Top 5 New Large Family Hatchback Cars 2017

Published Date: 21st Jul 2017

With the rise of SUV and Crossover, demand for large traditional hatchbacks has diminished significantly and if you are in the market for such a car you may be looking at limited options. So what are the best options out there for a spacious large hatchback family car that offers the best of both worlds for short or longer journeys.  Check at out our top 5 recommendations for 2017:

 

The New 2017 Ford Mondeo Hatchback

2017 Ford Mondeo Hatchback Exterior ViewIf you’ve not taken a serious look at the Mondeo for a few years you may be surprised at what you find. The latest model carries on a trend that has seen the Mondeo evolve into a much more upmarket, refined vehicle. It offers lots of tech and gadgets plus driver aids including Ford’s SYNC system, a voice controlled system that works with your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone and audio/media system.

There are plenty of trim levels and enough engine options (including a hybrid option) to make sure everyone finds the right fit  The entry-level model, the Mondeo Style offers a 1.5 Duratorq TDCi 120PS ECOnetic (Diesel) 6 Speed Manual engine (insurance group 17E) or the nippier 2.0 Duratorq TDCi 150PS (Diesel) 6 Speed Manual ECOnetic (insurance group 23E).

Both engines offer low emission’s 92g/km and 107g/km respectively and good fuel economy 48mpg (combined) for the 120PS and 42mpg for the 150PS. Either engine is more than adequate for motorway cruising whilst off the mark the 120PS engine takes you from 0-62mph in a fraction under 12 seconds whilst the 150PS obviously packs more punch and takes you there in 9.5 seconds. If you’re looking for more engine options you could look at our pick of the range, the Zetec which offers a much wider selection of engine options.

2017 Ford Mondeo Zetec Interior ViewThe Style model comes as standard with plenty of equipment and tech including:

  • 16 inch alloy wheels (with locking wheel nuts)
  • A mini spare wheel
  • Body coloured front a rear grille
  • Halogen daytime running lights
  • Leather trimmed steering wheel
  • 8 inch touchscreen with Ford SYNC, Bluetooth, voice activation, emergency assistance
  • Ford DAB Radio/CD System plus USB support
  • Dual zone air con
  • Cruise control
  • Power front electric windows
  • Electric parking brake
  • Auto start/stop system

There’s also plenty of safety equipment and aids including ABS with electronic brake-force, hill start assist, intelligent protection systems (IPS) plus front and rear-side airbags.

You can check out the full list of Ford Mondeo specs for all models here, find your selected model and view a detailed list of standard and optional equipment, paint colours etc.

The Zetec model (our pick) adds to the Style model spec with front and rear electric windows, a navigation system, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, rear compartment air con and overhead console.

The ST-Line and ST-Line X models offer a sportier option with distinctive ST-Line branding and a number of 2.0 litre diesel engines with manual, automatic and AWD options. The quickest is the 240PS engine which takes you from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. The Titanium model ups the comfort and luxury stakes and offers a hybrid engine option and at the top of the range is the Vignale which aims to dip into the lower-end of the luxury market.

OUR PICK:
The Zetec model – best value for money, enough equipment for the price and low running costs for a big family hatch, go for the 1.5 diesel ECOnetic engine it offers a good trade-off between power and economy.

PROS
A refined vehicle, lots of models, options and engines to choose from across the range, very comfortable and quiet on long motorway journeys.

CONS: 
It’s probably not a deal breaker for a family car, but it’s not as much fun to drive around the city as it once was, the drive has definitely been moulded for cruising on longer journeys.

VIEW THE LATEST NEW FORD MONDEO DEALS HERE

 

The New 2017 Skoda Octavia Hatchback

2017 Skoda Octavia Hatchback Exterior ViewStarting at just over £17,000 the Octavia represents great value and you really do get your money’s worth, it’s a solid all-rounder. The 2017 model boasts one of if not the biggest boot in it’s class at 590 litres. it has some subtle exterior design tweaks including split front headlights, there’s also a lower bumper and raised front fog lights giving the vehicle an updated, modern look. The tech gets an upgrade too with some of the higher spec models getting a new 9.2 inch touchscreen display with capacitive touch technology, in other words it should now be just as touch responsive as you mobile phone or tablet. The range also includes adaptive cruise control plus front and rear parking sensors, full mobile phone connectivity, LED headlights and tinted rear window.

The Octavia also packs plenty of safety features including  cruise control (adaptive), a pedestrian detection system for the autonomous emergency braking system, blind spot alert and rear traffic warning.

