During the current economic climate, many people might be thinking of downsizing their cars to save some money. Picking a smaller model can bring many benefits; lower fuel costs, improved fuel consumption and reduced tax bills are just three of the positives that come with picking a more compact and more efficient model.
But downsizing doesn’t mean you have to forego usability. Here, we’ve picked out some great downsizing options.
If you’re currently in an SUV - Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake.
If you’re currently in an SUV but want to shave some money off each month, then it could be a good idea to consider the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake. It’s more dynamically styled than your typical estate car, but it’s got the same large boot and spacious cabin that means you won’t feel too pinched after coming from an SUV.
Plus, you can get it with an efficient hybrid engine which will really help to drive down monthly fuel bills. It’s a great option for business users, too.
If you’re currently in an estate car - Peugeot 408
The traditional estate car is a fond favourite for many drivers, but if you want to downsize from one then a good suggestion is the Peugeot 408. One of Peugeot’s latest cars, the 408 aims to blend the look and feel of an SUV with the practicality of an estate car, wrapped up in one good-looking package.
Core to the money-saving aspect of the 408 is its efficient engines. A pair of plug-in hybrids will be the most cost-efficient as they can return up to 40 miles of electric-only range alongside super-low emissions.
If you’re currently in a hatchback - Volkswagen Up!
Hatchbacks remain a superbly popular bodystyle option in the UK, but if you’re looking for something smaller and even more efficient, then the Volkswagen Up! is hard to beat. Though compact in size, it’s got loads of space and a surprisingly large boot.
Plus, if you want to take the savings even further, then you could opt for the battery-powered e-Up!, which will drastically reduce your fuel bills.
If you’re currently in a saloon - Audi Q3 TFSI e
There’s a reason why compact SUVs have become so popular - they bring confidence-inspiring driving characteristics with a practical interior and eye-catching looks. The Q3 is one of the most popular, too, and it’s a great alternative to a standard saloon.
Though SUVs aren’t often seen as the eco-friendly option, the hybrid Q3 - badged TFSI e - flies in the face of this. It’s a very efficient, clean SUV and will be a great option for drivers looking to reduce monthly fuel bills.
If you’re currently in a pick up truck - Land Rover Defender
Pick up trucks might be superbly practical, but they’re often not the kindest on finances. So if you’re looking to switch out of a truck and into something more road-focused, then the Land Rover Defender is a great place to start. The commercial-focused ‘Hard Top’ versions are an ideal alternative to a pick-up, too, as they still have the robust and hard-wearing nature of a standard truck but with a more efficient drivetrain.
You can get the Defender in 90, 110 or super-sized 130 specifications, too, meaning that there’s a version up to any type of job.