Rating of the best small cars for 2022

The best choice for those who need to constantly drive around the city are small compact cars. They are great for both men and women, not only for beginners, but also for experienced drivers.

There are many such models on the market with gasoline or diesel engines with economical fuel consumption and a set of additional options for comfortable driving. This review presents the ratings of cars from various manufacturers. They will help when searching for a car to compare the functionality and characteristics, so as not to make mistakes when choosing.

General information

Subcompact car - a vehicle with an engine capacity ranging from 1.1 liters to 1.6 liters and a mass of 0.85 to 1.150 tons, corresponding in size to class A or B.

The working volume is taken as the total value of the volumes of each cylinder in the engine. For some, this indicator is decisive when paying a vehicle tax, for others it is the determination of fuel consumption and the distance to the next refueling.

Previously, cylinder displacement was a key factor in determining the power of a naturally aspirated engine. However, the equipment with injection systems has significantly increased the performance of the engine of modern cars.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a small engine and a car:

• compact dimensions that do not create problems when parking;
• good maneuverability;
• fuel economy depending on driving style;
• a combination of high performance with minimal loads in a turbocharged version;
• low maintenance costs, incl. other components - running gear, gearboxes, etc .;
• relatively low price.

Flaws:

• low load capacity and capacity due to reduced power and small size;
• low cross-country ability due to low ground clearance, designed for trips on asphalt roads;
• insufficient dynamics;
• frequent driving at high speeds leads to a decrease in resource;
• increased cost of servicing turbocharged models.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a small car, close attention should be paid to the following points:

1. Body type:

• a sedan with a classic form of a passenger car, which will have space for passengers and cargo;

• the hatchback is more attractive in terms of maneuverability and compactness, and the approach of the rear overhang to the driver makes it easier to reverse when parking in narrow and cramped places;

• station wagon among small cars comes across infrequently. Such a machine is perfect for nature lovers or summer residents - garden tools, boxes or boxes with seedlings can easily fit in a spacious trunk.

2. Type of engine.

• the gasoline unit starts easily at low temperatures, quickly warms up the interior, and is also easy to maintain;
• the diesel engine has economical fuel consumption and good traction, but in cold weather it is very cool in the cabin and a long warm-up is required to achieve a normal level of heat.

3. Transmission options.

• a manual gearbox is suitable for experienced motorists who can choose the optimal mode in a busy stream to save resource and fuel;
• automatic is preferable for novice drivers who do not want to think about choosing a gear when assessing the traffic situation.

4. Complete set.

• power windows and side mirrors;
• air conditioning or climate control;
• heated mirrors, seats, steering wheel, fuel filter;
• equipment with different systems - anti-lock, brake force distribution, directional stability;
• the presence of airbags and seat belts;
• multimedia kit.

Where could I buy

Popular models of small cars can be looked at in the showrooms of manufacturers or their dealers who sell cars. Any novelties there can be checked by the results of a test drive.In addition, experienced managers will give useful advice and recommendations - what are the configurations, which company is better, how to choose which car is better to buy, how much it costs.

If there is no decent choice at the place of residence, a normal small car can be found in the online store. But do not order online, but look at the description, specifications, photos and reviews to clarify the terms of purchase, inspection and test drive by phone.

The best runabouts

The rating of high-quality small cars was developed on the basis of technical parameters and functionality, as well as the opinions of customers who left their reviews on the Internet pages of car dealerships. The popularity of the models was determined by safety, reliability, driving performance and economy of operation.

The review presents a rating among small cars of domestic production, as well as models supplied to the Russian market from Southeast Asia and Europe.

TOP 3 best Russian small cars

LADA (VAZ) Granta I

Brand - LADA (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

All-wheel drive model of a small car, created on the basis of the body of the Lada Kalina family. It was launched into mass production in May 2011 to replace the Zhiguli, Samara and Kalina brands. Compared to its predecessors, it has a new level of safety and a more modern interior. Various configuration options are offered - the simplest basic and top-end modifications that simplify machine control. In 2013-15 and in 2019, this car was considered the best-selling in Russia.

