Best buys: Family hatchbacks

Best in class

Volkswagen Golf

The awarding of the hatch class crown to the Golf is as predictable as the awarding of a best actor Oscar to Tom Hanks. You might as well get it over with before the ceremony even starts. Our ennui at handing over yet another gong to the Golf is mollified though by the fact that it remains just so damned good. Classy to look at, bank-vault construction and reliability, comfortable and quiet (mostly – it suffers from tyre noise on coarse surfaces) and as easy to sell on again as an unopened Mars bar. 1.6 TDI and 1.2 TSI petrol are the sensible options, estate is a useful load-lugger and GTI and R are there for those who crave supercar-slaying performance. Best one: Split decision. 1.2 TSI Comfortline for €23,735 if you're being sensible. GTI Performance Pack for €38,045 if you're being aspirational.

Also consider

Ford Focus

The perennial thorn in the Golf’s side, the Focus received a big update this year that gave it a cleaner, more prominent nose (cough – Aston Martin – cough) and a more specced-up interior which, for €800 extra depending on the model, can be had with Ford’s big and bright 8” SYNC2 touch-screen infotainment system. The handling and steering are as good as ever and the suspension now gives a ride that’s not quite so bouncy. 250hp ST is a raucous laugh-riot but cabin can’t match the Golf’s for quality.

Honda Civic

Space-probe looks won’t be to all tastes and nor will the multilayered, over-complicated cabin but the Civic has got talent where it counts. It’s more spacious than most and the clever “Magic Seats” in the back are a genuine practicality boon. The boot is massive and this being a Honda, it will likely never break. 1.6 i-DTEC diesel is the best engine in the class too, by a mile – refined and frugal, but very punchy. The connoisseur’s hatchback.

Worth waiting for

Opel Astra

Smaller, lighter but more spacious Astra will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September, but realistically, you’re going to be looking at a 161 plate unless you’re a very, very early adopter. Opel is already making claims for improved handling and ride, as well as a more high-tech, high-class cabin. New turbo petrol engines should broaden its appeal, as will high-end options such as Mercedes-like LED matrix headlamps. Launches: Christmas 2015

Underrated

Nissan Pulsar

Wait, put down that Various Shades Of Beige paint catalogue – the Pulsar is not so dull as you might think. Well, OK, it is quite dull and really if you’re going to buy a compact Nissan, you’re probably better off saving up for a Qashqai, but the Pulsar actually has a lot going for it. It may not be much fun, but it is massively spacious, economical, comfy, well-equipped, well-priced and not at all bad to drive. Exciting? No, but good nevertheless.