Best small luxury cars of 2024
Everybody likes the finer things in life, especially when it comes to our cars. But with narrow streets and narrower parking bays typifying the average city in the UK, cruising around in a large luxury barge is just too impractical. And with the cost-of-living crisis, many of us our finding our pockets to be shallower than usual.
That’s why a small luxury car can be the perfect solution. We have painstakingly trawled through every vehicle currently on sale and picked 10 of the very best small luxury cars out there. Read on to find out which make, model and trim will give you the most luxury for your money.
1. Peugeot 208
Peugeot 208 review
Yes, it’s a small French hatchback, but spec the GT trim and you can have climate control, artificial leather seat inserts, 10-inch infotainment screen, keyless entry and plenty more kit you would usually expect in much larger luxury cars. Go for the peppy 129hp engine which comes with a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox.
2. Audi A1 Sportback
Audi A1 Sportback review
Big Audis are consummate cruisers, packed with luxury and tech, and the Audi A1 is simply the bite-size version. Stick to the Sport trim which adds comfortable front sport seats, cruise control and rear parking sensors, but features to sensible 16-inch wheels which won’t spoil the ride. The mid-spec 100hp 30 TFSI engine is perfect for town and the motorway.
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3. Mercedes A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2018-2023) review
Battery range up to 40 miles
There’s nothing quite like a Mercedes S-Class for ultimate luxurious decadence, but step into the A-Class hatchback and you’ll be surprised by just how grown-up and posh it looks and feels. The high-spec AMG Line Premium trim gives you a 10.25-inch instrument cluster (just like in the big Mercs) and ambient interior lighting, and the A 250 e plug-in hybrid will do 51 miles on silent electric power.
4. BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series review
The latest 1 Series shares much of its interior and tech with the larger 3 Series, but its smaller dimensions make it even more suited to town driving. Sport trims add a few nice-to-haves, while keeping the ride nice and supple. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol in the 118i is both frugal and punchy, too.
5. Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf review
The VW Golf has been around for decades, in its latest guise it is not only a great family car but offers the kind of tech and comfort that was the preserve of much pricier cars only a few years ago. We would get the cool looking R Line trim which comes very well equipped, while the 150hp automatic petrol model will be great in town and on the open road.
6. Mini Clubman
MINI Clubman review
The Mini Clubman is a funky little estate car that stands out from the crowd thanks to a raft of customisation options and some nice styling touches inside and out. Go for the more powerful Cooper S in Exclusive trim which comes with leather seats, a great infotainment system and plenty of standard and optional features like adaptive cruise control and parking assist.
7. Fiat 500 Electric
Fiat 500e review
Battery range up to 194 miles
The Fiat 500 became a hit both in its original form back in the 1950s and in its reinvented guise in the 2000s. The next evolution comes with the 500 Electric, a far more luxurious city-friendly EV that looks and feels like a posh car that’s shrunk in the wash. Go for the top La Prima trim which comes with soft-touch seat trim and is packed with tech.
8. Lexus UX
Lexus UX review
This is one of the swishest small SUVs around. It may not have the most intuitive infotainment system or the most spacious interior, but when it comes to style the Lexus UX is a class act. There’s no need to spend extra on the all-wheel-drive model, rather stick to the base UX for the best value or splurge on the Takumi trim which offers decadent leather seats in four colour options and is packed with tech.
9. Mazda MX-30
Mazda MX-30 review
Battery range up to 124 miles
the MX-30 range come with a long list of standard kit, including an eight-speaker stereo, an 8.8-inch colour sat nav, climate control, and adaptive cruise control. Makoto spec is the one to go for if you want pocket-sized luxury, with a 12-speaker stereo, LED headlights, and a surround-view camera system. Although the MX-30’s 124-mile range is low, it’s enough for a small EV that spends most of its time in town.
10. DS 3 Crossback E-Tense
DS DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE review
Battery range up to 200 miles
The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense is an eye-catching electric car that rides like a limo and has a stylish interior that sets it apart from its EV alternatives. We’d pick the top Opera trim and enjoy the electric, heated and massaging front seats, the head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, and luxurious leather interior. The 200-mile range is perfect for the majority of trips, and you can get from 0-80% in just 30 minutes using a public fast charger.
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