Compact Cars in Switzerland in Focus: The Best Small Cars at CARIFY
Kamilya -
May 16, 2025
Why a Compact Car Is the Ideal Choice in Switzerland
They’re small, agile, and particularly efficient – all great reasons why compact cars are hugely popular in Switzerland. These zippy little vehicles can maneuver through the narrowest alleys and fit into almost any parking spot. With their optimal size-to-space ratio, they combine everyday comfort and practicality. At CARIFY, we take a closer look at the best compact cars on the Swiss market and highlight what makes them such an attractive choice for a car subscription. From innovative technology and fuel-efficient engines to appealing design, discover versatile and high-performance compact cars.
Benefits of Compact Cars for City and Countryside
Compact cars aren’t just a smart choice in big cities. They also offer a cost-effective mobility solution in rural areas, getting you to your destination quickly and safely. Here’s what makes the best compact cars stand out:
Small size: These nimble vehicles can get through tight spots where larger cars need to back up or turn around. They also fit into tight parking spaces and small garages – a plus in both cities and rural areas.
Versatility: They offer enough room for passengers and some luggage – ideal for young families or weekend getaways.
Price and maintenance: Compact cars are cheaper than other vehicle types and cost less to maintain, including vehicle taxes and insurance.
Another key advantage of compact cars is their environmental friendliness.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Small vehicles weigh less and therefore consume less fuel than larger cars. This makes them more economical to run and results in lower CO₂ emissions. What’s more, many compact cars are now available as zero-emission electric vehicles. These small EVs are ideal for urban areas, as they recover energy when braking. Another advantage: electric vehicles can enter low-emission zones that are off-limits to petrol or diesel cars. And thanks to Switzerland’s well-developed charging infrastructure, you don’t need to worry about range, even in the countryside.
The Best Compact Cars at CARIFY
Looking for a compact car to stay mobile in Switzerland? You don’t need to spend a fortune: why not opt for a car subscription? CARIFY offers vehicles in all classes and sizes, especially a wide selection of compact cars from well-known brands. You’re sure to find the perfect compact car for your mobility needs.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Models
Almost every major car manufacturer offers at least one compact model. With so much choice, it can be hard to decide. When choosing your next vehicle, consider the following factors:
Costs: Purchase price matters, but don’t forget ongoing expenses. Maintenance costs can vary by model, especially if parts are expensive. Also, consider depreciation – some models retain value better than others. All these factors influence the monthly cost of a car subscription too.
Fuel consumption: With CARIFY, everything is included – except fuel. So a low-consumption vehicle can save money. The lowest running costs come with electric cars.
Safety and reliability: Compact cars are light and have less crumple zone protection, so safety is key. Organizations like Euro NCAP and IIHS publish regular safety ratings. Swiss automobile clubs like TCS and ACS also report on vehicle reliability.
Space and comfort: How much room do you need for passengers and luggage? Is a flexible interior (folding seats) important? Some compact cars seat four, others five – ideally with enough comfort for longer drives. Taller people should check legroom and headspace, and families with young children need easy access to child seats.
Features: Many compact cars only come with basic safety and assistance systems. At CARIFY, you can filter by available features, infotainment systems, and safety tech to find a compact car with sedan-level features.
Top Models in the Compact Segment
The most popular compact models at CARIFY often get snapped up quickly. Here are our top picks:
The Tiny Ones
They’re the smallest of the small, but offer plenty for singles and young couples, especially in terms of fuel economy and price.
MICRO Microlino: This two-seater with 16 HP falls into the “bubble car” category and reaches up to 90 km/h with all-wheel drive. Battery-powered and with a small environmental footprint, it’s the most popular compact car in its class in Switzerland.
Fiat 500: This iconic car has been around since 1936 and now comes as a mild hybrid or fully electric. Despite its small size, it offers four seats and packs 119 HP. It scored **** in the NCAP crash test.
The Classics
Long-time favorites from major brands – now equipped with modern technology and eco-friendly engines.
VW Golf: Now in its 8th generation, the Golf continues to impress. Available with all common engine types and rated ***** in the NCAP crash test, it's the definition of safety in the compact class.
Opel Corsa: The 6th generation brought a facelift and an electric version. It’s also very safe, scoring **** in the NCAP crash test.
The Reliable Ones
Japanese compacts have long been known for their dependability.
Toyota Yaris: Available as a petrol or full hybrid, the Yaris remains a top pick. The Yaris Cross crossover adds even more variety. It earns ***** in the NCAP crash test.
Honda Civic: With sporty design and dependable tech, the Civic has won over generations. It also scores ***** in NCAP tests.
The Budget-Friendly Picks
Compact cars are known for affordability, and some are true bargains.
Suzuki Swift: Available from under CHF 300/month as a mild hybrid. With **** in the NCAP crash test, it’s a solid and safe option.
Renault Twingo: This cute compact hasn’t lost its charm in its third generation but has gained in safety with **** in the NCAP test. Also available from under CHF 300/month.
Buy or Subscribe?
If you want to drive a compact car in Switzerland, you can buy, lease, or subscribe. Which option makes sense depends on your needs.
Advantages of a CARIFY Car Subscription
With leasing or financing, you usually need to make a down payment – often several thousand francs. Not with CARIFY: no down payment, no final balloon payment – just one fixed monthly rate. While the monthly fee might be higher than leasing or financing, it includes all regular costs:
Vehicle tax
Insurance premiums (liability and comprehensive)
Registration
Swiss motorway vignette
Maintenance and repairs
Inspections and service
CARIFY passes on the discounted rates it negotiates with partners. Another major perk: once the minimum subscription term ends, you can easily switch to a different model.
Cost Comparison: Car Subscription vs. Buying
It’s not easy to compare the cost of a subscription vs. buying. You need to factor in depreciation, which is highest in the first few years. During this period, a subscription is often more affordable. If you plan to keep your car for many years, buying can become cheaper, though repair costs rise with age. Subscriptions also save you time thanks to the many included services.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to drive a compact car in Switzerland. They’re affordable, cheap to maintain, and surprisingly spacious. The best models combine safety, modern features, and eco-friendliness, especially as electric vehicles. With a CARIFY car subscription, you don’t have to commit for years to a single model. With terms starting at just one month, you can upsize or downsize as needed, giving you flexible mobility at all times.