Small cars, or superminis as they´re often termed in Europe, constitute a growing sector in the UK as environmental concerns and petrol prices continue to grow.
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Higher interest rates and growing consumer debt also contribute to the trend towards small cars, which are bucking the trend of a general downturn in car sales over the last three years.
Five of the cars featured in this list featured in the top ten car sales in September 2007, and most of the others will be hot on their heels.
The reasons are simple: for the best blend of economy, low emissions and practicality - especially for those in the city - these small cars are the best bet.
Below are some suggestions for the best superminis on the market. If you need to research your choice further try our A-Z of superminis to broaden your choice and what to look for.
If you´re ready to buy a new small car you can Compare free no-obligation quotes on particular models or browse special offers.
In the end the choice is yours, but for impartial advice try the selection below. OK, I am a bit biased, I think the Clio´s brilliant.
Top Ten Superminis
Renault Clio
A superb supermini that´s not actually that mini, with loads of guts and an eagerness to be driven hard. The Clio has the space, versatility and comfort, but most of all it´s great fun to be in.
Probably the best supermini on the market, and probably by some distance.
• View Renault Clio A-Z review
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Fiat 500
Causing just about every motoring journalist to go slack-jawed and wet-eyed when it debuted, the 500 has the heritage, the looks and the driveability to make it a serious contender.
The interior is stunning and is up there with the MINI for quality and looks, but the 500 doesn´t lose out in practicality. 5 NCAP stars for adult protection, a wide choice of engines and plenty of safety kit make it a promising proposition.
There are plenty of good reasons to consider the 500, but overall little Fiat´s looks and style will speak more to the heart than the head.
• View New Fiat 500 review
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Peugeot 207
The 207 has a little of the DNA of the iconic 205 - a modern classic that redefined the range - so deserves inclusion on that list on that basis alone.
Sadly the new Peugeot supermini has grown a little lardy in its middle-age, and is noticeably larger and heavier, dulling some of the pure fun of the 205.
Still, you can´t write off the 207 - it looks sharp, rides comfortably and has plenty of interior space. The 205´s rough, roguish edges may have been knocked off, but the 207´s still a contender.
• View Peugeot A-Z review
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Ford Fiesta
Still going strong after 30 years, the Fiesta is the perennial supermini and one of the best drives in this segment.
Smaller engines lack the required bite, but the diesels and larger petrol engines provide ample power for the Fiesta. The ride´s rather stiff, but the trade-off is lots of cornering and handling ability - perfect for urban driving.
It´s not the best looker on the market, but it ticks all the required boxes that a small car should.
• View Ford Fiesta A-Z review
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• Read a review for the all-new 2009 Ford Fiesta
Volkswagen Polo
A competent supermini that will be easy to drive and offer plenty of practicality. The VW badge will ensure that residual values are strong and travelling in comfort - if not style - shouldn´t be a worry.
Kit levels at lowers specs are pretty mean, especially considering the Polo is decidedly at the more expensive end of the market, but with Volkswagen you get what you pay for.
• View Volkswagen Polo A-Z review
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Nissan Micra
Quirky styling may divide opinion, but the Micra´s a fun and capable little motor that´s perfect for city driving.
None of the engines have a huge amount of power, but that´s not what the Micra is all about. A fairly firm ride and responsive steering make it good for tootling around town, but not the best choice for long motorway cruises.
Entry-level models are cheap and have decent amounts of kit as standard.
• View Nissan Micra A-Z review
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Toyota Yaris
Does what it says on the tin - the Yaris may not excel in one particular area, but will do everything asked of it.
Engines are strong, with the diesel in particular providing good economy, but ride comfort and handling are no better than average for the segment.
Reliability, safety, comfort and ease-of-driving are the Yaris´ strong points and, while it may look pricey compared to rivals, residuals and running costs should be solid.
• View Toyota Yaris A-Z review
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Vauxhall Corsa
A much-improved model since previous iterations with better quality and looks.
Engines are strong - particularly the 1.3 diesels - and there´s a good trade-off between ride and handling.
Prices are competitive and the Corsa is good on interior space and safety, making the Vauxhall supermini a must- see.
• View Vauxhall Corsa A-Z review
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MINI
The new MINI is often maligned as an estate agent´s car - the implication being that it´s vulgar and rather ´new money´. While it shares little of the heritage of the classic Issigonis model, new MINI has a similar joie de vivre and handles like a dream.
Equally capable on the open road, country lanes or in the city, the MINI is a top car, but it comes at something of a premium.
Interior quality is excellent, residuals will hold up well and there´s good safety kit. The new diesel engines are superb for fuel economy too.
On the downside the rear seats are very cramped, but if you´re looking for a fun drive and have the cash, look no further.
• View MINI A-Z review
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Daihatsu Sirion
Cute and undeniably distinctive, the Sirion may not be to everyone´s taste but it´s equipped with nippy engines and is surprisingly spacious.
A three-year warranty and generous standard kit boost the Sirion´s appeal, and there may be good deals to be had.
For a cheap, practical small car with looks, Daihatsu´s little Sirion is a quirky choice.
• View Daihatsu Sirion A-Z review
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Supermini alternatives
There are still plenty of decent small cars that don't make it into out top ten supermini list. Check out our verdict on them below.
Chevrolet Kalos
A Daewoo in disguise. Cheap and fairly spacious, but not a strong contender in the small-car category.
• View Chevrolet Kalos A-Z review
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Citroen C3
Citroen's supermini may be alive with technology but it's lack of quality against the opposition makes it hard to recommend. There may be good deals to be had, though.
• View Citroen C3 A-Z review
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Fiat Grande Punto
Punto supermini started a Fiat revival. Decent drive, decent engines, decent space. Supposedly looks like a small-car Maserati. Doesn't.
• View Fiat Grande Punto A-Z review
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Honda Jazz
A top performer, and one of the best drives in the class, the Jazz does everything well but Honda's small car was excluded from this list on the basis that it's due to be replaced in late 2008.
• View Honda Jazz A-Z review
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Hyundai Getz
Able, unassuming, economical, plenty of kit, good prices. The Getz is not a revelation though.
• View Hyundai Getz A-Z review
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Kia Rio
Cheap as chips to buy and run, the this Kia supermini is miles behind the superior small cars in the class.
• View Kia Rio A-Z review
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Mazda2
Famously and ludicrously named World Car of the Year 2008. The Mazda2 is nippy and has strong engines, but really isn't all that.
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Mitsubishi Colt
Practical, cheap and good engines, if not the greatest drive on the market. A decent effort at a supermini from Mitsu.
• View Mitsubishi Colt A-Z review
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Perodua Myvi
Cheap, cheap, cheap. The Myvi doesn't have an awful lot more going for it, though Peroduas usually hold onto their value well..
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Proton Satria Neo
A small car from Malaysia's struggling car company. The Satria Neo is not an impressive car, but drives OK and is fairly cheap.
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Renault Twingo
Twist, swing and tango over to the Clio and buy that instead. The Twingo isn't bad and drives pretty well but doesn't bring anything new to the small-car sector.
• View Renault Twingo review
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Seat Ibiza
Now ageing somewhat, but the Ibiza offers good interior space and drives well.
• View Seat Ibiza review
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Skoda Fabia
Looks good inside and out, drives well, offers good choice of engines, starting prices competitive.
• View Skoda Fabia review
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Suzuki Swift
Suzuki's small car is good to drive, decent space inside and plenty of standard kit. Economical engines should keep costs down too.
• View Suzuki Swift review
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See Also:
Click here for more City Car stories
Click here for more Supermini stories
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