For the everyday motorist, deciding which car to buy comes down to preference.
For urban drivers, however, it’s not always so simple. In addition to the latest ULEZ regulations forcing inner-city drivers to choose low-emissions vehicles, rising fuel prices make powerful vehicles an unviable option for many.
In 2024, the best cars for city driving are modern, manoeuvrable, and fuel-efficient. We’ve outlined three of our top picks for the year in the following quick guide.
The best three cars for city driving in 2024
1. Volkswagen up!
First released in 2011, the Volkswagen up! is a stylishanswer to city driving. Offering a happy compromise between sensible, cost-effective motoring and that little bit of personality, it’s hardly surprising that the up! is a frequent contender (or winner) on similar rankings.
There are plenty of quirky trims and optional extras you might wish to choose from – depending mostly on your budget – to add even more character to this car. Perhaps surprisingly, the final quarter of 2023 saw the end of Volkswagen up! production, so it’s certainly worth keeping an eye out for the last all-new models in dealerships.
Above all, this car is widely known as fun, spritely, and straightforward to drive. A grippy road feel helps you nip through corners and breeze from one lane to the next in that rush-hour traffic.
2. Audi A1 Citycarver
Heading in and out of the city on a regular basis? Sometimes, the urban commute extends from the main routes to the B-roads or even country lanes – and so there’s the need for an adaptable, versatile vehicle. Look no further than the Audi A1 Citycarver.
As the younger (but larger) sister to the original Audi A1, it’s easy to mistake the two models in conversation. But by sight, they couldn’t be more distinct: the Citycarver boasts an elevated, sporty shape with a full four-centimetre height advantage on its older sibling.
The part that makes the Citycarver so perfectly suited to city driving is its remarkable efficiency. Starting with a 1.0L three-cylinder engine, the most economical models offer just over 53mpg from a single tank. Naturally, fuel economy can be improved by fitting purpose-built, specialist Audi A1 tyres.
3. Fiat 500
Famed as a popular choice for first-time drivers, there’s no doubting the Fiat 500 when it comes to city-friendly credentials. Its compact size makes it perfect for squeezing into the smallest spaces on narrow side-streets.
Perhaps surprisingly, all-electric models can be purchased new for under £30,000, making them an affordable choice for those ready to commit to an emissions-free future.
The Fiat 500’s interior boasts plenty of thoughtful touches to make sure you’d never miss the cockpit of a larger car. Cubby holes and storage bins, along with a roomy glovebox, keep things practical upfront. Of course, there’s no forgetting the cute, charming exterior.
Overview
There you have it: that’s our take on the three best city cars for 2024. It’s worth grabbing a great price on a nearly new up! if you can. If you’re choosing a sporty car like the A1 Citycarver, don’t forget to pay attention to the details.