Used Hatchback cars

Hatchbacks are the great all-rounders of the car world. There are other types of car that better suit specific needs: an MPV for example, can carry more people, an estate can carry more stuff, an SUV is better for driving off-road. But there’s a reason hatchbacks have long been some of Britain’s most popular cars – if you need to carry both people and stuff efficiently and comfortably, there’s probably a hatchback with your name on it.

A hatchback car is defined by its boot lid, which incorporates the back window and is hinged at the top to the edge of the roof. Hatchbacks also have one or two doors on each side and you’ll often hear them referred to as ‘three-door or ‘five-door’ models because the hatchback boot lid is included as one of the doors.

That description also fits some other types of car including estates, SUVs and coupes – these are often technically hatchbacks, even if they primarily fit into a different category. However, hatchbacks as most people refer to them typically have less boot space than an estate, are closer to the ground than an SUV is and aren’t as sporty as a coupe.

What is a hatchback?

The best used hatchbacks

Best used hot hatches

Hatchbacks cover a lot of bases and suit a huge number of people. But they won’t be right for everyone – for instance, if you need to carry lots of stuff, or more than five people, or if you’ve got your heart set on a convertible. For a lot of people though, the all-round capability of a hatchback, combined with the large number of models to choose from, means there’s one likely to fit the bill.

There’s a wide choice of different hatchbacks. They range in size from tiny city cars to full-size luxury cars. There are zero-emissions electric cars and fast and sporty cars (often called hot hatches). Some are focused on value and efficiency, others on style and luxury, and others on fun and performance.

Ford Fiesta - One of the very best small hatchbacks, the Fiesta feels great to drive and is really good value. There are lots of different models to choose from so it’s easy to find one that suits you.

Volkswagen Golf - The Golf gives you upmarket style inside and out, without an upmarket price tag. It’s lovely to drive and available with a wide range of power options including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric.

Mini Hatch - With its retro style and fun driving experience, this is one of the most enjoyable small hatchbacks to own. Its premium interior, with lots of features included  as standard, adds to the appeal.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class - This premium-brand mid-size hatchback might not be the most practical family car but its interior has a real wow factor, and many models are fitted with impressive high-tech features.

Volkswagen Polo - The Polo may be small but it gives you the kind of quiet, comfortable and relaxed driving experience more often associated with bigger cars. There are many different models to choose from, too.