Small cars are perennially popular among British car buyers. Yes, we’ve all gone a bit crazy over SUVs in the past decade or so, but the market for small cars continues to thrive. And to clarify, we’re talking about cars in the form of superminis in this list. City car options such as the Fiat 500, Kia Picanto, and Hyundai i10 are even smaller, but we’re focusing here on small hatchbacks that are a little more roomy than a city car, so that they can double as a second family car, or a realistic option if you’re downsizing from a bigger car.
Ideal for young drivers finding their feet on the road, owners who live in more urban environments, or those with a keen eye for fuel economy and emissions, small cars appeal to many car buyers. Here, we’ve chosen the best small cars on both the new and used car markets in 2025, with options to suit a range of budgets and needs, from frugal hybrids to exciting new electric models.
The Best Small Cars 2025
- 1. 2025 Citroen C3
- 2. 2025 Volkswagen Polo
- 3. 2025 Skoda Fabia
- 4. 2025 Toyota Yaris
- 5. 2025 Seat Ibiza
- 6. 2025 MINI Cooper Electric
- 7. 2025 Honda Jazz
- 8. 2025 Suzuki Swift
- 9. 2025 Renault 5
- 10. 2025 Renault Clio
1. 2025 Citroen C3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very keenly priced | Electric version is not the fastest EV to charge |
| Appealing styling | EV has no heat pump to improve efficiency |
| Good to drive | Boot features could be better |
The latest Citroen C3's mission is to make small new cars affordable again. With petrol versions (consisting of a 1.2-litre with or without mild hybrid assistance) starting from under £18,000 and the all-electric e-C3 from under £22,000, it’s one of the best-value small cars on the market. Despite the low price, it doesn’t feel cheap, thanks to its chunky SUV-esque styling and a smart-looking interior with nice textile finishes. Practicality is a mixed bag for a small family; the 310-litre boot is a decent size, but has a high load lip. And while there’s enough leg- and headroom for adults to sit comfortably in the back, the narrow rear door openings can make getting in and out a chore. On the road, Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension gives the C3 a soft, pillowy ride that soaks up bumps beautifully, making it a relaxing car for town driving.
In the EV model, the 111bhp electric motor provides enough punch for urban journeys, it’s refined enough for the occasional motorway trip, and the official range of 199 miles from a full battery isn't at all bad. All models get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a clever digital instrument display. With its blend of comfort, style, and exceptional value, the C3 is a breath of fresh air.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Citroen e-C3 is a charming, cute and comfortable little electric car that’s also one of the best value EVs on the market. It’s really pleasant to drive and sit in, has decent equipment levels and a useful range." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Citroen C3 review
2. 2025 Volkswagen Polo
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality interior | Not a cheap option |
| Impressive practicality | A Ford Fiesta is more fun |
| Sophisticated driving experience | GTI version isn’t very exciting to drive |
The Volkswagen Polo has long been a benchmark for quality and desirability in the supermini class, and this latest generation continues that legacy thanks to a high-quality product that feels a cut above most mainstream rivals. Practicality is a strength, with enough space for four adults and one of the largest boots in its class at 351 litres for non-GTI models. The interior is a masterclass in design and ergonomics, dripping with a sense of quality that makes the Polo feel worth its slightly premium price tag. Even the entry-level Life model comes well-equipped, though the Style trim adds desirable features like dual-zone climate control and parking sensors.
On the road, the Polo delivers an impressively civilised and sophisticated driving experience. Its smooth ride and excellent refinement make it one of the most comfortable and quiet cars in its class, especially on the motorway. Running costs are generally very reasonable; the 1.0-litre petrol engines can exceed 50mpg, and even the more powerful 113bhp petrol achieves up to 48mpg.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s a slightly pricey option in the class, but if you can stretch to a Polo, you’ll absolutely love it." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Volkswagen Polo review
3. 2025 Skoda Fabia
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very roomy interior | Some weedy engine choices |
| Comfortable and easy to drive | So-so warranty offering |
| Good value for money | Monte Carlo feels no more exciting than any other Fabia |
The Skoda Fabia has long been the champion of offering big-car features for small-car money, and this latest generation is the best yet. It's one of the most practical and spacious cars in its class, with impressive legroom and a massive 380-litre boot that puts some cars from the class above to shame. This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for small families who need maximum space without the expense of a larger vehicle. The cabin quality is solid, and you won’t feel short-changed on technology or safety kit.
