the best petrol cars under £25K

Currently the top-ranked supermini in our Expert Rating index, the SEAT Ibiza is an award-winning value-for-money package that’s more highly regarded than the Volkswagen Polo it’s based on. This is thanks to its lower price point, as well as its comfort and refinement.

This affordable runaround is also the most fuel efficient small car on this list, so it will save you a few more pennies at the petrol pump when compared to the average compact hatchback. The Ibiza holds an Expert Rating of 79%.

The Fiesta loses out to the Ibiza by the finest of margins in our Expert Rating Index, but it’s still an excellent choice. With a range of tweaks from its mid-life facelift, the Fiesta stands out from the crowded supermini pack thanks to its class-leading driving dynamics. But it has been criticised for some cheap interior plastics and a questionable reliability record.

Ford has recently announced that the Fiesta’s 46-year lifespan will come to an end next year, so if you’re interested in picking up a new model, you’ll need to act fast. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 79%.

The Mini hatch has been selling up a storm in recent years, despite being one of the oldest new cars on sale. Reviewers say it’s fun to drive, but also cramped in the rear. The range also gets expensive when you start looking at the options list, and its heavy-handed patriotic styling flourishes are not for everyone.

Brand-new Cooper models, and more powerful Cooper S models from the used market, are available for under £25k. The Mini hatch currently holds an Expert Rating of 78%.

Known for its nimble handling and punchy performance, motoring journalists unanimously agree that the Ford Fiesta ST offers one of the most exciting driving experiences of any hot hatch on the market, while offering the same practicality as any regular Fiesta.

With an outstanding Expert Rating of 87%, the Fiesta ST is hard to fault, but its firm suspension can be uncomfortable on the road. The recent facelift has unfortunately increased its price above our £25k threshold, but plenty of nearly-new models can be picked up for a relative bargain on the used market.

The Hyundai i20 N is the entry-level model in Hyundai’s N performance division, but it’s certainly no slouch. Slightly faster and cheaper than the Fiesta ST, it has been widely praised for handling, low running costs, and a long warranty.

That said, its impressive Expert Rating of 86% is hindered by its firm ride, and reviewers are not fans of its clunky infotainment system. The i20 N is available new for a smidge above £25k, but the used market offers up several nearly-new models at a cheaper price.

The Puma has been Ford’s best selling model in the UK in 2022, as buyers look for a car that adds a little more ground clearance without breaking the bank. Reviewers agree the Puma is practical, spacious and great to drive, although its exterior looks are not universally admired.

With an Expert Rating of 78%, the Ford Puma is the highest ranked petrol-powered small SUV in our Expert Rating Index available for less than £25k. A few nearly-new examples of the sportier Puma ST are available on the used market for under £25k, too.

Praised for its driving dynamics and interior quality, the CX-30 is Mazda’s most affordable SUV option. Based on the slightly cheaper Mazda 3 hatchback, the CX-30 has been commended by the UK motoring media for its economical petrol engine and its stylish looks, although its rivals offer more cabin and boot space.

Sitting in the middle of the medium SUV class in our Expert Rating Index, the Mazda CX-30 currently holds an Expert Rating of 73%.

If you’re looking for a value-for-money family car that’s easy to drive and cheap to run, the Skoda Octavia needs to be on your shortlist. The saloon has the lowest fuel consumption of any car on this list, which is impressive for such a large petrol car.

A serial award-winner, the Octavia is praised for its practical and polished interior with class-leading legroom, though its infotainment system has drawn criticism, as has its polarising front-end styling. It currently holds an Expert Rating of 76%.

The Peugeot 3008 is a great choice for those looking to ferry the family from A to B. Reviewers are particularly fond of its styling, as well as its comfort, practicality and driving dynamics. On the other hand, a number of media outlets have expressed their dislike of the car’s infotainment system.

Although not as affordable as the Octavia, you’ll still be able to find plenty of slightly older used models on the second-hand market for under £25k. The 3008 currently holds an Expert Rating of 77%.

When it comes to convertibles, the MX-5 has reigned supreme for more than 30 years over four generations. The latest MX-5 holds an Expert Rating of 87% – commended for its lightweight driving dynamics, nippy performance and its low running costs. Criticisms are few and far between, but obviously you’re sacrificing a large degree of practicality to enjoy the delights of a two-seat drop-top sports car.

New MX-5 proces start at just over our £25k threshold, but there are plenty of nearly-new MX-5 models on the used market listed for much cheaper.