Citroen Ami: $9,800
How does Citroen manage to put together something with four wheels, doors, pedals, and a steering wheel for the cost of a beat-up BMW 3 Series? Call it magic or a minor miracle. Technically, it’s not even a car — it’s a quadricycle. But it looks and behaves enough like one to earn a place here. For that tiny price, you get an 8bhp electric motor, a 5.5kWh battery, and a 28mph top speed — a worthy substitute for walking, with extra charm to spare.
“Fun to use and utterly lovable.”
Leapmotor T03: $18,500 (including $1,900 grant)
It may resemble a Fiat Panda after a round of Botox, but the Leapmotor T03 is actually a compact Chinese EV. At around eighteen grand, it feels well put together, with surprising space and comfort for its size. Yet, despite its competence, it lacks real personality.
“The Dacia Spring proved cheap EVs can have soul — something the T03 struggles to find.”
Dacia Sandero: $18,700
Bad news first: the Dacia Sandero used to cost about $10,000 when it first appeared. Inflation has done its thing, and prices have climbed. Good news: it’s still the most affordable proper petrol car in Britain. The entry model is bare-bones, but it’s spacious, honest, and gets the job done — a no-fuss route from A to B.
“If cars don’t excite you, this is the one to buy.”
Dacia Spring: $19,000
Tiny, electric, and crucially, inexpensive — not just for an EV but for any new car. It’s simple, cheerful, and faithful to Dacia’s belief in honest motoring. We liked it enough to hand it an award.
“It shows a BEV can weigh as little as a petrol car. Well played, Dacia.”
Kia Picanto: $21,200
Now things get interesting. Kia still champions the small car, and the Picanto proves why that matters. It’s stylish, enjoyable in the city, and practical enough for everyday life. Venture onto a motorway, and it starts to feel out of its depth, but in its natural habitat, it shines.
“For first-time drivers or city commuters, the Picanto is spot-on.”
Toyota Aygo X: $21,400
The Aygo is gone, and in its place stands the Aygo X — a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder city car boasting a heroic 71bhp. Zero to 62mph in 14.9 seconds may not sound heroic, but in city traffic, you’re winning if you hit 5mph. It’s fun enough, though the CVT might test your patience.
“It handles well and rides smoothly, even if the little engine sometimes feels breathless.”
Microlino: $21,500
More mobile charm than actual car, the Microlino is the perfect way to dodge giving lifts — and hearts — away. It’s as if someone built a life-size electric toy and sent it to roam the streets. Cute doesn’t even begin to cover it.
“As transport it’s flawed; as a companion, oddly irresistible.”
Hyundai i10: $21,700
Hyundai has managed to pack a ‘big car’ feel into its smallest model. The latest i10 feels mature, with smart tech, solid build quality, and enough room for small families. It’s not as bold as the Kia, but it’s polished, practical, and easy to love.
“Credit to Hyundai for keeping the city car alive while others gave up.”
MG 3: $21,900
Yes, it’s that MG — the Chinese one. The third generation of the MG 3 is simple, efficient, and surprisingly likable. It’s affordable to run, pleasant to drive, and while it could ride smoother and look posher inside, it’s a solid all-rounder.
“If you can look past the badge, you might be pleasantly surprised.”
Fiat Grande Panda (hybrid): $22,600
Budget driving doesn’t mean boring, especially when Fiat’s involved. The Grande Panda brings back that old Fiat charm — cheerful, full of character, and easy to love. It’s not a thrill machine, but at urban speeds, it does exactly what you need with a grin.
“Bright, nostalgic, and brimming with personality — a welcome return to form.”
Citroen C3: $23,600
More than 5.6 million C3s have found homes since 2002 — and the new one looks ready to keep that streak alive. Confident styling, cushioned comfort, and good urban manners make it a crowd-pleaser. Beyond the city, it’s less at ease, but still entirely competent.
“Stylish, soft-riding, and still sensibly priced.”
Renault Clio: $24,000
Still the best in its class — though the competition has thinned. The latest Clio isn’t as charming as it once was, but it’s solid, efficient, and composed. It’s the kind of car you respect, even if it doesn’t make your heart race.
“Well-rounded, easy to recommend — but hard to love.”
Vauxhall Corsa: $24,600
Smart-looking and enjoyable to drive, the Corsa shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot 208 but lacks that car’s interior flair. Still, this is the most appealing Corsa in years, even if stronger rivals exist.
“A solid effort — improved, attractive, but not quite class-leading.”
Across these bargain buys, there’s a clear trend: carmakers still know how to deliver practicality and charm without eye-watering prices. Whether electric or petrol, the simplest cars often remind us why driving, at its core, should feel effortless and fun.
