What economical but stylish small car should I buy?

I have switched jobs which now invoIves travelling 34 miles a day (a pretty straightforward run) so would like to trade-in my Mazda 3 for a more economical car (both mpg and tax band) but one which is still stylish and nice inside, with a small boot that I can still fit a dog in. I love driving so something that is fun to drive too (although it doesn't have to be a manual) and with a bit of street cred but doesn't have to be the sportiest either. I like the Fiesta, Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris but am confused by all the different types and reports.

Asked on 21 January 2017 by Lisa Horscroft

Answered by Honest John

A Mazda 2 in the right colour is the nicest small car and the Mazda CX-3 is the nicest small SUV. New Fiesta on the way. New Micra just been tested: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/nissan/nissan-micr.../ Suzuki Baleno has lots of fans: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/suzuki/suzuki-bale.../ (Better now than the pre-production cars we tested.)

Tags: buying new cars small cars fun to drive

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Related models

Mazda 2 (2015 on)

Attractive small car that'll be cheap to run. Lots of standard equipment. Easy and fun to drive.

Mazda CX-3 (2015 - 2019)

Enjoyable and good to drive. Good quality interior finish. 2.0-litre petrol is smooth and economical.

Nissan Micra (2017 - 2022)

Peppy engines. Good quality and comfortable interior. Generous safety equipment.

Ford Fiesta (2017 on)

Most versions good to drive especially ST-Line but significantly more refined, comfortable and practical, comes with active safety technology as standard.