Best small fun used cars

Compact and cheap doesn’t need to mean boring. Here are our fun small used car picks

Words: Chris Randall

When it comes to cars that have the potential to thrill enthusiasts it’d be reasonable to think that stand-out styling or exceptional performance would help their case. But while that might well be true, the models we have here demonstrate that even something smaller and more modest has the potential to impress, and you needn’t break the bank to own one today. From real driver’s cars to those a bit unusual, these small cars certainly don’t lack for character.

Abarth 595

It was back in 2009 when the sporty Abarth 500 appeared, but the 595 that we’re interested in arrived three years later (it’s been on sale ever since) and turned the stylish city car into a true pocket-rocket. That early model came in Turismo and Competizione flavours, both getting a turbocharged engine with 158bhp and they could be had in hatchback or convertible forms.

The 595 certainly looked the part, the sporting additions inside and out adding a huge dollop of appeal, and there was plenty of entertainment to be had when you got behind the wheel. The driving position was slightly compromised – you felt a bit perched – but ignore that and you’d discover a fun small car that positively encouraged you to make the most of the power on offer. There was a real enthusiasm to the way it went down the road, and if the ride was on the firm side the payoff was fun handling that ensured a B-road blast would leave a big smile on your face. We’d stick to the manual box for maximum engagement, though, as the semi-automatic MTA unit isn’t the sharpest.

2015 saw some notable changes with a new 143bhp entry-level version and increased power for the others, the Competizione now getting 178bhp and 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Whichever one you go for the combination of the Abarth badge and grin-inducing driving experience definitely mark this car out as a future classic, and with prices starting from around £7000 for a 2012/2013 example it’s temptingly priced.

Alfa Romeo MiTo

It’s hard to resist the appeal of the famous Alfa badge, and when the MiTo was launched back in 2008 (it’s named after Milan and Torino where it was designed and built respectively) it soon found eager buyers looking for a fun small car. Compact and with distinctive looks it’s easy to see why, and thanks to a range of punchy engines it proved entertaining on the road, too.

Okay, so the handling wasn’t quite as sharp as the MINI but it’s capable enough to have fun, and if you opt for the 1.4-litre MultiAir engine there’s ample performance on tap. Available in 135bhp and 170bhp forms with the latter cracking the 0-62mph sprint in 7.5 seconds, it’s one of these we’d aim for. There was a choice of manual or twin-clutch transmissions and all models got the ‘DNA’ switch that, via Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather modes, altered various powertrain and chassis settings.

The MiTo remained in production until 2018 and there were plenty of trim levels over the years; go for a QV or Veloce and you’ll get all the kit you need. It fares pretty well when it comes to reliability, too, and with numerous Alfa specialists around there shouldn’t be any concerns about regular maintenance; just make sure the MultiAir engine has had the correct oil and filters to avoid problems. As for price, they start from around £3000-3500 which bags a car with less than 90k miles on the clock, and that seems something of a bargain.

Fiat Panda Cross

The boxy original is a nailed-on classic but we think the car we have here is going to be one of the future. It doesn’t have the performance or sharp handling like some of the other fun small car options on our list, but that doesn’t matter one bit because the Panda’s talents lie elsewhere – in the rough. Indeed, it’s remarkably capable when you head off the road and just goes to prove that you don’t need a full-fat mud-plugger to have loads of fun when the going gets slippery.

This generation of Panda debuted in 2011 with the 4×4 appearing later the following year, Fiat equipping it with a permanent four-wheel drive system that featured two differentials and an electronically-controlled coupling that made good use of available grip. And its abilities were further enhanced by clever ESC and ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) systems and a six-speed gearbox with a low-ratio first gear. Buyers got the choice of a 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engine or a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel, but given the proliferation of low emission zones we’d plump for the former, especially as it has a bit of aural character that adds to the Panda’s charm.

And speaking of character we rather like the chunky looks. The practical cabin and decent equipment levels are pleasing, too, and we can’t help thinking that the relative simplicity of cars like this one will hold plenty of appeal in an evermore complex automotive future. And with prices from around £5000 it’s an affordable way to head off the beaten track.

Suzuki Swift Sport

The first generation Sport attracted buyers thanks to a combination of perky performance and affordable running costs, and while the model we have here (it arrived in 2012) felt a bit more grown-up it boasted those same attributes. Simple and fun to drive, it wasn’t over-endowed with power and performance – 134bhp and 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, for the record – but that really didn’t matter. What did was that the Sport felt light on its feet – not surprising given it weighed just 1045kg – and provided the sort of lively handling that makes it one of the best fun small car options on the used market.

Work the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox and you could make decent progress, though, especially if you made use of the engine’s 7000rpm red line. It’s a straightforward recipe that will prove as enjoyable in the years to come as it does today. And while the understated looks won’t appeal to everyone, we rather like the fact that there’s just a subtle body-kit and larger 17in alloys to set it apart.

Aside from more heavily bolstered seats it’s all pretty plain on the inside, too, but that’s not a deal-breaker in our book and the decent build quality and kit levels make up for the lack of sporting pizzazz. In any case, this is about having fun behind the wheel and on that front we’d say the compact Suzuki is more than up to the job. As for buying one you’ll find high-milers from £3000, but doubling that budget should secure a 2015 car with less than 80k miles.

Renault Twingo

The Twingo badge had been around for a few years but when Renault introduced this generation there was one major difference compared to rival city cars: the engine was at the back. That was due to sharing underpinnings with the Smart Forfour, but it was a real point of difference, and when combined with the distinctive looks and funky cabin design we reckon this fun small car packs plenty of character.

That alone is reason enough for it to make our list but explore a bit further and you’ll discover there’s plenty more to like, especially if most of your motoring is of the urban variety. It feels nippy for one thing, but what really stands out is the brilliantly tight turning circle that resulted from sticking the engine out back. And speaking of engines it was small and frugal motors that were the order of the day, although we’d certainly point you in the direction of the turbocharged 0.9-litre unit that give the Twingo a usefully perky 10.8-second 0-62mph time.

If that’s not lively enough for you then the GT that arrived in 2016 will fit the bill; 108bhp cut the same sprint to below ten seconds and the revised chassis included lower and stiffer suspension and 17in alloys. Along with some livelier colour options it made for a fun package. It would certainly be our pick, although being a bit rarer in the classifieds means you might have to search a bit harder and you’re looking at around £8500 for one.

Toyota iQ

Think of a tiny city car and it’s likely the Smart that will spring to mind, but back in 2009 Toyota decided it wanted a slice of the action. The result was a surprisingly fun small car, one that sat on an all-new platform and that featured some innovative engineering to make the most of the diddy dimensions (it was less than 3m long).

From a specially-developed heating and ventilation system to an unusual 3+1 seating layout, the iQ was packed with interesting features which is why we think it deserves future classic status. Oh yes, and it formed the basis of the Aston Martin Cygnet. That somewhat unusual development aside, there was plenty to like from the interesting looks to the decent refinement, although unlike some of the others cars here it is lacking in the performance department. It’s also lacking in luggage space with a boot that’s pretty much non-existent, but no matter.

Buyers could choose from a 998cc three-cylinder engine with 70bhp that took almost 15 seconds to reach 60mph, or a 1.33-litre four-pot with 98bhp that managed the same benchmark in a slightly more palatable 13.1 seconds. But those modest numbers aren’t really a handicap given you’ll be owning something genuinely unusual that still catches the eye today; it’s sure to do the same a few decades hence. Prices range from £4000–6500, so enjoy it for a while now and then tuck it away for the future.