Due to their practical size and cost, small cars and superminis are among the most popular options and small cars on sale in the UK. Modern compact cars have a difficulty because consumers’ needs have evolved. In addition to performing well in cities, small family cars now need to be able to cruise around towns and on motorways when owners downsize from larger vehicles.
The top very small cars appeal to a wide spectrum of purchasers, but young first-time buyers in particular will value their maneuverability and low insurance and operating expenses. These days, even the most affordable small cars and superminis are equipped with the newest gadgets, safety gear, equipment and enough boot space. Although this does imply that purchasing a small car has grown significantly more expensive, many superminis are cheaper to buy and have even obtained five-star safety ratings from some independent organizations e.g. Euro NCAP. Nevertheless, this type of cars like the Dacia Sandero continue to provide excellent value for money for purchasers in this category.
Making the greatest purchase selection possible is more crucial than ever, and we’re here to show you the top compact vehicles available right now. Why not choose an affordable small car in the center of a stylish 4×4 if you can’t decide between the two?
In this article, we will present the top 10 best small cars and superminis that are worth considering for your next purchase. From their features and specifications to their safety ratings and fuel efficiency, we will delve into the details to help you make an informed decision. Whether you need a compact car for city commuting or a versatile supermini for everyday use, this guide will assist you in finding the perfect option that suits your needs and preferences.
Top 10 best small cars and supermini cars to buy in 2023
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta, known for its exceptional driving dynamics, offers a range of engine options to suit different preferences. Its EcoBoost engines strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, providing an exhilarating yet economical driving experience. With its stylish exterior design, including distinctive grille and sleek lines, the Fiesta turns heads on the road. Inside, the Fiesta boasts a well-designed cabin with quality materials and intuitive controls. The infotainment system offers seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring contribute to a secure driving experience. The European car offers impressive cargo space, thanks to its well-designed hatchback or sedan body styles. It’s not the cheapest small car but it has continued to be a popular choice among small car enthusiasts for its engaging driving dynamics, stylish appearance, and well-rounded features.
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo sets itself apart with its refined build quality and attention to detail. Its interior showcases a premium feel, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The Polo offers a comfortable ride, soaking up road imperfections with ease. Its selection of engine options delivers a balanced combination of power and efficiency. The Polo’s advanced technology features enhance the driving experience, including a crisp touchscreen infotainment system, optional digital instrument cluster, and a host of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and automated parking. The city car also excels in terms of safety, earning top scores in crash tests and offering advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection. With its versatile interior and ample cargo space, the Polo proves to be practical for everyday use. Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability further adds to the appeal of the Polo, making it a strong contender in the small car segment.
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz, known as the Honda Fit in some markets, has established itself as a versatile and practical small car. Its standout feature is the “Magic Seat” system, which allows for flexible seating configurations and excellent cargo-carrying capabilities. The rear seats can be folded in various ways, enabling owners to accommodate bulky items with ease. Despite its compact size, the Jazz offers a surprisingly spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom for occupants. The cabin is designed with user-friendly controls and thoughtful storage solutions. The Jazz is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commuting. It is powered by a range of efficient engines, including hybrid options in some markets. Safety-wise, the Jazz is equipped with features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Overall, the compact car stands out for its impressive versatility, clever storage solutions, and efficient performance.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is renowned for its reputation as a reliable and fuel-efficient small car. It offers a comfortable and composed ride, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. The Yaris stands out with its hybrid powertrain option, delivering exceptional fuel economy without compromising on performance. Its interior boasts a modern and well-designed cabin, featuring quality materials and user-friendly controls. The Yaris offers a range of standard safety features, such as a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Its compact size allows for easy maneuverability in urban environments, while still providing ample space for occupants and cargo. Toyota’s strong resale value adds to the appeal of the Yaris, making it a practical choice for those seeking long-term ownership. With its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comprehensive safety features, the Toyota Yaris remains a top contender in the small car segment.
Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 impresses with its stylish design, spacious cabin, and extensive range of features. The exterior design showcases Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture philosophy, featuring sleek lines and bold accents. Inside, the i20 offers a well-crafted interior with soft-touch materials and a modern dashboard layout. It provides ample space for both front and rear passengers, ensuring comfort on longer journeys. The car comes equipped with a generous list of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, rearview camera, and advanced safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The i20 offers a range of engine options, including efficient turbocharged petrol engines, striking a balance between performance and fuel economy. Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty coverage further adds to the appeal of the i20, making it an excellent value proposition in the small car segment.
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 stands out with its striking design, setting it apart from its competitors in the small car segment. Its sleek and sporty exterior features a distinctive front grille and sculpted body lines. Inside, the 208 offers a modern and well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The cabin provides a comfortable and inviting space, equipped with intuitive controls and an advanced infotainment system featuring smartphone connectivity. The city car offers a range of efficient engines, including petrol engine, diesel, and electric options, catering to different preferences. Its handling is agile and responsive, ensuring an engaging driving experience. The small french car boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. With its combination of style, performance, and advanced technology, the Peugeot 208 proves to be a compelling choice in the small car market.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio combines stylish aesthetics with a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior. Its chic exterior design, featuring sleek lines and distinctive LED lighting, sets it apart from its competitors. The Clio offers a range of engine options, including efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, ensuring a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. Inside the cabin, the Clio boasts quality materials, comfortable seating, and modern technology features. Its infotainment system provides seamless smartphone integration and features like navigation and voice control. The Clio offers a smooth and refined ride, soaking up bumps and providing a comfortable driving experience. It is equipped with advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing overall safety on the road. With its stylish design, comfortable ride, and well-appointed interior, the Renault Clio remains a popular choice in the small car segment.
Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is synonymous with fun and agility, captivating drivers with its iconic design and nimble handling. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating urban environments, while its responsive steering and precise cornering deliver an engaging driving experience. The Mini Cooper offers a range of engine options, including efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, striking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Its customizable options, such as roof color, interior trims, and upholstery choices, allow owners to personalize their Mini Cooper to reflect their unique style. Inside the cabin, the Mini Cooper exudes a premium feel with high-quality materials and retro-inspired design elements. Its audio system is user-friendly and offers features like Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. Despite its compact size, the Mini Cooper provides a surprising amount of space for both passengers and cargo. With its lively performance, customizable features, and premium interior, the Mini Cooper continues to be a favorite among small car enthusiasts.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is an iconic small car that captures attention with its retro charm and distinctive style. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for zipping through city streets with ease. The Fiat 500 stands out with its cheerful character and customizable options, allowing owners to express their individuality. From vibrant exterior paint colors to unique interior trims, the 500 offers a range of personalization choices. Despite its small size, the 500 offers a surprisingly spacious and well-designed interior, making efficient use of available space. Its retro-inspired dashboard features modern technology, including a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. The Fiat 500 delivers a nimble and agile driving ambiance, ideal for urban commuting. With its efficient engine options and compact footprint, the 500 offers good fuel efficiency and maneuverability. The Fiat 500’s distinctive design, customizable options, and retro appeal make it a fashionable choice for those seeking a small car with personality.
Seat Ibiza
The Seat Ibiza impresses with its sporty design, refined interior, and enjoyable driving dynamics. Its sleek exterior lines and aggressive front grille give it a dynamic and athletic presence on the road. The Ibiza offers a well-crafted interior with quality materials and a modern layout. Its ergonomic seats provide excellent support and comfort during long journeys. The Ibiza offers a range of engine options, including efficient petrol and diesel engines, striking a balance between performance and fuel economy. Its responsive steering and composed handling make it a joy to drive on winding roads. The Ibiza is equipped with advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, ensuring a safe driving dynamics. Inside the cabin, the Ibiza offers a user-friendly audio system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and optional features like a Beats audio system. With its efficient engines, advanced safety features, and sporty appeal, the Seat Ibiza delivers a dynamic and comfortable ride for small car enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Above are the small cars you can buy and choosing the right small car or supermini can greatly enhance your daily commuting experience. From fuel efficiency and safety features to design and practicality, the top 10 best small cars to buy listed above offer a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and budgets. Whether you prioritize performance, technology, or interior space, these vehicles have proven their worth in their respective categories. Remember to test drive your top picks, compare specifications, and consider your specific requirements before making a final decision. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a small car or supermini that brings joy and satisfaction to your driving adventures.
Some popular second-hand and best small cars on sale to consider are Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Mazda2, Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia, Vauxhall Corsa and Kia Rio. Before you buy and run a car of this size, ensure you inspect the condition and history.
Before buying a small car in the UK, you can turn to our accurate, powerful, robust and reliable check tool to obtain all the hidden records you need to make an informed decision about the purchase of the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which new small cars are the most fun to drive for car buyers?
The Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper are renowned for their exhilarating driving ambiance, combining agile handling, responsive steering, and lively acceleration to make each journey enjoyable and thrilling. In 2022, the new small cars that are most fun to drive vary, with options like the Honda Civic and Ford Fiesta standing out
What are the cheapest small cars to buy for small families?
Families on a budget can look to the Nissan Micra and Hyundai i10 as excellent choices. These pocket-friendly options not only offer affordability but also one of the best driving position and visibility, practicality, comfort, and safety features to cater to family needs.
Which small hatchback offers the best driving position?
With its thoughtfully designed cabin and adjustable seating, small hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf may not be cheap to buy but it takes pride in providing an exceptional driving position, ensuring comfort and support during extended drives.
Are new small SUVs great for driving around the town?
Absolutely! modern small cars are great and the perfect companions for city dwellers. Their compact size, nimble handling, and tight turning radius allow for easy maneuvering through congested streets and tight parking spots, making them incredibly convenient for urban driving.
What are the cheapest new cars on the market right now?
If affordability is a top priority, some exceptional choices of cars to drive include the Dacia Sandero and Kia Picanto. These cars tend to be budget-friendly and offer impressive value for money without compromising on essential features.
Which smaller cars are the best-selling cars?
The Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo continue to lead and remains one of the best selling small cars, owing to their widespread popularity, well-rounded features, and reputation for reliability.
What are the best superminis on the market?
Seeking the finest superminis? The Renault Clio and Honda Jazz excel in this category, boasting stylish designs, efficient performance, and an array of modern tech and safety features.
What makes city cars and superminis so popular?
Small popular cars and superminis have gained immense popularity due to their outstanding fuel efficiency, ease of parking, low maintenance costs, and versatility to suit various lifestyles, making them a practical and economical choice for many drivers
Are small cars and superminis suitable for long road trips?
While they excel in city driving, some small cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Jazz offer comfortable rides for longer journeys. However, for extended road trips, larger vehicles may provide more space and amenities.
Do small cars compromise on safety features?
Not at all. Many small cars, including the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, come equipped with advanced safety technologies such as multiple airbags, stability control, and collision avoidance systems, ensuring the safety of occupants. Always check the safety ratings of specific models for assurance.
Are electric cars also one of the best small cars and superminis to buy?
Yes, electric cars may not be the cheapest cars on the market but can be excellent choices among small cars and superminis. Small electric cars offer environmental benefits, lower operating costs, and some models provide impressive performance and range, making them attractive options for eco-conscious and budget-conscious consumers alike. As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, there are increasingly more options available, providing a variety of cars to suit different preferences and needs.
