So why are more Brits going small? With fuel prices still high and parking tighter than ever, it just makes sense. Throw in the fact that newer hatchbacks and hybrids offer big-car features without the big-car bills, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Especially for drivers who care about efficiency and emissions as much as comfort.
Thinking of making the switch to something smaller? Keep reading as we break down the 10 best small cars for motorway driving. From crowd-pleasing hatchbacks to clever hybrids, these are the small cars that punch well above their weight.
And the best bit? Many of them are available as affordable used cars with flexible finance options through My Car Credit.
Are small cars good for motorway driving?
Absolutely. The latest small cars are more capable than ever, especially when it comes to motorway performance. Thanks to smarter engineering, improved aerodynamics and modern tech, many now offer a drive that feels far more grown-up than their size suggests.
Get behind the wheel and you’ll be surprised just how composed they feel at speed.
You’ll find small cars these days packed with features that used to be reserved for Chelsea tractors and high-end saloons. Think adaptive cruise control, lane assist and interiors that actually feel like somewhere you’d want to spend time. Many are just as happy doing the school run as they are cruising down the M1.
The upshot? If you’re after something that’s cheap to run, easy to park and still solid at motorway speeds, a good small car can tick all the boxes without feeling like a compromise.
What makes a small car good for motorway driving?
Not all compact cars are created equal. Some are far better suited to long-distance driving than others. Here’s what to prioritise when looking for the best small car for motorway driving on a regular basis:
Strong fuel economy
Long stretches between fill-ups save you time and money. Look for small engines with turbocharging or hybrid systems to maximise MPG.
Ride quality and cabin insulation
A good motorway car should stay composed at speed. The suspension setup should smooth out bumps, while good cabin insulation should keep wind and road noise to a minimum.
Stability at speed
No one wants a twitchy ride in lane three. A wider stance, low centre of gravity and well-tuned steering make all the difference on faster roads.
Comfortable seats and driving position
When you’re doing 100+ miles in a day, seat support and a good view of the road become essential. Bonus points for adjustable lumbar support.
Modern features
Motorway driving’s a lot less stressful when your car comes with helpful kit like adaptive cruise, lane assist, Apple CarPlay and built-in nav. It’s especially handy if you’re trying to manage music, maps and the occasional hands-free call. All while dodging middle-lane hoggers on the M6.
Top 10 best small cars for motorway driving
Now you know more about what to look for in a small car for motorway driving, let’s take a look at our top picks. Whether you’re a daily commuter, weekend adventurer or just want something that’s easy to park but still happy cruising at 70mph, we’ve done the legwork for you.
From trusted classics to high-tech hybrids, here are the best small cars that can genuinely hold their own on the motorway:
Volkswagen Golf
This model is a favourite for drivers who want something that just gets on with the job. It’s smooth to drive, easy to live with and just a bit more grown-up than your average hatchback.
Stick it on the M1 or coast down the M5 and you’ll see why the Golf’s built its reputation. The cabin stays quiet, the seats are properly comfy, and everything feels reassuringly solid. You also get decent tech thrown in, with adaptive cruise and a tidy infotainment setup on most trims.
Fuel economy: Up to 65mpg (diesel), 50+mpg (petrol)
Best engine option: 1.5 TSI petrol is a popular option. The 2.0 TDI diesel delivers on torque and fuel efficiency, while the 1.0 TSI petrol appeals to budget-conscious buyers.
Top features: Sleek digital cockpit and up-to-the-minute tech like integrated sat nav and lane assist.
Ride quality: The whisper-quiet cabin is a huge draw for the Golf. Use features like optional adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) to further enhance comfort on the motorway.
Boot space: Enjoy boot capacity of 381 litres with the rear seats up. Fold down the rear seats and access a huge 1,270 litres of space.
Why it works for motorway driving: Feels like a much bigger vehicle. This is one of the best small cars for motorway driving for a reason.
Available as a used car with finance: The Golf is easy to find on finance, especially ex-fleet or well-looked-after used models.
Honda Jazz
The Jazz might look unassuming, but it’s got hidden talents. Especially when it comes to comfort and clever space. This hybrid hatch is a favourite with downsizers and solo drivers who still clock up the miles.
On the motorway, it holds its own thanks to its smooth hybrid system and excellent visibility. Inside, Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’ fold and flip to make space for everything from weekend bags to flat-pack furniture. Watching your bank balance? The hybrid engine keeps fuel bills low even when traffic’s crawling on the A1.
Fuel economy: Around 60mpg (hybrid)
Best engine option: 1.5-litre hybrid e:HEV
Top features: Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies and Magic Seats configuration.
Ride quality: Responsive steering feels great on the motorway.
Boot space: Boot space comes in at 304 litres as standard, or up to 1,205 litres with the back seats folded down. And then there’s Honda’s Magic Seats, a stroke of design genius that lets you flip, fold and configure the seats in all sorts of ways to squeeze in everything from bikes to houseplants.
