I’m often asked by readers which petrol family hatchback should I buy? In 2018 I’m finding that many readers are facing a similar dilemma: they are all looking for an efficient petrol hatchback car. I haven’t included every petrol hatchback on the Irish market but these are the ones that I would definitely be checking out if I was in the market for a new car.

1. Skoda Octavia 1.0TSI 

From €21,310

The Skoda Octavia is one of Ireland’s favourite cars and it’s no surprise: the car is priced so well considering how spacious it is. This car is really great value and it’s available now with the Volkswagen Group’s new 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 115hp.

The Skoda Octavia petrol hatchback
The Skoda Octavia

2. Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo

From €23,750

The new Honda Civic features an excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 127hp. The Civic is spacious inside with a large boot and it’s great fun to drive too.

Honda Civic petrol hatchback
The Honda Civic

3. Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech

From €20,995

The Peugeot 308 range has just been facelifted and features Peugeot’s award winning 1.2-litre PureTech turbo petrol engine with 110hp or 130hp. The 308 is also available as an ‘SW’ (estate) offering more boot space and rear legroom than the hatchback.

The Peugeot 308 petrol hatchback
The Peugeot 308

4. Volkswagen Golf 1.0TSI 110hp

From €23,095

The Volkswagen Golf is Ireland’s bestselling hatchback for good reason. The new 1.0-litre Golf with 110hp is an absolute joy to drive.

The Volkswagen Golf petrol hatchback
The Volkswagen Golf

5. Toyota Auris 1.2 Petrol

From €24,250

Toyota is well-known for its hybrid range, but it still makes some very good petrol cars. The Toyota Auris is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 116hp.

The Toyota Auris petrol hatchback
The Toyota Auris

6. Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost

From €25,175

The Ford Focus is due for replacement this year but it’s still selling very well in Ireland. The Focus 1.0-litre turbo petrol EcoBoost with 125hp is fun to drive while also being a reasonable all rounder in other areas too.

Ford Focus petrol hatchback
The Ford Focus

7. Kia Cee’d 1.0 T-GDi

From €22,999

Kia’s family hatchback goes a little under the radar but the Cee’d offers a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 120hp in the sporty GT Line trim, which is well equipped with sporty features.

Kia Cee'd petrol hatchback
The Kia Cee’d

8. Opel Astra 1.0 Turbo

From €21,750

The former European Car of the Year winner has a quality and connected interior with sweet handling, and the Astra 1.0-litre turbo petrol is smooth and peppy with 105hp.

Opel Astra petrol hatchback
The Opel Astra

Caroline Kidd