A group of motoring experts have named the best small cars in the UK (stock) (Image: Joe Morris via Getty Images)
The best small car available to buy in the UK has been named by car experts – and it’s not a Toyota, Hyundai or Ford.
Despite SUVs dominating the market, manufacturers continue producing smaller models for motorists to purchase and appreciate.
Amongst their greatest advantages, compact cars aren’t merely simple to park – their reduced weight makes them enjoyable to handle and fuel-efficient, essential qualities when petrol costs remain elevated.
With this in mind, motoring specialists from Auto Express have compiled a roundup of Britain’s finest small cars currently available.
Topping the rankings with vintage-inspired styling crafted for contemporary life is the Fiat Grande Panda. Drawing inspiration from the beloved Panda of the 1990s, it’s offered in both hybrid and electric configurations, reports the Mirror.
READ MORE: Rachel Reeves just slapped drivers round the face – one Lefty ally is raging
READ MORE: Cheapest car to run in UK unveiled – and it’s not a Toyota, Kia, or Ford
A Fiat Grande Panda (Image: Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images)
The vehicle received acclaim for its practicality and respectable range and efficiency in the electric and hybrid versions respectively, whilst its competitive price point also proved advantageous. Prices for the hybrid begin at £19,000 whilst the electric model starts from £21,000.
Auto Express said: “It’s quite a bit bigger than its predecessor, but the Fiat Grande Panda is still one of the best small cars you can buy. The 412-litre boot is one of the more generous in the small car class and even beats the closely-related Citroen C3 by almost 100 litres.”
Coming in second was the popular Kia Picanto which the experts said felt mature and arrived with generous equipment. It was also crowned the publication’s City Car of the year in their 2025 awards.
A Kia Picanto (Image: Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images)
They said: “The Kia Picanto offers lots of kit and a driving experience for a small car and is more akin to that of a car from the class above.”
Taking third place was the Renault 5, a car which has demonstrated enormous popularity since its launch a few years ago. With retro-futuristic styling, the electric French motor has attracted acclaim from both critics and the public.
Ex-chief reviewer Alex Ingram said of the 5: “While the Renault 5 plays heavily on nostalgia, there’s so much joy in this little package that it’s impossible not to be impressed. It feels like a more compelling posh supermini than a MINI Cooper or Peugeot E-208.”
The rundown of best small cars arrives at a moment when people are calculating how to economise following the beginning of the conflict in Iran with senior motoring figures pressing the Labour government to ensure motorists receive at least some protection from the inevitable economic fallout of the Iran conflict.
A Renault 5 (Image: Sjoerd van der Wal, Getty Images)
President of the AA Edmund King cautioned: “As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the global increase in oil prices will hurt inflation, particularly with the diesel price hikes. As most goods and services are delivered by diesel vehicles, this will lead to price rises which the consumer will be stung with.
“We strongly encourage the Chancellor to delay the staggered reintroduction of the 5p fuel duty discount in order to offer some breathing space for hard-pressed households.”
Leave a comment