Why it works for motorway driving: Quiet, comfy and full of smart design touches
Available as a used car with finance: Looking for the best small used car for motorway driving? Thanks to plenty of second-hand stock, the Honda Jazz is a great option for low-mileage used finance.
Ford Focus
If you’re after a small car that doesn’t feel like one, the Focus is a top pick. It’s practical, punchy and known for its brilliant handling. The result? Even the dullest commute gets a bit more enjoyable.
At motorway speeds, it’s stable and well-planted, with suspension that absorbs the worst of the potholes and plenty of cabin quietness. The EcoBoost engines are lively without being thirsty, and there’s loads of boot space for luggage or a big shop.
Fuel economy: Up to 60mpg (diesel)
Best engine option: 1.0 EcoBoost petrol or 1.5 EcoBlue diesel
Top features: Ford SYNC 3 (the company’s factory-installed entertainment and communication system) plus clever driver aids.
Ride quality: Can feel a bit bumpy at lower speeds, but hit the motorway and you’re laughing.
Boot space: 375 litres in the hatchback version, more if you fold the rear seats down.
Why it works for motorway driving: Just a really good all-rounder.
Available as a used car with finance: Loads on the used market, which keeps costs down and makes the Focus ideal for affordable monthly finance.
Audi A1
Want a small car size with big car vibes? The Audi A1 is your answer. With its premium materials and polished ride, it feels like a scaled-down executive saloon, minus the fuel bills.
It’s ideal for solo drivers or couples who value refinement. On the motorway, it’s impressively quiet, and the infotainment system makes long drives feel effortless. It’s not the cheapest option here, but you get plenty of quality for your money.
Fuel economy: 50–55mpg (petrol)
Best engine option: 1.0 or 1.5 TFSI
Top features: Fancy digital cockpit, smartphone interface and cruise assist
Ride quality: The luxurious cabin and high-tech infotainment system are where the A1 really shines.
Boot space: 335-litre boot capacity with the rear seats up, a terrific number for a supermini.
Why it works for motorway driving: Premium without being pretentious.
Available as a used car with finance: Popular for PCP due to strong resale value.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
If low running costs are your priority, the Yaris Hybrid is a top contender. This compact hatch thrives in stop-start traffic but also cruises comfortably at speed.
Toyota’s hybrid system is seamless, and the car is packed with standard safety tech. Long warranty and legendary reliability also make it a worry-free motorway car.
Fuel economy: Looking for the best small car for motorway driving? The Yaris Hybrid delivers up to 68mpg.
Best engine option: 1.5-litre hybrid gives you the best of both worlds.
Top features: Toyota Safety Sense, touchscreen infotainment
Ride quality: Nice and smooth, though models with larger wheels can feel a little bumpier on the motorway.
Boot space: 286 litres with the rear seats up makes the Yaris a little on the small side.
Why it works for motorway driving: Economical, dependable and built to last
Available as a used car with finance: Owners tend to keep Toyotas for longer, which means the used market isn’t flooded, but you’ll still find lots of options if you expand your search for the best small motorway cars nationwide.
Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 isn’t just a pretty face (though it does turn heads). It’s quiet, smooth and feels far more polished than you’d expect from a car this size. Even at motorway speeds, it holds its own without fuss.
That tiny steering wheel and high-set digital dash might seem a bit odd at first, but give it a day or two and it starts to make sense. The small steering wheel and digital cockpit take a moment to get used to, but soon feel intuitive. The electric version (e-208) adds a zero-emissions option for city-to-motorway flexibility.
Fuel economy: Up to 58mpg (petrol) or 217 miles range (electric)
Best engine option: 1.2 PureTech petrol or EV
Top features: i-Cockpit, Apple CarPlay, safety assist features
Ride quality: This little French pocket rocket does a terrific job of absorbing bumps and potholes. Perfect if your local motorway isn’t the smoothest.
Boot space: 311 litres or 1100+ with the rear seats down.
Why it works for motorway driving: High on style, low on fuel bills
Available as a used car with finance: Petrol models offer great value on finance, and used EVs are becoming increasingly available.
Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 has quietly become one of the best small cars around, especially for those on a budget. It’s packed with tech, feels sturdy on the motorway and won’t leave your wallet weeping.
Inside, it’s surprisingly roomy and refined, with good noise suppression and intuitive controls. You get a lot of car for your money, especially if you go for a higher trim used model.
Fuel economy: Around 55mpg
Best engine option: 1.0 T-GDi turbo petrol
Top features: Lane keep assist, digital dash, CarPlay
Ride quality: Firm suspension makes for a smooth ride at high speeds.
Boot space: From camping gear to groceries, pack it all into the spacious 352-litre boot.
