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MotorFiable

The most reliable small family cars

Ranked by the MotorFiable Score of the whole car, out of 10: half comes from its engines and the other half from the rest of the car (gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics…). Only small family cars with solid evidence are included: at least three sources and five documented faults, each backed by its sources.

Of the 55 small family cars with solid evidence, the one with the highest score is the Mitsubishi Colt VI (8.0/10), followed by the MINI Cooper F55 (6.9) and the Nissan Micra V (6.9). The one with the lowest score is the Peugeot 208 II (4.0/10), mainly because of oil-bath timing belt degradation.

How we work

55 cars

Each label is that part's score out of 10. Only parts with documented faults or MOT inspection data are shown.

  1. Rank 1
    Mitsubishi Colt VISmall family car · 2004–2012Medium severityWorn steering ball joints and gaiters(steering)Engine 8.6Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.5Brakes 8.9Steering 5.2Electrical 9.3Lights 6.9Bodywork 9.3Security 8.9
    8.0 out of 10Overall score
  2. Rank 2
    Dacia Logan IISmall family car · 2012–2020High severityCoolant leak at the thermostat housing(0.9 TCe engine)Engine 6.5Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.8Steering 8.2Electrical 8.4Lights 4.8Bodywork 8.1
    6.9 out of 10Overall score
  3. Rank 3
    MINI Cooper F55Small family car · 2014–2024Critical severityEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire(BMW B47 engine)Engine 6.1Suspension 8.9Brakes 8.1Steering 9.0Lights 8.2Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.6Security 8.9
    6.9 out of 10Overall score
  4. Rank 4
    Nissan Micra VSmall family car · 2016–2023High severityCoolant leak at the thermostat housing(0.9 TCe engine)Engine 6.4Suspension 7.3Brakes 8.3Steering 8.3Lights 7.7Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.4Security 8.4
    6.9 out of 10Overall score
  5. Rank 5
    Citroën C3 IVSmall family car · 2024–todayCritical severityGQ8 recall: brake pedal bracket(brakes)Engine 8.0Gearbox 8.9Brakes 7.1Steering 7.9Electrical 8.6Electronics 8.9
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  6. Rank 6
    Suzuki Swift IVSmall family car · 2010–2017High severityBrake pipes touching the engine mount (campaign, Swift 2013-2015)(brakes)Engine 7.2Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.7Brakes 7.3Steering 8.5Electrical 7.5Lights 5.9Bodywork 8.9
    6.8 out of 10Overall score
  7. Rank 7
    Kia Rio IVSmall family car · 2017–2023Critical severityRecall over a possible airbag control module (ACU) fault(security)Engine 6.8Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.9Brakes 7.9Steering 8.1Lights 7.7Electronics 9.3Bodywork 8.3Security 7.1
    6.7 out of 10Overall score
  8. Rank 8
    Audi A1 IISmall family car · 2018–todayCritical severityDamaged rear left seatbelt buckle bracket (February 2020)(security)Engine 7.7Gearbox 7.3Suspension 8.5Brakes 7.5Steering 3.3Lights 8.1Bodywork 7.6Security 7.1
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  9. Rank 9
    Hyundai i20 IISmall family car · 2014–2020High severityVacuum hose of the brake servo incorrectly routed on the 1.0 T-GDI (recall)(brakes)Engine 6.8Gearbox 7.7Suspension 8.3Brakes 7.2Steering 8.7Lights 8.3Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.6
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  10. Rank 10
    Škoda Fabia IVSmall family car · 2021–todayCritical severityThe front airbag may tear or fail to deploy properly (campaign 69EU)(security)Engine 8.2Gearbox 7.3Steering 9.3Electronics 9.3Bodywork 9.6Security 7.1
    6.6 out of 10Overall score
  11. Rank 11
    Dacia Sandero IISmall family car · 2012–2020High severityCoolant leak at the thermostat housing(0.9 TCe engine)Engine 6.5Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.8Steering 8.0Electrical 8.9Lights 6.4Climate control 8.6Bodywork 7.8
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  12. Rank 12
    Dacia Sandero IIISmall family car · 2020–todayCritical severityLPG (ECO-G) system faults and tank recall(1.0 TCe / SCe engine)Engine 6.0Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.4Brakes 7.5Steering 7.6Electrical 8.9Lights 6.9Electronics 8.9Bodywork 7.5
