Compared to its nearest rivals, it's cheaper to buy and generously equipped, even in entry-level trim, and it comes with a tried-and-tested engine range that makes it efficient and affordable to run. Last but not least, the Scala has an outstanding Euro NCAP crash test result and has plenty of active safety features to keep passengers and other road users safe.
It looks impressive, with a sporty grille lifted from the Kia Stinger now part of a pleasing overall style. Interior quality is another Ceed strength, with design and feel of materials genuinely matching premium rivals.
It's spacious and comfortable inside, too, with room for grown-ups in the back and a large boot that beats some of its big rivals for space. The burgeoning Kia Ceed range now includes the ProCeed coupe-estate, the Sportswagon estate and the XCeed SUV-styled hatchback - and the latter two are available as plug-in hybrids too. The BMW 1 Series is our favourite premium small hatchback, as it offers many of the luxuries and the high-quality feel of more expensive cars without costing a fortune in monthly PCP payments.
The 1 Series delivers on efficiency and performance - no model is slow or uneconomical - while its interior features all the tech buyers have come to expect. Another VW Golf derivative, the latest Audi A3 is a marked improvement over the old model, which was starting to feel rather dated by the end of its life.
It emphasises comfort over sportiness, so keen drivers will be more at home behind the wheel of the 1 Series. This new model is crammed with the latest technology, including a twin-screen digital dashboard and Volkswagen has replaced buttons with touch panels wherever possible. VW continues to offer one economical 2. Why is the Golf beaten by the Octavia, aside from price?
As a means of transporting families, the Ford Focus hasn't always had the measure of its rivals. The latest version, though, replaces the cramped rear seats of previous models with a truly spacious passenger compartment in which three adults can sit in comfort. There's more good news elsewhere — fuel economy is impressive, whether you choose the three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol or four-cylinder EcoBlue diesel engines, and there's loads of standard safety equipment — autonomous emergency braking on every model should make it as safe as family cars come.
And, when you're finished with the school run, the latest Focus will make you smile on a favourite country road. It's not quite the classiest family hatch, but it's a very impressive all-rounder. The SEAT Leon is now an established contender in the family hatchback class, thanks in part to the high standards set by the previous model. Instead, SEAT addressed criticisms of the interior, with the new Leon gaining more rear legroom and better quality materials and design.
While the Leon is related to the Volkswagen Golf , SEAT has worked hard to give it a more engaging driving experience and offer this within a sharply styled, practical and safe package.
Otherwise the Civic is hard to fault. The latest Hyundai i30 is a stylish family hatchback that scores particularly well for safety. Volvo V40 One of the safest, most comfortable and best-equipped hatchbacks around. Ford Mondeo A textbook family car with solid build quality and multi award-winning engines. Ford Focus A popular choice with extensive trim and engine options.
Honda Civic A popular hatchback with futuristic and striking style. Volkswagen Golf The popular hatchback with a brilliant range of engine options. Citroen C4 A family focused, compact hatchback with loads of quirky features.
Vauxhall Insignia Spacious and good to drive in saloon or estate. More best cars. Best cars for motorway driving. Best cars for boot space. There will be no plug-in hybrid, but Genesis will hope that fleet-minded motorists will simply cut out the middleman and jump straight into the G80 EV when it's launched in the UK in Genesis's buying model is the really new thing it offers: one by which you can order a car entirely online, have it delivered to your door, collected for servicing, and then taken away at the end of it all without ever setting foot in a showroom, or dealing with an employee who earns his crust on sales commission.
The G80 itself is more conventional: a roomy, refined, soft-riding, natively rear-driven saloon that's big on onboard technology and perceived quality, even if it may be a bit generic and anonymous to look at - at least, until we get used to it. Save money with new Genesis G80 deals from What Car? The Skoda Superb is big on many things : size, interior space, comfort and value for money.
Save money with new Skoda Superb deals from What Car? Volkswagen's extra-desirable executive option, the Arteon, had a facelift in late and now comes with a choice of fastback saloon or shooting brake estate bodies, as well as with plug-in hybrid power if you want it. And those two changes broaden the appeal of the car considerably, because in our view the estate body adds to the car's visual appeal while the petrol-electric powertrain will strengthen the rational argument to choose one.
The eHybrid version uses the VW Group's increasingly ubiquitous combination of 1. It is refined and drivable, however, and a claimed WLTP electric range of up to to 37 miles depending on bodystyle translates into about in mixed real-world use.
Conventional turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engines are on offer too, with as much as bhp in the case of the Arteon R; and there are also and bhp 2. The Arteon also has limited dynamic appeal whatever the contents of the engine bay. But as a roomy, alternative modern fleet option that'll cost you less than some, it's worth considering. Save money with new Arteon deals from What Car?
Around town is where the Lexus is most in its element. Here its hybrid powertrain is at its smoothest, while the ability to run for brief periods on electricity alone means it achieves decent fuel economy too.
Does it hold a candle to the likes of BMW, Jaguar or Mercedes in terms of outright desirability or dynamic appeal? Not really. While the ES is comparably comfortable and impressively solid-feeling, its cabin lacks the usability of its German rivals, and its infotainment system is borderline infuriating to operate at times. Vauxhall has upgraded its family hatchback with steering changes and new engines and infotainment.
Is this boost big enough for it to rocket up and join the stars of the class? What Car? Nearly new deals. Leasing deals. And the family car to avoid Alfa Romeo Giulietta. News and advice. Best of. Coming soon: small and family hatchbacks. Every What Car? Car of the Year winner since True MPG: most efficient diesel cars.
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