It seems like the SUV and crossover models are getting all the attention these days, but the family hatchback still makes up 25% of the UK car market. They may not hint in their looks that they can take you far off the beaten path but they’re practical, often better to drive and usually represent sound value for money.

The new Astra looks like the one to beat in the hatchback class, so we’ve put it up against the classy and practical Octavia and the perennial Focus to see how they face off against each other.Specifically, we’ve rounded up these three models: Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec; Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI 110 SE Business and Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line.

As your eagle eyes will have spotted, we’ve got two 1.6-litre diesels and a 1.5-litre, so we’re going for tax-friendly, economical, practical models. But we’re hoping they’re still going to represent some family fun.

If you’re looking for performance, the Astra has it from virtually any revs. The strong delivery is accompanied by a bit of diesel clatter and drone which is a shame, but with its six-speed manual box, you’ve got a really decent performance to play with.

Handling is similarly good, turning into corners eagerly, although the steering is a bit on the light side. The ride is firm, most definitely, but it never gets to the crashing around stage even on badly maintained roads – of which we seem to have any number.

The Octavia feels a bit slow in comparison to the Astra, not helped by the five-speed manual transmission. It pulls well from low down, but even so it’s sometimes hard to marry revs with gears satisfactorily. It too has a bit of a diesel drone going on which, combined with a rather uninspiring ride, makes it rather less than fun to drive. It handles alright and it grips well but that’s about it.

The Focus, perhaps due to the slightly smaller engine, also feels like it lacks pull compared to the Astra. You need to rev it more although it is the quietest of the three engines here. On the other hand, it’s an entertaining ride with sharp handling, good ride and very precise steering.

The battle of the cabins is where the Skoda steps up. Its seats are big and supportive and there’s a really solid-feel to everything from the switches to the dashboard materials. Those in the rear will prefer the extra space of the Octavia while its cavernous 590-litre boot is the biggest of the three by far.

The Ford interior feels definitely less classy, with some nasty plastics lurking and with some switches that don’t feel that durable. Rear passengers will like the Focus the least as headroom is limited, and the 316-litre boot is similarly the smallest of the three and is the hardest to access.

The Vauxhall isn’t actually that far behind the Skoda in terms of perceived cabin quality. It’s really good and logically laid out. Rear legroom is as good as the Skoda’s although headroom is not quite as good. With a 370-litre boot, the Astra convincingly beats the Focus yet comes some way behind the Octavia, but at least the boot is a sensible square shape.

All three cars are in a similar place regarding tax costs if you’re a company car driver, but the Skoda will prove the more expensive option if you’re leasing. If you’re buying privately then the Ford will prove the cheaper since you can wangle better discounts.

All three are well equipped although only the Skoda has climate control as standard. Fuel figures, using the What Car? Real World MPG tests give 51.3mpg for the Skoda, 55.1mpg for the Vauxhall and 58.5mpg for the Ford.

The Ford Focus, taken in this form, is fun to drive, reasonably refined and reasonably priced. But it’s not as well equipped as the other two, has a more cramped cabin and simply doesn’t feel as classy as them.

The Skoda Octavia does of course feel classy because it is. It’s also larger and well equipped, but in this iteration it’s possibly not the best version, and it narrowly fails to take the crown.

That goes to the new Vauxhall Astra. Some are saying this is the best car Vauxhall has made for a decade, it really is that good. It’s also the fastest here, the most fun to drive and the interior is virtually on a par with brands like Skoda which is a real compliment. A fifth star can’t be far away.

Vauxhall Astra (4 stars)

Engine size: 1.6-litre diesel

Price from: £18,880 (list)

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 236lb ft

0-62mph: 8.7 seconds

Top speed: 127mph

Fuel economy: 55.1mpg

CO2: 99g/km

Skoda Octavia (4 stars)

Engine size: 1.6-litre diesel

Price from: £19,650 (list)

Power: 109bhp

Torque: 184lb ft

0-62mph: 10.6 seconds

Top speed: 121mph

Fuel economy: 51.3mpg

CO2: 99g/km

Ford Focus (3 stars)

Engine size: 1.5-litre diesel

Price from: £19,795 (list)

Power: 118bhp

Torque: 199lb ft

0-62mph: 10.0 seconds

Top speed: 120mph

Fuel economy: 58.5mpg

CO2: 98g/km