Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen Golf GTE

Volkswagen Golf

New Volkswagen Golf GTI

Seat Arona

Ford Puma

Volkswagen Golf Estate

Volkswagen T-Cross

every-new-car-available-for-less-than-pound20000

Hatchback

Ford

Focus

Puma

Volkswagen

Golf

Seat

Arona

Estate

T-Cross

T-Roc

A former motorsport team and independent tuning company, Abarth has long&nbsp;produced high performance versions of Fiat's cars.

In recent years, Abarth has been established&nbsp;as a standalone brand – in the same way that Citroën split off its DS luxury division several years ago. However, the major difference is that DS cars look completely different from the Citroëns on which they’re based, whereas Abarths rely on bodykits and big wheels to mark them out.

The Abarth 500e is a sporty version of the Fiat 500 Electric, whilst the Abarth 595 is a beefed-up version of the older Fiat 500 hatchback.

ABARTH

Due to record <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/why-is-the-petrol-price-so-high-right-now/n24259">fuel prices</a> and energy bills, as well as&nbsp;rising inflation, we’re all feeling the squeeze on our wallets at the moment. And if the time’s come for you to buy a new car, that means you might find yourself on a tighter budget than usual.

That’s why we’ve rounded up every new car available for less than £20,000, along with the discounts you can get through our free New Car Buying service, and how much they cost per month on PCP finance. There’s something here for everyone, from city runabouts to stylish <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small-suv">SUVs</a>, and even some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/hot-hatch">hot hatches</a>.

If you find one you like, simply follow the links to see the latest deals, or read the full review for that make and model.

Slideshow story – please click the right-hand arrow below to continue

Every new car available for less than £20,000

List price from £18,295 | Target Price from £18,295 | Target PCP NA | Star Rating 2

The Abarth 595 justifies its flamboyant styling with impressive straight-line performance, but an awkward driving position and bouncy ride make it hard to live with.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/abarth/595/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on an Abarth 595</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/abarth/595/hatchback/review/n17259">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Abarth 595

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

List price from £19,805 | Target Price from £19,238 | Target PCP from £199 | Star Rating 4

One of a select few ‘posh’ small cars, the Audi A1 offers tidy handling, a comfortable interior, and lots of luxurious options. Just bear in mind that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini</a> hatchback is even plusher inside, while the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> offers better value for money.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi/a1/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on an Audi A1</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Audi A1

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

List price from £13,175 | Target Price from £13,175&nbsp;| Target PCP from&nbsp;£183&nbsp;| Star Rating 2

Quirky design, a long list of standard equipment, and fuel-efficient engines make the Citroën C3 an intriguing low-cost proposition, but its limited practicality, slushy handling, and awkward driving position make it tough to recommend.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/citroen/c3/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Citroën C3</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n17364">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Citroën C3

C3 AIRCROSS

List price from £17,845 | Target Price from £17,845 | Target PCP from £218 | Star Rating 3

The Citroën C3 Aircross offers decent practicality at a low price, but its sub-standard handling and laggy infotainment system can frustrate. Additionally, high depreciation makes it more expensive in the long-term than more competent rivals.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/citroen/c3-aircross/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Citroën C3 Aircross</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3-aircross/hatchback/review/n17381">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

&nbsp;

Citroën C3 Aircross

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DUSTER

List price from £14,495&nbsp;| Target Price from £14,427&nbsp;| Target PCP from £154&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

The Dacia Duster is one of the most spacious cars available for less than £20,000, and comes packed with kit in our recommended Comfort trim. You do have to accept compromises in terms of interior quality and driving dynamics, but it’s still worth considering.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/dacia/duster/estate/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Dacia Duster</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Dacia Duster

Jogger

List price from £14,995 | Target Price from £14,995&nbsp;| Target PCP from £14,995 | Star Rating&nbsp;4

You might expect that such a cheap people-mover would come with big concessions, but the Dacia Jogger is a practical seven-seater that’s easy to drive and chock-full of useful kit.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/dacia/jogger/estate/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Dacia Jogger</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/jogger/mpv/review/n24141">read our full Dacia Jogger review &gt;&gt;</a>

