Small cars also known as compact cars have gained immense popularity recently. In 2023, the Ford Puma, a compact crossover, was notably the favourite car model in the UK, indicating a significant acceptance and demand for compact vehicles in the UK market. Our Motorfinity experts have evaluated the top small cars for 2024 based on this trend.
The list has been compiled considering various attributes that make compact cars an interesting and logical car purchases. Key factors in this evaluation include fuel efficiency, practicality, affordability, cost of ownership, suitability for urban living, environmental concerns, and the latest trends and designs in compact car engineering and style.
Each vehicle in this list reflects the growing preference for compact luxury and efficiency in the automotive market, catering to a range of needs from eco-conscious driving to stylish urban commuting.
How to not get Overwhelmed by the Choices
The small car market is projected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 8.72%.
With so many choices in the market, people can be overwhelmed. How can you remove this feeling and gain confidence to make the right choice?
Understanding the various categories of small cars - such as city cars, superminis, and small hatchbacks - can empower you with knowledge and help you make a more informed decision.
Each category has its own advantages and disadvantages, and by focusing on one specific segment, you can narrow down your options and feel more confident in your choice.
Our expert, Cameron Jones suggests the following strategy when deciding which vehicle to prioritise
It is always a good idea to check relevant car reviews from authentic sources.
At Motorfinity, we provide expert opinions evaluating the vehicles based on a comprehensive set of criteria to help you narrow down your choice.
We recommend shortlisting 3 or 4 vehicles that you can then test drive to ensure your priorities are met.
Use a weekday to avoid rush hour traffic on your test drive and take a route with a mix of city streets and highways. This will help you assess the car’s performance in different conditions.
Best Small Cars in the UK 2024
Toyota Aygo X Hatchback
Retail Price: £17,180.00
Savings: £911.00
Motorfinity Price: £16,269.00
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The Ford Focus is designed to demand attention, offering many captivating features. Its fresh aesthetic highlights all-new light designs, including standard LED headlights with integrated fog lights and optional Dynamic Matrix LED headlights that immediately catch the eye.
Externally, it features a bold design with a new grille, bonnet, and front facias that sweep back to the updated rear light design. The striking 18" 5x3-spoke alloy wheels further enhance its distinctive look.
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The Aygo X is a market leader from Toyota in the small cars segment. Its value in a small price range makes it an attractive choice for buyers.
In terms of practicality, it is a superb choice for city driving and easy parking, a common need for small car users with urban lifestyles. Coming with a Toyota tag, it is highly reliable and low maintenance. This attribute makes it a perfect choice for customers who want small cars that are dependable and without the worry of frequent repairs and high maintenance costs.
The car is equipped with advanced safety technologies, which include a lane assist system, speed assistance, AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) car-to-car, active bonnet and more.
Skoda Fabia Hatchback
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Skoda Fabia is another fantastic choice in the small car segment, offering complete value for money. The car stands out for its competitive purchase price and low running costs. It is also known for its efficient fuel consumption, fantastic 41 to 56 mpg combined efficiency, and low insurance costs. All cater perfectly with small car buyers for whom the economically efficient vehicle is an important attribute.
Its size is ideal for urban driving and parking in tight spaces, a necessity for small car buyers.
Skoda Fabia has a range of safety features, including an advanced driver assistance system, ensuring a safe driving experience. Their commitment to safety gives small car buyers the peace of mind they need on the road.
The other main attribute that makes Fabia a strong contender in the small car segment is that it holds its value well. It has the most robust resale value. Per our research, one-year-old Skoda Fabia retains 75 to 82% of its value based on the lower end of the original on-the-road price.
Toyota Yaris Hatchback
Retail Price: £23,545.00
Savings: £3,098.00
Motorfinity Price: £20,447.00
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The other Toyota on the list is the Toyota Yaris Hatchback. It is an excellent choice for a budget-conscious mindset.
It excels in low running costs, including impressive fuel efficiency of 66 to 69 mpg combined and falls under insurance group 5, the lowest insurance group in the UK.
In terms of practicality, it is a perfect car for the daily needs. Whether navigating through city traffic or finding parking in tight urban spaces.
For instance, the interior could be more spacious as of Skoda Fabia, but still is designed to maximise space and ensure comfort.
The vehicle has received the 5-star Euro NCAP for its fantastic safety, with advanced safety technologies.
Regarding the resale value, the car is known for its reliability and efficiency. According to our Research, the Yaris depreciated by about 24% over five years. Specifically, a one-year-old Yaris holds 90-93.41% of its original value.
Mazda Mazda2
Retail Price: £18,625.00
Savings: £1,840.00
Motorfinity Price: £16,785.00
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The Mazda2 is another excellent budget-friendly option in the small cars category. It also comes in a mild hybrid variant, and its fuel-efficient engines (achieve up to 60,1 mpg) make it a practical choice for buyers for whom cost-effective running and maintenance are one of the top concerns.
In terms of practicality, it has good visibility and agile handling, making it suitable for city driving and easy parking. The interior is suspicious, with ample head and leg room, but the boot space of 280 litres is somewhat limited and can be a concern, especially for families.
