Author: Jack Evans

Crossovers may be all the rage today, but small hatchbacks still have a say in the car market.

Crossovers and SUVs might be the go-to choice for British car buyers, however, the familiar hatchbacks can still win the hearts of a lot of people.

Hatchbacks still offer the same number of seats and impressive practicality of their high-riding cousins, but, with a more familiar driving experience and often better dynamics.

There are still plenty of offerings from European, Korean and Japanese car makers on the new market for hatchbacks.

Here is our guide to the best family hatchbacks on sale in the UK today.

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a great car to drive with sharp handling, a stylish exterior and a smart interior. It scores well with practicality, too, while running costs are low thanks to all versions getting Mazda’s M hybrid technology which lowers CO2 emissions.

Not only that, but Mazda’s always score well for reliability and after two decades and four generations of the 3 later, it’s a tried-and-tested platform.

Honda Civic

Now over 50 years old and into its 11th reincarnation, the Civic is one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. Its cavernous boot space and class-leading driving dynamics make it one of the most appealing and entertaining cars in this segment.

All standard Civics now are hybrid only which should be good when it comes to running costs.

Additionally, you can also get a Type R variant with 319bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox, making it a perfect choice for the motoring enthusiast.

Ford Focus

Sadly, next year, the Blue Oval is killing off one of its much-loved models – the Focus. But, for now, we’ve still got it and are making the most of its excellent driving experience thanks to sharp handling and well setup chassis – plus you can also get petrol or hybrid powertrains.

Furthermore, not only is the Focus a practical hatchback, but you can also have the option of an estate version as well.

Interior space is also impressive with decent leg and headroom for four adults and you can get an ST model that has a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine and 283bhp.

Vauxhall Astra

Like the Focus, the Astra is a very popular car here in the UK and since its first generation appeared over 40 years ago, it has gone on to become a very grown-up and likeable car.

The latest Astra went on sale in 2021 and shares a lot of its underpinnings with the Peugeot 308. Available in electric, petrol or hybrid format, the Vauxhall has affordable running costs across its range and if you want even more practicality, you can get it as an estate, too.

Skoda Octavia

The Octavia is a great all-rounder and that’s because it does everything so well. Its boot is one of the largest of any hatchback at 600 litres while the estate increases to 640 litres. It’s comfortable to drive and is very well made with a smart and easy-to-navigate dashboard.

A hot VRS model also gives more power and grip and is a lot sharper to drive, while still being able to carry passengers and their luggage in comfort. Its underpinnings are shared with the Volkswagen Golf, but the Octavia offers more interior space and luggage capacity.

Toyota Corolla

A famous name that has rejoined us within the last five years is the Toyota Corolla. Once called the Auris, the familiar Japanese hatchback has been around since 1966 and in that time it has been known as one of the world’s best-selling cars.

The current generation is good to drive, offers ultra-low running costs and has a classy cabin – while maintaining Toyota’s reputation of making solid, dependable and reliable cars. An estate version called the Touring Sports is available as well as a Commercial version which is perfect for business users.

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is seen as the benchmark of all the small family hatchbacks and that’s because of the image it has made for itself over the last 50 years. Available in hatchback or estate forms, the Golf has always been the vehicle of choice for those looking for a sensible and sedate car that does everything you could ever want a vehicle to do.

It’s well made, reasonably good to drive, has a solid cabin and an upmarket feel and there are performance-oriented models available including the GTi, R and Clubsport versions.

Audi A3

The A3 is virtually the same car as the Golf but with a slightly more premium badge. The interior quality of the Audi is one of the best in class and you can get a variety of different powertrains including petrol with mild hybrid technology, plug-in-hybrid and sporty S3 and RS3 versions.

Furthermore, the A3 can be had in either hatchback form or even as a compact saloon – giving buyers plenty of choice.

BMW 1 Series

The current 1 Series is the first iteration in its 20-year history to come with front-wheel-drive, but don’t let that put you off. The change in drivetrain still makes the BMW great fun to drive with direct steering and decent performance.

