Best City Cars

Since 2008 the Hyundai i10 has been one to watch out for. It’s not too dear to buy and not too hard on the wallet for running costs either, so nabbing yourself a used one of these on the cheap will be a cinch. If the brand doesn’t grab you, then it’s worth mentioning that they’ve been on an upward trajectory for some time now. That’s for good reason too: the i10 just keeps getting better. 2014 models handle better in tight city streets and have the edge looks-wise, but do check out the earlier versions too. With well-balanced performance and efficient engines, they’re perfect for driving both in and out of the city. Perhaps try to dodge the automatic gearbox though, as we reckon it harms economy and performance.

If you’re looking for trusted build quality and brand-prestige, the Volkswagen Up might be more up your street. It’s still affordable and has the low running costs expected in this category, which is perfect for stop-start city driving. Less expected is how spacious it feels inside and how much fun it is to drive on narrow, busy streets. The engines are punchy enough, but if you want more oomph and have a bigger budget, 2018 saw an excellent GTI model launched. If you’re looking at an automatic ‘box, be aware it’s an acquired taste so test-driving is a must.

Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Up, the SEAT Mii shares many of that car’s enviable qualities such as affordability and low running costs. The Mii, though, is uniquely styled with a look all of its own – the front end, in particular, has a sportier feel to it. The best buy is probably the 75-horsepower engine which perfectly balances performance and fuel economy, feeling confident but controlled in traffic and on busy streets.

The Skoda Citigo is the stablemate to the Volkswagen Up and SEAT Mii, with essentially the same mechanics under a different skin. As such, it shares their practicality, urban-focused road manners and low running costs. It is the cheapest of the three though, so if its styling and badge are okay with you, it’s a very canny buy. The small size and smooth manoeuvrability make it a breeze to fit into tight spaces. Like its sister cars, the automatic gearbox is best avoided if possible because of its sluggish gear changes.

We think the Toyota Aygo is one of the most distinctive city cars on this list. It has funky, modern styling, with customisation options that make it easy to pick up a fairly unique car that matches your style. It’s not just style over substance here either – the Aygo is economical, easy to drive and has good equipment levels. Toyota also has a very good reputation for reliability, so the Aygo should fare well on that front too.

The Fiat Panda is a little taller than many of its competitors, which means it feels spacious inside and there’s plenty of headroom. It’s not just practical though, it’s economical too, and there’s a range of engine options – all of which are perfectly tailored to driving on busy roads and through heavier traffic. The Panda was affordably priced new, and improved offerings from rivals should mean used prices have dropped. Though not a dealbreaker for some, it’s worth noting that Euro NCAP re-evaluated the Panda in 2018 as zero stars for safety (though it originally scored four stars in 2011).

This choice is all about style! For many, there is no city car that’s cuter and has more retro-inspired charm than the Fiat 500. Its nostalgic exterior and quirky interior are unique in its class, but it lacks the practicality or refined driving experience of others on this list. It’s far from terrible, it’s just not quite as good. But then you’ll likely forgive that every time you look at it.

Dacia might be lacking in badge appeal, but when the Sandero arrived in 2013 it was the cheapest new car in the UK – and that means there are bargains on the used market. Cheap doesn’t mean bad either. The Sandero boasts efficient engines and good levels of practicality – just bear in mind that the interior and features are a little bare-bones. In real-world tests, the fuel economy stays impressive in stop-start driving situations, and the smooth handling is ideal for smaller, busier streets. Dacia kept costs low by using older Renault mechanics, which does mean the parts should be reliable. Overall, the Sandero’s definitely worth a look if you’re on a tight budget.

The Kia Picanto has always been a good value option, offering affordable pricing with style and economy to match its rivals. Practicality is helped by a five-door version and a good-sized boot on models from 2017 – these later models are particularly well-equipped too. Kia is known for its market-leading warranty of seven years, and that should give you confidence in their reliability. The warranty can be passed from new to used buyers, but get the seller to prove all Kia’s conditions for this have been met so you don’t get a nasty surprise down the line.

Though there were earlier versions of the Suzuki Ignis from 2000, it’s the relaunched 2017-onwards model we’re focusing on here. Its looks are distinctive – it’s the only city car on this list that has the appearance of a shrunken SUV, and it manages to somehow look both cute and cool. There are customisation options that increase its uniqueness too, and the costs to buy and run one are equally appealing.

These models are where to start in your search for the perfect city car. If you’ve already decided which one is for you, check out the listings and search for your next car. If you’re still not sure, have a read of some of our reviews for a more in-depth look.