Best small cars

The small car segment remains one of the most competitive around, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

It's an area of the market that has had to change quite dramatically in recent years, as buyers demand that their small cars are safer, come with more technology and are roomier than ever before.

Here we've picked out some of the best used small cars, from city-aimed options to more practical models and even EVs.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo has been leading the small car segment for some time, and across the generations, it's always impressed with its solid-feeling interior, dependable reliability and pleasant driving experience. In more recent years, this hatchback has also grown in size, with its interior space now not far behind the larger Golf.

Used Polos do tend to hold their value well, and are slightly pricier to buy than many rivals, but if you want that solid feel and slightly more upmarket finish, this Volkswagen is well worth a look. We’d recommend a last-generation model, sold between 2009 and 2017. You can pick up a tidy example with around 80,000 miles on the clock for £4,500.

Kia Picanto

If you want something a bit smaller, one of the best ‘city cars’, as they’re known, is the Kia Picanto. Now in its third generation, this latest model looks the part and comes with plenty of equipment, especially the ‘3’ versions or high-spec GT-Line models.

It’s far better to drive and roomier than you’d expect for something of this size, and is a great used buy courtesy of Kia’s manufacturer warranty lasting for seven years, meaning plenty of second-hand examples for sale will still be covered. You can pick up a 2017 example for around £6,000.

Mini Hatch

If you want your small car to look stylish, you shouldn't look much further than the Mini Hatch. It's regularly one of the most popular new cars in this segment, and with its fun driving experience, smart styling and nicely finished interior, it's not hard to see why. With Mini offering extensive personalisation for customers buying new, there is a great range of models to choose from on the used market too.

It's also equipped with strong engines, with a Cooper S catering to those wanting something sportier, while the more sensible diesels bring fantastic fuel efficiency. Though early 'New' Minis start from under £2,000, if your budget allows you should look at the more modern third-generation Hatch, introduced in 2014. You'll need around £6,500 for an 8-year-old example with 80,000 miles.

Seat Ibiza

Given Seat is part of the Volkswagen Group, the Ibiza unsurprisingly shares many parts with a Polo, though it can be had for a more affordable price, which really adds to its appeal. The Ibiza is arguably more stylish - especially in 3-door guise - while it's slightly sportier to drive too, if that's important.

The 4th-generation Ibiza, sold between 2009 and 2017, is where our money would go, with its styling still looking quite modern, especially in sportier FR trim levels. You'll pay from around £3,500 for a tidy, low-mileage example of this Seat in this generation.

Ford Fiesta

While Ford might have recently discontinued its best-selling Fiesta, there are still loads on the market. At the time of writing, there were more than 5,000 listed on AA Cars up and down the country. Availability is a key asset, but so is the broad range of versions, from more affordable Zetec models through to sportier ST models.

Whichever Fiesta you choose, it will be great to drive, while they’re well-priced on the used market and are largely dependable. Prices range from just £1,000 for older examples to £25,000 for the last-of-the-line model, meaning there’s something to suit nearly every budget.

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz might not be the coolest small car on the market, but if you value spaciousness, you won’t find anything better than this supermini-cross-MPV. It’s got a large boot while all models feature Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’, which flip-up like cinema seats and stow away to leave a completely flat load area. It’s very clever for such a small car.

We’d recommend a second-generation Honda Jazz sold between 2008 and 2015, which has a brilliant reliability reputation, yet still looks fairly modern inside and out. Used low-mileage Jazz models of this age can be picked up for around £3,000.

Vauxhall Corsa

The Corsa is another hugely popular small car and remains one of Britain’s most popular models. There is a huge range of versions to choose from, but the fifth-generation model (known as the Corsa E) is a great choice, with its more modern styling inside and out being a step above its predecessor.

Available with 3 or 5 doors, it's also quite roomy by small car standards, while efficient engines mean it should be cheap to run. Used Corsas start from just £1,000, but you'll need around £5,000 for a decent example of this generation.

Renault Zoe

If you think going electric has to be expensive, the Renault Zoe proves otherwise. First introduced in 2013 as one of the original mass-market EVs, you can now pick up an example from just £5,500.

Early models didn’t have the longest of ranges, so we instead recommend a ‘Z.E 40’ version, introduced in 2016, that brings a larger 40kWh battery and increases the real-world range to around 130 miles. These start from £6,500. The Zoe is well-equipped, offers a stylish look and is terrific around the city.

Suzuki Swift

If reliability is a top priority, you shouldn’t look further than the Suzuki Swift. Especially in the case of the latest model, introduced in 2017, it regularly tops reliability surveys. For this reason, it holds its value quite well, with used prices for a Swift of this age starting from £6,500.

Equipped with small petrol engines, some of which feature mild-hybrid assistance, it is remarkably frugal and should be very cheap to run. It’s not an especially premium small car, but it’s decent to drive, well-equipped and makes a great choice for those that want to reduce their running costs.

Toyota Yaris

Another very reliable used small car is the Toyota Yaris, which closely follows the Swift in this respect. It’s got a particularly sturdy feel for a small car, and it’s little wonder that so many older examples remain on the road.

In more recent years, Toyota has pursued hybrids at quite a pace, and since 2012 you’ve been able to get the Yaris as a hybrid. These are very reliable too, and bring superb fuel economy, particularly around town. Many are free to tax as well. They’re a popular used buy and hold their value very well, so you’ll need to spend £7,500 even for a 10-year-old example.

Prices correct at time of publication [11/2024].