A budget of £20,000 could buy you a sensible family car, or you could inject some excitement into your life with one of these 10 used hot hatchbacks Later models fare far better, with a range of between 150 and 230 miles (the latter for the range-extender).We’re talking about the latest Megane here, launched in 2016.Highlights of this stylish French hatch are much improved build quality, better styling inside and out (a bit of a return to form for Renault), an improved driving experience and a much more up to date – even plush-feeling – interior. The 1 series’ 1.6 diesel is no exception.If a thoroughly sensible seven-year/100,000-mile warranty doesn’t tempt you into a nearly-new Kia Ceed, then how about the prospect of rock-solid reliability?

It’s even fairly practical. Zetec is the best value trim, but Titanium is worth having for its extra features.The Peugeot 308 was billed as a match for the VW Golf - there it is again - when it was launched in 2013, Peugeot claiming to have made great strides in terms of the car’s styling, build quality and overall refinement. Interior trim is a little hard and plasticky in places, too, but you get the impression that it will last almost indefinitely no matter what punishment you throw at it.Choose upmarket Elegance trim and the economical but strong 1.6 diesel and the Octavia makes a convincing case for itself.

Despite its small footprint, this hatchback offers a cavernous amount of cargo space. Facelifts in 2012 and 2014 improved equipment and styling respectively; £2,000 gets the original, £4,000 will get the 2012 facelift and some of the last models are beginning to approach £5,000 with higher mileage.The SEAT Leon has garnered a reputation as a sporty and charismatic hatchback that's fast and fun to drive. However, the changes stopped short at addressing the car’s major weakness: rear interior and boot space. Then read our used car reviews, compare specs and features, and find used hatchbacks for sale in your area. The 1.6 Cooper S is a flickable and delightfully agile pocket rocket.Think of it as the ultimate Mini. Solidly built, the Leon manages to expand on its VW Golf roots with amicable styling and attractive details.It hasn't aged as well as the Golf and the interior was not of the highest quality, but if you can find a post-2009 model that benefitted from new engines and an improved interior, you will be making a sound choice.Servicing prices and maintenance costs are generally inexpensive and the 1.6-litre TDi Ecomotive S model introdice in 2010 achieved CO2 emissions of just 99g/km making it free tax.Not necesarily considered a driver's car, the Kia Ceed did offer frugality, solid build quality and practical motoring. Where the Astra really impresses, however, is in the way it rides. Best Hatchbacks under $20K. Equipment levels are high, too - bi-xenon lights, cruise control and USB multimedia all feature. If you hadn't thought of these, chances are other buyers haven't too - and that means less competition.Honda's reputation for reliability and efficiency is well deserved, and as its core offering the Civic has the responsbility of maintaining standards worldwide. Plus there’s enough room inside for five adults (although the three in the back could be a touch squished). Much of the quirky individuality of the previous C4 was replaced by safe interior design that is neither offensive nor exciting.What is exciting is the age and mileage of car you'll get for your cash; sub-50,000 miles and three- to four-years old is achievable, and at the older end of the market you can go as low as £2,300 for a car which is still offered in showrooms today. The Volkswagen Golf is an enjoyable car to own thanks to its blend of reliability, comfort and handling.