The entry model is the Octavia S which features 16 inch  Alcantras alloy wheels fitted with anti-theft bolts, there’s an 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with AUX and SD card support plus SmartLink+ including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity. The cheapest route and in our opinion the best too, is to opt for the 1.0 TSI petrol manual engine which performs a little better than you might expect  There’s also an equivalent 1.0 petrol DSG and a 1.6 diesel engine with manual or DSG transmission. The diesels are more frugal but we think the petrol is a much better drive.

The Octavia SE adds 16 inch ‘Ilias’ alloy wheels with anti-theft bolts, dual-zone climate control air con with humidity sensor and cruise control. You get a bigger range of engine options with the SE. There’s 1.0 , 1.4 and 1.5 petrol units plus 1.6 and 2.0 diesel. The 1.4 petrol offers a quicker and better drive and if you’re happy to pay the extra we recommend you get the 1.4 petrol unit over the diesels.

Skoda Octavia SE L InteriorThe SE Technology model adds a navigation systems, integrated Wi-Fi, adaptive cruise control with front assist plus front and rear parking sensors. The SE-L model is similar will full LED headlights, AFS and LED daytime running lights plus alcantara & leather upholstery.

There’s a significant jump in price to the L&K model which features a  9.2 inch ‘Columbus’ touchscreen with satellite navigation system, heated 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and CANTON audio system.

The vRS is the sporty offering and most powerful Octvaia to date with ‘vRS’ sports styling, the stylish front grille sports a centre piece vRS logo (which features throughout the car), you get eyecatching red brake callipers and rear diffuser in black. There’s a sports steering wheel with touch controls conveinet;y placed for audio and mobile phone operation plus a paddle for DSG models. The 2.0TSI (245 PSI) will take you from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds whilst the 2.0 diesel will do it in 7.6 seconds, there’s also a diesel 4x4 option here

OUR PICK:
We like the SE-L model with the 1.4 TSI engine, a smooth drive with sufficient power and enough equipment for just about everybody’s requirements and all at a great price.

PRO:
Biggest boot in its class at 590 litres,  great value for money, all round solid, well-equipped vehicle.

CONS:
Some of the diesels are a little bit noisier than we’d like but it’s a minor gripe.

VIEW THE LATEST SKODA OCTAVIA DEALS HERE

 

The New 2017 Skoda Rapid Hatchback

2017 Skoda Rapid Exterior ViewThe Skoda Rapid is the Octavia’s little brother even so it still manages to pack a large amount of boot space in at 550 litres which matches the Mondeo. Fold the back seats down and then you’ll have a generous 1,490 litres of space. Up front with some inventive ideas it manages to pack in a lot more storage space and leg-room for passengers too, which is why we’re putting it in the large hatchback category, if you’re looking at a cost effective family car with plenty of space it’s a great option.

The Rapid also packs plenty of safety features and equipment, ABS braking and Electronic Stability Control plus front, side and curtain airbags come as standard on all models.

If you also consider that prices start from around £15,300 and you get a good selection of engines to choose from, then you are looking at real value for money here with plenty of space for the kids and room for your cases in the back if you’re off for a UK holiday/break.

The Rapid comes in four flavours the S, SE, Sport and SE-L for a full list of specs and equipment browse for your desired new Skoda Rapid model here.

Skoda Rapid Interior ViewThe entry-level Rapid, the S model comes with enough equipment including 15" steel wheels, daytime running lights and electric front windows. You get a choice of four engines, a 1.0 TSi petrol unit, a 1.4 TDi diesel (manual or DSG option) and a 1.6 TDi diesel.  We like the 1.0 petrol option, it has enough power and smoother than he diesels.

The next grade up is the SE model with 15" alloy wheels, front fog lights and a multi-function trip computer, the Sport model adds 17" Blade black alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and sports seats.

The SE L model adds over the SE grade 16" alloy wheels, cornering front fog lights and acoustic rear parking sensors. Through the range there are plenty of engine options but we think for most the 1.0 petrol should do the job, we prefer the ride and although the diesels are more efficient, the petrol models are a fair bit cheaper and still pretty efficient.

OUR PICK:
If you need all the tech, gadgets, bells and whistles go for the SE L model. If you're on a tighter budget hen go for the entry-level S model which has all the basics covered and is fantastic value. Go for the 1.0 petrol engine, it is significantly cheaper than the diesel options and it offers enough power and is still economical and efficient enough.

