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Moving up to a supermini from a city car will give you more practicality, with extra boot space and room for three in the back. The latest superminis offer plenty of connectivity too, while standard kit is pretty generous these days.
As superminis have grown in size, the range of their abilities has increased, and many of the latest models are as user-friendly as larger cars, meaning you don't have to compromise by going for one of these smaller, less expensive models.
• Best superminis to buy now
Motability customers can also benefit from a zero advance payment on our three picks, meaning it's even easier to get behind the wheel.
Our pick of the best superminis on Motability for nil advance payment are listed below...
Renault Clio
The latest Renault Clio is the best yet, sitting right at the top of its class. The Clio is a high-quality item despite its competitive pricing and feels a near-perfect combination of practicality, standard equipment and stylish showroom appeal.
There's a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines to complement the high level of standard equipment, and all versions come with cruise control with a speed limiter function, automatic folding mirrors, LED headlights and features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.
There are some small niggles – there’s not much room between the centre console and the clutch pedal so those with bigger feet will have to tuck underneath to reach the footrest. And at some angles, low sunlight can reflect slightly on that central screen.
But, those familiar with the old Clio will be most impressed by the latest car’s interior. A big step forward has been made in terms of build quality, materials used and – perhaps most importantly in today’s market – infotainment.
We’d rather the petrol engine line-up was stronger, but there’s little else to complain about – the Renault Clio is one of the cars to beat in the supermini class.
SEAT Ibiza
The arrival of the Ibiza put SEAT at the top of the supermini pile and while rivals have closed the gap since, it's still a fine car. With an all-new platform, it offers almost as much space as the larger Leon inside, meaning it's a very practical choice. But it's still a fun-handling supermini that will put a smile on your face, and the level of tech on board will make life easier, too.
All Ibizas are five-door hatchbacks now, so access to the back seats is a breeze, and rear space is good once you get there. The 355-litre boot is one of the largest in the class, too. It's square in shape and 60:40 split folding for the back seats also boosts versatility. The only real quibble about the Ibiza's all-round abilities are the door mirrors, which are slightly on the small side and might be hard to see out of if you have reduced mobility.
We'd choose the 1.0 TSI 115PS turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, as it offers good performance and economy, and is well suited to the Ibiza's sporty character. There is a 1.6 TDI diesel, too, which might suit if you do lots of longer journeys, but the 1.0 TSI doesn't feel out of its depth on motorways, and is quiet, too. If you want a bit more oomph, the 1.5 EcoTSI has 148bhp, and it's as close as you'll get to a hot hatch variant at the moment, although it's no Fiesta ST rival.
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is the UK's No1 best-seller, and with good reason. It's a hugely practical and versatile car, and there are many versions available to suit all budgets and needs. We'd choose a five-door model over the three door to help with access to the back seats, but whichever version you choose, you'll be rewarded with one of the most enjoyable cars to drive from any class.
If you need a bit of verve, the Fiesta ST delivers, and that's available as a five-door, too, while the Fiesta Active has a raised ride height to help with access and an off-roader look, but with running costs similar to the rest of the hatchback range.
The sweet spot in the range is the Fiesta Titanium, which has all the equipment you need, along with smaller wheels to help cruising comfort. Ford has also introduced mild-hybrid tech to help improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The 123bhp 1.0T EcoBoost Hybrid version offers possibly the best blend of power and economy for everyday driving.
Have you ever owned one of our best superminis for Motability? Give us your review in the comments section below...
Continue reading...
As superminis have grown in size, the range of their abilities has increased, and many of the latest models are as user-friendly as larger cars, meaning you don't have to compromise by going for one of these smaller, less expensive models.
• Best superminis to buy now
Motability customers can also benefit from a zero advance payment on our three picks, meaning it's even easier to get behind the wheel.
Our pick of the best superminis on Motability for nil advance payment are listed below...
Renault Clio
The latest Renault Clio is the best yet, sitting right at the top of its class. The Clio is a high-quality item despite its competitive pricing and feels a near-perfect combination of practicality, standard equipment and stylish showroom appeal.
There's a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines to complement the high level of standard equipment, and all versions come with cruise control with a speed limiter function, automatic folding mirrors, LED headlights and features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.
There are some small niggles – there’s not much room between the centre console and the clutch pedal so those with bigger feet will have to tuck underneath to reach the footrest. And at some angles, low sunlight can reflect slightly on that central screen.
But, those familiar with the old Clio will be most impressed by the latest car’s interior. A big step forward has been made in terms of build quality, materials used and – perhaps most importantly in today’s market – infotainment.
We’d rather the petrol engine line-up was stronger, but there’s little else to complain about – the Renault Clio is one of the cars to beat in the supermini class.
SEAT Ibiza
The arrival of the Ibiza put SEAT at the top of the supermini pile and while rivals have closed the gap since, it's still a fine car. With an all-new platform, it offers almost as much space as the larger Leon inside, meaning it's a very practical choice. But it's still a fun-handling supermini that will put a smile on your face, and the level of tech on board will make life easier, too.
All Ibizas are five-door hatchbacks now, so access to the back seats is a breeze, and rear space is good once you get there. The 355-litre boot is one of the largest in the class, too. It's square in shape and 60:40 split folding for the back seats also boosts versatility. The only real quibble about the Ibiza's all-round abilities are the door mirrors, which are slightly on the small side and might be hard to see out of if you have reduced mobility.
We'd choose the 1.0 TSI 115PS turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, as it offers good performance and economy, and is well suited to the Ibiza's sporty character. There is a 1.6 TDI diesel, too, which might suit if you do lots of longer journeys, but the 1.0 TSI doesn't feel out of its depth on motorways, and is quiet, too. If you want a bit more oomph, the 1.5 EcoTSI has 148bhp, and it's as close as you'll get to a hot hatch variant at the moment, although it's no Fiesta ST rival.
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is the UK's No1 best-seller, and with good reason. It's a hugely practical and versatile car, and there are many versions available to suit all budgets and needs. We'd choose a five-door model over the three door to help with access to the back seats, but whichever version you choose, you'll be rewarded with one of the most enjoyable cars to drive from any class.
If you need a bit of verve, the Fiesta ST delivers, and that's available as a five-door, too, while the Fiesta Active has a raised ride height to help with access and an off-roader look, but with running costs similar to the rest of the hatchback range.
The sweet spot in the range is the Fiesta Titanium, which has all the equipment you need, along with smaller wheels to help cruising comfort. Ford has also introduced mild-hybrid tech to help improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The 123bhp 1.0T EcoBoost Hybrid version offers possibly the best blend of power and economy for everyday driving.
Have you ever owned one of our best superminis for Motability? Give us your review in the comments section below...
Continue reading...