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  13. Rank 13
    Renault Clio IIISmall family car · 2005–2012Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.9Gearbox 8.3Suspension 6.3Brakes 8.4Steering 7.2Lights 6.6Bodywork 7.0Security 8.6
    6.5 out of 10Overall score
  14. Rank 14
    Audi A2Small family car · 1999–2005High severityTiming belt and water pump(1.4 TDI engine)Engine 6.2Suspension 6.4Brakes 7.9Steering 6.5Electrical 9.3Lights 7.8Bodywork 9.0Security 7.1
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  15. Rank 15
    Dacia Logan ISmall family car · 2004–2012Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.5Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.5Brakes 7.2Steering 4.3Electrical 9.6Lights 8.1Electronics 8.9Bodywork 7.4
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  16. Rank 16
    Kia Rio IIISmall family car · 2011–2017Critical severityShort circuit in the ABS/ESC brake unit (HECU): fire risk(brakes)Engine 7.0Gearbox 7.9Suspension 7.3Brakes 6.6Steering 7.9Lights 7.3Bodywork 6.4Security 7.1
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  17. Rank 17
    Peugeot 206Small family car · 1998–2010High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 5.9Gearbox 7.8Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.9Steering 8.4Electrical 8.6Lights 6.9Bodywork 9.0Security 8.6
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  18. Rank 18
    Renault Clio IISmall family car · 1998–2012Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.9Gearbox 7.8Suspension 5.7Brakes 8.0Steering 6.6Electrical 7.9Lights 8.1Bodywork 8.9
    6.3 out of 10Overall score
  19. Rank 19
    Dacia Sandero ISmall family car · 2008–2012Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.1Gearbox 8.6Suspension 8.2Brakes 5.8Steering 1.8Electrical 9.1Lights 7.3Electronics 8.9Bodywork 8.0Security 8.6
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  20. Rank 20
    Škoda Fabia IIISmall family car · 2014–2021Critical severityDriver airbag recall for propellant degradation(security)Engine 7.3Gearbox 6.9Suspension 8.8Brakes 7.5Steering 8.9Lights 7.6Electronics 9.3Bodywork 6.8Security 5.0
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  21. Rank 21
    Toyota Yaris IVSmall family car · 2020–todayCritical severityHybrid system shutdown without fail-safe mode (loss of drive)(1.5 Hybrid engine)Engine 5.6Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.8Steering 8.2Electrical 8.6Lights 8.5Electronics 8.6Bodywork 8.4Security 7.5
    6.2 out of 10Overall score
  22. Rank 22
    Ford Fiesta VSmall family car · 2003–2008Medium severityInjectors that lose their seal and let diesel escape(1.4 HDi engine)Engine 5.7Gearbox 7.9Suspension 6.9Brakes 8.3Steering 8.9Lights 7.2Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.3Security 8.6
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  23. Rank 23
    Hyundai i20 ISmall family car · 2008–2014Critical severityThe 12-volt socket can overheat and cause a fire when used with the tyre repair kit compressor(electrical)Engine 6.4Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.3Brakes 7.4Steering 8.5Electrical 7.1Lights 6.5Bodywork 8.4
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  24. Rank 24
    Seat Ibiza VSmall family car · 2017–todayCritical severityThe rear centre seat belt can also unfasten the left one(security)Engine 7.7Gearbox 7.3Suspension 7.3Brakes 7.2Steering 0.0Lights 7.3Bodywork 7.7Security 5.0
    6.1 out of 10Overall score
  25. Rank 25
    Ford Fiesta VIIISmall family car · 2017–2023High severityVibrations and clutch wear in the Powershift automatic gearbox(gearbox and clutch)Engine 6.2Gearbox 6.5Suspension 8.6Brakes 8.2Steering 7.5Lights 7.0Bodywork 7.7Security 8.9
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  26. Rank 26
    Nissan Micra IIISmall family car · 2003–2010Critical severityWear and seizure of the big-end bearings(1.5 dCi engine)Engine 5.9Suspension 8.0Brakes 9.2Steering 7.2Electrical 8.6Lights 6.8Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.5Security 9.3
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  27. Rank 27