PROS:
Packs a generous boot for a vehicle of its size, low initial price and running costs, a very solid and reliable vehicle.

CONS:
Depreciation could be an issue.

VIEW THE LATEST SKODA RAPID DEALS HERE
 

The New 2017 DS 5 Hatchback

2017 DS 5 Hatchback Exterior ViewThe DS 5 is the rebranded and updated Citroen DS5. Citroen’s former premium DS car range is now sold as the DS range. There’s a touch of class about the DS 5, it looks stunning from the outside with the DS logo, sculpted body and dashes of chrome but the interior is where the DS 5 excels, it really does ooze class and once you're sat in the driver seat you’ll definitely have the feeling that you are in a premium vehicle. Any hint of the Citroen cockpit style dash is long gone and you get a beautiful, stylish, uncluttered sweeping console, it is a thing of beauty!  Practically speaking it doesn’t deliver in some departments, boot space is 468 litres, it’s not a match for the other cars on this list but it’s not so bad, anyway this one’s on the list for those who love a touch of class.

The DS 5 is an unusual mix of a high hatchback and sporty coupe, where it exactly fits in the current trend for SUV’s and crossovers is a little ambiguous but being different in this case is a plus in our eyes, we just love how it looks!

The DS 5 comes in three guises the Elegance is the entry-level model and with a premium price tag you do get a lot for you money included as standard are the DS ‘Connect Box’, emergency & assistance system, rear parking sensors. keyless entry and start, dual zone automatic air con and 18 inch 'Adelaide' brilliant grey alloy wheels.

DS 5 interior photoThe Performance Line model offers 19 inch stylish black gloss alloy wheels, front parking sensors,  xenon directional headlights, cloth and black leather interior plus electrically adjustable driver's seat. You also get the DS Performance styling touches with tailored stitching and nice exterior enhancements.

The Prestige model features front parking sensors, a reversing camera with blind spot system, black leather interior, scrolling LED indicators, ‘DS LED Vision’ - Xenon directional headlights and mood lighting.

DS have kept the emphasis on the ultra-clean BlueHDi turbo diesel units although there is a single petrol option. We recommend the BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-speed manual, it offers enough power and good economy.

OUR PICK:
The Elegance model has more than enough equipment, go for the BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-speed manual engine. If you need leather interior choose one of the two higher trim-levels, you might as well benefit from the extra standard features offer too.

PROS:
Stunning looking car, especially inside the vehicle which will take your breath away.

CONS:
For the price-tag some people may want a BMW or Audi badge.

BROWSE THE LATEST DS 5 DEALS HERE

 

The New 2017 Peugeot 3008 Hatchback

2017 Peugeot 3008 Hatchback SUV Exterior ViewOK, it’s not a hatchback in the traditional sense, it falls into the crossover/SUV category but we really like the latest version and think it worthy of a place on the list..

Its something of a fusion of the 308 hatchback and 2008 with a great new look. Inside the redesign means more space for passengers than its predecessor and it offers a handy 520 litres of boot space. The new dash is impressive and inside there is a premium feel to it..

Peugeot 3008 Hatchback SUV Exterrior Photo

There’s a choice of four models on offer the Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. The entry-level model is pretty well stacked with features but if you are willing to pay around another £1700-£1800 for the Allure model you’ll have more gadgets and equipment than you’ll know what to do with,  including a navigation system, touchscreen with Android/Apple smartphone mirroring, a 180 colour reversing camera plus front and rear parking sensors.

The 3008 is also stacked with safety features including autonomous emergency braking and a lane departure warning system. The GT Line and GT offer a lot of exterior and interior styling enhancements but we’d be surprised if most people wouldn’t be over the moon with the Allure model.

The 1.2 Puretech petrol engine is very nice to drive and you’ll pay around £2000 less for any of the petrol models, stick with this if you’re not covering a lot of miles. However the 1.6 litre BlueHDi 120PS will be a better option if you’re putting in the long miles each week with an official economy of 70.6mpg.

OUR PICK:
Get the Allure model for a stack-full of tech, gadgets and equipment. Choose the 1.2 petrol for regular short around town journeys and the 1.6 litre BlueHDi 120PS for those clocking up a lot of mileage.

PROS:
Very stylish inside and out, all models pack a massive amount of equipment in as standard.

CONS:
Might be a bit pricey for those who don’t need all the bells, whistles and gadgets.

BROWSE THE LATEST PEUGEOT 3008 DEALS HERE