Six of the best small cars
THE small car market is one of the most fiercely contested, which is great news if you’re after this sort of vehicle, because it means there are stacks of models to choose from and standards are incredibly high.
To have a chance of topping the class, a car must be as comfortable on the motorway as it is in the city. It must offer a decent amount of equipment, enough boot space for weekly shopping trips and an interior that’s practical enough to cope with the demands of families. And it must, of course, be competitively priced.
Here’s half a dozen good examples:
HONDA JAZZ: The Jazz has long bridged the gap between small cars and five-seat MPVs, and the latest version continues that tradition. It offers class-leading space and practicality, and it might even outlast you with its outstanding reliability.
MINI 5DOOR: This version of the Mini hatchback will suit you better than the 3dr if you regularly need to fill all of the seats, plus it offers a bigger boot. Again, go for the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol Cooper version and team it with Classic trim and you’ll have most bases covered.
KIA RIO: Like the i20, Kia’s Rio has always offered a big helping of practicality for a
low price, but the latest version adds a spark of desirability and a sprightly turbocharged engine. We’d avoid the cheapest 1 trim level and go for at least 2, because this comes with a touchscreen infotainment system and USB ports in the front and rear. All versions come with automatic emergency braking as standard.
AUDI A1: Now in its second generation, the A1 offers an enjoyable driving experience and has room for two adults to sit comfortably in the back. There’s even a spacious boot, remedying one of the criticisms of the original A1. However, while there are still some nice
touches, the interior doesn’t feel significantly classier than the cheaper Volkswagen Polo FORD FIESTA: The Ford Fiesta is one of the best-selling small cars, and it’s easy to see why. It’s great fun to drive and available with tempting discounts, while its Ecoboost petrol engines are punchy, quiet and frugal. Practicality is decent, but not class leading.
SKODA FABIA: remains one of our favourite small cars. It’s practical, well priced, quiet and composed. Plus, the Fabia should be affordable to run, with our favourite version averaging more than 60mpg in official tests.