The Cheapest Small Cars of 2024 in Comparison

Small cars continue to enjoy enduring popularity. These agile little vehicles weave through dense city traffic and fit into almost any parking space. They are also popular as second cars. Moreover, they are fuel-efficient and inexpensive to maintain. At CARIFY, we present our favorites among the small cars of 2024.

The Cheapest Small Cars of 2024

Compact, affordable, and economical—these are the advantages of small cars. Almost every manufacturer has at least one small car in their lineup and for good reasons. Many people want to resist the trend toward bulky SUVs, which, to be honest, have no place in city traffic. Instead, they prefer small vehicles that are better suited to city driving conditions. But what exactly defines a small car?

• Low price

• Affordable maintenance in terms of taxes, insurance, and fuel consumption

• Compact design, minimal space consumption

If small and compact is what you're after, then two-seaters like the Smart Fortwo or the Citroën Ami might be for you. Like many of the small cars in 2024, they are equipped with quiet and eco-friendly electric motors, making them particularly energy-efficient.

Among the top small cars of the year is also the new version of the classic Fiat 500, available with various powertrains (in addition to internal combustion engines, also hybrid or electric). The VW Polo remains compact yet spacious, and it continues to be one of the most popular small cars since its debut. We'll give you tips on how to get small cars at a particularly low price and which small cars are the most popular among our subscribers in 2024.

Buying a Small Car Cheaply – What to Watch Out For

In times of rising fuel prices, fuel consumption plays a role even with small cars. Then there are the emissions that the vehicle produces. Environmental zones already exist in some places, and there will be more in the future. Therefore, it's wise to think long-term when buying a car, considering upcoming restrictions and opting for eco-friendly vehicles like electric or hybrid cars. Additionally, not all small cars are the same: taxes and insurance rates vary depending on the size and engine power.

Maintenance costs should also be considered. The more complex the engine, the more expensive services or repairs will be. Low-maintenance small cars include models like the Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, and Mazda 2.

Buying a Small Car with an Automatic Transmission Cheaply

Small cars are the typical city runabouts and are often found in dense city traffic. The constant stop-and-go driving can be exhausting with a manual transmission—many drivers prefer an automatic in such conditions. Typically, you’ll have to pay a bit more for small cars with automatic transmission than for those with a manual—this applies to used cars as well. However, you can still find cheap small cars with automatic transmissions among the used ones. By the way, almost all electric cars come with automatic transmission. If you opt for the sustainable mobility solution, you won’t have to pay extra for automatic transmission.

Why Are Small Cheap Cars Becoming Rarer?

Even though the advantages of small and compact cars are evident, the trend is shifting towards larger vehicles, especially SUVs and crossovers. In addition to offering more space, they are popular because of their higher seating position, which provides a better view of the traffic. Their off-road capability and versatility are also considered advantages. As a result, many car manufacturers are focusing on producing models that meet this demand. Smaller models in the compact class are currently being produced less frequently.

What Costs Should Be Considered Besides the Purchase Price?

The list price of a small car is not everything. If you only focus on that, you could end up paying more in the long run. In addition to the base price, you need to consider other costs, which can vary greatly depending on the model:

• Vehicle tax

• Insurance premiums

• Fuel consumption

• Maintenance, repairs, tire changes

• Depreciation

Depreciation, in particular, can make a big difference each month. Depending on the small car, it can range between 150 and 250 CHF, making it the highest running cost. The significant difference is that some compact cars can still be sold as well as used vehicles after a few years, while others are less popular. This means you can only sell them at a lower price—the depreciation over time is therefore higher.

Current Overview of Affordable Small Cars

What is currently the cheapest small car?

If your small car mainly needs to transport you efficiently through the city, the Citroën Ami is a real bargain, starting at just under 7,000 CHF. The best-equipped version of this two-seater costs around 10,000 CHF. Like the much more expensive Smart ForTwo, it has an electric motor, making it an attractive long-term mobility solution if you don't want to give up having a car.

Do you need a small car with a bit more space and rear seats? The cheapest 3- or 5-door hatchbacks clearly include the Kia Picanto and Fiat Panda. The Renault Zoe is also available for a small amount of money.

In the small car category, you can even find station wagons that can fit luggage or strollers. And you don't have to miss out on a good view if you choose a small crossover like the Ford Puma or a mini-SUV like the Kia Stonic or Suzuki Ignis.

Which Small Car Has the Best Price-Performance Ratio?

This question can’t be answered definitively, as it often depends on:

• How much space you need in the small car

• How long do you intend to drive the car

• How much and where you will be driving

• What discounts and/or subsidies are available

Since depreciation, as we’ve learned above, is the biggest cost among running vehicle costs (and the one you’re least aware of), you should pay attention to the vehicle’s resale value when buying a new car. Alongside the VW Polo, the Ford Fiesta and Opel Corsa are small cars with a good price-performance ratio. These well-established car models have remained popular and can be sold well in the used car market.

Subscribe to Affordable Small Cars with CARIFY

If you’re looking for a small car for your city drives, you don’t need to spend a lot of money or take out an expensive loan. With a car subscription from CARIFY, you can have a much more straightforward and flexible option than leasing or financing. At our over 400 partner garages and dealerships across Switzerland, you can find the small car that suits your needs. Many of our models are available as eco-friendly and economical hybrids or electric vehicles. The advantages of a car subscription include:

• Flexibility: Whether you need a car for a short time or prefer to drive it for several years, our subscriptions start from 1 month and go up to 48 months. This way, you can always drive a car that fits your current situation and meet short-term mobility needs.

• Cost Transparency: The monthly rate includes all the car's costs—except for fuel. Affordable insurance rates and our excellent car service make the car subscription an economical solution. You don’t have to worry about depreciation. When your contract expires, you can cancel monthly and choose a new model if you wish.

Conclusion

Small cars remain popular because space in city centers is becoming increasingly scarce. Unfortunately, many car manufacturers are currently focusing on the trend towards larger vehicles like SUVs and neglecting the small car segment—despite the fact that small city cars are not only cheaper but also usually more environmentally friendly. While small cars are cheaper to buy than large sedans or SUVs and cost less to maintain, you should still account for monthly costs of several hundred CHF, including depreciation. Expenses such as repairs and inspections can also create a significant financial burden, even with small cars. With a small car subscription, you can face such appointments with ease, as everything is included in the monthly price at CARIFY, including tire changes and other services.

FAQ

Which is the best and cheapest small car?

The Citroën Ami costs only around 7,000 CHF in its base configuration. As an electric car, additional cantonal environmental subsidies may be available.

What is currently the cheapest small car?

In terms of pure purchase costs, the Dacia Sandero and Kia Picanto are among the cheapest small cars with more than two seats. The Seat Ibiza or Mitsubishi Space Star are also affordable.

Which small car has the best price-performance ratio?

Among four- and five-seaters, the small car classics VW Polo, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, or Opel Corsa lead in terms of price-performance ratio. The vehicle's resale value plays a key role here. Popular small cars can still be sold well and at a higher price than used vehicles.

How much does the cheapest small car cost?

Prices for small cars vary depending on the brand, model, and configuration. You can get four-seaters starting at 10,000 CHF. Electric cars are usually more expensive than internal combustion engine cars. However, environmental subsidies are available for climate-friendly vehicles. Additionally, they consume less energy and are cheap to charge—especially for homeowners with solar panels or solar roof tiles and a wall box.