13 best small cars

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Small cars are in high demand among Russian consumers. Experts attribute the popularity of small-class cars to their low price, compact size and economy. Behind the wheel of miniature cars you can meet both beautiful women and young people and adult men. Small cars provide many advantages for city dwellers who have to travel around busy streets every day. Today in our country there is a wide range of compact machines. Recommendations of our experts will help you to make the right choice.

Recommendations for choosing a small car

Body type. The selection of a small car should start with the body type.

1. The sedan has a classic form of a passenger car, it will find room not only for passengers, but also for luggage.
2. The hatchback looks more attractive in terms of compactness and maneuverability. The proximity of the rear lid to the driver makes it easier to reverse, which is important when parking in tight yards or small parking lots.
3. A station wagon in the class of a small car is quite rare; this type of body is suitable for summer residents or lovers of outdoor recreation. The trunk will fit things, and garden equipment, and inventory.

Engine. Small cars are considered to be cars with an engine up to 1.6 liters. Among them, two types of internal combustion engines can be distinguished.

1. Gasoline engines are easy to start in cold weather, quick warm-up of the cabin, and ease of maintenance. The lineup starts with 0.9 liter miniature powertrains.
2. Diesel power units are distinguished by economical consumption of diesel fuel and high torque. Such motors outperform their gasoline counterparts in summer, when they have to stand in traffic jams for a long time. But in winter, the cabin is cold enough, the car has to be warmed up for a long time in order to achieve minimal heat.

Transmission. Modern small cars are equipped with two transmission options.

1. Classic mechanics are best suited for experienced motorists. The driver must, without looking at the tachometer and the gear lever, choose the optimal driving mode in a busy traffic. But the mechanics allows you to use fuel more economically and accelerate faster.
2. Automatic transmission is most often chosen by novice drivers and women. You do not need to think about choosing a gear, you can fully concentrate on the road situation.

Equipment. Today motorists are spoiled by modern options that make driving as comfortable and safe as possible. Already in the basic configuration, many manufacturers install a number of components and systems.

1. The air conditioner is found in almost all small cars (as standard). It generates cold air, which is especially important in the heat of summer.
2. The electric drive is increasingly found in the basic configuration. It is installed in the side mirrors and front power windows.
3. Residents of the northern regions will like the options for heated seats, a fuel filter, mirrors, and a steering wheel.
4. The safety of the driver and passengers in small cars is ensured by seat belts and airbags (airbags). Some cars in the base are equipped with systems such as ABS, ASC, ESP, EBD, which help the driver in difficult road situations.

The rankquality.com service specialists selected the 13 best small cars for their review. You can buy them on the territory of our country. When allocating seats, the editorial staff of the magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of Russian motorists.

Rating of the best small cars

Nomination	a place	Car	Engine capacity	Power	Consumption (average)	price
Rating of the best small cars	1	Mercedes – Benz A-Class	1.3 AMT	150 hp	5.6 l	RUB 1,664,700
	2	BMW 1	1.5 AMT	136 h.p.	5.5 L	RUB 1,600,000
	3	Audi A1	1.0 AMT	95 HP	4.7 L	–
	4	Smart fortwo	1.0 AMT	71 HP	4.2 l	RUB 859,000
	5	Kia Picanto	1.0 MT	67 HP	5.4 l	RUB 674,900
	6	Citroen C3 Aircross	1.2 AT	110 HP	5.4 l	RUB 1,099,866
	7	Volkswagen Polo	1.6 MT	90 HP	5.9 l	RUB 514 562
	8	Mazda 2	1.5 MT	75 hp	4.7 l	–
	9	Nissan Micra	0.9 MT	86 HP	4.8 l	–
	10	Renault Clio	1.0 MT	57 HP	–	–
	11	FIAT 500	1.4 MT	100 HP	6.1 l	–
	12	Suzuki Jimny	1.5 MT 4×4	102 h.p.	–	RUB 1,605,990
	13	Ravon R2	1.2 AT	85 HP	6.1 L	RUB 581,940

Mercedes – Benz A-Class

Rating: 5.0

The high level of comfort of the small car Mercedes – the Benz A-Class was appreciated by the experts. Despite belonging to the A-class, the model is equipped with many useful functions, the manufacturer used high-quality materials for the interior trim. The 1.3-liter gasoline engine develops up to 150 liters. sec., which allows the driver to feel confident in a busy city traffic. Thanks to the 7-speed robot, the car accelerates to 100 km / h in 8 seconds. At the same time, the engine consumes a little fuel (5.6 liters in mixed mode). To achieve a combination of power and economy, modern solutions (start / stop, direct injection) have been introduced into the model.

The owners praise the German passenger car for its stylish design, high-quality materials, excellent assembly, and compact dimensions. On the downside, they include a small ground clearance.

Advantages

• comfort and convenience;
• dynamism;
• profitability;
• German quality.

disadvantages

• small clearance.

