The best used hatchbacks

The hatchback car is a true jack-of-all-trades. Practical but not too big, good to drive but economical to run. It's no surprise that hatchbacks often dominate the list of top 10 best selling cars in the UK, or that there are always plenty of enticing used cars for sale.

Whether you want low maintenance, a sporty driving style, a premium badge or great practicality, there's a used hatchback for you. Best of all, many manage to combine all of these attributes and even more in one car. To help you choose from all the shiny used hatchbacks, here's our guide to the very best.

1. Ford Fiesta

No guide to the best hatchbacks would be complete without including the best selling car in the UK. The Ford Fiesta has been at or near the top of the sales charts for many years, and deserves it because it's one of the best subcompacts on offer. 

If you need a wide range of engines, from economical to sporty, take your pick. And if you want the latest tech features and stylish design, no problem. There is plenty of space inside too. On top of that, every single version is a real pleasure to drive. Driving a Fiesta is just plain fun, so you won't mind that there are probably a few other people on the same road as you at any given time.

Read our Ford Fiesta review

2. Ford Focus

If the Fiesta doesn't have the space you need, then perhaps the larger Focus has it. Another widely sold Ford Focus replicates the Fiesta's formula for driving pleasure and also reflects a wide choice of engines and trim levels. 

Whether you want a good-value small car, a diesel-powered highway car, or a sporty hot hatch, the Focus is for you. And you won't have to pay a fortune for one because it's very competitively priced. If you need even more space, check out the station wagon version, and if you're into (very) light off-roading or just prefer a more rugged look. There's even an Active model with a 4x4-style makeover and raised suspension.

Read our Ford Focus review

3. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is another big name, and it's another vehicle that can cater to a range of different needs. Its advantage over similar Focus models is a premium feel without deviating from the more prestigious prices of brands like Audi or BMW. 

The new Golf was released in 2019 and you'll soon see plenty of them on the used car market, but the previous model (seventh generation) remains one of the best used cars you can buy. Every Golf is stylish, stylish, easy to drive and comes with a very high level of equipment including a wealth of technology and entertainment options. There's plenty to choose from, from small-engined economy versions at one end of the range to powerful hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and Golf R at the other. Hybrid and electric versions are also available.

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

4. Seat Leon

If you're looking for a used hatchback with a touch of Mediterranean flair, the Seat Leon might be the way to go. It uses many of the same parts as the Golf because Volkswagen and Seat share a parent company, but the Spanish manufacturer has added sleeker styling and a sportier driving feel. 

The Leon is generally more affordable than the Golf, but retains the high-quality interior and many of the same high-tech features. Like many of the other cars on this list, there are a range of petrol and diesel engines, and the sporty Cupra models at the top of the range are great hot hatches.

Read our Seat Leon review

5. BMW 1 Series

The luxury hatchback is a relatively recent phenomenon, and premium brands aim to cater to people who don't necessarily want a big car but enjoy a sleek image, luxurious interior, and plenty of features in a relatively compact package.

A perfect example is the BMW 1 Series, which offers all the driving appeal and high-tech equipment you'd expect from a brand in a vehicle the same size as a Volkswagen Golf. An all-new model was released in 2019, but at the moment reasonable money is being spent on the previous generation car, which is really worth the money and has a rear-wheel drive layout (the latest car has front-wheel drive), which makes it great. balance in the corners. You'll pay a little more for a BMW badge than more mainstream brands, but the quality of the interior is a little more special, and BMW engines are among the most efficient (and therefore economical).

Read our review of the BMW 1-Series.

6. Mercedes-Benz A-Class

If you're looking for a hatchback that gives you true luxury, then the Mercedes-Benz A-Class could be for you. The latest model, which was released in 2018, really raises the bar with an interior that has a real wow factor thanks to its huge screen and top-notch quality throughout. 

It's a pleasure to drive and there's a huge variety of versions to choose from, with options that offer low running costs, varying amounts of luxury equipment and sporty AMG models. The previous A-Class model shares many of the current car's positives and is worth considering, but it's worth spending your budget on a newer car if you can afford it, as it's better in every way.

Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class

7. Audi A3

The Audi A3 is Audi's entry into the luxury hatchback market. It was relaunched in a brand new form for 2020, but the previous generation model is the one making the choice here as it remains one of the best hatchbacks you can buy.

As you'd expect from Audi, the impeccable interior quality is a big part of the A3's appeal. It represents the technological front with a very smart infotainment system and many useful features. Each version handles well, combining excellent ride comfort with crisp handling. Some versions are very sporty and there are also quattro versions that give you even more confidence in bad road conditions. In addition to a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, there's also a plug-in hybrid version called the "e-tron" that offers a realistic range of up to 20 miles or so on electric alone.

Read our Audi A3 review

8. Skoda Octavia

Although closely related to the Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia is much longer. This extra size makes the Octavia one of the most practical hatchbacks around, with boot capacity that none of its competitors can match. Skoda has a knack for designing its cars with how customers will use them, so in addition to a huge trunk (and a station wagon option if you want even more space), there are smart features like a detachable magnetic flashlight. in the trunk, an umbrella under the seat, and an ice scraper behind the gas cap. 

You'll find many of the same engines available for the Octavia as for the Seat Leon and VW Golf, meaning there's something for everyone. The cabin has the same smart feel, as well as a neat touchscreen system and plenty of sophisticated safety features as standard.

Read our Skoda Octavia review.

9. Vauxhall Astra

Used hatchbacks aren't much more affordable than the Vauxhall Astra. Pound for pound, there is nothing special, and you get a great all-rounder for your money.

Simply put, Astra does everything well. For starters, it's a pleasure to drive, a smooth ride and little cabin noise at speed. The wide range of engines includes both very economical and powerful engines, with all versions well equipped. While the Astra's interior doesn't have the premium sheen of some rivals, it's very well built, easy to use and practical, and has a nice, well-shaped, large trunk.

Read our Vauxhall Astra review.

Cazoo always has a lot of quality used hatchbacks. Use our search function to find the one you like, buy it online and then have it delivered to your door or pick it up at your nearest Cazoo customer service center.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you can't find a vehicle within your budget today, check back soon to see what's available, or set up a stock alert to be the first to know when we have vehicles available to suit your needs.