It’s not an unknown fact that prices of everything have increased over the years – including everything from the cost of food to house prices.
Cars are no exception, either, and it’s especially true as we now demand more from our cars than ever, while they must also be built to rigid safety standards too – both things that drive the price of them up.
But that’s not to say all cars are expensive these days, as there are a range of value-packed models that still defy the price increases. Let’s take a look…
1. Dacia Sandero – £8,995
Renault-owned Dacia launched in the UK in 2013 and ever since it’s held the title of having the UK’s most affordable car. It’s a brand established on value for money, and the latest Sandero – which launched in 2021 – only continues that.
The new Sandero is also better than ever, as it’s far more spacious inside than its predecessor, gets more standard equipment and is a big improvement behind the wheel too. Even the cheapest example gets Bluetooth, air conditioning and cruise control too, which is remarkable considering its £8,995 starting price.
Enquire on a new Dacia Sandero2. Kia Picanto – £11,200
While Kia might have moved more upmarket in recent years, the Picanto continues to be an icon in low cost motoring, with its £11,800 starting price undercutting many rivals and it’s also particularly cheap to run, too.
At the same time, it’s also packed with style, while the interior feels far more upmarket than its budget price suggests. You also get Kia’s class-leading seven-year warranty, which could be ideal if you’re looking to keep the car for a number of years.
Enquire on a new Kia Picanto3. Dacia Sandero Stepway – £11,895
Though the Sandero is already a great choice on its own, if you fancy something with additional street cred, it’s worth taking a look at the Stepway model. With its chunky styling kit and raised suspension, it certainly looks the part, and it’s little wonder it outsells the standard model these days.
While it commands a noticeable price increase, the Stepway remains terrific value for money, and undercuts all key alternatives for price.
Enquire on a new Dacia Sandero Stepway4. MG3 – £12,495
Like Dacia, MG is also well known for offering superb value for money, and the brand’s most affordable model – the MG3 supermini – is no exception. It’s stylish and offers a spacious interior for the price, while you also get an excellent seven-year warranty included.
Perhaps the most impressive element of the MG3 is the standard equipment levels, though, with an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay included, along with rear parking sensors and 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Enquire on a new MG35. Suzuki Ignis – £12,499
Suzuki is known for its affordable, small cars and the Ignis is the brand’s most accessible model today, with a starting price of £12,499 being right on the money.
The Ignis is somewhat of an oddity in the city car class as it’s almost more of a little crossover than it is a conventional hatchback, and even four-wheel-drive versions are available higher up the range. Thanks to very clever packaging, the Ignis is also far roomier inside than you might expect.
Enquire on a new Suzuki Ignis6. Citroen C1 – £12,945
Citroen has long been a leader when it comes to low-cost city cars, and its C1 continues to be an ideal option for those on a budget and looking for something to be cheap to run as well.
The C1 is also available with a wide range of personalisation possibilities, while a touchscreen makes up the standard equipment list too. If you want additional style you can even choose it with an ‘Airscape’ roof that features an electric fabric top that transforms the C1 into a convertible.
Enquire on a new Citroen C17. Suzuki Swift – £12,999
Though the Suzuki Swift might not be the first supermini you think of, this is a hatchback well worth considering if you’re looking for something towards the more affordable end of the spectrum.
Combining stylish looks with a fun driving experience, the Swift also now comes with a super efficient mild-hybrid powertrain that’s able to return around 60mpg. You also get a good amount of equipment for the money too, including LED headlights and diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels.
Enquire on a new Suzuki Swift8. Fiat Panda – £13,130
Though it might be Fiat’s 500 that rules the city car roost, where affordability is concerned, it’s the brand’s funky-looking Panda that is the more affordable option. It’s another model that comes with a mild-hybrid powertrain as standard, which should make it very affordable to run.
Recent changes to the Panda also mean it has more equipment than ever, including a new seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Enquire on a new Fiat Panda9. Hyundai i10 – £13,195
If you want a more ‘grown-up’ feeling city car, the Hyundai i10 is a great option. Ideal for those looking to downsize, it’s packed with a range of high-end equipment and is also one of the roomiest options in the city car segment.
Costing from £13,195, it’s good value for money too, while gets a sharp design thanks to a recently launched model. Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty is another asset to it.
Enquire on a new Hyundai i1010. Peugeot 108 – £13,220
Last but certainly not least is the Peugeot 108, which is a twin model to the Citroen C1, and shares that car’s stylish looks, low running costs and affordable asking price.
Though not the roomiest of city cars, it’s ideal if you live somewhere with limited parking where small dimensions are essential, while low insurance groups make it a popular choice with new drivers.
Enquire on a new Peugeot 108