Commuting by car can feel like a chore…
Roads are hectic and heavy traffic means lots of stopping and starting. 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
- Toyota Aygo X
- Volkswagen Polo
- Audi A3
- Peugeot 208
- Suzuki Swift
- Hyundai i10
- Ford Puma
- Skoda Fabia
- Citroen C3
Renault Clio
- Grown-up ride and handling
- Stylish, comfy cabin
- Excellent hybrid engine
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
- Straightforward to drive and use
- Easy to park
- Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty
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
- Spacious for its size
- Smooth engines and gearboxes
- Calm driving experience
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
Audi A3
- Premium cabin
- Slick infotainment system
- Optional plug-in-hybrid engine
If you're working with a slightly more generous budget, you could consider something like the Audi A3. Its family-hatch dimensions means there's more cabin space than most cars on this list, but the A3 is still small enough to fit into most city-centre parking spaces. If you can charge at home or at work, the plug-in-hybrid 40 TFSI e version can dramatically cut your running costs. Expect average fuel economy well into three-figure range, or more than 70 miles of electric-only driving. Like its rivals from Mercedes and BMW, the A3 has a fully featured infotainment system but we reckon the Audi's is the best of the bunch, with clear controls and simple menus.
Search used Audi A3 cars or read our Audi A3 review
Peugeot 208
- Comfy ride quality
- Stylish inside and out
- Easy-driving automatic and EV options
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 or read our Peugeot 208 review
Suzuki Swift
- Affordable pricing
- Great fuel economy
- Suzuki's 10-year service-activated warranty
The Suzuki Swift has secured a niche as a small, city-friendly car with Mini-like style, but without that brand's inflated price tag. You might spot parts of the Swift that are more plasticky than its British rival, but it still feels durable and well-built – backed by the Suzuki's long warranty. The most recent Swift has trimmed down the engine range to only the most efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine aided by mild-hybrid tech. As a result, performance is pretty leisurely, although you're unlikely to notice at urban speeds. What you will appreciate is the excellent fuel economy, with more than 60mpg possible if you drive gently.
Check out used Suzuki Swift cars or read our Suzuki Swift review
Hyundai i10
- Impressively practical for its small size
- Decent ride quality
- Easy to drive and use
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 or read our Hyundai i10 review
Ford Puma
- Fun handling
- Well-judged ride
- Big boot
Ford has pulled 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
- Comfy ride quality
- Practical cabin
- Simple dashboard
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
- Efficient petrol and EV options
- Affordable pricing
- Good practicality for its size
Citroen launched a fresh C3 in 2024 and – like many rivals – it added some SUV-inspired looks to help it seem more tough. Don't be fooled, however, because the C3 is still mainly designed for the city, with a choice of petrol, mild-hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The new boxier body means interior space grows noticeably over the old C3, with more room for passengers and cargo. However, like the old car, the new C3 still has a soft, cushioned ride quality that makes light work of craggy, potholed roads. There's still lots of examples of the old Citroen C3 on the used market too, with a comfy ride, affordable prices and neat 'airbumps' protecting the body.
Find used Citroen C3 cars or read our review of the 2016-2024 Citroen C3
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.
