Good city cars are small, practical and easy to drive around town, but it’s even better if they have bold designs, plus lively engines that make them fun to drive. And these are the city cars we recommend
City cars are getting better all the time. Gone are the days of touring with cramped box cars, which were poorly equipped, with a low-quality and cheap cabin level, and although the sector is not populated by as many brands as it once was, those manufacturers who stayed behind in making city cars raised standards and raised the bar. of its technologies all over the world.
Our list of ten of the coolest and best city cars is packed with fun mini cars designed to be practical and surprisingly good around town, blending these traits with attractive designs, exotic color choices and generous standard equipment levels. And in some cases, they even outperform some of their larger Supermini counterparts, plus the advantage of being able to drive when the occasion permits.
1. Hyundai i10 is the best city car
It is not surprising that the Korean manufacturer is at the top of the list of the best city cars. The small Korean Hyundai i10 has evolved and moved from strength to strength to more strength. And my first and second generation releases helped bring great success to the South Korean brand – a trend that this new brand must accelerate and try to maintain.
Interior quality and overall appeal have increased dramatically, as has its practicality (this is now one of the most accommodating cars in its class) while its new exterior appearance adds even more visual appeal. It rides smoothly with very little noise, cruises consistently on the group-topping 16-inch wheels, and is surprisingly well-equipped (not least with an active safety package).
The i10 houses an 82-hp four-cylinder engine (which is now a rarity in cars of this size) but adds decent drivability and useful real-world performance. It may not have the all-star appeal of the Volkswagen UP GTI models behind it, but as a well-rounded, sensible and well-equipped city car, it prides itself on being number one in its class. It is proud to be at the top of our list of the best city cars.
2. Suzuki Ignis
At number two on the list of the best city cars, the Suzuki Ignis is an odd contender in this somewhat crowded segment, a car blessed with charm, value, space, versatility and fuel efficiency. The fact that it resembles a crossover more than some of its contemporaries, in the meantime, its appearance does not harm market tastes.
It’s nicely packed and equipped, with plenty of interior space compared to its size. The interior looks a bit flimsy and low on materials in places, and the Suzuki’s touchscreen infotainment system leaves some unwanted streaks, but if you don’t mind owning cheap cars you have to put up with some cheap stuff in some places, as long as it’s A fairly durable car, you’ll probably love it.
The car’s dynamics on the road are not as sharp or polished as some competitors. But the performance is relatively solid, with Suzuki’s clever 12-volt mild-hybrid system adding torque just where the engine needs it, and maneuvering is fairly playful, though the ride is smooth but it can feel a little shocking over bigger bumps.
The Ignis’ second place in the list of the best city cars does not contradict what was previously mentioned, the Ignis can be selected with Suzuki’s AllGrip all-wheel drive system, which means that this car will go off the road and into the rougher roads more powerful than many of its competitors. This, along with the rest of the car’s appeal, makes it a surprisingly attractive and distinctive package.
3. Kia Picanto
Hyundai is back on the list again, not with the Hyundai i10, but with the agile Kia Picanto, which has grown and evolved significantly since it first started running on our roads.
Sure, the newer car looks better than its predecessors but it also has a better interior and gets a decent level of standard equipment. It even scores fairly well in ride and handling, as the Picanto handles torn roads better than some other city cars.
Admittedly, its 66-hp 1.0-liter could need some weeds at times, and the 1.2-liter four-cylinder has now been dropped. However, at the top of the lineup, the car’s 1.0-liter three-pot turbo is a trump card that not even Hyundai can play. In fact, there’s little that separates the Picanto from the i10, and keeps it looking like a city car: its gear, this engine and, in fact, the Kia boot is a bit smaller. And if you love what you see, choose Kia by all means. that you want as one of the best city cars.
4. Volkswagen Up
The Up may be the smallest car on display in the Volkswagen Group, but it doesn’t miss all the hallmarks for which the brand is known. Although not the most revolutionary in its class, the Up finally outshines its closest competitor and is fully acclaimed as one of the best city cars.
However, the recent rationalization of its engine range means that it is no longer our choice for this segment. As far as petrol engines are concerned, the 59-hp three-cylinder that we’ve always felt was the weakest performer in the segment is now the only combustion engine available – except in the high-speed GTI, which is slightly different. Speaking of which, with its powerful cylinder-turbocharged engine producing 113 horsepower and handling, this sporty city car series has solid performance for being the driver’s choice in this class, even though it’s pricey.
As with its SEAT and Skoda cousins, an all-electric version of the Up Town cars is available. But while battery power suits a stylish city car well, its high price tag doesn’t make it as easy to get hold of, as you’d think a city car at £24,000.
5. Skoda Citigo EV
The Citigo is no longer the cheapest member of the Volkswagen Tri-City range – mostly because it is no longer offered by Skoda in some countries of the world. However, we’re including them here because the examples used are still pretty compelling, and the city car segment isn’t quite brimming with options.
