Best in class
Skoda Fabia
For the first time the overlords who control the dividing lines between Volkswagen Group's sprawling and myriad brands were asleep at the switch – the Skoda Fabia, supposedly a lesser car, is a better buy than the VW Polo with which it shares its mechanical bits. There's not really one specific area in which the Fabia excels – its steering is nice, its cabin is nice, its styling is… nice. It's just that when you pull everything together, you realise what a satisfying package it is. Basic 1.0-litre engine is fine, but if you can stretch to the perky 1.2 TSI turbo, you've got a terrific little powerplant. Who needs a diesel? Best one: 1.2 TSI 90hp Ambition for €16,695
Also consider
Mazda 2
Small but nigh-on perfectly formed, the littlest Mazda is the handsomest car in the small hatch class, with styling to match its bigger brothers in the Mazda range. Inside are a minimalist but high-quality dash and comfy seats. Space in the back isn’t too huge, though, so it may not be ideal for growing families and the price tags start with some unsettlingly large numbers, so budget accordingly.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai is really pushing the new i20 on the basis that it offers big hatch space for small hatch money, and it’s not far wrong – the i20 is properly roomy inside. It also has terrific quality and the reassurance of that long, long warranty. Mildly sportier three-door version arrives soon, but what the i20 really needs is an engine lineup more inspiring than the current 1.2 petrol, which falls a bit flat. Thankfully, a new 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder is on the way.
Worth waiting for
Honda Jazz
It’s already been on sale in Japan for a couple of years; now Europe is getting the new Jazz. The new Jazz looks a little chunkier and, dare we say it, more Japanese, but it promises to bring the same mix of high quality and big space we’ve always loved. Only engine for now will be a 1.3-litre petrol with 102hp. Expect prices to stay on the chunky side. Launches: Late this summer
Underrated
Peugeot 208
While the big sales hitters of Fiesta, Polo and Yaris get most of the love in the small hatch class, spare a thought for Peugeot’s 208 – it’s a car deserving of some more attention. Pretty as a picture and with properly sparky handling, it has that classic French small car mix of style and fun, even on the basic versions. Good build quality too. Range is just being refreshed with some new engines and styling, so there will be sharp deals around on the outgoing version.