Bargain 1.0-litre wonders - used car buying guide

A 1.0-litre economical city car could be ideal for your urban commute, here are our five of the best.

1. Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost (2013-present)

In 2013 Ford brought the 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine from the Ford Focus into the Ford Fiesta line-up, where it was met with near-universal acclaim for its excellent throttle response and impressive urban performance.

Today the Fiesta’s 99g/km CO2 emissions and 65.7mpg combined economy (figures shared by both the 99bhp model and the higher-powered 123bhp version) make it an attractive proposition, and you can pick one up for around £7000.

Problems have been few, but some owners have reported issues with Ford’s Powershift automatic transmission where fitted, particularly in relation to its oil seals.

2. Volkswagen Up (2011-present)

The truth is that any of the Volkswagen Group’s city car trio - the Volkswagen Up, Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo - is a great bargain buy for city dwellers, but it’s the stylish and comfortable Up that brings the best blend of affordable running costs and luxury.

Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine developing either 59bhp or 74bhp. While the lower-powered version can find itself quickly out of its depth anywhere other than in the city, the 74bhp model is fine for adventures farther afield on the motorway. Expect to pay upwards of £4500 for a secondhand example.

3. Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i (1999-2005)

Used examples of the 1.0-litre Toyota Yaris — which at the time of its launch in 1999 was said to offer performance equivalent to that of a 1.4 — can be found for as little as £450. For that, you’ll get a 68bhp 1.0-litre engine that can sprint you from rest to 60mph in a fairly sluggish 13.2sec. You’ll top out at 96mph, too, but enjoying more than 50mpg won’t be too much trouble.

Early models start at around £500. A reputation for solid reliability, low insurance quotes and cheap replacement parts means that the Yaris remains a good choice for first-time buyers and money-conscious motorists.

4. Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 (1993-2000)

Vauxhall’s Ford Fiesta rival has been using 1.0-litre engines since 1982, when the model was known as the Nova. A 1997 update brought with it the option of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with 54bhp, which was enough to get you to 60mph in a hardly hair-raising 16.5sec and on to a top speed of 93mph.

Expect fuel consumption of around 50mpg without too much effort. Combine that with typically low insurance quotes and the Vauxhall Corsa is often seen as an ideal first car. Prices for high-mileage examples start at about £250, but expect to pay upwards of £450 for a good runner in fair condition.