Selecting a small car

Small cars are becoming increasingly popular with wider sections of the population. As the demand for higher fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact grows, this is mirrored by improvements in the quality of superminis.

Rather than the cramped, rattling little boxes which used to languish under the name of ‘small cars’ their modern successors are nimble, fast and surprisingly spacious. For those who want value for money, a small car is probably the best bet. More economical to run, the smaller size means a smaller engine. This in turn means lower fuel consumption and lower emissions which results in lower road tax. Not to mention the fact that the best insurance deals are only available for smaller cars, this makes them even more attractive to those who don’t want to pay the earth for a comfortable vehicle.

For city driving, the small car comes into its own. Generally better acceleration and far easier to park than their larger counterparts, the small car and its better agility is a far more common sight in a city than larger cars. This is also down to the fact that a small car is far more fun.

The traditional disadvantages of small cars are being overcome with technology. You can now by a small car which performs respectably when measured against larger cars. The safety and comfort of smaller cars has been improved by new technologies, the new Fiat 500 for example, has been awarded 5 stars by NCAP for instance.
The lack of space has also been addressed by better engineering. Seats which fold fully flat is a good example but small changes to the way the cars are built mean that they even feel larger.

The last traditional disadvantage of the small car is the styling, with a few exceptions (the iconic Mini or the Fiat 500 from the 60s) small cars have had a utilitarian look which spoils the fun mood which small cars should inspire. The old opinion that there just isn’t enough to style has fallen by the wayside. Over the last few years, the extra attention spent on the design of small cars has led to some truly stunning examples. While having a tendency to divide opinion, there is now enough choice to satisfy everybody. Whatever you are looking for in a small car, someone is making something to suit.