Cheapest cars with Apple CarPlay

The Dacia Sandero remains one of the best-value new cars on sale and shows that modern technology doesn't have to come at a high cost. Move beyond the entry-level specification and you'll find Apple CarPlay integrated into a large touchscreen that's refreshingly simple to use.

The Sandero majors on practicality rather than flashy styling. Four adults fit comfortably inside, the boot is larger than many small hatchbacks costing several thousand pounds more and running costs are among the lowest in the class. Insurance is affordable, servicing is inexpensive and the straightforward petrol engines have built a strong reputation for reliability.

It isn't the quietest or most sophisticated small car, but for buyers who simply want dependable transport with Apple CarPlay, the Sandero is exceptionally difficult to beat. It delivers everything most motorists need without unnecessary complexity, making it one of the smartest budget buys available today.

Apple CarPlay is available from relatively low trim levels in the Kia Picanto and the infotainment system is one of the easiest to use, with clear menus, quick responses and intuitive controls.

Although compact on the outside, the Picanto offers impressive space for four adults and remains remarkably comfortable around town. Visibility is excellent, making parking stress-free, while its light steering makes navigating narrow streets simple

One of the biggest selling points is Kia's seven-year warranty, which can also be transferred to future owners. Strong reliability and excellent dealer are other reasons the Picanto is so popular, 

If your driving is mostly around town but you still want a car that feels well engineered and properly equipped, the Picanto combines affordability with features normally found in larger models.

The Volkswagen Polo has long been regarded as the benchmark among small hatchbacks so Apple CarPlay only adds to that appeal. Available on most Life trims and above, the system integrates seamlessly with touchscreen and feels every bit as polished as the technology found in much more expensive Volkswagens.

Beyond the infotainment, the Polo impresses with refinement. Road noise is well suppressed, the suspension deals easily with poor surfaces and the driving position feels more like a family hatchback. That makes it ideal if you're downsizing from something like a Passat.

Interior quality is another major strength. Soft-touch materials, supportive seats and solid switches mean the Polo feels built to last. If you want premium quality without moving into premium pricing, the Polo remains one of the most complete small cars on sale.

The Skoda Fabia has quietly become one of the best all-round small cars on sale. Apple CarPlay is available on most models and makes life on board so much easier thanks to a reliable connection.

Where the Fabia really excels is practicality. Despite its compact size, rear-seat space is generous and the 380-litre boot is among the largest in the class. It comfortably accommodates the weekly shop, luggage for a weekend away or a pushchair without feeling cramped.

On the road, the Fabia feels refined and composed. It rides comfortably over broken tarmac and is quiet enough to make longer motorway journeys surprisingly relaxing. Running costs are low, while Skoda's reputation for reliability and strong resale values means it's easy to sell on. If you need one small car that can genuinely do everything well, the Fabia deserves to be near the top of your shortlist.

The SEAT Ibiza combines the technology of its Volkswagen Group relatives with a sportier feel. Apple CarPlay is available on most versions and works through the touchscreen that supports both wired and, on newer models, wireless connectivity.

While the Ibiza shares much of its engineering with the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia, it feels noticeably more agile on the road. The steering is precise, the suspension is well judged and it tackles winding roads with confidence while remaining comfortable around town.

Inside, there's plenty of room for four adults and the boot is a useful size for everyday family life. The cabin isn't quite as plush as the Polo's, but build quality remains solid and everything feels designed to withstand years of daily use.

For buyers who enjoy driving but still want affordable running costs, modern safety technology and seamless smartphone integration, the Ibiza strikes an excellent balance between value, practicality and driver appeal.

Apple CarPlay is fitted from entry-level Hyundai i10 Advance models, giving you access to smartphone navigation, music streaming and hands-free communication without paying for expensive option packs.

Its compact dimensions make the i10 easy to park, while the upright body creates more interior space than you might expect. Visibility making it a doddle to park in a tight space.

