Hatchback car reviews

The Vauxhall Astra looks great, handles well and will be pretty cheap to run. Bosh. What more do you want?

Ford's previous form in crossovers is a bit spotty. Spoiler alert: this one's a good 'un

Spacious, efficient supermini ruined by interfering ‘safety’ tech and soggy drive. Buy a Renault 5 (or a 4 if you need more room)

A mid-life facelift improves an already convincing car – it's neater looking and better driving than basically every crossover you can think of

No slouch and an impressive plug-in hybrid, but it won’t put a smile on your face like the GTI

The Raval is the first MEB+ supermini – with the ID. Polo and Skoda Equip to come – and it has a defined Cupra character…

The 408 looks fit for the catwalk, but more importantly doesn’t forgo substance in the name of style

A very competent electric hatchback, but not quite hot hatch levels of fun... unless it’s the VZ one

We’re stoked that Kia hasn’t binned the hatch for good, but the K4 isn’t a great all-rounder like so many of its kin

Mildly eccentric and self-consciously French, but underneath its fancy frock it remains an Astra/308 in disguise. It shows

The MG4 Urban isn't bad and it's certainly great value. But in no way is it aimed at people who like cars

This isn't just a retro pastiche. The 5 is almost as joyful to use as it is to look at. Strong value cements the appeal

The best-selling French car is back for another generation. Vive la Clio!

The baby 120 feels refined and luxurious; the M135 grippy and reassuring. If a petrol auto suits you, this is a fine car

A well sorted, mature and very complete family hatchback. The new Prelude's smoother sibling

Bigger than most rivals, this is a really useful and comfy car. Those in the driver's seat will be pretty happy too

Spain’s strongest attempt to out-Golf the Golf yet. A stylish, well equipped and cheaper version of its German cousin

Wholly different from the hybrid C-HR, but does just the same job. Only it's electric

A supermini survivor that blends diverse powertrains with strong design

European design and engineering means it looks and drives better than rival Chinese-brand crossovers. But not enough to overcome annoying screen and inefficiency

Ticks all the rational boxes, but rivals are better to drive and more interesting