iStock.com/Vladimirs_Gorelovs

Parking restrictions, busy streets and complex road systems have pushed many city-dwelling motorists out of their cars and on to public transport. But driving the right kind of car can make urban commutes far more pleasant. The following top 10 best city cars are fuel-efficient, stylish and compact – crucial criteria for city driving.

 

10. Kia Picanto


iStock.com/chasdesign

The Picanto boasts a superb warranty and offers plenty of space for such a diminutive car. The slightly low-end interior lets it down though, as does the excessive noise and vibration felt by driver and passengers alike. In the end, for what you get, it's a little costly.

9. Toyota Aygo


iStock.com/AdrianHancu

The Aygo is basically the same as the Peugeot 108 and the Citroen C1, yet comes with a better warranty (five years). Most Aygos also come pretty well-equipped and are a good choice for the city.

8. Fiat 500


iStock.com/Vladimirs_Gorelovs

In terms of looks, the Fiat 500 is nothing if not unique. And while it may not do so well in other departments when compared to rivals, it is definitely loveable.

7. Suzuki Celerio


bankerwin/Bigstock.com

This is a rather sedate car, so fun-seekers should look away. It offers plenty of space and good equipment for a palatable price, which has made it a hit with those looking for real value. Simple to drive and comfortable, but that warranty does look a little stingy!

6. Vauxhall Viva


Bigstock.com/EvrenKalinbacak

Easy to drive and with a well-designed interior, the Viva is spacious and very good value for money. Fun and practicality are nicely balanced in this no-frills city runabout.

5. Renault Twingo


edaldridge/Bigstock.com

Thanks to its rear-engine layout, the Twingo is easy to park and offers a lot of interior space. A little pricier than some rivals (due in part to that engine layout), it is undeniably a fun car to drive.

4. Seat Mii


RobWilson/Bigstock.com

Safe, cheap to run and pleasant to drive, the Seat Mii is basically the same car as the Skoda Citigo and the VW Up. The Mii offers alloy wheels and additional speakers – which defines it against the Citigo which is less well-equipped, but several hundred pounds cheaper.

3. Skoda Citigo


Von M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18735937

We've ranked the Citigo above the Mii simply because it costs less to buy and is equally comfortable and fun to drive. The VW Up offers the same performance, but with a higher quality interior (and a larger price tag to go with it).

2. Volkswagen Up


VanderWolf Images/Bigstock.com

As mentioned, the VW Up has a classier cabin, giving it a genuinely premium feel. Whether or not it’s worth the extra money is up to you, but the excellent combination of fun, space and comfort places the UP ahead of its very-similar sisters.

1. Hyundai i10


VanderWolf Images/bigstock.com

Extremely well-built, quiet and comfortable, the i10 is also superior to most rivals in terms of space. What’s more, it boasts an affordable price tag and comes with a fantastic five-year warranty. For city driving, it doesn’t get much better than this.