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, Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Up 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 who are 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 car and used car markets in 2025, with options to suit a range of budgets and needs.
Best Small Cars 2025
- Renault 5 (2025-present)
- Citroen C3 (2024-present)
- Skoda Fabia (2021-present)
- Renault Clio (2019-present)
- MINI Cooper (2024-present)
- Seat Ibiza (2017-present)
- Volkswagen Polo (2018-present)
- Honda Jazz (2020-present)
- Suzuki Swift (2024-present)
- Toyota Yaris (2021-present)
Renault 5 (2025-present)
The Renault 5 E-Tech is not just one of the best small cars – it's also one of the best electric cars and one of the most desirable models we can think of, regardless of price. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the 5 is drop-dead gorgeous, with a design that blends retro and modern elements to brilliant effect, inside and out. It's available in some delectable colours, too, giving you the choice of vivid green or yellow or hues, or something more subtle.
But there's more to the Renault 5 than simply good looks. It's also brilliant to drive, combining a smooth ride with a nimble yet assured feel, It's also surprisingly practical for a small car, and even the cheapest versions have a large, user-friendly touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity. Equipment levels are high, with reversing sensors, a heat pump and LED headlights across the board, yet prices are extremely competitive, starting at about £23,000 (as of spring 2025). That's less than you pay for some petrol-engined rivals. Battery range is the only area where the 5 is anything less than outstanding, although it's still very good – 190 miles with the standard 'Urban Range' battery and 248 miles with the 'Comfort Range' battery option.
Renault 5 Review
Citroen C3 (2024-present)
The Citroen C3 has always been one of the best-value small cars around and that hasn’t changed with the fourth-generation model that went on sale in 2024. What has changed, though, is that the C3 now looks more like an SUV than a ‘supermini’ hatchback, with chunky styling, extra ground clearance and a higher roofline. There’s another big shift because, for the first time, the C3 is available as a pure-electric car (called the E-C3). You can also get it with a petrol engine, or as a petrol mild hybrid, and whichever version you choose the C3 costs less than most rival cars. Despite that it comes well-equipped, with LED headlight and a contrasting roof colour across the range.
So far we’ve only driven the E-C3, which is quiet, nippy and comfortable. The ride is especially smooth and forgiving, and that ought to be the case for petrol models, too. The interior has more headroom and legroom than many similar cars, while the dashboard has an appealing look and feel and a smart touchscreen infotainment system. The boot is small, although no smaller than average.
Citroen C3 Review
Skoda Fabia (2021-present)
Like most Skoda models, the Skoda Fabia has two key attributes that distinguish from its competitors – above-average practicality and keen pricing. Although it’s the same size as most other cars in its class, the Fabia’s boxy shape and clever packaging means there’s lots of interior space, with especially generous legroom in the rear seats. Boot space is exceptional, too, with a capacity of 380 litres that’s a match for the Ford Focus – a much larger car overall.
But the Fabia’s qualities don’t end there. There’s plenty of standard equipment, even with the entry-level model, and while its driving experience isn’t the most exciting, it is comfortable, with smooth suspension and a good driving position. And, like pretty much all Skodas these days, the Fabia has a reputation for good build quality and decent reliability. All of which makes it a really solid choice.
Skoda Fabia Review
Renault Clio (2019-present)
Now into its fifth generation, the Renault Clio is – as ever - a small car that majors on style and sophistication. Although this latest version has been around since 2019 it feels bang up to date thanks to design and tech updates over the years. Its sharp exterior looks are mirrored inside, where there's modern, upmarket feel and a dashboard with a large touchscreen and digital display.
Space is good up-front and merely average in the back, but the boot is larger than any other supermini's with capacity of 391 litres. That's more than you get in a Volkswagen Golf, although that only applies to petrol models. Choose the excellent full-hybrid version and boot space drops to 301 litres, which is about average for the class. Prices undercut most of the opposition, especially in the case of hybrid models, while all versions are well-equipped and give low running costs. Every model has a good standard of safety features and the Clio scored a maximum five stars when tested by Euro NCAP in 2019.
Renault Clio Review
MINI Cooper (2024-present)
BMW’s reborn MINI hatch has been around since 2001 but it remains a uniquely desirable small car thanks to it iconic shape, seemingly endless colour and trim possibilities and sheer charm.
