Toyota Yaris

New Citroën C3

Suzuki Swift

Skoda Fabia

Peugeot 208

Volkswagen Polo

Mazda 2 Hybrid

New MG3

best-small-cars-2024-plus-the-one-to-avoid-–-tried-and-tested

best-small-cars-2024-plus-the-one-to-avoid-tried-and-tested

The small car market is one of the most fiercely contested, which is great news if you're after this sort of vehicle, because it means there are stacks of models to choose from.

To have a chance of topping the class, a small car – also known as a supermini – must be as comfortable at speed on the motorway as it is in the city, as well as being easy to weave around tight urban roads. It must have enough boot space for weekly shopping trips, and an interior that's practical enough to cope with the demands of families. And it must, of course, be competitively priced and cheap to run.

Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-cars/n17596">road testers</a>&nbsp;have spent countless hours evaluating every small car on the market. That means we're able to give you the definitive, trusted and authoritative list of the best small cars on sale today.&nbsp;We've also named the small car&nbsp;you should avoid.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best small cars 2024

Hatchback

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

YARIS

Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/real-mpg-calculator">Real&nbsp;MPG</a>&nbsp;fuel economy test proves that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>&nbsp;hybrid&nbsp;has a remarkable ability to sip petrol gently; in town, it achieved 80mpg, which is almost double the economy of conventionally powered small hatchbacks.

It should be very reliable, too, because Toyota consistently performs brilliantly in the annual What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">Reliability Survey</a>. Meanwhile, resale values are among the best in the small car class.

You do pay for the agile handling with a ride that’s quite firm, though&nbsp;– the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>&nbsp;are both more comfortable. Plus,&nbsp;the rear seats are cramped and the infotainment system is a bit dated.

“The Yaris has the longest warranty of any car on our list. As long as you have yours serviced annually by Toyota, the cover will last for&nbsp;10&nbsp;years or 100,000 miles.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/claire-evans/n1100">Claire Evans, Consumer Editor</a>

10: Toyota Yaris

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Excellent real-world fuel economy</li>
	<li>Toyota's reliability record</li>
	<li>Slow predicted depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride, especially on higher-spec models with bigger wheels</li>
	<li>Poor rear passenger space</li>
	<li>So-so interior quality</li>
</ul>

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Now in its second generation, Audi's smallest car combines a smooth and well controlled ride with reassuring handling. Plus, it does a fine job of delivering peace and quiet, even at motorway speeds.

It’s also roomy enough for two adults to sit comfortably in the back. And there’s even a spacious boot, remedying one of the criticisms of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/used-review/n223">first-generation Audi A1</a>.

However, while there are some nice touches, the interior doesn’t feel significantly classier than the cheaper and closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>'s, which is why the A1 goes no higher on this list.

“I found the A1’s 8.8in touchscreen more distracting to use than the rotary controller fitted to older models.&nbsp;Smartphone mirroring is standard, but for built-in sat-nav you need the optional Technology Pack, which includes a bigger 10.1in display.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/george-hill/n23609">George Hill, Staff Writer</a>

9: Audi A1

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smooth ride and tidy handling</li>
	<li>Relatively quiet at higher speeds</li>
	<li>Very slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheaper trims not well equipped</li>
	<li>Mini feels much plusher inside</li>
	<li>Peugeot 208 offers more for less money</li>
</ul>

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

IBIZA

With the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Ford Fiesta</a>&nbsp;now&nbsp;off sale, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> takes up the mantle as the most engaging small car to drive. Key to that is its steering; it starts off light to suit town driving, before progressively weighting up and providing impressive feedback as your speed builds.

At the same time, the Ibiza is more spacious than many rivals – particularly in the rear seats – and it holds its value better, meaning it&nbsp;will cost you less in the long run.

You do have to put up with quite a lot of road noise, though, and FR versions have a firm ride.

