Carvendo

Are you looking for a used compact car that is economical, agile and reliable? Then you quickly end up in the B-segment: cars that are big enough for daily use and small enough to drive cheaply and park easily. We compare 14 popular models — from the decent Volkswagen Polo to the stylish Peugeot 208 and the reliable Toyota Yaris — so you know which car best suits your needs.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo has been a fixture in the B-segment since the 1970s and has developed over the years from a simple city car to a mature and sophisticated compact hatchback. Compared to many competitors, the Polo feels just a size larger, both in terms of handling and finish.

This makes it attractive for those looking for a compact car with the solidity and appearance of a larger class. Especially the younger generations (from 2017) are richly equipped and equipped with modern technology, so that the Polo remains one of the most popular choices in the second-hand market.

Today, the current Volkswagen Polo feels almost like a small Volkswagen Golf: the car offers a lot of comfort even on long journeys. The residual value of a Volkswagen Polo in the market also remains good.

Interior space: spacious in the front, slightly tighter in the back but luggage space above average.

Design: understated and timeless, with a neat finish.

Infotainment: modern, often with a touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Driving comfort & handling: stable and mature, feels bigger than it is.

Safety & motorbikes: wide range of TSI petrol engines, even as an economical 1.0; good safety equipment.

Secondhand tips: check the DSG machine for maintenance, and note higher prices due to popularity.

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See all VW Polos ->

See all Renault Clio's ->

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio has been one of the most popular compact cars in Europe for decades and is known for its French flair: stylish design, comfort and a touch of playful character. With the latest generations, the Clio has taken a significant step in quality and technology, making it a serious competitor to established names.

The fifth generation in particular (from 2019) combines a sleek, modern look with a beautiful interior that is reminiscent of more expensive segments. For those looking for a second-hand Clio, there is plenty to choose from: from economical petrol engines to the hybrid version, ideal for those who drive a lot in the city.

Interior space: enough space, but a little tighter in the back.

Design: stylish and playful, with French elegance.

Infotainment: modern touchscreen (depending on year of manufacture), intuitive system.

Driving comfort & handling: comfortable suspension, more focused on comfort than sportiness.

Safety & motorbikes: fuel-efficient TCE engines, also available as hybrids in newer models.

Secondhand tips: control electronics and clutch; popular as a city car.

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Opel Corsa

The Opel Corsa is a classic in this segment and has always positioned itself as a reliable, no-nonsense choice. The previous generation of Opel Corsa shared a lot of technology with that of the FIAT Grande Punto, making the Opel Corsa a bit larger than the model before. The Corsa D is a lot heavier than its predecessor. The 1.2 is the absolute lower limit. Saving for the strongest 1.4 is wise and if you want the tastiest compact petrol engine, go for the 1.0 Turbo. With the 1.6 turbo engine (GSi/OPC), the Corsa performs as sporty as it looks.

The diesels are finer than the naturally aspirated gasoline engines and can be bought for small money. Versions are called Essentia (14” wheel covers, two airbags), Enjoy (15” wheel covers, extra airbags, electric front windows, air conditioning, radio/cd/mp3), Sport (16” lmv, sports suspension), Cosmo (16” lmv, front fog lights, rain and parking sensors) and OPC (OPC package, Recaro). This will later change in Selection, Edition, Cosmo and OPC. There are numerous richly decorated action models in circulation, including the 111 Edition, the Connect Edition and the Blitz discontinued model.

The newer generations (from 2019, under PSA/Stellantis) share technology with the Peugeot 208, giving the Corsa more modern engines, infotainment and safety features. Nevertheless, the Corsa retains its own character: slightly sleeker, German and solid. It is popular with those who primarily seek practical reliability without excessive flair.

Interior space: sufficient for the family, luggage space average.

Design: sleek and modern, less pronounced.

Infotainment: user-friendly, often with a smartphone connection.

Driving comfort & handling: comfortable, neutral rather than sporty.

Safety & motorbikes: petrol engines share technology with Peugeot 208; economical and reliable.

Secondhand tips: recent models are attractive; older models pay attention to rust, especially 90s models.