The novelty had a modern design that distinguished it from its predecessors. In addition, the shape of the front grille and headlights, creating the appearance of a “Japanese” or Korean, has completely changed.The reduction in fuel consumption and reduction in noise levels in the cabin was due to improved aerodynamics.

The basic equipment was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 82 "horses", paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. On the top versions of the Grants, more modern 16-valve engines were installed, developing a power of 98 or 106 hp. with mechanical transmission.

• good visibility;
• worthy frost-resistant engine with good traction, dynamics and efficiency;
• simple and inexpensive maintenance;
• high ground clearance
• spacious trunk;
• inexpensive salon;
• availability of independent minor repairs.

• during active driving, gears may fly out;
• extraneous noise in the gearbox;
• exchange rate instability at high speeds;
• susceptibility to corrosion;
• insufficient sound insulation.

Honest video test drive Lada Granta:

LADA (VAZ) Vesta

Brand - LADA (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

A compact domestic model, created in an attempt to get closer in performance to running foreign cars. As a result, at the end of 2018, it became the best-selling car on the Russian market. It is produced at a car factory in Izhevsk in three basic trim levels - basic, medium and luxury.

The car is not perfect, but designed for Russian conditions, and not adapted to them.

• excellent visibility in all directions;
• spacious interior and roomy trunk;
• easy handling;
• good cross with high ground clearance;
• good braking system;
• convenient buttons and levers;
• regular car radio with speakers give out high-quality sound;
• stylish design.

• low sound insulation;
• stiff suspension;
• noisy operation of the motor;
• weak brushes on the windshield;
• insufficient protection of the engine compartment from dirt;
• the occurrence of "crickets" and squeaks due to cheap plastic finishing materials;
• narrow pedal assembly;
• low quality components.

Video review:

LADA (VAZ) XRAY

Brand - LADA (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

A compact elevated hatchback model with crossover features, demonstrating AvtoVAZ's desire to improve its products and develop for subsequent competition with foreign cars. It is almost a complete clone of Stepway, as it was created on the B0 platform. The car has a high ground clearance, a branded engine and an abundance of imported high-quality parts. The hull with a visible letter X has improved streamlining.

In the basic configuration it has a rich equipment. Interior decoration is inexpensive, but of high quality. A modern multimedia complex has been installed. Regardless of the configuration, there are airbags for the front passenger and driver. It is produced at the main AvtoVAZ automobile enterprise in Togliatti.

Warranty - 100,000 km or 3 years.

• the presence of sound insulation;
• a wide range of options;
• good suspension;
• compact dimensions;
• high cross-country ability with high ground clearance;
• high-quality sound and multimedia;
• unpretentiousness to fuel;
• successful design;
• small price.

• narrow pedal assembly;
• poor visibility due to wide pillars;
• cramped interior;
• short seats;
• without automatic window opening.

Test drive LADA XRAY:

comparison table

	LADA (VAZ) Granta I 1.6 MT	LADA (VAZ) Vesta 1.6 MT	LADA (VAZ) XRAY 1.6 MT
Body	hatchback	sedan	hatchback 5 doors
Volume, l	1.6	1.6	1.6
Power, hp	87	106	106
Maximum speed, km/h	170	175	176
Acceleration up to 100 km/h, s	11.9	11.2	11.4
Fuel consumption, l:
city	9.1	9.3	9.3
track	5.3	5.5	5.9
mixed	6.8	6.9	7.2
checkpoint	Mechanics	Mechanics	Mechanics
Weight, kg	1125	1230	1190
Price (new), thousand rubles	from 337.4	from 700	from 680

TOP 4 best small cars from Southeast Asia

Hyundai Solaris II Restyling

Brand - Hyundai (Republic of Korea).
The country of origin is the Republic of Korea.

A compact second-generation model introduced in 2017 with bright colors, beautiful optics and a balanced exterior. The machine is equipped with a durable 1.4-liter gasoline engine with a solid margin of safety. Available in four trim levels.

Warranty period - 5 years.

