• Best City Cars to Navigate the Concrete Jungle
  • Best City Cars to Navigate the Concrete Jungle

Best City Cars to Navigate the Concrete Jungle

Discover the best city cars to buy in the UK

When it comes to navigating busy city streets, having the right car can make all the difference. A great city car should be compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to manoeuvre, while also providing comfort, practicality, and style. With so many options on the market, we’ve singled out the best city cars to navigate the concrete jungle. 

In this article, we'll explore the top 10 city cars available at our Wilsons Epsom dealership, taking into account factors such as performance, reliability, affordability, and overall suitability for urban driving. From the iconic Fiat 500 to the all-electric Renault Zoe, these vehicles have proven to be ideal choices for city living. Read on to find out more… 

What makes a good city car?

From manoeuvrability to fuel efficiency, below we highlight what you should look for in a city car:

Compact Size

A city car should be small and manoeuvrable, making it easy to navigate through tight streets and park in small spaces.

Fuel Efficiency

With frequent stop-and-go traffic likely in city centres, a good city car should have excellent fuel economy to keep running costs low.

Low Emissions

Many cities in the UK now have emission restrictions, so a car with low emissions is essential to meet these standards and reduce environmental impact.

Good Visibility

Good all-around visibility is crucial for safety in busy urban settings, allowing drivers to easily spot pedestrians, cyclists, and other city-based vehicles such as buses.

Driver Comfort

Despite its compact size, a city car should be comfortable to drive with a well-designed interior, allowing adequate space for passengers and cargo.

Reliability

A reliable car is essential for city dwellers who depend on their vehicles for daily commutes and errands.

Connectivity

When on the go, you’ll want a car with smartphone integration and other connected technologies to make navigation, communication and entertainment more convenient.

Safety Features

Advanced safety features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and parking sensors are invaluable in city driving conditions.

Easy to Drive

A city car should have light steering, smooth transmission, and good overall responsiveness to make driving in stop-start traffic less stressful.

Affordable

As city cars are often used as second cars or by young professionals, affordability is a key factor in terms of both purchase price and running costs.

Top 10 city cars

  • Abarth 595
  • Dacia Sandero
  • Fiat 500
  • Fiat Panda
  • Hyundai i10
  • Hyundai i20
  • Peugeot 108
  • Peugeot 208
  • Renault Clio
  • Renault Zoe

Abarth 595

Price: From £23,135 new
Pros: Great handling and very nippy
Cons: Can feel cramped in the back for taller passengers

We think the Abarth 595 is a top contender among city cars thanks to its perfect blend of style, performance, and compact practicality. This sporty little hatchback is based on the iconic Fiat 500 model but with an added injection of Italian flair and extra horsepower under the bonnet. A turbocharged 1.4-litre engine provides plenty of punch for navigating city streets and merging onto busy main roads. 

The car's compact size and responsive handling make it a joy to drive in urban environments, while its eye-catching design and sporty exhaust turn heads wherever it goes. Despite its performance-oriented nature, the Abarth 595 remains practical for city life, with a surprisingly roomy interior and decent boot space for daily essentials. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get your hands on a new or used Abarth 595 from our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today! 

Dacia Sandero

Price: From £13,795 new
Pros: Very good value for money and still big enough for families
Cons: Not the best safety rating compared to rivals

The Dacia Sandero has earned its place as a top city car thanks to its unbeatable combination of affordability, practicality, and reliability. As one of the most budget-friendly new cars on the market, the Sandero offers exceptional value for money without compromising on quality or features. Its spacious interior can comfortably accommodate five adults, making it an ideal choice for families or those who frequently transport passengers. 

The car's generous boot space is perfect for weekly shopping trips or weekend getaways, while its efficient engines and low running costs make it an economical choice for city dwellers. In addition, the Sandero's compact dimensions and light steering make it easy to manoeuvre through tight city streets and park in small spaces.  

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get behind the wheel of a new or used Dacia Sandero from our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today! 

Fiat 500

Price: From £16,800 new
Pros: Very easy to drive, the new hybrid version has top handling
Cons: Feels small in the back

The Fiat 500 has cemented its position as one of the most beloved and iconic city cars in the UK. This retro-inspired hatchback turns heads wherever it goes, with its cute and compact design that pays homage to the original Fiat 500 of the 1950’s. But the modern 500 is more than just a pretty face; it's also a joy to drive in the city, with its nimble handling, tight turning circle, and effortless manoeuvrability. 

Thanks to the car's small dimensions, it is a breeze to park in tight spaces, while the 500’s efficient engines (which now include a hybrid and 100% electric variant) and low running costs keep your wallet happy. Whether you opt for the classic hatchback, the open-air 500C convertible, or the all-electric 500e, this iconic city car is sure to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get a feel behind the wheel of a new or used Fiat 500 at our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today! 

