If you're shopping for a small hatchback, the Ford Fiesta can feel like the obvious choice.
It's popular, practical, affordable and a hoot to drive. But is it just a little too obvious? Maybe you want something larger or more stylish? Or an option that offers better value for money?
Here are 10 superb supermini hatchback rivals that give the Fiesta a run for its money.
Skoda Fabia
Better than a Fiesta for: practicality
Few cars in the Fiesta's class can properly cut it as a family car. Most superminis are a bit too cramped in the back for a child seat to fit comfortably, and their boots aren't usually up to carrying a pushchair. The Skoda Fabia, however, is the exception to the rule. This is a small city-friendly hatchback that's big enough to carry adults in both rows, or have a child seat in the back without compromising the front passenger. Similarly, you can expect the Fabia to carry both a pushchair and the weekly shop in its 380-litre boot. It's not exactly very exciting to drive, but it is at least very easy, with a compliant ride and predictable handling.
Shop used Skoda Fabia cars or read our Skoda Fabia review
Vauxhall Corsa
Better than a Fiesta for: value
The Vauxhall Corsa might not excel in any particular area, but this jack of all trades scores solid marks across the board. It's stylish, well equipped and spacious enough for most buyers' day-to-day duties. The Fiesta also achieves most of these benchmarks, however, so why should you pick the Vauxhall? The answer becomes obvious when you look at the nearly new market – like-for-like Corsas tend to be between £1,000 and £2,000 cheaper than Fiestas, meaning they offer better value for money. Plus, while Ford has pulled the plug on new Fiestas entirely, Vauxhall has doubled down and even added an affordable EV Corsa to the lineup.
Take a look at used Vauxhall Corsa cars or read our Vauxhall Corsa review
Renault Clio
Better than a Fiesta for: ride comfort
The Renault Clio has had something of a 'glow up' recently. Where the Clio's predecessors felt cheap and plasticky, the latest version has substantially levelled up its cabin, with far more extensive use of soft-touch surfaces and a larger, more responsive touchscreen to control the on-board functions. Two adults can sit in the back in relative comfort and the boot is among the largest in this class. The Clio's engines are smooth and easy to use – especially the E-Tech hybrid, which is capable of 67mpg and pretty nippy. It's a bit more expensive than the regular petrol engine, though.
View used Renault Clio cars or read our Renault Clio review
SEAT Ibiza
Better than a Fiesta for: styling
The SEAT Ibiza used to feel like the VW Polo's cheaper sibling and, while that's still technically true, the latest version has forged its own identity. Immediately, you notice the chiselled bodywork and sharp-looking headlights, and that theme continues when you step inside. In the front, you're greeted by an angular dashboard with a centre console that's slightly angled towards the driver to make it feel more cockpit-like. There are a few more grey plastics than we'd like to see, but most of the surfaces you touch regularly feel posh enough. The rear seats and boot are something of a party piece, however, with both being among the very largest in this class.
Shop used SEAT Ibiza cars or read our SEAT Ibiza review
Suzuki Swift
Better than a Fiesta for: budget alternative
The Suzuki Swift was traditionally a cheap and cheerful alternative to the Fiesta. That's still true for the latest model, but it's heavily upgraded over previous Swifts, helping it feel like a more desirable overall package. You'll spot a more tech-heavy setup, complete with a full infotainment system, adaptive cruise control and mild-hybrid assistance under the bonnet. The latter means strong fuel economy although none of the engines particularly live up to the Swift's name – consider an older Suzuki Swift Sport if you want something a little quicker. All models are covered by Suzuki's service-activated 10-year warranty for long-term peace of mind.
Check out used Suzuki Swift cars or read our Suzuki Swift review
Peugeot 208
Better than a Fiesta for: posh interior
If you need a little more style on your commute, the Peugeot 208 might be the supermini for you. This city-friendly hatch feels a far cry from Peugeots of old when you sit inside. You'll find plush materials throughout and the brand's unique small steering wheel, which helps make tight manoeuvres easier. If you're an urban buyer shopping in the middle of the Fiesta's budget range, the Peugeot has something of an ace up its sleeve thanks to the e-208 EV option. This pairs a 50kWh battery with a 100kW (134hp) motor for snappy acceleration and a range of more than 210 miles, helping you save a bundle on running costs if you can charge at home.
Search used Peugeot 208 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 208 review
Toyota Yaris
Better than a Fiesta for: hybrid driving
Like many cars on this list, the latest Toyota Yaris has had something of a reinvention – casting away memories of dull, fusty Yaris models of the past, and replacing them with this newer, cooler model. To achieve this, Toyota's given the most recent Yaris a friendly, rounded makeover – a breath of fresh air compared with all the angry-looking cars many rivals are selling. The latest version has also doubled down on Toyota's hybrid expertise as it's the only engine option available. That means all nearly new Yaris models are automatic only and have an astonishingly small appetite for fuel, while maintaining Toyota's peerless reputation for reliability.
See used Toyota Yaris cars or read our Toyota Yaris review
Mini Hatchback
Better than a Fiesta for: handling
One of the most consistent things owners say they love about the Fiesta is the way it drives, but it's not the only great handling hatch on the market. Enter the Mini Hatchback – if you enjoy driving, you'll love the grippy cornering, snappy manual gearbox and super-sharp steering. It's no one-trick pony, however, with a retro-chic cabin trimmed in premium materials, lots of on-board tech, and refined cruising manners when you're not driving like a hooligan. You'll find sporty three-door and practical five-door versions on the nearly new market and, while the One and Cooper engine options don't feel slow, we still prefer the rapid 2.0-litre Cooper S.
See used Mini Hatchback cars or read our Mini Hatchback review
Hyundai i20
Better than a Fiesta for: standard equipment
The latest Hyundai i20 is no shrinking violet. There are sharp, angular styling creases all over the body and bold, pointy light units on both bumpers to bookend the looks. The cabin is also a big step up over sensible i20s of the past, with a prominent touchscreen infotainment system and a quirky ridged dashboard to lift the atmosphere. Pricing in the nearly new market is extremely close to the Fiesta – occasionally coming in a few hundred pounds cheaper. The Hyundai has a longer five-year factory warranty, however, so nearly new buyers will generally get more coverage by buying the Hyundai over the Ford.
Browse used Hyundai i20 cars or read our Hyundai i20 review
Mazda 2
Better than a Fiesta for: classy image
Successive generations of Fiestas have introduced more exaggerated styling. While the modern car certainly looks up to date, we're not exactly sure it's particularly pretty – something we could more readily say about the Mazda 2 hatchback. It's been on sale for a while now, but its cute dimensions and gently creased bodywork still look contemporary and – to our eyes – a little classier than the Fiesta. Most cars come with Mazda's fizzy 1.5-litre petrol engine – it's not particularly powerful but it's a joy to rev out on faster roads, making the little 2 surprisingly fun to drive. There are a handful of plush materials to lift the cabin experience above the Ford's too.
Take a look at used Mazda 2 cars for sale
Found the Fiesta fighter for you?
Search Motorpoint's wide range of used cars, all backed by our Quality Standard. For more great choices, check out our selection for the best small cars on sale.
