Every brand's smallest car and how cheaply you can buy them

feature

Every brand's smallest car and how cheaply you can buy them

From Abarth to Volvo, we name the smallest model from every car maker, and reveal how much money you can save on each of them...

George Hill

Published18 September 2023

Car reviews

Volkswagen Polo

New Audi A3

New Audi S3

View all new car
reviews

Cars come in all shapes and sizes, and these days they seem to be getting bigger. Big cars aren't always for everyone, though; a small car is all some people need. It might be a second car for running around a town or city, or maybe as a main car that won't cost a lot to run.

So, which cars are the smallest from each manufacturer? That's the question we're answering here. We're classifying each car by its length, and what might be a small car for one company may be a large one for another, so prepare to see quite a variety of sizes in this list.

As well as revealing the smallest car in every brand's line-up, we'll also show how much our Target Price deals can save you if you purchase one using our free What Car? New Car Buying service. You can also follow the review links to read more about each model.

Abarth 595

Car deals

Abarth only makes two models – the 595 and Abarth 500e. The cheapest of the two – the Abarth 595 – offers impressive straight-line pace and feels nimble on country roads, as the best hot hatchbacks should. Poor ergonomics and a high price tag make it difficult to recommend, though.

Read our full Abarth 595 review or see new Abarth 595 deals >>

Alfa Romeo Tonale

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is slightly shorter – if markedly taller – than the Giulia saloon in length, and its boxier shape brings greater practicality; the Tonale's boot is a much squarer shape and the mild hybrid versions can hold 500 litres of luggage. In plug-in hybrid form, that figure drops to a less practical 385 litres, though.

Read our full Alfa Romeo Tonale review or see new Alfa Romeo Tonale deals >>

Alpine A110

Alpine only sells one model in the UK, so the A110 appears on this list by default. It is pretty small, though, but great things really can come in compact packages; the A110 offers truly involving and entertaining handling, a cracking 1.8-litre petrol engine, and a surprisingly comfortable ride for a sports car.

Read our full Alpine A110 review or see new Alpine A110 deals >>

Aston Martin Vantage

While the British brand has branched out into the realm of SUVs with the DBX, Aston Martin's smallest car is the Vantage. It's also its best sports car to date, although the Porsche 911 is a better all-rounder.

Read our full Aston Martin Vantage review or see new Aston Martin Vantage deals >>

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a fine car; it's great to drive, comfortable to sit in and is available with lots of big car options. If you can live without your car having a posh badge, the Peugeot 208 and Volkswagen Polo offer slightly more for less.

Read our full Audi A1 review or see new Audi A1 deals >>

Bentley Continental GT

Bentley's 'smallest' car is the Continental GT – a fine grand tourer that gets the balance between sports car and luxury car pretty much spot on. We’d take ours in ‘entry-level’ V8 form over the flagship W12 model, due to its more characterful soundtrack and sharper handling.

Read our full Bentley Continental GT review or see new Bentley Continental GT deals >>

BMW 1 Series

Despite being smaller than the BMW X1 SUV, the 1 Series family car is impressively spacious and practical. The boot, for example, is a good shape and has a low load lip, and taller adults should have enough room in the back. On top of that, it gets a smart, well built interior and a brilliant infotainment system.

Read our full BMW 1 Series review or see new BMW 1 Series deals >>

BYD Dolphin

BYD is a Chinese car brand that has recently arrived in the UK with two new models – the Atto 3 electric SUV and Dolphin electric car. The latter is the firm's smallest offering, and it's competitive with the MG4 on account of its keen pricing, decent range and spacious interior. To drive, though, it doesn't feel as well polished with its softer suspension set-up and busy ride at high speeds.

Read our full BYD Dolphin review >>

Citroën Ami

The smallest car on this list is technically a quadricycle rather than a full-on car. As a result, it’s slow and has a minuscule range, but it's much more civilised than the similarly tiny (and now discontinued) Renault Twizy, offering much better protection from the elements. That means a small niche of city dwellers may find it ideal, but the obvious compromises mean it will be a far harder sell for most drivers.

Read our full review of the Citroën Ami >>

Cupra Born

The Cupra Born takes all the good bits from the class-leading Volkswagen ID 3 and adds a slightly more polished interior and an upgraded infotainment system. Being to the sportier sibling, it also gets a lower and slightly stiffer suspension, making it sharper and more fun to drive.

Read our full Cupra Born review or see new Cupra Born deals >>

Dacia Sandero

The term "cheap and cheerful" can be disparaging, but it's a compliment when applied to the Sandero; it's a fine small car to spend time in, and it's one of the very best in the class when it comes to practicality. Only a disappointing Euro NCAP safety score lets the side down.