“I was able to stretch out in the Ibiza, because it has more leg room than the Fabia and Polo. All three have similarly shaped boots, but the Ibiza is the only one not available with a height-adjustable boot floor.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a>

8: Seat Ibiza

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Great to drive</li>
	<li>Roomy by class standards</li>
	<li>Strong TSI petrol engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lots of road noise</li>
	<li>Resale values could be better</li>
	<li>Firm ride in FR versions</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

If you are searching for a sharp-handling small car, there are better and cheaper alternatives out there than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>.

On the other hand, if a comfortable ride and quiet cruising manners drive your purchasing decision, the 208 could well be the model for you. And similarly, if you value a rich interior that offers decent interior space, it won’t disappoint.

As a bonus, the 1.2 Puretech 100 petrol engine provides punchy performance and is impressively economical.

“You’re supposed to view the instruments over (rather than through) the small steering wheel but some drivers will have to set the wheel or seat at an awkward height to see them, which obviously isn't ideal.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

7: Peugeot 208

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very comfortable for a small car</li>
	<li>Smart and high-quality interior</li>
	<li>Punchy and frugal 1.2 Puretech 100 petrol engine</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Steering wheel design can cause issues</li>
	<li>So-so infotainment system</li>
	<li>Rivals are more fun to drive</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

POLO

The latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo</a> is available with a broad range of engines and trim levels, ensuring that there's something for almost everyone in the line-up.

It also has a classy interior that's well equipped even in entry-level Life trim. And few small cars are as good at soaking up bumps in the road or do a better job of suppressing wind and road noise on the motorway.

Previously, the Polo has lost out to the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;because it couldn’t justify its additional expense, but the impressive deals and monthly finance rates that are often available&nbsp;mean that's no longer an issue. Then again, the Ibiza is still more fun to drive.

"I found rear leg room almost as plentiful as in the Honda Jazz, although there’s less head room and a big hump in the floor for the middle passenger to straddle. The front seat slides back a long way to accommodate long-legged drivers.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a>

6: Volkswagen Polo

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
	<li>Generous interior space</li>
	<li>Attractive PCP finance deals</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fiddly touch-sensitive controls</li>
	<li>Gutless entry-level petrol</li>
	<li>Reliability could be better</li>
</ul>

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

SANDERO

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a> offers a supple ride, comes generously equipped (at least in our recommended Comfort trim) and is very spacious.

Add in the fact that the TCe 90 and TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engines are both great, and the Sandero would be well worth considering even if it cost the same as its rivals. Except it doesn’t; the Sandero is one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/britains-cheapest-new-cars-tested/n25809">UK's cheapest new cars</a>.

Just bear in mind that there are quieter and safer small hatchbacks if you're prepared to spend more, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>&nbsp;which appears above the Sandero in this list, as well as the more frugal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>.

“If you plan to carry adults or tall children in the rear seats, they’ll be happy in the Sandero. I managed to load six carry-on suitcases in the boot, too, which is a square shape and easy to pack.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/stuart-milne/n25965">Stuart Milne, Digital Editor</a>

5: Dacia Sandero

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Amazingly good value</li>
	<li>Lots of space for passengers and luggage</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor safety rating compared with rivals</li>
	<li>There are more entertaining small cars to drive</li>
	<li>Some other small cars are quieter</li>
</ul>

AYGO X

Like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Suzuki Ignis</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/review/n24132">Toyota Aygo X</a> combines rugged SUV looks with city-friendly dimensions, but it's a far more rounded car.

A tight turning circle makes low-speed manoeuvres easy, plus the Aygo X handles neatly on faster roads, thanks to taut&nbsp;body control&nbsp;and well weighted steering.

Throw in low running costs and a long list of standard safety kit, and there's a lot to like. Just bear in mind that it's cramped in the back seats and the boot is small.

