Introduction
There are a lot of cars nowadays which are better for a city driving or town trip with good remarks on fuel economy so here are the 10 best cars for city driving.
Volkswagen Golf
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The Volkswagen Golf has a larger cargo space than nearly every other car in the class. It has 22.8 cubic feet behind the back seats and reaches 52.7 cubic feet when the rear seats fold.
This VW Golf can carry 5 people in total. The front row seats are comfortable enough, with plenty of leg and headroom. In the second row, tall passengers should find enough space for legs that’s on par with what many class rivals offer. Back seat headroom is excellent for the segment.
Inside the VW Golf Standard version, you will find features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 6.5-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, and a USB port. In addition standard features like proximity keyless entry and a sunroof.
The 5th generation (Mk5) Golf is powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine, which produces 150 hp, but was topped to 170 hp in the later models. A GTI model comes fitted with a turbocharged version of the 2.0L FSI engine, producing 197 hp.
The fuel consumption for this hatchback is around 13.0km/liter to 20.0km/liter.
Audi A3
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The A3 is available as a 3- or 5-door hatchback, a convertible, and a sedan. Other grades include the 5 doors Sportback and the top grade S3 and RS3 which are available as a five-door Sportback and sedan only. The A3 is available as a 4WD and front-wheel-drive mated with S Tronic DSG automatic and manual transmission.
The engine installed in A3 ranges from diesel to turbocharged petrol and even a plug-in hybrid e-Tron model. The A3 provides reliability, a pleasant driving experience, high-quality features, practicality, and great engine performance.
In 2013 Audi released the 3rd generation 8V series of A3 which is available as either a 4-door sedan, 3- or 5-door hatchback, 2-door convertible, and 5-door Sportback.
It comes fitted with one of three 4-cylinder petrol engines and one of two 4-cylinder diesel engines a TFSI 1.2L, 77 kW (105 PS; 104 hp); TFSI 1.4L, 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp); TFSI 1.8L, 132 kW (180 PS; 178 hp); TDI 1.6L, 77 kW (105 PS; 104 hp); and TDI 2.0L, 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp), linked to 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission.
Some of the A3 features include curtain airbags, front airbags, an anti-lock braking system, seat-mounted side airbags, daytime running lights, an electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, force limiter seat belt, and traction control.
The A3 has an average fuel consumption of around 17Km/L to 21Km/L.
Honda Civic
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The Honda Civic has an excellent appearance making it an easy car to drive. The front row seats are comfortable while the rear seats might feel less so.
For a car in its class, the front seats are good and they are great at providing support as a result of its fairly aggressive side bolsters and rigid structure. The back seats are less spacious, not as comfortable compared to the best in its class.
The Civic comes fitted with the following engine options: a 1.7L as a standard 4-cylinder generates 116 HP, and delivers average fuel consumption of 14.3 KM/L, a 1.5L 4-cylinder generates 105 HP, and offer average fuel consumption of 17.86 KM/L, a 1.4L 4-cylinder generates 90 HP, and gives average fuel consumption of 14.3 KM/L, a 1.6L 4-cylinder generates 131 HP, and offer average fuel consumption of 15.38 KM/L, a 1.3L (Hybrid) 4-cylinder SOHC with 13.4 HP with an electric motor generates 83 HP, and offer average fuel consumption of 20.41 KM/L.
The 1.8L 4-cylinder i-VTEC offers 142 HP and delivers average fuel consumption of 15.63 KM/L.
The 2.4L 4-cylinder i-VTEC generates 206 HP and provides average fuel consumption of 10.64 KM/L.
The LX and DX version offer a great fuel economy, by delivering an average of 14.88 KM/L mated with the manual transmission.
These engines are mated to a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or 6-speed manual transmission.
Honda Jazz (Fit)
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The Honda Jazz is a car with a spacious cabin. In the first row, the cabin offers more space for both passenger and driver and is perfect for people of normal height. In the second row, the seats offer a normal seating position with the outer seats having headrests and the space is better.
Inside the Honda Jazz, you will find plenty of storage compartments for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags, etc. In the 1st row, you will find a glove box, door panel storage, a cubby box, and the shelf below the dashboard, 4 cup-holders. In the 2nd row, you will find the seat jacket pockets are the only storage.
The Honda Jazz comes fitted with one of 2 engine options; the 1.3L L13AI4 engine, and the 1.5L L13AI4 engine. These engines transfer power to the wheel via a 5-Speed Automatic or a 6-Speed manual transmission.
Subaru Impreza WRX
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From the year 2007 to the year, 2011 (2014 WRX) the 3rd generation Subaru Imprezas were produced.
Most people’s thoughts go straight to the WRX! Whenever Subaru Impreza is mentioned. The exterior has a smooth and attractive design with more aerodynamics, especially around the headlights. Inside you will find 7 airbags (front side- and front and rear side-impact airbags), automatic air-conditioning, Vehicle Dynamics Control, a USB port, 6 speakers (front, middle, and rear), iPod connection, Bluetooth connection, plus a steering wheel wrapped in leather with audio controls on it, and 3.5mm aux audio input jack. Other standard features included are cruise control, remote keyless entry, and AM/FM stereo with a single CD.
The 2007 WRX came in two body options: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback and these come fitted with the flat-4 petrol engines which are; the EL15 1.5L that generates 80 KW at 6400 rpm and an average consumption of 13.3Km/L, an EJ20 2.0L that generates 110 KW at 5600 rpm and an average consumption of 8.2Km/L and an EJ25 2.5L that generates 127 KW at 6000 rpm and an average consumption of 9.6Km/L. These engines are mated to a 4-speed continuous variable transmission or 5-speed manual transmission.
