Small cars pack a punch when it comes to benefits. They offer easier parking, a thrilling driving experience, high-tech features, and nimble handling. Plus, they come with a smaller price tag compared to their larger counterparts. It's no wonder the demand for these cost-effective vehicles is skyrocketing.
They do tend to have limited boots, and more miniature interiors and bigger cars are safer, but small electric vehicles stand out as an appealing choice due to their newfound affordability. They offer a greener, more sustainable way to travel.
If you are among our eligible audience, there is an additional 32% discount available- making these cars an attractive choice.
Our experts have evaluated these vehicles based on their compact design, electric range and charging options, technology features, eco-friendly design, and, most importantly, how much value they provide and their associated costs.
The following list includes hatchbacks and mini SUVs. The list is in no particular order.
The electric car market is constantly growing in the UK. 17,7% of all new car registrations were electric as of February 2024 (according to ZapMap's recent report).
With this rapid growth there is a drop in prices making electric cars more affordable than ever.
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Renault Zoe is the most popular and best-selling electric car. It maintains all the good qualities of the most popular non-electric variant of Zoe, which was launched in 2012, adding a highly efficient electric flair. Our experts have evaluated it based on the following components considered critical for electric car success.
The car is particularly suited to city driving. Its smooth and immediate acceleration makes it easy to navigate traffic. It is also suitable for motorway driving because of its good range and its ability to maintain stability even at higher speeds—a quality rare in city cars.
The vehicle is practical for a small family—its intended market—providing good legroom. The 338-litre boot space is adequate for this purpose.
The compact size makes the vehicle highly manoeuvrable especially for city driving. It has an immediate response and sharp turning cycle making it easy to navigate through traffic and tight spaces.
Easy parking is a strong asset. It is equipped with features such as parking sensors, rear-view camera and Renault Easy Parking Assist making parking efficient and simple.
The range is suitable for a compact car. It offers 223 to 239 miles on a full charge. This is viable for long-distance travel and motorway driving.
Considering the competition, the vehicle provides good safety features and is a reliable small electric car overall.
"The Renault Zoe is a smooth, practical, and reliably electric, it is one of the best city car without a doubt."Cameron Jones- Motorfinity Expert
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A complete all-rounder in the electric car segment, it is faster, has a fantastic drive, and has a streamlined interior, making it a worthy contender. Our experts have evaluated the key components as follows:
Driving and practicality are considered the most vital attributes of this vehicle. Its swift acceleration makes it suitable for city driving—a must-have quality for small cars—and makes it easy to navigate heavy traffic.
The vehicle feels spacious, with good leg and headroom. The 435-litre boot space is very generous for a small car and provides ample room for luggage. It's a viable option for families or those requiring significant cargo space.
Advanced features such as front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking camera (available only on higher-end variants) make parking much more efficient and accessible in various conditions. The vehicle's upright seating position and large windows provide a clear view.
The higher-end variant has the ProPILOT Park Assist, which can automatically steer the Leaf into parallel and end-on parking spaces.
Nissan Leaf offers two battery options, each with a different range suited to various needs. The 40 kWh battery provides the EPA's estimated range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, which is ideal for driving the Leaf primarily in urban areas.
If you're looking for an extended range, the 60 kWh battery is your ideal choice. With a single charge, it can take up to 212 miles, making it perfect for those who frequently commute or enjoy long drives on the motorway.
The 40 kWh battery takes about 40 minutes to charge to 80%, and the 60 kWh battery takes 60% to charge the same amount.
As with any other Nissan, the Leaf excels in terms of safety. It is equipped with various advanced features, making it one of the leaders in the small car segment. Some prominent safety features include Nissan Safety Shield 360, with different driver assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Assist warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Breaking, to name a few.
Another handy feature available in the higher trim is the ProPILOT Assist. It combines steering assist with intelligent cruise control for highway driving assistance, making it ideal for longer commutes.
Nissan offers a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on the Leaf and eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) on its EV Lithium battery. The warranty period is significant for the compact car. It adds a sense of security and satisfaction among buyers.
