8 of the best cars for city drivers

Car manufacturers understand nowadays that regardless of a car’s size, drivers want more than a low price and good fuel economy. They demand the gadgets and features that come with expensive larger models, and the same safety features. 

That’s where city cars come in. By answering these demands, manufacturers have created the best cars for city driving and sales of these compact cars have boomed. But with so much choice it can be daunting to know where to start if you’re thinking of getting one.

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best city cars and some of the things to look for when you’re weighing up your options.

What Is a City Car and Why Choose One?

City cars are built for (you guessed it!) the city. They’re smaller than other cars, which means they’re easy to park and are great at squeezing into tighter spots. Plus, because they’re smaller and lighter, they’re generally cheaper to run because they don’t use as much fuel.

They’re not designed for speed or long motorway drives, but they’re great for getting around town. If most of your driving is short trips, school runs, popping to the shops, or a daily commute, a small city car could be a perfect fit. 

What to Look for in a Great City Car

When choosing a city car, size and shape matter most. You might want something small enough to nip through traffic and slot into tight parking spaces.

Running costs are also important, so looking for a car with a small engine, decent fuel economy, and a low insurance group could help. And if you're planning to keep the car for a while, it's worth checking reviews for reliability.

In terms of features, the best small city cars don’t compromise on practicality. Simple tech such as Bluetooth or a touchscreen can make a big difference when you’re driving around a city, and a bit of boot space for your shopping could help make everyday driving less of a hassle.

Best City Cars by Fuel Type

When choosing the best city car for your needs, fuel type is one of the key things to consider. It can affect everything from running costs to how and where you drive. Here’s our selection of the best petrol, electric and hybrid options.

Best Petrol City Cars

Volkswagen Up!

The Up is part of a family of three cars, with the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii as siblings. But the majority of drivers choose the Up for its smarter appearance and classier interior. For such a small car, it feels surprisingly solid and well put together. It’s quiet, smooth over rough roads, and doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, which isn’t always the case with cars this size.

There’s just one engine size in the Up range: a 1-litre, three-cylinder unit. It sounds distinctive and comes in two states of tune, with either 59 or 73bhp. It’s one of the best small city cars for short trips, but if you need to do longer journeys, the latter, more powerful option is the better choice.

Fiat Panda

The Fiat Panda can be another great petrol option. It’s easy to drive, simple to park, and ideal for short trips. There’s nothing fancy about it, but that’s kind of the point! If you want a no-nonsense, compact car for school runs and shopping trips, it’s a great pick.

Inside, you’ll find just enough tech inside to get by, and the overall driving experience is laid-back and low-effort. It’s not built for speed or long-distance comfort, but it’s one of the best cars for the city.

Best Electric City Cars

Smart EQ Fortwo

The Smart EQ Fortwo is one of the best electric cars for city driving on the market. It's especially small, which makes it a particularly great fit for the city. You can squeeze it into the tiniest parking spaces and move through traffic without any hassle. The battery range isn’t massive, but it offers enough for short, local journeys or everyday commuting.

It’s a two-seater, so it’s not ideal for families, but if you just need something compact for getting around solo or as a couple, it could work really well. 

Mazda MX-30

The MX-30 is a bit different from other electric city cars. It has a stylish design, a high-quality interior, and has a decent infotainment system. It’s ideal for short, regular trips where you can top up the battery without much planning or worrying about range.

With responsive steering and a smooth ride, it’s great to drive around too, whether you're navigating narrow streets on the way to the shops or nipping along quieter roads. One of the best city electric cars for practicality, style and comfort, the MX-30 ticks a lot of boxes.

Best Hybrid City Cars

Suzuki Swift Hybrid

If it’s a hybrid you’re after, you could consider the Suzuki Swift Hybrid. It’s fuel-efficient, light, easy to drive, and has just enough modern tech to make everyday journeys easier. It doesn’t have super flashy features but it’s got all you need for day-to-day driving around a city. 

The design is sporty, and the compact size means it’s one of the best hybrid city cars for nipping around town. While it’s not the most luxurious, it’s practical and user-friendly. So if you want a basic city hybrid that keeps things simple, the Swift might be a great choice.

Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

The Yaris Cross Hybrid is built for city life, and being a hybrid, it has great fuel economy. You never have to plug it in, and it switches between petrol and electric automatically while you’re driving. Perfect for cities, it’s one of the best hybrid city cars for shorter journeys, stop-start traffic, and everyday errands.

Inside, it feels sturdy, and has a smart interior that’s comfortable to drive in. It’s not massive, but it’s got enough room for shopping bags or a couple of passengers. If you like the idea of a compact SUV that’s also hybrid and economical, the Yaris Cross ticks the right boxes.

Best City Cars for Different Needs

The best city car for you depends on what your needs are. Are you on a tight budget, need a big boot or live in a ULEZ area? We’ve listed our best picks for different priorities to help you decide.

