Best Used City Cars

City cars have always done what they say on the tin – they are easy-to-drive, manoeuvrable, great value for money and do not cost the earth to run, which is exactly what you want when driving a car in the city.

They have long been the favourite choice among first-time drivers looking for an affordable way into car ownership in a model that isn’t intimidating yet still comes with creature comforts and looks trendy.

In short, a used city car is a great way to get on the road cheaply and Vertu has a rich choice of quality options waiting for you…

Toyota Aygo X

With its funky looks and affordable prices, the Toyota Aygo X has long been popular city car choice.

Backed by Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability, the Aygo X not only puts frugal motoring at the forefront of its appeal, but there are also myriad trim levels and limited editions out there to help you get the model you want.

All Aygo X models are five-door, while it is possible to get trims that include such luxuries as DAB radio, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, climate control and even a reversing camera – not that it is difficult to squeeze into a parking space.

Later models see the Aygo X gain SUV-like styling with chunky bumpers and even a raised ride-height to give you a more commanding view of the road.

Volkswagen Up

For a touch of panache in a small yet practical machine, the Volkswagen Up offers a lot of appeal as a used city car.

The small but tall proportions endow it with a surprising amount of interior space for such compact dimensions, while ensuring the cabin remains bright and airy.

The Up also has that stamp of Volkswagen quality that belies its value-for-money ethos, while its three-cylinder engines return impressive fuel economy.

Better yet, if you can live without the VW badge on the front, the almost identical – and often cheaper – SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo are also available.

Hyundai i10

The current Hyundai i10 already ranks as one of the UK’s cheapest cars to buy and run new, making a used version even better value.

Another city car with short but tall dimensions, the i10 therefore allows generous space for occupants, while more recent editions are handsome lookers, especially in N-Line trim.

The grown-up feeling extends inside where the dashboard-mounted gearstick is easy to use, while running costs are eased by an economical engine and low insurance groups.

Better yet, the i10 is renowned for its solid build quality and reliability, while more recent used examples are likely to have a portion of its original five-year warranty remaining.

Kia Picanto

While Kia might have spent the last few years seamlessly transforming its image from budget brand to premium player in the automotive industry, the Kia Picanto proves it hasn’t ignored its value-oriented roots.

In fact, the Picanto has been steadfast as one of Kia’s most popular models ever since the first-generation version was launched back in 2003. Since then, the Picanto has received continuous updates without betraying the origins of what made it popular in the first place.

As such, the Picanto is still a funky looker, more so since a recent update saw it adopt Kia’s striking ‘Opposites United’ design language, the interior feels grown-up and the driving experience is brisk and full of pep.

Better yet, it comes as a more versatile five-door body style, while the standard 1.0-litre engine returns more than 50mpg. It’s also one of the UK’s cheapest new cars to insure.

FIAT 500

Few cars are as chic as the modern-day FIAT 500, its retro charm proving such a winner when it was revealed in 2007 that it has barely changed ever since.

With countless customising options and limited editions out there, it is possible to get a unique combination that suits your personal style.

While the cheeky aesthetic is enough to win many over, the FIAT 500 is also a doddle to drive and park, while its light and airy interior will lift even the darkest moods.

Better yet, if you’re after a sporty little number, the Abarth 500 packs a lot of punch in small dimensions, while the desirable FIAT 500C convertible is perfect for drop-top thrills.

Hyundai INSTER

Not only are city cars making a comeback at the moment, many are hitting the market with the ultimate modern accessory – electric power.

Take the funky Hyundai INSTER for example, one of the smallest and cheapest electric cars you can buy right now.

While electric power can command a premium when new, they make excellent used car buys and the INSTER – which can achieve up to 229-miles of range – is particularly attractive.

Its contemporary boxy design will turn heads wherever it goes, while it is filled to the brim with standard kit and plenty of standard features that help to make driving a doddle, such as a real-time video relay of your surroundings when making overtakes or parking.

Suzuki Ignis

It’s difficult to make a small car feel bigger than it is, but the rugged Suzuki Ignis does a fine job of making its presence felt within its compact dimensions.

Much of this can be attributed to the exterior design which takes its inspiration from Suzuki’s SUVs and shrinks it down into a pint-size shape with striking effect.

A lofty driving position – courtesy of the increased ride-height – improves the driver’s view of the road, while it proves surprisingly spacious and airy on the inside as well.

It’s great value too, the Ignis proving generously equipped and cheap to run with almost 60mpg figures possible, while there is even a four-wheel drive variant for those who want extra security on the road.

Dacia Spring

Who says electric cars have to be more expensive than their fuel-sipping equivalents? Just take the Dacia Spring, which is not only the UK’s cheapest electric car, it’s the UK’s cheapest car outright too.

Such value when new can therefore be enjoyed on the used market too, making the Spring – with its zero emissions and penny-pinching running costs – particularly attractive.

The 24.3kWh battery is available with the choice of either 70bhp or 100bhp, which can be charged from 20-80% using a fast charger in less than 30-minutes, while range of up to 140-miles is perfectly reasonable for those who carry out relatively short journeys in urban areas.