Looking to buy a new car that’s really compact but can also offer decent pace and driving fun? There are numerous sporty small cars which can be found in the current new car market. They are no bigger than your everyday supermini and they can also be a huge amount of fun to drive.
In this guide we pick out five of the best fast small cars available on the market right now. These pocket rockets are small, more affordable than most sports cars or other hot hatches around, and are impressively agile.
Our top 5 fast small cars
Ford Fiesta ST
Here at Car Keys, we’re big fans of the Ford Fiesta ST. While the majority of the most powerful and technically impressive hot hatches are actually quite large, the Fiesta ST has always been modestly proportioned.
The three-door ST is powered by a 178bhp 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine, which allows for a decent 0-62mph sprint time of 6.9 seconds. If you opt for the Mountune upgrade, then the power output goes up to 212bhp.
Okay, so there are other hot hatches out there, including similar-sized rivals, which offer more power, better practicality and a more comfortable ride. But the Fiesta ST’s sharp turn-in and precise steering means this car can offer a lot of fun and it’s very competitively priced. It starts from just under £17,500, and for that money you get a good-looking small car that can do a shopping run in a quick and fun manner. If you are looking for one of the fast small cars available on the market, the Ford Fiesta ST may be one to consider.
Read our full review of the Ford Fiesta ST
Find prices for the Ford Fiesta hatchback
Vauxhall Corsa VXR
The latest Vauxhall Corsa VXR deserves a close look if you’re interested in getting a new small car that can deliver hardcore driving fun.
The 202bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, which even comes with an ‘overboost’ function, has great potential. The zero to 60mph sprint time offered is just 6.5 seconds, making it one of the best fast small cars available to buy.
Even more impressive is how well the Corsa VXR grips the road and how little torque steer exists. These combined qualities make for an enthusiastic approach to driving.
The Corsa VXR starts from about £18,000, but there’s a Performance Pack available which pushes the price to just over £20,000. While the pack’s features sharpen up the ride even more, we’d only recommend it if you plan to visit a lot of track day events, because the ride on normal roads is compromised.
If the Corsa VXR’s price sounds a bit too much for your liking, then also consider the 148bhp Vauxhall ADAM S, which costs about £17,000.
Read our full review of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Find prices for the Vauxhall Corsa hatchback
Abarth 595
The Fiat 500 is one of the most fashionable little cars on the market. But what could you achieve if you gave this car a much more powerful engine and a sportier driving set-up?
An answer is available thanks to Abarth, which is Fiat’s official performance sub-brand. At first glance, the Abarth 595 may appear like any other Fiat 500, save for a swap of badges.
Priced from between about £14,600 and just under £20,000, the Abarth 595 can be quite a bit more expensive than a new Fiat 500.
The 595’s 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine can produce between 133 and 178bhp and it’s a fun little engine. The Abarth is at its best either on smooth roads or at track day events. Some alternatives are sharper and more comfortable on town roads and motorways, so it does help if you’re already a big fan of the Fiat 500. Still, this car does have a charming aura surrounding it which can pull people in.
Find prices for the Abarth 595 hatchback
Peugeot 208 GTi
Until the 208 GTi arrived, Peugeot were seemingly struggling to create a hot hatch that could be considered a worthy successor to the much-loved 205 GTi.
Happily for the French manufacturer and for hot hatch fans in general, the 208 GTi represents a long-awaited return to form. Compared to other small hatches, the 208 GTi isn’t the fastest or most affordable but it isn’t far behind the leaders in both regards.
Crucially, this three-door Peugeot is fun to drive, offering agile driving characteristics, precise steering and a fairly comfortable suspension set-up. Starting at just over £19,000, the 208 GTi’s purchase and running costs are pretty respectable for a car of its nature, which is why it makes our top 5 list of best fast small cars.
Read our full review of the Peugeot 208 GTi
Find prices for the Peugeot 208 hatchback
Suzuki Swift Sport
If all the fast small cars mentioned so far in this guide are too dear for your preference, then it’s well worth thinking about the Suzuki Swift Sport. Available in three and five-door guises, the Swift Sport starts at around £14,000 and while its speed isn’t exactly mind-blowing, there’s still plenty to like about it.
The subtle design changes compared to standard Swifts give it a neat, sporty profile and the 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine is a decent unit. Capable of taking the Suzuki from zero to 62mph in 8.7 seconds, the car feels sharp from the get-go and the short gear ratios add to an engaging driving experience.
Through the corners, the Swift Sport offers loads of grip and very little body roll. The steering is nicely weighted and while you can get some understeer when you push hard through turns, this in a way is a blessing. It’s a useful sign to tell you when you’re pushing the car beyond its limits.
This small Suzuki is well priced and easy-going when you want to undertake a mundane task, but can be fun when you take a more enthusiastic approach.
