10 best city cars (2022)
November 26, 2021 by carwow
If your driving consists mainly of getting from here to there in the urban environment, then it’s absolutely the case that the best things come in small packages.
Step in — perhaps literally — the city car. These tiny cars are perfectly suited for the inner-city runaround thanks to compact dimensions, low running costs and excellent manoeuvrability. We’ve picked out the best of the bunch.
*Prices correct at time of writing
Top city cars 2022
- Hyundai i10
- Fiat 500 Electric
- Kia Picanto
- Suzuki Ignis
- Peugeot 108
- SEAT Mii Electric
- Volkswagen Up
- Citroen C1
- Smart EQ ForTwo
- Toyota Aygo
Hyundai i10
Once a very sensible, but rather tame looking thing, the Hyundai i10 has been transformed. It now looks properly funky thanks to sharp angles, a two-tone paint finish that gives it a floating roof and some rather bold alloy wheels available across the range.
It’s packed with standard safety tech too such as lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking. Your best bet is the 1.0-litre turbocharged car, which brings a healthy amount of poke to the dinky hatch.
carwow price from*: £12,204
Fuel efficiency: Up to 57mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 119g/km
wowscore: 9/10
Volkswagen Up
When it comes to the SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo, Volkswagen Up triplets, the Up is definitely ‘The Posh One’. The plastics used inside feel that bit classier than those in the other two, and optional styling packs make things feel better still. There’s room for four adults (although a Hyundai i10 can carry five), and the boot’s a good size.
The 65hp engine gives the car enough punch, but if you want more speed you could always stretch to the 115hp Up GTi, which is a riot to drive.
carwow price from*: £12,900
Fuel efficiency: Up to 55mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 117g/km
wowscore: 9/10
Fiat 500 Electric
The Fiat 500 has been reinvented as an electric car. It does carry over the charm of the supermini you’ve come to know and love, albeit with a much more modern approach.
It packs an impressive 199-mile range — more than ideal for the inner-city commuters amongst you — and brings a decent amount of performance as a result of its instant torque.
It’s not the most practical city car on the market though, and the switch to electric had added weight and increased its size.
carwow price from*: £23,495
Range: up to 199 miles
wowscore: 7/10
Kia Picanto
Small. Check. Economical. Check. Funky? Perhaps not so much. The Kia Picanto is still a cracking city car though, because it’s narrow, with quick steering and nippy responses, so it makes mincemeat out of most urban-driving situations. It’s less convincing out of town, where the road noise and wallowy suspension inhibit enjoyment. Higher-spec models come with a touchscreen that allows you to mirror your smartphone, and an automatic emergency braking system to enhance safety.
Your pick should be the turbocharged 1.0-litre, 100hp option. Not only is it surprisingly fun, but it’s about as economical as the entry-level 67hp car too.
carwow price from*: £10,576
Fuel efficiency: Up to 60mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 110g/km
wowscore: 7/10
Suzuki Ignis
When designing the Suzuki Ignis, the manufacturer clearly decided SUVs were selling like mad, so why not build a small one? It certainly stands out with its high-up stance, exaggerated wheel arches and angular side windows. The angular body is spacious enough to easily carry four adults.
The 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine is good, and is boosted by the presence of a small electric motor to help economy and performance. DAB radio and electric windows are standard on all models, but it’s a shame the plastics feel cheap.
carwow price from*: £12,149
Fuel efficiency: Up to 58mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 110g/km
wowscore: 7/10
Peugeot 108
The Peugeot 108 has always been fairly fun to drive, with a fizzy engine, light steering and the turning circle of a skateboard. It also looks quite cute and has an interior with plenty of character. However, what the interior doesn’t have plenty of is space; it’s fine upfront but anyone behind will wonder why the driver doesn’t like them. Standard kit includes air-conditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, and a touchscreen infotainment system, which isn’t bad.
Your only engine option for the 108 is a 72hp 1.0-litre engine, linked up to a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s maybe not the choice if you’d prefer an auto or something faster, then.
carwow price from*: £10,842
Fuel efficiency: Up to 59mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 110g/km
wowscore: 6/10
SEAT Mii Electric
Though it’s out of production now, you can still grab your hands on a SEAT Mii Electric from a pool of existing stock. It’s just as small and easy to drive as the regular Mii once was, but adds the convenience of electric power.
Granted, its official range of 162 miles isn’t all that impressive but if you’re only travelling short distances and can charge at home, that shouldn’t be a worry. The batteries have been placed under the floor of the car at least, meaning its 251-litre boot capacity remains intact.
carwow price from*: Lease from £201 per month
Range: up to 162 miles
Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 is the sort of car that makes you smile as you walk towards it, because its styling is cheekily irreverent. Inside, there are myriad colourful options that’ll make you feel decidedly young at heart, too.
There’s no denying that the plastics used inside feel outdated compared with those in newer rivals, though. But that said, controls are all dead easy to use — which is ideal when you’re trying to contest with urban traffic.
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is fine in the city, but elsewhere it’s a little noisy.
carwow price from*: £12,945
Fuel efficiency: Up to 59mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 109g/km
wowscore: 6/10
Smart EQ ForTwo
The clue is in the name – the electric Smart EQ Fortwo is just for a pair of occupants, but it’s truly tiny so is ideal for the city. It’s brilliant in traffic, with the kind of turning circle that can make you feel dizzy, and the ability to park almost anywhere. The electric motor is perfect for nipping between the lights, while the range of 70 miles is enough for most days out in the city. However, you’ll need to look past the plastics, which feel a bit below-par.
carwow price from*: £21,700
Range: up to 70 miles
wowscore: 6/10
Toyota Aygo
On the theme of funky-looking city cars, the Toyota Aygo is another one looking to brighten up city streets. Personalisation options are pretty impressive too if you want to inject some of your own character into this Toyota.
Unfortunately, it’s not quite as exciting inside, but at least everything is easy to use. Plus you get a decent amount of safety technology as standard, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure alert.
You’ve only got engine choice — a 1.0-litre three-cylinder. That said, you can have it with a five-speed manual gearbox or an automatic.
carwow price from*: Lease from £155.20 per month
Fuel efficiency: Up to 56.5mpg
Emissions (CO2): from 114g/km
wowscore: 6/10