Ford Fiesta Zetec
The Ford Fiesta is one of the UK’s most popular small cars so it’s not surprising that it’s topped our 2021 list. Known for being good value for money, the Fiesta is fun to drive too with responsive steering and agile handling. It’s spacious for its size and offers a 311-litre boot with more than enough room for all your shopping. Our most financed trim is the Zetec, which has a luxurious edge thanks to its 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, heated windscreen, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and chrome hardware.
Audi A3
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hatchback with a premium feel, you can’t go wrong with the Audi A3. Its sporty design has broad appeal and it’s a pleasure to drive thanks to its precise steering, assured handling, and power. The interior is practical and generous with plenty of leg room for even the tallest family member and the boot, while not the biggest on the market, still offers ample space for your suitcases.
VW Golf SE
The Volkswagen Golf SE is now in its eighth generation - and it’s only got better with age! It was built with practicality in mind and can navigate potholes on country lanes as easily as it handles tight inner-city corners. Inside, the adjustable seats and steering cater to all heights, and there’s generous boot space for a family. The majority of the car’s tech can be operated from its central touchscreen while powerful LED headlights come as standard on newer models.
Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke is a family car with character. A small SUV, it consistently turns heads thanks to its distinctive floating roof design that you’ll either love or hate. The Juke is compact but has a surprisingly spacious cabin and the boot has more than enough space for the weekly shop. It’s known for providing a quiet drive and comes equipped with a host of safety features including blind spot warnings, lane keep assist, and emergency braking.
Vauxhall Corsa
One of the UK’s most beloved cars, the Vauxhall Corsa is popular among new drivers and families alike thanks to its competitive pricing and relatively low insurance costs. Now in its fifth generation, the classic supermini has earned a reputation for reliability and has only got better with age; new improvements include much lighter steering and smoother handling.
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 has been attracting attention since 2012 thanks to its effortlessly stylish design. It’s not all about its looks either; the 208 is quick, agile, and easy to handle for even the most inexperienced drivers. It’s a supermini and storage is limited so you might need to leave that extra suitcase at home, but if you want a car that’s fun to drive and made for weaving around city streets then the Peugeot 208 could be the one for you.
Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai was one of the first cars to combine the qualities of a hatchback with the practicality of an SUV. Since 2007, it’s been through three generations and there’s a four-wheel drive option available too. The Qashqai also offers one of the best drives on the road, has plenty of cabin space, and boasts an impressive 504 litre boot. The exterior is quietly elegant and premium trims come with bonus features like quilted leather seats and a massage feature.
BMW 1 Series 116D
If you’re looking for a premium hatchback with a sporty edge, then the BMW 1 Series is sure to fit the bill. It offers the quality and reliability that you’d expect from the German manufacturer but with a distinctive appearance and an elongated bonnet. The cabin is roomy, and the car is equipped with a range of safety-orientated tech including six airbags, tyre pressure monitors, and emergency city braking as standard.
Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest car that Land Rover produce but it still offers everything you’d expect from one of the world’s best SUV manufacturers. It comes with a range of features designed for comfort and practicality including heated front seats, a heated windscreen, and keyless start. The cabin also includes a display screen with DAB radio and built-in SatNav. It’s not style over substance either, the Evoque can reach a top speed of 124mph and go from 0-62mph in 10 seconds.
Fiat 500
There’s no other compact car on the market that looks like the Fiat 500. With nostalgic appeal and a distinctive design, this is a car for drivers that don’t mind standing out from the crowd. Its size means it’s ideal for making short trips around town, but it’s not the most spacious and is only available as a three-door so it’s not the perfect pick if you tend to carry a lot of passengers. The car is crafted with safety in mind with skid-reducing anti-lock brakes, hill-hold assist, and seven airbags around the cabin.