Small cars have long held a special place in the automotive world, especially in North America where they’ve evolved from basic transportation to stylish and feature-rich vehicles. No longer just utilitarian, today’s subcompacts boast high-end amenities and aerodynamic designs borrowed from luxury models. While factors like price and fuel efficiency remain crucial, the aesthetic appeal of these vehicles has significantly increased. Fortunately, affordability no longer equates to blandness; many small cars are now genuinely charming and attractive. If you’re captivated by cars that are as cute as they are compact, and perhaps drawn to the endearing shape of a Small Round Car, then you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore some of the most visually appealing small cars on the market, focusing on those with a delightful rounded aesthetic.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 stands out as a futuristic and eco-conscious urban electric car. Its electric powertrain allows for wheels positioned right at the vehicle’s corners, contributing to its unique and somewhat round car silhouette. The absence of a traditional combustion engine up front further enhances its stubby, cute design. The tall yet narrow tires, designed for aerodynamics without sacrificing BMW’s renowned grip, along with the two-tone exterior, give the i3 a distinctive presence, particularly when viewed from the side. With an electric-only range of 80 to 100 miles, extending to 160-180 miles with the optional range extender, this cute, small round car is perfectly practical for daily commutes and city explorations.
Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a budget-friendly, four-door city car powered by a fuel-efficient 1.4-liter engine. The redesigned model from 2016 showcases a significantly more attractive exterior compared to its predecessor, especially from the front and side angles. The interior has also been upgraded with improved materials and controls, creating a more inviting space. Despite its compact size, the Spark offers surprisingly ample room for four adults. While rear legroom might be a bit tight and luggage space is limited, the Spark’s updated design and available electric version solidify its place as a cute, small round car option for urban dwellers.
Fiat 500
The FIAT 500, a modern iteration of the classic Italian icon, embodies the charm of a cute, small round car. This stylish two-door vehicle comfortably seats four and retains the retro appeal of the original 1957 model while incorporating modern features, reliability, and performance. The 1957 edition, in particular, enhances the retro aesthetic with body-colored wheels, a white roof and mirrors, a vintage-inspired fascia, and classic FIAT badging. The interior is aesthetically pleasing and provides sufficient space for two adults. While headroom might be a concern for taller drivers, especially with the glass roof, and cargo space is limited, the Fiat 500 remains a quintessential example of a stylish and desirable small round car, also available in an electric 500e version in select regions.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta, available as both a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, offers versatility in the subcompact category. While both versions share a similar design from the front to the C-pillar, the hatchback arguably presents a more aesthetically pleasing small round car profile. Although interior space may not be as generous as some competitors, the Fiesta boasts a well-designed cabin with quality materials. The hatchback may fall slightly behind rivals in cargo capacity, but the sedan offers a reasonably spacious trunk. All Fiesta models are known for their agile handling, with the high-performance ST version celebrated as one of the best hot-hatches on the market, blending fun with the practicality of a small round car.
Honda CR-Z
The Honda CR-Z is a sporty and economical two-door hybrid that continues Honda’s legacy of producing fun and efficient small cars. Notably, it’s the only hybrid on the market offered with a manual transmission. The 2016 update brought a refreshed front end and subtle tweaks, resulting in a more attractive design while retaining familiar body lines. Handling is commendable for a small hybrid, offering a sporty feel within its category, though it may not match dedicated sports cars. Fuel economy is efficient, although not class-leading among hybrids. Despite being a somewhat compromised vehicle in terms of outright sportiness or hybrid efficiency, the CR-Z remains a unique and appealing choice, particularly for those seeking a cute and small round car with a sporty edge.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster distinguishes itself with its unique and eye-catching styling, making it a standout in the compact segment. This cute, compact three-door car blends sports coupe aesthetics with hatchback functionality, featuring a distinctive door configuration: one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger side. Inside, the Veloster offers comfortable front seating, but the rear is more cramped, and the trunk opening is somewhat small and high. While standard models might lack the power to match their sporty appearance, the Turbo version addresses this with a 201-horsepower engine, enhanced brakes, and performance tires, ensuring the Veloster drives as dynamically as it looks. R-Spec models further amplify the sporty character with a stiffer suspension and sport-oriented trim, creating a truly unique and visually striking, albeit not strictly round car, option.
Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda3, available in both 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan forms, showcases Mazda’s Kodo-inspired design language in a compact package. The hatchback version arguably has a slightly more balanced side profile due to its rear end, while the sedan presents a more appealing rear view. The elongated hood contributes to a distinctive and aggressive side profile for both models. The interior of the Mazda3 prioritizes the driver with a well-laid-out and premium-feeling cabin. Rear space is a bit limited, and some interior materials are somewhat hard and glossy. While the engine might not be the most powerful, it’s fuel-efficient and enjoyable to drive. Even without excessive horsepower, the Mazda3 is recognized for its exceptional handling within its class, making it a fun-to-drive and stylish, although not explicitly a round car, choice in the compact segment.
Scion iA
The Scion iA, a small four-door car manufactured by Mazda, offers a blend of economy and driving enjoyment. Scion implemented its own front-end design with a prominent grille for the iA, but its side profile closely resembles a Mazda vehicle. The interior presents a refined appearance with good build quality, although material quality is not top-tier. Front cabin space is adequate, but rear passenger space is limited, typical for the subcompact class. Powered by a Mazda-sourced 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the iA delivers sufficient power and good fuel economy. Ride comfort is surprisingly smooth for a small car, while handling is agile and engaging, leaning more towards Mazda’s driving dynamics than Toyota’s. The Scion iA provides a compelling option in the small round car category, blending practicality with a touch of driving fun.
Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo, with its rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, is an exercise in maximizing compactness. Despite its layout suggesting sportiness, the Fortwo prioritizes urban maneuverability and parking ease over outright performance. Most versions feature a tiny 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine, though an all-electric variant is also available. Surprisingly, given its size and engine displacement, fuel economy isn’t exceptional. The powertrain configuration allows for an exceptionally short vehicle length while maintaining a reasonably sized interior and cargo area. While space is ample for two occupants, storage is limited. Interior materials are of good quality, and ride comfort has improved compared to previous generations, but the short wheelbase means it doesn’t quite match larger rivals in ride smoothness. The Smart Fortwo is the epitome of a small round car, designed for city living.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris represents Toyota’s entry in the subcompact segment, available in three-door and five-door hatchback configurations. It features a straightforward exterior design, lending it a clean, European aesthetic, a result of being styled at Toyota’s design studio in France. The interior is traditional in layout, featuring user-friendly controls and ample storage compartments. Front passenger space is good, while rear space is expectedly snug. The 1.5-liter engine, while adequate, doesn’t deliver thrilling performance despite the Yaris’s light weight. Ride comfort is a strong point, and handling is competent, especially with the stiffer suspension in SE models. While the Yaris is an older model in its current generation, it maintains a youthful appearance and remains a reliable and practical, if not distinctly a round car, option in the subcompact class.
In conclusion, the appeal of the small round car extends beyond mere aesthetics. These vehicles often represent smart packaging, fuel efficiency, and ease of use in urban environments. From the retro charm of the Fiat 500 to the futuristic design of the BMW i3, and the practical cuteness of models like the Chevrolet Spark and Toyota Yaris, the market offers a diverse range of options for those who appreciate compact dimensions and delightful designs in their automobiles. Whether you prioritize style, economy, or maneuverability, the world of small, appealing cars has something to offer.
