The best superminis offer value for money, affordable running costs and more space than you might expect. Here's our top ten
The supermini market has changed beyond all recognition in the past 20 years. So many more manufacturers now offer a car in this highly competitive and lucrative sector than before, while crucially, models in this class are now similar in size to the small family cars of two decades ago.
This increase in dimensions means a supermini is now a realistic proposition for a small family. These cars can seat four adults in reasonable comfort, and if you have a couple of young children, there should be easily enough space. Just bear in mind that boot capacity won’t be quite as generous as in a small family car.
Most models in this class come with a choice of three or five-doors, with the latter obviously providing easier access to the rear seats. And those rear seats split and fold in almost all cases to increase luggage capacity. Some models boost practicality further with clever seat folding mechanisms and cubbyholes under the boot floor.
Up front, buyers can expect a comfortable, widely adjustable driving position, plus a well laid-out and solidly built dashboard. Modern superminis also offer a level of equipment that would have been the preserve of luxury cars just a few years ago, with everything from air-conditioning and Bluetooth to hi-tech options such as voice activation and sat-nav on some models.
On the road, cars in this class belie their size by offering thoroughly grown-up and refined driving experiences. And there’s no need to worry about taking a supermini on a long motorway journey: punchy petrol and torquey turbodiesel engines mean strong performance in all situations. As ever, diesels deliver lower running costs, on account of their stronger fuel economy and lower emissions. But they cost more to buy than petrol models, and often only make financial sense if you’re covering a high mileage. So it’s always worth doing your sums before committing
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-reviews/64051/best-superminis-2013#ixzz2TwjqaFwN
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