• reliable motor with a long service life;
• energy-intensive suspension;
• low fuel consumption;
• convenient parking;
• large trunk;
• spacious salon;
• stylish design.

• low sound insulation;
• cramped in the back row;
• poor quality sound from stock speakers;
• there is no electric folding mirrors;
• poor quality paint.

Video review:

Kia Rio IV Restyling

Brand - Kia (Republic of Korea).
Producing countries - Republic of Korea, China, Russia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Italy, Germany.

The fourth generation model replaced the third one during the biggest sales in the Russian market. Korean engineers did not change the popular car much, but focused on point improvements. As a result, the succession of a successful car with the feeling of the appearance of a new car has been preserved. The design has changed a little with guessing the main style of Kia. The interior has been improved with excellent materials.Power units with deforation up to 100 hp underwent light modernization. to save on insurance and taxes. The suspension turned out to be more energy-intensive and does not break through on impact. In general, the quality of the Korean auto industry is improving from model to model with a reasonable compromise in the ratio of price to quality.

• easy control;
• nimble after overclocking;
• compact dimensions;
• good review;
• comfortable roomy interior;
• large trunk;
• variety of colors;
• quality music;
• profitability;
• inexpensive service.

• cramped rear row of seats;
• poor sound insulation;
• low smoothness of movement;
• vibration in the cabin;
• stiff suspension.

Video review of a budget foreign car:

Nissan Micra V

Brand - Nissan (Japan).
Country of origin - UK.

Compact model with unique style for comfortable movement in urban environments. The name fully corresponds to the dimensions of the car, and the funny design is designed for a female audience. Due to the absence of a large number of electronic "bells and whistles" and complex solutions, the price of the car is not very high.

Despite the thin metal, the car body confidently endures the conditions of the Russian winter and resists the development of corrosion. The power units are highly reliable and equipped with a timing chain drive with a resource of up to 250 thousand km. The simple design of the suspension does not require much attention and intervention, and many parts are suitable from Renault Clio, which will cost less.

• hardy suspension;
• fast acceleration;
• nimble;
• compact dimensions;
• simple maintenance;
• maneuverability;
• unpretentiousness;
• profitability;
• convenient parking;
• unique design.

• small ground clearance;
• windows in the cabin fog up a lot;
• harsh;
• small trunk;
• expensive original spare parts.

Video review of Nissan Micra V:

Toyota Yaris III Facelift

Brand - Toyota (Japan).
Country of origin - Japan.

A compact five-seater hatchback model produced by Toyota in its original version since 1999. It is included in various ratings of reliable cars with excellent driving characteristics and rich equipment. The car has climate control, and a lot of glove compartments. The spacious cabin is comfortable for the driver and passengers, there is a voluminous trunk, the rear seats recline. When moving around the city, a small fuel consumption within 5 liters.

• high reliability;
• compact dimensions;
• spacious salon;
• practical interior;
• strong suspension;
• comfortable driver's seat;
• excellent maneuverability;
• economical fuel consumption;
• quality assembly;
• stylish design.

• small ground clearance;
• high price of original spare parts;
• engine vibration and whistle when the alternator belt is worn.

Test drive Toyota Yaris III:

comparison table

	Hyundai Solaris II Restyling 1.4 MT	Kia Rio IV Facelift 1.4 MT	Nissan Micra V 1.0 MT	Toyota Yaris III Facelift 2 1.0 MT
Body	sedan	sedan	hatchback 5 doors	hatchback 5 doors
Volume, l	1.4	1.4	1	1
Power, hp	100	100	100	69
Maximum speed, km/h	185	185	184	155
Acceleration up to 100 km/h, s	12.2	12.2	10.9	15.3
Fuel consumption, l:
city	7.2	7.2	5.6	5.2
track	4.8	4.8	3.9	3.8
mixed	5.7	5.7	4.5	4.3
checkpoint	Mechanics	Mechanics	Mechanics	Mechanics
Weight, kg	1150	1150	1135	940
Price (new), thousand rubles	from 805	from 850	from 700	0t 700

TOP 4 best European small cars

Peugeot 208 II

Brand - Peugeot (France).
Producing countries - Slovakia, France.

