New and Used City Cars For Sale

Why should you buy a city car?

If you're after the lowest-cost route into car ownership, a city car could well be the most suitable option. As the smallest class of car on sale, they're designed to keep costs down at every turn: cheap to buy, cheap to insure and cheap to run. The Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto will return up to around 55mpg for example, while low insurance groups keep premiums manageable for new drivers.

Their compact size does the rest. Measuring under 3.7 metres long, a city car will slot into parking spaces that leave larger cars circling the block, while light steering and clear visibility take the stress out of busy streets. It's why they make such a sensible first car, commuter or second car for the school run.

There's more choice than you might expect, too. Petrol models remain the affordable staple, while all-electric options such as the Leapmotor T03 cost very little to charge and produce zero tailpipe emissions. Used buyers are well served, with the Volkswagen up! and Toyota Aygo among the most dependable small cars around.

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Frequently asked questions

What is meant by city car?

City car is the term given to the smallest mainstream class of car, known within the industry as the A-segment. These cars rarely stretch beyond 3.7 metres in length, and are engineered with urban driving in mind, prioritising manoeuvrability and affordability over outright space or power. Most take the form of a three- or five-door hatchback with seating for four or five, powered by a small petrol engine or, increasingly, an electric motor. The Citroën C1 is a textbook example. Anything larger, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, is classed as a supermini.

What are the best city cars?

The Kia Picanto is a strong place to start, having won various ‘city car of the year’ awards thanks to its low running costs, reliability and seven-year warranty (from new). Those after something with more personality are well catered for, too. The Fiat 500e pairs retro styling with an all-electric powertrain and a range approaching 160 miles, while the Abarth 595 applies a turbocharged engine and a raucous exhaust note to the same compact footprint, proving a city car needn't be entirely sensible.

What is the most reliable city car?

The Hyundai i10 takes some beating. Industry reliability surveys regularly place it towards the top of the small car class, and a comprehensive warranty adds further reassurance: Hyundai provides five years of cover. Kia's seven-year warranty can be passed on to the next owner, making the Picanto one of the most solid all-round used city cars to consider in terms of reliability and coverage.

Are city cars good for beginners?

They're one of the best places to start. Low insurance groups, modest power and minimal running costs make city cars well suited to new drivers working to a tight budget. Their small dimensions and light controls take the intimidation out of parking and busy junctions, while modern models come with safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking, lane assist and reversing cameras as standard. It's worth checking insurance before committing, though, as some all-electric models sit in higher groups than their petrol equivalents.

Are city cars being phased out?

Not quite, though the class has certainly shrunk. Familiar names such as the Volkswagen up! are now used-only propositions, as manufacturers shift their focus towards larger, more profitable models. What remains is a smaller field of genuinely well-rounded cars. A new wave of affordable electric versions, including the Dacia Spring, is reviving the class, and with stricter zero-emission regulations on the horizon in the UK, the city car looks set to continue in electric form.

Why should you buy a car from Evans Halshaw?

As part of one of the UK's largest automotive retail networks, we have an extensive range of both new and used cars within our group inventory. Having partnered with over 20 of the world's best-known manufacturers, you're also able to access exclusive benefits, schemes, and offers, to ensure you're getting the greatest value when browsing for your next vehicle.

With over 100 locations nationwide, we serve customers up and down the country, and aim to build lasting relationships with everyone that visits our site. From experiencing a car for the first time, through to long-term care for your vehicle, our stores are well-equipped to take the hassle out of vehicle ownership from start-to-finish, allowing you to enjoy every minute behind the wheel.

So, if you're interested in exploring your next vehicle, please get in touch with your nearest Evans Halshaw retailer where an advisor will be on-hand to support your journey.

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