Safest small cars in the UK
High quality safe small cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated May 27, 2025 by
Mario Christou
Best safe small cars of 2025
Small cars have come along leaps and bounds when it comes to safety, and where they once had structural integrity akin to a papier-mache teacup, you can now drive one around with genuine peace of mind. Small safe cars are commonplace.
Euro NCAP is the European governing body for crash safety tests, and it’s been around in its current form since 1996.
New manufacturing processes and crumple-zone technology means that small cars can cushion a blow and maintain the integrity of their safety structures just as well - if not better - than much bigger cars on sale these days. It’s an important feature when it comes to keeping you safe in a world full of big, heavy SUVs.
They’re packed with airbags too, and considering that a lot of small cars are purchased by young families with small children, all of the cars on this list have child occupant safety scores of 80 and up.
Euro NCAP safety standards are constantly evolving, pushing car safety further and further. A 2022 update in the testing criteria saw the scores weighted heavily on how much crash avoidance technology a car has fitted to it.
Our expert reviews team has extensively tested all of the small cars on sale in the UK, and scoured the Euro NCAP database to put together this list of the ten safest options you can buy. They all have five star safety ratings, though some of them earned their stars before the stricter tests in 2022. If you need more practicality, we also have a list of the ten safest family cars on sale, as well as the safest SUVs.
Best for: stylish peace of mind
In a market that’s absolutely crammed full of choice, the Smart #1 stands head-and-shoulders above its small electric SUV alternatives with its frankly phenomenal safety rating, with scores of 96% and 89% for adult and child occupants respectively.
And it’s not just its Euro NCAP score which is attention grabbing, but its styling too. The #1 (pronounced hashtag-one, not number one) is a swanky, curvaceous little SUV with funky proportions and light bars front-and-rear. It looks a little bit like someone’s melted a Volkswagen ID4, but in a good way.
Inside is just as swish, and while material quality is a bit hit-or-miss, the interior design is top-tier. A swoopy dashboard curves around the infotainment screen and driver’s display, down towards the centre console. There’s more than a whiff of Dyson design about it, and like a Dyson it’s actually quite posh.
The Smart #1 is comfortable too, with a good driving position and masses of room inside. Rear seat space is particularly impressive, and the rear bench slides forward to increase boot space when necessary. That’s not saying much though, as even with them slid forward the boot is pretty small.
ISOFIX anchor points in the outermost rear seats and the front passenger seat mean that you can carry three children conveniently and safely, plus wide opening doors mean it's easy to load them in.
Soft suspension means the Smart #1 is hugely comfortable over bumpy roads and motorways and rear visibility is good, so it’s an easy car to drive too. Handy as all #1s come with useful range, from a claimed 193 miles in entry-level models to 273 miles in the longest-range version.
Though it only scores 71% in vulnerable road user tests, the #1 scores 88% for its safety assistance tech. Adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function, blind sport warning, lane-centring tech and automatic parking on Premium and Brabus models all add to its fantastic score, as does automatic braking front and rear when it detects a pedestrian in your path.
In a market that’s absolutely crammed full of choice, the Smart #1 stands head-and-shoulders above its small electric SUV alternatives with its frankly phenomenal safety rating, with scores of 96% and 89% for adult and child occupants respectively.
And it’s not just its Euro NCAP score which is attention grabbing, but its styling too. The #1 (pronounced hashtag-one, not number one) is a swanky, curvaceous little SUV with funky proportions and light bars front-and-rear. It looks a little bit like someone’s melted a Volkswagen ID4, but in a good way.
Inside is just as swish, and while material quality is a bit hit-or-miss, the interior design is top-tier. A swoopy dashboard curves around the infotainment screen and driver’s display, down towards the centre console. There’s more than a whiff of Dyson design about it, and like a Dyson it’s actually quite posh.
The Smart #1 is comfortable too, with a good driving position and masses of room inside. Rear seat space is particularly impressive, and the rear bench slides forward to increase boot space when necessary. That’s not saying much though, as even with them slid forward the boot is pretty small.
