Best hatchbacks 2025

The humble hatchback is a body style of vehicle which was invented by Citroën all the way back in 1938. Today, the hatchback remains the most popular body style of car purchased in the UK.

A hatchback is characterised by the design of the boot, which opens upwards and is hinged at roof level, creating a type of hatch-like, flat loading space for the boot.

Subsequently, the boot of a hatchback car is considered an exit and is checked to be in proper working order during an MOT. This differs from the likes of saloon cars, where the boot is separate to the rear compartment of the car.

Hatchbacks are lower in height and weight than SUV cars, and they are more versatile and convenient than saloon or estate cars due to their shorter length.

The humble hatch therefore offers a happy medium; this is likely the driving force behind their sustained popularity among motorists.

Below, we discuss our hatchback top picks of 2025.

Best hatchback cars of 2025 – our top picks

Volkswagen Golf

It wouldn’t be a list of the best hatchback cars without including the Volkswagen Golf. This model has been on UK roads since 1974 and is still just as popular with motorists in 2025.

Currently in it its eighth generation, the Golf has retained its sleek and instantly recognisable body styling throughout its life. Despite its long service, it is still considered one of the most (if not the very most) popular hatch cars of all time.

Choose the hot hatch Volkswagen Golf R if you’re looking for something fast and fierce, or opt for the entry level ‘Life’ trim for something more practical and poised.

The Volkswagen Golf truly embodies the characteristics of the hatchback body style. It’s compact without being cramped, so parking in tight spots won’t be an issue, but neither will loading the car up with family, friends and luggage for a road trip.

It’s also a practical car that doesn’t skimp on performance. Whether you’re hugging corners on country roads or sailing smoothly on the motorway, driving a Golf is truly a joy, regardless of the trim you choose.

Whether you’re a value seeker or a petrol head, you’ll find there’s a variation of Golf that suits you. That’s why we think it has been, and probably always will be, such a mainstay in the market of hatchbacks.

Renault Clio

Next is the Renault Clio, it’s our pick for the best small hatchbacks available now. In our opinion, the most recent iteration of the model is the most stylish it’s ever been and it’s still one of the most affordable new cars available.

Don’t just take it from us, it won the Best Small Car title at the 2024 UK Car of the Year Awards.

The Clio looks compact from the outside – it’s considered a supermini hatchback after all. However, you’ll find that, once you’re inside, cabin and cockpit space is abundant, with lots of handy storage spaces and cubbies.

Some may say the back seats are a little cramped if you were seating three 6-foot-tall adults, however, any space lost here is recouped in the boot. With all seats in use, you get an ample 391 litres. Fold the rear bench and this expands to an impressive 1,006 litres.

This new self-charging hybrid (HEV) Clio also saves you fuel when driving at lower speeds in electric mode and reduces your emission output to as low as 97 g/km.*^

It’s another model which perfectly embodies the most desirable characteristics of the hatchback: functionality, flexibility, frugality and fun!

Mazda3

Our next choice for the best new hatchback available in 2025 is none other than the Mazda3. The model is available in both saloon and hatchback body styles, but today we’re talking about the hatchback specifically (of course).

You have a choice of three trims on the new Mazda3; SE-L, SE-L LUX and Sport Lux. All benefit from Mazda’s Skyactive-X technology, which uses a Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI) – a consumer first.

This specific technology increases torque by around 30% while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption by up to 20%. The system combines the fluid revs and cleaner emissions of a petrol engine with the low-end responsiveness of a diesel engine.

Another especially exciting feature of the 2025 Mazda3 is the Bose surround sound speakers. Crisp and clear audio fills the cabin for the ultimate listening experience, facilitated by the Mazda Connect infotainment system.

The Mazda3 offers a truly driver-focused experience when compared to many of its competitors. Crisp, precise steering, innovative technology and an efficient engine; what more could you ask for?

So, if you’re in the market for a brand-new hatchback, a Mazda3 should definitely be on your list of cars to consider, if it’s not at the very top already!

Vauxhall Corsa

The humble yet iconic Vauxhall Corsa is a supermini hatchback that has been extremely popular with British motorists for over three decades.

This long-lasting popularity is largely attributed to the model’s widely acclaimed low price tag when purchased new or used. That’s why it’s our pick for the both best hatchback cars under 10k and best value hatchback.

If you’re looking for a Corsa for under £10,000, we have a few different generations in stock, all available with different powertrain options for you to choose from.

Affordability is something that we know is important to many, if not most, of our customers when it comes to buying cars – and that’s definitely something this hatchback can offer you.

Depending on the variation you choose, Corsas typically fall under a low insurance group and road tax bracket, too. That’s why it’s also one of the best cars for first time drivers.

Another reason for this hatch’s popularity is its surprisingly spacious cabin. The most recent Corsa boot offers 309 litres — six litres more than its biggest competitor, the Ford Fiesta.

And with the discontinuation of the Fiesta in 2023, the Corsa’s place in the best-seller charts will cemented for years to come.

MG4 EV

Our pick for the best electric hatchback is the MG4 EV, MG’s first EV. Although relatively new to the market (launched in 2022), the model has definitely turned some heads in the automotive industry!

