this pocket-sized petrol hatch works well in Japan, but could it make sense in the UK?

It’s small, affordable and promises to be versatile; we try the Super-N’s petrol-powered stablemate to see if it’s more than a novelty

Car of the Year Awards 2026: Best small car to drive

Small cars might be inexpensive, cheap to run and practical for many people's daily needs - but that doesn't mean they can't be fun to drive, too

Dacia Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Jogger refreshed

Subtle design changes hide more fundamental improvements beneath the skin, including upgraded tech and new engine options

Dacia Spring gets more power and an upgraded battery

Updates to the UK’s most affordable electric car also include tweaks to the underpinnings that are designed to make it better to drive

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