ISOFIX anchor points in the outermost rear seats and the front passenger seat mean that you can carry three children conveniently and safely, plus wide opening doors mean it's easy to load them in.
Soft suspension means the Smart #1 is hugely comfortable over bumpy roads and motorways and rear visibility is good, so it’s an easy car to drive too. Handy as all #1s come with useful range, from a claimed 193 miles in entry-level models to 273 miles in the longest-range version.
Though it only scores 71% in vulnerable road user tests, the #1 scores 88% for its safety assistance tech. Adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function, blind sport warning, lane-centring tech and automatic parking on Premium and Brabus models all add to its fantastic score, as does automatic braking front and rear when it detects a pedestrian in your path.
2025
Urban Living Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: chic city driving
Mini’s Cooper Electric is the latest in a long line of iconic city cars. It’s the strongest, safest version there’s ever been - with adult and child occupant safety scores of 94% and 87% - without losing the identity that makes it instantly recognisable as a Mini.
If you take a look back at the last couple of Mini Cooper generations, the latest example is the best looking version there’s been for a while. You still have the big, round headlamps and large grille, now with super-sleek body lines and a compact rear end.
John Cooper Works and Sport models have an aggressive body kit which takes away from the Cooper’s retro-futuristic charm, but opt for a more modest model and you’ve got a much subtler city cruiser.
The interior is fantastic too, coming on leaps and bounds from earlier Minis. Super-minimalist and sleek with an enormous circular infotainment display in the middle of the sleek dashboard, the Mini’s cabin looks like no other car’s.
There are plenty of funky fabrics dotted around the place - hiding some scratchy plastics - and useful storage cubbies. It’s far from spacious inside the Mini though, and while the front seats aren’t too cosy it’s a struggle to fit two adults in the back. The 210-litre boot is far from practical, too, so the Mini is best used on short trips or for the weekly shop.
On the road, the Cooper Electric is a typical Mini through and through, with stiff suspension making it jiggly around town but a blast to carve through corners on a twisty road. All-round visibility isn’t great, so it’s not quite as easy to navigate around town as you might expect for such a small car, but it’s far from unwieldy and has plenty of pep in its step.
A claimed range between 190-249 miles depending on which trim level you choose means you shouldn’t be anxious to take it out of town, and active cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane assist all contribute towards its 77% and 79% pedestrian safety and safety assistance scores.
Mini’s Cooper Electric is the latest in a long line of iconic city cars. It’s the strongest, safest version there’s ever been - with adult and child occupant safety scores of 94% and 87% - without losing the identity that makes it instantly recognisable as a Mini.
If you take a look back at the last couple of Mini Cooper generations, the latest example is the best looking version there’s been for a while. You still have the big, round headlamps and large grille, now with super-sleek body lines and a compact rear end.
John Cooper Works and Sport models have an aggressive body kit which takes away from the Cooper’s retro-futuristic charm, but opt for a more modest model and you’ve got a much subtler city cruiser.
The interior is fantastic too, coming on leaps and bounds from earlier Minis. Super-minimalist and sleek with an enormous circular infotainment display in the middle of the sleek dashboard, the Mini’s cabin looks like no other car’s.
There are plenty of funky fabrics dotted around the place - hiding some scratchy plastics - and useful storage cubbies. It’s far from spacious inside the Mini though, and while the front seats aren’t too cosy it’s a struggle to fit two adults in the back. The 210-litre boot is far from practical, too, so the Mini is best used on short trips or for the weekly shop.
On the road, the Cooper Electric is a typical Mini through and through, with stiff suspension making it jiggly around town but a blast to carve through corners on a twisty road. All-round visibility isn’t great, so it’s not quite as easy to navigate around town as you might expect for such a small car, but it’s far from unwieldy and has plenty of pep in its step.
A claimed range between 190-249 miles depending on which trim level you choose means you shouldn’t be anxious to take it out of town, and active cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane assist all contribute towards its 77% and 79% pedestrian safety and safety assistance scores.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: flying under the radar
Another venerable city car, the latest Volkswagen Polo firmly sticks to its guns as a sturdy, solid and safe small hatchback. It’s not going to set your heart alight on the road, but it will keep you safe with excellent 94% adult occupant and 80% child occupant safety scores.
