Check out our list of the top 10 small cars to lease or buy that are fun to drive, cheap to run, and packed with tech.
Plenty of drivers love small cars, or superminis as they are often known. Their compact size is a given, but they can pack in plenty of quality, comfort, and driving entertainment, all while providing space for four plus luggage.
Prices have crept up for most small cars, caused by increased technology and safety equipment being provided as standard, and in many cases, the addition of hybrid or full EV power. However, this adds even more efficiency to a class of car always noted for its low running costs.
If you still want something small but with a higher riding stance and raised driving position, check out our best small SUV guide.
If you're ready to buy, we've got over 30,000 used small cars for sale, while if you want more choice, we have over 90,000 used cars for sale. If you're looking to finance a new car, check out our guide to the best PCP deals.
Best small cars in 2025
1. Volkswagen Polo
Still the best small car you can buy
Pros
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More than ample cabin space
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Superb refinement and ride
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Feels solid and built to last
Cons
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Pricier than most rivals
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Not as sharp to drive as a Fiesta
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Facelifted model's cabin controls are more fiddly
The Volkswagen Polo is simply brilliant. Effortless to drive, spacious and offered with an excellent range of petrol engines, the Polo is the best excuse you’ll ever need for downsizing your daily driver: it's basically like a slightly more compact Golf.
Admittedly, it’s a bit pricier than many of its talented rivals, but the refined and practical Polo is one of the most accomplished small cars in its class. It shares most of its mechanical bits with the latest Skoda Fabia, but feels more upmarket, with higher quality materials and better soundproofing. You also get more choice when it comes to tech.
The Polo offers a Tardis-like interior with comfortable space for up to four adults and the boot is large, too. Downsides? It isn't as fun to drive as some and there's no hybrid option, but it’s safe, predictable and comfortable on the move. The 1.0 TSI is also one of the best turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engines you can buy.
"The sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo is still at the top of the small car tree"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
2. Toyota Yaris
Brilliant small car with a great reputation for reliability
Pros
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Smart styling inside and out
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Hybrid engine makes a camel look thirsty
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Autonomous driving aids take the edge off long journeys
Cons
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Perceived quality isn't as consistent as you'd hope
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Tall adults will feel a little squeezed in the back
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Steep starting price, though offset by generous kit
The Toyota Yaris used to be reliable and worthy, yet dull to look at and drive. Not anymore.
Now, there's a butch stance and curvy looks that make it more distinctive than its boxy predecessor, and it's also much better to drive. Using a shrunken version of the excellent Toyota Corolla's platform means it's composed and corners well, but is also comfortable.
Like the Honda Jazz, the Toyota Yaris is now hybrid-only (if you ignore the bonkers GR Yaris). It uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, giving surprisingly peppy performance and impressive real-world economy. And even though it uses a CVT gearbox, the engine's fruity thrum means its revving isn't unpleasant.
Combine all this with a solid (if slightly plasticky) interior, Toyota's famed reliability reputation, and a warranty that could last up to ten years, and the Yaris is one of the most complete small cars around.
"You always knew that Toyota made small cars that are dependable, but this new Toyota Yaris proves it can also make them desirable"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
3. Renault 5
One of the best electric superminis out there
Pros
-
Fabulous styling
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Well-judged ride and handling
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Good value
Cons
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Limited rear seat space
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Awkward gear selector
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Price jump to more powerful version
Renault has put itself at the forefront of making EV cars to suit families, but in the Renault 5, the French firm has built a superb example of an electric small car.
Taking its design inspiration from the company's back catalogue of styling cues works wonders for the car's appearance, but there's nothing old-hat about the way this supermini drives, or the possibility of a 250-mile driving range.
The Renault 5's smart looks don't come at a massive premium, either, as the French EV supermini is priced more like rivals with internal combustion engines.
It's not the roomiest car for those sat in the back, and we're not wholly convinced by the gear selector, but there's still much to admire about the 5 that just makes you feel good whenever you're in it.
"The new Renault 5 is one of the best electric superminis out there, with traffic-stopping styling and pricing that seems more than fair for what it offers"
Antony Ingram, Contributor
4. Honda Jazz
Honda's practical yet trendy little car
Pros
-
Extremely versatile with big boot and ‘Magic Seats’
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Relaxing to drive and ultra efficient
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Trendier than you’d expect
Cons
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Pricey compared to mainstream alternatives
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Firm ride with 16-inch alloy wheels
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Fuddy-duddy image from the past won’t appeal to everyone
Over the years, the Honda Jazz has quietly become one of the small cars to beat: refined, comfortable, practical and high in quality. The latest version of the Jazz arrived in 2020, and we rate it as the best yet.
On the road, the Jazz is a well-balanced car, blending ride comfort, secure handling and impressive hush. Practicality is brilliant, too, with loads of space inside for people and luggage, plus really clever rear seats that make the interior even more versatile.
While it isn’t the most exciting small car, the Jazz does everything you want it to, and does it very well. As an all-rounder, it's pretty much perfect.
"It’s the sort of car that’ll continue to surprise you with its practicality, reliability and frugal fuel economy"
Phil Hall, Senior Editor
5. MG3 Hybrid+
Superb value hybrid small car
Pros
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Great value
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Powerful engine with standard hybrid
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Good refinement
Cons
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Slightly plain styling
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Fiddly infotainment setup
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Insurance higher than rivals
The MG3 Hybrid+ is likely going to be a car you buy with your head rather than your heart, but it's no less a fine small car for that.
To begin with the practical stuff, you get self-charging hybrid power as standard, so there's electric assistance to keep fuel consumption pleasingly low. You also get a seven-year warranty, generous standard equipment, and a starting price of less than £19,000. That's undeniably value for money.
However, there are other reasons to choose the MG, such as its neat driving manners, decent cabin space, and the excellent refinement at all speeds. All this for the price of rivals that don't drive as well or offer hybrid power makes the MG a bit of a bargain, and nearly new models are even more keenly priced.
"The MG3 now offers the added fuel-saving appeal of hybrid engine technology"
Phil Hall, Senior Editor
6. Suzuki Swift
Characterful little hatch is packed with kit
Pros
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Even the most affordable model is well equipped
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Improved interior compared to its predecessor
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A sense of fun compared to other little cars
Cons
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Limited engine line-up with no 'full' hybrid model
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Interior feels a bit downmarket in places
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It's smaller than most of its competitors
The Suzuki Swift is a pleasingly straightforward small car. While others try to out-style each other, the Swift has a clear focus on doing all of the things its owners want and need.
It's a strong rival to the likes of the SEAT Ibiza that delivers a quality cabin and affordable running costs, and without being dowdy or dull to drive. If anything, it's the simplicity of the Swift that makes it all the more appealing.
The latest generation of Suzuki Swift has a pleasing interior look and top-notch comfort for those in the front. Rear seat passengers might find knee space a bit limited if they're an adult. The boot also isn't the biggest, but nobody ever bought a small car to lug wardrobes, so we can forgive this.
The Swift's 1.2-litre engine has mild hybrid tech to eke out the most from every gallon of petrol, and you have a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes (hint - take the manual unless you absolutely have to go auto).
Suzuki provides loads of standard kit in the Swift, and the prices are among the keenest in this class. It just goes to show that keeping things simple pays off.
"Don't overlook the Suzuki Swift. It's a brilliant little car with a strong list of standard equipment and, more than anything, a sense of fun"
Phill Tromans, Contributor
7. MINI Cooper Electric
An electric car you'll actually want to drive
Pros
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Fun to drive
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Fab interior
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Much improved electric range
Cons
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Complicated model line-up
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Ride is very firm (particularly on the SE)
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Cramped rear seats and small boot
The MINI Cooper Electric is the latest interpretation of the MINI formula, taking the retro charm of the original 1960s Mini and giving it a modern twist.
The petrol-powered MINI hatchback looks virtually identical to the all-electric version we're talking about here, but the petrol is actually heavily based on the previous model, released back in 2014, while the electric one is built on all-new architecture. And this is an electric car that you'll genuinely want to go out and drive.
Like any MINI should, it darts from corner to corner quickly and crisply. That's helped by the perky performance you get from the electric motor, especially in more powerful Cooper SE guise: this version can tear from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, and that's almost hot-hatch territory.
Granted, there isn't much room inside and the boot is small, but the interior is lovely, with cool design, pleasant materials and lots of kit. The latest electric MINI has a much longer range than previous efforts, too, so it's a more realistic proposition for more people.
"With a very useable electric range, an affordable price tag and a long list of standard equipment, the MINI Cooper Electric is an excellent all-round package"
Antony Ingram, Contributor
8. Renault Clio
Stylish and affordable little car
Pros
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Lots of useful tech in most models
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Cabin space is among the best in class
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Hybrid capable of impressive 67.3mpg
Cons
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Manual' box has only five gears in some Clios
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Bigger wheels make ride too firm
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Not as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta
French car companies know how to make a good small car: it's their pain et beurre. And the latest Renault Clio is a stylish and likeable all-rounder.
You can forget the flimsy and cheap-feeling interiors of old, as this Clio has a real injection of quality and good amounts of technology, too, particularly on higher-end models with the portrait-angled infotainment touchscreen.
There's plenty of space, with the Clio giving even the Skoda Fabia a run for its money with its 391-litre boot. You really could (just about) use this as a family car if you have a couple of small children.
Although the Renault Clio's ride is quite firm with larger wheel options, it still offers a good all-round driving experience, with a range of engine options and a competitive self-charging hybrid version (although the boot in that version shrinks to just 301-litres, which isn't great).
"The Renault Clio has always been a fashionable alternative to small hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo, Vauxhall Corsa and SEAT Ibiza"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
9. Skoda Fabia
Pretty much the perfect hatchback
Pros
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Incredibly refined and comfortable
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More stylish than its predecessor
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Cheap to run
Cons
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No hybrid or electric versions
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Not the most youthful image...
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Some rivals are more fun to drive
From a mechanical point of view, the Skoda Fabia shares a great deal with the Volkswagen Polo featured elsewhere in this list. As a result, the Skoda is also very good to drive, with a comfortable ride and good refinement that make it a very relaxed and easy-going car.
Where the Fabia marks itself out, though, is how, well, sensible it is, and that's not a bad thing. First of all, it's roomier than its stablemate, or its cousin the SEAT Ibiza, not to mention most other cars in the class, so adult passengers have space to travel comfortably. The massive boot is a similar size to those of cars in the class above, too, so luggage space should never be a problem.
The Fabia's interior quality and equipment levels are also seriously impressive. Add in lots of clever design touches intended to make everyday life a little bit easier, plus affordable pricing, and you have a very compelling package.
"Good to drive and with a quality interior, we think it's one of the best small hatchbacks around"
David Ross, Senior Editor
10. Hyundai i20
Small car heaped with kit
Pros
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Generous equipment levels
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Spacious back seat
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Mild-hybrid engine is perky and cheap to run
Cons
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Drab interior fails to inspire
-
Ride could be more comfortable
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Rivals are more desirable ownership propositions
The Hyundai i20 is one of the fresher-faced models in this list, with an exterior design that's striking and bold. But there's more substance to the i20 than meets the eye, thanks partly to its comprehensive five-year warranty.
The Hyundai i20 can't quite match the Volkswagen Polo for quality inside, but if you can overlook that, you get a very spacious cabin with an awful lot of standard equipment inside. You even get features like a heated steering wheel and seats, plus a 10.25-inch infotainment system without the need to splash out on the top-spec model.
The Hyundai i20 is a strong all-rounder when it comes to the driving experience, too. Granted, it isn't the most fun or comfortable car of its type, but it's a sound compromise between the two.
We really like the punchy little three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, and if you're looking for ultimate fun, the fantastic (and now discontinued) Hyundai i20N is one of the best hot hatchbacks you can buy: it's well worth searching out on the used car market.
"With an excellent five-year warranty, this is a car that could give your family half a decade’s worth of fault-free motoring"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
According to the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, the most reliable small car is the BMW i3, built between 2013 and 2022. It was the only small car to feature on the list of the Top 10 most reliable models in the study.
There's a wide range of excellent small cars on sale today so you have plenty of choice whatever your budget. The Ford Fiesta is a perennial best-seller and for good reason – nothing else combines value for money, stylish design and a fun driving experience quite as convincingly as the small Ford. You'll have to buy a used one, though, because it's no longer on sale as a new car.
If you're looking to buy an affordable small car, you should also look at city cars like the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10. Not only are the latest city cars great around town, they're also surprisingly competent on the motorway and come loaded with the latest safety kit.
