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 distinctly 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 that provides comfortable transport for up to four large 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'll find elsewhere
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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
-
Limited rear seat space
-
Awkward gear selector
-
We’re yet to try the cheaper 40kWh car
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 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. Dacia Sandero
The Sandero represents incredible value
Pros
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Astonishingly cheap
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Impressively spacious
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Comfortable and easy to drive
Cons
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You can tell why it's so cheap
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The 65 model is too slow
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Bi-fuel model all but pointless
The Dacia Sandero may no longer have the ludicrously low pricetag that it did when it was first launched in 2021 - that's partly because of inflation, and partly because Dacia has since ditched the sparsely specced entry-level versions that traded kit for cost - but it's still one of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the UK. There's a lot more to like than just the cost, however.
For starters, there's the space. The Sandero is one of the more generously sized cars in the supermini class, and that translates into plenty of space for four inside, and a very decent boot. Admittedly, interior quality is lower than it is in many rivals, but it's really not too far behind, and is perfectly acceptable given how little the car costs.
The driving experience is geared towards comfort, which it largely achieves most of the time, while the trim levels that remain on sale provide most of the equipment you'll want and need. However, some of the Sandero's active safety systems aren't as clever as those in some rivals, so if you're after the safest supermini you can get, then the Sandero isn't it.
"The Dacia Sandero gives you more car for less money than its big name rivals"
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
-
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
-
Complicated model line-up
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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, and 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
-
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
-
Generous equipment levels
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Spacious back seat
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Mild-hybrid engine is perky and cheap to run
Cons
-
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 Life 5dr
202317,939 milesPetrol£245 mo£15,899
SL60AHVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI Match 5dr
20256,001 milesPetrol£274 mo£18,495
KY117EGVolkswagen Polo1.4 TSI ACT BlueGT 5dr
201681,625 milesPetrol£175 mo£7,941
NG51EAVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI Life 5dr
20233,136 milesPetrol£261 mo£17,491
SO302LGVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI 95 Active 5dr
202120,526 milesPetrol£230 mo£14,994
HU139PBVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI R-Line 5dr DSG
202226,735 milesPetrol£270 mo£17,119
YO266RBVolkswagen Polo1.0 EVO 80 SE 5dr
202022,352 milesPetrol£209 mo£12,850
M169SFVolkswagen Polo1.0 TSI Life 5dr
2023543 milesPetrol£244 mo£16,589
IG103TQ
Find a Toyota Yaris for sale
Toyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid GR Sport 5dr CVT
202310,481 milesHybrid£281 mo£19,995
BN133NSToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
20241,144 milesHybrid£260 mo£18,750
BN133NSToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
20253,782 milesHybrid£284 mo£20,195
NG60AAToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Design 5dr CVT
202313,800 milesHybrid£234 mo£16,901
RG216YHToyota Yaris1.33 VVT-i Icon 5dr
201540,150 milesPetrol£163 mo£7,795
NG72GQToyota Yaris1.5 VVT-i Icon 5dr
20189,546 milesPetrol£237 moor £10,744£11,152
£408 offWN50LDToyota Yaris1.5 Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT
202211,504 milesHybrid£298 mo£18,618
OX51RYToyota Yaris1.5 VVT-i Blue Bi-tone 5dr
201827,635 milesPetrol£236 mo£10,290
WF29SE
Find a Renault 5 for sale
Renault 5110kW Iconic Five Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
15 milesElectric£29,495
OL12QLRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20251,254 milesElectric£24,980
TS15JPRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20255,970 milesElectric£370 mo£25,000
AB123ADRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£473 mo£27,840