Dacia Jogger

SANDERO

List price from&nbsp;£11,245 | Target Price from&nbsp;£11,245&nbsp;| Target PCP from&nbsp;£130&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

The Dacia Sandero is like a supermarket meal deal that includes a pricey smoothie; you’ll buy one and giggle about how you’ve fleeced The Man. Despite costing just £11,245 in entry-level trim, the Sandero is more practical and comfortable than most small cars. Only its low Euro NCAP safety score lets the side down.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/dacia/sandero/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Dacia Sandero</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Dacia Sandero

SANDERO STEPWAY

List price from £12,745&nbsp;| Target Price from £12,745&nbsp;| Target PCP from £148&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

If you turned the phrase ‘urban jungle’ into a car you’d get the Dacia Sandero Stepway. It’s a rugged remix of the standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>, featuring a raised ride height and tough-looking plastic wheelarches. As a result, it does a decent impression of a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small-suv">small SUV</a>; whether that makes it worth the £1500 premium over the standard Sandero is up to you to decide.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/dacia/sandero-stepway/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Dacia Sandero Stepway</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero-stepway/hatchback/review/n17269">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Dacia Sandero Stepway

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

&nbsp;List price from £14,235&nbsp;| Target Price from £13,803&nbsp;| Target PCP from £169&nbsp;| Star Rating 2

Like a designer handbag, the Fiat 500 Hybrid has style, but it’s also less practical and more expensive than like-for-like rivals. An awkward driving position and skittish ride don’t help its case.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat/500/hatchback/deals?fuelType=petrol">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Fiat 500 Hybrid</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n22352">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Fiat 500 Hybrid

Sports

500C

List price from £16,555 | Target Price from £16,555&nbsp;| Target PCP from £213&nbsp;| Star Rating 2

The Fiat 500C Hybrid is one of the cheapest ways into wind-in-hair thrills, but it’s just as awkward to drive as the standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n22352">500 Hybrid</a> and even less practical.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat/500/sports/deals?fuelType=petrol">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Fiat 500C Hybrid</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500c/sports/review/n22462">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Fiat 500C Hybrid

PANDA

List price from £13,655&nbsp;| Target Price from £13,401 | Target PCP from £189&nbsp;| Star Rating 1

You might be swayed by whimsical notions of ‘charm’ when looking at the Fiat Panda, but on an objective basis, it’s a poor car. It’s wheezy in a straight line, fidgety through bends, and scored zero stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests – just pick something else.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat/panda/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Fiat Panda</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/panda/hatchback/review/n128">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Fiat Panda

TIPO

List price from £19,595 | Target Price from £18,989 | Target PCP NA&nbsp;| Star Rating 2

The Fiat Tipo is impressively practical, with a bigger boot than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a>, but those cars are significantly more engaging and comfortable to drive. Additionally, the Tipo is predicted to depreciate significantly, which means it won’t be as good value for money in the long term.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/fiat/tipo/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Fiat Tipo</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/tipo/hatchback/review/n17177">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Fiat Tipo

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

FIESTA

List price from £17,070&nbsp;| Target Price from £16,398&nbsp;| Target PCP from £208&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

Brilliant to drive, with a smart interior and a shed-load of kit – the Ford Fiesta is one of the best small cars money can buy. However, you do have to live with limited practicality, and compelling alternatives like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> are typically cheaper on <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">PCP finance</a>, on the same terms. An <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-ford-fiesta-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n23506">updated Fiesta</a> is right around the corner, so watch this space.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/ford/fiesta/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Ford Fiesta</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Ford Fiesta

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

JAZZ

List price from £19,910 | Target Price from £19,340 | Target PCP from £202 | Star Rating 5

Our reigning <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-small-car-of-the-year/n23976">Small Car of the Year</a>, the Honda Jazz trounces its rivals in terms of practicality, thanks to a spacious interior and cinema-style fold-up rear seats that make it an incredibly flexible load-lugger. The Jazz is also easy to drive smoothly and incredibly fuel-efficient.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/honda/jazz/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Honda Jazz</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Honda Jazz

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

Temporary taxonomy to unlink review until CAP taxonomy is updated

List price from £13,420&nbsp;| Target Price from £12,853 | Target PCP from £153&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

