Cheap Small Cars: A Look at Affordable Models

Small car prices have seen a significant increase in recent years, making them less affordable for many consumers. Factors such as emission standards, mandatory assistance systems, and electrification have driven up costs and rendered the small car segment uneconomical. Consequently, several manufacturers are discontinuing the production of small cars altogether. However, there are still a few models available at relatively lower prices. In this article, we will explore some models under 15,000 euros, as well as take a glimpse into the used car market and models under 20,000 euros.

Still in the Game: Citroën C3

The Citroën C3 makes it onto our list with a base price of 14,940 euros. In the “You!” equipment line, this compact French car comes with LED fog and daytime running lights, electric exterior mirrors, a lane departure warning system, cruise control, a DAB radio with Bluetooth hands-free system, and 15-inch steel rims. Powering the C3 is an 83-hp three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a manual five-speed gearbox. While the C3’s acceleration is modest, taking 15.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h, it offers a maximum speed of 169 km/h.

Customization options for the C3 are limited, with sand beige being the only free color option and fabric seats as the sole choice for the interior. Additional features such as a navigation system, parking aid (rear), and heated front seats can be added at extra costs. The trunk can accommodate 300 liters of cargo, and the car can carry a maximum weight of 421 kilos. With full equipment, the C3 reaches just over 18,000 euros.

Almost Forgotten: Skoda Fabia

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The Skoda Fabia, a Czech VW offshoot, presents itself as a budget-friendly option. The “Easy” model, priced at 14,540 euros, offers a decent set of features, including 15-inch steel rims, front collision warning, drowsiness detection, lane departure warning, automatic start-stop, LED lights, music system, and DAB radio. The Fabia is propelled by a 65-hp one-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a manual five-speed gearbox. It can reach a maximum speed of 171 km/h, taking 16 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.

One standout feature of the Fabia is its large trunk, providing 380 liters of storage capacity. The car’s length of 4.10 meters places it among the group relatives from Wolfsburg, such as the VW Up. However, the VW Up, previously available for less than 10,000 euros, is currently not on the market. At least 14,540 euros are required to purchase the Skoda Fabia.

Slightly Cheaper: Hyundai i20

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Hyundai offers the i20 in the Pure equipment line, starting at 14,410 euros. This model includes various safety features, such as an emergency brake assistant with front collision warning, a light sensor with high-beam assistant, electric exterior mirrors, cruise control with limiter, an alarm system, hill start assist, automatic start/stop, traffic sign recognition, and an active lane departure warning system. The i20’s standard features are comprehensive, as Hyundai does not offer additional equipment packages for the base model. However, individual options can be added from a broad catalog.

Powering the i20 is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 84 hp, paired with a manual five-speed gearbox. With a country road speed of 13.1 seconds, the i20 can reach a maximum speed of 173 km/h. Measuring 4.04 meters in length, the i20 provides 352 liters of luggage space. The smaller Hyundai i10 is more expensive due to the absence of a basic version, with the entry-level variant “Select” priced at least 14,785 euros.

No Longer in First Place: Dacia Sandero

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Once known as the ultimate price breaker in the segment, the Dacia Sandero has seen a price increase with its recent facelift. The Essential equipment model now starts at 10,750 euros, featuring a new front design, white paintwork, LED headlights and daytime running lights, cruise control, and the “Media Control” infotainment system that transforms the driver’s smartphone into an infotainment device.

The Sandero is equipped with a three-cylinder, one-liter engine generating 67 hp, paired with a manual five-speed gearbox. Its maximum speed is 158 km/h, and it takes 16.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. The Sandero stretches just over four meters in length and offers a storage capacity of 328 liters. Dacia provides various affordable additions, such as roof boxes, luggage racks, and bicycle racks, for those requiring additional space.

Established Bargain Hunter: Mitsubishi Space Star

The Mitsubishi Space Star has gained popularity among budget-conscious car buyers due to its affordability. With a starting price of 10,380 euros, the base version of the Space Star features a 71 hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and a manual five-speed gearbox. Standard equipment includes six airbags, a hill-start assist, a light and rain sensor, electric exterior mirrors, and 14-inch steel rims. The Space Star is characterized by its puristic design, with elements like the glove compartment, seat belts, fan, and heated rear window being considered standard features.

The Space Star measures 3.85 meters in length and provides a trunk capacity of 235 liters. Weighing 940 kilos and boasting a turning circle of only 9.2 meters, the Space Star is nimble on the road. Its front-wheel drive allows for a maximum speed of 167 km/h, and it takes 14.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. While suitable for everyday commuting and city driving, longer journeys are better suited to larger models.

