Bottom Line Up Front
The 2024 ranking of small cars crowns the Renault 5 as the overall winner, thanks to its retro‑styling, real‑world electric range, and excellent value.
Best Small Cars 2024: Top 10 Ranked by Price, Mileage & Design
Image: Best Small Cars 2024: Top 10 Ranked by Price, Mileage & Design – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Modern superminis have shed the toy‑car image. Today they blend sleek aerodynamics with clever packaging. The Renault 5 brings a nostalgic nod with its iconic round headlights, while the Volkswagen Polo offers a refined, almost premium silhouette. Even the budget‑friendly Kia Picanto looks surprisingly upscale with its sharp LED DRLs.
Performance & Mileage
Efficiency is the name of the game. Most of the list achieve 50‑60 mpg (4.7‑5.6 L/100km) on the combined cycle, and the electric‑only Renault 5 easily tops 200 mi (320 km) per charge. Engines range from peppy 1.0‑litre three‑cylinders to mild‑hybrid 1.2‑litre units that keep city traffic smooth and fuel costs low.
Price & Rivals
Pricing starts around £13,000 for the entry‑level Hyundai i10 and climbs to roughly £25,000 for the fully‑loaded Mini Cooper. Each model faces stiff competition: the Ford Fiesta battles the Peugeot 208, while the Toyota Yaris goes head‑to‑head with the Honda Jazz. Buyers can expect a blend of standard tech – Android Auto, digital instrument clusters, and driver‑assist aids – across the board.
Top 10 Small Cars – Quick Reference
| Model | Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price (£) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault 5 | Electric 1.3 kWh | 200 mi (electric) | £18,500 |
|
| Volkswagen Polo | 1.0 L TCe | 58 | £20,000 |
|
| Ford Fiesta | 1.1 L EcoBoost | 55 | £16,800 |
|
| Toyota Yaris | 1.5 L Hybrid | 62 | £18,200 |
|
| Honda Jazz | 1.5 L i‑VTEC | 57 | £17,500 |
|
| Peugeot 208 | 1.2 L PureTech | 56 | £19,300 |
|
| Kia Picanto | 1.0 L MPI | 54 | £13,900 |
|
| Hyundai i10 | 1.0 L MPI | 53 | £13,500 |
|
| Mini Cooper | 1.5 L Turbo | 50 | £24,800 |
|
| Nissan Micra | 1.0 L DIG‑T | 55 | £15,600 |
|
FAQ
What is the real‑world mileage of the Renault 5?
The electric Renault 5 delivers about 200 miles (320 km) on a full charge under mixed driving conditions.
Is the Volkswagen Polo worth buying compared to the Ford Fiesta?
Yes, if you value a more upscale interior and advanced driver aids; the Polo’s price is slightly higher but offers a premium feel.
Which small car has the lowest running cost?
The Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 both boast the lowest fuel consumption (around 54‑55 mpg) and benefit from long warranties, making them cheap to run.
What do you think? Share your favourite small car in the comments below!
Source: Read Official News