“The driver's seat in the Aygo X is supportive, but I found I had to stretch slightly to reach&nbsp;the steering wheel due to the lack of reach adjustment.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a>

4: Toyota Aygo X

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cheap to run</li>
	<li>Good level of safety kit</li>
	<li>Warranty of up to 10 years</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped in the back</li>
	<li>Smaller boot than rivals</li>
	<li>Lacklustre performance</li>
</ul>

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

FABIA

While it's not&nbsp;the cheapest new car you can buy, the latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> is still very well priced, undercutting most rivals – including the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>.

True, the interior of the Fabia is a bit drab, but there's excellent space for&nbsp;both passengers and luggage; only the Honda Jazz is significantly more practical.

It's also worth noting that the Fabia is&nbsp;more comfortable and a lot safer than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>; the&nbsp;independent experts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>&nbsp;awarded it five stars out of five, whereas the Sandero managed just two stars.

“Boot space is impressive, although I think it’s a bit of a shame the Fabia misses out on the Clio’s height-adjustable floor.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/neil-winn/n1101">Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor</a>

3: Skoda Fabia

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Huge boot</li>
	<li>Roomy interior with clever features</li>
	<li>Fairly supple ride</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interior is hardly plush</li>
	<li>Not as practical as the Honda Jazz</li>
	<li>Bug-prone infotainment system</li>
</ul>

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

JAZZ

The space and seating flexibility of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a>&nbsp;– including rear seat bases that flip up like those in a cinema&nbsp;–&nbsp;put&nbsp;other small cars to shame. But crucially it's not just a box on wheels; it’s brilliant even if you take practicality out of the equation.

Its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a>&nbsp;engine, for example, delivers strong performance and excellent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/real-mpg-calculator">real-world fuel economy</a>. Meanwhile, a&nbsp;soothing ride and generous luxury and safety equipment add further to its appeal.

Only a steep purchase price stops it topping this list, although&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-10-slowest-depreciating-cars/n17098">slow depreciation</a>&nbsp;partially makes up for this&nbsp;and also ensures&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">PCP finance</a>&nbsp;rates are competitive.

“The Jazz’s three-knob air-con set-up is easy to adjust on the move and large cut-outs in its windscreen pillars mean you have a great view out when tackling roundabouts and junctions. I found the Jazz exceptionally easy to live with.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

2: Honda Jazz

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious interior with flexible rear seats</li>
	<li>Lots of standard equipment</li>
	<li>Slow depreciation</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Very pricey by small car standards</li>
	<li>Not the quietest cruiser</li>
	<li>Some rivals are more fun</li>
</ul>

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

CLIO

The latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> is a fantastic all-rounder, offering the kind of space, comfort and convenience which you’d normally expect to pay top dollar for. Yet the Clio actually undercuts most of its rivals on price – including our former favourite in this class, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a>.

You can fit more into the Clio’s boot than you can into that of the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>. And while the Fabia is slightly quicker, the Clio’s more responsive steering and tighter body control makes it the more enjoyable&nbsp;car to drive.

Despite this, ride comfort is good. Plus, the interior is smartly finished, with a&nbsp;portrait-oriented infotainment screen that looks great and is quick to respond to inputs.

For those reasons, the Renault Clio is our reigning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-small-car-of-the-year/n25356">Small Car of the Year</a>.

“I found the physical switches below the touchscreen and to the right of the steering column (for functions such as deactivating the lane-keeping assistance) much easier to operate than touch-sensitive equivalents.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

1: Renault Clio

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smart interior is packed with equipment</li>
	<li>Good ride and handling balance</li>
	<li>Practical boot</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tight for taller adults in the rear seats</li>
	<li>Slightly firm low-speed ride</li>
	<li>High boot loading lip</li>
</ul>

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

With its funky looks inside and out, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n17364">Citroën C3</a> does a great job of turning heads. Unfortunately, it's poor to drive and not very practical, so any number of rivals are more recommendable on an objective level.

And the small car to avoid: Citroën C3

Best small cars 2024 plus the one to avoid – tried & tested

Best small cars 2024 plus the one to avoid tried and tested

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

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