Among new automobile buyers, compact hatchbacks are the most popular choice.
If you’re in the market for a compact automobile, you’re in luck: competition is intense, so you can pick from a wide variety of models that all meet very high quality requirements.
A vehicle needs to be equally at home on the highway as it is in the city if it is to compete at the top of its segment. It needs to be well equipped, have a large enough trunk for weekly grocery shopping, and have a family-friendly interior. And it needs to be reasonably priced to attract customers.
You may use our list of the 10 best tiny cars to narrow down your search, along with a list of the 5 worst.
Hyundai i10
The i10’s small size and excellent visibility make it a perfect fit for city driving, and its 1.2-liter petrol engine provides more than enough power for comfortable trips even on faster roads. It has a very comfortable ride at any speed, even when compared to many larger vehicles. However, for such a compact vehicle, the i10 is very costly.
Pros
- Comfortable and quiet to drive
- Five seats and decent rear space
- Loads of safety kit as standard
Cons
- Pricey to buy outright
- Non-turbocharged engines are a bit lacklustre
- Pricey to insure
Toyota Yaris
The new Yaris hybrid performed exceptionally well in our True MPG test, getting 80 mpg in the city. This is nearly double the fuel economy of traditionally powered compact hatchbacks. In addition, it needs to be trustworthy and durable. Just know that the back seats are tight and the ride is hard.
Pros
- Excellent real-world fuel economy
- Toyota’s reliability record
- Slow predicted depreciation
Cons
- Below-par infotainment system
- Firm ride – especially on models with 17in alloys
- Cramped in the back
Audi A1
The A1, now in its second generation, provides a fun ride and has enough room in the rear for two adults to stretch out. It also has a large trunk, addressing a common complaint about the first generation. While the inside of Audi’s smallest car is pleasant, it isn’t noticeably better than that of the less expensive Volkswagen Polo, which is why it isn’t ranked higher.
Pros
- Smooth ride and tidy handling
- Relatively quiet at higher speeds
- Very slow depreciation
Cons
- Cheaper trims not well equipped
- Mini feels much plusher inside
- Peugeot 208 offers more for less money
Ford Fiesta
Even though many subcompacts have a surprisingly mature vibe, the Fiesta is the only one that can make you grin when driving. It excels in the sporty ST-Line Edition version, which adds stronger springs to assist the vehicle maintain its composure through turns at the expense of very little ride comfort.
Pros
- Brilliant to drive
- Punchy Ecoboost engines, especially the Hybrid versions
- Good fuel economy and CO2 emissions
Cons
- Some rivals are better value
- Decent but not class-leading practicality
- Important safety kit not standard
Seat Ibiza
The Ibiza rivals the Fiesta in terms of driving pleasure, but it’s roomier, more practical, and likely to retain its value better. The 94-horsepower variant of the 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine pulls enthusiastically from low engine speeds.
Pros
- Great to drive
- Roomy by class standards
- Strong TSI petrol engines
Cons
- Lots of road noise
- Resale values could be better
- Firm ride in FR versions
Peugeot 208
There are better and cheaper options, such as the Fiesta and the Ibiza, if you want a compact car with agile handling. If you’re looking for a car with a luxurious cabin, a smooth ride, quiet cruising, and adequate passenger and cargo room, though, the 208 could be the one for you.
Pros
- Very comfortable for a small car
- Smart and high-quality interior
- Punchy and frugal 1.2 Puretech 100 petrol engine
Cons
- Steering wheel design can cause issues
- So-so infotainment system
- Not much fun to drive
Volkswagen Polo
All bases are covered with the newest Polo thanks to its several possible powertrains and trim levels. Furthermore, even the base Life model comes with a refined interior that’s packed with features. Until recently, the Polo was unable to compete with the Ibiza because to its higher price tag, but now, thanks to some very attractive promotions, that is no longer an issue.
Pros
- Good to drive
- Generous interior space
- Attractive PCP finance deals
Cons
- Ford Fiesta is more fun to drive
- Gutless entry-level petrol
- Standard safety kit could be better
Dacia Sandero
When compared to its competitors, the Sandero’s price is negligible because of its high level of comfort, big cabin, and ample equipment (at least in the Comfort trim, which we suggest). But it doesn’t; in fact, it’s the cheapest brand-new automobile in the UK. Keep in mind that if you’re willing to pay (a lot) more money, you can have a compact car that is both quieter and safer.
Pros
- Amazingly good value
- Lots of space for passengers and luggage
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Poor safety rating compared with rivals
- There are more entertaining small cars to drive
- Some other small cars are quieter
Skoda Fabia
Although the current Fabia isn’t quite as inexpensive as the Sandero, it’s still reasonably priced. It’s just as roomy, even more comfy, and a lot safer than the alternative. Therefore, if you have the means, it’s recommended to spend the extra money.
Pros
- Huge boot
- Roomy interior with clever features
- Fairly supple ride
Cons
- Interior is hardly plush
- Not as practical as the Honda Jazz
- Bug-prone infotainment system
Honda Jazz
When compared to other compact vehicles, the Jazz’s interior is roomy and versatile, and it can seat seven people comfortably. However, the Jazz is more than simply a box on wheels; it’s also great regardless of its utilitarian value. As an example, the hybrid engine provides both powerful performance and high MPG in everyday driving. The Jazz is currently the greatest subcompact automobile on the market.
Pros
- Very spacious with great seating flexibility
- Lots of standard equipment
- Slow depreciation
Cons
- Pricey by small car standards
- Not the quietest cruiser
- Disappointing infotainment system