7 of the best hatchbacks with big boots

Seven of the best hatchbacks with big boots

We like big boots – and we cannot lie. 

When it comes to practicality, the size of the boot is often the first thing you’ll want to know.

But if you’re shopping for a car based on the size of its rear, the humble hatchback might not instantly spring to mind.

But it’s a varied class, comprising everything from the miniature Honda e with a boot big enough for a Pomeranian and not much else, to the Skoda Superb with its 625L boot that puts some smaller SUVs to shame. 

If you’re looking for a practical family car lease, but you’re not after something that could double as a spaceship, then it’s worth checking out the larger end of the hatchback market. There are some real gems to be found – and best of all, they’re often a lot more affordable than their estate or SUV counterparts. 

We’ve rounded up seven of the best hatchbacks with big boots available to lease, so all you have to do is pick your favourite and chat to our team.

Car leasing couldn’t be easier. 

1. Volkswagen Golf: 318L

If you were asked to picture a hatchback, chances are you’d think of the Volkswagen Golf.

It’s a stalwart of the class, and it’s just as good now as it was when it was launched. It remains a sensible choice for families, first-time drivers, the work commute, the family holiday – whatever you need it for, the VW Golf has got you covered.

We’re on the eighth generation of this one, and the latest facelift has brought with it a number of updates and an added edge of refinement to really remind its rivals who’s boss.

And if you’re looking for boot size, the Volkswagen Golf has got you covered with 318L of space with the seats up, and a respectable 1,270L with the seats folded down. It’s not going to win top prize at the big boot competition, but it’s enough for daily life, and the occasional family holiday.

If you’re after an all-rounder, you can’t go wrong with a Volkswagen Golf lease.

2. Peugeot 308: 412L

Peugeot have shifted over 1.3 million Peugeot 308s since the car launched, so if you choose this for your next car lease deal, you’re in good company.

The third-gen 308 is the best one yet, representing Peugeot’s efforts to push their brand and their cars further upmarket and deliver something different to rivals. This isn’t the hot hatch of the past, but a refined and efficient family car.

The exterior is executed very well, but it’s the interior that really shines, with an impressive touchscreen infotainment system, a configurable 3D instrument cluster on GT trim and above, and some cushy materials that make the 308 a pleasant place to spend the long drives.

Though there’s no promising that it’ll prevent the long arguments on those drives. 

In terms of boot space, the Peugeot 308 delivers an impressive 412L, which compares favourably to rivals and outdoes some class favourites, while there’s an extra 34L of additional space dotted throughout the cabin. 

The weekly shop will have never had so much space to stretch out.                                                                                                                                             

3. Honda Civic: 415L

Sometimes, it pays to keep it simple – and the Honda Civic keeps things very simple.

But that’s no bad thing. With only one engine, one body style and two trim levels to pick from, there’ll be no decision fatigue if you choose a Civic for your next lease.

It does what it says on the tin, and it does it very well.

Fuel efficiency remains one of the Civic’s core values, and the latest generations are packed with all the up-to-date tech you could need. Even the entry-level Civic has a 9in infotainment system, physical controls for the air-con, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, plus two USB ports in the front.

The boot is the best one yet, clocking in at 415L – big enough for six carry-on suitcases. In other words, you’ll have no struggles playing suitcase jenga on the next family holiday.

If you’re after an affordable and practical family car, you’d be hard pushed to find a better option.

4. Kia XCeed: 426L

In such a crowded class, it can be tricky to stand out.

Not such an issue for Kia, who have combined hatchback size with funky SUV styling to create something a little chunkier and extremely practical.

This practicality is carried throughout the cabin and into the boot, with a generous 426L of space available in the regular models, and 291L in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. This is more than enough in the petrol car for a buggy, a couple of large suitcases, a trip to the tip, or the family dog – even if that dog is a Burmese Mountain dog. 

And while you do lose some space in the PHEV thanks to that pesky battery, what you gain in terms of cost saving might be worth it if you’re watching your pennies. 

With plenty of equipment on the entry-level 2 trim – touchscreen infotainment system and visibility aids, keyless entry, automatic lights, air-con and cruise control, plus Kia’s market-leading seven-year warranty – the Kia XCeed is an excellent option for your next lease.

5. Nissan Leaf: 435L

An electric curveball, the Nissan Leaf has a surprisingly spacious boot compared to electric vehicle (EV) rivals, where the small fact of the whacking great battery tends to take away from precious cargo space.

But not only is the OG EV one of the most affordable electric cars on the market, but it’s also one of the most practical. Nissan knocked it out of the park with the Leaf when it was first launched, and they continue to do so.

The boot is quite long, which gives it a total capacity of 435L. 

It not only blows most hatchback EVs out of the water but is also more spacious than a lot of petrol or diesel models. A solid seven carry-on suitcases fit below the parcel shelf, and there are handy nets on the side to keep the charging cables.

And with the entry-level Acenta trim providing all you really need (16in alloys, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, keyless start and plenty of safety equipment, along with a responsive infotainment system), you’ll be able to keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket. 

6. Skoda Octavia: 600L

The Skoda Octavia is a staple for the brand, and has been it’s biggest-selling car for quite some time.

It’s not hard to see why though. 

Over the years, Skoda have continued to make small improvements to the Octavia that have been pushing it further and further upstream, and these days it’s quite the premium little car for its price. 

And it’s not that little either.

With a boot that clocks in at an impressive 600L, it not only blows its hatchback rivals out the water, but gives a lot of estates and smaller SUVs a good run for their money too. You’ll have absolutely no issues with the weekly shop, or the family holiday, or a trip to Ikea, or pretty much anything you could think of.

The interior is spacious too, with more than enough room for a small family, and there’s plenty of cabin storage to stow away all those odds and ends – including a cooled storage area under the armrest which makes the perfect place to stash your sandwiches.

7. Vauxhall Astra: 422L

If you’re looking for no-frills, good-value-for-money motoring, the Vauxhall Astra is the car for you.

Though it’s been on the market for some time, Vauxhall have been making constant improvements and the eighth-generation model is very good, with plenty of up-to-date tech and a comfortable, spacious interior.

All versions come equipped with front and rear parking sensors, a 10in infotainment screen, climate control, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and keyless start, while the GS trim (probably the one you’ll want to go for) adds adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and some sportier styling.

And it doesn’t lose any points on the practicality front, either.

Though it doesn’t come anywhere near the impressive Octavia, the Astra does have a generous 422L boot that’s a useful square shape and has a low lip to make lifting heavy items in easier. You can fit five carry-on suitcases in this one, making it supremely practical for everyday family life.

It’s an excellent option for your next Vauxhall lease.