Whether you are a commuter looking for some personal space post-lockdown, a newly qualified driver looking for an easy-to-drive first car or just someone after a cheap runaround for short trips, a city car could be the perfect vehicle for you. The compact models are easy to drive, easy to park and relatively cheap to buy and run, making them ideal as long as you don't make too many long journeys or need to carry lots of passengers.
Although some manufacturers have killed off their city cars in recent years there are still pelnty of options out there so we spoke to the editorial team at online marketplace YesAuto to help come up with the 10 best city cars on sale right now.
5. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is a very practical city car, with room for five people and a decent boot which is more than capable of swallowing the weekly big shop. But the best thing about it is how easy and fun it is to drive around town. It is nimble and light, making it great for darting in and out of urban traffic, and its engines are keen to please. If you need the i10 to do long journeys, you’re best going for the 100bhp 1.2-litre engine, the 67bhp entry level can be found lacking on fast overtakes. A clean and simple interior is the cherry on the top of this very attractive city car. Photo: Hyundai
6. Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis exudes cool with its tough and boxy looks, but a retro charm which you don’t often get from other cars in this class. But it’s more than style over substance: the crossover styling helps free up plenty of interior space, while retaining the nimble and easy-to-drive qualities of other city cars. The Ignis’ standard kit list is impressive, including DAB radio, Bluetooth and a seven-inch colour touchscreen. There’s just one 89bhp engine on offer, which can feel a bit underpowered on fast roads, but if most of your driving is done around town you won’t find yourself wanting more power. Photo: Suzuki
7. Peugeot 108
The Peugeot 108 offers plenty of value for money and is arguably one of the better-looking cars in the class. There’s a choice of three- or five-door models, and it can be optioned with a retractable canvas roof, which is a nice touch. There’s only one engine to choose from, a 1.0-litre 72bhp unit which can feel a little sluggish at times but is more than capable around town and can even feel quite nippy when worked hard. Even entry models get LEDs and USB charging in the cabin, but moving up through the trim levels quickly adds things like Apple CarPlay and DAB radio. Photo: Peugeot
8. Fiat Panda
Whatever you think of the way it looks, you can’t fault the Panda when it comes to practicality. There’s a healthy 260 litres of boot space, and the rear seats split in either a 50:50 configuration or a 60:40. The entry level model comes with electric windows and hill start assist, while the top trim offers Bluetooth, 15-inch alloys and a six-speaker sound system. It’s relatively quiet in the cabin, even at higher speeds, and the ride over bumpy ground isn’t too intrusive. And even though the Panada feels tall, there is little in the way of body roll. Photo: Fiat