With rising petrol prices and congested cities, small cars like the Fiat Grande Panda offer practicality, economy and fun driving at competitive prices from under £20,000
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 revealed by automotive experts – and it is not a Citroen, Ford or MG.
Despite SUVs experiencing a boom in popularity, manufacturers continue to produce smaller models for consumers to purchase and drive.
Among the key advantages of compact cars is not only their ease of parking, but their lightweight construction makes them enjoyable to handle and fuel-efficient – essential at a time when petrol prices keep on rising.
With this in mind, motoring specialists from Auto Express have compiled a ranking of the finest small cars currently available to buy in the UK.
Topping the list with vintage styling reimagined for contemporary drivers 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.
The vehicle received acclaim for its practicality and impressive range and fuel economy in the electric and hybrid versions respectively, whilst its competitive price point also proved advantageous. The hybrid model starts from £19,000 whilst the electric variant begins at £21,000.
Auto Express commented: “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.”
Securing second place was the well-liked Kia Picanto, which the specialists praised for its mature feel and generous equipment levels. The publication also crowned it City Car of the Year in their 2025 awards.
They commented: “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.”
Third position went to the Renault 5, a vehicle that has enjoyed tremendous popularity since its debut several years ago. The electric French motor, with its retro-futuristic styling, has won favour amongst both reviewers and buyers alike.
Former chief reviewer Alex Ingram remarked 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 ranking of top small cars arrives as households attempt to economise following the outbreak of conflict in Iran, with leading motoring authorities calling on the Labour government to provide at least some protection for drivers against the unavoidable economic fallout from the conflict in the Middle East.
AA President 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.”
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