Best Equipped Used Small Cars

We all love our creature comforts when behind the wheel but surely buying a small used car will mean sacrificing some of those key features you’ve got your heart set on… or does it?

Indeed, you might be surprised to learn that there are some generously equipped small cars out there, many of which look outstanding value in used trim.

Whether it’s Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated seats, a reversing camera or a full suite of safety technology, buying small doesn’t mean you can’t go big on standard equipment too.

Here are Vertu’s top picks for small used car with lots of kit…

Used MINI Cooper

The search is half of the fun when it comes to finding the perfect used MINI Cooper hatchback.

Indeed, the MINI has always offered a rich selection of customising options when new, meaning it can be difficult to find two models that are exactly the same as one another. It also means you can find a MINI that really speaks to your personality.

Either way, the MINI is a generously equipped car for its size, while the infotainment options are framed stylishly by its distinctive circular central display. Later models get an even larger screen, complete with jazzy graphics.

When searching for a used MINI, look out for the option packages that might have been added when new.

These include Chili Pack (dual-zone climate control, automatic lights, LED headlights), Comfort Pack (heated front seats, rear parking sensors), Comfort Plus (reversing camera) and Navigation Pack (satellite navigation).

Used Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa might have the image of being a ‘jack of all trades’ but look closer and you’ll find quite possibly the best value small car on the market.

Indeed, the Corsa has always been priced competitively and within reach of its target demographic, but recent years have seen Vauxhall become increasingly generous with its kit levels.

The most recent generation – introduced in 2019 – is more practical, better to drive and more economical than the Corsa has ever been. Older models start with the SE trim, but even this includes alloy wheels, cruise control and air-conditioning.

The 2023 facelift saw the Corsa YES become the new entry point into the range, while upping the spec to include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and a leather steering wheel.

If you really want to luxuriate in your Corsa, however, opt for the Ultimate trim with its adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, keyless entry/go and navigation system.

Used Ford Fiesta

The sheer ubiquitousness of the Ford Fiesta over the years means there are myriad trim levels to pair it with, from budget-conscious entry-level models to lavishly kitted out flagship options.

As such, it is possible to get a Fiesta with a particularly generous specification, especially among Titanium, Titanium X and Vignale trims.

Building on what is already a well-equipped car with alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and heated windscreen from Zetec trim upwards, the Titanium also has cruise control, automatic lights and climate control.

Titanium X adds a Bang & Olufsen sound system and heated front seats, while Ford’s luxurious Vignale line introduces leather seats and a panoramic openable glass roof.

Then there are the ST-Line and ST-Line X trims, which are focused on offering sportier exterior and interior system cues.

Used MG3

MG has quickly developed a fond reputation for offering ‘a lot of car for the money’ and this is no better exemplified than with the smallest model in its current line-up, the MG3.

Already one of the UK’s cheapest cars when new, it therefore makes the MG3 a terrific used purchase, particularly as many will still come under MG’s eight-year manufacturer warranty.

Available in SE or Trophy trim, all MG3s get a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, climate control, smartphone mirroring and a rear-parking camera, while flagship versions add heated leatherette seats, keyless entry and a 360-degree parking camera.

As well as being a great value buy, it’s also affordable to run, especially in Hybrid+ trim, which delivers 64mpg and emits just 100g/km of CO2.

Used Peugeot 208

There is no denying the Peugeot 208 brings a healthy dose of French finesse into the supermini class, but the model’s talents go far beyond its attractive aesthetic.

For one, it is a generously equipped small car with even entry-level Active trims getting 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen and rear parking sensors.

Step up to Allure and you can swap out for 17-inch alloy wheels and a wireless charging pad, while the GT Line gets front parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

Many of these features can be enjoyed in the 208’s stylish and well-laid out interior, which includes a high-set infotainment touchscreen, plus i-Cockpit, which sits at a vantage point above the steering wheel, rather than behind it.

Used Toyota Aygo X

While city cars aren’t renowned for being lavishly equipped in order to keep those all-important costs down, the Toyota Aygo X by contrast packs a lot of kit into a very small space.

A superb urban runabout with its compact dimensions, easy-to-drive nature and perky, yet frugal engines, the Aygo X nonetheless feels grown-up with its slightly raised ride height and generous standard equipment.

Even entry-level models get 17-inch alloy wheels, electric front windows, automatic headlights, air-conditioning and an infotainment touchscreen.

Trade up to Edge trim and you’ll enjoy 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone body paint finish, climate control, automatic wipers and rear-privacy glass, while the flagship Exclusive adds keyless ignition, LED headlights, ambient lighting and faux-leather seating.