WINNER
Renault Clio
Earlier this year, we at Parkers grouped a smörgåsbord of our favourite small cars, to determine which we really liked best. The competition was strong, but we all agreed that the Renault Clio is simply the small car to beat on today’s market. It’s comfortable, well built and fun to drive while also great value when picked up on a finance deal.
This year’s facelift has truly transformed the hatchback model, with striking new looks to match a great interior refresh as part of the upgrade package. Yet it can still be financed on a PCP deal from £160 per month – bargain.
It’s worth noting, though, that base-spec prices are for Clios with the 1.0-litre TCe engine and a manual gearbox. They’re not a bad pairing at all, and could in fact suit your driving lifestyle better if you tend to just potter around town. If you fancy some extra power and a do-it-all auto, though, you’ll have to upgrade to the 145.
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How much would the Renault Clio cost to insure?
Based on a 45-year old male the Renault Clio would cost £538.10 to insure. Compare prices in less than five minutes at Parkerscompare.com
*Insurance quotes are from parkerscompare.com in October 2024 and are based on a 45-year-old, employed, married male living in Huntingdon with 20 years NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
Read our full Renault Clio review
HIGHLY COMMENDED
MINI Cooper
We’re also huge fans of the brand-new MINI Cooper, launched this year. It’s taken on some quirky styling which may not be to everyone’s tastes, but the build quality inside is second-to-none. It feels premium, despite not commanding the most premium of price tags. Starting from £182 per month, it’s a little more expensive than the Renault Clio and so couldn’t quite make our top spot.
However, with its fresh infotainment system, crisp OLED display and intrinsically MINI driving characteristics, the new Cooper still seems like good value to us. Take the 156hp Cooper C if you’re on a budget, or the 204hp Cooper S if you fancy a little extra poke out of corners. Note that both models are only available with an automatic gearbox.
To find out more, read our full Mini Cooper review
Suzuki Swift
The all-new Suzuki Swift hails from a dying breed of truly cheap superminis. When stacked up against rivals, we found its bare-bones design philosophy refreshing, as it aids and abets the car’s fun, lightweight character. Not only that, but with its straight roof line, the new Swift isn’t the smallest supermini on the market, yet starts from £137 per month.
It’s a hoot to drive and efficient thanks to the mild hybrid technology integrated into its power unit. What’s the catch? Well it’s not the safest car, scoring only three stars from its Euro NCAP crash test, with a particularly severe side impact result. So, if safety ranks as top priority on your car wish list, you may want to check out the above instead.
To find out more, read our full Suzuki Swift review