You can tell it’s a Volkswagen from a mile away, with sensible but handsome looks, though it’s only when you get closer that you’ll realise it’s a Polo, not a Golf. LED lights front and rear, some intricate creases and along the doors add a bit of extra poshness to its styling.
The interior is one of the Polo’s highlights, as it’s not only spacious but solidly put together. Being sat in the small Volkswagen feels like you could be sat in a larger, more expensive car. While the design isn’t hugely interesting, high-quality materials and glossy dashboard trims do give the cabin a posh feel.
There’s loads of adjustability in the seats and steering wheel, and the rear seats are about as spacious as you’ll find in such a small hatchback. Even the boot is a decent size at 351 litres, not too far off a Volkswagen Golf, making the Polo a genuinely practical proposition in day-to-day life.
It may not be as peppy on the go as its electric alternatives, but the petrol-only Polo does a good job of cosseting you around town. Its soft suspension soaks up the worst that city driving can throw at you, and it’s equally adept at dispatching bumpy sections of motorway - though the manual gearbox option is a bit noisy at speed.
Country lanes are far from fun though; a downside to having such cushy suspension. There’s a GTI model available if you want a sporty driving experience, and it’s just as safe on the road as its more sensible counterparts.
The current generation of Polo has been around since 2017, but a lane assist system, emergency braking at the front and a speed limiter earned it a 70% score in vulnerable road user and assistance system scores when Euro NCAP tested it in 2022.
Another venerable city car, the latest Volkswagen Polo firmly sticks to its guns as a sturdy, solid and safe small hatchback. It’s not going to set your heart alight on the road, but it will keep you safe with excellent 94% adult occupant and 80% child occupant safety scores.
You can tell it’s a Volkswagen from a mile away, with sensible but handsome looks, though it’s only when you get closer that you’ll realise it’s a Polo, not a Golf. LED lights front and rear, some intricate creases and along the doors add a bit of extra poshness to its styling.
The interior is one of the Polo’s highlights, as it’s not only spacious but solidly put together. Being sat in the small Volkswagen feels like you could be sat in a larger, more expensive car. While the design isn’t hugely interesting, high-quality materials and glossy dashboard trims do give the cabin a posh feel.
There’s loads of adjustability in the seats and steering wheel, and the rear seats are about as spacious as you’ll find in such a small hatchback. Even the boot is a decent size at 351 litres, not too far off a Volkswagen Golf, making the Polo a genuinely practical proposition in day-to-day life.
It may not be as peppy on the go as its electric alternatives, but the petrol-only Polo does a good job of cosseting you around town. Its soft suspension soaks up the worst that city driving can throw at you, and it’s equally adept at dispatching bumpy sections of motorway - though the manual gearbox option is a bit noisy at speed.
Country lanes are far from fun though; a downside to having such cushy suspension. There’s a GTI model available if you want a sporty driving experience, and it’s just as safe on the road as its more sensible counterparts.
The current generation of Polo has been around since 2017, but a lane assist system, emergency braking at the front and a speed limiter earned it a 70% score in vulnerable road user and assistance system scores when Euro NCAP tested it in 2022.
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Best for: sporty appearances
For an electric family hatchback with a hint of Spanish flair, the Cupra Born sits in the sweet spot between practicality and sportiness. It’s safe as houses too, with an adult occupant safety score of 93% and a child passenger safety score of 89% making it a reassuring buy.
From the side, the Cupra Born may resemble the Volkswagen ID3 upon which it’s based, but pointy headlights and a smattering of copper-coloured details mark it out as the sportier sibling; it’s a good-looking thing.
You won’t find the same futuristic design inside the Born, though it’s far from boring. More copper flashes lift the otherwise grey cabin, while the large infotainment screen appears to float in front of the dashboard. The seats are comfortable both front and back, and there’s buckets of headroom and legroom all around - plus a 385-litre boot.
