Irish Times best buys: Family hatchbacks

What a turnaround. The previous Astra was a grand car, and nothing more. Although it did little wrong, it did feel a bit like the automotive equivalent of corn flour - all bulk, no taste. Well, the new Astra has rather blown that sensation out of the water, as it has rather more zest and zing than its predecessor. The styling is neat and sharp-looking, and the cabin is roomy and has exceptionally good quality, especially if you spec it with the nice Intellilink touchscreen. The steering is responsive and talkative and the whole car feels neatly balanced on the road. The only downside is a small fuel tank which restricts long journeys a little.

Best buy: Astra SRi 1.0i Turbo petrol from €24,495. Prices start at €19,995.

PCP packages start from €244 a month

Read the review: Per ardua ad Astra – a new star

Previously, the Mazda 3 might have been regarded as a wild-card choice in this class, but recently it has raised its game significantly, thanks to the addition of the 105hp 1.5-litre diesel engine to supplement the powerful, but thirsty, 2.2 diesel previously available. As a combination, it’s very hard to beat - smooth, refined and frugal but with good performance. As with most Mazdas, it’s a little on the pricey side but it’s well equipped and space isn’t bad. It’s also really enjoyable and rewarding to drive.

Best buy: Mazda 3 1.5D Executive SE from €26,195. Prices start at €22,995

PCP packages start at €234 a month

Read the review: Mazda goes to the power of 3 with its new saloon

For so long the sin qua non of the family hatchback class, the Golf is still a fantastic car, but there’s no question that ‘Diesel-gate’ has taken a little of the sparkle out of its shine. You’d be mad not to consider buying one though - there’s a broad engine range from the 1.2 TSI petrol turbo (our choice) right up to the mighty 300hp Golf R super-hatch. You can also have it as an estate or, in the case of the SV, a compact MPV. High quality, decent dynamics and excellent comfort are the Golf’s hallmarks.

Best buy: Golf Lounge 1.2 TSI five-door from €24,670. Prices start at €20,385

PCP packages start from €229 a month

Read the review: Volkswagen takes GTI to higher plane with R

How can a sensible, Toyota Auris be the wild card choice? Because we, the ones writing this guide, are car enthusiasts and normally the Auris just doesn’t register on our radar thanks to it being stolid, sensible and a bit snooze-inducing. But the Auris has kind of crept up on us lately. The recent facelift brought with it sharper exterior styling, an improved cabin and, best of all, a lovely 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine that lends the Auris some much-needed character. Still not massively exciting, but certainly a very sensible purchase. Hybrid is a good shout for those who mostly drive in town.

Best buy: 1.2 D4-T Sol five-door from €24,500. Prices start at €20,750

PCP packages start from €204 a month

Read the review: Improved Auris is a change of hatchback direction for Toyota

Buying a used Honda Civic really is a case of having your cake and eating it. No, you won’t get a new car warranty, but such is the Civic’s reliability you won’t need it. The left side of your brain will appreciate the massive interior space and boot, and the clever flip-up rear seats, as well as the impressive 55mpg+ everyday frugality of the 1.6 iDTEC diesel. The creative side will love the Civic’s avant-garde styling, its messy-but-pleasantly-quirky cabin layout and its sharp steering and entertaining chassis. Watch for cracked exhaust manifolds, creaky clutch pedals and rattling front suspension bushes.

Best buy: 2013 Civic 1.6 iDTEC SE for circa €15,500.

Read the review: Hot Civic Type-R proves Honda's heart still beats