Best superminis for Motability 2026

Superminis are a great pick if you’re looking for something which is both small and easy to drive like a city car, but need more in the way of practicality and boot space.

While many superminis have grown in size over the years, many of the latest models are just as user-friendly as smaller cars, often coming equipped with tech like reversing cameras and parking sensors as standard. They are much more refined than cars of old, too.

Running these cars shouldn’t break the bank and Motability customers can also benefit from low or zero advanced payment on some of the models listed below.

Citroen e-C3

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• Model: e-C3 83kW Plus 44kWh 5dr 
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: nil
• Fuel type: electric
• Gearbox: automatic

Not only is the Citroen e-C3 our 2024 Car of the Year, but this great all-round electric supermini also doesn’t require any advanced payment in order for Motability users to get behind the wheel. 

This is a good thing, though, because it means this car is a terrific choice for those making their first steps towards an EV. 

Available with a 44kWh battery, the e-C3 has a WLTP combined range of 199 miles. When we drove the e-C3 on a mixture of fast roads and motorways, we achieved 3.5 miles/kWh and a range of 153 miles. Around town, we saw efficiency rise to around 5.0mi/kWh and a real-world range of 220 miles.

Rather than focusing on showy bells and whistles and aggressive performance, the e-C3 is adorned with the features you’ll actually need, while its single motor develops an adequate 111bhp and 120Nm of torque. In a way, this is a great example of less actually being more.

Renault Clio

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• Model: Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution 5dr
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: nil
• Fuel type: petrol
• Gearbox: manual

The Renault Clio was already a firm Auto Express favourite before Renault performed its latest series of updates. 

Now with a striking new look, lashings of technology and an enjoyable driving experience, there’s a lot going in the stylish supermini’s favour. Don’t think you need to step up to the car class above if you need extra space, either, as the Clio boasts a bigger boot than a VW Golf, and is roomier for rear passengers than rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa.

Long-gone are the days of jibes about reliability of French cars, too, because the build quality is excellent. The Clio on offer here is the 1.0-litre TCe 90 but if you’re looking for a hybrid, then you’ll need to pay an advanced payment of £595.

Skoda Fabia 

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• Model: Fabia 1.0 TSI 116 SE Edition 5dr
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: nil
• Fuel type: petrol
• Gearbox: manual

As part of Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ ethos, the Fabia is a supermini that gets the essentials right and accompanies these with some genuinely useful and user-friendly add-ons. 

LED headlights, an 8.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, air-conditioning and several advanced safety systems are all included as standard, and there’s an overall feeling of quality about the cabin, too. 

The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine here also remains refined at higher speeds while delivering more than 50mpg. There are automatic versions of the Fabia available, but you’ll need to pay an advanced payment of £199.

Vauxhall Corsa 

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• Model: Corsa 1.2 Turbo Ultimate 5dr
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: £199
• Fuel type: petrol
• Gearbox: manual

The Vauxhall Corsa has been a staple of the British supermini market for decades, and the latest model continues the ongoing theme of approachability. 

It’s not the most spacious car in the class, but the Corsa should still prove stress-free to live with because it’s very easy to drive thanks to its large side mirrors, great all-round visibility and light controls. 

Vauxhall’s supermini has long been the choice of new drivers looking for their first car, too, given that it's easy on fuel and running costs are low.

Peugeot 208

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• Model: 208 1.2 PureTech 100 Allure 5dr
• PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
• Advance payment: £199
• Fuel type: petrol
• Gearbox: manual

It would seem that the French car brands are on a stylish supermini roll at the moment, and the Peugeot 208 is no different. 

The Peugeot 208 scores big points in the style department, but it isn’t just a one-trick pony. Similar to its closely-related Vauxhall Corsa sibling, we’re pleased to say that the 208 is also good to drive, reasonably spacious and fairly economical. 

Before signing on the dotted line, we recommend trying this car out because some people struggle to get on with Peugeot’s unusual i-Cockpit layout and infotainment system. The steering wheel can obscure the instruments for some.

​Best superminis for Motability

• Citroen e-C3
• Renault Clio
• Skoda Fabia
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Peugeot 208

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