Holding the title of the cheapest new car in the UK since its launch in 2013, the Dacia Sandero represents superb value for money. And as cheap cars go it offers more for your buck than its price would suggest. Sure, it has an understated design and it’s not particularly involving to drive, yet it is certainly practical and very comfortable, with a hardwearing interior. For buyers of the all-new Sandero, you’ll get air conditioning as Standard in the entry-level Essential trim. However, if you’re looking to buy an older Sandero on the second-hand market, be aware the entry-level Access models do not come with air con. For many of the older models, you’ll need to opt for the Comfort trim to keep the car cool in the hotter months.
If you’re looking to buy a brand-new city car, we highly recommend the Kia Picanto. A favourite in the Kia range since 2003, the Picanto is a stylish city car both inside and out. It comes well-equipped as standard and represents good value for money. Plus, it offers lots of scope for customisation and personalisation. It’s practical too, with enough space in the rear seats for two adults and a boot that provides 255-litres of space. We think the ‘2’ specification is the best pick, as this model adds 14-inch alloys, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, and a leather steering wheel and gearstick. And when it comes to engines, the 99bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine brings extra punch, alongside sharp, yet light steering that has that go-kart like feel for a fun driving experience. Part of what makes it our brand-new city car choice is the fact that it comes with Kia’s outstanding 7-year/100,000 miles warranty, which is a desirable feature for any car buyer. You can also find fantastic pre-owned deals from as little as £950.
Launched in 2012, but now sadly discontinued from Skoda’s line-up, the Citigo offers cute styling and a comfortable cabin. Now only available pre-owned – which is why it doesn’t make the top spot – you can find lots of fantastic deals at cheap prices. The Skoda Citigo is an excellent city car, providing a choice of economical engines, a good amount of interior space, and the option of a five-door or three-door model. Whilst the Citigo’s less powerful engine does mean that it takes a lengthy 14.4 seconds to accelerate to 62mph, it’s still fun to drive in the city and ideal for fuel efficiency. However, if you plan to carry two or more passengers regularly, especially with stints on the motorway, you may want to opt for the more powerful version of the Citigo’s 1.0-litre petrol engine. To keep the Citigo cool in the summer, you’ll also want to choose the SE trim and above, as the basic S level trim does not come with manual air conditioning.
Hyundai has built a name for itself for offering strong value for money. While the i10 still offers low pricing, it’s a much more desirable machine than its slightly drab predecessor, with chic exterior lines along with a spacious, high-quality interior. Fuel bills and car tax should prove inexpensive too, thanks to 60.1mpg claimed economy and low CO2 emissions. However, acceleration from the lowly 1.0-litre motor, which offers the cheapest running costs, does leave a little to be desired, needing 14.1 seconds to lumber from a standstill to 62mph. Having said that, it’s a well-balanced car, with the latest models enjoying an impressive amount of equipment and safety kit as standard, including air conditioning. Do take note though, as pre-2020 Hyundai i10s do not come with air con as standard in the entry-level S trim. To de-fog the windscreen, you’ll need to select the S Air trim or above to get your air-conditioning fix. New or used, the Hyundai i10 is a practical and roomy city car that offers a nimble driving experience and low running costs.
On sale in the UK since 2005 and forming part of the same vehicle family as the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108, the Citroen C1 is our cheap car with air conditioning final choice. It is ideal for those who want a motor with striking style and lots of personalisation options. If you like to have a car that’s finished to your tastes, then the Citroen C1 is definitely worth a look. It offers 26 possible colour combinations, with contrasting paint jobs available to the exterior and playful colourings in the interior too. There’s a choice of 3 dashboard colours and 2 interior seat trims as well. There’s also the latest addition to the family, with the new Urban Ride model which adds chic SUV styling and other features to the mix, such as tinted windows.
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