Driving in the city is a necessary evil.
Stop-start traffic, cramped parking spaces and incomprehensible one-way systems are all miles away from the joy of the open road. But it doesn’t have to be this way – we've chosen 10 super city cars that'll make your commute as effortless as possible.
We’ve included petrol, hybrid and electric options, and all are Clean Air Zone and London ULEZ compliant. Save thousands off the list price by shopping nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
- Ford Fiesta
- Hyundai Inster
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Honda Jazz
- Peugeot e-208
- MG3
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Skoda Kamiq
- Kia Picanto
- Volkswagen ID.3
Ford Fiesta
- Fun handling
- Respectable practicality and equipment
- Affordable used prices
The Ford Fiesta may no longer be on sale but it's spent years as the UK’s best-selling car for good reason. It's just the right size for UK cities – short enough squeeze into tight parking spots, while also being able to seat four adults in reasonable comfort. That’s before you get to the Fiesta’s pokey turbocharged engines, agile handling and decent equipment list, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all nearly new Fiestas, and rear parking sensors available on mid-level trims and up.
Shop used Ford Fiesta cars or read our Ford Fiesta review
Hyundai Inster
- Massive cabin despite its small size
- Clever sliding and folding seats
- Respectable range from a fairly small battery
At first glance, you might think the Hyundai Inster is like a lot of other small cars these days. There are oversized headlights and a SUV-like look but that's it, right? Step inside, however, and you'll see the Inster pulls off the Tardis trick of having an impossibly large cabin despite its tiny footprint. It's clever too, with a sliding rear bench seat and the ability to fold all four seats flat – with the resulting space big enough to fit a double mattress! Small-battery versions will cover just over 200 miles on a charge, while big-battery cars boost this to 220 miles.
View used Hyundai Inster cars or read our Hyundai Inster review
Vauxhall Corsa
- Well equipped
- Zippy electric power
- Very affordable as a used car
Another great all-round city hatchback is the Vauxhall Corsa. Inside, you’ll find a nicely built interior with enough space for four adults, or five for very short journeys. If you’re shopping for nearly new examples, Corsa models tend to be a little more affordable than like-for-like Fiestas, and many come with generous equipment lists. City dwellers with access to a charging point should consider the Corsa Electric – used prices are actually lower than equivalent fuel-powered versions and running costs are fantastically low.
Browse used Vauxhall Corsa cars or read our Vauxhall Corsa review
Honda Jazz
- Very spacious for its size
- Smooth, efficient hybrid engine
- Handy 'Magic Seats'
Trekking through the concrete jungle is made much easier if you don't have to change gear, which makes the Honda Jazz and its responsive, frugal self-charging hybrid engine a tempting choice. It's not just the zippy powertrain that impresses, however, because the Jazz has an astonishing amount of rear head and legroom for such a small car, along with a boot that'll handle big shops with ease. The dashboard has a clean, minimal look and there are a few soft-touch spots dotted about the cabin to make it a comfier place to sit.
See used Honda Jazz cars for sale or read our Honda Jazz review
Peugeot e-208
- Attractive design inside and out
- Smooth electric powertrain
- Affordably priced on the used market
Electric cars are more energy efficient than fuel-powered models, and that advantage is pressed home in the city, with EVs often giving their best efficiency in stop-start traffic. If you can charge at home or at work, the Peugeot e-208 is one of the best battery-powered options for tackling the town centre. It has a plush, premium cabin and a smooth, grown-up driving experience that could match many larger, posher cars. Plus, prices on the used market are roughly on par with petrol versions, doubling down on your fuel cost savings.
Check out used Peugeot e-208 cars or read our Peugeot 208 review
MG3
- Respectable practicality and standard kit
- Surprisingly quick
- Long seven-year MG warranty
The old MG3 didn't excel in any area other than its low price. This new hybrid MG3, however, is a total revelation. Cabin quality takes a massive leap forward, with better materials and a modern, minimalist design. It's also spacious and well equipped, and its economical 1.5-litre hybrid makes an impressive 192hp – outgunning its Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris rivals. In one model generation, the MG3 has gone from the back of the class to one of the very best on sale.
Shop used MG3 cars or read our MG3 review
Toyota Yaris Cross
- Easy to drive
- Fuel-sipping hybrid engine
- Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty
You might ask what's a big SUV doing on this list? Well looks can be deceptive because, despite the Toyota Yaris Cross’ chunky off-road-ready styling, it's only about 10cm longer than the Corsa supermini above. The Yaris Cross’ blocky shape means it still squeezes a family-sized cabin and a big boot into its small footprint and, while cabin plastics feel a bit cheap, they're very well screwed together. Its hybrid engine means the Yaris Cross excels in town – keep within city confines and you comfortably see over 60mpg, while never having to worry about changing gear or charging the battery.
Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Skoda Kamiq
- Practical cabin
- Smooth turbo engines
- Comfy ride quality
If you need a family car that also works in the city, take a look at the Skoda Kamiq. This compact SUV is a bit taller, wider and longer in every dimension than the hatchbacks it’s priced to compete with, making it a great choice if you need enough room in the back to fit child seats. You also get a big boot that can easily swallow a pushchair and robust build quality that’ll stand up to whatever your kids can throw at it. The 1.0-litre engine sounds small but it's more than a match for the Kamiq's frame. We'd recommend picking the DSG auto for even easier commuting.
Browse used Skoda Kamiq cars or read our Skoda Kamiq review
Kia Picanto
- Impressive ride quality for such a small car
- Practical for its size
- Long seven-year warranty
If you value dependability above all else, consider the Kia Picanto. This tiny hatchback is easy to live with in the city and can seat four adults at a push, but its best feature is the long seven-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving you peace of mind that you’ll be covered for a long time if something goes wrong. An easy-to-use dashboard means you’ll quickly feel at home behind the wheel, and the efficient engines should be kind to your wallet. There's even a respectable amount of boot space considering its tiny 3.6-metre length.
Take a look at used Kia Picanto cars or read our Kia Picanto review
Volkswagen ID.3
- Airy, minimalist cabin
- Easy to drive
- Affordable as a used car
This list could easily have been filled with electric cars as they're just so easy to drive in stop-start traffic. The Volkswagen ID.3 is even more relaxed than most as the brand's removed almost all the clutter from your eyeline, leaving just the essentials. Its column-mounted gear selector means you rarely need to move your hands far from the wheel, and there's great visibility through its wide windscreen and front quarterlight windows. The feeling of effortlessness is enhanced when you're on the move, with hushed but insistent acceleration and light controls.
Shop used Volkswagen ID.3 cars for sale or read our Volkswagen ID.3 review
Found your favourite city slicker?
Browse Motorpoint's huge range of used cars – all sold with a warranty and backed by our Quality Standard. For more great options, take a look at our picks for the best fuel-efficient cars you can buy.