Range varies from 211-335 miles depending on which battery you go for, which is useful considering the Born is a comfortable car to do motorway journeys in. It’s fairly comfy around town too, though the odd bump in the road is noticeable, and for such a sporty looking car it won’t put a big smile on your face through bends.
A fairly comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems gives the Born an 80% score for its tech, and a 73% score in pedestrian safety.
For an electric family hatchback with a hint of Spanish flair, the Cupra Born sits in the sweet spot between practicality and sportiness. It’s safe as houses too, with an adult occupant safety score of 93% and a child passenger safety score of 89% making it a reassuring buy.
From the side, the Cupra Born may resemble the Volkswagen ID3 upon which it’s based, but pointy headlights and a smattering of copper-coloured details mark it out as the sportier sibling; it’s a good-looking thing.
You won’t find the same futuristic design inside the Born, though it’s far from boring. More copper flashes lift the otherwise grey cabin, while the large infotainment screen appears to float in front of the dashboard. The seats are comfortable both front and back, and there’s buckets of headroom and legroom all around - plus a 385-litre boot.
Range varies from 211-335 miles depending on which battery you go for, which is useful considering the Born is a comfortable car to do motorway journeys in. It’s fairly comfy around town too, though the odd bump in the road is noticeable, and for such a sporty looking car it won’t put a big smile on your face through bends.
A fairly comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems gives the Born an 80% score for its tech, and a 73% score in pedestrian safety.
Best for: value-for-money safety
While some Chinese cars still have the stigma of being cheaply built and inherently unsafe attached to them, BYD proves the critics wrong with its Dolphin family hatchback. Scoring 89% for adult occupant safety and 87% for children, it seals the deal as a dependable choice of small car.
It’s rather high-riding, and the Dolphin manages to look somehow like nothing else on the road…and everything else on the road at the same time. The small headlights, sleek silhouette and rear light bar all resemble other models, but its two-tone paint finishes do add some character.
The interior is particularly striking, with a highly futuristic, swoopy dashboard wrapping around the front cabin onto the door cards. It looks great, though some of the interior materials leave a little to be desired, and the rotating infotainment screen is a fun gimmick - if a little pointless.
It’s spacious though, and the Dolphin can easily carry four tall adults in comfort. That’s no mean feat for a small car, especially one with a well-sized boot at 345 litres.
Range varies from a claimed 196-365 miles, which leaves a little to be desired compared to some alternatives. It’s not the smoothest on a rough road either, but motorway speeds feel much more refined and the Dolphin is a pleasant car to drive gently.
An 85% pedestrian safety score and 79% for driver assistance tech round the Dolphin’s safety credentials.
While some Chinese cars still have the stigma of being cheaply built and inherently unsafe attached to them, BYD proves the critics wrong with its Dolphin family hatchback. Scoring 89% for adult occupant safety and 87% for children, it seals the deal as a dependable choice of small car.
It’s rather high-riding, and the Dolphin manages to look somehow like nothing else on the road…and everything else on the road at the same time. The small headlights, sleek silhouette and rear light bar all resemble other models, but its two-tone paint finishes do add some character.
The interior is particularly striking, with a highly futuristic, swoopy dashboard wrapping around the front cabin onto the door cards. It looks great, though some of the interior materials leave a little to be desired, and the rotating infotainment screen is a fun gimmick - if a little pointless.
It’s spacious though, and the Dolphin can easily carry four tall adults in comfort. That’s no mean feat for a small car, especially one with a well-sized boot at 345 litres.
Range varies from a claimed 196-365 miles, which leaves a little to be desired compared to some alternatives. It’s not the smoothest on a rough road either, but motorway speeds feel much more refined and the Dolphin is a pleasant car to drive gently.
An 85% pedestrian safety score and 79% for driver assistance tech round the Dolphin’s safety credentials.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: funky, futuristic styling
Looking like something out of Blade Runner or a Halo video game, the Toyota C-HR blends dashing looks and an efficient engine with 85% and 86% adult and child occupant safety scores, respectively.
