Best hatchback cars 2023
These compact family cars are all about practicality, with enough boot space to handle family holidays and indulgent shopping sprees
Need a car that'll come up trumps when you're packing for that two-week summer holiday? Or maybe you'd rather be prepared for the day you need boot space for pushchairs and shopping at the same time. There are plenty of options you could go for; an estate car would certainly fit the bill. These long-running kings of haulage, are unrivalled in terms of the boot space they offer, but this can often come at the cost of actual interior space, and their elongated shape can make them daunting to park.
If you're keen to make the best of both worlds, with something practical and easier to drive, you're best alternative could be to go for a hatchback instead. Generally, these cars might not look like they have much space inside, but, in the case of the four we've listed here, looks can be misleading.
In all the cars on this list, the boot capacity on offer comes alongside an excellent amount of cabin space, meaning you'll be well catered for whether you need space for passengers or you're planning a trip to Ikea - although maybe not at the same time. The maximum boot space on offer will only be available if you fold the rear seats down. But even with all the seats in place, you won't struggle to fit a pushchair alongside a sizeable food shop.
Considering their stature as practical cars, you might wonder whether any of these will be particularly fun to drive, well you'll be pleased to know that their compact dimensions and low driving position make them much more exciting than often less spacious SUVs. Read on for our list of four hatchbacks with the biggest boots, and check out some of the great value deals ready and waiting for you on BuyaCar.
1. Skoda Octavia
Used deals from £11,294
Monthly finance from £180.33*
The 600-litre boot you get in the Skoda Octavia wouldn’t disgrace some estate cars. It's also much bigger than you’ll find in many tall and boxy SUVs. Yet the fact you're also getting a spacious and practical family hatchback that’s comfortable, refined and excellent value for money makes this a very strong contender for the best hatchback argument, let alone the biggest boot.
It’s a formula that’s hard to beat, and seeing as it's a Skoda, it's not particularly expensive either. PCP finance deals on BuyaCar are cheaper than the VW Golf or Audi A3 - both of which have much smaller boots on offer. In short, the Octavia represents by far the best choice on this list, and it's a car that we like, a lot.
If you're looking at the previous version of the Octavia, you can still expect a 590-litre boot and an equally strong range of engines.
2. Peugeot 308
Used deals from £7,495
Monthly finance from £169.16*
Boot space in the Peugeot 308 is some way off what you’ll find in the Skoda Octavia, but to be fair, that’s the case for every other family hatchback. The 470-litre offering is still far in excess of the average hatchback, and it'll expand to 1,185 litres if you fold down the rear seats.
However, unlike the Skoda Octavia, the Peugeot’s boot has been enlarged by squeezing rear passenger room, making the back seats cramped for adults. It does have a smoother and more stylish look though, which may well be a priority for some and shouldn't be overlooked if you're keen to drive something with a bit more chic appeal.
Order books for a new version opened in Summer 2021, which should be good news for used car buyers with prices for the outgoing generation (pictured above) dropping. The boot in the latest version is smaller, though, at 412 litres.
3. Hyundai i30 Fastback
Used deals from £19,900
Monthly finance from £309.47*
It’s no surprise that the boot in the Hyundai i30 Fastback is vast, because the car is based on the spacious Hyundai i30 hatchback - but with a bigger boot.
The 450-litre boot space on offer can accommodate plenty of luggage, and even when it's fully loaded up the car feels more agile than the standard i30 hatchback, which has a 395-litre boot. Considering the sleek and sporty appearance of this car, the fact it has quite so much space in the back may come as a surprise, but it's not a car you should overlook.
The Hyundai name has often been considered inferior over the years, but this is no longer the case. Its latest cohort of models all offer a great driving experience as well as high levels of practicality and quality - this car should be considered alongside the likes of the VW Golf. The carmaker also sells all of its cars with a five-year warranty, which should provide peace of mind.
4. Fiat Tipo
Used deals from £6,995
Monthly finance from £152.36*
The Fiat Tipo doesn’t stand out with cutting-edge technology or distinctive design. Instead, it’s focused on offering great value and practicality. Fiat has tried to make the Tipo as family-friendly as possible, and that 440-litre boot is a good place to start - it will accommodate more than enough luggage for a family weekend away.
It's not the most exciting or memorable car to come out of Italy, it's also not exactly fun to drive or comfortable to sit in. In fact, we wouldn't recommend the Tipo ahead of the Octavia or i30 Fastback, but if you're after a small, cheap, Italian car with decent practicality and boot space, the Tipo is the car for you.
5. Honda Civic
Used deals from £9,250
Monthly finance from £202.57*
Its 478-litre boot makes the Civic one of the class leaders in the family hatchback category, and like many of the hatchbacks with the biggest boots, it has a longer rear end almost like a saloon. The 1,267-litre capacity opened up with the seats folded flat isn't much to write home about.
While the previous version of the Civic - sold from 2011 to 2017 - features the company's 'Magic Seats', the latest Civic doesn't, owing to the placement of the rear seats, fuel tank and boot. If you're likely to carry large items, a previous-generation Civic is well worth a look at thanks to the ability to fold up the rear seat bases.
6. Skoda Scala
Used deals from £10,280
Monthly finance from £146.52*
The second Skoda on our list, the Scala's 467-litre boot is way beyond many of its rivals. It's also large with the seats folded down, at 1,410 litres, only beaten in its class by the larger Octavia.
There's a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and a slick automatic gearbox to help take the stress out of town driving. It also benefits from some of sister company Volkswagen's safety tech, such as autonomous emergency braking.
7. Nissan Leaf
Used deals from £6,995
Monthly finance from £182.51*
Now in its second generation, the Leaf promises a real-world range of over 200 miles in 'e+' form, and even the smallest battery can do around 150 miles. Search for trims with 'ProPilot' for partly autonomous driving capabilities, too, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
The Leaf isn't on this list for its efficient electric motor, though. The 435-litre boot is larger than some of the most popular family hatchbacks including the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class.
8. Volkswagen ID.3
Used deals from £17,858
Monthly finance from £290.87*
This is another electric car that's worth a look at because of its impressive boot. At 385 litres, it's four litres larger than the company's popular Golf. With the seats down, there's an additional 30 litres of space, and access is easy with a large boot opening.
In terms of power, the ID.3 comes with a choice of four motors and three battery packs, so there should be something to suit most people's needs with the quickest managing 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and the largest battery offering around 330 miles from a single charge
*Representative PCP finance - Ford Fiesta:
48 monthly payments of £192
Deposit: £0
Mileage limit: 8,000 per year
Optional final payment to buy car: £2,923
Total amount payable to buy car: £11,926
Total cost of credit: £2,426
Amount borrowed: £9,500
APR: 9.9%
BuyaCar is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 6.9% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances.