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
-
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
-
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
-
Limited rear seat space
-
Awkward gear selector
-
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
-
Pricey compared to mainstream alternatives
-
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
-
Great value
-
Powerful engine with standard hybrid
-
Good refinement
Cons
-
Slightly plain styling
-
Fiddly infotainment setup
-
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
-
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
-
Interior feels a bit downmarket in places
-
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
-
Fab interior
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Much improved electric range
Cons
-
Complicated model line-up
-
Ride is very firm (particularly on the SE)
-
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
-
Lots of useful tech in most models
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Cabin space is among the best in class
-
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
-
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
-
Cheap to run
Cons
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No hybrid or electric versions
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Not the most youthful image...
-
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
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Ride could be more comfortable
-
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 Polo1.2 TSI SE Design 5dr
201572,459 milesPetrol£6,900
DL38TLVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 110 R-Line 5dr
202124,597 milesPetrol£275 mo£16,865
NR218SLVolkswagen Polo1.0 Match 5dr
201641,179 milesPetrol£194 mo£8,599
BH231EZVolkswagen Polo1.0 SE 5dr
201836,669 milesPetrol£236 mo£10,499
DE130DFVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 115 R-Line 5dr DSG
202043,559 milesPetrol£322 mo£14,298
EH288THVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI R-Line 5dr
20239,011 milesPetrol£272 mo£18,538
NG197JGVolkswagen Polo1.0 Life 5dr
20251,207 milesPetrol£259 mo£18,995
KT173LAVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 115 R-Line 5dr DSG
202029,390 milesPetrol£221 mo£14,690
RH103EQ
Find a Toyota Yaris for sale
Toyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
202137,605 milesHybrid£230 mo£13,699
FK77LQToyota Yaris1.5 VVT-i Y20 5dr [Bi-tone]
202024,646 milesPetrol£199 mo£11,790
DN312SYToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Icon Tech 5dr CVT
201912,001 milesHybrid£208 mo£14,299
BN238ASToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid GR Sport 5dr CVT
202319,102 milesHybrid£269 mo£18,901
RG216YHToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202221,380 milesHybrid£244 mo£16,699
G537RAToyota Yaris1.5 VVT-i Y20 5dr [Bi-tone]
202014,904 milesPetrol£277 mo£12,325
LN67QYToyota Yaris1.33 VVT-i Icon 5dr
201546,714 milesPetrol£152 mo£7,254
S62FQToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT
20228,250 milesHybrid£283 mo£19,530
S62FQ
Find a Renault 5 for sale
Renault 5110kW Roland Garros Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£31,240
LE27JURenault 590kW Iconic Five Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£28,081
KY127RDRenault 590kW Techno Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£25,832
LE27JURenault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£30,082
GL25FERenault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£30,632
DE214RXRenault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£30,482
LE27JURenault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£28,995
BD12EPRenault 5110kW Roland Garros Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£31,082
DE214RX
Find a Honda Jazz for sale
Honda Jazz1.3 i-VTEC EX 5dr CVT
20203,030 milesPetrol£343 mo£15,790
DN312SYHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Advance Sport 5dr eCVT
20252,985 milesHybrid£344 mo£24,950
RH108JGHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Elegance 5dr eCVT
20255 milesHybrid£339 mo£23,995
DN312SYHonda Jazz1.5 i-VTEC Sport Navi 5dr
201855,445 milesPetrol£222 mo£10,062
NG317UHHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Advance 5dr eCVT
20254,536 milesHybrid£312 mo£22,950
RH108JGHonda Jazz1.3 EX Navi 5dr
201724,681 milesPetrol£228 mo£10,495
DN312SYHonda Jazz1.3 i-VTEC SE 5dr CVT
201832,613 milesPetrol£257 mo£11,637
DE214SXHonda Jazz1.3 i-VTEC EX Navi 5dr
201841,295 milesPetrol£214 mo£9,495
DN163RL
Find an MG3 Hybrid+ for sale
MG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
2025885 milesHybrid£17,999
OL111TJMG MG31.5 SE 5dr
20252,691 milesPetrol£211 mo£13,995
EH28 8TGMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
20251,276 milesHybrid£253 mo£17,495
EH28 8TGMG MG31.5 Hybrid SE 5dr Auto
2025734 milesHybrid£18,495
DN24QPMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH 3Style+ 5dr [Start Stop]
201833,717 milesPetrol£135 mo£5,990
PE15YSMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Excite 5dr
202028,222 milesPetrol£8,250
PO22 9FPMG MG31.5 SE 5dr
20252,815 milesPetrol£207 mo£15,191
PO22 9FPMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Excite 5dr
202320,216 milesPetrol£184 mo£10,490
SO151GY
Find a Suzuki Swift for sale
Suzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-L 5dr
202324,229 milesHybrid£10,995
PE15HESuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-L 5dr
202316,660 milesHybrid£11,999
WF77DBSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-L 5dr
202310,860 milesHybrid£12,941
PO141AJSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet SZ4 [Nav] 5dr
201541,107 milesPetrol£6,960
PO141AJSuzuki Swift1.0 Boosterjet SHVS SZ5 5dr
201936,443 milesHybrid£164 mo£9,290
PE15YSSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ5 5dr
202327,000 milesHybrid£12,591
PO141AJSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion 5dr
20243,971 milesHybrid£255 mo£16,990
SO403ADSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet SHVS SZ3 5dr
202020 milesHybrid£10,750
NE289ND
Find a Renault Clio for sale
Renault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Esprit Alpine 5dr Auto
20255,000 milesHybrid£318 mo£20,995
BA140BJRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 Esprit Alpine 5dr
20243,562 milesPetrol£270 mo£17,899
TN48XHRenault Clio0.9 TCE 90 GT Line 5dr
201850,528 milesPetrol£167 mo£7,290
HD50RPRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 S Edition 5dr
202112,100 milesPetrol£203 mo£12,995
BA140BJRenault Clio1.0 TCe 100 Iconic 5dr
202021,000 milesPetrol£178 mo£11,195
BA140BJRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 Esprit Alpine 5dr
20245,850 milesPetrol£267 mo£17,549
TN48XHRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 Techno 5dr
20255,000 milesPetrol£288 mo£18,495
BA140BJRenault Clio1.0 TCe 100 Play 5dr
202115,084 milesPetrol£173 mo£11,000
AB123AD
Find a Skoda Fabia for sale
Skoda Fabia1.0 MPI Colour Edition 5dr
201843,863 milesPetrol£174 mo£7,995
BD21AZSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI SE 5dr
202019,554 milesPetrol£165 mo£10,700
SS67UQSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 116 Design Edition 5dr
20252,523 milesPetrol£235 mo£17,995
EX28AHSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 116 Design Edition 5dr
20252,196 milesPetrol£266 mo£19,489
S63BLSkoda Fabia1.5 TSI 150 Monte Carlo Edition 5dr DSG
20253,010 milesPetrol£350 mo£23,990
OX51AASkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 110 Monte Carlo 5dr
202313,000 milesPetrol£248 mo£16,295
CW15XNSkoda Fabia1.5 TSI 150 Monte Carlo 5dr DSG
20241,918 milesPetrol£253 mo£19,900
GU124NUSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI SE L 5dr
202152,020 milesPetrol£158 mo£10,300
OL164AP
Find a Hyundai i20 for sale
Hyundai i201.0T GDi Ultimate 5dr
Petrol£361 mo£22,997
EX28QQHyundai i201.2 SE 5dr
201745,389 milesPetrol£164 mo£7,420
EH28 8TGHyundai i201.0T GDi Ultimate 5dr
202416,800 milesPetrol£234 mo£15,229
OX44ATHyundai i201.0T GDi Ultimate 5dr
20253,818 milesPetrol£315 mo£19,590
SL14SHHyundai i201.2 Premium SE 5dr
201759,764 milesPetrol£154 mo£6,990
HD21UBHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD Ultimate 5dr
202225,583 milesHybrid£234 mo£14,099
RH123NSHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD SE Connect 5dr
202315,591 milesHybrid£229 mo£14,152
HD21UBHyundai i201.0T GDi Advance 5dr
20254,624 milesPetrol£367 mo£16,595
OX20HP
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