Heading
Close X
Menu
At Brindley, we love small cars, and so do our customers, but which is the best one?
For decades, first-time drivers, families, and commuters have relied on small cars to reliably take them from A to B. Whether it’s their efficient engines, the ability to easily park, or their affordability, there’s plenty to love about small cars.
We’re here to tell you all about the best small cars on the market right now – their pros, their cons, and why you should consider them for your next car.
Over the years, what’s considered a small car has changed considerably, but for the purposes of this blog, we’re considering anything from microcars up to superminis.
Now that we’ve told you how much we love small cars, you’re probably wondering why. Well, there are a number of reasons why a small car can be a great option.
Small cars don’t weigh very much, and so don’t need large engines to get up to speed. They’re typically designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible, meaning they’re cheaper to run.
Small cars usually aren’t super powerful and are easy to drive because of their compact design, ideal for new drivers who are still building their confidence on the roads.
Even if you’re an experienced driver, small cars make great runarounds for solo drivers who don’t require a bigger car.
Whether you’ve been driving for 4 years or 40 years, parking can be a struggle, especially with many spaces getting smaller. With a small car, parking is a breeze, allowing you to fit into spaces that larger cars would struggle with.
Just because a car is smaller doesn’t mean it lacks the latest tech. Most small cars have premium features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and, on certain trim levels, heated seats and steering wheels. They also have the same quality of safety features as larger models, so you can drive with peace of mind.
With so many small cars on the market, narrowing down the best one for you can be tricky. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up some of the top small cars currently available at Brindley dealerships—each with its own personality, perks, and standout features.
Whether you’re after something compact for city driving, fuel-efficient for longer commutes, or feature-packed for added comfort, there’s a small car out there that’s just right.
Size: 3,670mm (12ft 0in) long, 1,680mm (5ft 6in) wide
Fuel Type: Petrol
Key Info: With a surprisingly roomy 252-litre boot and rear seats that fold down, the i10 is more spacious than it looks. It’s packed with features like an 8" touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, lane keep assist, and a rear-view camera. It’s an ideal car for first-time drivers and commuters who want a small car that’s easy to park, affordable to run, and fun to drive.
Size: 4,040mm (13ft 3in) long, 1,775mm (5ft 10in) wide
Fuel Type: Petrol (Mild hybrid options available)
Key Info: The slightly larger i20 offers a 352-litre boot with split-folding rear seats, making it ideal for shopping, travel, or commutes. Key features include a 10.25” digital cluster, wireless smartphone charging, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It’s a great choice for small families or professionals who want practicality with a touch of premium.
Size: Approx. 3,825mm (12ft 6in) long, 1,610mm (5ft 3in) wide
Fuel Type: Electric
Key Info: The INSTER’s high roofline and flat-folding rear seats make it more versatile than you’d expect from a car this compact. Fully electric with a sleek, futuristic design, it’s fitted with advanced tech, smart connectivity, and eco-driving tools. Perfect urban, environmentally-conscious drivers.
Size: 3,595mm (11ft 9in) long, 1,595mm (5ft 2in) wide
Fuel Type: Petrol
Key Info: The Picanto fits more than you'd expect into its compact shape, like a 255-litre boot and split-fold seats. It’s feature-rich too, with an 8" touchscreen, rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking. A great choice for city drivers or anyone looking for a stylish, fun, easy-to-drive car.
Size: 4,055mm (13ft 3in) long, 1,729mm (5ft 8in) wide
Fuel Type: Petrol
Key Info: With an impressive 285-litre boot and a spacious cabin, the MG3 is ideal for everyday practicality. It combines sporty styling with features like an 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, and rear parking sensors. The MG3 is perfect for budget-conscious drivers who want a fun, well-equipped hatchback with plenty of character.
Size: 3,940mm (12ft 11in) long, 1,745mm (5ft 9in) wide
Fuel Type: Hybrid (Petrol + electric)
Key Info: This hybrid hatchback offers foldable rear seats for added space and flexibility and delivers excellent fuel economy with low emissions. As standard, you’ll find LED headlights, advanced safety tech, and climate control for a comfortable journey, whatever the weather. The Mazda2 Hybrid is ideal for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on comfort or style.
Size: 4,044mm (13ft 3in) long, 1,694mm (5ft 6.5in) wide
Fuel Type: Hybrid
Key Info: The Jazz features Honda’s brilliant ‘Magic Seats’ for incredible versatility and excellent boot space for its size. You’ll also get great visibility, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the full Honda Sensing safety suite. The Jazz is a favourite of older drivers, small families, or anyone who values space, comfort, and hybrid efficiency in a compact package.
Choosing the right small car isn’t just about looks or price - it’s about finding a model that fits your day-to-day life. Before you make your decision, here are a few key things worth thinking about to make sure your new car meets your needs now and in the future.
Think about how and where you’ll be using your car most often. If you’re regularly commuting into town or need something easy to park, a smaller model with tight turning capabilities might be ideal.
Small cars vary when it comes to boot size and rear legroom. Consider whether you’ll need to carry luggage, shopping, or passengers regularly. Fold-down rear seats can also offer added flexibility. Remember, bigger isn’t always better if you’re not going to use it.
If you’re often driving alone or with one passenger, a microcar, like an i10, might suffice. But if you have family or friends joining you frequently, you may want something with a bit more rear seat space, like a KONA.
Smaller cars are generally more fuel-efficient, but this varies between petrol, hybrid, and electric models. Be sure to check real-world MPG and range to ensure it matches your driving habits.
If you mainly drive around town, a small engine will likely be more efficient. However, if you take regular motorway trips, a slightly larger engine or hybrid might give you more comfort and power.
Features like rear cameras, adaptive cruise control, and smartphone connectivity can enhance your driving experience. Making a list of must-haves can help to narrow down your options.
Choosing between fuel types depends on your mileage, access to charging, and environmental concerns. Hybrid and electric options often offer long-term savings and lower emissions but can be more expensive up-front. An all-electric option is great if you’ve got easy access to a charger.
If you live in a city or regularly park on-street, a compact car with good visibility and parking sensors can make life a lot easier.
Whether you’re upgrading your current car, shopping for your first, or simply after something compact and cost-effective, there’s no shortage of brilliant small cars out there. At Brindley, we’ve got a wide selection of the latest models ready for you to explore from microcars to superminis.
Visit your nearest Brindley dealership to test drive one today, speak to our expert team, and find the perfect small car to match your lifestyle.
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help.
So please feel free to contact us.
Immerse yourself even deeper. Visit our social channels.
W Brindley (Garages) Ltd
Reg Company No. 333492
W Brindley Garages (Cannock) Limited
Reg Company No. 01084302
Reg Office: 55 Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 4WW
VAT Reg No. 101957682
W Brindley (Garages) Limited, W Brindley Garages (Cannock) Limited Central Car Clearance LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activity and the Firm Reference Numbers are 689220, 688878 and 688893 respectively. Permitted activities include acting as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers. We do not charge a fee for our Consumer Credit services. We do not act as a financial adviser, or fiduciary. We act in our own interest, whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them based on either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow. Any and all commission amounts will be fully disclosed to you as part of your sales journey. You will be required to give your fully informed consent to our receipt of this commission. By doing this, you acknowledge that you understand our role as a credit broker, and that we will receive a financial incentive if you take out a loan from a lender that we introduce you to. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18s or over, Guarantees may be required.
W Brindley (Garages) Limited, W Brindley Garages (Cannock) Limited Central Car Clearance LLP is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