BMW 1

Rating: 4.9

The Bavarian small car BMW also demonstrates excellent dynamics. Thanks to a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, the car accelerates to the coveted hundred in 8.5 seconds (in the case of a manual transmission). At the same time, experts praised the car for its economical fuel consumption (5.2 liters in mixed mode). The car will appeal to fans of sports driving for stable cornering, sharp steering wheel, quick start. However, passengers in the rear seats have little space, so the model becomes a silver medalist.

Domestic users speak flatteringly about the dynamism of the car, beautiful exterior, ease of control, effective noise insulation and high-quality assembly. Among the shortcomings, a cramped salon and high maintenance costs are often mentioned.

Advantages

• excellent handling;
• dynamism;
• economical consumption;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• cramped salon;
• expensive consumables and repairs.

Audi A1

Rating: 4.8

Since 2010, the German subcompact car Audi A1 has been produced. The model differs from competitors in a wide range of power units. A potential buyer can choose small-displacement gasoline units with a volume of 1.2 or 1.4 liters, as well as diesel engines of 1.6 or 2.0 liters. The most charged is the petrol version 2.0 TFSI quattro, its capacity is 256 hp. from. And such a car accelerates to a hundred in 5.7 s. The most economical diesel will be 1.6 l (3.8 l / 100 km). The manufacturer presented the second generation in 2018 at the Paris Motor Show. A number of modern options are already included in the basic configuration.

Russian motorists are satisfied with the economical fuel consumption, excellent driving characteristics, beautiful interior and exterior. Among the downsides is the cramped interior, small trunk and overpriced.

Advantages

• comfort;
• dynamism;
• wide range of motors;
• maneuverability.

disadvantages

• cramped salon;
• high price.

Smart fortwo

Rating: 4.7

The compact Smart Fortwo stands out from its competitors in the most compact size. Experts recommend such a car for everyday driving in the metropolis. The weight of the car is only 800 kg, and under the hood it has a 1.0-liter 102 hp gasoline engine. from. It is not surprising that the car starts abruptly from a place, even a 5-speed robot does not interfere with acceleration. The manufacturer has equipped it with a paddle shifter, making the driver feel like a Formula 1 racer. Unfortunately, there are no seats in the back, and the trunk is tiny.

Users like the British car for its compactness, agility, recognition and dynamism. The disadvantages of the owners include the tightness in the cabin and trunk, expensive maintenance.

Advantages

• dynamism;
• compactness;
• maneuverability;
• original management.

disadvantages

• tiny interior and trunk;
• expensive maintenance.

Kia Picanto

Rating: 4.6

The South Korean subcompact Kia Picanto is in high demand in our country. The model attracts potential buyers with an affordable price and economical fuel consumption (5.4 liters in the combined cycle). Experts praised the car for its high ground clearance (161 mm), reinforced suspension, and rich equipment. Already in the base there is heated front seats, mirrors, steering wheel and fuel injectors. For the convenience of parking, the model is equipped with parking sensors with a rear view camera. The car became the winner in the City Cars nomination at the popular Car of the Year in Russia competition.

The owners of the Korean subcompact are satisfied with maneuverability, comfort, economy and affordable price. Of the minuses, a small trunk, stiff suspension, and modest power are often mentioned.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• affordable price;
• profitability;
• maneuverability.

disadvantages

• small trunk;
• rigid suspension.

Citroen C3 Aircross

Rating: 4.6

The compact crossover is the French subcompact Citroen C3 Aircross. It was presented to the public in 2017. The model has a high ground clearance, original design, protective pads on the bumpers, fenders. The experts liked the Active Parking Assist system. At the request of the driver, it independently finds a free parking space and helps to perform steering maneuvers. The driver only has to shift and pedal. The asset of the model should include a high level of safety, good controllability, beautiful appearance.

Users like the spacious interior, comfortable rear seat conversion, and soft suspension. Of the minuses, the display of the multimedia system hangs in frost (-10 ° C), the lack of spare parts is mentioned.

Advantages

• high ground clearance;
• profitability;
• parking assistance;
• safety.

disadvantages

• no spare parts;
• the touch display freezes in the cold.

Volkswagen Polo

Rating: 4.5

The German small car Volkswagen Polo has been produced since 1975. The car has won various competitions more than once, in 2010 it became the car of the year in Europe and the world. Since 2010, the production of the Polo sedan has been established in Russia. The sixth generation appeared in 2017 (five-door hatchback). The experts drew attention to the increase in space in the cabin and trunk. At the same time, the classic proportions of the first generation car have been preserved. Sedans with a 1.6-liter 105 hp petrol unit leave the conveyor of the Russian branch. from. In mixed mode, the car consumes 5.7 liters of fuel.

Many owners have chosen this compact car for its low price and economical fuel consumption. On the downside, they include a poor package bundle (no air conditioning), slow acceleration, and a poor range of colors.

Advantages

• low price;
• profitability;
• large trunk;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• weak motor;
• poor equipment.