The Hyundai i10 offers big car qualities in a small package, such as impressive refinement, a smart-looking interior and surprisingly fun handling. Its list price&nbsp;might seem dear, but if you check out the monthly PCP deals you’ll realise it’s more affordable than it looks.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/hyundai/i10/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Hyundai i10</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Hyundai i10

List price from £16,500 | Target Price from £16,500&nbsp;| Target PCP from £172 | Star Rating&nbsp;4

With lots of passenger space, peppy engines, and a long list of standard equipment, the Hyundai i20 is an appealing small car. However, it’s priced at the high end of the class, and doesn’t specialise in&nbsp;driving engagement or comfort&nbsp;like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>&nbsp;do.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/hyundai/i20/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Hyundai i20</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/review/n53">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Hyundai i20

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

CEED

List price from £19,755 | Target Price from £18,575 | Target PCP from £186&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

The Kia Ceed is a competent family car rather than an outstanding one; the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a> is more fun, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/scala/hatchback/review/n19190">Skoda Scala</a> is more practical, and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">Volkswagen Golf</a> is more comfortable. That said, entry-level Ceeds are well priced, while Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty is a boon if you’re planning to hold onto your car for a long time.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/kia/ceed/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Kia Ceed</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ceed/hatchback/review/n17863">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Kia Ceed

PICANTO

List price from £11,450 | Target Price from £11,238 | Target PCP from £144 | Star Rating 3

Tidy handling and a smart interior with an intuitive infotainment system make the Kia Picanto a fine small car. However, it falls short of the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a>, which is more polished in terms of ride comfort and refinement.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/kia/picanto/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Kia Picanto</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Kia Picanto

List price from £14,100 | Target Price from £14,100 | Target PCP from £198 | Star Rating 4

Price is a key motivator behind choosing a Kia Rio – it’s almost £2000 cheaper than the mechanically similar <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/review/n53">Hyundai i20</a>, yet offers similarly strong practicality and build quality, plus a long list of equipment. Stick to the mid-range ‘2’ trim and our preferred 1.0-litre turbocharged engine to get the most for your money.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/kia/rio/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Kia Rio</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/rio/hatchback/review/n17367">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Kia Rio

STONIC

List price from £18,900 | Target Price from £17,819 | Target PCP from £173 | Star Rating 3

The Kia Stonic takes the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/rio/hatchback/review/n17367">Kia Rio</a>’s underpinnings and adds a dash of SUV attitude. Plus, it drives well, thanks to punchy turbocharged engines and tidy handling. Where it disappoints is practicality, because the boot is one of the tightest in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small-suv">small SUV</a> class and rear leg room is quite tight.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/kia/stonic/estate/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Kia Stonic</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/stonic/estate/review/n116">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Kia Stonic

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

List price from £16,575&nbsp;| Target Price from £16,289&nbsp;| Target PCP from £189&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

The Mazda 2 offers a reasonably plush interior and great real-world fuel economy. Nonetheless, more modern rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> have overtaken it in most other regards, and don’t cost much more.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda/2/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Mazda 2</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/2/hatchback/review/n95">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Mazda 2

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

List price from £12,845 | Target Price from £12,845 | Target PCP NA | Star Rating 2

The MG 3 is a hard sell because of its wheezy engines, skittish ride and poor Euro NCAP safety rating. However, it’s not completely beyond redemption: it handles well, offers a smart-looking interior, and costs pennies.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mg-motor-uk/mg3/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on an MG 3</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg3/hatchback/review/n17867">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

MG 3

List price from £16,495 | Target Price from £16,495 | Target PCP NA | Star Rating 3

The MG ZS offers a classy, spacious interior, and decent handling for a family SUV. Just bear in mind that you could have the more rounded <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a> for just a little extra cash.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mg-motor-uk/zs/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on an MG ZS</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/zs/hatchback/review/n17318">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

MG ZS

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

HATCHBACK

List price from £17,405 | Target Price from £17,114&nbsp;| Target PCP from £195&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

Few small cars are as desirable or as luxurious as the Mini. In fact, it won <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-best-small-car-interior/n24011">Best Small Car Interior</a> at the 2022 What Car? Awards because of the abundance of plush materials inside, and because its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>-derived infotainment system is one of the slicket around. Just ensure you can make do with two rear seats rather than the three which most rivals offer.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini/hatchback/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Mini</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Mini

