^ This.
Plus, hatchbacks are a bit smaller than the usual notchbacks (the Corolla springs to mind), which, for a new driver, is more ideal, especially in Britain with its small roads and tight car parks. Basically eliminates any worries of dinging the boot/trunk since it's virtually flat when looking out the back.
I guess its just a cultural thing. Me and my friends have had many a discussion about why Americans buy pick-up trucks as first cars - we can't see the appeal because we've never seen the need for the uses they provide. Conversely, I guess a hatchback would be seen as impractical, possibly even unsafe over there, hence why they seem strange as first cars.