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Small little city cars on motorways - how does yours cope?

45 replies

SwedishEdith · 29/02/2020 14:39

I'm looking for a new (to me) car and like the idea of the tiny little city car types - Up, Aygos, Citogos etc. But, I don't want to feel I'm being blown over on the motorway. What are they like to drive? Are some better than others?

Thanks

OP posts:
JhustJenny · 29/02/2020 16:58

Fiesta, golf, clio and Picanto all fine. Buffety yes, but fine, they take as long as they take to reach 70 but everyone else will just have to work around you 🤷‍♀️

Aragog · 29/02/2020 17:01

I have had 3 Fiat 500s and teen dd has one ready for when she passes her test. A few years back I had an Aygo, and have had other small cars. I used to commute 40 miles each way, much on a motorway, in a small car. All of them were perfectly fine and I never felt unsafe in them at all. I wasn't tanning it down the fast lane, but I was perfectly capable of keeping up with the traffic, keeping within the speed limits and driving along the roads as much as anyone else.

I currently drive an electric Smart two seater. Ive not taken it on a motorway but have had it on a fast A road. We also had a two seater petrol Smart many years ago which we did take on the motorway too. Again, its not been an issue.

To be honest, at times, I feel better in my little car than in DH's big 4x4 - people seem to be way more courteous to me in the small car, and more willing to let me out, let me pass, etc. Never known any vehicle not know I was there - even the silent electric one.

jmh740 · 29/02/2020 17:01

I love my c1 it's fine on the motorway.

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MathsWorld · 29/02/2020 17:07

I take my Yaris commuting down the motorway every day - no problems unless it's really stormy and even then, I just minimise overtaking.

binkybea · 29/02/2020 17:10

VW UP fantastic little car. 🚘

Twooter · 29/02/2020 17:15

My citigo was great on the motorway - had the 75 bhp as opposed to the usual 60 bhp which may have helped. Depends if you want cruise control as well.

winniethekid · 29/02/2020 17:17

Use my Aygo on the motorway daily, it's great!

^ This.

BarbaraofSeville · 29/02/2020 17:20

I did loads of motorway journeys in my citigo, it was fine, I did over 300 miles in it one day, no bother. Boot space not too bad for a tiny car either, I could even get all my scuba diving kit in it.

Up, citigo and a Seat one are effectively all the same car, so just get whichever is the best deal, most convenient dealer, best equipment, whatever.

GrumpyHoonMain · 29/02/2020 17:21

If it has a German engine it should be finr

bengalcat · 29/02/2020 17:21

My 19 year old Peugeot still does 70 -80 on the motorways - love my car .

Bunnybigears · 29/02/2020 17:25

My little Peugeot 108 which I am lead to believe is basically the same car as a C1 and Aygo is very happy on the motorway I dont feel like I am in a small car if you see what I mean.

StillMedusa · 29/02/2020 17:27

I've had a C1, an Aygo and two Smart fortwos (old style and new) and have never had any problems on the motorway! The only time I felt nervous was in the original smart on the severn bridge when it was galeforce and closed to high sided vehicles..that WAS a bit unnerving to be fair!
Currently in a Renault Twingo which is also small and again, no problems!

thefemaleJoshLyman · 29/02/2020 18:24

I love my Renault Twingo and no problems on motorways.

iamtherealitycheck · 29/02/2020 18:27

Smaller car=less visible to lorries and a small engine size makes it hard to get to a decent speed which is important when entering a motorway. I had one and experienced these problems. Now a very happy Nissan Juke owner

Parkermumma07 · 29/02/2020 18:35

I had a citron c1 (same as Toyota aygo) truly awful on the mother way felt every slight bit of wind. Like driving a tin can. I also had a Ford ka which was much better :)

PawPatrolMakesMeDrink · 29/02/2020 18:41

I had a citigo and it was fine on the motorway. Needed the full slip road to get up to 70mph mind you. I’ve got a fabia now and I love her. I love her.

winniethekid · 29/02/2020 19:23

My Aygo is bright red so easily seen. It doesn't need a lot of effort to accelerate up to 70mph.

Buyitinbamboo · 01/03/2020 10:16

I had a C1 for 7 years to was fine on motorway, definitely didn't have the issues others have said I.e lorries overtaking. It does 80 quite easily I had to keep a close eye on my speed.

hotchocdrinker · 01/03/2020 11:17

Love my UP. Before I bought it I did have a test drive of a C1 (not on a motorway, clearly) but the C1 felt very light and unstable even on small roads. The UP feels very solid. Not great at accelerating but a great little car.

EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 01/03/2020 11:26

Hyundai i10 is great on the motorway picks up speed smoothly

Not as fast as my golf and that did feel a bit safer as so heavy but it’s fine a really lovely car to drive

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