Small cars are a hit in every major city. They allow you to navigate congested streets more accurately, find parking faster, use less fuel and still have enough luggage space for weekly purchases.
Compact cars of the latest generation have long caught up with their larger "colleagues" in design, equipment and comfort, while being cheap to buy and not ruining the budget with operating costs. Unsurprisingly, they are very popular. The demand for such vehicles stimulates manufacturers, and the competition does not subside. This benefits customers - they are offered models for every taste.
Currently, there are many interesting and high quality small city cars on the market. The best ones deserve more attention than just a glimpse.
What makes a city car good
Traffic jams, traffic lights, narrow streets … Driving in the city is a special experience. You have to pay a lot of attention to dozens of cars and people at the same time, so as not to interfere with each other, and sometimes nerves of steel are needed for this. Either way, you need the right car to reduce the chances of getting into an awkward position. What qualities should a comfortable city car possess?
1. Fiat 500
With charming design and versatile equipment, the Fiat 500 is considered the best compact car for anyone looking to combine value-for-money with modern style. Since its introduction on the market, this "Italian" has been known as an affordable city car with a special focus on safety, and thanks to its compact format (about 3.5 meters long), it fits freely into any parking space.
Trunk volume - 185 liters; during extended shopping trips, the rear seat can be folded down to create more cargo space. For lovers of Italian chic, the Fiat 500 is also available in a convertible version (500C).
2. Opel Corsa
The latest generation Corsa is sportier and more mature than any of its predecessors. The modern small car with a length of just over 4 meters is one of the largest models in its category, but it is still very maneuverable. Equipments such as touch guards on the sides and Blind Spot Alert ensure maximum safety on the road.
Opel has also made significant headway in entertainment and networking. With Opel Connect, the driver can easily get the latest traffic information via the multimedia touchscreen. The popular car is also available on the market with an electric drive in the form of the most fuel efficient Corsa-e.
3. VW Polo
The classic small VW Polo with annual registrations in the six-digit range is widely known in Europe and beyond. By combining comfort, modern design and proven quality, Volkswagen continues to attract a wide range of buyers.
In addition to its high reliability, the Polo impresses with numerous equipment options, adapting it to a wide range of needs. Additional features include customizable lighting, comfortable seats with lumbar support, a good audio system and an intelligent Car-Net system.
Standard emergency braking and pedestrian detection are ideal for the city. Don't expect too much sportiness - the Polo is not made for that, but the overall impression is still positive. It delivers everything one would expect from such a car and combines that with balanced demeanor, beautiful design and reasonable price.
4. Hyundai i10
The South Korean automaker showed European competitors how to make a small car affordable, nimble, reliable and spacious. Its small car has a length of only 3.5 meters and a width of 1.5 meters, but it looks sporty and modern, but inside it distorts the sensations and seems more than it really is.
Details such as the three-dimensional honeycomb pattern add a pleasant touch to the ambience. What really lifts the South Korean into the Best Subcompact Car category is a great place to store personal belongings and purchases. 252 liters of cargo space, flexible trunk division into two levels and the choice between a 4- or 5-seater cabin are really nice bonuses in this segment.
5. Audi A1
The compact "German" premium class thrives in the world of city cars. The design impresses with its elegance and sportiness, while the dynamics are able to inspire young gamblers. Special advantages lie in the equipment options that are much more varied than comparable models. However, the price for a high standard is considerable: the A1 is one of the most expensive models in its sector. But for the sake of prestige and incomparable quality, motorists willingly take wallets out of their pockets.
6. SEAT Ibiza
The Spanish Ibiza is a sportier and younger version of Polo. This is a classic among small cars that has enjoyed immense popularity without interruption since it entered the market in the mid-1980s. The latest generation looks sporty as usual, but gains additional points due to the increased interior space compared to its predecessor (boot volume increased by more than 60 liters to a full 355 liters) without saving on comfort, technology, performance and safety.
Urban emergency braking, environmental recognition, GMS booster and connectivity to three smartphone platforms are just a few of its benefits. All functions in the cockpit are controlled via an 8-inch touchscreen. The Seat Ibiza is considered to be one of the best small cars for families looking for a practical car for city traffic with generous space inside.
7. VW e-Up
The miniature electric car from VW is a pleasure to drive both in the city center and beyond, with a range of up to 260 kilometers. Maps & More showcases public charging stations across Europe.
Standard equipment includes road sign reminders, multiple airbags, six speakers, and comprehensive smartphone support. Thanks to the environmental bonuses provided by many countries, this is all available at a great price. Drivers who consider themselves environmentally conscious are happy to switch to e-Up, whose small size is compensated by thoughtful design in the interior.
8. Renault Zoe
Slightly larger than the Up, but with better range, the Zoe is the French answer to the people's desperate need for small, affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives for stress-free city driving. Appearance is pleasant, maintenance costs are low, safety is still highly rated by Euro NCAP. The space in the cabin and trunk, given the class of the car, is also a sin to complain about. But the biggest plus of the model is the power reserve of 300 kilometers.
The Zoe's interior is just as groundbreaking. There are many advanced technologies here, including an intuitive multifunction steering wheel, keyless start system, uncomplicated smartphone integration and crisp 7-inch touchscreen graphics.
Many parts of a small car are made from recycled material, which is much better for the environment. If you want to do something good not only for yourself, but also for the environment, Zoe will be a good companion for every day.
9. SEAT Mii Electric
The popular Mii Electric sold out early last year but is now back in stock and will surely be as popular as it was a few months ago. Mainly because the value for money is good.
When charged at a 40 kW station, the Mii's energy reserve is replenished by 80 percent in about an hour, and if you only move in city traffic, you can travel about 350 kilometers on a single charge. But this is in theory, with the combination of all favorable circumstances - the weather, the quality of the road surface, careful driving style, etc. Under normal conditions, the "flight" range is about 260 kilometers - not so grandiose, but also quite good.
10. Toyota Yaris
From the outset, the Yaris had the big advantage of being available as a hybrid. The electrified drive is especially useful for small cars that often drive around town. Customers think so too - especially those who cannot (or do not want) to afford a pure electric car for one reason or another. There is order and comfort in the Toyota Yaris cabin, the trunk holds an average of 286 to 768 liters. The Yaris is very harmoniously balanced for a pleasant driving experience.
Safety is up to the mark: Toyota Safety Sense has been introduced to small cars alongside the current model. If you want to drive efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way, a hybrid is hard to ignore. In addition, the price is normal, and it includes a lot of things, for which you often have to pay extra when buying traditional gasoline models.
In comparison with such small cars, they will look especially contrasting huge powerful trucks.