Small, inexpensive to buy and own and often at the top of the best-sellers list, superminis are small hatchbacks that remain incredibly popular in the UK. Below we take a look at the small car options available in 2012.
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is a class-leader because of its sharp looks, superb drive and high level of equipment. It is also surprisingly affordable with some excellent, frugal engine choices.
Ford Fiesta news
Ford Fiesta deals
Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall Corsa
The closest challenger to the Fiesta. The Corsa is a modern, well-equipped supermini with attractive styling and a range of brilliant engines including road tax-free versions in both three- and five-door body styles.
Vauxhall Corsa news
Vauxhall Corsa deals
Kia Rio
Kia Rio
Kia is on to a real winner with the Rio. Steering is a bit loose but it looks superb, feels nicely put together and boasts ultra-low running costs. An attractive seven-year warranty is a big bonus.
Kia Rio news
Kia Rio deals
Volkswagen Polo
VW Polo
Handles well and almost bombproof build quality. Interior feels premium and the level of equipment is impressive. Residual values are superb - courtesy of the VW badge - but the starting price can be a bit steep.
Volkswagen Polo news
Volkswagen Polo deals
Skoda Fabia
Skoda Fabia
Impressive small car which uses a good selection of Volkswagen engines. Don't be put off by the name - new Skoda cars are reliable, desirable and great to drive.
Skoda Fabia news
Skoda Fabia deals
Toyota Yaris
Toyota Yaris
Reliable, well-built car from Toyota. There's plenty of room inside and Toyota has packed plenty of equipment into the Yaris. A safe, reliable option but not the best to drive in its class.
Toyota Yaris news
Toyota Yaris deals
Nissan Micra
Nissan Micra
'Cute' supermini mostly associated with female drivers. The newer version sharpens some of the edges to increase its target market. Cheap to buy and run but not up to Fiesta standards on the road.
Nissan Micra news
Nissan Micra deals
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is spacious, practical and the build quality is exceptionally high. This should give piece of mind, but the styling is a bit dull and the ride cannot match sportier models on the market.
Honda Jazz news
Honda Jazz deals
Citroen C3
The C3 does everything well without excelling at anything, perhaps with the exception of ultra-frugal diesels at the bottom of the range. A good alternative to the usual class leaders.
Citroen C3 news
Citroen C3 deals
Mazda2
Mazda2
The Mazda2 looks great and offers an incredibly fun and involving drive. New 2012 engines are efficient and running costs won't break the bank. The only downside is an uninspiring interior.
Mazda2 news
Mazda2 deals
Hyundai i20
The i20 is the cost-conscious choice in the supermini market. Low starting prices, cheap running costs and plenty of equipment are all plus points. A good warranty adds to the 'value' tag, but the drive is not as exciting as some.
Hyundai i20 news
Hyundai i20 deals
Peugeot 207
The 207 is one of the best-looking superminis around and it makes for a great all-rounder. However, base levels are quite sparse and extra equipment on higher trims can quickly become expensive.
Peugeot 207 news
Peugeot 207 deals
Renault Clio
Long-running chic French supermini which has left reliability problems behind to offer a good value small car alternative. A new one is arriving towards the end of 2012, meaning bargains on current models can be had.
Renault Clio news
Renault Clio deals
Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Punto
The Fiat Punto Evo is not the most attractive car on the road but it does come with plenty of gadgets and some award-winning engines offering low running costs. A timely 2012 update bumps up interior quality but also price.
Fiat Punto Evo news
Fiat Punto Evo deals
Seat Ibiza
Seat Ibiza
Sporty, stylish supermini with some eye-catching exterior and interior colours. Also comes with some of the most efficient engines around to reduce running costs to city car levels. A strong choice for younger buyers.
Seat Ibiza news
Seat Ibiza deals
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift
Excellent little car from the Japanese car maker. Its stylish looks are sufficient to differentiate it from the crowd and driving it will leave a smile on your face.
Suzuki Swift news
Suzuki Swift deals
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Aveo
The Chevrolet Aveo is a low-priced supermini which has grown up in 2012. Distinctive design and a well-equipped cabin belie its humble price tag. It won't trouble the big-sellers, but it is a good value-for-money alternative.
Chevrolet Aveo news
Chevrolet Aveo deals
Mitsubishi Colt
Mitsubishi Colt
The Mitsubishi Colt is a supermini with a distinctly MPV feel to it. This means a bigger boot and good headroom for four people. However, it loses out in terms of style and handling as a result. Prices do start low, so don't rule it out.
Mitsubishi Colt news
Mitsubishi Colt deals