Supermini sensation – we’ve never had it so good
- Gareth Herincx
- @garethherincx
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- 8 min read
Superminis are the biggest-selling cars in the UK and there are plenty to choose from.
Just this year we’ve seen the arrival of the latest version of the Ford Fiesta – Britain’s most popular car for the past eight years – and it’s better than ever.
Add that to other 2017 newcomers including the new Nissan Micra, Kia Rio and Seat Ibiza, and it’s clear that we live in a golden age for superminis. Fasten your seatbelts for 24 of the most popular on the market today…
Suzuki Baleno
Once in a while a new car comes along – seemingly out of the blue – that surprises everyone. Launched in 2016, the new Suzuki Baleno supermini is just such a car. Attractive, comfortable, roomy and economical, it’s great value for money. The 1.2 SHVS (mild hybrid) version is capable of up to 71mpg with CO2 emissions of just 894g/km.
Nissan Micra
The all-new Nissan Micra is something of a revelation because for the first time in the model’s history, it looks good. Slightly larger than the outgoing model, the stylish fifth-generation car features autonomous emergency braking (AEB), drives well and offers plenty of personalisation.
Renault Clio
Sleek, safe, distinctive and fun to drive, this small petrol version can manage 67mpg on paper, it’s Category 9 insurance rated and emits 94g/km of CO2, so you pay no road tax.
Dacia Sandero
At £5,995, the Dacia Sandero isn’t just the cheapest car to buy, it’s the cheapest car to run over three years, taking into account fuel, insurance, maintenance, servicing, repairs and depreciation. Based on the previous generation Renault Clio, it’s a bargain.
Alfa Romeo Mito
Alfa’s baby hatchback is cute, well equipped and cheap to run, though it’s not as engaging to drive as its bigger brothers. The 1.3 JTDm-2 95 hp Speciale can return up to 83mpg and emits just 89g/km of CO2.
Fiat Panda
The evergreen Panda is Italy’s best-selling car by far for good reason. It still looks funky – it’s also fun to drive, surprisingly spacious and great value for money. The 0.9 TwinAir can return up to 69mpg with CO2 emissions of 95g/km.
DS3
The best-selling car in the DS range drives well, looks distinctive and is available with stacks of personalisation options. Its punchy three-cylinder turbo petrol engine deserves a special mention, returning up to 66mpg with CO2 emissions of 100g/km.
Audi A1
Audi’s baby is a premium choice with excellent refinement for such a small car and it’s superbly well made. The thrummy three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI is good for 67mpg with low CO2 emissions of 97g/km.
Citroen C3
Not only does the new Citroen C3 look distinctive and funky, it drives well too and boasts a particularly comfortable ride. It also comes with a built-in dashcam that can record video and take snaps of the road ahead. Not just a gimmick – something we’ll see as standard in years to come.
Suzuki Swift
The 2017 version of Suzuki’s popular supermini follows on from the previous car offering great value for money, space and cheap running costs.
Volkswagen Polo
Superminis don’t get much classier than the VW Polo. Refined, well equipped and brimming with build quality, the Polo is a sensible choice. It might be a good time to get a bargain soon because there’s an all-new Polo coming soon.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai’s stylish, spacious hatchback could make sense for you – it also comes with a five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, which should bring peace of mind. The 1.1 CRDI version is capable of 88mpg and emits just 84g/km of CO2.
Fiat 500
If retro chic, a fun drive and a thrummy, punchy little engine are your thing, then look no further than the 0.9-litre TwinAir versions of the iconic Fiat 500.
Honda Jazz
The latest version of Honda’s supermini finally shakes off some of the old car’s reputation as a runabout for people of a certain age. Now with fresher styling and better equipment, it’s safe (a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating) and comes with Honda’s reputation for reliability.
MINI Hatch
The MINI is funky, stylish, cheap to run, enjoyable to drive – and made in Britain. The frugal MINI One diesel can return up to 83mpg with CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.
Kia Rio
The new Kia Rio’s styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but inside it features all the latest kit and connectivity, plus a modern new interior. It’s also great value for money and boasts Kia’s unbeatable seven-year warranty.
Mazda 2
Stylish and distinctive, the 1.5 diesel version of Mazda’s sporty small hatchback is fun to drive, capable of 83mpg and emits just 89g/km of CO2.
Seat Ibiza
There’s an all-new Seat Ibiza for 2017 looks a little like a baby Leon at first sight, but there’s a lot more going on. For instance, it’s bang up to date with connectivity and technology, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) standard across the range. Adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are also available.
Peugeot 208
Stylishly aerodynamic, well-equipped and practical, the Peugeot 208 is a great supermini choice. Peugeot markets the 1.6-litre Blue HDi version of the popular 208 as the “best-performing non-hybrid vehicle” and you can’t argue with CO2 emissions of 79g/km and a claimed 94.2mpg.
MG3
Priced from £8,695, the MG3 is well equipped, cheap to run and easy to personalise. And while it’s not top of the class, it is cheap to run and good value for money.
Skoda Fabia
This stylish supermini from the Czech brand is spacious, well built, comfortable and packed with goodies the higher you rise up the trim levels. Also available as an estate.
Toyota Yaris
Spacious, distinctive, reliable and great value, the petrol/electric hybrid version is a sensible choice. On paper it’s capable of 86mpg, while CO2 emissions are just 75g/km.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa isn’t one of the best-selling cars in the UK for nothing. Spacious, comfortable and good value for money, it earned a maximum five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP. The 1.3 diesel engine version has CO2 emissions as low as 87g/km and it can manage 86mpg on paper.
Ford Fiesta
And finally, the seventh generation Fiesta has just been launched and it’s better than ever. The UK’s biggest selling car for the past eight years now boasts the latest tech and connectivity – it’s also roomier and just as engaging to drive.