Commuting in your car isn't exactly fun…
The roads are busy and hectic, so the last thing you need is a car that's tricky to drive. That's why we've chosen 10 of our favourite easy-driving commuter cars, all with features to make the daily grind more manageable.
Most of these top-tier commuter models can be bought as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Renault Clio
While the latest Renault 5 EV is stealing the headlines, it's the humble Clio hatchback that still makes the most sense for the most drivers. Our favourite feature of the current Clio is its ride quality, which is softer and more compliant than most small hatches, taking the edge off potholes and speed bumps. The best version for commuting is unquestionably the E-Tech 145 self-charging hybrid as you get loads of off-the-line response from the electric motor, with the rest of the power supplied by the petrol engine for quick and convenient refuelling. Cabin quality and on-board tech is up there with the best-in-class, too.
Search used Renault Clio cars for sale or read our Renault Clio review
Toyota Aygo X
The standard Toyota Aygo feels at home in the city, but its noisy engine, cheap cabin and rubbery manual gearbox aren't the best. That's why the Aygo X feels like such a big upgrade. You still have the ultra-tight dimensions but there's a much nicer interior with more standard kit, and a calmer, more grown-up driving experience. The Aygo X's extra ride height means visibility is even better, and there's less chance of scuffing the car on a low kerb. We'd pick the automatic version for regular commuting to avoid the strain of pressing the clutch pedal, as long as you don't mind hearing some engine noise under hard acceleration.
Take a look at used Toyota Aygo X cars or read our Toyota Aygo X review
Volkswagen Polo
If your commute involves dropping kids off at school or carpooling with other passengers, you might need a little more cabin space. This is where the Volkswagen Polo shines, with one of the biggest interiors in the small hatch class, so you can carry adults or bulky child seats back there without too much hassle. If you're being distracted by passengers, it's a good thing that the Polo is so easy to use, with simple dashboard controls and a calm, confidence-inspiring driving experience. All of the Polo's engines area great to use but we'd hunt down one that's paired with the DSG automatic gearbox for properly chilled-out commuting.
Browse used Volkswagen Polo cars or read our Volkswagen Polo review
Mercedes A-Class
If your commuter car budget is a little more generous, take a look at the Mercedes A-Class. This distills the upmarket Mercedes experience down into a more city-friendly hatchback format. As a result, you get a plush cabin trimmed in posh materials, and plenty of high-tech gadgets to help distract from the miles of traffic stretching in front of you. The A180 and A200 petrols make sense for most buyers as they're responsive and comparatively affordable, and we'd pick a model with an automatic gearbox to help acceleration feel swift and effortless. Diesel models, meanwhile, are effortlessly economical if you're commuting up and down the motorway. It's one of the more spacious choices here, so a good option if you often carry passengers.
Search used Mercedes A-Class cars or read our Mercedes A-Class review
Peugeot 208
The current Peugeot 208 feels worlds away from its plasticky predecessors. With attractive, upmarket materials in the cabin and angular styling, it sets itself apart from more conventional rivals. The brand's unique i-Cockpit means a small steering wheel with driver's dials positioned above it – once you're used to it, the flickable wheel makes tight manoeuvres a doddle. Punchy turbo petrol engines mean the 208 is more than a match for modern traffic, and those fitted with either the 'EAT8' or newer 'e-DSC6' automatic gearboxes are easier still. Meanwhile, the electric e-208 offers swift, silent acceleration and low running costs if you can charge at home.
Shop used Peugeot 208 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 208 review
SEAT Ibiza
The SEAT Ibiza borrows the bones of the sensible VW Polo, but outfits them with more stylish bodywork with neat creases and eye-catching angular lights. Despite its extra visual appeal, the Ibiza is very much the same practical, sensible hatchback underneath, with one of the largest back seats in the class and a useful 355-litre boot. From behind the wheel, the Ibiza has the same confident, 'big-car' feel as the Polo, with accurate controls and safe, secure handling. Like all the cars on this list, your commute will be made much easier by choosing the automatic gearbox option, and the Ibiza's DSG auto is one of the best on the market.
Check out used SEAT Ibiza cars or read our SEAT Ibiza review
Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 has a bit of the Tardis in it, because it offers a remarkable amount of cabin space despite being less than 3.7 metres long. That means you can slip into nearly any parking space, and can still carry fairly tall adults in the back seats for short journeys. The boot is similarly impressive, with a handy 252 litres under the parcel shelf. Most models come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, which isn't exactly fast but offers just enough power to propel the little Hyundai through traffic with minimal running costs. An automatic gearbox is optionally available and, while it's not the smoothest unit in town, it's still better than feathering a clutch pedal in traffic.
View used Hyundai i10 cars for sale or read our Hyundai i10 review
Ford Puma
Ford's pulling out of the small hatch market, so you can't buy a Fiesta hatchback brand new anymore. Nevertheless, its smallest SUV, the Puma, is still an excellent choice for urban driving. It has impressively light-footed handling, making it both fun and fuss-free to guide down the road. Most models come with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which blends low running costs with decent all-round performance. Newer models gain mild-hybrid assistance for better economy but, whatever engine you're choosing, the dual-clutch automatic gearbox will take most of the strain out of crawling through traffic.
See used Ford Puma cars or read our Ford Puma review
Skoda Fabia
Under the bodywork, the Skoda Fabia is mostly the same car as the Polo and Ibiza above, but the Czech car focuses even harder on being practical and sensible. As a result, it's the most spacious of the three by a small margin and its 380-litre boot is the biggest too – larger even than some cars in the class above. It's not quite as fun from behind the wheel as the Ibiza, but it's set up to feel a little calmer, with softer suspension and easy, light controls. Like its mechanical siblings, our favourite versions are those equipped with the DSG automatic gearbox as they're less hassle in traffic.
Check out used Skoda Fabia cars or read our Skoda Fabia review
Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 is a similar size to the Peugeot 208 and comes with some of the same engine options under the bonnet. Where the Peugeot is classy and premium, however, the Citroen has more of a charming ruggedness, with quirky features like the lounge-like seats and rubberised 'airbumps' on the exterior to protect from parking dings. Its biggest benefit when tackling the mean city streets, however, is the soft suspension, which glides over bumps and smooths over cracked road surfaces. Commuters should keep an eye out for models with the 'EAT6' automatic gearbox, which usually come with the more powerful turbo petrol engines for easier acceleration.
Find used Citroen C3 cars or read our Citroen C3 review
Find the perfect companion for your commute
Browse a massive selection of great-value nearly new and used cars at Motorpoint. For more inspiration, see our picks for the best cars for city driving.