Read our full Dacia Sandero review or see new Dacia Sandero deals >>

DS 3

The DS 3 might be exclusive and refined in fully electric form, but it's expensive and trails its rivals for practicality, ride and handling. We'd steer you towards better rivals, such as the MG 4 or Cupra Born.

Read our full DS 3 review or see new DS 3 deals >>

Ferrari Portofino M

The Portofino may not be the most cosseting cruiser, but stonking performance and agile handling more than make up for that. In fact, it's quite a contrast to the Bentley Continental GTC and Porsche 911, because it always feels like it wasn't to be driven hard and fast.

Read our full Ferrari Portofino review >>

Fiat 500 Hybrid

The combustion-powered Fiat 500 is ever so slightly smaller than its fully electric sibling. Like that model, it has style and image on its side, but it's no where near as good to drive. That said, it is a lot cheaper.

Read our full Fiat 500 Hybrid review or see new Fiat 500 Hybrid deals >>

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is superb to drive, smart inside and well equipped, plus it offers a broad range of trim levels to cater for many tastes and budgets. It’s one of the very best small cars you can buy, although it's worth noting that Ford has recently discontinued the Fiesta. However, you should still be able to buy a brand new model from dealer stock.

Read our full Ford Fiesta review or see new Ford Fiesta deals >>

Genesis G70

If you’re after an executive car that’s slightly different to the usual suspects, the Genesis G70’s comfy interior and high levels of standard equipment make it a tempting choice. It is, however, overshadowed by such established rivals as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, which offer better practicality, a more dynamic driving experience and better economy.

Read our full Genesis G70 review or see new Genesis G70 deals >>

Honda E

The Honda E is a car you might fall in love with for the way it looks, but it's also good fun to drive, well-equipped and relatively upmarket inside. Sadly, with such a limited range between charges, a confusing infotainment system and a high price, it's harder to recommend than many rivals.

Read our full review of the Honda E or see our new Honda E deals >>

Hyundai i10

If you're looking for a small car package that offers cultured motoring on a sensible budget, you must check out the Hyundai i10. It's relatively spacious and smart inside, it has a great infotainment system and it rides and drives more impressively than plenty of bigger, pricier cars. Mid-level trim is our favourite and comes with 16in alloy wheels, heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard.

Read our full Hyundai i10 review or see new Hyundai i10 deals >>

Ineos Grenadier

Ineos is a new car brand founded by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. And being a car that was inspired by the original Land Rover Defender, it's not exactly small. However, that does mean you get a commanding driving position and a spacious interior. It's also incredibly capable off-road (and not so capable on it).

Read our full Ineos Grenadier review or see new Ineos Grenadier deals >>

Jaguar E-Pace

Sharp looks and plenty of standard equipment add to the Jaguar E-Pace’s appeal, but an unsettled ride, below-par efficiency and poor reliability detract from the overall package. Ultimately, the Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque are more comfortable, plusher inside and more practical, while also depreciating more slowly.

Read our full Jaguar E-Pace review or see new Jaguar E-Pace deals >>

Jeep Avenger

The Jeep Avenger a small electric SUV designed in Europe for European drivers. Fittingly, it's a lot smaller than the other cars in Jeep's range, making it a lot easier to drive around town. Also, being electric, it's quieter and more comfortable, especially compared with the Jeep Renegade.

Read our full Jeep Avenger review or see new Jeep Avenger deals >>

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is a very fine small car, with a smart interior, tidy handling and – if you pick our favourite '3' trim – a very easy to use and well-equipped infotainment system. The Hyundai i10 is a bit more polished in terms of ride and refinement, though, and a Dacia Sandero offers more space but costs even less.

Read our full Kia Picanto review or see new Kia Picanto deals >>

Lamborghini Huracán

The Huracán is everything a Lamborghini should be – jaw-dropping to look at and with a powerful and noisy V10 petrol engine providing prodigious power. It's anything but small, but it's surprisingly easy to drive.

Read our full Lamborghini Huracán review or see new Lamborghini Huracán deals >>

Land Rover Defender 90

While the Range Rover Evoque has smaller overall dimensions, the Defender 90 is actually shorter in length, and it's a fantastic rugged SUV that fuses off-road ability with decent on-road manners. If that's the blend of abilities you're after, it's effectively in a class of one. With its bigger boot, the 110 will make the most sense for many, but the 90 is usefully more compact and better off road.

Read our full Land Rover Defender review or see new Land Rover Defender deals >>

Lexus UX

If you're hankering for a posh family SUV, the Lexus UX might tempt you. It’s well equipped, pleasant to drive and comes with the promise of Lexus’s excellent reliability record. Rivals such as the Volvo XC40 and Volkswagen Tiguan are more spacious, though.