In the end, the smallest Skoda was available exclusively as an electric car, based on a 36.8-kilowatt battery to provide it with a range of up to 170 miles on the old WLTP test cycle, which turned out to be more like 120 miles in mixed real-world use.
Electric fits into city cars the Citigo-e iV incredibly well. The performance is strong enough, thanks to the instant torque, while the smooth ride makes it a comfortable city car. It can travel quickly on undulating roads.
Had it not been for the steep price increase that accompanied its switch to electrification, Skoda would have been closer to the top of the list of city cars on this list. As it is, we balance the list of city cars between cheapness and capabilities, and because it is the cheapest “proper” electric car you can buy, this price will be the biggest obstacle to its ownership. However, this car is still well-made, unrefined and usable – thanks to its electric motor – it’s one of those cheap city cars to run. She is also very likable.
6. Toyota Aygo
At number six on the city car list sits the Toyota Aygo. The Aygo has been treated and underwent a middle-aged face-lift in 2018, helping to sharpen its already attractive shape while offering an absolute top-of-the-line standard.
The igo’s 1.0-liter fuse has also been raised slightly to 71 hp from 68 hp, but its normal configuration means the 68 pound-feet of torque is not particularly accessible, to the detriment of its real-world drivability. In this regard, competitors with turbocharged engines are preferred. However, there is a great deal of fun to be had from speeding it up when the mood takes you.
Its cabin refinement increases its appeal, along with a sharper and more responsive infotainment suite, and the car’s bold exterior design should continue to appeal to younger owners. It is one of the young city cars.
7. Seat Mii Electric
The same story applies to the classic Seat Mii, as with the Skoda Citigo, in the previous lines, the Spanish version of the VW Group city cars is no longer on display, and in its last days was an electric only offer, and used the same 36.8-capacity battery kilowatts to power its 82 horsepower electric motor.
Of course, the Mii is a familiar car: the model was gasoline-powered when it went on sale in 2012 and has two very similar brothers, the Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo. But while Volkswagen launched an electric version of the Up in 2013, SEAT has waited long enough to now launch zero-emissions city cars.
But while the Mii may be a bit more desirable in terms of design than its Czech counterpart, it’s not easy to recommend. Although its ride is more stable, Seat claims a maximum range of 160 miles versus the maximum 170 miles for the Citigo E.
8. Fiat Panda
The Fiat Panda is not just a small car, aside from the diminutive overall length of just 3650mm. The panda’s personality is different from most of its competitors. Fiat itself calls it a “basic car” rather than a city car, hinting at the cheerful simplicity that best characterizes the car.
Now in its third generation, the Panda may be a bit older compared to its younger, fitter, and more economical rivals, but it doesn’t stop its magic from shining. Although it may be a little less equipped on the inside, it’s still more durable and practical than most of the cars on this list. It is now available as a mild hybrid as well, as well as as a 4×4 all-wheel drive.
It has always been quite different in character from competitors of similar size and price. Others are called city cars or economy cars; But the Panda is more than a “basic” car, created for the many who will use it as their only vehicle. Olivier Francois, president of Fiat, sums it up as “the official car to do whatever the hell you want.”
Fiat says the Panda’s interior has 14 stowage spaces, but by far the most useful is the large, old-fashioned open cabin on the passenger side.
9. Fiat 500
The 500 is a well-deserved success story for Fiat, offering stylish bags, great driving and low costs, and I consider it the car that gave the kiss of life to Fiat. First introduced in 2007, 50 years after the launch of the Cinquecento, the 500 proved to be a huge success For Fiat.
The Fiat 500 reborn has now been on sale over three separate decades, which is pretty cool to keep in mind, given that it still looks very new almost 15 years after its launch. To keep it as attractive as possible, Fiat has released an all-electric version that sits alongside the current mild-hybrid version, which has a 69-horsepower three-cylinder petrol engine.
The electric powertrain fits into the 500 beautifully, and this small electric vehicle is compelling to drive and own. There are electric cars out there with more power and more range, but the 500 isn’t quite left in that class (with 117 horsepower and 199 miles of claimed range), and thanks to its compact dimensions and tight turning circle, it fulfills its primary purpose. as a city car.
10. Dacia Sandero
In the last place of the list of the best city cars is the Sandero, and the truth is that the Dacia Sandero is not a city car per se, but considering the fact that it can be obtained at a lower price than most of the cars on this list, it seems reasonable to include it. With more room than a regular city car, the Sandero is distinctly more spacious on the inside, but being positioned at a discount comes at a cost.
The interior feels decidedly old school, the seating position is awkward, and as it wraps so much around cornering turns, it does so with great body wrap. But the 89hp three-cylinder turbo engine feels ready to hit all roads and delivers decent fuel economy.
The Sandero is also one of the few factory-guaranteed new cars you can buy with an LPG-fueled engine, another front-end series for those looking for a low-emissions transmission on a budget.
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