The Mercedes A-Class is a posh family hatchback that rivals the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, but we reckon it’s the one to go for out of this premium trio.

A new Mercedes-Benz A-Class will set you back upwards of £30,000, with the most desirable models topping out at closer to £47,000 (and that’s before we look at the rapid AMG super hatches). But you can save a heap of cash by looking at nearly-new examples – with year-old models available for more like £20,000.

Be careful, though, as it’s a very spec-dependent car. For all the bells and whistles you want the AMG Line Premium Plus, which features the top-level infotainment as well as 64-colour ambient lighting and an electric panoramic roof. With a lower spec, the A-Class isn't quite as desirable. 

If you’re not ready to make the move to an electric car but fancy dipping your toes into efficient electrified drivetrains, a hybrid model could be the ideal compromise. And no one can beat Toyota’s expertise when it comes to hybrid power.

The Corolla is the Japanese brand’s answer to cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. And, you know what? It’s really very good.

Not only will it be very reliable and cheap to run, but the Corolla is also sharply styled, has a classy interior and is really good to drive. There are two hybrid motors available: a 1.8- and a 2.0-litre. We reckon the smaller engine is the one to go for, unless you really need near-hot-hatch performance.

The VW Golf continues to be one of the best hatchbacks around, even after so many years. It’s comfortable, refined and good to drive, really everything you’d want from a city car that can also stretch its legs on longer journeys.

It’s economical, too, which means running costs won’t run away with you, and you get a decent amount of kit on the entry level Life model.

You get a super looking interior that is smart and stylish, and the infotainment and cluster displays will catch your eye. The Golf is spacious as well, with the most comfortable front cabin in its class, and the 381-litre boot is on par with many of the hatchbacks in this list.

There's plenty of second-hand stock, too, with three-year old Life models available for under £15,000.

Is there a mainstream car manufacturer with a more attractive line-up at the moment than Mazda? The Mazda 3 in particular is quite a looker, but it's going to need more than sharp design to tempt you away from a Volkswagen Golf.

Fortunately, not only will the Mazda 3 turn heads of passers by, but its interior is just divine, with a premium feel and one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems on the market.

If there’s one thing that lets the Mazda down, it's the engines on offer. Mazda reckons its clever Skyactiv-X unit is a good substitute for diesel-power and, while it’s certainly efficient and does the job, it’s neither that refined nor particularly punchy. The lower-powered Skyactiv-G is even less punchy, which is a shame as the Mazda 3 is actually quite fun to drive once you’re up to speed.

Recognise the overall shape of the Cupra Born? That's because underneath it's heavily based on the Volkswagen ID.3, but it gets an angrier and more distinctive design.

What's more, the Cupra has a (slightly) nicer cabin, with a better choice of materials than its VW sibling. You still get the same modern layout and very roomy interior, though, plus the same fiddly infotainment, sadly. 

The Cupra Born's USP is that it aims to be the first electric hot hatchback, with a sportier driving experience than the ID.3. Sure, it's not ultimately as much fun as a petrol-powered hot hatch, but it still handles tidily and offers plenty of performance with that instant EV punch. With a range of up to 340 miles on a charge, it's also very competitive there. 

The Honda Civic has been a commendable and reliable family hatchback for decades now, and still makes a great used buy. However, the latest model changes the formula quite a bit. 

It might not look dramatically different from the old car on the outside, but it really is all-new. Gone are the traditional petrol and diesel engines, and it's now hybrid-only, but it's a seriously impressive hybrid system with strong performance, great efficiency and a really enjoyable driving experience. 

It might be more expensive than its closest rival, the Toyota Corolla, but it's better to drive and nicer to sit in, too. With much better infotainment than the old Civic and a real uptick in quality, it can compete with the premium-brand models, not just mainstream hatchbacks.

Traditionally, the Vauxhall Astra hasn't exactly been the most exciting car in the medium hatchback sector, but the latest version has a dose of visual clout that previous Astras most certainly haven't. It wears the firm's latest 'Vizor' front-end design that's sharp and modern, giving a bold look that really stands out in a class full of conservatively styled alternatives.

There's substance to back up the style, too. The car has a competitive amount of interior space, and a pleasantly finished cabin, while the boot will be big enough to satisfy the needs of most small families. It's a good car to drive, too, with a good balance of ride and handling abilities, while there's a broad choice of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version.

The personification of Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ approach to car-building, the Octavia is a piece of engineering brilliance. What’s more, if you have a budget of around £15,000, you’ll get a used car that's ridiculously easy to drive and wonderfully practical. 

A fourth-generation Octavia came along in 2020. It's smarter to look at and even more high-tech, although the previous generation is still a good solid family car. That’s excellent news because there are some cracking deals on offer for petrol and diesel versions of the outgoing Octavia. 

The interior has a workmanlike simplicity that’s nothing short of brilliant. The boot, for example, is huge at 590 litres. The interior is comfortable and has acres of head- and legroom in the front and rear. Equipment levels are also very good on mid-spec models, which means you can get an awful lot for your money.

The BMW 1 Series is a cracking hatchback, with plenty of space inside and an excellent interior layout that’s stylish as well as practical. The car is fun to drive, too, and with a range of engines to pick from, there’s even a fab hot hatch option in the 128ti if you want to put some extra pep in your step.

There’s easy access to ISOFIX points, which makes fitting car seats a cinch, and the 380-litre boot is big enough for a weekly shop. The infotainment system is also excellent, with a slick interface and top-notch navigation at your fingertips. There's support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, if you prefer utilising your smartphone's apps in your car.

The 1 Series is a popular car, which means there's plenty of choice in the second hand market, with prices for the latest generation (2020) starting at around £15,000, a tidy saving on the new list price.

The SEAT Leon often plays second fiddle to its classier, more refined Volkswagen Golf cousin, but it looks considerably better value as a used buy.

With a stylish and sporty design plus an agile driving experience, it'll appeal to the young (or the young at heart). There's a range of engines to suit every need, from the affordable 1.0-litre turbo petrol to the punchy and efficient diesels. There's also the hot Cupra Leon if you want more performance. 

Buyers on a budget will be pleased to know that the previous generation SEAT Leon remains a great buy, too. Its infotainment system is easier to use than the latest model's, although the interior is a bit plasticky and the ride is firm on some versions. But as a spacious, dependable and likeable family car, it's a good-value choice.