Space in the back may not be as spacious as a Golf or Civic but the 1 Series should be relatively affordable to run and own thanks to decent fuel economy and low emissions.

Peugeot 308

The 308 shares its running gear with the latest Vauxhall Astra, but the Peugeot has a much bolder exterior and interior look. Not only that but the Peugeot can be had with an electric version and a plug-in-hybrid variant to help with keeping running costs to a minimum.

While the backseats are a little snug for passengers, it makes up for that by offering a very large boot capacity.

By Cameron Richards

The five-door Mini will start at £24,000 and be built alongside the three-door at the Mini plant in Oxford.

Mini has revealed the latest addition to its Hatch range with the five-door Cooper.

This newest model will be available with two petrol engines and the choice of three trims levels.

The Cooper C five-door offers 153bhp from its 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and sprints from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds. The top speed is limited to 140mph.

A more powerful Cooper S, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivers 201bhp and produces 300Nm of torque, which means it can achieve a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds and maxes out at 150mph.

The five-door Cooper is available in three different trim levels. The entry level Classic starts at £24,050, while the mid-range Exclusive comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, Vibrant silver front grille and dark interior headliner, although pieces have yet to be confirmed.

A top-of-the-line Sport model will cost £28,450 and boasts steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts to operate the automatic transmission, a gloss black hexagonal patterned grill surround, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and black brake callipers.

The height and width are almost identical to the outgoing model, but the five-door increases rear passenger space, as the wheelbase is 172mm longer than its three-door sibling – and 72mm longer than previous generations.

Mini’s latest OLED display carries over from the three-door version, featuring a 9.4-inch screen and all vehicle functions can be operated via the touchscreen or voice control.

There are seven different driving modes including Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Vivid, Timeless and Balance. When each mode is selected, the backgrounds on the OLED screen feature a unique design and the driver can personalise their own via the ‘Mode App’ inside the vehicle’s infotainment screen.

Additionally, the Mini personal assistant, dubbed ‘Hey Mini’, is included as standard and it allows the driver to then use their voice to control functions, such as the navigation, entertainment and telephone.

The new five-door Mini Cooper is available to order now with first deliveries expected in August of this year.

By Cameron Richards

The Grande Panda will be a ‘global’ car for the Italian manufacturer and will be the first car based on its new multi-energy platform.

Fiat has revealed its new Grande Panda which will arrive in either hybrid or electric format and will be less than four metres long.

The Panda has been one of the most successful models in Fiat’s history, falling just behind the car it shared its chassis with — the 500.

On the outside, the new car features a lot of square and angular lines that give the body of the vehicle a distinctive look. At the front, there’s a gloss black front grille and a skid plate at the lower central part of the bumper while the headlamps are made up of opal-coloured cubes.

The side profile incorporates grey plastic wheel arch extensions and lower body mouldings, and an engraved ‘Panda’ emblem running down the doors of the vehicle paying homage to the original Panda 4×4.

At the rear, it features more grey cladding, rectangular rear lights with LEDs and three-dimensional badging as well. Details of the interior are yet to be revealed.

Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO said: “This compact car is based on a global platform, giving the brand the opportunity to expand its global reach. With the Grande Panda, Fiat now begins its transition to global common platforms that cover all regions of the world, passing on the resulting benefits to its customers worldwide.”

Details of its powertrain and specifications are yet to be announced, with more being revealed nearer the car’s launch.

By Cameron Richards

New hypercar marks the Spanish brand’s 120th anniversary and has an electric powertrain.

The Spanish brand Hispano Suiza has unveiled its third hypercar – the Carmen Sagrera.

Marking the manufacturer’s 120th anniversary, it’ll come with an electric powertrain weighing 612kg that uses the brand’s second generation of batteries and will carry a 103kWh battery pack.

Improved technology means it’ll have a claimed electric range of 298 miles, with its four electric motors each producing around 271bhp. The combined 1,085bhp and 1,160Nm of torque mean it can reach 60mph from zero in 2.4 seconds.

Meet the Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera, our new all-electric hypercar designed and produced in-house. Handcrafted for the boundless driver of the future, it redefines sportiness.

