Audi A1
The A1, now in its second generation, provides a fun ride and has enough room in the rear for two adults to stretch out. It also has a large trunk, addressing a common complaint about the first generation. While the inside of Audi’s smallest car is pleasant, it isn’t noticeably better than that of the less expensive Volkswagen Polo, which is why it isn’t ranked higher.
Pros
- Smooth ride and tidy handling
- Relatively quiet at higher speeds
- Very slow depreciation
Cons
- Cheaper trims not well equipped
- Mini feels much plusher inside
- Peugeot 208 offers more for less money
Ford Fiesta
Even though many subcompacts have a surprisingly mature vibe, the Fiesta is the only one that can make you grin when driving. It excels in the sporty ST-Line Edition version, which adds stronger springs to assist the vehicle maintain its composure through turns at the expense of very little ride comfort.
Pros
- Brilliant to drive
- Punchy Ecoboost engines, especially the Hybrid versions
- Good fuel economy and CO2 emissions
Cons
- Some rivals are better value
- Decent but not class-leading practicality
- Important safety kit not standard