C-shaped headlights, sharp lines and a rakish silhouette with a low roofline differentiate the C-HR from its hybrid SUV alternatives. While the interior is clearly laid out with some stylish details, it’s not quite as remarkable as the exterior - and it’s a rather dour environment because of the expanse of dark plastics all around you.
The C-HR’s cabin isn’t the biggest either, and while front passengers are unlikely to complain, rear seat occupants will find kneeroom a little tight. It's awfully dark back there too, as a result of the tiny rear windows.
A pair of hybrid engine options are available (one self charging, one plug-in); both highly fuel-efficient, but both noisy when you put your foot down. It does well to stay in electric mode around town though, and the C-HR’s suspension takes potholes in its stride. Motorways are just as comfortable, but what’s most impressive is how fun the small Toyota is to carve through corners.
The 86% pedestrian safety score is particularly impressive, while the suite of emergency braking sensors, speed monitoring and driver fatigue sensor earn the C-HR a 79% score for driver assistance tech.
Looking like something out of Blade Runner or a Halo video game, the Toyota C-HR blends dashing looks and an efficient engine with 85% and 86% adult and child occupant safety scores, respectively.
C-shaped headlights, sharp lines and a rakish silhouette with a low roofline differentiate the C-HR from its hybrid SUV alternatives. While the interior is clearly laid out with some stylish details, it’s not quite as remarkable as the exterior - and it’s a rather dour environment because of the expanse of dark plastics all around you.
The C-HR’s cabin isn’t the biggest either, and while front passengers are unlikely to complain, rear seat occupants will find kneeroom a little tight. It's awfully dark back there too, as a result of the tiny rear windows.
A pair of hybrid engine options are available (one self charging, one plug-in); both highly fuel-efficient, but both noisy when you put your foot down. It does well to stay in electric mode around town though, and the C-HR’s suspension takes potholes in its stride. Motorways are just as comfortable, but what’s most impressive is how fun the small Toyota is to carve through corners.
The 86% pedestrian safety score is particularly impressive, while the suite of emergency braking sensors, speed monitoring and driver fatigue sensor earn the C-HR a 79% score for driver assistance tech.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: warm-hatchback feel
While the SEAT Ibiza may be related to the Volkswagen Polo under the skin, it’s much less serious and much more sporty on the road. The Ibiza is strictly business when it comes to safety though, with an 83% adult occupant safety score, and 82% for children.
It’s got a distinctly sporty SEAT styling, with triangular-ish headlights, a tidy grille and sharp creases down its flanks. The rear is much the same, and while the fake exhaust trims are a bit naff, there’s no denying the Ibiza is a little looker.
SEAT’s done a bang-up job with the interior too, and while it doesn’t quite feel Polo-posh, the cabin is easy on the eye with a dash of silver trim and some brightly coloured air vents. It’s a shame some of the plastics feel scratchy, but the Ibiza is cheaper than the small Volkswagen.
It’s spacious front and back, with a 355-litre boot, making trips away much more palatable than in some of its alternatives. Light steering and soft suspension on all but the sporty ‘FR’ models make town driving a breeze, though versions equipped with the five-speed manual are noisy on the motorway.
Twisty roads are good fun in the Ibiza; even entry-level models feel stable and grippy in fast bends. Standard-fit lane assist, cruise control and emergency braking all contribute to the 70% safety tech score, though pedestrian safety comes in at a not-so-great 60%.
While the SEAT Ibiza may be related to the Volkswagen Polo under the skin, it’s much less serious and much more sporty on the road. The Ibiza is strictly business when it comes to safety though, with an 83% adult occupant safety score, and 82% for children.
It’s got a distinctly sporty SEAT styling, with triangular-ish headlights, a tidy grille and sharp creases down its flanks. The rear is much the same, and while the fake exhaust trims are a bit naff, there’s no denying the Ibiza is a little looker.
SEAT’s done a bang-up job with the interior too, and while it doesn’t quite feel Polo-posh, the cabin is easy on the eye with a dash of silver trim and some brightly coloured air vents. It’s a shame some of the plastics feel scratchy, but the Ibiza is cheaper than the small Volkswagen.
