Superminis: complete buyer's guide
.jpg "Want a car which is affordable to run, great fun to drive and easy to park? Take a look at our pick of the best new superminis...")
Easy to park, affordable to run and great fun to drive, the humble supermini has advanced hugely over recent years. Today’s car is refined and loaded with creature comforts.
We round up 16 of the best new superminis.
Ford Fiesta
£8,514-£13,406
All new last year, the latest Fiesta could prove to be the most impressive yet. A lot more stylish than its functional but rather drab predecessor, the new Ford is bigger all-round and feels a cut above the opposition in terms of build quality and driving dynamics.
Ford is also promising reduced running costs and the fact that most models undercut the previous ones is a encouraging sign for supermini buyers.
Read our Ford Fiesta car review
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Mazda 2
£7,930-£11,160
Forget its dowdy predecessor, the new Mazda 2 is better looking, more fun to drive and even better value than the car it replaces. It’s build on the platform that underpins the new Ford Fiesta, and it’s one of the best in the business.
In addition to a great ride quality, the 2 loves corners and has real spirit on the road. The range-topping 1.5 Sport is the most fun, but lesser versions are equally impressive.
Vauxhall Corsa
£7,289-£15,861
Given that the previous generation Corsa was a perennial best-seller, the current version – which boasts more space, better performance and improved safety – was virtually guaranteed to be back at the top.
A far more substantial car than its predecessor, it has a luxurious interior and comes packed with innovative features. Unusually, the three door version is a unique design with sportier looks and a sharper drive.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa car review
Fiat Grande Punto
£9,057-£17,000
In recent years, Fiat has struggled with its supermini offerings. However, the Grande Punto delivers something genuinely different and it’s little wonder that things are looking up at Fiat.
With its larger-than average interior and much improved build quality, the new Punto has stacks of room inside, a good driving position and a big boot that outshines virtually all its rivals. It’s also great fun to drive and very keenly priced.
Read our Fiat Grande Punto car review
Mini
£11,680-£16,860
You may have to look closely to spot the differences between the second generation MINI and the first, but BMW has introduced a raft of improvements to its funky supermini. The lethargic engine in the Cooper has been replaced by an all-new unit while the ride is now much more agreeable.
Recently launched Works version adds more power while the oddball Clubman model is a great drive and a real conversation piece.
Seat Ibiza
£8,416-£11,379
Designed by a former Lamborghini stylist and underpinned by the very latest Volkswagen small car platform, the new Ibiza is one of the freshest and most exciting superminis on the market.
It retains the sporty responses of its predecessor, but adds more style, a bigger cabin and lower running costs. Performance models will follow soon, but for now the best option is the 1.4-litre TDI version.
Read our Seat Ibiza car review
Honda Jazz
£9,780-£12,521
The car that made Honda a force to be reckoned with in the supermini sector is back for another go. Wisely, the designers and engineers have stuck with the winning formula of the old model, and while every panel – and both engines – are new, it retains the cheeky looks of the original.
And, like before, practicality is its key strength. With the back seats folded, the Jazz boasts an estate-rivalling load bay.
Read our Honda Jazz car review
Renault Clio
£9,414-£15,660
The backbone of Renault’s range, the Clio continues to be a big hit with British buyers. Thanks to an amazingly broad range, the French supermini offers something for every buyer.
As we’ve come to expect from Renault, the Clio has an air of sophistication to it that many rivals don’t. And despite feeling slightly soft to drive compared to cars such as the Ford Fiesta, it’s a competent cruiser and decent value for money.
Read our Renault Clio car review
Skoda Fabia
£7,931-£12,859
The good news for Skoda fans is that the second generation Fabia is every bit as convincing as the original. Although based on the same platform, the new model is bigger all round and its cabin is one of the biggest in the sector.
With looks inspired by the acclaimed Roomster MPV and a more refined driving experience, the new Fabia’s most attractive quality is its remarkable value for money.
Read our Skoda Fabia car review
Peugeot 207
£9,591-£17,763
A replacement for the much-loved 206, the 207 carries over the same basic design but adds a host of fresh features. Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, the 207 is a much more comfortable car to drive and ride in.
The seating position is now perfect and the standard of cabin trim has been improved ten-fold. Range-topping GTi version shares its engine with the acclaimed MINI Cooper S.
Read our Peugeot 207 car review
Also try…
Toyota Yaris
It may be small, but the Toyota Yaris is a fantastic supermini. Innovative use of interior space and wonderfully solid build quality make the Yaris a fine new buy. A much improved chassis means the ride quality is more refined than before, while the cabin feels posher too.
Read our Toyota Yaris car review
A replacement for the unloved Getz, the i20 is proof that Hyundai has finally got the drop on what British car buyers want. The design is fresh and attractive while the driving experience is one of the best in the sector. And, in true Hyundai fashion, it represents excellent value for money.#
Read the Hyundai i20 car review
Mitsubishi Colt
A fun and interesting alternative to the class regulars, the Colt is a lively and thoroughly entertaining small car. The cabin is a lovely piece of design with high quality plastics and a layout inspired by the Apple iPod. There’s also a clever folding seat mechanism that can create an unusually large boot if needed.
Read our Mitsubishi Colt car review
Suzuki Swift
Where the old Swift lacked a certain sense of style, the current version has it by the boot-full. Thoroughly modern inside and out, the Swift looks good, drives well and is superb value. The build quality is exceptional throughout and it makes a fine long distance cruiser.
Read our Suzuki Swift car review
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Nissan Micra
Its curvy lines are unmistakable and help give the Micra a unique identity. With a decent range of engine and trim options, the baby Nissan makes a fantastic alternative to the usual sector choices. The build quality is great while the driving experience is lively and engaging.
Read our Nissan Micra car review
Daihatsu Sirion
The Sirion is another Japanese supermini that you’d be foolish to ignore. As we’ve come to expect from Daihatsu over the years, the Sirion is exceptional value for money, offering the kind of extras that most other makers charge extra for. But it isn’t just the gadgets that make the Sirion worth a look – it’s a lovely piece of design.
Read our Daihatsu Sirion car review
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