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See all Opel Corsas ->

FIAT Punto

The FIAT Punto was a fixture in the B-segment for years. Although the model is now obsolete, it still offers charm and a low purchase price. The FIAT Grande Punto was introduced in 2005 and shared a lot of technology with that of the Opel Corsa. The design was considered attractive and modern, with a nose that was sometimes called “Maserati-like”. In 2007, the Abarth Punto came on the market, now a highly sought after model among enthusiasts; it had 155 HP as standard from its 1.4 turbo engine.

Abarth also supplied a factory-made tuning kit especially for this Abarth Punto; if you ordered this, the Abarth Punto received a power gain of 25 HP, a total of 180.

At the end of 2009, there will be a major facelift for the FIAT Grande Punto, even changing the name to FIAT Punto Evo. Softer lines, a front bumper with chrome strip and integrated daytime running lights and LED rear lights are landmarks. Sound attenuation is improving, the interior is brightened up with a new dashboard and the options list is updated with Blue&Me Live with TomTom navigation, among others. Fiat is introducing a start/stop system and a new generation of 1.4 MultiAir petrol engines.

The Fiat Grande Punto series is a ray of sunshine on a grey day. Compared to classmates from Germany, France and Japan, it has an edge when it comes to appearance, equipment and experience. Because the 'GP' is larger and heavier than its predecessor, supermodal motorisation is desirable. From the 1.4 16V onwards, the performance is good; the T-Jet and MultiAir turbo engine give the car, looking like a mini-Maserati, the powertrain it deserves.

Interior space: fairly roomy for its age.

Design: Italian and playful, a bit dated by now.

Infotainment: minimal, especially with older versions.

Driving comfort & handling: light and agile, but less sophisticated.

Safety & motorbikes: simple engines, often petrol; not the most modern safety systems.

Secondhand tips: cheap entry, but pay attention to maintenance history.

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See all Fiat Puntos ->

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is an icon in the B-segment and is known as one of the most fun compact cars to drive. Especially in the sportier versions (ST-Line and ST), the Fiesta offers a driving experience that few competitors can match. The design of the Fiesta VIII reflects Ford's higher market position.

The three- or five-door hatchback grows in length and width. The weight is also increasing. The playful shapes of the outgoing model make way for more businesslike lines with obvious Focus influences.

A new design element are the “lying” rear lights. The Trend, Titanium and ST-Line versions are joined by the chic Vignale and the adventurous Active. Over the past 46 years, the Fiesta has become a fixed and distinctive asset in its class. In many ways, the last generation is the crowning glory of the model range. It is a compact car with appealing driving and steering characteristics, modern engines and modern technology. The Fiesta isn't really cheap anymore, some interior materials have been purchased visibly and sensibly price-consciously, and there are better deals in this class when it comes to interior space.

Conversely, there are few cars in the B-segment that offer so much driving pleasure. When you factor that into the purchase price, the Fiesta VIII is new and uses a car that perfectly balances price and fun.

Interior space: sufficient, but not the widest.

Design: sporty and fresh, with ST versions as an eye catcher.

Infotainment: Sync system, solid but sometimes less intuitive.

Driving comfort & handling: highly dynamic, direct control.

Safety & motorbikes: strong EcoBoost petrol engines, safe and reliable.

Secondhand tips: check coupling with EcoBoost; popular as a sporty choice.

See all Ford Fiestas ->

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a popular compact car because of its playful handling and lightweight build. It is often slightly simpler than many European competitors, but compensates for this with reliability.

At first glance, the Suzuki Swift that saw the light of day in 2010 (model code AZG) looks just like its predecessor (model code RS). Both have the same friendly, rounded lines and the styling of the lamp units and the C-pillars also has similarities. Nevertheless, they are completely different cars.

The newer version measures 3.85 metres from bumper to bumper, or 9 centimetres more than its predecessor. The wheelbase increased by five centimetres to 2.43 metres. In height and width, growth was limited to a maximum of one centimeter. When it comes to motoring, the new model offered fewer options.

The 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 92 hp made way for a 1.2 with 94 hp and the 102 hp 1.5 was dropped. From 2012, a Sport version with a 1.6 liter engine was also available, whose output was increased from 125 to 136 hp.