The latest version was launched in 2024 and has all the technology that you’d expect, but it retains quirky retro details such as the central circular display for the infotainment system (which has Apple and Android smartphone connectivity). But perhaps the main reason why drivers love the MINI is the way it drives. MINI talks about the car’s ‘go-kart feel’ and that isn’t just marketing hype: it really does feel incredibly nimble and responsive on the road, making it a very engaging car to drive.
While the MINI Cooper is an updated version of the previous model and is offered with a choice of petrol engines, you can also get a MINI with electric power in the shape of the MINI Cooper Electric. Although it looks very similar it’s actually an entirely different car. Look closely and you can tell them apart by the MINI electric’s recessed door handles. With a maximum battery range of 250 miles and the fun drive you’d expect of the brand, the Cooper Electric one of the most appealing small electric cars around.
MINI Cooper Review
Seat Ibiza (2017-present)
The Seat Ibiza has long been a favourite of younger drivers, thanks to successive generations offering neat styling, a sporty character and affordable running costs. It’s a formula that has served the Spanish supermini well, and continues to do so.
The interior is well built and the trim levels offer plenty of useful features, including cruise control, a wide range of safety features, and the smartphone connectivity that is pretty much mandatory for younger drivers these days. Space is decent, without being exceptional, and the boot is deceptively capacious, so there’s plenty of room for a few bags for a two-up road trip. And it is on the road where the Ibiza excels. It’s one of the best superminis to drive, with fine handling and a settled feel at speed. There's also a line-up of turbocharged petrol engines that suits the Ibiza's character perfectly. Don't fancy the Ibiza? You could also consider the stylish Peugeot 208 instead.
Seat Ibiza Review
Volkswagen Polo (2018-present)
Like its bigger brother, the Golf, the VW Polo has a long and distinguished history. Introduced in 1975 and now in its sixth generation, the Polo has consistently been, well, consistent over the last 45 years, making it a desirable all-rounder and often one of Britain’s best-selling cars. Owners love its classy image, its high-quality interior and the sense that this is a ‘grown-up’ supermini.
Onboard technology includes an infotainment system controlled via an eight-inch touchscreen display – standard fit in every trim level – that is easy to use and, as you’d expect, comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
as standard. Interior space is good and the boot is one of the largest in the class. The Polo is a reassuring car to drive, although it doesn’t feel as responsive on bendy roads as its close cousin the Seat Ibiza, with which it shares its platform. On the other hand, the Polo is very comfortable and refined, especially on the motorway.
Volkswagen Polo Review
Honda Jazz (2020-present)
The Honda Jazz has become something of a small-car legend over the years. Since the first model went on sale in 2001 it's been known for its exceptional reliability, versatile interior and for being generally easy to live with. The latest version ticks all those boxes and adds more tech and luxury features than ever.
You can only buy a new Jazz with hybrid power – it's not the quietest or most powerful system but you get an automatic gearbox across the range and fuel economy is impressive. Prices are on the high side, but standard equipment is good and higher-spec models are positively luxurious. As well as the standard trim levels there are Crosstar versions that have an SUV makeover, with extra ground clearance and additional tough-looking exterior trim.
Honda Jazz Review
Suzuki Swift (2024-present)
Suzuki is an often-overlooked car brand in the UK. It has its fans but, for many, the Japanese brand largely goes unnoticed. That's a shame, especially in the case of the Suzuki Swift. The car itself is very good: sure, it's built to a budget, which will limit its appeal among some buyers, but it has all the mod cons you need. The real USP of the Swift, though, is its lightness and agility, which helps it to achieve excellent fuel economy, aided by a brilliant mild hybrid system.
The result is a car that’s not only great fun to drive, but affordable to buy, and cheap to run. The perfect small car, then? Well, not quite. There are a few drawbacks, such as the firm ride, rather basic interior and the small boot. But if you want a small hatchback that’ll enable you to have fun while saving money, well, you’ve found it.
Suzuki Swift Review
Toyota Yaris (2021-present)
The Toyota Yaris is one of the more striking-looking small cars on the road today. It's a shame that its interior isn't more exciting, but you do get lots of equipment as standard, and the standard hybrid drivetrain makes for very low running costs.
Overall, the Yaris is a very easy to vehicle to get along with. The combination of the car's small dimensions and its CVT automatic gearbox make it a breeze to drive around town, while on the open road the Yaris feels stable and assured. Perhaps what's most appealing about the small Toyota, however, is the promise of hassle-free ownership. Put simply, Toyota builds some of the most reliable cars there are, and the Yaris has a solid reputation in this area. It also comes with a warranty that could last up to ten years.
Toyota Yaris Review