Mazda 2

Rating: 4.5

A Japanese passenger car Mazda belongs to subcompact cars. The first car appeared in 1996; today the manufacturer offers the fourth generation of sedans and hatchbacks. Most Russian owners ride a Mazda with a 1.5 liter 103 hp gasoline engine. from. Experts appreciated such qualities of a small car as low fuel consumption (5.7 liters in the combined cycle), good dynamics, comfort and visibility. But due to poor noise insulation and a cramped interior, the car could not rise higher in our review.

Owners Mazda 2 praise the car for its good handling, inexpensive maintenance, low fuel consumption and stylish looks. Of the minuses, there is a small trunk, ineffective sound insulation, and low ground clearance.

Advantages

• maneuverability;
• stylish design;
• profitability;
• inexpensive service.

disadvantages

• poor sound insulation;
• small trunk.

Nissan Micra

Rating: 4.5

Another Japanese subcompact entered the TOP-10 of our review. The compact car Nissan Micra has been in production since 1982, having gone through many upgrades. The last restyling took place in 2017 (fifth generation), completely transforming the model. In a number of power units there are gasoline engines (0.9 and 1.0 liters) and one diesel (1.5 liters). Experts note the rich equipment typical for premium cars (all-round visibility system, lane control, emergency braking function with pedestrian recognition).

Small car owners are satisfied with low consumption and maneuverability, original design and low-cost maintenance. The model also has a number of weaknesses, it is a rigid suspension, low ground clearance, slow acceleration.

Advantages

• maneuverability;
• profitability;
• inexpensive service;
• rich equipment.

disadvantages

• rigid suspension;
• slow acceleration.

Renault Clio

Rating: 4.4

The French company Renault has been producing the subcompact Clio since 1990. The car twice won the “Car of the Year in Europe” competition (1991, 2006). The fourth generation appeared in 2012, after 4 years the model underwent restyling. The line of power units consists of gasoline engines (0.9, 1.2 and 1.6 liters) and one diesel engine (1.5 liters). The customer is offered a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-position automatic transmission. Experts admire the sports version of the hatchback with a 275-horsepower engine most of all.

The owners include good looks, good handling, dynamism and inexpensive maintenance to the strengths of the small car. Of the minuses, there is a small trunk, poor rear visibility, a brooding machine gun.

Advantages

• dynamism;
• profitability;
• safety (6 airbags);
• inexpensive service.

disadvantages

• brooding machine gun;
• limited rear view.

FIAT 500

Rating: 4.3

The legendary Italian car FIAT 500 was made in the spirit of antiquity. The first compact car was produced back in 1957, the car was sold in the back of a 2-door sedan and a 3-door hatchback. A distinctive feature of the model was the rear-engine and rear-wheel drive configuration. The experts liked the charismatic design, excellent handling, compactness. Today in Russia, front-wheel drive models with a 1.4 liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 100 liters are being implemented. from. The torque is distributed by an automatic transmission. The small car is quite expensive (almost twice as expensive as the Polo sedan), which affected the final place in the review.

The owners speak flatteringly about the design, panoramic roof, compactness, reliability. Of the minuses, there is a high price, limited space for rear passengers.

Advantages

• Italian style;
• excellent handling;
• reliability;
• compactness.

disadvantages

• high price;
• little back room.

Suzuki Jimny

Rating: 4.2

Small SUV Suzuki Jimny has long been loved by Russian hunters and fishermen. The machine stands out from the competition with its frame structure and all-wheel drive. The 1.3 liter gasoline engine is complemented by a manual or automatic transmission. Acceleration dynamics leaves much to be desired (17.2 s to 100 km / h on the machine), but the car feels confident on serious off-road. Experts attribute good flotation to a short wheelbase and light weight. People up to 190 cm tall feel comfortable in the cabin.

Users praise the compact SUV for its simple design, field repair capability, and Japanese quality. The weak points of the machine are considered to be a low-power motor, poor equipment, expensive spare parts.

Advantages

• excellent cross-country ability;
• simple construction;
• reliable suspension;
• profitability.

disadvantages

• weak motor;
• poor equipment.

Ravon R2

Rating: 4.1

An exact copy of the American small car Chevrolet Spark, according to experts, is the Uzbek car Ravon R2. The model is in high demand, not inferior in popularity to the legendary Daewoo Matiz. The car has a high roof, so people with high growth (up to 190 cm) will feel comfortable in the cabin. All modifications are equipped with a gasoline engine and an automatic transmission. The manufacturer positions the car as a city car, which confirms easy maneuvering and parking convenience. Experts call the disadvantage of the model gluttony (7.6 liters in a mixed cycle).

The owners like the low price, good driving characteristics, nice design, automatic transmission. The disadvantages of the model are considered to be a cramped interior, high gas mileage, poor sound insulation.

Advantages

• low price;
• compactness;
• automatic transmission;
• beautiful appearance.

disadvantages

• cramped salon;
• high fuel consumption.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.