Hyundai i10 (2014-)
Originally launched in 2007 to replace the Atoz and Amica models, the i10’s been a hugely successful compact car, largely thanks to its low costs and practicality. It’s perfect for city driving.
The i10 had a facelift in 2011 which made significant improvements on both the interior and exterior design, and the second-generation model from 2014 resulted in even more improvements: the 1.1-litre engine was replaced by a 1.0-litre engine, which performed better, whilst refinement was considerably improved too.
You get the choice between two engines in the i10, both of which are petrol: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, 65bhp engine or a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine which delivers 86bhp. You can expect to get 60mpg from the smaller one, whilst the 1.2-litre will get you 57.7mpg. Despite the slightly poorer economy, you’ll probably want that extra power if you’re going to be driving at motorway speeds.
The 1.0-litre engine is great for city driving – at 933kg, the i10 is a light vehicle and doesn’t require much power to begin with.
Even at motorway speeds, the i10 cabin is refined, with not as much road noise as you’d expect from a car this size. It is indeed a vehicle that exceeds expectations in many regards: equipment that in many vehicles as an optional add-on comes as standard in the i10. Features such as air conditioning and iPod plug in come with the entry-level i10, as do other features such as four airbags, electronic stability control and electric windows. Moving up one of the four trim options – Blue, Classic, Active or Style – will include an even greater array of features.
The general quality of the cabin is noticeable too – the dashboard dials are stylish but functional, and the standard of materials used seems better than you might expect in a low-price city car. Whether in the driving seat or a passenger, leg and head room is good, the seats are comfy and the driver has a decent amount of adjustment available.
The i10 is a fantastic little car which is ideal for city driving – find the right one for you on Carsnip today.
Skoda Citigo (2012-)
The Citigo was launched in 2012 as Skoda’s entry into the increasingly competitive city car market. It’s based on the Volkswagen up! and uses a lot of the same quality tech you’d find in the VW.
The only engine available is a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox, which is available in either 60bhp or 74bhp versions. Again, if you’re going to be driving outside of relatively slow-moving town and city traffic, the more powerful version makes more sense.
The benefit of such a small engine is the fantastic fuel economy you’ll get from the Citigo – you can expect up to 64mpg.
There’s several trim levels available, but it’s worth bearing in mind that entry level spec doesn’t come with features such as electric windows or electric door mirrors. That being said, overall the cabin is relatively similar to rivals of the same size and price. It’s quite spacious, with enough room for four adults, and there’s a five door Citigo available should you fancy it. Boosting the practicality aspect too is the 251-litre boot, which is larger than many rivals.
When it comes to driving, it’s features like a good turning circle and the ability to squeeze into spaces that can make life easier; the Citigo is an incredibly nimble little car that delivers in this respect too.
Vauxhall Viva (2015-)
The original Viva first graced our roads back in 1963, and the 2015 relaunch revives this well-known name with smart styling and a practical city car that’s cheap to run. IT also improves on VW’s previous city car, the Agila, which itself fit the bill perfectly for a compact and economical car.
You won’t get any choice when it comes to engines – the Viva’s powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine which’ll deliver 74bhp and is only available with a manual gearbox. There are, however, three trim levels offering various extra features.
Entry level SE trim still comes with basic features such as six airbags, electric front window, lane departure warning and cruise control. Move to the SE ecoFLEX trim and the Viva’s 32.8mpg is increased to an impressive 65.7mpg, although at the cost of air conditioning, and with the addition of low rolling-resistance tyres. Importantly, the SE ecoFLEX drops emissions to 99g/km, so for the first year of ownership you won’t pay any road tax. The SL trim level packs in some more additions such as the optional InteliLink touchscreen infotainment system, with which you can hook up your smartphone’s sat nav.
At only 950kg, the Viva is pretty nimble when driving around town, but for longer journeys even motorway driving is relatively quiet in the well-refined cabin, in which you’ll be comfortable thanks to the decent legroom. There’s enough room for a few cases in the 200-litre boot, and you can fit four adults in with relative ease. it’s worth noting that the Viva’s only available with five doors, but this makes travel with passengers a bit easier.
These three cars are great for city driving, offering compactness, nimble handling, comfort and good fuel economy – find the perfect one on Carsnip today!