The year 2017 is set to be a huge and exciting one for the small car market segment here in Britain. Several of the most famous, popular selling city cars and superminis are getting new-generation models or refreshes launched during this year.
Here’s a look at five of the most exciting small cars set to launch in the UK during 2017.
Ford Fiesta
While the Ford Fiesta range has received plenty of updates in the last few years alone, the current generation car actually started production all the way back in 2008.
But just recently, Ford publicly revealed its next-generation Fiesta and there are several bold and intriguing changes being brought in. Expected to launch some time during the first half of 2017, the new Fiesta will add a luxury-focused Vignale derivative and even a crossover-styled version called the Fiesta Active.
The interior is also getting some much needed and very welcome upgrades in terms of materials and gadgetry, such as Ford’s latest SYNC 3 software.
Nissan Micra
A next-generation Nissan Micra is coming to Britain this March and it is an intriguing small car for several reasons.
The previous Micra was a budget option which straddled the line between city car and supermini. Then there's the Nissan Note which has straddled the line between supermini and mini-MPV.
Things really change next year though, as Nissan is dropping the Note in 2017 and the new Micra is a bigger car, now with the size, equipment and trim quality to take on the leaders in the supermini category.
Hyundai i10
When it first arrived a few years ago, the current-generation Hyundai i10 immediately proved itself as a stylish, refined and all-round decent city car which could credibly compete with the best in its class.
Now to keep it fresh, the Hyundai i10 is getting a facelift which launches this January and comes in several styling changes and more up-to-date tech for the cabin. The updates include a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Kia Rio
Set to launch in Britain during February, the next-generation Kia Rio wants to take a big enough step forwards so that it can serve up stronger opposition to the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
The new Rio will be sold only as a five-door model and will feature a new lightweight three-cylinder engine and all the latest smartphone app support programmes.
SEAT Ibiza
While not much has been officially confirmed about this car right now, a new SEAT Ibiza is on its way and likely to launch around July time.
It will be the first car to use the MQB A Zero architecture developed by Volkswagen Group – SEAT’s owners. The new platform promises to boost the Ibiza’s practicality and efficiency significantly, and it’s the same underpinnings that will be used for the next VW Polo and next Fabia.
The sporty little Ibiza is already a likeable car anyway, so there’s plenty of reason to be intrigued about this new-generation model.