Top Ten Cars for Driving Around Cardiff
Driving around Cardiff can be difficult at the best of times. You could very easily find yourself in a pickle with the city centre’s complicated roads and with so many events going on in the city, you never know where you’ll be diverted. Having the right car for the job can make life so much easier, so choose wisely.
Toyota Aygo
If you are familiar with the city centre’s roads, you will know how much of a nightmare it can be to successfully navigate the complex junction structure. For driving around this area, you want a nimble compact vehicle that is easy to manoeuvre and the Toyota Aygo ticks all the right boxes. Designed specifically for city driving, the model has become incredibly popular and with its accurate steering and excellent handling abilities, you’ll find the task of driving through Cardiff much less stressful.
Suzuki Celerio
The Suzuki Celerio is class-leading for efficiency and storage space and is an ideal city runabout. Equipped with everything you’d need, including a USB port, air-conditioning, DAB radio and alloy wheels, this vehicle is exceptional value for money.
VW Up!
This nippy little model has frequently been awarded the title of best city car and with good reason! Boasting both substance and style, the Up! is extremely fun to drive. It also offers a level of comfort that will make long drives truly pleasurable and Cardiff’s morning and evening rush hours almost bearable. Volkswagen has created a real gem of a car with the Up!
Smart ForTwo
Parking in Cardiff can get very expensive, with central NCP car parks charging over £10 for a few hours; a cheaper alternative is on-street parking. However, finding a space and successfully parking your vehicle around the centre of Cardiff can be a challenge. Although the Smart ForTwo is an acquired taste, there is no disputing that the tiny car is perfect when it comes to parking, able to slip into the tightest spaces with ease. On the other hand, if you are looking for a car that can not only handle busy city streets and narrow parking spaces but also longer and faster roads, the Smart ForTwo falls short.
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is also apt at coping with difficult parking situations, and, unlike the Smart model, it is relatively spacious and well-equipped. There is plenty of room in the front seats of the Picanto and while the back seats are slightly tighter, you will find this a small sacrifice for its handling abilities.
Hyundai i10
Compact city cars do not have to be limited in space, as the Hyundai i10 demonstrates. As the capital city, Cardiff has a lot going on and its roads can easily get heavily congested. In this situation, you will be grateful for the decent amount of personal space that the i10 offers. With enough room for five people, as well sufficient boot capacity, you and your passengers will be perfectly comfortable if you find yourself stuck in traffic.
Skoda Citigo
The Citigo is an all-round performer, boasting practicality, a roomy interior, manoeuvrability and low running costs. The car comes in a range of vibrant colours, and the interior feels high quality considering the price of the vehicle. Offering an exceptionally enjoyable driving experience, this Skoda is difficult to fault as an urban runabout.
Fiat 500
For more fashion-oriented motorists, the Fiat 500 has to receive a mention. It is hard not to love this model’s iconic, retro look, but style aside, it is a fantastic car for city driving. The Fiat 500’s zippy TwinAir engine makes the vehicle very fun to drive and it is nimble enough to tackle Cardiff’s busy streets with ease. While this Fiat is not quite as refined and dynamic as most of the other vehicles mentioned on the list, its chic design may give it the upper hand for some car buyers.
Citroen C1
Citroen’s C1 model is certainly another car on this list that has earned points for its styling with its quirky design. It isn’t all about the looks though, and this car is a strong performer, with a light body and impressive handling abilities. One of the best things about the model is that it is cheap both to buy and run.
Peugeot 108
Sister to the C1 and Toyota Aygo, the Peugeot 108 shares many of the same pros. It is inexpensive, small and visually appealing. Although these cars are all ideal for urban driving, they are limited when it comes to motorway driving and if you want a vehicle that can take on Cardiff’s city streets as well as longer journeys outside of the city, the Hyundai i10, VW Up! or Skoda Citigo may be better suited to your needs.
Whichever car you decide to go for, make sure you get a great deal with Smile!