An economical budget model of a compact five-door hatchback with a pronounced French character for moving around the city. Feels confident on the road. Automatic transmission provides a comfortable smooth ride, but without sudden acceleration. It features a sophisticated design that symbolizes energy and youth. The panoramic roof delights with a wide view.

• compact dimensions;
• smart move;
• high maneuverability;
• good road holding;
• low fuel consumption;
• clear multimedia interface;
• roomy trunk;
• charming exterior.

• weak paintwork;
• long warm-up of the engine in winter conditions;
• there is not enough space in the back;
• low landing.

Honest review of the Peugeot 208:

Citroen C3

Brand - Citroen (France).
Country of origin - France.

Compact model with unique speed and maneuverability. A powerful power unit provides a rapid start from a standstill, overtaking many other models in this class. In urban conditions, it has good maneuverability and conveniently maneuvers in the stream. The engine warms up quickly. There is enough ground clearance to drive on country roads without clinging. The car has a spacious interior, soft suspension and comfortable movement of the rear seats.

• good visibility;
• compact dimensions;
• roomy interior;
• profitability;
• original design;
• simple maintenance;
• comfortable driving conditions;
• convenient parking;
• easy control.

• susceptibility of some parts to corrosion;
• electronics sometimes "buggy";
• sensitive suspension.

Pros and cons of Citroen C3:

Audi A1

Brand - Audi (Germany).
The country of origin is Germany.

Subcompact model produced since 2010. A wide range of power units compares favorably with competitors. You can choose small cars with petrol units of 1.2 and 1.4 liters, or with a diesel engine of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. Much attention is paid to the equipment of the security system, which includes lane control, cruise control, tracking "dead" zones, reading road markings, a stability system, curtains and airbags. In the basic configuration a wide range of options.

• driving comfort;
• compact size;
• high dynamism;
• a wide range of engines;
• excellent maneuverability;
• large wheels;
• comfortable seats;
• multimedia display;
• powerful power unit;
• good handling;
• low fuel consumption.

• low ground clearance;
• cramped interior;
• small trunk;
• high price.

Big test drive Audi A1:

Fiat 500 II Facelift

Brand - Fiat (Italy).
Producing countries - Poland, Mexico.

Compact front-wheel drive model with retro lines for comfortable city driving. Equipped with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that develops power up to 145 horsepower.

• extended view;
• excellent handling;
• high reliability;
• quality assembly;
• compact dimensions;
• economy of service;
• stylish italian retro design.

• stiff suspension;
• large turning radius;
• there is little space in the back;
• high price.

Test drive Fiat 500 II Restyling:

comparison table

	Peugeot 208 II 1.2 AT	Citroen C3 III 1.2 AT	Audi A1 1.0 MT	Fiat 500 II Restyling 1.4 AMT
Body	hatchback 5 doors	hatchback 5 doors	hatchback 5 doors	hatchback 3 doors
Volume, l	1.2	1.2	1	1.4
Power, hp	100	110	95	145
Maximum speed, km/h	188	188	192	210
Acceleration up to 100 km/h, s	10.8	10	11.5	8
Fuel consumption, l:
city	5.1	6.1	6	7.6
track	3.9	4.2	2	4.7
mixed	4.3	4.9	4.8	5.8
checkpoint	machine	machine	Mechanics	robot
Weight, kg	1165	1090	1135	1045
Price (new), thousand rubles	from 470	347.75	664.45	from 900

The small car becomes the best option for constant trips in big cities in conditions of heavy traffic and lack of parking space. At the same time, it is great for novice drivers gaining experience in driving in difficult conditions. The main advantages of a small car are compactness, maneuverability and efficiency.

The modern market for such vehicles is saturated with offers of various models for every budget and taste. At the same time, it is advisable to pay attention to the secondary segment, where you can buy a decent car at a reasonable price that meets any needs. However, the choice is made based on the capabilities of the functionality, and not the external gloss of the car.

Enjoy the shopping. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!