Best Budget-Friendly City Cars

Kia Picanto 

 

A more budget friendly option, buyers can afford a comparatively young, low mileage Picanto and there are usually lots on the used car market. There’s a 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol version or a punchier 1.2-litre model, and the latter has enough get-up-and-go to venture out of town and tackle motorways in complete confidence. 

One of the best cars for the city, the steering and pedals feel light, the gear change is effortless and it’s easy to park, thanks to clear all-round visibility. But it’s worth bearing in mind that, outside the urban environment, the Picanto’s ride comfort can feel a bit choppy.

Fiat 500 

Another great budget option is the classic Fiat 500, and unquestionably the choice for those after a car packed with personality. Because it’s so popular, there’s also stacks of choice on the used market in all the colours and special editions Fiat rolled out.

But, it isn’t the most practical car in its class. There was only ever a three-door body style, so climbing into the back seats is a squeeze, and the 185-litre boot is snug. The driving position is also slightly odd, with a raised rather than relaxed stance. Buyers might prefer to take one for a test drive to ensure they are completely comfortable.

Best City Cars for Low Emissions Zones

Renault Zoe

As a fully electric car with zero emissions, the Renault Zoe is one of the best cars for the city, especially in low emissions zones. It’s a cost-effective choice in general that comes equipped with a lot of handy features that make finding your way around complicated one-way streets far easier.

Automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors will help you tackle traffic jams and park like a pro while cruise control and Bluetooth will help make the drive even more enjoyable.

Smart ForTwo

Available in electric and low-emission petrol versions, the ForTwo is also one of the best cars for city driving. The unusual design and compact dimensions of the Smart ForTwo have earned this car a cult following. It’s the perfect city car, ideal for cutting through congested streets and wiggling its way into the tightest parallel parking spaces.

Inside, drivers might not have a lot of space to enjoy but the ride is smooth, and the tight turning circle make this a small car that’s a lot of fun to drive. The floating infotainment screen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well as a built-in SatNav.

Best City Cars for First-Time Drivers

Toyota Aygo

This standout supermini is one of the best city cars for first time drivers, thanks to its reputation for reliability, good fuel economy, and youthful styling. The Aygo has been courting attention since it first went into production back in 2005 and still turns heads thanks to its oversized grille, contrasting roof, and contoured bumpers. 

It’s a fun drive too, agile and responsive, and has a range of features included as standard including electronic stability control and a speed limiter. The only downside might be its smaller than average boot; there’s still room for a few bags but you might struggle to fit your suitcases.

Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is quickly becoming a favourite among city drivers. User-friendly systems, simple controls and small dimensions make it great for helping build driver confidence. It’s surprisingly spacious for a small car and has been built with city living in mind. 

While compact enough to easily fit down one-way streets and manoeuvre into small spaces, the i10 also has a roomy boot with more than enough room for your weekly shop and decent legroom in the back.

Best Small City Cars with Big Boot Space

Peugeot 108

Despite its compact size, the Peugeot 108 is one of the best city cars for boot space. Its styling might not be anything to shout about but it offers great cabin space for its size and the boot is generous enough to fit the weekly shop and the school bags comfortably.

The 108 is made for short-distances and will give a good level of comfort when travelling from A to B. Higher trim models offer even more features including air conditioning, heated mirrors, leather seat trim, and folding rear seats.

Citroën C1

The Citroen C1 is another great city car for those wanting space without upgrading to a larger car. It’s been one of the leading superminis on the market since it launched in 2005 and has kept its place at the top thanks to the impressive level of driver comfort it offers and its low running costs. 

The C1 is a city car but it can still cope if you need to put your foot down and it’s pleasingly agile when taking on corners. There’s room for improvement when it comes to reliability and its design might be divisive but if you love it, you’ll be rewarded with a smooth drive and responsive steering.

Best Luxury City Cars

Audi A1

The Audi A1 has all the luxury of an executive car in a compact city car size. It has that premium Audi style, and though small, it still feels like a high quality car. You get a slick touchscreen system, a smooth drive, and modern tech.

It’s easy to park and light to handle around cities, but it can still hold its own on the motorway. If you want a classy badge, clever features, and something small that feels luxurious, the A1 could be the best city car for you.

DS 3

The DS 3 is a small but luxury SUV that feels particularly premium inside, with slick design touches and comfy seats. It’s compact, but feels more upmarket than your average city car.

Driving it is relaxed and smooth, and higher trims come with lots of features like a digital display and mood lighting. If you're looking for a city car that’s a bit more luxurious than some of the others on the market, the DS 3 is a great option.

Find the best city car for you with the help of Car Finance 247

Whether you’re after something compact and practical, full of character, or perfect for the school run, we could help you find the best car for city driving. At Car Finance 247, we work with a panel of lenders to find car finance deals tailored to you.

Want to see what finance could look like for you? Try our car finance calculator or apply online to get started.

Disclaimer: Car Finance 247 Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. All finance is subject to status and terms and conditions. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantees may be required. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and may receive a commission for doing so.