May 17, 2023
Abby Nuttall
Top Picks
We’ve taken a look at several top fives in recent weeks, including saloon cars, hybrids, and what we think are the best company cars available so to continue the series today we’ve highlighted the five best hatchbacks available for you to drive in 2023.
A hatchback is one of the most popular body styles of cars, and that’s because it’s so versatile. From first-time drivers, through to family cars and those downsizing from larger models as their needs change you’ll find the hatchback appeals to a wide and varied range of drivers. If you’re not sure what type of car you’re looking for then a hatchback is a good starting point.
The name originates from the boot which opens upwards like a hatch and so there is a lot of difference in the style, shape and design in this vehicle class, but that only adds to the appeal of the hatchback. There’s no size limit on a hatchback either, so cars that fall into this class vary from superminis like the Fiat 500 right through to spacious family cars like the Skoda Superb.
Best Hatchback Cars of 2023
1. Volkswagen Golf
Our first pick is a classic – the VW Golf. It’s been a staple on UK roads for close to fifty years and remains as popular today as when it first appeared in the 1970s.
Now in its eighth edition, the Golf offers drivers a comfortable and reliable car that has enough space for a small family to fit comfortably, plenty of safety features and
There are three main trim levels, the Life, the Style and the top-spec R-Line and then for drivers who are looking for something a bit punchier then the GTI and R variants compete with some of the best hot hatches on the market.
As we shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) it’s becoming more important to drivers that they have a choice of hybrid and electric models as well as traditional fuels, which is why we think it’s great that the Golf is available as a hybrid as well as with petrol and diesel engines. There are two hybrid models in the range, a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The PHEV offers an electric-powered WLTP range of 43 miles, though this may be lower in real-world driving conditions. For company car drivers this will give you one of the lower BIK rates on the market, without going fully electric.
2. Mercedes A-Class
Our next pick is another long-time favourite, the Mercedes A-Class. Mercedes has long been a favoured brand for executives thanks to their sleek exteriors, premium interiors and all the latest tech, which is why no company car selection would be complete without one!
The A-Class is the smallest of Mercedes’ hatchback models and offers drivers a compact and exciting car. You’ll have a lot of choices to make when picking your A-Class, from the trim level through to the engine you’ll be able to make it your ideal car.
Now in its fourth generation, the A-Class is slightly larger and more spacious than its predecessor. The new model has the latest in Mercedes’ market-leading infotainment systems and plenty of options like the 64-coloured ambient lighting that gives it a premium feel.
3. Cupra Born
Cupra is a relatively new brand, but comes from the Spanish favourite SEAT, so has plenty of knowledge of what drivers are looking for and how to achieve it. The Cupra Born is a perfect example of this!
The Born is designed to be an electric hot hatch for drivers who want to move away from fossil fuels but still want an exciting driving experience. There are currently three battery options available, a 58 kWh battery with and without e-Boost technology and a 77 kWh battery. Both of the 58 kWh batteries have a range of around 260 miles whilst the larger battery has a 340-mile range.
It’s got an angular and distinctive body that makes it stand out from the crowd, though it does share its platform with the ID.3. On the interior there’s a modern layout with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and centre console below the infotainment centre screen.
4. Ford Focus
Ford might have announced the end of the road for the Ford Focus by 2025 but until then it will remain one of our favourite hatchbacks of all time. It’s still currently in production and available to drive as a brand-new model which is why we’ve included it in this list.
One of the reasons that the Focus is such a popular choice with drivers is that while it’s practical it’s also fun. Driving enjoyment has always been a key component of the Focus and today’s model has sharp handling, excellent body control and a range of powerful engines to choose from.
The current edition also has a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessors which gives passengers a little more space for a more comfortable ride. There’s plenty of touches that Ford has added like the optional comfort seats which have 18-way manual adjustment, powered lumbar adjustment and an extendable seat squab.
You’ll have the choice of petrol or hybrid engines in the standard Focus, though the performance ST models are only available in petrol.
5. Renault Megane E-Tech
The final car to make it into our top pick is the Renault Megane E-Tech! It’s the second fully electric model to make the cut, and we think it’s the ideal choice for family car drivers with its roomy rear seats, 440-litre boot and fast charging speeds.
When you first look at the Megane E-Tech you might not realise it’s a hatchback as its tall proportions give it more of an SUV feel. But it’s definitely in the hatchback category, with its size comparable to the ID.3 or Cupra Born.
Renault is only offering the Megane E-Tech with one battery option which is a 60 kWh battery capable of travelling up to 280 miles between charges. They’ve also made it capable of accepting rapid charging speeds up to 130 kW, which can take you from 15 to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes.
Enjoyed this article? Read more of our latest blogs below:
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