29 January 2015
5 Mins read

Guide to buying superminis

Sales suggest there has been a strong rise in demand for superminis and there are plenty of options for anyone looking to buy one in the near-future.

Buyers can benefit from the fact that the supermini (aka the small hatchback) class is very competitive and car makers are really having to up their game.

Superminis are required to be all-rounders and this means the most popular models are practical and surprisingly spacious – although boot space can be a little tight for anyone planning to transport larger items.

Anyone looking for a decent amount of book space should consider the Honda Jazz. It has clever rear seat bases that can be moved upwards to create a large load space.

Buyers can chose between three-door and five-door options depending on their needs, with car companies really being inventive when it comes to offering extras and features.

Even premium manufacturers are getting in on the act, with the Audi A1 and MINI Cooper offering a range of luxury extras and advanced safety features.

One of the top reasons for opting for a supermini is fuel economy. If this is a top priority then consider the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive and Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex, which both offer impressive mpg figures.

However, remember that the lowering prices at the pump may be offset by higher insurance. Opting for the top of the range Mini means a higher insurance group than the majority of the BMW 3 Series models.

Reliability is also key for superminis, with research by Which? suggesting smaller cars tend to be more trustworthy than larger cars. In addition, parts and repair costs can also be lower as they tend to have fewer things to go wrong, but remember not all superminis have a great service record so make sure you do some research before parting with any cash.

One of the most popular superminis is the Vauxhall Corsa and it has remained a firm favourite with motorists. Since its launch in 1993, more than 8.5 million have been sold and the model accounts for almost third of all UK Vauxhall sales.

Now on its fourth generation, it offers impressive in-build multimedia systems, as well as boasting a well-thought out interior.

In terms of new models for 2015, the Mazda2 supermini could prove to be a big hit with consumers. There are a number of options including a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 104 bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel that offers a low 89 g/km CO2 emissions.

The car also has a number of features available as standard including alloys, DAB, a 7-inch touchscreen media system, Bluetooth and cruise control.

Whatever your needs for a supermini, then there is likely to be a model that will meet your requirements.