... I'd like to continue with a small hatchback size. I love the quality and efficiency of the post 2020 Yaris Hybrid, the creativity of Honda Jazz Hybrid, and the branding/looks of the Mini's (not Countryman!). I quite liked the looks of the EV Zoe and possible ID4, but it seems the latest Yaris power train is capable to compete against these? What are your thoughts?

None of these! For our >80% urban driving plus small country roads Mrs F and I chose a 2019 Peugeot 2008 1.2 EAT6 Allure Premium. Four years on we are still well pleased. There are bargains to be had with those pre 2020 'old' style cars.

Edited by mcb100 on 05/01/2024 at 10:25

I'm currently reviewing my next car purchase where I'd like to continue with a small hatchback size. I love the quality and efficiency of the post 2020 Yaris Hybrid, the creativity of Honda Jazz Hybrid, and the branding/looks of the Mini's (not Countryman!). I quite liked the looks of the EV Zoe and possible ID4, but it seems the latest Yaris power train is capable to compete against these? What are your thoughts?

My reasoning for these cars I'm reviewing are I drive around two under 12's for school runs and activities, 80% is urban short distant driving. Hence for parking I'd like a small car, but I would love a little more space than the Yaris Hybrid offers in the back, and could do without the headache of EV charging. However should I give them more serious thought if the kids get some space in the back?! ??

In order of importance: Efficiency, Size, Looks

Would love experienced motorists advice. Thank you so much!

Have you actually sat in the back of a current Yaris?. Cant really see under 12's struggling to fit, and certainly nowhere near as cramped as a Mini.

Ignoring the ID4, the Jazz has the most rear space of your other candidates. I tried out a Zoe myself not too long ago and was not impressed at al by the rear space, though it was more to do with the height of the floor (battery underneath) meaning you can't get your feet under the front seat. But probably fine for kids.

The ID4 is a big step up in size, half a meter longer than the Jazz (which is 10cm longer than a Yaris).

Most reliable would be the Yaris first, then the Jazz.

If you don't want the hassle of charging an EV, then no point looking at either Zoe or ID4. Having said that, if you have off street parking, charging shouldn't be any hassle at all. Though obviously longer journeys would need a bit more planning re location of public chargers

Edited by badbusdriver on 05/01/2024 at 10:32

might be worth looking at the Yaris Cross as well?

I'm currently reviewing my next car purchase where I'd like to continue with a small hatchback size. I love the quality and efficiency of the post 2020 Yaris Hybrid, the creativity of Honda Jazz Hybrid, and the branding/looks of the Mini's (not Countryman!). I quite liked the looks of the EV Zoe and possible ID4, but it seems the latest Yaris power train is capable to compete against these? What are your thoughts?

My reasoning for these cars I'm reviewing are I drive around two under 12's for school runs and activities, 80% is urban short distant driving. Hence for parking I'd like a small car, but I would love a little more space than the Yaris Hybrid offers in the back, and could do without the headache of EV charging. However should I give them more serious thought if the kids get some space in the back?! ??

In order of importance: Efficiency, Size, Looks

Would love experienced motorists advice. Thank you so much!

Unless you're planning on only keeping this 'new' car for a couple of years, you might want to buy one with sufficient room in the back for two kids going through the growth spurts of the teenage years.

Make sure when you look over any on your shortlist that you sit in the back after getting the front seats adjusted for you to see if a growing teenager (essentially an adult height-wise) can fit in.

Note also that many a small hatch had an equally small boot, so if you do intend to go on some UK-based holiday, you might need something bigger to accommodate the holiday stuff.

Unfortunately for you that may mean having to compromise on the styling to some degree to buy something more practical that makes a good use of the size of the car (boxy) and has good all-round visibility for use in urban areas and parking.