It’s spacious front and back, with a 355-litre boot, making trips away much more palatable than in some of its alternatives. Light steering and soft suspension on all but the sporty ‘FR’ models make town driving a breeze, though versions equipped with the five-speed manual are noisy on the motorway.
Twisty roads are good fun in the Ibiza; even entry-level models feel stable and grippy in fast bends. Standard-fit lane assist, cruise control and emergency braking all contribute to the 70% safety tech score, though pedestrian safety comes in at a not-so-great 60%.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: poshness on a budget
It’s a shame that the Renault Clio hasn’t had an updated Euro NCAP score since the test became stricter, because it’s one of our favourite small cars on sale - and it scored well when it was tested in 2019. A 96% adult occupant safety score and 89% child safety score put the Clio right up there with the best.
The latest Clio is a looker too, with striking arrow-shaped LED running lights, narrow headlights and curvy silhouette. The Renault badge on the font is big and bold, as is the interior design.
You’ll find full-width vent details, a steering wheel with silver trims and a portrait-oriented infotainment screen that dominates the dashboard on the top trim level - lower-spec cars get a smaller display -, angled to face the driver. Sporty.
There’s good space up front, but rear passengers will find the cabin tight on longer drives. The trade off for a cramped rear bench is an enormous boot though, and while hybrid models lose a lot of space for the battery, petrol models have a whopping 391 litres of luggage capacity.
Renault has given the Clio a dash of old Renaultsport charm on the road, with reasonably stiff suspension making it slightly more enjoyable to point down a twisty road than most of its alternatives. It’s jiggly in town though, and motorways are fraught with wind and road noise.
It’s a shame that the Renault Clio hasn’t had an updated Euro NCAP score since the test became stricter, because it’s one of our favourite small cars on sale - and it scored well when it was tested in 2019. A 96% adult occupant safety score and 89% child safety score put the Clio right up there with the best.
The latest Clio is a looker too, with striking arrow-shaped LED running lights, narrow headlights and curvy silhouette. The Renault badge on the font is big and bold, as is the interior design.
You’ll find full-width vent details, a steering wheel with silver trims and a portrait-oriented infotainment screen that dominates the dashboard on the top trim level - lower-spec cars get a smaller display -, angled to face the driver. Sporty.
There’s good space up front, but rear passengers will find the cabin tight on longer drives. The trade off for a cramped rear bench is an enormous boot though, and while hybrid models lose a lot of space for the battery, petrol models have a whopping 391 litres of luggage capacity.
Renault has given the Clio a dash of old Renaultsport charm on the road, with reasonably stiff suspension making it slightly more enjoyable to point down a twisty road than most of its alternatives. It’s jiggly in town though, and motorways are fraught with wind and road noise.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: a bit of badge snobbery
It may be closely related to the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza, but the Audi A1 has the most badge appeal of the trio - by a long way. It also scored a top-notch 95% in the adult occupant safety score back in 2019, as well as 85% for child occupant safety.
And while it doesn’t have the road presence of its larger counterparts, the A1 is unmistakably an Audi. The big hexagonal grille, sharp lines and intricate LED taillights all differentiate the A1 from other small hatchbacks.
The interior is markedly more grown-up than a lot of its alternatives too, with a posh-looking dash and fancy digital driver’s display - plus standard sports seats. The fit and finish of the interior is classic Audi, with lots of soft-touch plastics all around you.
It’s roomy inside, both front and rear, with a fairly spacious 335-litre boot making it a viable option for trips away, though the likelihood is the majority of A1s will spend most of their time in town.
Light steering and good forward visibility mean it’s a breeze to drive in the city, and the A1 fares well on a motorway cruise. Don’t expect it to put a smile on your face on a country lane, but the small Audi feels safe and planted when carving through corners.
It may be closely related to the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza, but the Audi A1 has the most badge appeal of the trio - by a long way. It also scored a top-notch 95% in the adult occupant safety score back in 2019, as well as 85% for child occupant safety.
And while it doesn’t have the road presence of its larger counterparts, the A1 is unmistakably an Audi. The big hexagonal grille, sharp lines and intricate LED taillights all differentiate the A1 from other small hatchbacks.