Hyundai has also included a long list of safety features such as lane keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking and rear parking sensors on many versions. These are things that were once reserved for much larger and more expensive cars.

Low insurance premiums, excellent fuel economy and Hyundai's five-year warranty help keep ownership costs under control. If most of your driving takes place in towns and cities, the i10 offers a level of refinement and equipment that belies its modest price.

The Toyota Aygo X takes the traditional city car formula and adds a touch of crossover styling. Apple CarPlay comes fitted to most versions through Toyota's easy-to-use infotainment system, making smartphone connectivity straightforward.

Thanks to its raised driving position, the Aygo X offers excellent visibility in busy traffic while remaining compact enough to squeeze into parking spaces that larger cars would simply have to pass by. It also benefits from Toyota's excellent reputation for reliability.

The efficient hybrid petrol engine is cheap to run, while strong residual values mean it's a safe buy. Standard safety equipment is generous too, with autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning included across much of the range.

If you're looking for an affordable car that's easy to drive, inexpensive to own and packed with modern technology, the Aygo X is a very convincing package.

The latest MG3 Hybrid+ represents a huge leap forward over its predecessor. Apple CarPlay comes as standard through a large central touchscreen, while the hybrid engine delivers impressive fuel economy without requiring you to plug the car in.

Unlike many affordable hatchbacks, the MG3 feels spacious enough to serve as genuine family transport. Rear-seat room is good, the boot is practical and the cabin design has a much more upmarket feel than earlier MG models.

Performance is another pleasant surprise. The hybrid system provides brisk acceleration, particularly around town, while the transition between petrol and electric power is smooth and refined.

MG also backs the car with a lengthy manufacturer's warranty. For buyers who are focussed on value, it's difficult to ignore how much equipment comes as standard, from adaptive cruise control to a whole host of safety systems.

The Citroen C3 takes a different approach to rivals by putting comfort above outright sportiness. Apple CarPlay is available through the large central touchscreen, allowing drivers to access familiar navigation and media apps without relying on the car's built-in software.

The standout feature is the ride quality. Citroën's Advanced Comfort suspension absorbs potholes and rough road surfaces with remarkable composure, while the generously padded seats make longer journeys far more relaxing than you might expect from a small car.

The upright seating position provides excellent visibility and makes getting in and out particularly easy, while the practical five-door layout suits both families and older drivers.

Although it isn't designed for enthusiastic driving, the C3 excels as an everyday driver. Low running costs, distinctive styling and one of the most comfortable cabins in its class make it an appealing choice for those who want refinement over outright performance.

The Dacia Spring is currently one of the most affordable new electric cars with Apple CarPlay. Designed primarily for city driving, it blends simple engineering with low running costs and enough technology to satisfy most people.

Apple CarPlay is available through a straightforward touchscreen on higher specifications, allowing you to use your favourote navigation and music apps rather than relying on the car's native software.

Its modest battery delivers enough real-world range for commuting, school runs and shopping trips, while charging costs remain significantly lower than refuelling a petrol car. The Spring's compact size also makes it exceptionally easy to park.

It won't suit drivers who regularly cover hundreds of motorway miles, but that's missing the point. The Spring has been designed as an affordable electric runabout, and in that role it performs exceptionally well.

The odd-looking Leapmotor T03 is one of the newest arrivals on the UK EV scene and offers impressive value for money. Apple CarPlay comes as standard through a large touchscreen, accompanied by features that are often optional on rivals.

Despite its diddy size, the T03 feels surprisingly spacious inside, with room for four adults on shorter journeys and enough luggage space for everyday errands. Standard equipment includes a reversing camera and keyless entry making it feel well specified for the money.

As a fully electric vehicle, it's cheap to run if you can charge at home, while its quiet motor makes town driving easy. Although the Leapmotor brand is still relatively new to UK buyers, backing from Stellantis should provide some reassurance. If your priority is getting as much technology as possible for the lowest possible price, the T03 deserves serious consideration alongside more familiar alternatives.