City driving is a necessary evil.
Stop-start traffic, cramped parking spaces and incomprehensible one-way systems feel miles away from the joy of the open road. But it doesn’t have to be this way – we've chosen 10 super city cars that'll make your commute as effortless as possible.
We’ve included petrol, hybrid and electric options, and all are Clean Air Zone and London ULEZ compliant. Save thousands off the list price by shopping nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
- Ford Puma
- Hyundai i10
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Fiat 500
- Peugeot e-208
- MG3
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Skoda Kamiq
- Kia Picanto
- Volkswagen ID.3
Ford Puma
- Agile handling
- Massive boot space
- Lots of choice on the used market
Ford's original city slicker was the Fiesta. That car is still a great choice on the used market, but the Blue Oval's current smallest car is the Puma SUV. It's only 15cm longer and 7cm wider than the Fiesta, but the Puma's bulkier body makes it easier to fit passengers in the back or secure an awkwardly shaped child seat. The standout feature, however, is the car's 'megabox' – a vast underfloor area where you can stand big suitcases upright in it without removing the parcel shelf. Out on the road, Ford's famously lively handling is present and correct.
Shop used Ford Puma cars or read our Ford Puma review
Hyundai i10
- Great practicality for its size
- Grown-up ride and handling
- Hyundai's five-year factory warranty
The Hyundai i10 was built from the ground up to tackle the big city. Its footprint is tiny so tight gaps and cramped parking spaces are no challenge. And yet, Hyundai's somehow created enough interior space that you can just about fit adults in the second row, plus a few cabin bags in the boot. That high roofline is partly responsible for the i10's impressive space, but also means the windows are tall for great visibility and a brightly lit cabin. Small engines mean sluggish performance but great efficiency, and the ride and handling are both very well judged.
View used Hyundai i10 cars or read our Hyundai i10 review
Vauxhall Corsa
- Well equipped
- Zippy electric power
- Very affordable as a used car
Another great all-round city hatchback is the Vauxhall Corsa. Inside, you’ll find a nicely built interior with enough space for four adults, or five for very short journeys. If you’re shopping for nearly new examples, Corsa models tend to be a little more affordable than like-for-like Fiestas, and many come with generous equipment lists. City dwellers with access to a charging point should consider the Corsa Electric – used prices are actually lower than equivalent fuel-powered versions and running costs are fantastically low.
Browse used Vauxhall Corsa cars or read our Vauxhall Corsa review
Fiat 500
- Charming retro image
- Very affordable
- Low running costs
This generation of Fiat 500 bowed out in 2024. There are lots of nearly new examples available, however, thanks to the car's super-long 17-year production run. Like the '50s Cinquecento, the modern 500 is built for city driving – small dimensions, decent visibility and fizzy petrol engines are the order of the day. Running costs are manageable too, thanks to low insurance groups, decent fuel economy and affordable servicing. What sets the 500 apart from other city cars is its charm factor, with retro upholstery and bright, colourful panels lifting the cabin ambiance.
See used Fiat 500 cars for sale or read our Fiat 500 review
Peugeot e-208
- Attractive design inside and out
- Smooth electric powertrain
- Affordably priced on the used market
Electric cars are more energy efficient than fuel-powered models, and that advantage is pressed home in the city, with EVs often giving their best efficiency in stop-start traffic. If you can charge at home or at work, the Peugeot e-208 is one of the best battery-powered options for tackling the town centre. It has a plush, premium cabin and a smooth, grown-up driving experience that could match many larger, posher cars. Plus, prices on the used market are roughly on par with petrol versions, doubling down on your fuel cost savings.
Check out used Peugeot e-208 cars or read our Peugeot 208 review
MG3
- Respectable practicality and standard kit
- Surprisingly quick
- Long seven-year MG warranty
The old MG3 didn't excel in any area other than its low price. This new hybrid MG3, however, is a total revelation. Cabin quality takes a massive leap forward, with better materials and a modern, minimalist design. It's also spacious and well equipped, and its economical 1.5-litre hybrid makes an impressive 192hp – outgunning its Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris rivals. In one model generation, the MG3 has gone from the back of the class to one of the very best on sale.
Shop used MG3 cars or read our MG3 review
Toyota Yaris Cross
- Easy to drive
- Fuel-sipping hybrid engine
- Toyota's 10-year service-activated warranty
You might ask what's a big SUV doing on this list? Well looks can be deceptive because, despite the Toyota Yaris Cross’ chunky off-road-ready styling, it's only about 10cm longer than the Corsa supermini above. The Yaris Cross’ blocky shape means it still squeezes a family-sized cabin and a big boot into its small footprint and, while cabin plastics feel a bit cheap, they're very well screwed together. Its hybrid engine means the Yaris Cross excels in town – keep within city confines and you comfortably see over 60mpg, while never having to worry about changing gear or charging the battery.
Shop used Toyota Yaris Cross cars or read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Skoda Kamiq
- Practical cabin
- Smooth turbo engines
- Comfy ride quality
If you need a family car that also works in the city, take a look at the Skoda Kamiq. This compact SUV is a bit taller, wider and longer in every dimension than the hatchbacks it’s priced to compete with, making it a great choice if you need enough room in the back to fit child seats. You also get a big boot that can easily swallow a pushchair and robust build quality that’ll stand up to whatever your kids can throw at it. The 1.0-litre engine sounds small but it's more than a match for the Kamiq's frame. We'd recommend picking the DSG auto for even easier commuting.
Browse used Skoda Kamiq cars or read our Skoda Kamiq review
Kia Picanto
- Impressive ride quality for such a small car
- Practical for its size
- Long seven-year warranty
If you value dependability above all else, consider the Kia Picanto. This tiny hatchback is easy to live with in the city and can seat four adults at a push, but its best feature is the long seven-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving you peace of mind that you’ll be covered for a long time if something goes wrong. An easy-to-use dashboard means you’ll quickly feel at home behind the wheel, and the efficient engines should be kind to your wallet. There's even a respectable amount of boot space considering its tiny 3.6-metre length.
Take a look at used Kia Picanto cars or read our Kia Picanto review
Volkswagen ID.3
- Airy, minimalist cabin
- Easy to drive
- Affordable as a used car
This list could easily have been filled with electric cars as they're just so easy to drive in stop-start traffic. The Volkswagen ID.3 is even more relaxed than most as the brand's removed almost all the clutter from your eyeline, leaving just the essentials. Its column-mounted gear selector means you rarely need to move your hands far from the wheel, and there's great visibility through its wide windscreen and front quarterlight windows. The feeling of effortlessness is enhanced when you're on the move, with hushed but insistent acceleration and light controls.
Shop used Volkswagen ID.3 cars for sale or read our Volkswagen ID.3 review
Found your favourite city slicker?
Browse Motorpoint's huge range of used cars – all sold with a warranty and backed by our Quality Standard. For more great options, take a look at our picks for the best fuel-efficient cars you can buy.