Why it works for motorway driving: Affordable, modern and confidence-inspiring
Available as a used car with finance: Yes! It’s very popular with first-time buyers and young families.
MINI Hatchback
You might think the MINI is more about style than substance. But on the motorway, it’s got real staying power. The handling is famously sharp, and the cabin feels well insulated for longer stints behind the wheel.
It’s not the roomiest, but the front seats are comfy, and everything feels solid. If you love a bit of grunt under the bonnet but don’t need a huge car, this one’s for you.
Fuel economy: 45–55mpg
Best engine option: 1.5-litre Cooper, 2.0-litre Cooper S
Top features: Premium trim and excellent infotainment
Ride quality: The MINI is a sporty drive, and you’ll feel this as soon as you get behind the wheel.
Boot space: 211 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 731 litres with them folded.
Why it works for motorway driving: Big fun in a compact package.
Available as a used car with finance: Strong resale value makes it ideal for finance.
Skoda Fabia
The Fabia proves you don’t need flashy badges to get real quality. It’s roomy, well-built and ideal for racking up miles on the motorway. Later models come with smart infotainment systems and plenty of tech as standard. In a nutshell, it’s a brilliant no-frills motorway car.
Fuel economy: Up to 55mpg
Best engine option: 1.0 TSI
Top features: Cruise control, parking sensors and a modern interior make the Skoda Fabia one of the best small motorway cars out there.
Ride quality: The cabin’s not as quiet as some of the models on our list, but the suspension is top-notch, and the high driving position provides good visibility for longer drives.
Boot space: 380 litres makes this one of the biggest boots in the small car category!
Why it works for motorway driving: Honest, dependable and more spacious than you think.
Available as a used car with finance: Great value and low running costs mean there’s lots of stock on the used market. And make it a finance favourite!
Vauxhall Astra
This might be the most underrated motorway car on the list. The latest Astra is spacious, well-equipped and incredibly capable at higher speeds, without feeling too big for town driving.
Inside, it feels grown-up and polished, with good seat support and tech like IntelliLink infotainment. Whether it’s the school run, the office commute or a long drive to see the in-laws, the Astra just gets on with the job.
Fuel economy: Up to 65mpg (diesel)
Best engine option: 1.2 petrol or 1.5 diesel
Top features: Comfort seats, safety assists and digital display
Ride quality: The Astra strikes a good balance between on-road agility and in-cabin comfort.
Boot space: Pack everything (including the kitchen sink) thanks to a cavernous 422-litre boot. The plug-in hybrid version has smaller boot space because of the battery.
Why it works for motorway driving: Combines everyday practicality with motorway confidence.
Available as a used car with finance: Loads on the market, so it’s ideal for used car finance.
Best small used cars for motorway driving
Here’s the good news – all ten of the cars above make great used buys, too. Thanks to solid reliability and wide availability, many are easy to find on the used market, with plenty of scope to pick the trim, engine or feature set that suits you.
Let’s talk numbers
Like most things these days, small cars don’t come cheap. Brand-new models like the Volkswagen Golf or Audi A1 can easily top £25,000. Upgrade to a higher trim level and the RRP can soar. But go for a used version that’s two or three years old, and you could save thousands. With well-specced models often available from £10,000–£15,000, there’s no need to compromise with the best small used car for motorway driving.
Opting for a used small car can dramatically lower your upfront costs, and when you finance through My Car Credit, it’s even easier to spread the cost. You can even use our soft search tool to check your eligibility without affecting your credit score.
FAQs about small cars for motorway driving
Are small cars good for motorway driving?
Yes! Many are now designed with longer distances in mind. With modern insulation, comfort features and stability at speed, small cars are more capable than ever.
What makes a small car good for long-distance travel?
Fuel efficiency, comfort, tech features (like cruise control), low noise levels and stable handling all make for a pleasant ride.
Is a petrol, diesel or hybrid better for motorway use?
It depends on your driving. Diesel tends to win for long-haul MPG. Petrol suits shorter hops. Hybrids give a great middle ground for efficiency and lower emissions.
What’s the best small used car for motorway driving?
The VW Golf is a perennial motorway favourite in the UK, but you can’t go wrong with the Focus, Astra or Yaris Hybrid either.
Can I finance a small motorway car?
Absolutely. With My Car Credit, you can use our online calculator, get a no-obligation soft search quote and see what works for your budget.
Drive a small car that’s built for big journeys
Small doesn’t mean second best, not when it comes to motorway driving. Whether you want something compact and fuel-efficient for daily commutes or a small car that feels every bit as comfortable and capable as a bigger model, the right option is out there.
At My Car Credit, we help drivers find finance that fits. Use our car finance calculator or apply online now to see what’s possible. No stress, no pressure and no hard credit checks. Just helpful, hands-on advice to help you find the small motorway car that fits your lifestyle and your budget.