Used Car Buyer's Guide: Small Family Cars

For many people, the arrival of a family will result in the need to invest in a larger car, but – as ever – there are exceptions to the rule.

A single parent for example may only have a need for a small car, whilst those who live in a big city might only have limited space, or only need a smaller car to use on occasions rather than every day.

Here’s some of our top options for small cars that pack a big punch for a families.

Ford Puma

The Puma may be an SUV but it’s also far from being the largest family car on the market given that it’s based on the same platform at the seventh-generation Ford Fiesta.

Despite the compact dimensions however, the Puma has plenty of space on the inside – most notably in the boot where the addition of the ‘MegaBox’ means you’ll get more room for luggage than in many larger models.

Offering a blend of practicality and performance, the Puma is a small car that packs a big punch for a family.

Peugeot 2008

Another small SUV, the Peugeot 2008 is now in its second generation and is based on the same platform as the 208 supermini.

Like the Puma, it’s a stylish package that is relatively cheap to run, particularly if you opt for the hybrid powertrain, which makes it a top option for those who are looking for a small family car.

The boot has more than 430 litres of space and two underfloor storage areas so there is ample room to get everything you need onboard.

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio is one of those models that shows that small cars aren’t as small as they used to be, with the current generation being a realistic option for those who want a small family car.

Good looking both inside and out, the Clio has an impressive amount of space that includes one of the largest boots in the segment.

A hybrid engine keeps fuel costs down whilst a five star Euro NCAP rating means you’ll be kept safe whilst on the road.   

Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Octavia is one of the best family cars on the market but if you want something a little more compact, the Fabia fits the bill.

The Fabia ticks a lot of boxes for those who want a small but practical car, with a spacious boot, solid engine line-up and a strong equipment list that provides fantastic value for money.

As one of the best small cars currently on sale in the UK, it’s little surprise that the Fabia is amongst our top picks for a small family car.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is another car that has grown through the years which means it can now be viewed as a realistic option for a small family car.

Like the Clio and the Fabia, the Polo is a car that has a lot more space on the inside than you might expect from the supermini – both in the rear seats and also in the boot where there is plenty of room to carry everything that comes with a family.

Efficient engines that keep running costs down and a strong reliability record only heighten the appeal.