EX28NTRenault 590kW Iconic Five Urban Range 40 kWh 5dr Auto
Electric£28,045
YO304WRRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
202533 milesElectric£448 mo£26,999
BH125BARenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20257,999 milesElectric£393 mo£24,450
OL12QLRenault 5110kW Techno Comfort Range 52 kWh 5dr Auto
20255,514 milesElectric£382 mo£23,771
LE27JU
Find a Honda Jazz for sale
Honda Jazz1.3 i-VTEC EX 5dr CVT
20203,030 milesPetrol£346 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 EX 5dr eCVT
202223,177 milesHybrid£234 mo£16,199
SP27PUHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Elegance 5dr eCVT
20255 milesHybrid£324 mo£23,995
DN312SYHonda Jazz1.3 EX Navi 5dr
201724,681 milesPetrol£230 mo£10,495
DN312SYHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid EX 5dr eCVT
202221,475 milesHybrid£239 mo£16,816
TS183SEHonda Jazz1.5 i-VTEC Sport 5dr CVT
201845,296 milesPetrol£239 mo£10,800
LE111NEHonda Jazz1.5 i-MMD Hybrid EX 5dr eCVT
202211,489 milesHybrid£268 mo£18,501
TS183SE
Find a Dacia Sandero for sale
Dacia Sandero1.0 SCe Essential 5dr
201959,169 milesPetrol£4,660
LS126EGDacia Sandero1.0 Tce Expression 5dr
20236,313 milesPetrol£189 mo£12,000
AB123ADDacia Sandero1.0 Tce Expression 5dr
202323,223 milesPetrol£176 mo£11,199
PO35FHDacia Sandero1.0 Tce Expression 5dr
20239,054 milesPetrol£193 mo£11,990
WF28DHDacia Sandero1.0 Tce Expression 5dr
20246,215 milesPetrol£215 mo£13,395
OL12QLDacia Sandero1.0 Tce Expression 5dr
20233,653 milesPetrol£208 mo£12,253
BD12EPDacia Sandero1.0 Tce Journey 5dr CVT
20246,159 milesPetrol£248 mo£14,740
PL71RFDacia Sandero1.0 TCe Comfort 5dr
202218,489 milesPetrol£184 mo£10,622
NG51EA
Find a Suzuki Swift for sale
Suzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet Attitude 5dr
201925,107 milesPetrol£9,427
WV147JWSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-T 5dr
20229,391 milesHybrid£258 mo£14,250
SO403ADSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-T 5dr Auto
202121,550 milesHybrid£13,100
PO141AJSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-L 5dr
202316,284 milesHybrid£12,995
NE47YWSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion 5dr
202550 milesHybrid£17,495
HU91DHSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-L 5dr
202132,124 milesHybrid£10,300
PO141AJSuzuki Swift1.2 Dualjet 83 12V Hybrid SZ-L 5dr
202313,002 milesHybrid£13,195
ST15LGSuzuki Swift1.2 Mild Hybrid Motion 5dr
20242,561 milesHybrid£15,995
PE15HE
Find a Renault Clio for sale
Renault Clio1.0 TCe 100 Play 5dr
202113,160 milesPetrol£176 mo£11,000
ST44FDRenault Clio1.5 dCi 90 Iconic 5dr Auto
201925,599 milesDiesel£233 mo£10,500
WF29RYRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH Hybrid 140 Iconic 5dr Auto
202122,269 milesHybrid£229 moor £13,495£14,295
£800 offDA26HHRenault Clio1.5 dCi 90 Iconic 5dr
201932,411 milesDiesel£206 mo£9,328
S403BDRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Evolution 5dr Auto
202315,414 milesHybrid£234 mo£14,440
PL71RFRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Techno 5dr Auto
20249,999 milesHybrid£258 mo£16,995
NG56BNRenault Clio1.0 TCe 90 Techno 5dr
20255,150 milesPetrol£259 mo£17,099
RH15EDRenault Clio1.6 E-TECH full hybrid 145 Engineered 5dr Auto
202212,011 milesHybrid£251 mo£16,199
BN18AF
Find a Skoda Fabia for sale
Skoda Fabia1.0 MPI 80 SE Comfort 5dr
20253,219 milesPetrol£211 mo£15,495
TN240GASkoda Fabia1.0 MPI 60 S 5dr
201630,350 milesPetrol£159 mo£7,222
WA87ALSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 110 Colour Edition 5dr
20238,460 milesPetrol£214 mo£15,495
BB88LFSkoda Fabia1.5 TSI 150 Colour Edition 5dr DSG
20247,012 milesPetrol£243 moor £17,990£19,490
£1,500 offCT27PXSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI 116 Design Edition 5dr
20252,523 milesPetrol£267 mo£18,995
EX28AHSkoda Fabia1.0 TSI Design Edition 5dr
20255 milesPetrol£296 moor £18,101£20,557
£2,456 offDL11XPSkoda Fabia1.0 MPI SE 5dr
201867,703 milesPetrol£139 mo£6,285
GL25FESkoda Fabia1.0 TSI Design Edition 5dr
20251,440 milesPetrol£263 mo£18,690
DA15FD
Find a Hyundai i20 for sale
Hyundai i201.0T GDi Ultimate 5dr
20253,933 milesPetrol£308 mo£19,590
SL14SHHyundai i201.0T GDi Advance 5dr
20245,089 milesPetrol£263 mo£16,543
NG85ATHyundai i201.0T GDi Advance 5dr
2024810 milesPetrol£253 mo£16,776
TN240HTHyundai i201.0T GDi Ultimate 5dr
202416,800 milesPetrol£247 mo£15,769
OX44ATHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD SE Connect 5dr
202225,299 milesHybrid£216 mo£12,967
NG85ATHyundai i201.0T GDi 48V MHD Premium 5dr DCT
202226,362 milesHybrid£241 mo£15,191
ME159XYHyundai i201.0T GDi N Line S 5dr
20245,000 milesPetrol£224 mo£17,899
GU11RUHyundai i201.0 T-GDi SE 5dr Auto
201944,000 milesPetrol£166 mo£10,439
NG197JG
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