Read our full Lexus UX review or see new Lexus UX deals >>

Lotus Emira

After its acquisition by Chinese firm Geely, Lotus has undergone a complete brand overhaul and developed a new line-up of cars. The first of those cars to arrive is the Emira sports car, which is a joy to drive with its fine handling, luxurious interior and plush ride. Being the firm's smallest car, it's not exactly the most practical offering, but the upcoming Eletre electric SUV should soon have that base covered.

Read our full Lotus Emira review or see new Lotus Emira deals >>

Maserati Grecale

Maserati's newest car is also its smallest, because the Grecale is ever so slightly smaller in length than the Maserati Ghibli saloon. Due to be offered with mild hybrid, V6 or fully electric power, the Grecale will compete with the likes of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Porsche Macan.

Read our full Maserati Grecale review or see new Maserati Grecale deals >>

Mazda MX-5

Shorter in length than the Mazda 2 small car, the Mazda MX-5 is a terrific two-seat convertible that's great to drive and won't cost a fortune to buy or own. It might not offer the blood and thunder acceleration of the more expensive machines in the sports car class, but with its free-revving engines, sweet gearbox and nimble handling, it’s difficult to beat for pure driving enjoyment.

Read our full Mazda MX-5 review or see new Mazda MX-5 deals >>

McLaren Artura

The replacement for the 570S, the McLaren Artura, is now the British firm's smallest car. Powered by a 671bhp plug-in hybrid system, the new Artura offers up to 19 miles officially on zero-emission pure-electric power, plus a 0-62mph of just 3.0sec when both its twin-turbocharged V6 and electric motor are working in tandem.

Read our full McLaren Artura review or see new McLaren Artura deals >>

Mercedes A-Class

The smallest car in the Mercedes range is the A-Class, and it's classy, comfortable, good to drive, safe and packed with technology. Each of its engines has something going for it, but for its overall pace, efficiency and cost, the A200 is our pick of the bunch. So-so reliability is the A-Class's Achilles heel, though, and one of the reasons we rank the Audi A3 above it.

Read our full Mercedes A-Class review or see new Mercedes A-Class deals >>

MG3

The MG range now offers quite a few cars to choose from, but the MG 3 is still the smallest. It's keenly priced, but a bumpy ride, wheezy engine and disappointing safety rating all count against it.

Read our full MG 3 review or see new MG 3 deals >>

Mini Hatch

The Mini Hatch is a hugely desirable small car that has plenty of substance to match its style. The Cooper in Exclusive trim makes the most of the Mini’s biggest strength – its well-appointed interior. It's disappointing that automatic emergency braking (AEB) is optional, rather than standard, and there are safer small cars. If practicality is high on your list of must-haves, we’d point you in the direction of the Audi A1.

Read our full Mini Hatch review or see new Mini Hatch deals >>

Nissan Juke

There are better rounded small SUVs, but the Nissan Juke remains strong in some key areas, including interior quality, safety and equipment levels. Out of all the trims, we reckon the mid-range N-Connecta trim makes the most sense, because it gets you a leather-wrapped steering wheel, climate control and keyless start, while not pushing the price up too much.

Read our full Nissan Juke review or see new Nissan Juke deals >>

Ora Funky Cat

Ora is another Chinese car brand that has recently arrived in the UK, and the Funky Cat is its sole offering. Unfortunately, it's not a very good all-rounder with its tiny boot, poor infotainment system and firm suspension. On the plus side, it is quite spacious for its size.

Read our full Ora Funky Cat review or see new Ora Funky Cat deals >>

Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is one of the very best small cars with its stylish looks, smart interior and comfortable ride. Our favourite version combines the 99bhp 1.2-litre PureTech engine with Allure Premium + trim, which gets you digital dials, a reversing camera and sat nav as standard.

Read our full Peugeot 208 review or see new Peugeot 208 deals >>

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 is a thrillingly quick electric car with an exquisite interior, long range and competitive pricing structure. Just bear in mind that the similarly priced Tesla Model 3 is better to drive and more practical, plus it gives you access to Tesla's fantastic Supercharger charging network.

Read our full Polestar 2 review or see new Polestar 2 deals >>

Porsche 718 Boxster

In GTS trim, with its glorious 4.0-litre flat-six engine, the Porsche 718 Boxster sounds amazing, is sensational to drive and is beautifully built; it’s one of the best open-top sports cars on sale. However, if your budget doesn't stretch to that, the four-cylinder versions aren't as pleasing, so it's worth looking instead at the Alpine A110 and Audi TT.

Read our full Porsche 718 Boxster review or see new Porsche 718 Boxster deals >>

Renault Clio

Because you can no longer buy a new Renault Twizy in the UK, the Clio now takes over the title of the smallest car in the Renault range (being ever so slightly shorter than the Zoe). It might not be the most fun or comfortable small car, but the Clio continues to be a great all-rounder. This frugal E-Tech hybrid version will appeal to company car users, too.