Fiat Panda

Price: From £16,230 new
Pros: Very economical and comfortable inside 
Cons: Now well suited to motorway traffic

Thanks to its combination of practicality, versatility, and charm, the Fiat Panda has earned its reputation as one of the best city cars out there. This boxy little hatchback may not be the most stylish car on the block, but what it lacks in style, it more than makes up for in substance. Compared to the Fiat 500, the Panda's tall, upright design provides a surprising amount of interior space, with room for five passengers. 

Now available as a mild hybrid, the Panda’s compact dimensions and tight turning circle make light work of navigating through narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces. Let’s not forget its efficient engines and low running costs that make it an economical choice for daily driving, appealing to drivers of all ages.

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get your hands on a new or used Fiat Panda from our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today! 

Hyundai i10

Price: From £16,030
Pros: Easy to handle and a good amount of on-board tech
Cons: The automatic version can feel sluggish

Establishing itself as one of the best city cars on the market, the Hyundai i10 perfectly combines practicality, comfort, and value in one small-sized package. This compact hatchback boasts a surprisingly spacious interior with room for five adults and a generous boot for daily essentials. The i10's well-designed cabin features high-quality materials, intuitive controls, and a range of modern technology, ensuring a comfortable and connected driving experience at all times. 

On the road, the i10 impresses with its refined ride quality, absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces with ease to deliver a smooth and composed journey. The car's efficient engines and low running costs make it an economical choice, so whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Hyundai i10 is a reliable and capable four-wheeled companion that won't let you down. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get behind the wheel of a new or used Hyundai i10 at our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today! 

Hyundai i20

Price: From £21,520 new
Pros: Fantastically equipped with generous tech as standard
Cons: Just one engine is now available 

A great alternative to the discontinued Ford Fiesta, the Hyundai i20 boasts a combination of practicality, efficiency, and comfort, and is big enough to accommodate families. Although slightly larger than the Hyundai i10, the i20 still maintains a compact footprint that makes it easy to manoeuvre through busy city streets and park in tight spaces. 

Inside, the Hyundai i20 provides a spacious and well-designed interior with room for five adults, along with a generous boot space for shopping bags or luggage. The car's smooth ride quality and refined handling make it a comfortable choice for daily commutes, while its comprehensive list of standard features and advanced safety technologies provide added peace of mind in urban environments. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Steer your way to success with a new or used Hyundai i20 from our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today!  

Peugeot 108

Price: From £5,000 used
Pros: Very cheap to run
Cons: New models have now been discontinued

Now only available on the used car market, the popular Peugeot 108 is a chic little hatchback that is perfectly sized for city life. For budget-conscious buyers, the 108 can be picked up pretty cheap and is equally as cheap to run, earning its place as an ideal little runaround in the city.  

Despite its compact size, the 108 offers a fairly spacious interior that can seat four adults while still having enough boot space for the weekly food shop. Whether you opt for the three-door or the practical five-door version, the Peugeot 108 is fun to drive and easy to park, making it a top choice for those who live or work in urban environments. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Secure your used Peugeot 108 from our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today! 

Peugeot 208

Price: From £18,270 new
Pros: Great looking car, very user-friendly 
Cons: The driving position could be better 

The Peugeot 208 has rapidly gained recognition as one of the top choices for city driving thanks to its perfect blend of style, comfort, and efficiency. This stylish supermini boasts a sleek, modern design that stands out from the bustling crowds, while its compact dimensions make it easy to drive through tight city streets and park in small spaces. 

Inside, the 208 offers a premium and well-appointed cabin, featuring high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and an array of advanced technology features that keep you connected and entertained while on the go. Now available as a fully electric version, the Peugeot 208's smooth ride quality and refined handling make it an absolute pleasure to drive in the city, effortlessly absorbing bumps and (dare we say it!) potholes for a very comfortable journey.

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get a feel from behind the wheel with a new or used Peugeot 208 from our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today!  

Renault Clio

Price: From £20,520 new
Pros: Excellent fuel economy, very smooth to drive 
Cons: Can sound noisy in the cabin at higher speeds

Without doubt a classic car of our time, the Renault Clio has rightly cemented its position as one of the top city car choices by blending style with practical performance and driving enjoyment. This iconic French hatchback boasts a sleek and modern design that now comes as a full hybrid E-Tech version for the more eco-conscious driver. 

Inside, the Clio's well-crafted interior provides a comfortable and refined environment, with high-quality materials, supportive seats, and an array of advanced technology features that keep you connected and entertained on every journey. On the road, the Renault Clio impresses with its agile handling and smooth ride quality, making it a joy to drive in the city and beyond. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get your hands on a new or used Renault Clio at our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today!  

Renault Zoe

Price: From £30,595 new
Pros: Good size boot and a decent driving range
Cons: The production of new models stopped earlier this year

The only fully electric car on our list, the Renault Zoe has earned its place among the best city cars for a number of reasons, least of all as an environmentally friendly choice. The car's compact dimensions and nimble handling make it easy to navigate through narrow city streets and park in tight spaces, while its silent electric motor provides a smooth and relaxing daily driving experience. 