"Nissan Leaf is smart, spacious and tech savvy, it is a perfect blend of everyday practicality with electric driving excitement."Josh Holt- Motorfinity Expert
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Cupra has managed to grab a significant market share in the UK in a short period, and Cupra Born is no exception. It provides the same luxury and efficiency as other Cupra vehicles coupled with electric magic.
The driving experience is nothing less than pure delight. It is as engaging as the Cupra Leon. It handles corners very well, and its steering enhances the driving dynamics. The vehicle is very stable and smooth, even on rough surfaces.
The head and leg room are spacious and ideal for small families. The boot space of 385 litres is reasonable and is significantly higher than many of its electric counterparts. The interior is comfortable and feels like a space shuttle when you first step inside. It has comfortably arranged spaces. The interior design balances practicality with a modern, sporty aesthetic, which is characteristic of the Cupra brand.
The vehicle is easy to park, and its compact design makes it very efficient for tight-turning circles. The thick rear pillars and the car's front design add some limitations in a few parking scenarios. Still, it is comfortably managed in tighter spots and parallel parking.
Like many other electric vehicles, the Born offers 2 battery options: the 58 kWh and the 77 kWh, both of which offer different ranges and cater to different audience needs. The 59 kWh provides a range between 234 miles and 264 miles, depending on the trim level. The 77 kWh battery model offers a range of around 330 -345 miles, making it one of the highest in terms of range in the compact car segment.
The vehicle also supports fast charging, allowing a quick top-up - your ideal companion for longer journeys.
The vehicle is very reliable and secure. The safety package includes advanced driver assistance systems like lane keep assistance and an autonomous emergency braking system, making the car extra safe and convenient. The Born scores five stars in the Euro N Cap rating, which indicates that the vehicle meets the safety standard at the highest level.
"It's a sporty, spacious and superbly reliable ride."Brady O'Donnell- Motorfinity Expert
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There's a saying that the first child is always special, and this is the case with the Mazda MX-300, Mazda's first all-electric vehicle. It does fulfil the responsibility of the eldest child. It has a distinctive design and offers a pleasant and unique driving experience. Uniqueness is the Mazda MX-300 USP.
As a compact car, the MX-300 provides a comfortable ride with responsive handling. Its smooth acceleration makes it ideal for city driving.
In terms of practicality, the MX-300 supersedes many of its competitors. It provides ample head and legroom, making the vehicle ideal for small to medium families. Tall people are catered for here. The boot capacity is sufficient, at 366 litres, meeting the needs of most families.
It is a car made for urban driving, and its agility is a strong point. It is easy to manoeuvre in city conditions and tight spaces, and its compact size helps in parking in those narrow spaces. Visibility is excellent. The well-designed cabin and ample window space provide the driver with a clear view.
The charging speed of 36 minutes to charge 80% battery and the range of 124 miles prove to be sufficient for urban use. It has a 35.5 kWh battery, and charging overnight with a home wall box is a more practical solution for daily use.
The vehicle carries and sustains Mazda's reputation for reliable cars. It is well equipped with safety features, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as automatic emergency braking. Lane-keeping assistance and adaptive design control enhance overall safety.
"One of the best looking electric vehicles on the list along with practical and urban driving experience."Jack Rayson - Motorfinity Expert
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The Peugeot e-208 is a compelling option in the small car segment because it perfectly blends practicality and smooth driving.
The electric motor is responsive, providing nimble performance and easy manoeuvrability. Its driving comfort is not limited to urban driving; it offers a refined and quiet driving experience on highways and motorways. Its advanced driver assistance features include cruise control and lane keep assist, which enhance long-distance travel.
The vehicle provides generous space for small families with sufficient head and legroom. The boot space of 311 litres is competitive for the car in its class, making it ideal for long journeys, too.
The vehicle's design, dimensions, and overall agility make it well-suited for manoeuvring through tight streets and crowded urban environments. Thanks to its quick acceleration and smooth, responsive handling, it's easy to navigate in compact spaces.
The e-208 supports fast charging, which makes it suited for longer drives. It can be rapidly charged using fast charging points, and it can boost to 80% charge in just 30 minutes. The vehicle is also equipped with a 100KWh charging standard, which enables faster charging rates compared to other electric vehicles in its class.