The MG4 is founded on a cutting-edge battery architecture and a rear-wheel drive platform that allows for optimal weight distribution, making for an extremely satisfying electrified driving experience.

Not only that, but it’s an extremely affordable option for an EV – even when purchasing from new. MG practically set a new market precedent for affordable EVs with the MG4.

There are two battery options available. The 49kWh battery offers up to 217 miles* of range and the EV long-range 64kWh battery can achieve up to 279 miles*.

The 49kWh version is perfect for urban drivers who often take shorter, more frequent trips in the car. Whereas the 64kWh MG4 would be great for those who have a longer distance commute.

A hot hatch edition – the MG4 EV XPower – was released in 2023. Boasting a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive, this powerful EV produces 429bhp and can reach 62mph in just 3.8 seconds.

But no matter which variant you choose, you’ll be enjoying instant torque, agile responsiveness and robust handling – you’ve got a lot to look forward to behind the wheel of an MG4!

Peugeot 208

Peugeot has a long and decorated history for producing hatchbacks that offer eye-catching design, great performance, and exceptional value for money all wrapped into one.

The 208 first came to our roads in 2012; since then, there have been two generations of the model: the Mk1 (A9) and Mk2 (P21), which came to market in 2019.

If you’re interested in the best automatic hatchback cars of 2025, we truly believe that this is one of the strongest contenders. Most of the 130hp PureTech 208s come with automatic transmission only, so they aren’t hard to find.

With the automatic version, you’ll get great fuel economy, added driver convenience and reduced driver fatigue – especially when you find yourself stuck in traffic.

For those reasons alone, it’s a great car if you’re new to driving because it’s easy to manoeuvre and park; you don’t have to think about changing gears and it’s also a sleek and stylish car to look at.

If you’re looking for a car that is perfect for city driving, this is the hatchback for you.

Toyota Yaris

Our pick for the best hybrid hatchback of 2025 is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. As far as hybrid hatchbacks go, the Yaris is efficient, economical, and eco-friendlier than a petrol or diesel alternative.

Owners of the Yaris Hybrid will tell you themselves that they love how reliable the car is, whether that be with regards to the self-charging hybrid powertrain or the long-lasting life span of the vehicle.

The hybrid system allows you to seamlessly switch between petrol and electric power for optimised driving performance and handling. You can drive like you always have, with no need to plug in, and still get excellent fuel economy of up to 65.6mpg.*

Another reason we love the Yaris Hybrid so much is thanks to all the impressive safety tech and equipment the model is kitted out with. You can look forward to auto high-beam, pre-collision assist, lane departure alerts and road sign assist.

Driving a Yaris has never been more convenient or economical than when you choose the hybrid. It’s a popular car with a prudent price tag, even for newer variations.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

The best-looking hatchback on our list is none other than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N EV. But it’s not only a beauty to look at, it’s also an absolute marvel to drive. With 740Nm of instant torque and 650bhp, if you don’t keep an eye out, you might not see it!

The IONIQ 5 N is a head-turner; there’s no denying it. It’s also the type of car that people hear before they see despite the fact it’s an EV, but more on that later.

The interior is just as attractive as the exterior, with an N Performance perforated leather steering wheel, N-dedicated metal doorsteps and footrest and Alcantara leather and upholstery throughout. You also get heated and ventilated sports bucket seats.

The model’s standing time on the track actually beat a Ferrari F40 and Porsche 911 GT2, so it’s the real deal when it comes to power and performance. But it’s an EV, where’s the fun if you can’t hear it? Well… you most certainly can!

The model features an eight-speed transmission and a roaring engine through the N Active Sounds+ System. The E-shift within the sound system blurs the lines between EV and internal combustion engine by using advanced motor controls to simulate the feeling of gear changes and the sound of engine changes.

You can use the NES sound system to switch between different N Active Sound+ settings, including Ignition, Evolution and Supersonic, for different engine sounds.

It’s the perfect car for enthusiasts who are ready to go all electric. Hyundai truly put a soul into a machine with this one!

Honda Civic

Last, but by no means least, is the award-winning Honda Civic as our choice for the best five-door hatchback of 2025. It’s been recognised and loved on our roads since 1972, with the model still garnering acclaim currently.

There have been 11 generations of the Civic as of 2025, with the most recent generation being released with a self-charging hybrid powertrain only and fastback body style.

The model is instantly recognisable with the iconic Honda emblem in the middle of sleek, sloping headlights. No matter the generation you choose, the Civic design features remain, offering driver’s kerb appeal in abundance.

Owners have always praised the Civic for its highly efficient engines. If you opt for an earlier model than the Mk11, you’ll find a selection of economical petrol engines to choose from. Older generations may still be available with diesel powertrains, too.

Most of the Civics we have in stock have five doors. The five-door hatch version of the Civic is great because it allows for straightforward and simple access to the rear passenger compartment, where passengers will find that they have plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom.

This allows for a highly functional, unobstructed cargo loading area in the boot, which you don’t get with the saloon version because the boot area is separate. It’s not just pretty, it’s also practical!