Interior space: Good in the front, limited in the back.

Design: modern and sporty, recognisable.

Infotainment: basic, better equipped with newer models.

Driving comfort & handling: light-footed and agile.

Safety & motorbikes: fuel-efficient petrol engines, hybrid available in recent years.

Secondhand tips: low maintenance costs, often well maintained.

See all Suzuki Swift's ->

SEAT Ibiza

The SEAT Ibiza is the Volkswagen Polo's sporty brother and shares a lot of technology, but with a quirkier design and often a slightly more playful character. He mainly appeals to younger riders who want to combine a fresh look with decent technology. After presenting the Bocanegra study model, the new Seat Ibiza will make its world debut in 2008. The fourth generation of the Spanish b-segmenter is on a new platform and is longer, wider and more spacious than its predecessor.

Seat promises more emotion and more technology, while maintaining favourable prices and a wide range of standard equipment. Used, these properties remain present, because a second-hand Ibiza is generally just a little more fully equipped and more competitively priced than an equivalent Volkswagen Polo. The Ibiza is an adult b-segmenter that benefits from its frivolous design, decent standard equipment and affordable prices.

The promise of emotion and driving pleasure depends heavily on the chosen motorization and version, and if you want to have a bit of fun on the Ibiza, you shouldn't buy an entry-level model with a basic engine. Apart from the well-known TSI and DSG concerns, the model has no major weaknesses and the fourth model generation is again a good choice for loyal SEAT drivers and anyone looking for affordable and attractively packaged VAG technology.

Interior space: spacious, even above average in the back.

Design: sporty and young, tighter than Polo.

Infotainment: modern, often with smartphone integration.

Driving comfort & handling: sportier chassis than Polo, yet comfortable.

Safety & motorbikes: wide range of TSI engines, reliable.

Secondhand tips: often more attractively priced than Polo with the same technology.

See all Seat Ibizas->

Skoda Fabia

In 2007, Skoda gave its first Fabia a successor. That model will be built until 2015. This new B-segmenter is on the Polo IV platform, but it is not identical. After all, the Skoda Fabia occasion needs more of its spacious interior, no-nonsense design and attractive pricing.

Compared to its predecessor, the Skoda Fabia offers more legroom, plenty of headroom and the same frill-free design. The luggage compartment also grows by 40 liters to 300 liters. In addition, the chassis tuning of the occasion is aimed at pleasing a wide audience of buyers. The fact that the Fabia is artificially positioned under the Volkswagen Polo is mainly due to the design and finish details, which are just a little less delicate to look and feel than what VW suggests.

The underlying technique is absolutely the same. This has advantages and disadvantages, because the Fabia cannot escape a number of shared VAG problems. The positive news is that most teething problems have now been solved (and paid for) by previous owners, and that many competing models from other brands from this construction period also sometimes fail. If you are looking for an affordable b-segmenter from the VAG stable, you can't ignore the Skoda Fabia: even as a used car, it is a practical car with a pleasant price.

Interior space: very roomy for class, especially the luggage compartment strong.

Design: functional, less pronounced.

Infotainment: solid and practical.

Driving comfort & handling: stable and comfortable.

Safety & motorbikes: reliable VW technology, many 1.0 TSI engines.

Secondhand tips: often well maintained, price-quality very good.

See all Skoda Fabias ->

Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris There is a lot to say about the Toyota Yaris.

The model that we are treating here as a used car was presented at the end of 2019 and has been for sale in the Netherlands since the spring of 2020.

The Yaris is one; at less than 4 meters long, it is smaller than many of its main competitors. As standard, the car has four doors and a large tailgate that provides ample access to the luggage compartment. The current (fourth) generation of the Toyota Yaris was voted European Car of the Year 2021 by an expert, independent jury — consisting of numerous automotive journalists from across Europe.

A prestigious title, which the car owes to the successful combination of very complete safety equipment, fine driving characteristics and economical performance. In the results of the election, the Toyota Yaris not only stayed ahead of models such as the electric Volkswagen ID.3 and Fiat 500e, but also the Citroën C4, Land Rover Defender, Cupra Formentor and Skoda Octavia. Toyota has built an excellent reputation for hybrid technology. The Japanese brand came onto the market more than 20 years ago.