The Zoe's impressive driving range, which can achieve up to 239 miles on a single charge, ensures that you have more than enough power for daily urban commutes and errands. Inside, the Renault Zoe offers a spacious and well-designed interior, with room for five passengers and a generous boot for shopping bags or luggage. It seems a shame that Renault ceased production of the Zoe in March 2024 but of course, it is still widely available on the used car market once new models are no longer available. 

In stock now at Wilsons Epsom: Get a feel from behind the wheel of a Renault Zoe at our state-of-the-art Surrey-based dealership by booking a test drive today!  

FAQs and Answers

We hope our article highlighting some of the best city cars to buy in the UK has helped whittle down your choice, or even made a decision. It’s safe to say that you probably have a few more questions, so to help, we have answered the most commonly asked questions we get asked about city cars here at Wilsons Epsom…  

Should I buy a city car?

A city car is an excellent choice if you live in an urban area, have a short commute, need to save on costs, and seek easy parking solutions. However, if you require more space for luggage or frequently drive outside the city on motorways, you might want to consider a larger size car.

What makes a car a city car?

A city car is one designed specifically for optimal performance and convenience in urban environments. Several key characteristics distinguish a city car from other types of vehicles, such as its compact size, meaning that many city cars only have three doors. Typically, city cars measure less than four meters (13 feet) in length.

What are the advantages of small cars?

Small cars offer several advantages, especially if you live or work in a city; they generally have smaller engines and lighter bodies, which contribute to better fuel efficiency compared to larger vehicles. Compact cars are easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces, such as crowded city streets or small car parks. In addition, small cars are often more affordable than larger vehicles in terms of purchase price, insurance premiums, and road tax. They also tend to have lower maintenance costs.

What is the best car for city driving?

The Hyundai i10 is often considered one of the best cars for city driving, and here’s why: The i10's small dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre through tight city streets and park in small spaces. Despite its compact size, the i10 offers a surprisingly spacious cabin with room for up to five passengers - and even offers enough space for tall drivers too! Hyundai is renowned for producing reliable vehicles, and the i10 is no exception. With a comprehensive warranty and a reputation for dependability, the i10 is a trustworthy choice for city drivers.

What is the most popular city car in the UK?

The Fiat 500 is widely considered one of the most popular city cars in the UK. It has long been a favourite among drivers thanks to its iconic design, compact size, and fun driving experience. This stylish city car has become a symbol of urban mobility, with its retro-inspired looks and wide range of customisation options making it as unique as you are. The Fiat 500's small dimensions make it perfect for navigating narrow city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces, while its efficient engines and low running costs make it an economical choice for daily commutes.

What’s a good MPG for city driving?

A good MPG for city driving is generally considered to be around 30 MPG or higher. This is because the stop-start nature of city driving means that you’ll generally consume more fuel than when driving for consistent periods of time on main roads and motorways. 

What is the most comfortable city car?

The Hyundai i10 has earned its reputation as one of the most comfortable city cars out there thanks to its well-designed interior and smooth ride quality. Despite its compact size, the i10 offers a surprisingly spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing comfort even on longer journeys. Hyundai has also paid close attention to the i10's suspension setup, which effectively absorbs bumps and uneven road surfaces. 

Discover the best deals on city cars

If you're in the market for a new or used city car, Wilsons Epsom in Surrey is an excellent place to start your search. As one of the leading car dealerships in the South of England, we offer a wide selection of city cars from the world’s most renowned manufacturers, ensuring that you'll find the perfect vehicle to suit your needs and budget. 

Our knowledgeable sales team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so we can help you navigate the various options, features, and financing solutions available. Whether you're interested in the newest city car models or looking for a great value deal on a pre-owned compact vehicle, our competitive prices and abundance of stock provide you with plenty of choice. 

Transport For London

Cars need to meet minimum emission standards when travelling in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the daily charge must be paid.

Minimum emission standards

Petrol: Euro 4
Diesel: Euro 6

The ULEZ will be enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the age. However:

Information from Transport For London

Check this car on the TFL website before purchasing: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

All our vehicles are subject to an Admin Fee. Our Admin Fee covers any additional administration needed during your transaction, including a thorough provenance check (HPI Check). The admin fee also includes the cost to fully valet, register and, if necessary, MOT your vehicle (if less than 6 months left of current MOT).

Our administration fee is a variable fee which covers the additional administration needed when transacting with different categories of customers as specified. Retail Customers £199.00 - (Private buyers - NOT an owner, partner or director of a new/used vehicle sales company). Retail Customers using a finance broker outside our official panel of lenders paying funds direct to Wilsons Epsom - £399.00. All fees are inclusive of VAT.