    Renault Clio IVSmall family car · 2012–2019Critical severityExcessive oil consumption and engine failure(1.2 TCe engine)Engine 5.7Gearbox 7.0Suspension 7.7Brakes 6.7Steering 9.2Electrical 9.6Lights 6.2Electronics 8.9Bodywork 7.4
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  28. Rank 28
    Škoda Fabia ISmall family car · 1999–2007Critical severityBig-end bearing failure(1.9 TDI engine)Engine 5.1Suspension 7.7Brakes 7.2Steering 8.4Electrical 8.0Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.4Security 8.6
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  29. Rank 29
    Volkswagen Polo VISmall family car · 2017–todayCritical severityThe centre rear seat belt can also unfasten the left one(security)Engine 7.7Gearbox 7.3Suspension 7.4Brakes 7.0Steering 0.0Electrical 8.6Lights 7.4Bodywork 8.1Security 5.0
    6.0 out of 10Overall score
  30. Rank 30
    Renault ZoeSmall family car · 2012–2024High severityCaméléon integrated charger failure and charging cut-outs(Renault Zoe engine)Engine 4.6Suspension 0.0Brakes 7.2Steering 7.3Lights 6.2Climate control 8.6Bodywork 7.5
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  31. Rank 31
    Seat Ibiza IIISmall family car · 2002–2008Critical severityBig-end bearing failure(1.9 TDI engine)Engine 5.1Suspension 7.6Brakes 7.7Steering 5.7Electrical 9.3Lights 7.1Climate control 9.6Bodywork 7.2Security 8.6
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  32. Rank 32
    Suzuki Swift IIISmall family car · 2005–2010Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 5.4Gearbox 7.7Suspension 7.1Brakes 8.0Steering 6.9Electrical 8.6Lights 7.3Bodywork 7.6Security 6.8
    5.9 out of 10Overall score
  33. Rank 33
    Citroën C3 ISmall family car · 2002–2009High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 5.0Gearbox 8.5Suspension 7.5Brakes 8.5Steering 9.0Lights 6.8Electronics 7.9Bodywork 6.0
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  34. Rank 34
    Dacia Logan IIISmall family car · 2021–todayCritical severityDefective LPG tank weld with risk of gas leak(security)Engine 6.0Electronics 8.6Bodywork 7.9Security 7.1
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  35. Rank 35
    Volkswagen Polo IVSmall family car · 2001–2009Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner wear(1.2 12V engine)Engine 5.6Gearbox 7.9Suspension 8.0Brakes 7.7Steering 7.2Electrical 8.9Lights 6.8Bodywork 6.9Security 7.1
    5.8 out of 10Overall score
  36. Rank 36
    Fiat Punto IIISmall family car · 2005–2018Critical severityFaulty deactivation of the front passenger airbag(security)Engine 5.8Gearbox 7.7Suspension 7.9Brakes 8.3Steering 6.1Lights 6.5Bodywork 6.5Security 5.7
    5.7 out of 10Overall score
  37. Rank 37
    Toyota Yaris IISmall family car · 2005–2011Critical severityExcessive oil consumption from piston wear(1.33 Dual VVT-i engine)Engine 4.9Suspension 8.0Brakes 8.7Steering 9.1Electrical 8.6Lights 7.7Bodywork 8.9Security 6.6
    5.6 out of 10Overall score
  38. Rank 38
    Volkswagen Polo VSmall family car · 2009–2017Critical severityTakata recall: the front airbag can fragment in a crash(security)Engine 5.7Gearbox 6.3Suspension 8.7Brakes 7.0Steering 5.3Electrical 9.3Lights 7.3Bodywork 6.1Security 7.1
    5.6 out of 10Overall score
  39. Rank 39
    Audi A1 ISmall family car · 2010–2018Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 5.3Gearbox 7.0Suspension 8.7Brakes 8.1Steering 5.7Electrical 9.3Lights 8.4Electronics 9.3Climate control 9.3Bodywork 8.6Security 7.1
    5.5 out of 10Overall score
  40. Rank 40
    Opel Corsa DSmall family car · 2006–2014Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 4.9Suspension 7.3Brakes 7.3Steering 7.8Lights 6.7Bodywork 7.3
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  41. Rank 41
    Peugeot 207Small family car · 2006–2014High severityTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 4.7Gearbox 7.8Suspension 8.1Brakes 7.3Steering 7.6Electrical 7.8Lights 6.5Bodywork 8.6
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  42. Rank 42
    Toyota Yaris IIISmall family car · 2011–2020Critical severityExcessive oil consumption from piston wear(1.33 Dual VVT-i engine)Engine 4.6Suspension 7.2Brakes 7.4Steering 9.1Electrical 8.6Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.2Security 7.1
