Today’s small cars, or superminis as they’re sometimes known, are more capable than ever. Unlike even smaller ‘city cars’ such as the Kia Picanto, superminis are ideally suited to urban driving but also not out of their depth on faster roads and motorways.
The best small cars also offer plenty of the latest technology and comfort features, while being able to carry four adults without too much struggle. In many ways small cars are cleverer than supercars, needing to excel at a much wider range of abilities and still be cheap to buy and run.
Our list of the top 10 small cars on sale today includes the most popular models according to RAC Drive readers. It’s made up of traditional petrol models, hybrids, compact SUVs and even an electric car.
If you’re in the market for a new or nearly new small car, you’ll want to check out all the models on this list.
Best small cars 2025: the shortlist
1. Renault Clio
Price: from £18,995 Power: Petrol or hybrid
Renault knows a thing or two about building great small cars, with several decades of success. The Clio is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, and it seems the latest model is more popular and capable than ever.
Available in peppy TCe turbo petrol form or with the brand’s clever E-Tech full hybrid system, the Clio manages to be stylish, good to drive, comfortable, high-tech, cheap to run and, handily, the most affordable car here. Factor in the smart, high-quality interior and big boot and you’re getting a lot of car for not a lot of cash.
2. Skoda Fabia:
Price: from £20,515 Power: Petrol
Skoda’s rational, practicality-first approach has resulted in some excellent all-round cars, and the Fabia is the most accessible in the brand’s range. It might be the smallest and cheapest Skoda but it’s still impressively roomy, with a spacious interior and a boot big enough to be in the class above.
The Czech brand’s useful ‘Simply Clever’ features – such as an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door and a tyre tread depth gauge in the fuel filler flap – offer a little surprise and delight. But the Fabia is also good to drive, with a comfortable ride and punchy yet frugal TSI petrol engine options.
3. Suzuki Swift
Price: from £19,699 Power: Petrol
The Suzuki Swift is highly regarded for its honesty, simplicity, strong reliability record and impressive fuel economy. That applies in abundance with the latest model, that also continues the Swift’s tradition of being lightweight and fun to drive.
The Swift also gets lots of standard equipment for the money, while the new mild-hybrid technology further boosts its cheap-to-run appeal. Sure, there are more refined small cars, and ones with higher safety ratings, but that hasn’t harmed its appeal.
4. Volkswagen Polo
Price: from £21,470 Power: Petrol
The VW Polo is a true icon of the small car world, and a household name to boot. With 50 years of history and over 20 million sales under its belt, Volkswagen’s venerable small car continues to shine even as competitors come and go.
The latest model is the biggest, classiest and most refined version yet; it’s a car for those who want a real big car feel in a compact and well-priced package. It’s easy to park, a doddle to drive around town but also one of the best cars here for long distance drives. And while it isn’t the cheapest small car here, the quality feel and plentiful standard kit make up for that.
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5. Lexus LBX
Price: from £30,915 Power: Hybrid
A premium-branded SUV is an unusual addition to this list of the best small cars at first glance. But this is a Lexus with a difference. Firstly, it’s affordable (by Lexus standards at least), but it’s also a lot smaller than you think: not much longer, wider and taller than a Fabia, in fact.
The LBX is much more than a Toyota Yaris Cross in a posh frock: the LBX is popular with RAC Drive readers for its ability to offer big car quality and luxury features in a compact, easy to drive and cheap to run package. The hybrid system combines performance and efficiency well, while the high-tech Lexus is also very comfortable and quiet on the motorway.
6. Renault 5
Price: from £22,995 Power: Electric
The fantastic new Renault 5 has already earned a place in our best small electric cars list, but frankly it’s so good that it’s one of the best small cars full stop. EVs don’t work for everyone, but for those that can this reborn icon sets new standards for affordable electric motoring.
With those head-turning looks, a characterful and high-quality interior and impressive technology, the 5 also offers a comfortable ride and fun driving experience. With a range of up to 250 miles it’s not out of its depth on a long drive, either, but the icing on the cake is the sheer value for money – this cutting-edge EV is as cheap to buy as a typical petrol small car.
7. Toyota Yaris
Price: from £23,445 Power: Hybrid
Toyota has been ahead of the game with hybrid technology ever since the original Prius arrived over 25 years ago. Nowadays most of its range combines petrol and electric power, and it makes the much-loved Yaris an extremely compelling small car.
Capable of up to 70mpg combined, the Yaris offers exceptional fuel efficiency in or out of town. That combines with smooth and easy part-electric running around town, while the latest Yaris is more fun to drive than you might think. Factor in Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability and quality, and you can’t go wrong.
8. Hyundai i20
Price: from £22,100 Power: Petrol
RAC Drive readers like the i20 for its all-round abilities. It might not be the cheapest, roomiest or cleverest small car in this list, but it ticks a lot of boxes by being fun to drive, loaded with standard equipment and spacious enough for most people’s needs.
The sharp-suited i20 has an interesting design, and a good roster of standard technology while also offering tidy handling and a peppy turbo petrol engine. Another key selling point is Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, giving you added peace of mind.
9. Honda Jazz
Price: from £28,060 Power: Hybrid
The enduring appeal of the Honda Jazz is mainly down to its Tardis-like interior, offering an impressive amount of flexibility in a small car. With the ability to easily accommodate four six-footers along with Honda’s brilliant Magic Seats that increase versatility, it’s great for everything from a road trip to a visit to the garden centre.
Sure, the Jazz’s cleverness doesn’t come cheap these days, but with a strong and smooth yet efficient hybrid powertrain combined with excellent efficiency and a logical interior, it’s very easy to drive, park and live with.
10. Peugeot 208
Price: from £22,670 Power: Petrol or electric
As proved by the two Renaults in this list, the French know how to inject style into a small car. And the Peugeot 208 is no different, with its funky design inside and out combined with a quality feel. There’s plenty of standard equipment, too.
But the 208’s biggest strength is comfort: it really is plush riding by small car standards. The 1.2 Puretech petrol engine is punchy and efficient, too, but the Peugeot is unique in this list by also giving you the option of the compelling all-electric e-208.
Best small car FAQs
What is the best small car?
The Renault Clio is one of our favourite small cars. It’s stylish, good to drive, well-built, comes with plenty of kit and is also affordable to buy and run.
What’s the best small car for older drivers?
The Honda Jazz is highly regarded by older drivers, offering a higher seating position than most small cars combined with excellent all-round visibility. Hybrid power also means a smooth, easy and efficient driving experience.
What is the most reliable small car?
While it’s difficult to accurately judge the reliability of new cars, Toyota has a stellar reputation for building long-lasting, low-maintenance cars. The Yaris also benefits from a warranty of up to ten years if serviced by Toyota dealers.
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