In a packed field, certain small cars stand out for their premium quality and generous specifications. Not everybody wants or needs large, fuel consuming vehicles, especially urban and suburban users, but we all would like a vehicle carries a little prestige behind the badge.
In a year that has been rather fraught for much of the global car industry, it’s good to know that there are plenty of fine small cars available for export from the UK to destinations around the world, including New Zealand and Kenya. MHH International have an expertise and reputation that is second to none when it comes to sourcing new and used cars for export around the world. See our website for full details.
The best thing about smaller vehicles is that buyers do not have to compromise on use. Basically, there’s something for everyone. For example, if off-road ability and rugged build quality is called for then you can’t go wrong with the -
Land Rover Defender 90
Okay, the superb Land Rover Defender 90 may not entirely be classed as a ‘small’ car but astonishingly it actually has a shorter wheelbase than a couple of our other options on this page and represents a very different choice to what we might consider to be a compact premium vehicle. Yes, it is tall and seats five but the boot (trunk) isn’t the largest and it only has three doors but for any everyday all-wheel-drive option it is hard to beat, especially when the roads are not the best. Depending upon need, on one variant the interior can be hosed down after rural pursuits but most would prefer the interior with the prestige leather and wood veneer cabin.
Hugely capable off-road it may be but it doesn’t shy away from more refined surfaces offering comfortable road handling. It can come with air suspension too. The Land Rover Defender 90 is practical and not remotely agricultural. Staying under the same parent company, the next on our list is the immensely popular and well-regarded -
Range Rover Evoque
This is a vehicle that scores highly for desirability in the UK thanks to its classy exterior and smart interior. Plus of course it carries the reputation of the Range Rover emblem. Agreed that it is not exactly new to the market but thanks to a raft of updates it remains current in terms of technology and the like. It drives very well too thanks to positive steering and fine handling which make it remarkably agile and capable of handling a little rough stuff.
There are five variants to choose from with a mixture of trim levels, optional packs and strong engines. The diesel engine is great but there are petrol alternatives and of course a plug-in hybrid option. With all-wheel-drive chosen, this car is an excellent all-rounder with a prestige name.
Audi A3
The German car maker Audi are well known for their standard of fit and finish and this attention to detail applies equally to one of the smaller cars in their extensive range: The A3.
Although not the smallest compact car in the range, the A3 is small enough for urban use but amply roomy for longer trips. The compact hatchback is comfortable, family-sized and good to drive and available with a decent range of engines. The A3 has had a recent update too, to keep it fresh.
With smart, modern styling the Audi has gained the latest frameless grille, a sharper front bumper (fender) design and updated LED headlights with configurable light signatures for a sportier appearance. The engine line-up includes a plug-in hybrid version which has had a battery upgrade to vastly improve its electric-only range.
BMW X1
Staying in Germany, the prestige manufacturer BMW offer a compact SUV, the X1. So, if you are seeking a compact yet spacious SUV-style vehicle, the BMW X1 is worthy of consideration. It really is good to drive and is loaded with the latest technology, for example, an admittedly optional, augmented reality navigation system.
This is a very practical car with tons of space for five and roomy luggage space too. The plug-in hybrid version loses a little boot space to the battery, but not to any real detriment.
Virtually everything is controlled by the crystal-clear 10.25 inch screen that forms a functional part of the classy interior. There’s a good choice of trim and options and the economical and responsive engine range is impressive. The ride and handling is fine but it’s firmer if opting for the racier M Sport trim. Overall, the BMW X1 feels dynamic and composed, with sharp steering and minimal body roll. Well worth considering.
Lexus LBX
Lexus cars are something of a niche choice but owners have said that the premium quality is hard to beat and the styling sets the LBX apart from its rivals. The prestige-feeling interior and technology is passed down from the brand’s bigger, more expensive siblings, giving it a feel of cars from a segment above the small car ethos.
It’s roomy enough for four to be comfortable and the LBX has shown to be easy to drive with predictable handling, a tight turning circle, and good visibility. This is a vehicle for leisurely, relaxed driving, not sports motoring, but crucially, being a Lexus, it won’t let you down. Drive is through a super-efficient self-charging hybrid power-train.
Volvo XC40
Is this the best of the bunch? Some people think so. Sure, it has been around for a while now but that shouldn’t put you off. It’s been updated for today’s market and remains one of the leaders in this field.
The Volvo XC40 stands out from the crowd by being an effortlessly stylish option as you would expect from the Swedish design masters. If an electric-only model is preferable than there’s the similar but much quicker EX40 variant. As you might expect from a Volvo it comes with a huge, glittering arsenal of safety technology, including adaptive cruise control as standard across the range. The infotainment screen is easy enough to navigate, and the interior quality is nothing less than superb. Expect a plush cabin that’s clean, elegant and especially luxurious in the ‘Ultimate’ trim with its leather upholstery.
The internal combustion-engined Volvo XC40 majors on being comfortable, and it does this very well, so don’t expect big thrills; for that try the above mentioned BMW X1.
And Finally
That’s our round-up of peak small cars but there’s a whole world of options on the MHH International website. We export to twenty seven countries around the globe, See our FAQ Page here for information or get in touch direct.
