12 Best Small Cars for Short Journeys

For those short trips and daily commutes, small cars are the perfect choice. They’re economical, easy to park, and eco-friendly, thanks to their smaller engines. Besides, modern small cars have stepped up their game with lively engines and stylish designs. So, there are many great cars in the UK to choose from.

Today, we present the top cars for short-distance driving because the choice out there is truly overwhelming. Traditionally, city cars have been hatchbacks, also sometimes called runabouts to honour the tradition. But there are a couple of SUVs on the list, too.

Also, you should know that with Carplus, you can buy on attractive terms, so make sure to use the tool for your financing needs.

1. Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is a compact and budget-friendly car. It offers a choice between a 90bhp petrol engine and a 100bhp petrol/LPG bi-fuel version; both use a 1.0-litre engine. It’s fun to drive and easy to manoeuvre. It provides decent comfort, even on long trips, and has minimal wind and road noise on the motorway.

The base model Sandero doesn’t have all the fancy tech features. But higher trims like Expression offer connectivity amenities like a proper infotainment system with built-in navigation, cruise control, and parking sensors.

2. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta offers a range of petrol engines, including some with mild-hybrid tech for better acceleration and fuel efficiency. Its small size and light controls make it easy to handle, and its comfortable suspension absorbs most bumps well.

All Fiestas feature a height-adjustable driver’s seat with a higher position than many other small cars. On top of that, the Active versions have a slightly raised ride height. Despite being mostly city-friendly, the Fiestas include cruise control as standard, so it’s suitable for motorway driving, too.

3. Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 comes in efficient 84hp and 100hp models, fit for an occasional drive on dual-carriageway or motorway. It maintains a quiet cabin and offers advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

Inside, the i10 feels spacious enough, with a roomy driving position and excellent visibility through the large glass area. Some materials feel a bit cheap, but the overall build quality is commendable. Other than that, the car has strong ergonomics and a solid build that makes it feel mature and well-rounded.

4. Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris has noteworthy fuel economy, reliability, and plenty of standard kit. It offers a 115bhp system and now comes with a more powerful 130bhp hybrid engine, both based on the same 1.5-litre petrol engine. Even with the 115bhp version, the car doesn’t feel underpowered or out of its league if you take it on a short motorway trip.

The Yaris is very safe — lane assist and adaptive cruise control are standard on every Yaris model, which is quite rare for this segment. The suspension handles bumps well, and the steering is light and accurate.

5. Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is a remarkable vehicle, considering its price. It’s not ideal for long trips, but it performs well and quietly in most driving conditions. Manoeuvring through traffic is easy. Plus, there’re stable movements and minimal rattles and road noise compared to rival economy cars. It’s also comfortable at higher speeds and has strong brakes.

The Spark is enjoyable to drive because of its unique design. Inside, the car has its share of minor issues, but it still offers more interior space than many competitors.

6. Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is a small but practical and dependable car with clever design features. It has a petrol-electric hybrid system that combines two electric motors with a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Thanks to its comfort-focused suspension, the Jazz is comfortable on short or long drives. Good sound insulation and 16-inch wheels make sure there’s minimal wind and road noise. All models are capable of over 60 mpg in official tests. The real-world test shows more of a 35-60 mpg range, depending on the trim and model year.

7. Volkswagen Up!

The Volkswagen Up! hasn’t changed much in terms of appearance in recent models, but it’s surprisingly sophisticated. It’s great for city driving, but it also handles occasional short motorway trips well without feeling underpowered.

It shares similarities with the Škoda Citigo and Seat Mii, built on the same platform and from the same factory. Initially, it had a 1.0-litre engine in two power versions. Later, the manufacturer added turbocharged options and an EV variant.

Overall, the Up! is reliable, cheap to run, and doesn’t come with complex gadgets.

8. Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is a city car with a retro look inspired by the original model from the 1950s and 1960s. It comes with a number of various engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants. The Abarth version has a powerful 1.4-litre T-Jet engine for 135-187 bhp.

The size makes it perfect for city driving, but the car might feel limited on faster roads despite cruise control being standard on most models. Hybrid versions with a six-speed manual gearbox are better for trips.

9. Nissan Micra

The Nissan Micra comes with two petrol engines and one diesel option. The base Micra features a 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine, with an optional 89bhp 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a range of turbocharged 1.0-litre engines. For better fuel economy, there’s a refined 1.5-litre diesel engine.

The current-generation Micra is a much-appreciated update from the older model. The car performs well in the city but is average on the motorway. It feels stable and planted at higher speeds, with well-contained road noise.

10. Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a family-friendly modern car. Despite its smaller 1.5-litre engine, it delivers strong performance, especially on faster roads. As an alternative, the 2.5-litre engine offers an even quicker acceleration.

The Kuga drives well both on country roads and in town thanks to sharp steering and good grip. It’s also comfortable and quiet on the motorway. The advanced driver assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, blind-spot information, and more.

11. Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a luxurious and practical small car with a wide range of petrol engines, which offer power options from moderate to strong. It comes in various trims, from basic to sporty like the Black Edition. The driving experience feels mature, with responsive steering that’s light in the city and stable at higher speeds.

The dashboard features soft-touch materials, high-quality switches, and glossy black accents. Higher trims include standard rear parking sensors, and optional packages offer front sensors and a rear-view camera for improved visibility.

12. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson lineup offers a diverse range of engine options, starting from the 148bhp petrol engine for the base model. As you move up the range, the Hyundai Tucson offers the 178bhp MHEV, the 227bhp full hybrid, and the top-tier 261bhp PHEV with 25 miles per charge.

The Tucson has excellent visibility, a comfortable ride with firm suspension that’s not overly harsh, and it smoothens out on motorways for a composed performance. The model can be rather expensive in higher trims, but it’s worth it for a full-size SUV experience.

Final Words

In conclusion, when it comes to finding a car for short journeys, the small car market offers a lot of options. You’ll have no issue finding a suitable car on sale.

However, for a small car to stand out, it must excel in various aspects. It should be equally comfortable on the motorway and city streets, manoeuvring easily through tight urban roads. It should provide enough boot space for weekly shopping and have a practical interior suitable for families. And, of course, it should come with a competitive price tag.

Hopefully, you’ve found the one. If so, the next step is to explore your options with Carplus.