The best ULEZ-compliant cars

We've chosen 10 of our favourite affordable used cars that are ULEZ-compliant. We're looking at nearly new and recent used models because they mostly avoid the reliability problems that can affect older cars.

See how much you could save by shopping nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint. Every car sold by Motorpoint is ULEZ and Clean-Air Zone (CAZ) compliant.

• Dacia Sandero Stepway
• Ford Puma
• Suzuki Swift
• Peugeot 208
• Hyundai i10
• Toyota Aygo X
• Fiat 500
• Volkswagen T-Cross
• MG3
• Audi Q2

Dacia Sandero Stepway

• Tough, rugged looks
• Practical for its size and price
• Easy, simple dashboard

Dacia made its name as a budget brand, but its recent models have added more features and desirability to push further upmarket. The Sandero Stepway takes the basic Sandero hatchback as a base, then adds a jacked-up ride height, tough SUV-style body cladding and roof rails, lending it some off-road flavour. Of course, the little Dacia won't crush rock trails, but it'll handle scruffy kerbs and potholes with ease, and the extra height means better access and visibility. It's spacious considering its low price, and the dashboard is easy to get on with.

Search used Dacia Sandero Stepway cars or read our Dacia Sandero Stepway review

Ford Puma

• Fun, sporty handling
• Big boot and underfloor area
• Optional high-performance Puma ST (also ULEZ compliant)

It's a shame the Ford Puma replaced the beloved Fiesta in the Blue Oval lineup, but this small SUV still has plenty of talent under its athletic bodywork. Like most small Fords, the Puma drives excellently with agile, grippy handling and a well-judged ride. It's also just about practical enough to work as a small family car, partially thanks to its big boot with its large 'Megabox' underfloor storage area. All versions of the Puma can drive into the London ULEZ area, along with all other clean air zones in the UK. Most models are powered by Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, with later versions assisted by a mild-hybrid system.

Browse used Ford Puma cars or read our Ford Puma review

Suzuki Swift

• Fun handling
• Great fuel economy
• Suzuki's 10-year service-activated warranty

It's easy to see the appeal of the Suzuki Swift. This is a supermini-sized hatchback that's a little more affordable than mainstream rivals, while offering a comprehensive standard equipment list and a long 10-year service-activated warranty. It's much more stylish than older Swifts too, with sharp new bodywork that could still be mistaken for a Mini – assuming you're several paces away and forgot your glasses. Recent models have ditched turbocharged engines so they feel a little slow on the open road but, on the plus side, they can average nearly 70mpg if driven carefully.

Shop used Suzuki Swift cars or read our Suzuki Swift review

Peugeot 208

• Stylish inside and out
• Comfy, refined driving experience
• Affordable as a used car

Supermini hatchbacks often focus on value for money, stripping away frills to get the purchase price down. The Peugeot 208, however, aims to elevate the small hatch experience with a premium, stylish cabin, plush materials and glossy infotainment tech. It's no juvenile jester behind the wheel either, with an impressively refined, grown-up driving experience, mimicking the calm experience you usually get in larger, more expensive models. Despite all its lofty ambitions, the 208's price is still comparatively sensible, and especially good value if you buy a nearly new model.

Browse used Peugeot 208 cars or read our Peugeot 208 review

Hyundai i10

• Big-car ride and handling
• Impressive practicality for its size
• Hyundai's five-year warranty

There's a quiet brilliance to the Hyundai i10 that becomes more obvious as you spend time with it. Compared to so many ultra-compact city cars in this class, the little Hyundai rides with the softness and maturity you'd expect from a much larger car. And while the design won't trick you into thinking it's a luxury car, everything is neatly laid out and easy to use, with a robust sense of quality to the construction. You'll also be able to squeeze more passengers and luggage into the i10 than you might expect thanks to its clever packaging.

Shop used Hyundai i10 cars or read our Hyundai i10 review

Toyota Aygo X

• Easy to drive and use
• Much improved quality over older Aygo
• Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty

While the Toyota Aygo X shares a name with the older Aygo, it's a substantially better car. Build quality feels more robust and the interior feels more expensive. What's more, the few inches of extra ground clearance, ride height and passenger space make a world of difference when tackling the concrete jungle in this dinky Toyota. Standard equipment includes all the expected mod cons like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and air conditioning. Performance isn't particularly impressive but it's smooth and easy to drive, especially if you pick the optional CVT automatic gearbox.

Take a look at used Toyota Aygo X cars or read our Toyota Aygo X review

Fiat 500

• Affordable pricing
• Cute retro styling
• Low running and maintenance costs

There's a reason the reincarnated Fiat 500 has endured for such a long time, first arriving way back in 2007. Where so many cars in this budget make concessions to affordability, the 500 makes those concessions part of its charm. Sure, there's exposed body-coloured metal in the cabin and some of the plastics feel quite scratchy, but the overall style is so charming that it's easy to overlook these minor issues. The cabin is tight and the driving experience is 'fine' rather than 'great', but the 500 delivers retro charm at a very friendly price.

See used Fiat 500 cars or read our Fiat 500 review

Volkswagen T-Cross

• SUV style with a supermini footprint
• Decent practicality with sliding rear seats
• Smooth turbo engines and a slick optional DSG auto

If you need a family car for your jaunts into the ULEZ area, consider something like the Volkswagen T-Cross. This is the smallest SUV in the brand's lineup, taking up barely any more space than a Polo hatchback, which means it feels right at home in congested urban areas. However, the tall body and sliding rear bench means this is a compact car that can handle a bulky child seat or a folded pushchair without complaint. Everything else is pure Volkswagen, with a simple user experience and an understated sense of style.

Check out used Volkswagen T-Cross cars or read our Volkswagen T-Cross review

MG3

• Excellent pricing
• Smooth hybrid engine
• MG's seven-year warranty

The latest MG3 is another remarkably impressive model from the revived British brand. Like other MGs, the new car drastically undercuts all its western rivals on price. However, unlike older versions, the new car doesn't feel built down to a price, with nice interior materials and decent standard equipment. There's an entry-level petrol engine with a low starting price, but we much prefer the self-charging-hybrid model. This version is surprisingly nippy and nearly as smooth as a fully electric car, while returning solid mpg figures.

Find used MG3 cars or read our MG3 review

Audi Q2

• Desirable image
• Easy-to-use dash and infotainment system
• Smooth, composed driving experience

This list has mainly focused on affordable cars with good value for money. However, if you want your cake and to eat it too, check out the Audi Q2. This is a small SUV with a desirable badge on the bonnet, but keen used-market pricing makes it surprisingly attainable. It demands very little compromise too, with a practical cabin and a useful suite of standard equipment. On the road, it's quiet and composed, and you'll very easily find your way around its simple controls and infotainment setup.

Search used Audi Q2 cars or read our Audi Q2 review

Find a low-emissions used car

Motorpoint has thousands of nearly new and used cars for sale, and virtually all are compliant with ultra-low emissions and clean-air zones throughout the UK.