On the road, the Fabia delivers a grown-up driving experience, soaking up bumps with impressive composure and remaining quiet at speed. While some rivals are more fun to drive, the Fabia’s light steering and secure handling make it an easy and relaxing car to live with every day. The efficient petrol engines offer a great balance of performance and economy, with the lower-powered units officially returning more than 55mpg.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Open up the tailgate, and you’ll find boot space that’s 380 litres in capacity, an identical figure to those of the Volkswagen Golf and Seat Leon, both cars from the class above." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Skoda Fabia review
4. 2025 Toyota Yaris
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very economical, especially around town | The ride is on the firm side |
| Fantastic GR Yaris hot hatch | Not as practical as a Honda Jazz |
| Plenty of safety kit as standard | No satnav on pre-facelift models |
Beneath its sporty styling, the Toyota Yaris is a sensible and exceptionally economical small car. It is now a hybrid-only model (the high-performance GR Yaris being the sole exception), and its ability to run on electric power alone during urban journeys helps it achieve real-world fuel economy of 60-65 mpg. A 2024 facelift introduced upgraded interior technology and the option of a more powerful 129bhp 1.5-litre hybrid system on top-spec models, complementing the standard 114bhp version.
Inside, there’s plenty of space for those in the front, but the rear seats are a little tight, and its 286-litre boot is less generous than what you'll find in a Renault Clio or Honda Jazz. All models are well-equipped, with even the entry-level Icon trim featuring a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, and automatic lights and wipers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Beneath its eye-catching lines, the Yaris is a car of real talent. It is a shame the ride’s a touch on the firm side, but on the plus side, the Yaris feels nippy and nimble, even if it isn’t the last word in outright fun." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Toyota Yaris review
5. 2025 Seat Ibiza
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Economical engines | Interior fixtures and fittings don't quite have the polish of a VW Polo |
| Subtly stylish looks | Ford Fiesta is a better car to drive |
| Good value for money | No electric version |
The fifth-generation Seat Ibiza is a practical supermini, offering impressive passenger space for four adults, plus a well-shaped 355-litre boot. It shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo, resulting in a mature and refined character. Even entry-level SE models are well-equipped with a colour infotainment system, air-conditioning, and cruise control, while higher-spec versions add desirable features like dual-zone climate control and parking sensors, giving the Ibiza a 'big car' feel in a compact package.
On the road, the Ibiza is easy and relaxing to drive, feeling composed on the motorway and agile in town, with slightly sharper handling than the Polo. The expansive engine lineup includes frugal three-cylinder petrol units, with the turbocharged 1.0 TSI being our pick. Both 94bhp or 108bhp iterations of this engine are great choices. These engines provide a great blend of performance and economy, with the 94bhp version capable of up to 54.3mpg.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Seat’s Ibiza is an excellent compact hatchback that serves up a spacious interior, efficient engines, a refined nature and subtle yet stylish looks." - Lewis Kingston, contributor
Read our full Seat Ibiza review
6. 2025 MINI Cooper Electric
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.0 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | Rather firm ride |
| Effortlessly stylish | Infotainment can be confusing to use |
| Properly desirable | Limited practicality |
The latest generation of the MINI Cooper Electric builds on the fun, fashionable, and premium formula that has made the brand a success for over two decades. Plus it addresses the biggest weakness of its predecessor: driving range. There are now two battery options, with the Cooper E offering a WLTP range of 185 miles and the more powerful Cooper SE extending that to a far more usable 250 miles. The trademark 'go-kart' handling remains, with the 181bhp Cooper E feeling sporty and enthusiastic, though the firm and bouncy ride is a compromise some drivers may find too harsh.
Inside, the MINI impresses with its high-quality feel and standout technology, dominated by a huge, circular OLED infotainment screen. While visually stunning, it houses all driver information, making the optional head-up display a near-essential extra as far as we're concerned.
Do note that practicality is not the MINI's strong suit. It remains a three-door only, and while front passengers have enough room, the rear seats are tight for adults. The boot offers 210 litres of space, which again is small by class standards.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s not the most sensible option at the price, but that’s kind of the whole point of the MINI, which is very much a ‘want one’ car." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full MINI Cooper Electric review
7. 2025 Honda Jazz
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Space and clever seating make the Jazz very practical | Rivals from Renault and Toyota have longer warranties |
| Slick infotainment system | Not as much fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta |
| Expect very good reliability | Noisy petrol engine and CVT combo |
The Honda Jazz has long been the go-to choice for those who need maximum practicality from a minimal footprint, and the latest (fourth generation) model is no different. Its MPV-like shape, with a high roof and large windows, creates a spacious and airy cabin that feels much larger than its supermini classification suggests. The real highlight is inside, where Honda's 'magic seats' in the rear can flip up like cinema seats, allowing you to carry tall items. With the seats in their normal position, there's a generous 304 litres of boot space.
These days, the Jazz comes with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total output of 108bhp. It’s incredibly easy to drive, starting silently on electric power and remaining quiet and composed around town. While the engine can become noisy under hard acceleration due to the CVT automatic gearbox, it provides ample performance for keeping up with traffic. The real-world fuel economy is a strong point, with owners reporting an average of 55-60mpg in daily use.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While you’ll likely want to look elsewhere if you like a dash of excitement in your daily driving, for everyone else the Jazz is a solid, sensible choice that should prove both reliable and reasonably affordable." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Honda Jazz review
8. 2025 Suzuki Swift
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | Not as cheap as it once was |
| Low running costs | Small boot for the supermini class |
| Well equipped as standard | Rivals offer more passenger space |
In its latest fourth-generation, the Suzuki Swift continues to be a straightforward and appealing supermini, especially as competitors like the Ford Fiesta have left the market. It sticks to a simple formula: a single 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine producing 81bhp, enhanced by a mild-hybrid system for better fuel efficiency. While it's marketed as all-new, it shares its compact dimensions with the previous model, making it slightly smaller than rivals like the Renault Clio and Skoda Fabia. This translates to a boot space of 265 litres, which is less than you'll find in most competitors, but passenger room is adequate for a car of its size.
