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.
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.
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Not everyone wants an SUV, especially if you value driving feel and practicality. I’ve owned a Focus and an Octavia at different stages of life, and both were great in different ways, one fun, one endlessly useful. Used hatchbacks feel like smart, grown-up choices: cheaper to insure, easier to park, and still comfortable for family life. Maintenance matters too; checking parts availability and owner feedback (even places like parts geek) can save headaches. The sensible car often ends up being the most satisfying long-term.
Audi A3 is a solid option, pay attention to it.