Top 10: City Cars
Want a small car that’s as capable on the open road as it is around town? Well, there’s a plentiful choice on the market and you won’t have to settle for something dull and basic. Here are the most popular top 10 as decided by you.
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Hyundai i10
The i10 is a mature offering that is roomy and great to drive while cabin quality is impressive too. The 66PS 1.0-litre engine isn’t the last word in performance but it feels quicker than you’d expect and 60mpg economy will keep running costs admirably low. If you want a small car that handles longer trips as well as the urban grind, this should be near the top of your list.
Suzuki Ignis
We like the quirkiness of the little Suzuki and it appears that it's getting plenty of interest from readers too. It's good value for money given the amount of standard kit you get plus it offers more space than the average city car. While the impressive Boosterjet engine isn't available in the Ignis, the little 1.2-litre petrol offers plenty of get-up-and-go plus it returns decent economy.
Kia Picanto
If you want a small, fun, affordable car the Picanto is probably the next best thing after a Volkswagen Up. It may not have the style or image if the Up, but it's better equipped and of course comes with a seven-year warranty as standard. There's also the new 1.0 T-GDi available if you want a bit more get up and go.
Volkswagen Up
While the Up might be a tad pricier than others here there’s a classy feel to the interior and it remains great to drive. The 60PS engine is decent enough but if you regularly carry a full complement of passengers, or spend a lot of time on the motorway, you’re better off with the 75PS unit which is almost as economical.
Read the full Volkswagen Up review
| List Price from | £16,140 |
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| Buy new from | £14,470 |
Toyota Aygo
While the Aygo is slightly more expensive than its Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 cousins, the main reason for choosing the Toyota is the standard five-year warranty. Aside from a few hard plastics the cabin is a good quality, proving comfortable and refined on longer journeys. All models get the same 1.0-litre engine that's cheap to run.
Read the full Toyota Aygo review
| List Price from | £12,650 |
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| Buy new from | £10,754 |
Skoda Citigo
The Citigo is virtually identical to its SEAT Mii cousin, so there’s little to choose between them. Even base models are reasonably well-equipped though so you don’t have to break the bank and the low running costs will be easy on the pocket as well. Considering its compact dimensions the Citigo is reasonably practical too with a 238-litre boot.
Fiat 500
Even almost a decade on, the 500 is as popular as ever. The chic looks and funky interior are the stand-out features, plus of course there’s a mind-boggling array of personalisation options. It's rare you ever see two the same. It isn’t the most engaging drive, but it still has the capacity to entertain. The TwinAir model is an unusual two-cylinder engine and while it falls short of its claimed economy figures, you should still be seeing more than 45mpg.
| List Price from | £13,205 |
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| Buy new from | £11,297 |
Fiat Panda
The Panda may have had its limelight stolen by the far more chic 500 - but if it's practicality you value, the dimunitive Fiat is impressive for a such a small car. The driving experience is pleasant rather than sparkling but it is available with the same Twinair engine as the 500 alongside a 1.2-litre petrol. And if you want a more rugged look, there's the Panda City Cross.
Read the full Fiat Panda review
| List Price from | £11,140 |
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| Buy new from | £9,999 |
Suzuki Celerio
The Celerio may not be much of a looker, but on the plus side it has a spacious cabin and one that’s well-equipped in entry-level form with niceties such as a DAB radio and air-conditioning all fitted as standard. The quality of the finish is not the best and it feels dated but considering prices start at just £7500 it is very cheap.
Peugeot 108
Model-for-model, the 108 might be slightly more expensive than its Citroen C1 counterpart, but it’s all very similar inside with the same comfortable and neatly-styled cabin. There’s the same 68PS three-cylinder engine which is frugal if a little lacking in performance, although it manages to feel livelier than that in reality. It makes an ideal first car for anyone who has just passed their test.
Read the full Peugeot 108 review
| List Price from | £14,500 |
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| Buy new from | £10,995 |