Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Buying a new small car - what would you recommend?

Buying a new small car - what would you recommend?

I want to buy a small car that will fit three kids in the back. It has to have decent performance and lots of gadgets - climate control and parking sensors essential and a decent infotainment system desirable. I only really use it for commuting to work and back - about a 12 mile round trip, mainly on dual carriageways, and so thought it probably should be petrol. I was thinking along the lines of a Mazda 2 115PS, Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost or an Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI. Your opinion and any other recommendations would be appreciated. I know the new Fiesta is coming out and so don't know what that'll be like I would also consider electric or hybrid options, but the BMW i3 can only fit 2 in the back and I don't know enough about the Tesla model 3.

Asked on 13 April 2017 by sum57

Answered by Honest John
Yes, you're thinking along the right lines. The best I've driven recently was the Suzuki Swift 1.0T BoosterJet 6-speed auto (the manual isn't as good): www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/suzuki/suzuki-swif.../ (Not quite here yet). Very soon there will be a new Fiesta. The current 1.0 EcoBoost 125 is fun and there may be discounts to shift old stock: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/ford/ford-fiesta-2.../ Had a bit of clutch trouble for a while, but seems to be over now. A1 okay, but quite expensive. You might get 3 in the back of a Kia Niro: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-niro-2016-.../ But by far the most stylish and best handling hybrid is the Toyota C-HR: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-c-hr.../ And if you're spending that sort of money you might prefer to put it into a SEAT Ateca, a Peugeot 2008 1.2 Puretech 130 or even an Audi Q2.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
Would you recommend fitting a forward facing child seat to a Mark 2 2004 Mazda MX5? I have read numerous forums recommending turning off the front passenger airbag or not to carry children at all in the...
My daughter bought a 2006 Mazda 3 (manual, petrol) from a Mazda dealer last year for £7k just after her first baby arrived. It's a very nice car and is fitted with EU-approved child-seat brackets. All...
I am looking to buy a Ford C-Max but I'm really confused now. I'm not sure about whether the 1.6 09 plate petrol is better as a Style or Zetec, or whether I need to look at a bigger engine or diesel, what...
Related models
Same efficient engines as the three-door, desirable image and enjoyable to drive, at its best with 1.4 TFSI engine.
Characterful design. Efficient engines. Comfortable and well made.
Easy to drive. Impressive fuel economy and low running costs. Space for a family.
Most versions good to drive especially ST-Line but significantly more refined, comfortable and practical, comes with active safety technology as standard.
Revvy 1.0 Boosterjet engine, stylish with plenty of kerbside appeal, really good fun on twisty roads, engines are refined and economical.