Selecting the perfect family car is a multifaceted task that goes beyond size. It's about finding a vehicle that's not only spacious but also affordable, practical, sturdy, and fuel-efficient.

For those who aren't keen on buying an SUV, the options may seem limited. Thankfully, there are still vehicles out there that tick all the boxes for a family car without the need for towering ground clearance suitable for off-road adventures.

The automotive experts at Top Gear have put together their top five hatchbacks – essentially cars with a rear hatch door – ideal for families.

Leading their recommendations is the Honda Civic, with prices ranging from £35,005 to £39,805. The Civic triumphs due to its fuel economy, practicality, and enjoyable driving experience, reports the Mirror.

The experts elaborated: "It might be conservative on the outside, but the interior is simply put together and to a high standard. You won't mind long family journeys, and you know that it'll all last for miles and miles.

"There's a strangely complex hybrid setup under the bonnet, but you needn't worry about all that, because the upshot is that the car drives and handles well enough, but won't cost you the earth in petrol bills."

The Skoda Octavia clinched second place, outperforming the very car it derives from, the eighth-generation VW Golf, which had to settle for third, with its German relative rounding off the top three.

Experts weighed in on the Skoda's triumph, stating: "There must be a few noses out of join the darkest corporate depths of the VW Group – of the host of cars based on the MkVIII Golf, the Skoda's the best."

Yet, they didn't dismiss the VW Golf entirely, despite acknowledging a dip in form. They pondered: "Long the benchmark in this sector, the crown has slipped a little in this eighth generation guise. We wouldn't count the Golf out for long though."

While the Honda, Skoda, and VW remain solid choices for family cars, those set on an SUV have a wealth of options. Car guru Mike Brewer earlier this year singled out one vehicle as his prime pick for a family SUV on his YouTube channel.

Mike extolled the virtues of the Nissan X-Trail, saying: "Just look at it from the exterior, it's got the privacy glass, it's got the roof rails, it's got the chrome door handles, the chrome accents, it looks really smart."

He added: "It's got electric folding mirrors so as you open the car, get in and turn the ignition on the mirrors fold out, which is lovely.

"Leather door cards inside your family car, nice and easy to wipe, absolutely wonderful leather seats. It's got lumber support as well, you've got cupholders everywhere. These Nissan X-Trails are really well equipped."