I want a small, fun car to replace my Nissan - what do you recommend? | Ask Honest John

I want a small, fun car to replace my Nissan - what do you recommend?

I have had a 2008 Nissan Note Acenta 1.4 for three years, but although I appreciate its practical qualities I just do not enjoy driving it. I don't need that practicality any more. What I need is a supermini that is involving and fun to drive, handles well, is reasonably brisk, quiet, comfortable, especially on long journeys, has torquey drivability and is modest in costs; the perfect small car indeed.

I am drawn to the 1.6TDCi 90 Ford Fiesta Zetec ECOnetic but I dislike its styling. I prefer the style of the Fiat Panda or 500 but I fear that they would not meet my requirements. What do you recommend?

Asked on 27 October 2012 by AH, Henley on Thames

Answered by Honest John

I recommend the Mazda 2 1.3 TS2. It's alive, and tax is just £30 a year.

Tags: comfortable cars fun cars small cars

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Related models

Fiat 500 (2008 on)

Stylish and full of character. Really affordable to buy. Low running costs.

Ford Fiesta (2008 - 2013)

Well built with an upmarket interior. Enjoyable and involving to drive. Cheap to run 1.6TDCI ECOnetic. Exceptional reliability record. Very few problems reported despite more than 500,000 sold.

Mazda 2 (2007 - 2015)

Enjoyable and fun to drive. Economical engines. Sensibly priced. Feels well built. Ride harshness over bumps improved for 2011.

Nissan Note (2006 - 2013)

Easy to drive and manouevre into small spaces, roomy cabin with plenty of headroom in the back, some clever and practical features inside, economical dCi diesels, well built.