The best used hatchbacks - driven, ranked and rated

Best for: Badge appeal

Our choice: Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S Line

The Mk3 A3 is a cut above its VW Golf sibling, being plusher and more refined, and its interior is pretty much perfect.

Sporty S Line cars look more swish but have a firmer ride, so try before you buy.

Best for: Space

Our choice: Skoda Octavia 1.5 SE L

Refined, well made, decent to drive and class-leading spaciousness, the Mk3 Octavia is a robust and dependable hatchback that’s ideal for both long motorway journeys and urban jaunts.

Best for: Simplicity

Our choice: Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactiv-G MHEV SE-L Lux

This is a compelling choice, not least for its external beauty and classy, button-filled interior. We would go for the regular 2.0-litre atmo petrol (not the novel X version, which adds complexity in return for very little extra MPG) in one of the lower trims, seeing as they are well equipped and avoid ride-ruining big wheels.

Best for: Posh interiors

Our choice: BMW 118i M Sport

There is a lot to like about the third-generation 1 Series. It’s roomy inside and has heaps of usable standard technology, plus it rides and handles with more composure than the older model, despite the switch from rear- to front-wheel drive.

Those looks are controversial, but it’s nevertheless one of the most complete premium hatchbacks you can buy.

Best for: A show-stopping interior

Our choice: Mercedes A180 AMG Line

With its materially rich cabin, tech-laden interior and dynamic handling, the Mk4 A-Class is a solid used buy. Plump for a smarter-looking facelifted car if you can. 

Best for: Big car sophistication wrapped in a hatchback shell

Our choice: Honda Civic 1.0 EX

The Mk10 Civic’s looks were certainly radical, but that didn’t stop it from being a practical hatchback with big car sophistication on the road and a not insignificant dose of sportiness to its drive.

It has proven very tough, too, and even mid-level versions were well kitted out, with the EX model going so far as to include adaptive dampers.

Best for: Long warranties

Our choice: Kia Ceed 1.6 Eco 2

Comfortable and easy to drive, the Mk3 Ceed is every bit as good as some of its better-known rivals – and then there’s Kia’s seven-year warranty. 

Best for: Value

Our choice: Vauxhall Astra 1.4 SRi VX-Line

Priced from as little as £2500, the Mk7 Astra is a bargain these days. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol offers enough real-world performance and economy. The car would hold even greater appeal if it were a bit more dynamic and felt a little less ordinary to travel in, though.

Best for: A touch of flair

Our choice: Seat Leon 1.5 TSI Evo FR

The last Mk3 Leons are the best, benefiting from the Volkswagen Group’s newer and more refined 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.

Overall, this is a solid hatchback that rides and handles well and looks really smart – especially in sporty FR trim, which features all the desirable mod cons, including sat-nav and Apple CarPlay.

Best for: Technology

Our choice: Renault Megane 1.5 Blue dCi Iconic

While the Mk4 Mégane lacks a bit of substance in the chassis and powertrain departments, it’s decent to ride around in, thanks to its solid and appealing interior. There’s plenty of standard technology inside, too.

Best for: Comfort

Our choice: Citroen C4 1.2 Puretech Shine

It doesn’t get top marks for practicality or interior space, nor indeed driver appeal, but no rival rides in such a soft fashion as the good-looking Mk3 C4. Used prices are appealing, too.