The best small cars for everyday driving

A small city car is the ideal alternative for anyone looking to buck the SUV trend. 

There are so many things to love about driving a big SUV that sometimes it’s easy to overlook the charms and benefits of a smaller lease car. Don’t sleep on the city car.

But no matter what kind of driver you are – whether you’re a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned pro, a town mouse zipping through a concrete jungle (shoutout Alicia Keys) or a country mouse hurtling down winding lanes – the city car continues to be a popular car leasing option for many of us.

Thanks to our tech advancing, innovative new designs and better fuel economy than ever, you can be sure that bigger no longer means better.,

Yes, you heard right.

What could be better than a pint-sized car that doesn’t break the bank and puts the fun back into driving?

And if low-cost is a deal breaker for you, check out these cheap car leasing deals (with small cars taking a large chunk of the line-up).

But want our recommendations? We’ve rounded up our current favourites for you.

Fiat 500

Eye-catching, compact and with that unmistakable retro flair, there’s a lot to love about the Fiat 500 – so it had to be first on our list.

Fiat themselves call it the “iconic Italian city car,” and you can see how the 3-door 500 has inspired the six other variants currently on sale, including the Fiat 500C, Fiat 500X, and the new Fiat 600.

The original 500 is available as an eco-friendly EV or a snazzy hybrid option, but the fine Italian styling remains constant no matter which version you go for.

The familiarity and reliability of the style of the Fiat 500 is what’s so loveable. It’s a small car that makes a big statement.

Hyundai i10

Don’t let its size fool you—small but practical, the Hyundai i10 still manages to pack in five seats, five doors and a surprisingly roomy boot – not bad for a car this size.

Now available in three different trims – the Advance, Premium, and sporty N Line – the i10 has more to choose from than ever, along with a refreshed design and all the connectivity you’d expect from a more expensive model.

It’s a really good little car that’s well suited to squeezing into tiny parking spaces in town, or zooming down country lanes, it does it all.

BYD DOLPHIN

The BYD DOLPHIN is proof that good things come in small, stylish packages.

This zippy little EV is made for city life, turning heads with its sleek design while making your commute a breeze.

With vegan leather seats, panoramic sunroof and more storage than you'll ever need, comfort will never be an issue in a BYD DOLPHIN.

Got passengers or luggage? 

No problem.

You don't have to choose, the DOLPHIN’s smart design makes it roomy enough for both.

With a range of up to 265 miles, quick charging, and absolutely zero emissions, the DOLPHIN makes going green feel like second nature.

With the fun range of colour combinations the DOLPHIN comes in, it's not hard to love.

MINI Hatch

The original Mini is a classic, an icon, a legend, and the new MINI Cooper has all of its aesthetic, with a bit more leg room (and, let’s be honest, a way better safety record).

It may not be miniature in the strictest sense anymore, but it’s still a cracking little car that we love to see on the road.

The interior has had a stylish upgrade in recent years and offers some great tech, while keeping to the sporty styling MINI is known for.

Available as a three or five door version, the MINI hatch comes in three trims (Classic, Sport, and Exclusive).

Simple to get your head around, but still providing plenty of variation to suit your needs.

If you’re wanting something classic, sporty and stylish that you can park with ease, the MINI hatch is the way to go.

Kia Picanto

The Picanto is one of those underrated family favourites we don’t talk enough about. It’s economical, drives well and depending on the spec level you go for, can look really quite good on the road.

If you’re after a no-nonsense runaround car without all the fuss and frills, the entry-level option will do you well.

But don’t worry, as you move up the range, you’ll find some pretty sweet modern features – without breaking the bank.

A sensible bargain for anyone looking for something on the smaller side.

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz has always been a reliable favourite, and the new Hybrid version keeps that same trusted appeal with a modern twist. It might not be the flashiest car on the block, but it’s a small wonder that blends practicality and efficiency perfectly.

The interior is packed with nifty tech upgrades and a surprisingly spacious feel, all while maintaining that clever, compact design we know and love.

Plus, with the hybrid engine, you get the best of both worlds—great fuel efficiency and low emissions, without compromising on performance.

The Jazz Hybrid offers plenty of options to suit your lifestyle, all while keeping things simple and stress-free.

So, if you’re after a versatile, eco-friendly car that’s easy to park and even easier on the wallet, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is a top choice.

Small car supremacy – don’t tell the SUVs 

Whether you're a city slicker, or just looking for something on the smaller side to keep you cruising through those country lanes, these bite-sized cars are a great place to start looking for your next lease deal.