What's the best small petrol car?

I am looking for a petrol engined small car but preferably not a 3 cylinder and bigger than 1.0-litre (maybe 1.3-litre or 1.5-litre). I have spent hours looking but many new cars only have have hybrid options. Any suggestions?

Asked on 18 April 2023 by Geoffrey John Swann

Answered by Andrew Brady
How about a Mazda 2? Mazda talks about 'rightsizing' - having the optimal engine size for a car rather than chasing economy with small-capacity turbocharged engines. As such, the Mazda 2 uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, now helped with a small degree of mild-hybrid electrical assistance. Alternatively, consider a Skoda Fabia with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine.
Similar questions
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...
I wish to buy a new car soon. I'd buy a new Nissan Micra if they were still made, or a Skoda Fabia if there wasn't a 22 week wait. Please identify for me some smallish 4/5 door petrol cars, not automatic,...
I am thinking of buying a 2017 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI, do you have a review of this model?
Related models
Attractive small car that'll be cheap to run. Lots of standard equipment. Easy and fun to drive.
Very refined and quiet for a small car. Impressive ride quality. Does everything very well.