Small but Mighty: The Best Small Luxury Cars of All Time

When it comes to luxury cars, size doesn’t always matter. Sure, you can splurge on a massive SUV or a sleek sedan, but sometimes you just want a compact car that offers style, performance, and comfort without breaking the bank or taking up too much space. Whether you’re looking for a city car, a sports car, or a hatchback, there’s a small luxury car out there for you. Here are some of the best small luxury cars of all time, based on the opinions of car enthusiasts, experts, and sales figures.

Aston Martin Cygnet

The Aston Martin Cygnet is probably the smallest and most controversial luxury car ever made. Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet was a tiny two-door hatchback that Aston Martin produced from 2011 to 2013, mainly to comply with the European Union’s emission standards. The Cygnet had a 1.3-liter engine that produced 97 horsepower, and a top speed of 106 mph. It also had a leather interior, a bespoke sound system, and a starting price of $50,000. The Cygnet was a flop, selling only 150 units, and was widely criticized for being a rebadged Toyota with a hefty markup. However, some fans appreciated the Cygnet for its quirky charm, its exclusivity, and its ability to fit in tight parking spaces.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact car that has been in production since 1997, and is currently in its fourth generation. The A-Class is a versatile and practical car that offers a range of models, from the economical A 180 to the sporty A 45 AMG. The A-Class has a sleek and modern design, a spacious and luxurious cabin, and a host of advanced features, such as a digital dashboard, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a voice assistant. The A-Class is also fun to drive, with agile handling, responsive steering, and powerful engines. The A-Class is one of the best-selling small luxury cars in the world, with over three million units sold.

View of a Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG on a Parking Lot — Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

Audi TT

The Audi TT is a compact sports car that debuted in 1998, and is currently in its third generation. The TT is a stylish and iconic car that has a distinctive curved shape, a large grille, and a retractable spoiler. The TT is available as a coupe or a roadster, and has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 228 horsepower, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 394 horsepower in the TT RS model. The TT also has a refined and comfortable interior, with leather seats, a virtual cockpit, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The TT is a joy to drive, with a smooth ride, a quick acceleration, and a sharp handling. The TT is one of the most popular and award-winning small luxury cars, with over 600,000 units sold.

Volvo C30

The Volvo C30 is a compact hatchback that was produced from 2006 to 2013, and was based on the Volvo S40 sedan. The C30 was a unique and eye-catching car that had a glass rear hatch, a two-tone body, and a split tailgate. The C30 had a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produced 227 horsepower, and a 1.6-liter diesel engine that produced 108 horsepower. The C30 also had a cozy and elegant interior, with leather seats, a floating center console, and a premium sound system. The C30 was a fun and reliable car, with a lively performance, a smooth handling, and a high safety rating. The C30 was a cult favorite among Volvo fans, with over 200,000 units sold.

Lexus CT 200h

The Lexus CT 200h is a hybrid hatchback that was launched in 2011, and was discontinued in 2017. The CT 200h was the first and only hybrid model in the Lexus lineup, and was aimed at young and eco-conscious buyers. The CT 200h had a 1.8-liter engine and an electric motor that combined to produce 134 horsepower, and a fuel economy of 42 mpg. The CT 200h also had a sleek and sporty design, a spacious and luxurious interior, and a host of features, such as a sunroof, a navigation system, and a rearview camera. The CT 200h was a smooth and quiet car, with a decent performance, a stable handling, and a low emission. The CT 200h was a successful and innovative car, with over 300,000 units sold.