Small cars are the perfect entry into the world of motoring, so have long been regarded as the best choices for newly qualified drivers. But while that’s still the case, city cars and superminis are no longer sold on price alone – they’re now so capable in many areas, buyers are increasingly downsizing to them from bigger models.
Obviously, larger cars are more practical, but the latest small cars make much better use of the space they do have. So while they’re unlikely to be big enough for a family of five, most five-door superminis should comfortably seat two young children in the back and still have adequate space in the boot.
Parents buying a first car for their teenage children should have no concerns about safety. The best small cars have performed well in Euro NCAP crash tests, and come with plenty of airbags and safety features. Just make sure ESP stability control is included; some manufacturers only offer it as an option.
Whoever is driving can look forward to amazingly low running costs with a small car – some models promise fuel consumption figures in excess of 80mpg and low enough CO2 emissions to qualify for free road tax. Adding to the appeal for younger drivers will be these cars’ low insurance group ratings, which should keep premiums down as much as possible.
City cars and superminis really come into their own around town. Their compact dimensions make for easy parking and manoeuvring in the tightest spots, while the best models have responsive steering and agile handling to ensure nipping around urban streets is fun. But that’s not to say they can’t be taken on the motorway. The top choices in this market offer impressive refinement at speed, plus enough power to keep up with the flow. Just make sure you try your new small car on a mixture of roads on a test drive, so you can be happy it performs well in every situation.
We've rounded up the 10 best small cars on the market. Click the links on the left to find out which one is right for you.
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Wow. This is brilliant. This photo is good. Really Good. If the little Skoda looked half as smart as it appears in your photo, I would have bought one tomorrow.
I didn't see that bonnet affixed to the Citigo when I saw it last in metal. It looked like a cabin on four wheels with a stub for bonnet. A spacious albeit dour cabin with pop-out windows and not much else. Yet in your photo the Citigo not only has one but of a decent size too. Your photographer is good. Take my word for it.
Citigo is a great car, love mine.
Also like the fact you left the over-hyped 500 and panda out of the list.
You really are a prize idiot in every sense of the word aren't you? Anything from the VAG empire you just have to have a snide comment on. Citigo is a brilliant car, get over yourself and your jealosy of how well the Skoda brand as a whole is doing world-wide.
No Panda or 500? Or Mito? Autoexpress Suck...!
Contrary to what you appear to be thinking I don't really hate VW or its subsidiary companies. I have owned VWs in past and if I like one again I'll put my money on it.
For instance out of this list of small cars, I could buy an Audi A1 because in addition to being talented it looks smart.
I could also consider a VW Polo with the 1.2 TSI 105bhp engine or the 1.4L TSI with cylinder deactivation technology. But you won't see me in the 1.2L 60bhp although its a tried and tested VW engine in a Polo.
I'm also interested in VW's Taigun concept - a mini-SUV that will be based on the Up platform. And I'm keen on Up GT.
However I'm not gonna buy a Citigo just because of its VW roots. I find it very underwhelming. It seems to have been built with a singular utilitarian purpose. A bit like Honda Jazz - very talented but ...
No need to get personal.
It's (more than) a pity even a sh*** that you forget
the panda,...etc
+ 1
Seems strange that the other mags are saying the Panda is best in class while AutoExpress don't even rate it in their top 10. Just as happened with the Giulietta. Doesn't add up....
Could be because Italian cars are very poor and yes I do include ferrari and Lamborghini
Italina cars are crap
Cars from Italy are c**p that is why
Italian cars =Poorly made and unreliable
Skoda's = 1.Taxis
2. Cheapskate VW's
'world wide' - Not quite vagfan. Skoda don't even sell cars in the most important car market - North America. Nor do they sell in Japan, South Korea and few other Asian markets.
so saving £500 is bad? I know - let's put an Audi badge on it and charge an extra £3000 for a damped handle and a different badge
No way the citigo and its brothers are top of the list cars. They are worse in the NVH than the panda, no choice of engines and in some markets cost as much as the 1.25 diesel panda. And putting them above cars from the class above (fiesta, ibiza, polo, a1) doesn't make sense. Maybe rethink your "reviews"?
i can't believe you are not even putting in your list the new fiat Panda and the 500...
Have you ever owned one! I have always had Italian cars and none were poorly made or unreliable for that matter. My wife drives a Golf and all that does is visit garages. I think people should get a life and revisit what they think. Such a cliche.. but Autoexpress for sure is owned or financed by VAG.
+2
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Please everyone, as someone who lives in the USA, (Colorado) I would love to have some choices in small city cars.
On that note, I must say. I'm so sick of Hatchback automobiles. Why can't someone build a inexpensive automobile with a boot and a convertible roof? This roof business is a big deal, I'm very tired of full-boat optioned out automobiles. Hey.. one should be able to buy a full-tilt luxury car if they choose. On the other hand, those who want some sun in a city car should have that choice too!!! I'm happy to crank up my own windows, same for the top!
just goes to prove the point...Auto Express is owned by the Germans so they have to be showing that their towing the party line to their pay masters. Fiat 500 and panda not even in the top 5? WHAT A TOTAL WHITE WASH!!!!
Errrm, ehhhh, not sure how to respond to that without calling you a moron...
AS IF ... i don't wanna know what you driving LOL