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

MICRA

List price from £16,675&nbsp;| Target Price from £14,805&nbsp;| Target PCP from £161&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

The Nissan Micra is a long-time favourite of young drivers thanks to low insurance rates and a long list of standard safety equipment including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">automatic emergency braking</a> (AEB). It’s neither an inspiring drive nor particularly practical, though.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/nissan/micra/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Nissan Micra</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/micra/hatchback/review/n17365">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Nissan Micra

JUKE

List price from £19,200 | Target Price from £19,200 | Target PCP from £204&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

The current Nissan Juke has remained a favourite among British buyers thanks to its blend of funky looks, a high-quality interior, and competitive pricing. We’d avoid this entry-level Visia version, though, which lacks amenities like an infotainment touchscreen and alloy wheels.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/nissan/juke/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Nissan Juke</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/juke/hatchback/review/n45">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Nissan Juke

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

List price from £18,645 | Target Price from £17,630&nbsp;| Target PCP from £233&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

Few small cars feel as grown up as the Peugeot 208, which stands out for its exceptional comfort, interior quality and refinement. Just make sure its unusual driving position – where you look over rather than through the steering wheel to see the instruments – works for you.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot/208/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Peugeot 208</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Peugeot 208

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

CLIO

List price from £18,590 | Target Price from £16,554&nbsp;| Target PCP from £160&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

The Renault Clio is a practical small car with predictable handling and a smart-looking interior. It’s also competitively priced, especially once you factor in our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-target-price/n1433">Target price</a>&nbsp;discounts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault/clio/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Renault Clio</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Renault Clio

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

IBIZA

List price from £17,165 | Target Price from £16,161 | Target PCP from £209 | Star Rating&nbsp;4

Thanks to its spacious interior, fuel-efficient engines and composed handling, the Seat Ibiza is one of the best small cars you can buy. Just avoid the wheezy 1.0-litre MPI 80 engine, which quickly grows tiresome.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/seat/ibiza/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Seat Ibiza</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Seat Ibiza

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

FABIA

List price from £17,745 | Target Price from £17,365 | Target PCP from £217 | Star Rating 4

The Skoda Fabia shares its underpinnings – thus its strengths – with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> from the previous slide. The Fabia has a slight edge, though, thanks to its lower price and its large boot – which matches those of some larger and pricier cars, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a>.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda/fabia/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Skoda Fabia</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Skoda Fabia

KAMIQ

List price from £19,470 | Target Price from £18,632 | Target PCP from £160 | Star Rating 5

One of just three cars on the list that have earned our maximum five-star rating, the Skoda Kamiq is bigger and classier inside than its sister cars, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/arona/hatchback/review/n117">Seat Arona</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-cross/estate/review/n19039">Volkswagen T-Cross</a>. However, the entry-level version which fits this budget misses out on fairly basic conveniences like cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a variable-height boot floor, so we’d recommend spending a little more or looking elsewhere.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda/kamiq/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Skoda Kamiq</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kamiq/hatchback/review/n19999">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Skoda Kamiq

SCALA

List price from £17,870&nbsp;| Target Price from £17,061 | Target PCP from £177 | Star Rating 5

The Skoda Scala is currently the cheapest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/family">family car</a> on sale, yet it’s also one of the best, thanks to its supple ride, impressive practicality and tidy handling. That said, there are a couple of signs of cost-cutting, most obviously in the abundance of hard interior plastics.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/skoda/scala/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Skoda Scala</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/scala/hatchback/review/n19190">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Skoda Scala

Formerly known as Ssangyong, KGM's range is dominated by&nbsp;SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard, but all of which have merits, including the&nbsp;practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight of the current line-up is&nbsp;the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It also&nbsp;has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

TIVOLI

List price from £14,595 | Target Price from £14,595 | Target PCP from NA | Star Rating 2

The Ssangyong Tivoli is reasonably spacious and well-equipped, but it’s outclassed in almost every way by the cheaper <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a>.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/ssangyong/tivoli/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Ssangyong Tivoli</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ssangyong/tivoli/hatchback/review/n104">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Ssangyong Tivoli

