Top 10 Cars For The City

The Dacia Sandero 1.2 Access stands out from the crowd thanks to its rock-bottom price tag. At £5,995 on the road, it is the cheapest new car in the United Kingdom. Despite its price the Sandero – that borrows components such as its petrol engine from the Renault Clio – is a capable car. It has 5 doors, a class-competitive 320-litre cargo capacity, 5-speed manual transmission, hits 62mph in 10.4 seconds and averages 48.7mpg. Standard equipment is basic to ensure that there is very little to break. Highlights include: power steering, a stability programme and various airbags.

The Hyundai i10 1.0 S is backed by a 5 year manufacturer warranty that guarantees peace of mind. This incorporates – unless the vehicle is used as a taxi – no mileage limit whatsoever. Furthermore, the warranty can be transferred between motorists if the car is sold which makes it a tempting second-hand option. The i10 S also has 5-doors and a 252-litre boot. 0-62mph takes 14.9 seconds courtesy of a 66hp petrol engine that averages 60.1mpg. Standard equipment includes: power steering, front electric windows and a radio. New Hyundai i10 S prices start at £8,895 on the road.

The Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI BlueMotion has tremendous fuel efficiency. This 95hp petrol-powered hatchback – that hits 62mph in 10.5 seconds - averages 68.9mpg rising to 78.5mpg on the extra-urban cycle. Even in town it manages 56.5mpg. Carbon emissions tip the scales at 94g/km which is below the 100g/km required for free road tax. But the BlueMotion is more than fuel efficient. The handling is tremendous for the class, it has a 280-litre cargo capacity and it feels better screwed together than some of its competitors. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning and cruise control. The Polo Bluemotion costs from £15,410 on the road.

The Nissan Micra's core strength is its remarkable equipment specification that even in the recent past was reserved for executive cars. The 1.2 DIG-S CVT Tekna trim has a parking slot measurement feature, for example. Its purpose is to measure parallel parking bays then confirm the car fits (or not). It also has: automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, speed limiter, climate control and parking sensors. The sprint to 62mph takes 11.9 seconds and the 98hp engine averages 56.5mpg. The Micra also has confident handling. Prices start from £15,115 on the road.

The ŠKODA Citigo Monte Carlo has sporty styling for very little money. Highlights include its front/rear spoilers and rear diffuser. The interior has a sports steering wheel and black/red theme. Dark wheels complete the look. The Monte Carlo also has lowered suspension to sharpen its handling. Despite such strengths, this trim is a practical workhorse. Its 1.0-litre, 60hp, petrol engine averages 62.8mpg and emits carbon at the rate of 105g/km (which is low). It also has 5 doors, 251-litre cargo capacity and air-conditioning. The Citigo Monte Carlo costs £10,995 on the road.

A Renault Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy core strength is that it is fast – very fast. Power comes courtesy of a 1.6-litre, 220hp, petrol engine that propels it to 62mph in 6.6 seconds. Top speed is 146mph. The 4-cylinder power plant – that is teamed with 6 speed automatic transmission - produces 280Nm of torque. Naturally, the vehicle's exterior/interior styling reflect its performance. This supermini class vehicle is also practical. It has 5 seats, a 300-litre cargo capacity and averages 47.9mpg. Standard features include sports seats with integrated headrests and an automatic engine start/stop system to save fuel. All for £21,780 on the road.

The ŠKODA Fabia 1.0 MPI S – alongside the rest of the range – is Euro NCAP's best – meaning safest – supermini of 2014. It claimed the maximum 5-star rating which incorporates scores from 4 key areas. It took 81% in the adult occupant protection category, 81% for child occupants, 69% for pedestrians protection, and 69% in the safety assist category that includes electronic safety features such as its seatbelt reminder system. The 1.0 MPI S is the entry-level version and has: power steering, electric door mirrors and powered windows. Cargo capacity is 330-litres and its 60hp petrol engine averages 60.1mpg. New prices start from £10,600 on the road.

The Alfa Romeo MiTO's core strength is bolted to the front of its bonnet. It is, of course, that fashionable badge which is associated with Italy's beautiful people and remarkable architecture. This image – particularly for those instinctively drawn to the brand – is a key selling point. But the MiTO is more than a fashion statement. The handling is sharp and the cabin comfortable, for example. Furthermore, the 875cc TB TwinAir Collezione trim has a 105hp petrol engine that propels it to 62mph in 11.4 seconds and averages 67.3mpg. All from £17,660 on the road.

The Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi Premium SE Nav is extremely spacious for a supermini. It has “class leading combined front and rear legroom”, its manufacturer claims. It has a big boot too. Cargo capacity is 326-litres rising to 1,042-litres when the rear seats are folded flat. Furthermore, the running costs are low as it averages 68.9mpg and emits carbon at the rate of 106g/km. The latter guarantees cheap road tax (at present). This 5-door diesel – that has 6 speed manual transmission – has plenty of equipment too. Highlights include: satellite navigation, a rear-view camera, cruise control and parking sensors. This top-spec model costs £17,700 on the road.

The Peugeot 108 1.0 Active stands out from the crowd thanks to its convenient finance package. Peugeot Just Fuel enables the motorist to make fixed monthly instalments – over a specified period - that cover the cost of the vehicle plus its insurance, road tax, warranty, servicing and breakdown cover. There is a deposit too. At the end of the term the car can be returned or purchased for an additional fee. The 108 Active has a petrol engine, 5-speed manual gearbox, hits 62mph in 14.3 seconds and averages 68.9mpg. Standard equipment includes: Bluetooth, air-conditioning and a digital radio.