    5.4 out of 10Overall score
  43. Rank 43
    Alfa Romeo MiToSmall family car · 2008–2018Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 5.1Gearbox 8.6Suspension 6.2Brakes 6.7Steering 6.3Electrical 8.6Lights 6.9Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.7Security 7.1
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  44. Rank 44
    Peugeot 208 ISmall family car · 2012–2019Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.1Gearbox 9.3Suspension 8.3Brakes 7.6Steering 8.3Electrical 9.3Lights 6.6Bodywork 9.0
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  45. Rank 45
    Seat Ibiza IVSmall family car · 2008–2017Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 5.1Gearbox 6.3Suspension 8.0Brakes 7.0Steering 6.5Electrical 9.3Lights 7.5Bodywork 6.1Security 7.1
    5.3 out of 10Overall score
  46. Rank 46
    Opel Corsa ESmall family car · 2014–2019Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 4.4Suspension 7.1Brakes 8.3Steering 4.3Lights 7.7Bodywork 7.8Security 7.7
    5.2 out of 10Overall score
  47. Rank 47
    Škoda Fabia IISmall family car · 2007–2014Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)(1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine)Engine 4.9Gearbox 6.3Suspension 7.7Brakes 6.8Steering 8.6Electrical 9.3Lights 7.0Bodywork 8.5Security 7.1
    5.2 out of 10Overall score
  48. Rank 48
    Ford Fiesta VIISmall family car · 2008–2017Critical severityDegradation of the timing belt running in oil(1.0 EcoBoost engine)Engine 4.8Gearbox 6.2Suspension 7.2Brakes 8.6Tyres 8.6Steering 8.6Lights 7.2Bodywork 8.2
    5.1 out of 10Overall score
  49. Rank 49
    Chevrolet Aveo IISmall family car · 2011–2015Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner failure(1.3 Multijet engine)Engine 3.8Electrical 8.6Security 6.6
    5.0 out of 10Overall score
  50. Rank 50
    Citroën C3 IIISmall family car · 2016–2024Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 2.9Suspension 8.4Brakes 7.5Steering 7.7Lights 6.0Bodywork 7.1
    4.8 out of 10Overall score
  51. Rank 51
    Opel Corsa FSmall family car · 2019–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.5Suspension 8.0Brakes 6.7Steering 7.8Lights 7.3Electronics 9.3Bodywork 7.6Security 7.1
    4.7 out of 10Overall score
  52. Rank 52
    Citroën C3 IISmall family car · 2009–2016Critical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.3Gearbox 8.6Suspension 7.5Brakes 8.3Steering 4.7Lights 6.0Climate control 8.6Bodywork 8.4Security 7.1
    4.6 out of 10Overall score
  53. Rank 53
    Peugeot 301Small family car · 2012–2018High severityTiming belt failure and premature wear(1.6 HDi engine)Engine 3.7Gearbox 7.9Brakes 7.9Security 7.1
    4.6 out of 10Overall score
  54. Rank 54
    Citroën C-ElyséeSmall family car · 2012–2022Critical severityWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts(1.5 BlueHDi engine)Engine 3.2Gearbox 7.9Brakes 7.9Security 7.1
    4.3 out of 10Overall score
  55. Rank 55
    Peugeot 208 IISmall family car · 2019–todayCritical severityOil-bath timing belt degradation(1.2 PureTech engine)Engine 3.5Suspension 8.2Brakes 6.6Tyres 7.9Steering 7.4Lights 7.6Electronics 5.7Bodywork 7.6Security 7.1
    4.0 out of 10Overall score

The least reliable small family cars

The three with the lowest scores and the fault that weighs most in each.

  1. Peugeot 208 II · 4.0/10Oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech engine)
  2. Citroën C-Elysée · 4.3/10Wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts (1.5 BlueHDi engine)
  3. Peugeot 301 · 4.6/10Timing belt failure and premature wear (1.6 HDi engine)

How it is calculated

The score combines the risk index of its engines and that of the rest of the car, calculated from the most serious documented faults (severity times frequency). Faults that the manufacturer fixes free of charge under a recall carry less weight. A high score does not guarantee that a particular car will not fail: it means we have found fewer serious, frequent documented faults. More recent models have been on the road for fewer years and may have fewer documented faults: preferably compare cars from the same period. Full methodology