The interior is markedly more grown-up than a lot of its alternatives too, with a posh-looking dash and fancy digital driver’s display - plus standard sports seats. The fit and finish of the interior is classic Audi, with lots of soft-touch plastics all around you.
It’s roomy inside, both front and rear, with a fairly spacious 335-litre boot making it a viable option for trips away, though the likelihood is the majority of A1s will spend most of their time in town.
Light steering and good forward visibility mean it’s a breeze to drive in the city, and the A1 fares well on a motorway cruise. Don’t expect it to put a smile on your face on a country lane, but the small Audi feels safe and planted when carving through corners.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: standing out in traffic
The Nissan Juke has always had a polarising design since its launch, and while its styling is marmite there’s no denying its safety credentials. 94% for adult occupants and 85% for child occupant safety mean the funky mini-SUV is one of the safest small cars you can buy.
Its styling has definitely been toned down since earlier models, but the Nissan Juke still stands out on the road. Long, sweeping daytime running lights sit atop large, round headlights, and there are creases all over the Juke’s bodywork.
The interior isn’t nearly as divisive, with some nice materials within reach and a less outlandish design than the exterior. It’s rather cramped for all occupants, though there are some nifty storage spaces in the front. The Juke does claw back some points with its healthy 455-litre boot capacity, but your passengers won’t want to go on long drives to test it out.
And on shorter drives around town, the Juke doesn’t fare well over speedbumps and through potholes, especially on larger wheels. It feels crashy, and even at higher motorway speeds it never feels particularly settled. Twisty roads are best taken at a moderate pace and again, the Juke thuds its way over rougher roads.
Avoid the hybrid model, as the gearbox makes for slow and frustrating loud motoring - but even for all its faults there’s no denying that the Juke is a remarkably safe little car.
The Nissan Juke has always had a polarising design since its launch, and while its styling is marmite there’s no denying its safety credentials. 94% for adult occupants and 85% for child occupant safety mean the funky mini-SUV is one of the safest small cars you can buy.
Its styling has definitely been toned down since earlier models, but the Nissan Juke still stands out on the road. Long, sweeping daytime running lights sit atop large, round headlights, and there are creases all over the Juke’s bodywork.
The interior isn’t nearly as divisive, with some nice materials within reach and a less outlandish design than the exterior. It’s rather cramped for all occupants, though there are some nifty storage spaces in the front. The Juke does claw back some points with its healthy 455-litre boot capacity, but your passengers won’t want to go on long drives to test it out.
And on shorter drives around town, the Juke doesn’t fare well over speedbumps and through potholes, especially on larger wheels. It feels crashy, and even at higher motorway speeds it never feels particularly settled. Twisty roads are best taken at a moderate pace and again, the Juke thuds its way over rougher roads.
Avoid the hybrid model, as the gearbox makes for slow and frustrating loud motoring - but even for all its faults there’s no denying that the Juke is a remarkably safe little car.
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Hybrid vs petrol vs electric
This will almost certainly depend on your intended use for your small car. If you never venture out of town or you have a home charger, an electric car could save you money in the long run. Motorway travellers would do best with a petrol-engined car for long-range efficiency at an affordable price, but if you’re able to make the most of a hybrid car’s limited electric range then it could be worth the extra purchase price over a petrol car.
Small SUV vs hatchback
While the differences separating small SUVs from hatchbacks are less clear than ever before, there are still some notable examples where each type of car has its benefits. A small SUV will rarely be as much fun on a twisty road as a small hatchback, for example, but the extra ground clearance and tall driving position of an SUV might make it an easier day-to-day proposition in traffic and over speed bumps.
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- Estate Cars
- Executive Cars
- Family Cars
- First Cars
- GT Cars
- Hatchbacks
- Hot Hatches
- Hybrid Cars
- Luxury Cars
- MPVs
- Medium-sized Cars
- Most Economical Cars
- Motability Cars
- SUVs
- Saloon Cars
- Small Cars
- Sports Cars
- Superminis