An increasing number of small cars are available with automatic gearboxes, mostly as an optional extra. However, hybrid models such as the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris come with an automatic gearbox as standard.
The best small cars can be incredibly economical, but if you're going to be doing a lot of short journeys, then it's worth considering either a hybrid or electric small car. Most small hybrid cars can only do short distances on electric power alone, but combining a tiny petrol engine with electric power results in a seriously efficient car. We reckon the Toyota Yaris is the best small hybrid car.
Prices for new small cars usually start from £15,000 to £20,000 these days, although a very high-spec model can breach the £25,000 mark. As a used buy, you’ll be looking at around £12,000 for a car that’s one or two years old, and from £2,500 for something that’s ten years old.
The cheapest small car on sale isn't actually that small. It's the Dacia Sandero, a Polo-sized hatchback available for less than a city car. Prices have gone up quite a bit because the entry-level models have been removed, meaning you'll need around £14,000 to get in one. But that's not a lot for a roomy hatchback with cruise control, air-con, Bluetooth and the latest safety kit.
Other great-value options include the MG3, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20 and Peugeot 208.
Find a Volkswagen Polo for sale
Volkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 95 Match 5dr
202123,394 milesPetrol£235 mo£14,405
BD48RJVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 95 SEL 5dr
202135,219 milesPetrol£202 mo£13,743
LS197BZVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 95 SE 5dr
201943,739 milesPetrol£201 mo£11,990
BN236PWVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI Life 5dr DSG
202312,885 milesPetrol£273 moor £17,964£19,878
£1,914 offWF29BEVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 95 Beats 5dr
202066,741 milesPetrol£183 mo£11,188
S88LHVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI R-Line 5dr
202322,944 milesPetrol£255 moor £16,837£17,259
£422 offBD48RJVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 95 SE 5dr
202019,251 milesPetrol£222 mo£13,464
BD48RJVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG
20248,171 milesPetrol£319 moor £20,389£21,900
£1,511 offYO304WW
Find a Toyota Yaris for sale
Toyota Yaris1.5 VVT-i Y20 5dr [Bi-tone]
201910,600 milesPetrol£282 mo£12,750
S61TFToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202125,283 milesHybrid£15,142
WF104RJToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
20241,144 milesHybrid£235 mo£18,750
BN133NSToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid GR Sport 5dr CVT
202310,481 milesHybrid£254 mo£19,995
BN133NSToyota Yaris1.5 VVT-i Icon Tech 5dr
201846,166 milesPetrol£154 mo£9,550
DE248BYToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT
2023815 milesHybrid£285 mo£21,795
BN133NSToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202318,205 milesHybrid£249 mo£17,501
RG216YHToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid 130 GR Sport 5dr CVT
202411,883 milesHybrid£337 mo£23,395
GU11TB
Find a Renault 5 for sale
Renault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20251,340 milesElectric£439 mo£26,477
NG51EARenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
15 milesElectric£26,995
BD12EPRenault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£520 mo£30,195
EX28NTRenault 590kW Techno Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto
2025858 milesElectric£372 mo£22,999
SP27PWRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20255,514 milesElectric£355 moor £22,586£24,081
£1,495 offLE27JURenault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20257 milesElectric£438 mo£30,130
BH125BARenault 5110kW Roland Garros Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
14 milesElectric£378 mo£29,944
AB123ADRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£473 mo£27,840
EX28NT
Find a Honda Jazz for sale
Honda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR 5dr eCVT
202124,353 milesHybrid£190 mo£14,300
ST57NLHonda Jazz1.3 i-VTEC S 5dr
202021,600 milesPetrol£238 mo£10,768
S61TFHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid EX 5dr eCVT
202224,964 milesHybrid£219 mo£16,250
S61TFHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid EX 5dr eCVT
20224,914 milesHybrid£17,700
WF179BAHonda Jazz1.5 i-VTEC Sport Navi 5dr
201822,441 milesPetrol£11,295
CW15XNHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Advance Sport 5dr eCVT
