the best used hatchback cars

Hatchbacks are cars built to be balanced. Whether you’re an office worker looking for a ready-made commute car or a growing family needing a safe drive, there will be a hatchback out there for you.

The best hatchback cars typically have space, power, and comfort to appease any driver. However, this usually comes at the cost of them not excelling in any one area. The benefit, though, is a car that can take whatever life throws at it – bumpy roads, daily commutes, the school run, you name it.

As the most popular car type, you are spoiled for choice when choosing a hatchback. However, with a wealth of choice comes a difficult question: what are the best used hatchbacks?

Thankfully, we’re here to make your choice easier. Discover our picks for the top hatchback vehicles worth your attention.

ford focus rs/st

Source: Arnold Clark Motorstore Wigan

The Ford Focus is enormously popular, especially in the UK. The model has been very successful since its debut in 1998, blending affordability with small frame reliability and a big boot. For this reason, the car is very popular with new drivers and families.

Ford’s stand-out product offers more than just new driver appeal, though, with a powerful 1.0L, 1.5L or 1.6L engine, comfortable seating and precise handling. Despite its popularity, Ford has indicated plans to discontinue the Focus as early as 2025, instead preferring to produce more electrified vehicles. This announcement is sure to upset die hard Ford Focus fans, especially those looking for a strong used hatchback.

Speaking of used, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for souped up ST and RS models produced through 2013 to 2018. During this time, the Focus picked up numerous awards from Top Gear (in 2013, 2016 and 2017) and WhatCar, truly making it one of the best, most successful hatchbacks of modern eras.

Between its reliability and usability, the Ford Focus stands out as one of the best used hatchbacks. If you need a dependable car, a Ford Focus could be for you.

volkswagen golf mk6

Source: Southlands - Used Cars

The Volkswagen Golf has endured multiple changes and developments through eight generations to stand out as a pocket-sized powerhouse. The model still manages to fit in enough space for family driving, despite being smaller than other hatchback models.

Ultimately, the Volkswagen Golf has been made iconic due to its performance, which sometimes makes it feel like a premium model.

Packing a spacious boot with a choice of nine powerful engines and excellent handling, the Volkswagen Golf delivers on the hatchback promise: to be a catch-all motor for all the family. Complemented by a small frame, you can feel fast, park easy and enjoy the space that comes with most other hatchbacks.

Although newer Golfs promise all the latest bells and whistles, many motorists particularly praise it for its now-ancient 2009 chassis (the Golf Mk 6), which continues to influence later revisions.

This series of Golf has picked up numerous awards like World Car of the Year in both 2009 and 2013, with the majority of praise being given due to its robust build quality and strong value proposition. Be sure to keep an eye out for these models to enjoy some of that award winning goodness for yourself.

Treat yourself to a Volkswagen Golf from one of our dealers today.

honda civic type R

Source: S D Automotive Ltd

The Honda Civic is a greatly adored piece of Japanese engineering. Not only is it loved by petrolheads for its iconic V-TEC engine technology, but even families can appreciate larger models due to the sheer practicality of it.

The humble Civic has come on leaps and bounds ever since it was first introduced in 1973. Unrecognisable in appearance, modern Civics are viewed as proverbial pocket rockets thanks to their high compatibility with aftermarket modifications, and a dedicated fan base across the globe. However, it was the Civic EK9 (the first Type-R model) that really brought it home. Since the EK9 was launched, Honda has been keen to continue producing Type-R Civics that all seek to stand up to the same level of impact that the EK9 had, and to some great success.

Undergoing two major facelifts throughout the 2010s, modern Civics are recognised by publications worldwide for downright fun. In 2017, the Civic Type-R picked up Top Gear’s Car of the Year award, while proceeding to pick up the Best Hot Hatch Award from What Car in 2018. If you're looking for fun and happen to spot a 2017/2018 Honda Civic Type-R, it could be the best choice you make.

Discover all our used Honda Civic Type-R listings today.

audi a3

Source: Autostrada Ltd

Sometimes, drivers don’t care about performance or handling; they want a car that’s reliable, compact, and robust.

The Audi A3 prides itself on interior quality and comfort. The leather seats throughout the model consistently give it a showroom feel, with cushions, support and excellent armrest positions. All in all, it’s an ergonomic triumph.

Thankfully, the rest of the car isn’t too shabby either. With impressive hybrid, electric and petrol engine options, good power, easy handling and a sense of prestige, an Audi A3 ticks all the boxes (it just ticks off the “comfortable interior” box twice as hard).

In addition to all this good news, the A3 is even recognised within the motoring industry, giving it strong credentials. The Sportback model of the A3 claimed the 2014 World Car of the Year award after receiving backing from 69 jurors, giving Audi its second win of the award in 10 years.

Drive away with a plush Audi A3 today.

toyota corolla

Source: Motorpoint Burnley

Toyota has iterated on its Corrolla model with each release in all the right ways. Instead of focusing on the latest motor trends, the Japanese carmaker has zoned in on reliability and performance. The result is an ultra-efficient hatchback that guarantees savings and performance.

The narrative of value and dependability has made it the world’s most popular car, which is impressive for a hybrid. The model’s 1.8 or 2.0 hybrid engines promise excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions, meaning you can drive guilt-free with a few extra quid in your pocket.

This narrative is reflected even further in the Corolla’s trophy cabinet. In a space where reliability is paramount, the Corolla was named Company Car Today’s Best Lower Medium car in 2021. Editors praised the Corolla for its aesthetics, efficiency and safety levels, all of which are important aspects for businesses and families. Could the Corolla be your next family car?

Discover our range of Toyota Corolla cars today.

discover used hatchback cars from experienced dealers

 If you’re a beginner driver or an experienced one needing a dependable set of wheels, this type of car could be the one for you.

If one of the models above hasn’t caught your eye, then browse our catalogue of used cars today.