Toyota Corolla Hatch
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The Corolla Hatch is also known as Toyota Corolla (E210) which started production in 2018 to the present. The car comes in different body styles such as a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and 5-door wagon with a front-engine, and front-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive drivetrain.
The interior of the E210 is modern and streamlined, with high grade finishing, though not high enough to compete with the best in its class. In the front cabin, all versions are fitted with sports seats which are superb enough for everyday driving. The seats were designed for long-distance and comfort for a short road trip. Both versions sport cloth upholstery with manually adjustable seats, 6 ways for the driver, and 4 ways for the front passenger, while the XSE trim comes with SoftTex leather with 8 ways adjustable driver seat. The Corolla Hatchback can carry five adults, though the back row is a bit limited.
The Hatch comes fitted with either petrol engines that range from a 1.2L 8NR-FTS turbo I4, a 1.5L M15A-FKS I3, a 1.6L 1ZR-FE/1ZR-FAE I4, a 1.8L 2ZR-FE/2ZR-FAE I4, and a 2.0 L M20A-FKS I4, or flex-fuel engines that range from the 1.6L 1ZR-FBE I4, the 1.8 L 2ZR-FBE I4, and the 2.0 L M20A-FKB I4 and two hybrid options which are the 1.8L 2ZR-FXE I4, and 2.0L M20A FXS I4. These engines are mated to either a 6-speed EG60 manual, a 6-speed EC65 manual, or a K120 CVT with physical first gear and K313 CVT Hybrid Synergy Drive (e-CVT).
The fuel consumption of this Hatch is around 11.9km/L to 15.7km/L which is good enough also for town driving.
Honda Insight
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The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle released in 2019 with a body style of a 4-door sedan. Its cabin is spacious, the interior is well finished and the seats are comfortable. The Insight comes fitted with a powerful engine with great fuel efficiency. The Honda Insight is equipped with some features like vehicle stability control, cruise control, traction control, electric power steering, climate control, daylight running lights, and power windows.
It comes fitted with a LEB-MMD Atkinson cycle DOHC 1.5L 4-cylinder using the Honda’s intelligent Multi-Mode Drive combined with 96 kW AC PMSM and 1.2 kWh lithium-ion. The fuel consumption is around 25.6 km/L – 28.4 km/L.
Mini Cooper
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The Mini Cooper is also known as Mini One, or the Mini Hatch is a 3 or 5 door hatchback produced by the German Automotive company BMW.
The Mini Cooper 4 Door can seat up to 5 people. The front cabin seats are supportive and comfortable, but the back seats are less accommodating. Tall drivers and passengers can fit in the back of 4-door models on town driving or shorter trips.
The interior of the standard Mini Cooper is basic, the infotainment system is simple with features such as easily accessible controls and a straightforward interface. Other features are satellite radio, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, and touch screen. However, Mini Cooper doesn’t offer Android Auto.
Under the bonnet the Mini Cooper comes fitted with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 189-horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol produces 228-horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol produces 301-horsepower. These engines are mated to a standard 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, or 8-speed automatic.
The fuel consumption for Mini Cooper is around 11.9Km/L to 15.7km/L which makes Mini Cooper a good car for town trips.
Nissan Leaf
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Nissan Leaf is a fully electric car produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan since 2010 with a 5-door.
The Leaf is pleasant and comfortable to drive. For the standard version, you will find some standard features like steering-wheel audio controls, climate control, Bluetooth, height-adjustable driver seat, electric power windows, keyless start and go, and adjustable steering height.
The 2018 Leaf comes fitted with standard features such as Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, automatic headlights, a 7.0-inch display screen, and hands-free text messaging.
The 2018 Leaf is powered by a new motor that can generate 147 HP and this motor is powered by battery packs of 40 kWh that can run up to 243 km without charging. The new Leaf still uses the 50 kW CHAdeMO fast charging and the 6.6 kW SAE J1772 regular plug connector for normal charging but for the European market, it uses a Type 2 connector.
Suzuki Ignis
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In the year 2000 Suzuki began to produce the Suzuki Ignis as a subcompact car as a successor of the Suzuki Cultus.
The Suzuki Ignis is a four-seater car with a spacious cabin finished with cheap but durable materials. The Ignis is fitted with a basic and easy-to-use infotainment system. The entry-level trim, equipment levels are impressive which include a DAB radio, electric windows, a Bluetooth phone connection, and air-conditioning.
For a car of its size, the Ignis has an outstanding amount of space inside, although the narrow body means that it can only carry two passengers in the back seats.
The 2nd generation Ignis comes fitted with one of five engine options which are the 1.2L K12C Dualjet I4, the 1.2L K12M I4 petrol engine, the 1.2L K12C Dualjet I4 (MHEV), the 1.2L K12D Dualjet I4 (MHEV) Hybrid engine, and the 1.3L D13A DDiS I4 turbodiesel. These engines are linked to either a 5-speed manual, or a 5-speed automated manual “AGS”, or CVT and for the hybrid car it is linked to SHVS Mild Hybrid System
The fuel consumption for Ignis is around 24.4 km/L – 28 km/L which is very good and economical in city driving.
Final Verdict
When you live in town, driving 3-row SUVs can be a real headache. Tiny parking spaces and narrow streets make smaller cars easier choices to live with. With town-friendly cars, you can be happy not folding in your side mirrors as you creep along narrow residential streets hoping not to scratch anyone’s paint. The vehicles mentioned above are the best for the town trip or city driving. We chose vehicles that have agile handling, roomy interiors, and small footprints. Many of these cars also come with long lists of safety features and infotainment to keep you entertained while you are on daily commuting. You can purchase one of the mentioned above by visiting BE FORWARD.
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Written by: Josephat Lukaza
