Due to the variety of small cars available nowadays, there are many factors to consider in choosing the best small car for your needs, budget, and driving style.

For tasks such as commuting and running errands around town, a small car is often the most practical choice. Nearly all small cars can transport five people, while a few models can realistically seat four people comfortably.

In recent years, more attention has been focused on the maximisation of interior space. Many small cars have tall roofs which provide lots of head room. Hatchbacks can be an especially practical design. Fold down the rear seatbacks and lift the hatch and you can have similar interior functionality to a small SUV.

Make a list of your priorities to help you to narrow down the field of small cars that are of interest to you. Consider what is most important to you, such as low initial price, fuel economy, comfortable driving experience, luggage space, or owner costs. Fuel economy is usually associated with low weight, small size, and modest power. Passenger comfort is easier to achieve in cars with a longer wheelbase. Agile handling is not confined to cars with sporty looks, as many small hatchbacks also handle extremely well.

The small car category consists of economy cars and compact premium cars. Economical models tend to have good fuel economy, elevated levels of noise in many cases, and limited space for passengers, especially in the rear, and for cargo. Many small sedans come in hatchback versions, adding versatility to the basic design. All small cars offer a four-cylinder engine, with some small sporty cars offering a V6. For saving fuel, a four-cylinder engine is a practical choice. Manual transmissions can be more economical than automatics, though the difference is decreasing. Modern automatics with five speeds can help fuel economy by letting a car cruise at lower revs and also contribute to performance. Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) also aim to save fuel. If you are budget conscious, look for a car that does not require premium fuel. Gas/electric hybrid technology can save significant amounts of fuel, although their higher initial cost might take many years to recoup, depending on fuel prices.

When comparing small cars, try to enter and exit the cars from all seating positions. A well-designed sedan should provide wide doors and enough head room so that both front and rear passengers can enter and exit easily without bumping their heads. With many two-door coupes, accessing the rear can be difficult and the rear seats are often uncomfortable for large adults.

It always pays to remember that there are many factors to consider when buying a small car, and even after you've purchased one, you'll have other factors like automotive windshield repair and how much it will cost to change tyres to consider.