Best Small Premium Cars

While you’d be forgiven for associating ‘small cars’ with ‘no-nonsense’ or ‘no-frills’, the truth is there is a whole spectrum of ways to enjoy the current crop of compact hatchbacks, not least at the more premium end.

Indeed, ever since the revived MINI hit the scene in 2000, buyers have been looking at small cars in a very different way.

While there is certainly a place for models that place affordability and value above all, the MINI gave rise to the so-called ‘premium small car’ that combined the usual values for a taut chassis and easy manoeuvrability with a classy, high-end sheen that set trends.

Today, there is now a wealth of quality premium small hatchbacks out there, many of which you can find at Vertu – here is our pick of the bunch…

MINI Cooper

It has been just over 25 years since the MINI Cooper was reborn and the runaway sales success it has enjoyed since cannot be overstated.

In fact, MINI (or rather, owners BMW) got the formula for the reboot so right that it has only needed to rely on evolutionary updates ever since… not that the MINI has ever stopped being at the precipice of cutting-edge technology and the latest style trends.

At its heart remains the distinctive styling that remains unmistakably MINI, no matter how deep you dig into a plethora of customising options.

One major development since 2000, however, has been the addition of an electric version, which combines a 41kWh or 58kWh battery delivering 190 or 250-miles of range with one of the best-balanced chassis of any car on the market.

Audi A1

As the smallest model in German marque’s range, it is little surprise the Audi A1 successfully distils the firm’s signatures for understated style, top notch build-quality and desirable image into an affordable package.

While the sporty yet sophisticated design is enough to win many over, it is complemented by a premium, high-tech interior built to a high standard.

Under the skin is the choice of a 1.0-litre (95 or 110bhp) or a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with each offering punchy performance and hushed refinement.

It allows the A1 to excel in both city environments and on the motorway, making it a small car with big car qualities. It is also one of the few premium small cars still available with conventional petrol power.

Volvo EX30

If the MINI is too fussy and the Audi A1 too conventional, then the Scandi-cool Volvo EX30 might be just exactly what you’re looking for in a premium small car.

One of the smallest cars Volvo has ever produced, it sees the Swedish manufacturer condensing everything it knows about cars – namely slick design, forward-thinking practicality, top notch safety and cutting-edge technology – into an economical electric package.

The result is a serious class-leading contender, the EX30 maximising that fresh design for aerodynamic efficiency to eke more miles out of its electric range.

Offered with the choice of 51kWh and 69kWh batteries, opt for the Extended Range model and the EX30 – despite its relatively small size – will still return almost 300-miles of range.

Discover New Volvo EX30 Deals at Vertu

Cupra Born

Cupra as a standalone brand hasn’t been with us for long, but it is already gobbling up a significant share of the car market thanks to its sporty, premium image and a quality model line-up that includes the Cupra Born.

Cupra’s take on the Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born is comfortably the more exciting of the two to look at thanks to some well-judged style modifications that give the ordinary hatchback profile some edge.

It’s also been tuned to offer a more engaging drive but doesn’t sacrifice its donor car’s real-world electric efficiency or its impressively airy and spacious interior.

With a choice of 59kWh, 77kWh or 79kWh batteries, the Born can be specified for outrageous performance from the 322bhp VZ version, or for efficiency with range extending to more than 360-miles.

Renault 5 E-Tech

While you wouldn’t normally consider Renault among the ‘premium’ fraternity, it’s one of the many positive adjectives that can be apportioned to the award-winning Renault 5 E-Tech.

A funky neo-retro electric alternative to the more mainstream Renault Clio, the 5 E-Tech pays a faithful homage to the original model of the same name, while bringing things right up to date with its modern powertrain.

The result is an engaging mix of nostalgic desirability and real-world efficiency, the 5 E-Tech complementing its head-turning looks with a wealth of eye-popping customisation options.

It’s also fun to drive – both in the city and on open roads – while the choice of either 40kWh and 52kWh batteries offer a mix of performance and plus-250-mile range.

Smart #1

Forget the dinky two-seater Smart car, the bold new era for one of motoring’s most desirable brands is all about premium style, bold tech and hashtags.

The curiously titled Smart #1 is the new entry point to the marque’s range (alongside the #3 and #5) and it puts memories of the original model (also known as the ForTwo) firmly into the past.

With five-doors, a tall roofline and a curvy shape, the #1 puts practicality at the forefront of its appeal, accommodating five people comfortably along with all their luggage.

A full quota of passengers will also be able to appreciate the premium interior, which is just as bold as the exterior, and is filled to the brim with technology and quirky features, such as its joyous AI fox avatar.