20252,985 milesHybrid£344 mo£24,950
RH108JGHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid EX 5dr eCVT
202017,799 milesHybrid£223 moor £16,450£16,850
£400 offGU33LDHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Advance 5dr eCVT
20243,143 milesHybrid£350 mo£23,495
PL13QL
Find an MG3 Hybrid+ for sale
MG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr
201817,875 milesPetrol£180 mo£8,109
S61TFMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr [Navigation]
202344,000 milesPetrol£164 mo£9,445
LN69UHMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
202410,075 milesHybrid£237 mo£15,990
TW25NTMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
202413,560 milesHybrid£240 mo£16,990
BD21FAMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr [Navigation]
202226,799 milesPetrol£170 mo£9,972
SO403ADMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr [Navigation]
202323,600 milesPetrol£185 mo£10,910
CW16GYMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
20247,262 milesHybrid£229 mo£15,999
BH125BAMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Excite 5dr
202226,014 milesPetrol£185 mo£10,514
CA30GW
Find a Suzuki Swift for sale
Suzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-T 5dr Auto
20239,558 milesHybrid£15,835
BR29RWSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet SZ3 5dr
201827,283 milesPetrol£8,595
BR87QDSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Ultra 5dr
20245,008 milesHybrid£16,895
SE184ABSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion 5dr CVT
20259,974 milesHybrid£17,995
BR29RWSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion 5dr CVT
2024955 milesHybrid£18,995
BR29RWSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ5 5dr
202216,951 milesHybrid£223 mo£12,995
PE304NBSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ-T 5dr
202023,777 milesHybrid£171 mo£10,195
RG147HTSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Ultra 5dr
20252,014 milesHybrid£17,795
ST15JQ
Find a Renault Clio for sale
Renault Clio1.0 TCe 100 Play 5dr
202113,160 milesPetrol£176 mo£11,000
ST44FDRenault Clio0.9 TCE 90 Dynamique Nav 5dr
201743,721 milesPetrol£167 mo£7,395
NR46ETRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Esprit Alpine 5dr Auto
20238,646 milesHybrid£275 mo£18,995
CO45XBRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 S Edition 5dr
202147,560 milesPetrol£182 mo£10,650
SK42JNRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Engineered 5dr Auto
20238,050 milesHybrid£276 mo£16,795
NR46ETRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 RS Line 5dr
202110,819 milesPetrol£14,050
GU11TBRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 Esprit Alpine 5dr
20243,562 milesPetrol£270 mo£17,899
TN48XHRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Evolution 5dr Auto
20245,313 milesHybrid£254 moor £16,795£18,295
£1,500 offDA26HH
Find a Skoda Fabia for sale
Skoda Fabia1.0 TSI Colour Edition 5dr
202068,180 milesPetrol£141 mo£8,500
ST57NLSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI Colour Edition 5dr
202316,564 milesPetrol£228 mo£14,995
CW15XNSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 116 Monte Carlo Edition 5dr
20241,595 milesPetrol£250 mo£18,995
TN23ELSkoda Fabia1.0 MPI 80 Colour Edition 5dr
202410,155 milesPetrol£213 moor £15,495£15,995
£500 offTN240GASkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 110 Colour Edition 5dr DSG
202220,971 milesPetrol£229 mo£14,500
ST57NLSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 116 SE L 5dr
202420,287 milesPetrol£241 mo£16,995
TN240GASkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 110 Colour Edition 5dr
202223,278 milesPetrol£216 mo£14,495
TN240GASkoda Fabia1.0 TSI Colour Edition 5dr
202412,046 milesPetrol£233 mo£16,500
TN23EL
Find a Hyundai i20 for sale
Hyundai i201.0 T-GDi Premium Nav 5dr Auto
202021,340 milesPetrol£12,865
WF104RJHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD Premium 5dr
202110,700 milesHybrid£14,000
WF104RJHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD SE Connect 5dr
202228,949 milesHybrid£12,995
DA161SFHyundai i201.0T GDi Advance 5dr
20232,076 milesPetrol£244 mo£16,221
LS197BZHyundai i201.0 T-GDi Premium Nav 5dr
201859,759 milesPetrol£153 mo£8,695
LN69UHHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD SE Connect 5dr
20229,927 milesHybrid£236 mo£13,995
PE304NBHyundai i201.2 SE 5dr
201849,500 milesPetrol£175 mo£7,695
SK42JNHyundai i201.4 SE 5dr
201543,416 milesPetrol£6,990
NR24TQ
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