This reveal initiated the new era of Hispano Suiza, merging at midnight with our 120th anniversary. pic.twitter.com/qTThE3QAAu

— Hispano Suiza (@HispanoSuizaCar) June 13, 2024

The Sagrera’s suspension features adjustable shock absorbers and extension settings as well as coil springs that can be altered in hardness and height.

Additionally, carbon-ceramic brakes and single-block brake callipers ensure that the car gets the best braking performance alongside enhanced cooling to enable them to operate at temperatures of up to 1,000C degrees.

It also features a pointed front grille that pays homage to the Hispano Suiza XIII sports car of the early 20th century and it has redesigned bonnet vents that flow seamlessly towards the rear ones.

The rear has undergone some changes including a large spoiler, which improves airflow, and there is a rear diffuser that has integrated copper accents.

Francesec Arenas, Head of Design at Hispano Suiza said: “To uphold the brand’s sporty legacy, drawing inspiration from iconic designs such as the Alfonso XIII and from the original the Gentlemen Driver Concept. I dare say that with the Sagrera, we have refined the concept of sportiness, while maintaining our tradition of excellence and setting the stage for future designs, fulfilling the desires of our customers.”

Inside is a new centre console and infotainment system alongside alcantara with black and leather detailing.

The Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera will make its UK debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in mid-July, with further details including pricing to be announced.

By Cameron Richards

The future of Fiat’s successful 500 will involve a new hybrid version.

Fiat has announced that big plans are in the works for one of its most successful models – the 500.

The city car is a firm favourite here in the UK. It’s available in electric and hybrid setups and while the former might be based on a brand-new platform, the latter sits atop a design that has been in production for over a decade.

The new hybrid version, called the Ibrida, will be released between late 2025 and early 2026 and will be produced at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. Produced alongside the electric 500e, it’s expected that this new-generation hybrid 500 will use the platform of its battery-powered stablemate.

The new model will be developed, designed and tested in Turin with Fiat investing €100m (circa £85m) to help improve the electric version even further with a new platform and next-generation battery technology to make it more affordable to customers.

The firm has also introduced a new special edition of its city car – the 500e Mirafiori.

The model commemorates 50 years of the workforce at the Italian manufacturing plant after the debut of the 131 Mirafiori in 1974.

The special edition will come in cabriolet format and will have the choice of two battery options – with either 42kWh or 23.8kWh packs available.

Painted in Celestial blue, the 500e Mirafiori also boasts a 360-degree camera, a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation, a JBL sound system and premium soft-touch seats.

Unfortunately, the Mirafiori edition will only be sold in Italy. However, the new Ibrida hybrid will be coming to the UK, with prices, specifications and more on its design and platform to be revealed nearer the car’s launch.

By Cameron Richards

Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its updated Bayon crossover SUV.

Hyundai has revealed its updated Bayon compact SUV, which features revised exterior styling, more driving assistance systems and a greater array of exterior colours, with prices starting at £22,480.

The brand has kept things simple under the bonnet, with just a single engine offered across the trim levels. The 1.0-litre turbocharged T-GDI petrol engine produces 98bhp and 200Nm of torque, while a choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearboxes are on offer.

On the outside, revised Bayon has received new LED headlights and horizontal daytime running lights, a new front grille and redesigned bumper. At the rear, there is a fresh LED taillight signature and an updated rear bumper, as well as four new paint finishes that include Vibrant Blue Pearl, Meta Blue Pearl, Lucid Lime Metallic and Lumen Grey Pearl.

Buyers will have the choice of three trim levels, starting with the entry-level Advance model that is priced at £22,480 and comes specified with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric heated folding door mirrors, automatic lights, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch driver’s instrument cluster.

In addition to the exterior revisions, Bayon receives a new suite of driver safety and assistance systems as standard across the range that include Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, as well as rear view camera and parking sensors, with additional front parking sensors on Premium and Ultimate models.

Moving up to the Premium trim level starts at £23,880 and boasts automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, automatic dipping rear view mirror, privacy glass and front parking sensors.

