Best small cars and superminis
Superminis are among the bestselling cars in the UK, due to their mix of economy, practicality and affordability. They are easy to park and cost little to run, while a huge range of engines and styling options mean there really is something to suit just about everyone.
The Ford Fiesta sits at the top of our list, due to its lack of compromise. It mixes low running costs, contemporary design and fine handling – all within a great-value package. The Renault Clio is set to take the sector by storm, too, with its adventurous styling and endless personalisation options. The bargain Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio also feature, while the Audi A1 sits at the top in terms of interior quality and badge appeal.
If you’re in the market for a small supermini, look no further than our comprehensive top 10.
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1
Ford Fiesta hatchback
£9,995 - £17,545
The Ford Fiesta has been the UK’s bestselling car since 2009 – and not without good reason. It mixes style with practicality and efficiency, while being among the best in its class to drive. A five-star NCAP safety rating and wide range of engines also help it to the top of this list – a fine all-rounder and easily one of the best cars out there of any size.
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2
Volkswagen Polo hatchback
£10,650 - £19,500
For years the VW Polo has been an established favourite for those seeking a classy, well-built small car. And the current model is no different – the Polo mixes good looks, high-quality materials and efficient engines in a sensibly priced package. The Polo is a safe, if slightly unexciting choice.
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3
Peugeot 208 hatchback
£11,095 - £18,895
The 208 replaced the ageing 207 in the middle of 2012, and took a big step in the right direction for Peugeot. It’s well built and great to drive, plus packs plenty of standard equipment into its small-but-spacious interior, which helps make it good value, too.
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4
Renault Clio hatchback
£10,795 - £17,395
The Renault Clio is now more stylish than ever. It offers levels of personalisation you’d expect from the likes of MINI and Fiat, while a far more luxurious interior helps it rival the more expensive alternatives. Super-efficient engines round off an impressive package.
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5
Kia Rio hatchback
£9,995 - £14,895
Gone are the days of Kia being considered a budget brand that is best avoided. Any new Kia is now a generously equipped car with attractive styling, complete with an industry-leading seven-year warranty – and the small-but-appealing Rio is no exception. The 1.1-litre diesel is remarkably efficient, too, boasting CO2 emissions of just 85g/km.
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6
Hyundai i20 hatchback
£9,995 - £14,295
The Hyundai i20 is the ultimate bargain supermini. It offers generous equipment levels with low running costs and undisputed reliability – yet doesn’t skimp on quality. If you can get past the badge snobbery, the i20 represents a great new or used buy.
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7
Audi A1 hatchback
£13,790 - £22,960
The smallest car in the Audi showroom has a distinct upmarket appeal, and that premium image helped it scoop our best luxury small car award in 2012. Interior quality is top-notch, while a set of economical engines and safe handling make it a great new buy.
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8
Suzuki Swift hatchback
£10,799 - £14,709
Although the Suzuki Swift doesn’t have the same upmarket appeal as some of the other cars in this list, it’s just as capable and even more affordable. The Swift supermini is stylish, easy to drive and impressively practical inside.
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9
MINI hatchback
£11,870 - £21,800
The MINI still rules the roost if you’re in the market for a stylish, well-built supermini. It’s more expensive than most of the cars here, but it’s great fun to drive and holds its value well in the used car market. What’s more, the extensive options list means it’s easy to make your MINI feel unique.
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10
Honda Jazz hatchback
£11,695 - £19,865
Practicality is the key with the established Honda Jazz. It’s more expensive than many of the cars here, but the spacious interior and bulletproof reliability has made it a firm favourite for those who want a dependable and comfortable small car.
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