Although there has been a sharp rise in the number of SUV models arriving on the UK's roads in recent years, car companies are still building more compact vehicles.

Lately, we've seen the resurgence of the saloon and estate shapes, along with a desire for smaller models.

Advancements in battery technology and petrol engines means it is now possible to go much further with a smaller battery and/or engine than it was a few years ago.

With that in mind, automotive experts What Car? have put together a list of what they think are the best small cars on sale in the UK today.

Coming in first in their rankings was the Toyota Aygo X, a car that now comes equipped with hybrid powerplant - a combination of petrol and electricity - to power it along.

They praised it as being very economic, fun to drive, and having a 10-year warranty. Although it was criticised for being slightly cramped for rear passengers and having a smaller boot than rival cars, it nonetheless came out on top.

They said: "The Toyota Aygo X may look like a small SUV, but its dimensions are such that it actually qualifies as a small car - and a very good one at that.

"Key to its appeal is the fact that it's a hybrid, meaning it can run on electric power alone over short distances."

Coming in second behind the Aygo X was the multi-award winning Renault 5 that has redefined how well a small electric car can drive and feel on the road.

On the 5 What Car? said the decision to place it second was difficult, praising it for its "grow-up driving manners" and it's infotainment system, but criticising it for small discounts and "tight" rear legroom.

They said: "Still, if you decide that going electric is right for you, then you'll love the Renault 5. From its cheeky styling to its tech-heavy interior, this is an electric car which may look a bit retro, but is thoroughly forward-facing."

Third behind the 5 was its sister car the Renault Clio, a car What Car? compared to Mary Poppins because it is "practically perfect in every way". They were very positive about its interior, ride, handling balance, and practicality.

However, they noted that it was also a bit of a squeeze for taller adults in the rear seats, had a firm low speed ride, and a high lip for the boot. The lip refers to how high up the lower entry to the boot is.

Like the Aygo X, the Clio also a hybrid as well as a petrol option.