It offers a range of 225 miles, which is impressive for the vehicles in its class, and is suitable for urban and longer journeys.
"Stylish, nimble, and effortlessly efficient, it's an electric car that brings a touch of elegance to everyday driving."Amy Johnson- Motorfinity Expert
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The Fiat 500 holds a leading position when it comes to city cars. With its iconic design and agility make it the iconic town car.
The Fiat 500 is quick. It delivers instant torque, which provides fast acceleration, making it agile and responsive in stop-and-go city traffic. In the Fiat 500, you will always feel in control, courtesy of its regenerative braking system. This allows for one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator automatically applies braking force to help recharge the battery—a feature not common in small electric vehicles.
The interior and boot space is adequate for a city-oriented car. Its front seats offer sufficient space and comfort, and the dashboard looks airy and roomy. The 185L boot space is enough for errands and shopping trips.
This vehicle makes roaming through congested city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces a breeze. Its light steering and tight turning radius enable you to execute U-turns and easily navigate narrow streets. It also offers good visibility from the driver's seat, allowing better awareness of surroundings during parking.
The vehicle offers decent charging capability and range for urban driving. It supports various charging options, including standard household outlets and dedicated home chargers. The range of 199 miles proves to be adequate for city driving needs. The Fiat 500e is capable of charging at speeds of up to 85 kWh with DC fast charging, making it suitable for longer journeys as well.
"It is much more than just a small electric vehicle. It is zippy, chic, and amazing to drive - perfect for the cityscape and beyond."Olivia Wise- Motorfinity Expert
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The Vauxhall Corsa Electric inherits all the good qualities that make the petrol variant famous. It combines the good qualities of an electric car, such as commendable range and exciting driving performance.
The vehicle is complete with agility and easy-to-drive characteristics. Its selling point is the sports model, which enhances performance and provides a more dynamic driving experience.
Just like the petrol variant, the Corsa is excellent when it comes to practicality. It offers brisk performance, good range, and excellent charging capability, making it convenient for both short and long trips. The interior design remains the same as the petrol variant and does not lack in comfort. It offers ample leg and headroom, making it an attractive choice for small vehicles.
The vehicle is agile and easy to drive, and its overall drive is very responsive, which makes it suitable for navigating through tight spaces and executing manoeuvres in crowded environments. The higher trims also come with assistance features, which make parking much more easy and efficient.
The Vauxhall Corsa electric comes with a 50 kWh battery. It has a driving range of 209 miles and the range is well dusted fore both daily comfort and longs.
"Has to be the most classy electric on the list. It offers a dynamic, practical driving experience suited for both city streets and open roads."Faye Warren Simpson - Motorfinity Expert
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The Volkswagen ID3 is a complete allrounder. It offers a balanced range, comfort, and practicality, making it a strong contender in the EV hatchback market.
The vehicle is one of the lightest in the EV market. It is not just limited to urban roads; it has a strong suspension that can effectively absorb bumps and make it ideal for highways and faster roads. With a rear-mounted electric motor, it offers good acceleration, making it ideal for overtaking manoeuvres and providing good handling on twisty roads.
The vehicle is a perfect choice for those seeking an ideal electric vehicle. It is a well-thought-out blend of space, comfort, ease of driving, and efficient use of electric power.
The light steering significantly aids in making tight turns and navigating through city traffic. One excellent trait of all IDs is their visibility. The ID3, thanks to its large windscreen and windows, driving position, and rear visibility, provides ease of parking and manoeuvrability.
The ID3 also comes with various parking features that ease parking in tight spots. These features reduce the risk of minor scrapes or bumps, especially in crowded urban parking areas.
The ID3 comes with two battery options, which significantly influence its range. The 58kWh battery version offers a range of up to 261 miles, while the larger 77kWh battery extends this to 347 miles. This range is quite competitive in the small electric vehicle market, making the ID3 suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys without frequent recharging stops.
"Perfect blend of range, comfort, and practicality."Chris Marren
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