For this week’s latest deals shortlist the brains at Askaprice HQ decided to focus on hatchbacks.
Askaprice.com didn’t take that decision lightly and it was instead influenced by the popularity of the bodystyle and the fact that it accounts for some of the most popular models in the UK market place.
The likes of the Ford Focus and the Vauxhall Astra are perennial favourites with British motorists however this list doesn’t just celebrate the established elite of the hatchback community; it also showcases some of the lesser lights.
As an added bonus, there’s also £22,000 worth of discounts in the shortlist.
#1 – Vauxhall Astra
1.6-litre i 16V Exclusiv 5 door.
Vauxhall Astra deal – Vauxhall Astra for £11,793 (Save £6,150 from the Manufacturer Retail Price (MRP)).
The Vauxhall Astra is one of the most recognisable cars on UK roads and one of the best selling hatchbacks in the UK as it consistently challenges the best selling Ford Focus.
The latest generation Astra is different to previous efforts as it prefers a more grown up, refined look having ditched the straight lines and angles of its predecessor.
Not only is the Astra supremely popular and one of the best hatchbacks on the market, it is available here with more than £6,000 knocked off its normal retail price.
#2 – Kia Pro_cee’d
1.6-litre CRDi 2 3 door.
Kia Pro_cee’d deal – Kia Pro_cee’d for £10,995 (Save £4,725 from MRP).
The Kia Pro_cee’d is in theory a hot hatch version of the standard Cee’d hatchback.
Despite not quite living up to the sporty, aggressive reputation of the hot hatch label, the Pro_cee’d is still a brilliantly priced hatchback alternative to the default models.
In terms of appearance the model is low slung and angled – hinting at its hot hatch intent - and while its performance may fall slightly below the levels set by the likes of the ford Focus RS it is still an agile, muscular model.
It is renowned for its handling almost as much for its value-for-money costs , however when there’s nearly £5,000 taken off the MRP it’s difficult to see past the savings.
#3 – Citroen C4
1.6-litre HDi [110] VTR+ 5 door.
Citroen C4 deal – Citroen C4 for £14,845 (Save £4,200 from MRP).
If there were prizes for the most improved manufacturer in the car industry, then Citroen would be a definite contender for the throne.
One reason for this is the C4 hatchback.
It has shed its conservative looks and is now one of the sleekest and most stylish hatchbacks on the market thanks to an image overhaul that looks influenced by the new DS line of cars.
It now looks like a more premium model and the VTR+ is symptomatic of that as the range topping specification. It comes with alloy wheels, cruise control and Bluetooth, as well as a discount in excess of £4,000.
#4 – Toyota Auris
1.33-litre Dual VVTi TR 3 door.
Toyota Auris deal – Toyota Auris for £12,412 (Save £3,508 from MRP).
Toyota has forged a reputation from its reliability as well as its onboard technology.
The Auris hatchback is one such model which has been at the receiving end of the Japanese manufacturer’s wealth of experience and makes use of the company’s famed variable valve technology.
The Auris isn’t one of the first models that comes to mind when you think of a hatchback however that’s not a slight on the car itself but an indication of the dominance of other models on the market.
It comes with a superb record for reliability and a five-year warranty for further insurance.
#5 – Ford Focus
1.6-litre Sport 5 door.
Ford Focus deal – Ford Focus for £13,490 (Save £3,405 from MRP).
The Ford focus is one of the most successful and popular models to grace British shores.
Since its release it has found itself at the forefront of the segment and at the tip of the sales charts thanks to its mixture of drive, handling, practicality and value for money.
The Focus makes an ideal small family car; particularly the latest generation thanks to its size and dimension increase on its predecessor.
The latest model is also the most refined in terms of looks and interior quality.