Driving a small car is one thing that gets wrongly criticised in modern life. While crossovers and SUVs seem to be all the craze in the UK, there’s still a market for small cars.
They’re cost-effective, fuel-efficient, stylish, and come packed full of tech. Small cars have come a long way in the last few years and are now some of the most attractive cars on the market.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of leasing a small car and the best options available.
One of the main reasons to lease a small or compact car is its cost efficiency. They typically have lower monthly payments than SUVs and Estate cars, making them a great choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Also, the purchase price at the end of your lease contract is lower. Meaning that if you really enjoy your small car, it won’t cost you as much to buy the car (only available on PCP and Personal Lease Purchase agreements).
Finally, small cars are also generally less expensive to insure as they come with smaller engines and less technology. If you’re curious about how car insurance groups work, check out our UK Car Insurance Groups Explained guide.
Small cars often come with smaller and less powerful engines that are extremely fuel efficient. Compact cars achieve really impressive miles per gallon (MPG) figures, sometimes over the 50mpg mark.
A lot of the time, the engines also come with hybrid or mild-hybrid technology that further boosts fuel economy. These engines are great to drive around town, and depending on the type of hybrid in use, you might be able to drive on pure-electric power. Think about all the savings you’ll make!
For more information on fuel economy, check out our guide, How to Save Money on Fuel for Your Vehicle.
Thanks to their small and nippy engines, compact cars are great to drive in a range of environments. Obviously, they’re at their best in an urban setting. Their small dimensions and agile handling make them great to drive around town, and the hybrid assistance most small cars have provide a bit more oomph when accelerating.
You could take it one step further and get a small electric car. These are undoubtedly the best cars to drive in a city, with whisper-quiet operation and exceptional economy.
However, small cars aren’t just limited to the metropolis. They are also pretty good to drive on long journeys. Yes, you probably won’t be overtaking in the outside lane, but a lot of small cars ensure a comfortable journey.
If you’re after more information on hybrid and electric cars, check out our Electric and Hybrid Car Guides.
There’s a common misconception that if you lease a small car, it lacks the features of other cars. However, that’s simply not true. The small and compact cars of today are loaded with premium features that rival some of the most sought-after SUVs and Estate cars.
- Advanced Safety Features - Many small cars come equipped with high-tech safety features such as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness alert.
- Technology - You’ll also get a generous amount of in-car technology like touchscreen displays, smartphone connectivity, and even head-up displays on the more advanced models.
- Comfort - Despite being small in stature, compact cars can be surprisingly spacious inside. In some models there’s more than enough room for a small family and also premium features like leather seats, mood lighting, and massage seats.
There are plenty of great options for a small car, but here are some of our favourites:
The 5 Best Small Cars
1. Citroen C3 Hatchback
The Citroen C3 is a perfect example of a Citroen small car that’s perfect for urban driving. Affordable, stylish, and available in a range of colours, it’s ideal for small families on a budget. It comes with a choice of two efficient petrol engines, or you can go all-electric with the Citroen e-C3.
2. Toyota Yaris
When it comes to the best small hybrid on the market, the Toyota Yaris is hard to beat. It’s compact yet spacious, has impressive fuel economy, and is one of the most recognisable small cars around. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain that exceeds 60mpg; yes, you read that right!
3. Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback
If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, the A-Class is a small Mercedes that doesn’t skimp on luxury. It has a premium feel, featuring high-quality materials and advanced technology. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is also available that can drive on electric power for up to 44 miles!
4. Renault Clio
The Clio has been a favourite among drivers for quite some time. With a spacious interior and a smooth and comfortable ride, it’s perfect for both inner city driving and longer journeys. It also has a fantastic interior and a petrol-hybrid engine that offers a fuel economy of up to 64mpg.
5. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz stakes a claim as being the most practical small car on the market. It offers an impressively roomy interior with flexible seating options and up to 1,205 litres of boot space (with rear seats folded flat). It comes with a full-hybrid powertrain that helps to achieve up to 550 miles on a full tank of fuel!
If you’re looking for affordability, efficiency, and nippy performance, a small car could be the ideal option for your next lease car. There’s plenty of choice out there, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a cheap small car or a stylish compact car.
Whether you’re after a reputable Citroen small car, a reliable Toyota car, or a hybrid or electric car, leasing a small car is a great choice.
Looking for your next lease deal? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of small car leasing deals.
For more information, call us on 0345 811 9595 or visit our leasing deals page.
Originally posted: 3rd October 2024
