Supermini / big small car recommendation

[The Cardinal]

I bought a Skoda Fabia nearly 2 years ago as an urban family runabout, and it's been a massive hit. Our other vehicles are a 2013 VW Transporter and a 2016 RS3, serving different needs.

I'd like to replace the Fabia with something that is newer, has similar dimensions and - ideally - bigger inside. It'll get used most days trundling around town, carrying driver and 1-3 kids - and increasingly on longer runs. Parking is an issue where we live, so the smaller the better.

Firm criteria are:

- new(ish), as the other two vehicles already need extended maintenance
- as close to 4m as possible
- automatic
- big boot & rear accommodation
- comfortable
- >100hp, for longer trips
- ...but not a hot version, as in time it could be a learner car

Less firm criteria:

- smaller wheels (to avoid kerbing)
- xenon / full LED headlights
- ideally not an SUV
- VAG brand is helpful, for ease of maintenance

Current thinking is another Skoda Fabia, either a run-out previous generation estate or a new-shape hatch in SEL spec.

Any other suggestions? Thanks

[Canon_Fodder]

Honda Jazz with the 1.5 petrol perhaps?

They're a bit of a Tardis inside

Not sure if it ticks all your spec boxes but maybe one to look at as it's only just over 4m long at least

[nickfrog]

Jazz a good idea. Or a Skoda Kamiq (it is not a SUV, it's just a hatchback, I promise). 1.0 DSG is a great combo.

[Whataguy]

A VW T-cross(not really a SUV, it's just a slightly raised Polo) or Polo with the 1.0 115hp engine and DSG? They are good cars, I've spent a few weeks driving them. Good amount of space. The Fabia is similar.

Unfortunately I can't recommend the new Honda Jazz with the 1.5 hybrid, I made the mistake of buying a brand new 2021 model and it turned out to be the worst car I've ever owned. The only thing it had going for it was huge rear legroom, the boot is a bit poky.

Spent loads of time at the dealers with problems they had no idea how to fix. A £3k shed would have been a better car. Despite having owned 3 Hondas before, I'd never buy another one sadly.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Cardinal said:

I bought a Skoda Fabia nearly 2 years ago as an urban family runabout, and it's been a massive hit. Our other vehicles are a 2013 VW Transporter and a 2016 RS3, serving different needs.

I'd like to replace the Fabia with something that is newer, has similar dimensions and - ideally - bigger inside. It'll get used most days trundling around town, carrying driver and 1-3 kids - and increasingly on longer runs. Parking is an issue where we live, so the smaller the better.

Firm criteria are:

- new(ish), as the other two vehicles already need extended maintenance
- as close to 4m as possible
- automatic
- big boot & rear accommodation
- comfortable
- >100hp, for longer trips
- ...but not a hot version, as in time it could be a learner car

Less firm criteria:

- smaller wheels (to avoid kerbing)
- xenon / full LED headlights
- ideally not an SUV
- VAG brand is helpful, for ease of maintenance

Current thinking is another Skoda Fabia, either a run-out previous generation estate or a new-shape hatch in SEL spec.

Any other suggestions? Thanks

Fiat Tipo Lounge, with the reliable & robust 1.4T drivetrain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

S Design:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209089...

[Silenoz]

Current generation Toyota Yaris, meets all your criteria if you get the Design trim level.

[georgeyboy12345]

Why not just keep the Fabia? I'm sure people will have asked you this already!

Audi A1 30 TFSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212132...


Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI FR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...


Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205286...


Smart ForFour 0.9 Turbo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301032...


Honda E
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209069...

[Yolevas]

Any guidance on budget?

Mini Countryman One seems to fulfil most of your criteria:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211111...

[CG2020UK]

VW Golf mk7/7.5.

Best family hatchback.

Edited by CG2020UK on Monday 9th January 01:15

[The Cardinal]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

Discussing the options yesterday, my wife said she likes our current Skoda Fabia and doesn't really want to change. So, georgieboy's post was right on the sentiment.

We'll see whether she feels the same after driving it on a demanding cross-country route this week, where she's more normally used to pokier cars - I need the RS3 back at home anyway. I think there's a lot more of this coming up in the years ahead, because our respective ageing parents are in different directions.

But I accept the current Fabia isn't exactly falling apart at 6 years old, so it looks like I'll need to spend some money on sorting its cosmetics, cambelt, & perhaps a little remap too.

I'm also keeping an eye on my brother's PCP'd Golf Mk7.5 in any case, as I think the term comes to an end later this year.