Where the Swift truly shines is its blend of fun and frugality. Its lightweight construction contributes to a firm but agile ride, and combined with direct steering, it's a genuinely enjoyable car to drive. Performance is modest, with a 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds for the manual, but the mild-hybrid system provides a helpful low-rev boost. One notable drawback is its high insurance groupings, which could be a deterrent for younger drivers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "We think this latest model is the best yet, and what it lacks in boot space it makes up for in dynamic verve, low running costs, and stacks of standard equipment." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Suzuki Swift review
9. 2025 Renault 5
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 0% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Attractive styling and general sense of fun | Real-world range a little disappointing |
| Impressive levels of standard equipment at a competitive price | Some slightly flimsy-feeling switchgear |
| Plenty of interior space for a small car | Rear doors could open wider |
The Renault 5 E-Tech is an all-electric supermini that has caused a stir with its fantastic modern-retro looks. It's not just about style, though; it's a practical five-door car with a surprisingly spacious 326-litre boot, which is bigger than what you'll find in most rivals. Inside, the cabin is both functional and cool, featuring retro-inspired recycled upholstery and user-friendly physical buttons for key controls like air-conditioning and volume. While rear access could be slightly better as the doors don't open very wide, there's enough room for a couple of adults to sit comfortably, making it a great all-rounder for daily use.
On the road, the Renault 5 is fun and comfortable to drive. The top-spec 52kWh model features a 148bhp electric motor, allowing it to go from 0-62mph in a respectable 8.0 seconds, which feels plenty nippy around town. Its quick steering and tight 10.3m turning circle make it agile in car parks, while its planted feel inspires confidence on faster roads.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Renault 5 is a brilliant little electric car. It’s got the functionality, value and common-sense stuff sorted, yet it’s also good to drive and so brilliant to look at that it’s got real ‘want one’ appeal." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Renault 5 review
10. 2025 Renault Clio
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish looks and chic image | Rear seat space rather tight |
| Comfortable and easy to drive | Infotainment could be better |
| Plenty of tech available | Entry-level trim misses some kit |
The latest Renault Clio is a very grown-up and comfortable car to drive, feeling particularly at home on the motorway thanks to a smooth ride and good refinement. Buyers have a choice of two engines: an eager 1.0-litre turbocharged TCe petrol with 90bhp, or the E-Tech full hybrid with 143bhp. The latter is particularly efficient, with an official fuel economy figure of 67.3mpg, while the regular petrol manages an (also respectable) 54mpg. Do note that while the petrol Clio boasts a massive 391-litre boot, choosing the hybrid reduces that capacity to a still-decent 301 litres to accommodate the battery.
Inside, the Clio has one of the best cabins in the supermini class, with plenty of space for those in the front and a smart design. Rear-seat passengers might find legroom and headroom a little tight, but the bench is wide enough to make carrying three a bit more comfortable than in some rivals.
All models come well-equipped, with the entry-level Evolution trim featuring a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display and a 7.0-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system’s graphics look a little dated, the amount of standard technology is impressive for the price.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Renault Clio provides a grown-up driving experience and some economical engine choices, and the smartly-trimmed cabin is dominated by digital screens and plenty of tech." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Renault Clio review
FAQs
What is the most practical small car? For sheer practicality, the Honda Jazz and Skoda Fabia are standouts. The Jazz features ingenious 'Magic Seats' that flip up to accommodate tall items, while the Fabia boasts a massive 380-litre boot, which is comparable to cars in the class above. The Renault Clio also offers a very large boot in its petrol form at 391 litres.
Which small car is the most economical? The Toyota Yaris is exceptionally economical, with its hybrid system achieving real-world figures of 60-65mpg, especially in town. The Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid is also very frugal, with an official figure of 67.3mpg, and more like 55-60mpg in normal driving.
Are there any good electric small cars? Yes, the small car market has some excellent electric options. The Renault 5 E-Tech is a highlight, combining standout retro styling with a practical interior and a competitive price. The MINI Cooper Electric has also been updated with a much-improved range of up to 250 miles, while the Citroen e-C3 offers a comfortable ride and is one of the best-value EVs available.
Which small cars are the most reliable? Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda have a legendary reputation for reliability, making the Yaris and Jazz very solid choices for hassle-free ownership.
What is a good small car for a new driver? A good small car for a new driver should be easy to drive, affordable to run, and have a good safety rating. The Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza are both sophisticated and easy to drive, while the Suzuki Swift is fun and frugal, though its insurance groupings can be high.
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