Mazda prioritises safety with advanced features like hill start assist, cruise control, speed limiter, and automatic emergency braking system, enhancing both driver and passenger safety as well as the safety of other road users.
Our Motorfinity expert, Hosh Holt, says the following about the overall ability of the vehicle.
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback
Retail Price: £21,915.00
Savings: £2,591.00
Motorfinity Price: £19,324.00
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The Volkswagen Polo is another exciting option in the small cars segment and is primarily famous for its practicality and quality.
The vehicle sits in the moderately affordable market, and with Motorfinity exclusive savings, it is an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The vehicle is fully equipped, and even the entry-level variants are equipped with an infotainment touch screen, cruise control, LED headlights, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a feature rare to find in base variants of the small cars.
Regarding the driving experience and performance, the choice of 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines, particularly the turbocharged 95hp unit, offers an amazing balance of efficiency and performance and is suitable for city and motorway driving needs. Also, the ride comfort is second to none; it bumps well and offers a relaxing motorway experience. However, Motorway driving is often a limitation for small cars, but not in the case of Volkswagen.
Also, regarding safety, the Polo has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, assuring high protection. Also, the vehicle's build quality is excellent and aligns with the needs of people who want a dependable car.
Audi A1 Sportback
Retail Price: £0.00
Savings: £0.00
Motorfinity Price: £0.00
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Audi A1 Sportback's price from £22,176 to £32,780, even with an exclusive Motorfinity discount, places it in a higher bracket than some competitors. This might stretch the budget for some, as budget is the primary concern when looking for a small car, but the upscale features and residual solid value justify its investment.
In terms of practicality and comfort, the car offers ample headroom, seat adjustment, and rear space for adults, making it a comfortable family car. It also has sufficient boot space of 335 litres, which provides reasonable luggage space.
The driving is the most vital point of the Audi A1 Sportback. The range of petrol engines, especially the more powerful options, balances city driving and longer journeys.
It is also noted for its refined ride, especially on motorways.
The vehicle has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and advanced safety features, including pedestrian and cyclist recognition, which makes the vehicle amazingly secure, a vital attribute when going for small cars.
Also, it has a standard three-year / 60,000-mile warranty comparable to industry norms, and the absence of UK recalls adds to its reliability appeal.
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Renault Clio
Retail Price: £18,395.00
Savings: £2,285.00
Motorfinity Price: £16,110.00
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Clio offers a balance between upfront affordability and long-term fuel efficiency. It is attractive for people seeking an affordable, practical, and reliable vehicle focusing on style and practicality.
Regarding practicality and comfort, the Clio provides adequate space up front and a notably large boot (391 litres for the petrol variant), which benefits family and work-related needs.
The interior is very stylish; it includes plenty of soft surfaces and an updated exterior design.
The petrol variant offers reasonable fuel economy and ranges from 53 to 67 mpg combined. Which is appropriate considering what competitors provide. It also provides a hybrid variant for those who want better fuel economy and are more environmentally concerned.
With a five-star Euro NCAP rating and a range of advanced driver assistance systems.
Benefits of Getting a Small Car?
The rising popularity of small cars is attributable to their numerous advantages, which have made them a preferred option for many buyers. Here are some key benefits of choosing a small car
1. Affordability
Small cars are generally more affordable as compared to larger vehicles. Not only they have low upfront cost, but the total cost of the ownership is also considerably lower. They offer better fuel efficiency and lower insurance premiums. Most small calls fall under insurance group 5, which is the lowest insurance group and decreases their overall cost of ownership. Also, they have fewer complexities than larger vehicles, reducing the total ownership cost. Research from Motor1 says that several compact cars, like Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, etc, are among the top with the lowest 10 year maintenance costs.
2. They are practical and are suitable for daily needs
The other benefit of a small car is that they are efficient. Research shows that practicality is a critical consideration which people choose when choosing a new car. Research from 67 Degrees suggests that buyers even prefer practicality over price, showing how vital practicality is. Small vehicles are easier to handle in tight urban spaces, making them ideal for urban driving. They also offer fantastic parking convenience when preferred to larger vehicles.
Also, small cars are designed to maximise interior space and offer enough comfort for daily commutes and family use. It fits primarily the urban lifestyle and is a more suitable option than larger vehicles.
3. Lower emissions
Smaller cars also have a smaller environmental footprint due to fuel efficiency and lower emissions. A research from European Environment Agency suggests that emissions from larger vehicles can be approximately 40 to 90% higher than those from smaller cars.
4. Safety
Safety is a primary concern when people are looking for a new car. Consumers seek vehicles that are equipped with advanced safety features and high safety ratings. Modern small cars and those listed above are often equipped with advanced safety features, making them an attractive choice.
5. Resale Value:
Small cars have a good market demand due to high market share hence they often retain good resale values. Especially the cars who are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency.
Motorfinity and Small Cars
At Motorfinity, we're proud to offer exceptional discounts on a range of small cars, perfectly suited for those looking for efficiency and convenience. Our strong relationships with various manufacturers allow us to present these vehicles at highly competitive terms.
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