Britain's best hatchbacks 2011

Which are the best compact hatches on sale? We rate the top 20 contenders... plus put our top three through their paces on the road

BMW 1 Series, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus

October 2011

The compact hatchback class is one of the most fiercely fought in the UK market. Nearly every manufacturer, mainstream or premium, has one of these family friendly cars in its price lists.

With so many models to choose from, picking the right car for your needs and budget is a mind-boggling challenge. So, to take the stress out of your showroom search, we’ve named our family hatch top 20.

Finally, we’ve pitched the latest arrival to the sector – the all-new BMW 1 Series – against our current class favourites in a bruising group test encounter. How will the latest premium five-door fare against the two most talented hatches currently on sale? All will be revealed.

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7 Comments

The BMW comes last of these 3 - it's bluff ugly looks are hideous

Not quite as bad as the first plug ugly thing but not a good look. I had thought the Bungle, sorry Bangle era was finally over after the release of the new 5 series. Now the new 1 series takes them backwards again. The Ford is the best looking car from the front - but a bit of a mess from the back - very Hyundai-ish. The Golf is probably the best car but just so very dull to look at. The new Peugeot 208 could be the best hatchback of 2012 when its released. That would be the first time I've thought that since the gorgeous 205 GTi of the 80s.

By Dame_Edna on 30 October, 2011, 10:24am

What a way to spend 20-22K

Can only say anyone spending the kind of money that the manufacturers are wanting for any of these cars, must be completely mad!

No wonder new car sales are suffering when the prices of the products are daft money...

By LegioIXHispana on 30 October, 2011, 3:12pm

BMW comes 1st and so it should

Call me what you like but I would much rather drive a BMW than a Ford or VW. The 1 series when first launched was criticised for its looks but its huge sales figures prove it has been a success. the new one will be the same. Why would you spend 20-22k on a Ford or VW when you can have a BMW? As for the Peugeot 208, well...

By speeds on 4 November, 2011, 4:55pm

Giulietta 19th

Best joke in years...

Look at this test....

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/253891/alfa_romeo_giulietta_vs_rivals.html

By Benfica on 7 November, 2011, 8:43pm

Golf and Focus should be out of the top five.

Golf and Focus are far too boring and ugly to merit 2nd & 3rd place. The Citroen C4, Chrysler Delta, Fiat Bravo & Renault Megane would be my pick, along with the BMW.

By Kevin1982 on 8 November, 2011, 11:28pm

Auto Express Not REAL Enthusiasts

Auto Express' results of this hatchback review is a total disappointment and beyond a joke. The Giulietta was not supposed to be anywhere beyond the top 5. Why is it that you guys when testing Alfas get obsessed so much on negatives and blind yourselves on obvious positives? In this case I know exactly what you did - You told your revenue accountant to check which manufacturers give you more business in form of advertising and rank the cars in that order - there is no way you could have come with this verdict had you REALLY taken these cars on the road and also assessed excitement required from REAL enthusiasts. Don't judge cars because of where they come from - rather judge them due to what EVERY car delivers. Auto Express better start assessing flowers. You no longer have any respect from me and my pals.

Disappointed from Malawi

By Kanjo on 9 November, 2011, 8:02am

worst list ever....

The alfa guilietta second from last? is that for real? Would that be due to its award winning multi-air engines? or maybe its due to the guilietta being the safest car in the hatchback class? What a terrible, lazy and totally misinformed piece of motoring journalism. You should take this page down from your site and try again, although next time try doing some proper research and testing.

By vrichw on 11 November, 2011, 1:13pm

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