The compact Yaris is also offered with such an economical combination of a petrol engine and electric motor. Sometimes the electric motor provides the drive, sometimes the petrol engine — and sometimes they both do it at the same time. In this way, the Yaris is not only very economical, but also provides smooth performance. In practice, you just drive half the distance on electricity.

Interior space: great for daily use, rear seats average.

Design: modern and compact, sportier with newer models.

Infotainment: improved in more recent years, often with a touchscreen.

Driving comfort & handling: comfortable and light, ideal in the city.

Safety & motorbikes: excellent hybrid options, highly reliable.

Secondhand tips: hybrid highly sought after, stable 10-year Toyota warranty.

See all Toyota Yaris models ->

Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is a compact hatchback known for its stylish design, modern technology and enjoyable driving experience. The model that we are treating here as an occasion belongs to the latest generation that has been on the Dutch market since 2019. At just under 4 metres long, the 208 is agile in the city, while still offering plenty of interior space for passengers and luggage. As standard, the car has five doors and a spacious tailgate that provides easy access to the luggage compartment.

The Peugeot 208 stands out for its sleek and sporty appearance, with sharp lines and a distinctive light signature. Inside, the interior is modern and sophisticated, with comfortable seats, a well-organized dashboard and a high-quality infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When it comes to driving experience, the Peugeot 208 offers a pleasant balance between comfort and sportiness. The motors are economical and responsive, while the steering feels precise and direct. Whether you're driving around town or traveling longer distances, the 208 feels stable and enjoyable.

Safety is paramount to the Peugeot 208. The car is equipped with various assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and blind spot warning, so that every journey is safe and relaxed.

In short, the Peugeot 208 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact, modern and stylish car. Combining comfort, technology and safety, it offers an enjoyable and reliable driving experience on every trip.

Interior space: sufficient, not the most spacious in the back.

Design: stylish and modern, recognisable.

Infotainment: i-Cockpit with digital display, sleek and modern.

Driving comfort & handling: comfortable with a playful edge.

Safety & motorbikes: modern petrol engines, including electric e-208.

Secondhand tips: young models are very popular, often higher prices.

See all Peugeot 208's ->

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a compact and versatile hatchback renowned for its comfort, practical layout and playful design. The model that we are treating here as a used car is part of the latest generation, which has been available in the Netherlands since 2020. At just under 4 metres long, the C3 is agile in the city and easy to park, while still offering plenty of interior space for passengers and luggage. As standard, the car has five doors and a large tailgate that provides easy access to the luggage compartment.

The Citroën C3 stands out for its distinctive styling, with soft lines, striking Airbumps and a friendly look. Inside, the interior is comfortable and practical, with well-designed seats, an uncluttered dashboard and modern infotainment options such as touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When it comes to driving experience, the C3 focuses on comfort and convenience. The suspension is soft and effortlessly absorbs road surface imperfections, making long journeys relaxing. At the same time, the engine offers enough power for smooth performance, both in the city and on the highway.

Safety is an important issue with the Citroën C3. The car is equipped with various driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and blind spot warning, so that every trip is safe and reliable.

In short, the Citroën C3 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact, comfortable and stylish car. Combining practical usability with modern design and a pleasant driving experience, it feels like a reliable and enjoyable car on every trip.

Interior space: decent, trunk average.

Design: distinctive and playful.

Infotainment: modern touchscreen, depending on version.

Driving comfort & handling: very comfortable, less sporty.

Safety & motorbikes: simple, fuel-efficient engines; excellent safety systems.

Secondhand tips: pay attention to electronics; popular due to low costs.

See all Citroen C3s ->

Conclusion

The B-segment is full of strong models that all offer something unique. Looking for a solid all-round package, then the Volkswagen Polo still one of the best choices. For those who value reliability and low costs most, the Toyota Yaris (especially as a hybrid) unsurpassed. However, do you want a car with style, modern technology and driving pleasure, then the Peugeot 208 the winner in this segment.

In short: the Polo impresses with its durability, the Yaris with its reliability and the 208 with its flair. So the choice depends on what's most important to you — but you're always in the right place with one of these three.

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