Cars similar to Ford Focus
Discove the best cars similar to the Ford Focus in this detailed comparison of the best hatchbacks
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By Craig Hale
Last updated: 16 May 2025
Cars like Ford Focus
The Ford Focus has long been the go-to for anyone wanting a hatchback that's affordable, fun to drive and practical enough for real life.
But with Ford confirming the demise of his family hatchback, it might be time for you to begin your search for cars similar to the Ford Focus, whether that's cars like a Ford Focus to drive or similar cars to the Ford Focus in terms of practicality, running costs or configuration options.
We've listed the best alternatives to the Ford Focus.
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Our top 12 cars similar to the Ford Focus
Vauxhall Astra
Volkswagen Golf
Peugeot 308
Audi A3
SEAT Leon
Toyota Corolla
Kia Ceed
Mazda 3
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Cars like the Ford Focus
Vauxhall Astra
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The Vauxhall Astra is a dependable hatchback that's practical and comfortable for family life, and surprisingly good to drive day-to-day.
This popular model is simplicity done right – you get a solid build quality, efficient engines and a ride composed enough to handle Britain's B-roads.
Compared with the Focus (this Vauxhall's long-time rival), the Astra feels slightly more laid back.
The Focus is a keener driver's car, with sharper steering for more agile handling, while the Astra is less flash and slightly better value for money.
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Volkswagen Golf
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The Volkswagen Golf is often considered the golden standard in family hatchbacks – it's classy, composed and a bit posh, without showing off.
The cabin feels a cut above, the drive is reassuringly solid and everything just works, which is typical of a German-engineered product.
Compared with the Focus, the Golf is more refined and grown-up. It's a suitable car for all ages, right from learner drivers to retirees, which makes it an incredibly versatile hatchback, however some say the Focus is a little bit more engaging to drive.
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Peugeot 308
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The Peugeot 308 is the stylish French cousin in the family hatchback, with sleek and sharp looks and an avant-garde feel that gives it a reasonably premium feel given its price point.
We love the i-Cockpit design, because the smaller steering wheel really makes this family-friendly model feel fun to drive.
Where it differs from Ford's offering is that it focuses (pun intended, sorry) on boot space, so it has a healthy 37 litres more room. The trade-off? Rear-seat space can be a little bit more cramped.
However, you'll also have one of the widest choices of engines on the market – petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric.
Just remember that certain models have smaller boots to accommodate the extra batteries.
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Audi A3
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Sharing many parts with the Golf above, the Audi A3 turns the premium dial up a few notches. It's classy without being showy, offering a premium and minimalist interior with a crisp infotainment display and high-quality materials.
It has plenty of performance in the range, right from conventional engines and plug-in hybrids to fast S3 and faster RS3 models to take on the Ford Focus ST and Focus RS.
Just like the Golf, the A3 is a perfect all-rounder, with plenty of passenger and boot space and a composed ride. Again, the Focus is better to drive enthusiastically in its standard form, but it lacks the A3's quality and badge appeal.
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SEAT Leon
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There's a bit of a theme here, because the SEAT Leon also shares parts with the Golf and A3 – being part of the broader VW Group.
Compared with those two, it adds a bit more flair and fire, with sharper looks and sportier handling, so it's much more similar to the Focus.
Like the staple Ford hatchback, this SEAT is available in hatchback and estate forms, with a range of efficient and reasonably quick engines.
It also has a lower price tag than its cousins, so it should be just as affordable to buy as the Focus.
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Toyota Corolla
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The Toyota Corolla is the quiet overachiever of the family hatchback world – reliable, efficient and more sophisticated than you might expect.
It does everything brilliantly, and best of all, if you keep up regular and approved servicing, you could extend the manufacturer warranty all the way up to 10 years, the best in the business.
The Focus might feel sharper and livelier on a twisty road, but the Corolla counters that with a consistently high mpg.
We're talking in excess of 60mpg in the real world, not on paper, from the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre self-charging hybrids. Owning a Toyota Corolla could be the most sensible thing you do.
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Kia Ceed
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The Kia Ceed is another family car known for its exceptional reliability, backed by a seven-year warranty, but spend a bit of time with the car and you'll understand it's not just about being sensible.
It's a genuinely fun car to drive, especially with the punchy and economical turbocharged petrol engines.
The Ceed stands out for its outstanding value for money – yes, the Ford Focus is among the most affordable hatchbacks, but this Kia packs a punch with a long list of standard equipment.
Top trim levels even get some luxurious additions, like an upgraded JBL sound system and a swanky sliding panoramic sunroof.
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Mazda 3
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The Mazda 3 is the enthusiast's secret weapon – its design is almost as shocking as a concept car, and it's often regarded as one of the best-looking hatchbacks out there. Inside, you get a premium cabin with high-end materials on some trim levels, like leather upholstery, but all models have a strong fit and finish.
It's not all about looks, though, because like the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 is a fun car to drive with sharp handling – maybe even more so.
The tight and precise steering is backed up by the revvy engines. Newer models get 2.5-litre petrol units, but thanks to clever fuel-saving tech and even mild hybrid assistance, you could get up to 50mpg.
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Explore used hatchbacks for sale
Whether you're after a sporty runaround, a premium motorway mile muncher or just something that won't break the bank, there are plenty of cars similar to the Ford Focus that fit the bill.
And the best bit? Many of these make excellent used hatchback buys, offering top value without sacrificing quality, fun or practicality.