Models Under 20,000 Euros

For those willing to explore options slightly above the 15,000 euros range, several small cars are available. Opel Corsa (from 18,280 euros) and Renault Clio (from 18,250 euros) are considered classics in the segment, offering similar standard features. The Corsa comes with a more powerful engine (75 hp, 1.2-liter three-cylinder), while the Clio shares its base engine with the Dacia Sandero (67 hp, one-liter three-cylinder) and offers a slightly smaller trunk capacity of 284 liters compared to the Corsa’s 309 liters.

Other models in the price range between 15,000 and 20,000 euros include the Mazda2, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo X, Renault Twingo, Seat Ibiza, Fiat 500 and Panda, Hyundai Bayon, Suzuki Swift, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, VW Polo, Skoda Scala, and Seat Arona.

Price Development for Used Vehicles

To gain insight into the price development of used cars, we obtained statistics from the online marketplace AutoScout24. The table below showcases the average prices for various models from 2019 to 2022, revealing a general increase in prices across all cars.

Price development used cars 2019 – 2022

Model	Ø Price Jan. 2019	Ø Price Jan. 2020	Ø Price Jan. 2021	Ø price Nov. 2022	growth rate
Dacia Sandero	€8,865	€9,258	€9,481	€13,679	54%
fiat 500	€10,878	€10,704	€11,501	€14,301	32%
Opel Corsa	€9,063	€9,083	€9,770	€13,238	46%
Renault Clio	€9,957	€9,624	€9,830	€13,099	32%
Renault Twingo	€7,208	€6,875	€6,595	€8,076	12%
Seat Ibiza	€10,230	€11,100	€10,830	€14,378	41%
Skoda Fabia	€11,351	€10,721	€10,861	€14,515	28%
Volkswagen Polo	€10,552	€10,284	€10,231	€14,771	40%
Kia Ceed	€15,458	€14,518	€14,994	€18,712	21%

Model	Ø Price Jan. 2019	Ø Price Jan. 2020	Ø Price Jan. 2021	Ø price Nov. 2022	growth rate
Dacia Sandero	€8,865	€9,258	€9,481	€13,679	54%
fiat 500	€10,878	€10,704	€11,501	€14,301	32%
Opel Corsa	€9,063	€9,083	€9,770	€13,238	46%
Renault Clio	€9,957	€9,624	€9,830	€13,099	32%
Renault Twingo	€7,208	€6,875	€6,595	€8,076	12%
Seat Ibiza	€10,230	€11,100	€10,830	€14,378	41%
Skoda Fabia	€11,351	€10,721	€10,861	€14,515	28%
Volkswagen Polo	€10,552	€10,284	€10,231	€14,771	40%
Kia Ceed	€15,458	€14,518	€14,994	€18,712	21%

The table presented highlights the effects of the corona pandemic, along with its associated consequences, on the used car market. This section aims to analyze the various factors influencing the market, including price fluctuations and changes in consumer behavior.

Price Slump in 2020/2021:

The partial price slump observed during 2020 and 2021 can be attributed to the impact of border closures, which restricted vehicle exports. As a result, dealerships were inundated with a surplus of cars, including those that would typically face challenges in finding buyers in Germany under normal circumstances due to factors such as excessive mileage, age, or lack of equipment.

Pandemic-Driven Sales and Price Increase:

However, the pandemic had a unique effect on the market as well. Many commuters, seeking to avoid public transportation, decided to purchase used cars. This sudden surge in demand for used vehicles, particularly for young models in good condition with adequate equipment, ultimately led to an increase in prices. Consequently, dealerships faced higher demand for such vehicles, which were relatively scarce in their inventory.

Current Status of the Market:

In the current automotive landscape, affordable small cars have become increasingly rare. This scarcity is primarily due to the thin market caused by the ongoing corona pandemic. Additionally, the profit margins associated with these smaller vehicles have diminished considerably due to stricter emission regulations and the mandatory integration of advanced assistance systems.

Looking Ahead:

Given the prevailing circumstances, the market situation remains tense. Those seeking favorable deals are advised to wait until mid-2023 if possible, as it is anticipated that discounts and offers will become more prevalent from that point onward. By exercising patience and delaying their purchase until mid-2023, potential buyers are more likely to find better bargains in the used car market.

Conclusion:

The corona pandemic and its side effects significantly impacted the used car market, leading to both price slumps and subsequent increases. While border closures initially caused a surplus of vehicles, the pandemic-induced shift towards private transportation drove up demand for certain used car models. Furthermore, the current scarcity of affordable small cars can be attributed to strict emission regulations and mandatory safety features. As the market gradually recovers, waiting until mid-2023 is advisable for those seeking better deals and increased discounts.