The most popular type of vehicle by far, the hatchback has to be a jack-of-all-trades. Easy to use for new drivers, not too much of a bore to drive for those more experienced. Suitable for small or growing families, while being able to navigate around busy urban areas.

When it comes to smart hatchbacks, you are almost spoilt for choice. There are so many to choose from, almost every carmaker produces an entry into the market. If you’re after something a bit different, then there are two models that you might not have considered: the Skoda Fabia and the Toyota Aygo. Let’s see how they stack up against each other?

Skoda Fabia: The Pros

Made by one of the best producers of family cars in the market, the Skoda Fabia has gone through a lot of changes in its 23 years of life, with its most recent iteration launching in 2021. It’s safe to say that the most recent model is well-liked, having won WhatCar?’s car of the year award for 2021. So what makes it so good?

The biggest selling point is that it fully maximises the amount of space inside, so you can fit you and your family in quite comfortably. That comfort continues throughout, with the seats all well designed to make journeys, be they long or short, nice and smooth.

Skoda Fabia: The Cons

Unfortunately, there’s no hybrid option currently available for this iteration, so you don’t have the slightly greener vehicle. It can also be a bit noisy at higher speeds, something you’ll encounter on motorway journeys.

Toyota Aygo: The Pros

If you’re familiar with the Toyota Aygo from previous iterations, then the bold styling of its most recent model might catch you by surprise. The almost x-shaped front grille really stands out on the road, making it an option for those bored with conventional stylings.

The car has a drive to match, with a responsive handling that makes you feel like you have total control as you attack corners. Running costs are also a plus, with a very competitive 57.7 mpg. It’s also one of the most reliable cars on the road.

Toyota Aygo: The Cons

One area where the Aygo does suffer in comparison is its use of interior space. It’s particularly tight in the back seats, so not the best for a car full of adults. It also doesn’t feel that plush inside, with some of the fittings very plastic. Not a big factor for some, but it can make the car feel a bit cheap.

Which is right for you?

The Skoda Fabia is a master at maximising space. So if you have a growing family, then this is the better of the two options. The Toyota Aygo is a bit more fun to drive, so if you don’t have a family to worry about just yet, then this could be a better option. Both are also reliable cars, with the Aygo just about shading it on running costs and MPG. The Fabia also has slightly more standard styling than the Aygo, but it is a better all-rounder, performing well in every area. A tough decision then, but one that will leave you with a fantastic smart hatchback whichever no matter which option you go for.