The Best Hatcbacks: Your Ultimate Guide

If you're buying a new or used car, then hatchback is a term you'll see often. A popular type of car that is usually cheaper to insure than other types. In this guide, we'll take you through exactly what a hatchback is and the benefits of owning one.

What is a hatchback car?

A hatchback car is one with a boot that that lifts upwards and has a hinge at the roof. It is usually counted as a door itself, which is why you'll often see hatchbacks referred to as a three or five door car.  Hatchbacks vary in style, ranging from a Ford Focus to a Vauxhall Insignia. This adds a huge variety of choice when choosing the best hatchback for you. A hatchback is smaller than an SUV and a saloon. They can provide a lot of boot space, as they typically have seats that fold down.

What are the benefits of a hatchback?

Hatchback cars have many benefits, the main one being the extra boot space. This makes them great for growing families. We've highlighted more advantages to owning a hatchback car below.

Some of the benefits to a hatchback include affordability, generally cheap to insure, are great for growing families and the boot provides better space and access.

Flexibility

Hatchbacks provide great flexibility. Many have the option of folding down the back seats, and this allows you to change up the interior space. It can accommodate less people and more cargo or vice versa, depending on your needs at any one time.

Affordability

Many hatchback models are affordable and are often cheaper to insure than other cars.

Superior Visibility

Due to their upright position and build, hatchbacks have superior visibility. The increased glass surface provides the driver and passengers with clearer views.

Perfect For Daily Commuters

Hatchbacks are the perfect car for the daily commuter who also needs to be able to go the extra mile. Long distance drives with all the luggage and supplies you need, can be accomplished with ease.

Good MPG

Miles per gallon, or MPG, is an important consideration in any car purchase. As a measurement of the car's fuel efficiency, the higher the MPG, the more fuel efficient it is. Hatchback cars tend to have good MPGs, which means you'll be saving money in the long run.

Which model should I buy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule with choosing the right car, but at Peter Vardy, we can help you to narrow the search. When picking your perfect match there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. We've listed some of the points to bear in mind.

Budget

Make sure you are clear on how much you can afford. Whether you choose to buy outright or on car finance, this will determine your price range.  The most common types of car finance are Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). These differ from taking out a personal loan. A loan is a one-off payment which allows you to buy the car outright. Repayments are made to the loan provider.

Hire Purchase (HP)

Hire Purchase is hiring the car from the lender until the car is paid off in full. Once the monthly payments are complete, you will then own the car.  The more you can afford for a deposit, the lower your monthly payments will be.

A fixed monthly payment over a certain period is then agreed and you own the car after the final payment. The finance agreement will then end.

If you want to pay off the settlement figure earlier then this can be arranged by contacting your lender. The monthly payments on HP are higher than those of PCP. A huge benefit of HP is that you own the vehicle after the payment period ends.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

A PCP agreement is similar to a hire purchase agreement, in that a deposit is often paid followed by fixed monthly repayments. The deposit amount can vary but the more you pay for the deposit, the cheaper the monthly payments will be.

The most common period of time for a vehicle on PCP is 48 months but it can vary from 12 months to 60 months. The longer the contract, the less the monthly payments will be. After the time period ends, the vehicle is returned to the lender. PCP is a great option for those who like to more regularly change their car and upgrade to the latest models.

Size

The size of hatchback you need will depend on your situation. If it's a family car you're after, then a larger type may suit you better. If not, then a smaller, nippier car could fulfil your needs. 

The Ford Fiesta is slightly smaller than other hatchbacks and is perfect for inexperienced and new drivers. Its small frame will make parking easier and it's one of the best value for money hatchbacks on the market today.

Perhaps you are looking for a slightly more upmarket hatchback. Here at Peter Vardy we have the prime hatchback for you. The Mercedes-Benz A Class Diesel Hatchback is flawless, with a sublime exterior and an upright and comfy interior filled with the latest gadgets. If you don’t mind splashing the cash on your car then this A Class Hatchback could be the one for you.

Fuel Economy

If you are looking for an economic car because you frequently travel or take regular long-distance journeys, then this should play a big role in the decision of which car is the right one for you.

For a hatchback that can go the distance, the Kia Picanto Hatchback is a favourite of ours. The Kia Picanto’s compact size and engine make it ideal for city driving. With stylish looks and great value for money, the Korean brand is a solidly built supermini with lots of kit. Kia's smallest car is good looking and good value, making it a smart choice for any city car buyer. You will struggle to find a hatchback which provides you with more miles.

The Peugeot 208 also has a very impressive MPG rate of 72.4. The 208 has one of the classiest cabins of any small car. Standard equipment, both luxury and safety, is generous. The 208 drives like a small city car should: it is fun at lower speeds but is capable of long-distance driving too.

Manufacturer

Your preference is a major factor when deciding which car is the right car. Vauxhall, Ford, Volkswagen, and Audi all provide great hatchbacks with a huge variety. The majority of manufacturers now provide hatchback models. High end hatchbacks from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz are available - at more of a cost. But don't worry, you can find lots of cheaper hatchbacks with the latest technology from most manufacturers.

Latest Hatchback Offers

Peter Vardy will not be beaten on price and we offer an extensive list of hatchbacks from every car make you could think of.

If you’re still unsure, you can always browse our full list of cars to find the right one for you. We’re here to help should you have any questions. Contact us online or by telephone on 0333 456 0505.

We have new stock arriving all the time and new deals to match. Be sure to check them out to find the best deals for you.