Best small cars
By Motor Match • 20/07/2023
While more buyers might be choosing crossover these days, there are still plenty that prefer a smaller car.
Small Cars
These vehicles are often more affordable to buy and also cheaper to run and insure.
Though the choice on offer might have declined slightly in recent years, especially with the recent demise of the Ford Fiesta. But there are still plenty of new models available, and there’s an increasing choice of hybrid and electric models on offer. Let’s take a look at the best small cars on offer today.
Volkswagen Polo
If you want a small car that’s able to do the job of a much larger model, it’s hard to beat the Volkswagen Polo. It’s been a key part of this German firm’s line-up for a long time, and remains an impressive choice, especially when it comes to its comfort and refinement levels.
The Polo is available primarily with small, efficient petrol engines, though a sportier GTI model is also available if you want more in the way of performance.
Honda Jazz
Honda’s Jazz is an ideal small car if you want something with plenty of space, as it boasts a big boot and a huge amount of rear seat space, aided further by its clever flip-up ‘Magic Seats’.
The Jazz now exclusively comes with a hybrid powertrain, which delivers some impressive fuel consumption figures if this is a priority.
Seat Ibiza
If you want a stylish small car, there are few more eye-catching small cars than the Seat Ibiza. Based on the Polo, it feels more engaging to drive and costs slightly less to buy as well.
The Ibiza has plenty more to offer as well, not least a surprisingly practical interior that makes it ideal for use as a small family car. Its 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines also deliver a great balance of performance and efficiency
Ford Fiesta
Though Ford might have recently discontinued its Fiesta as it switches its focus more towards EVs, don’t forget that there will – for a long time – be a plentiful supply on the used market.
The Fiesta still has so much to offer as well, as it’s one of the most fun small cars on the market, especially in the case of the ST hot hatch. It’s well-equipped and very practical too.
Mini Electric
If you’re looking for a small EV, they don’t get much better than the Mini Electric. This pint-sized EV might only have a small electric range of around a claimed 145 miles, but if you drive mainly around town or only do small trips.
The Mini Electric remains every bit as good as the petrol Hatch on which it’s based, being great fun to drive, characterful in the styling department and featuring a high-quality interior.
Audi A1
If you think a small car can’t be premium, you should take a look at the Audi A1. Though it might sit on the more expensive end of the spectrum, it feels worthy of its cost when it comes to its high-quality interior.
It gets a lot of the same technology as Audi’s far more upmarket models, including the digital Virtual Cockpit, as well as a large touchscreen. Despite its small size, the A1 still gets a decent amount of interior space.
Peugeot 208
Peugeot’s 208 is now Europe’s most popular car and really is a superb choice when it comes to small cars. There’s a choice of a petrol 208 or the electric e-208, which will soon boast an electric range of up to 250 miles.
The 208 also has a stunning interior that feels especially upmarket, while its compact size means it’s a great choice for those that need something small to drive and park.
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