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

IGNIS

List price from £14,749 | Target Price from £14,538 | Target PCP from £203&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

If you’re looking for a city runabout with a high driving position, the Suzuki Ignis is worth a look. Its small size makes it very nimble, yet it’s more spacious inside than you might think. Plus, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient cars we’ve ever put through our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/truempg/mpg-calculator">True MPG</a> test, which makes it incredibly cheap to own.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Suzuki Ignis</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Suzuki Ignis

SWIFT

List price from £15,499 | Target Price from £15,276&nbsp;| Target PCP from £208&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

The Suzuki Swift offers a similar package to the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/ignis/hatchback/review/n17225">Ignis</a>; you get decent interior space&nbsp;and low running costs at a compelling price. However, the Swift’s keen handling results in a harsh ride, which combines with disappointing refinement to reduce its appeal.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/suzuki/swift/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Suzuki Swift</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift/hatchback/review/n54">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Suzuki Swift

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

AYGO X

List price from £14,795 | Target Price from £14,795 | Target PCP NA | Star Rating 4

The Toyota Aygo X adds a dose of attitude to the world of low-cost motoring, but if you need extra rear passenger space and can do without the rugged looks, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a> is the more practical alternative. The i10 also comes with a turbocharged engine which is punchier than the Aygo X’s unboosted 1.0-litre unit.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Toyota Aygo X</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/aygo-x/hatchback/review/n24132">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Toyota Aygo X

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

CORSA

List price from £17,380 | Target Price from £16,517 | Target PCP from £181 | Star Rating 3

2021’s best-selling car, the Vauxhall Corsa, is a perfectly acceptable small car without any glaring issues. However, it isn’t as fun to drive as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, nor is it as plush as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> (with which it shares its underpinnings), or as spacious as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Vauxhall Corsa</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Vauxhall Corsa

CROSSLAND

List price from £18,415 | Target Price from £17,499 | Target PCP from £188 | Star Rating 2

The Vauxhall Crossland has some redeeming qualities, such as its manoeuvrability around town and its big boot. And with massive discounts available on occasion, we’d understand you going for one. Just bear in mind that rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/kamiq/hatchback/review/n19999">Skoda Kamiq</a>, and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/hatchback/review/n17376">Volkswagen T-Roc</a> are far sharper to drive, more spacious inside, and hold onto their value better.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/vauxhall/crossland/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Vauxhall Crossland</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/crossland/hatchback/review/n17373">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Vauxhall Crossland

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

List price from £13,545 | Target Price from £13,196 | Target PCP from £167&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

The Volkswagen Up took our overall <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">Car of the Year</a>&nbsp;award back in 2012, and it still endures by offering great handling and fuel economy, plus&nbsp;a classy interior. It is starting to feel its age in some areas, though: you don’t get a touchscreen infotainment system or important safety kit like <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a> on any trim level.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen/up/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Volkswagen Up</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/review/n9">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Volkswagen Up

List price from £17,150 | Target Price from £16,865&nbsp;| Target PCP from £208&nbsp;| Star Rating 3

It’s hard not to grin while driving the Volkswagen Up GTI, which takes the nimble&nbsp;underpinnings from the standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/review/n9">Up</a> and adds a 113bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, lower sports suspension, and a slicker gearshift. It amounts to a much more compelling driving experience than you get with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/abarth/595/hatchback/review/n17259">Abarth 595</a>.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen/up/hatchback/deals?trim=up-gti">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Volkswagen Up GTI</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/up/hatchback/review/n17310">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

Volkswagen Up GTI

POLO

List price from £18,285 | Target Price from £17,545&nbsp;| Target PCP from £182&nbsp;| Star Rating 4

It’s not hard to see why the Volkswagen Polo is such a big seller: it’s smart, roomy, and comfortable inside, plus it’s good to drive. And while it’s pricer outright than some rivals, that’s mitigated by competitive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">PCP finance</a> rates and minimal depreciation.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/deals">Find a great cash or PCP finance deal on a Volkswagen Polo</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">read our full review &gt;&gt;</a>

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Volkswagen Polo

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