What are the best alternatives to the Ford Fiesta?
By Motor Match • 17/08/2023
After almost 50 years of production, Ford recently discontinued its well-loved Fiesta.
It’s been the UK’s best-selling car ever, and though demand for cars like the Fiesta might have dropped in recent years, it remained popular right to the end. Ford says it stopped it so it could focus on EVs, but it’s left a rather big gap in the firm’s range and the small car class overall.
But if you’re looking at a similar car to the Ford Fiesta, which is still on sale, what should you look at? Here are some great alternatives.
Volkswagen Polo
If you want a small but impressively capable car, they don’t come much better than the Volkswagen Polo. With a surprisingly practical interior, it offers a great deal of space, even for smaller families.
The Polo is also very generously equipped as standard while offering impressive levels of comfort and refinement for a car of this size. Most models use an efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine, but a sportier 197bhp GTI model is available if you want something a bit sportier.
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is now one of the best small cars around and stands out for two main reasons – practicality and efficiency. It’s a bit larger than some superminis, but has a big boot as a result and a generous amount of rear seat room as well.
The new Jazz is now sold purely as a hybrid version, which delivers some impressive fuel economy figures, especially in urban driving situations. It’s also packed with safety equipment.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa was always the Fiesta’s closest rival, and it’s able to dominate on its own now that Ford is no more. This compact hatchback has become more stylish and tech-laden in recent years and is a great product as a result. Little wonder it’s one of the UK’s most popular cars.
The Corsa is also available as an electric model, which is capable of a claimed range of 222 miles. An upgraded Corsa will soon be available too, bringing a more stylish look and higher-quality cabin.
Peugeot 208
Peugeot’s 208 is a car that’s gone from strength to strength in recent years, and it’s now one of the most upmarket small cars available. With a stunning, modern interior and high-quality finish, it has one of the best cabins of any affordable car.
Like the Corsa, it’s also available as the electric e-208, which packs a claimed range of 224 miles and impressively quick charging times. A revised version will soon be arriving at Peugeot dealers too.
Toyota Yaris
Historically the Yaris has not been the most exciting small car, but this latest model has proven to be a real step forward. More stylish to look at, and better to drive as well, there’s a lot going for this Toyota.
It’s another car that can only be had as a hybrid, and it majors on efficiency as well. Toyota claims up to 70 mpg.
Audi A1
If you want the quality of a far larger car in a more compact package, it doesn’t get much better than the Audi A1. It might cost a bit more than others on this list, but with its stunning interior and technology borrowed from far larger Audis, it feels worth every penny.
The latest A1 has also become roomier too, making it far more useful to a broader range of customers.
Seat Ibiza
Last but not least is the Seat Ibiza. A sibling model to the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1, it trades a little in the way of quality for sportiness, with this model being one of the best-driving cars in its class.
The Ibiza is also generously-equipped and undercuts many of its rivals for price. Add in an impressively roomy interior, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed if you’re trading out of a Ford Fiesta and into this Seat.
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