Read our full Renault Clio review or see new Renault Clio deals >>

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Rolls-Royce isn't a company known for its compact cars, but the Wraith is its smallest offering. While it might not be perfect, it’s a hugely desirable ownership proposition for the privileged few who can afford it.

Read our full Rolls-Royce Wraith review or see new Rolls-Royce Wraith deals >>

Seat Ibiza

The Seat Ibiza is one of the best small cars you can buy, thanks to its tidy handling, roomy interior and low running costs. Go for the 1.0 TSI 95 engine and SE Technology or FR trim to get the best value for money.

Read our full Seat Ibiza review or see our new Seat Ibiza deals >>

Skoda Fabia

Practical, comfortable and good value, the new Skoda Fabia is one of the best small cars on sale today. Being the smallest car in the Skoda range, it should be cheaper to run than its larger SUV siblings.

Read our full Skoda Fabia review or see new Skoda Fabia deals >>

Smart EQ Fortwo

If you were to describe the proportions of the ultimate city car, the Smart EQ Fortwo might well provide the template. Only the (much, much slower) Citroën Ami has dinkier dimensions, allowing you to scoot through gaps and park with ease. That appeal aside, the Fortwo's shortfall in refinement, practicality and, by modern standards, electric range, limits it far more than other electric city cars.

Read our full Smart EQ Fortwo review or see new Smart EQ Fortwo deals >>

Ssangyong Tivoli

The Ssangyong Tivoli is decent for the money, but it's massively outclassed in terms of space, efficiency and comfort by pricier small SUVs, including the Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Roc. The Dacia Duster also outclasses it in several ways, while being more efficient to run and cheaper to buy outright.

Read our full Ssangyong Tivoli review or see new Ssangyong Tivoli deals >>

Subaru XV

The Subaru XV is astonishingly good off road, and its reliability record and standard safety kit are commendable. For those who don’t require proper off-road ability, though, most rivals in this class will prove more practical, as well as being much cheaper to buy and run.

Read our full Subaru XV review or see new Subaru XV deals >>

Suzuki Ignis

The Suzuki Ignis is a fair choice if you’re looking for an affordable city runabout with a raised driving position. Its four-wheel drive option brings all-weather peace of mind and is an unusual option in this class, but it's by no means necessary for everybody. It’s a very easy car to drive and clever packaging means it’s more spacious than you might think. What drags its score down is patchy interior quality and fairly unremarkable handling.

Read our full Suzuki Ignis review or see new Suzuki Ignis deals >>

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is good to drive, packed full of tech, fast (ridiculously so in Performance guise) and even fairly practical. Yes, it is firmer-riding than some of its executive car rivals, but it’s never uncomfortable even on beaten-up UK roads. It’s also competitively priced and well equipped, and when you factor in its long battery range and Tesla's world-beating charging infrastructure, it's more recommendable than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Polestar 2.

Read our full Tesla Model 3 review or see new Tesla Model 3 deals >>

Toyota Aygo X

The Toyota Aygo X offers a distinctive style to go with its frugal fuel economy, great driving position and decent infotainment system. However, when it comes to the engine, space and practicality that it offers, it's outgunned by better rivals such as the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto.

Read our full Toyota Aygo X review or see new Toyota Aygo X deals >>

Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa is a competent small car, but isn't outstanding in any area. For example, it's not as comfortable or nice inside as the closely related Peugeot 208, not as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta and not as spacious as a Volkswagen Polo. It's well equipped and not too expensive if you stick to our recommended trim, though.

Read our full Vauxhall Corsa review or see new Vauxhall Corsa deals >>

Volkswagen Up

The Volkswagen Up offers plenty of appeal, combining fun driving manners with generous standard equipment, and a high-quality interior that sets it apart from rivals such as the Kia Picanto. It’s a shame the entry-level engine is a little underpowered, though, and automatic emergency braking isn’t available.

Read our full Volkswagen Up review or see new Volkswagen Up deals >>

Volvo XC40

It's some time since we voted the multi-talented Volvo XC40 our Car of the Year, but it still cuts the mustard. It blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a quality interior and top-notch safety. That means you're not just buying a hugely desirable product, but also one backed up with real substance.

Read our full Volvo XC40 review or see new Volvo XC40 deals >>

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Best plug-in hybrid cars 2024 – best and worst PHEVs named

Plug-in hybrid cars can reduce fuel consumption to an absolute minimum, but which models are the best all-rounders and which ones should you avoid?

Long term tests >

Feature

Renault Clio long-term test

In January, we named the latest Clio our Small Car of the Year. But now we're seeing if it continues to impress when you live with it every day

New car group tests >

Feature

New Renault Megane E-Tech vs used Kia EV6

With a saving of around £14,000 off new, a year-old Kia EV6 looks like great value, but are you better off spending even less on a box-fresh Renault Megane E-Tech?

News and advice