A group of motoring experts have tested every small car in the UK and come to a verdict over which one is the best to buy – and it’s not what you might expect
A team of motoring specialists have put together a list of the finest small cars currently available in the UK and reached a conclusion about which one represents the best purchase.
The specialists, from respected motoring magazine AutoExpress, assembled a top 10 of the finest compact cars available, evaluated them against one another, and arrived at a champion.
Ultimately, following fierce rivalry from Kia, Renault, Citroen, Hyundai, Leapmotor, and Toyota, they decided on the fairly recent Fiat Grande Panda.
The Grande Panda, which is available in either hybrid or completely electric variants, also appeared in the magazine’s catalogue of leading electric vehicles.
It received acclaim for possessing “broad appeal”, something that was enhanced by its “cool design” and the fact it’s rather affordable, reports the Express.
These weren’t the sole elements working in the Fiat’s favour and assisted it in claiming the finest small car title.
The reviewers continued: “It’s surprisingly spacious for people inside and there’s a 412-litre boot….For a small car, the ride in the Grande Panda is very good with even the broken roads of our Italian test drive unable to upset its composure.
“While perhaps not as plush as the Renault 5, the Grande Panda’s interior is pleasant, with bright colours and an easy-to-read twin-screen dashboard. We also love the Easter egg that is the oval shape of the dash.”
The configuration of the dashboard pays homage to the Lingotto test circuit that sits on top of Fiat’s former factory in Turin where vehicles used to be manufactured. While some experts have been concentrating on the best new cars to buy, others have turned their attention to the used car market.
Motoring influencer Mike Brewer has recommended the Vauxhall Corsa as a top choice for those looking at pre-owned vehicles. In a video for Car Dealer Magazine, Mike commended the car for its matured feel and spaciousness despite its compact size.
He elaborated: “The Vauxhall Corsa’s been with us now for absolutely decades and I think everyone who has sat in the room has probably put their bum in one of these seats and had a go in one generation or another of the brilliant little Vauxhall Corsa.
“This is a car that’s really grown up recently, and this is why it becomes our favourite small car, Although it’s small it’s got that big car feel. There’s plenty of space inside the cabin, nice big fat chunky multi-functional steering wheel.
“The fit and finish is very nice, yes, it’s still got questionable materials on the inside but they are not trying to get that premium market. They are trying to get that evergreen market and they’ve certainly captured it with this car.”