Small cars are usually short, with cheap parts and minimal sound deadening – so taking them on the motorway used to be a bouncy, noisy chore.
Plus, their little engines are usually designed for efficiency, so they often need a good thrashing to get up to overtaking speeds.
It doesn't have to be this way, however. These 10 small cars are equally at home on long motorway journeys as they are trekking through tight city streets. You'll find all available as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is one of our favourite small cars, full stop. It's simply superb to drive, with the agility and deft handling you want from a small car, but with the maturity and compliance you'll normally find in a much larger, pricier car. Motorway drivers should avoid the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol engine as it's quite sluggish, but the 1.2-litre petrol or 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo petrol models have more power, making the car feel more relaxed at higher speeds. It's clever, too, with far more passenger and cargo space than you'd expect from such a small frame.
Search used Hyundai i10 cars or read our Hyundai i10 review
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo has grown over the years to the point it's basically as big as older Golf models. However, at less than 4.1 metres long, today's Polo is still slight enough to slip through tight city streets with ease. There are benefits to its slightly bigger bones, though. For starters, the rear seats can actually fit adult passengers unlike many supermini rivals, plus the longer wheelbase and well-judged ride means the little VW feels planted and stable at speed. Entry-level petrols are a bit sluggish but all of the car's turbo TSI engines feel relaxed at higher speeds. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo EV.
Take a look at used Volkswagen Polo cars or read our Volkswagen Polo review
Renault Clio
In a class containing the excellent Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta, there's a risk the Renault Clio ends up being forgotten. However, this sharp-suited city slicker carves its own path thanks to eye-catching styling, a well-balanced driving experience and the option of super-smart hybrid engines. On the road, the Clio's maturity stands out, with a relatively soft suspension setup that soaks up bumps without compromising the car's grippy, easygoing handling. Refinement is strong, too, with engine and road noise kept to a minimum.
Browse used Renault Clio cars or read our Renault Clio review
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 is another French hatchback that's undergone a serious 'glow up'. Recent models include a snazzy cabin with a dinky steering wheel, slick piano-key-style buttons and a minimalist touchscreen-based infotainment setup. One of the car's best features, however, is its grown-up driving experience, with a comfortable ride, impressive refinement and easy, predictable handling. You also get the benefit of Peugeot's zippy 1.2-litre turbo petrol engines, which are powerful and responsive, and assisted by mild-hybrid tech on more recent versions.
Shop used Peugeot 208 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 208 review
Ford Fiesta
If you asked us what the best-driving small car is, we'd be hard-pressed to say anything other than the Ford Fiesta. This icon of British roads might've been pushed aside by the Ford Puma now, but you can still find plenty for sale on the used market. It's fun to drive and easy to control regardless of where you're actually driving, feeling equally under control whether you're zipping through tight urban streets or covering big miles on the motorway. Choose one of Ford's popular EcoBoost petrol engines for effortless overtaking.
Check out used Ford Fiesta cars or read our Ford Fiesta review
Toyota Aygo X
It would be hard to recommend the old Toyota Aygo as a motorway car – its featherweight body meant it felt a bit tinny with poor refinement at higher speeds. The newer Aygo X is a built on a totally new platform that feels much more solid than its predecessor. As a result, refinement is much closer to bigger cars on the motorway, and both stability and ride comfort are noticeably improved. The only downside is that the petrol engine will need a bit of a work out to get the car up to speed – however, the upcoming Aygo X Hybrid should fix that issue.
Search used Toyota Aygo X cars or read our Toyota Aygo X review
Nissan Juke
At 4.2 metres long, the Nissan Juke is actually the largest car on this list. It's still one of the most compact SUVs you can buy, however, and one of the few cars on this list that's just practical enough to be a family car. Like other cars in the Nissan lineup, this Juke is noticeably more premium than its predecessor, with soft-touch materials all over the cabin and funky options like stereo speakers in the headrests. The basic 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is strong enough for motorway driving, but the hybrid engine is faster and more efficient.
View used Nissan Juke cars for sale or read our Nissan Juke review
MG3
MG's recent models have all landed close to the top of their respective classes – and that's before you consider that they undercut their nearest rivals by thousands of pounds. The MG3 small hatchback is no exception. Older versions were a bit ropey but the latest car feels is solid, practical and well equipped. Its handling is secure rather than spectacular, but the surprisingly punchy 192hp self-charging hybrid engine means the MG3 can overtake slower motorway traffic with confidence. Keep your foot light and you'll hit decent real-world fuel economy.
Check out used MG3 cars or read our MG3 review
Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia, along with much of the Czech brand's lineup, feels a bit like the teacher's pet. It's the car that gets everything right – it's one of the most practical options in this class, it's one of the easiest to drive and use, and it feels comfortable and mature on the move. It's set up a little softer than the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza it shares parts with, so long journeys aren't as tiring. Like those cars, the entry-level petrol engine might feel a little outgunned in fast motorway traffic, but the upgrade TSI options are smooth and swift.
Find used Skoda Fabia cars or read our Skoda Fabia review
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is mechanically the same as a Hyundai i10 and, like that car, the little Kia is also a top-notch choice for motorway driving despite its compact, affordable billing. That means you'll find the same Tardis-like cabin with lots of passenger space despite the car's tiny body, and all the equipment you could ask for as you move higher up the range. Again, avoid the wheezy entry-level 1.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine, with the 1.2-litre being a better choice, and the 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo making an ideal motorway companion.
See used Kia Picanto cars or read our Kia Picanto review
Find a motorway mile-muncher for less
Check out a huge selection of nearly new and used cars at Motorpoint. To see more tempting choices, take a look at our picks for the best small SUVs.