Top-of-the-line Ultimate has prices starting from £25,280 and that secures a Bose premium sound system, wireless phone charging, keyless entry with push button start, as well as an electric tilt and slide sunroof.

Customers can also part with an additional £800 on Premium and Ultimate models to receive Smart Cruise Control, an updated Forward Collision Avoidance assistant (FCA 1.5) that detects pedestrians and cyclists, as well as Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.

The updated Bayon is available to order from today and deliveries are expected to arrive later this year.

By Cameron Richards

The vacation period is here and what better way to enjoy it than with your friends and family on a road trip.

Every year, thousands of motorists take to the roads for their summer holidays to enjoy the open road while getting to that dream destination.

When we go on a car journey, the first thing we think about is how to get to our destination as quickly as possible, which can often leave mechanical checks falling by the wayside.

The last thing you want out of a long journey is to be greeted with a flat tyre, mechanical gremlins or even worse, a breakdown.

To prevent any of these problems from occurring, we’ve compiled a list of checks to do before you encounter the long miles ahead.

Here is our guide to things to look for a trip away this summer.

Check the tyres

When it comes to vehicle assessment, one of the most important things to do is to check your tyres. Look at their condition – are there any cracks, or perishing? Look for the tread depths, remembering that the legal limit in the UK is 1.6mm. You can buy a tread depth indicator to make sure you’re spot-on, too.

Furthermore, most tyres come with a date located on the sidewall itself, indicating the week and year of their manufacturing – if they are old, our advice would be to replace them. If your car has a spare tyre then ensure that this is all topped up and looking good too.

Also, check the tyre pressures, especially if you’re carrying more than one person as having low or odd PSi can cause the vehicle to behave differently and dangerously. You may also have to adjust your pressures if you’re carrying more people or luggage than usual.

Top up the levels if necessary

Before heading off on your journey, it’s a good idea to check your car’s oil levels. Running a car low on oil can seriously damage its engine or – even worse – could cause the internals to disintegrate. Make sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark – which should be noted on the engine’s dipstick. If you need to top it up, use the correct oil for your car – you’ll be able to find this information out via the vehicle’s handbook or by asking the retailer.

Remember to top up your screenwash, because this time of year a lot of bugs can get splattered onto the windscreen. We’d also recommend looking at your brake fluid and coolant, as these are vital fluids for the safe performance of your car. If you’ve got any concerns – or don’t feel comfortable topping these fluids up yourself – then ask a trained professional for help.

Check the brakes

One of the most vital safety components of your vehicle is the brakes. Check that the brake discs aren’t scored, pitted, corroded or warped as these mechanical defects can affect how they perform. Also, look at how much ‘life’ is left of your brake pads; a tip would be to try and get your finger between the gap of the brake caliper and the pad itself.

If you can feel the pad within the gap, your pads have got plenty of life left in them, if you can’t get to them – they need replacing. Of course, don’t try this after the car has been used as these components can get very hot.

Take a tool kit and jack

Most modern cars won’t come with a spare wheel or tyre, instead, they will have compact foam repair kits to save weight and space. But, if your car does come with a spare tyre, wheel or space saver, don’t forget to check that your tool kit and jack are in their place.

If you have the misfortune to receive a puncture, then having these tools will save you great pain and stress from having to trundle around trying to find the nearest tyre shop – especially if you’re in an unknown area. If you’re unsure, then there are plenty of guides on how to change a wheel online.

Have breakdown cover in place

If you’re heading particularly further afield then it’s worthwhile having some breakdown cover in place. This can be a real saving grace if your car is stricken down while you’re out and about and even more so when you’ve got a number of people in the car.

If you’re travelling abroad, then ensure that this cover applies to the other countries you’ll be travelling to.

Put a first aid kit in

A first aid kit may sound a little over the top but it can come in handy for your entire journey/holiday. If you’re carrying a lot of passengers or small children it’s good to carry some essential plasters, bandages, scissors and alcohol wipes as small injuries can still occur wherever you are and you will be appreciative of having it with you if you’ve got small children who can hurt themselves quite easily.

By Cameron Richards