Honda Jazz, Nissan Note, Kia Venga, Hyundai ix20 and Opel Meriva offer different ways of transforming the interior: from a sliding rear bench to seats with lift-up cushions. For a budget of up to $8000, you can consider their early petrol versions with manual transmission.
Compact cars up to $8000: five models with a practical interior
The years below indicate the production of the respective generations, and the condition of a specific car requires inspection before purchase.
1. Honda Jazz II (2008–2015)
The Magic Seats system allows you to lift the rear seat cushions to carry tall items or fold the backrests to increase cargo space. For your search, it is worth focusing on petrol versions 1.2 and 1.4 l with manual transmission.
2. Nissan Note I (2006–2013)
The tall body and the rear bench with longitudinal adjustment allow you to change the ratio between passenger space and luggage. Among the petrol versions, you can consider naturally aspirated 1.4 and 1.6 l.
3. Kia Venga (2010–2019)
With a length of about 4.1 m, the model has a tall interior and a sliding rear bench. The backrests fold in sections, which makes it easier to carry long items. Early cars with 1.4 or 1.6 l petrol engines are suitable for the selection.
4. Hyundai ix20 (2010–2019)
The model related to the Venga also received rear seats with longitudinal adjustment. The high seating position makes access to the interior easier. For your search, you can choose naturally aspirated petrol versions 1.4 and 1.6 l with manual transmission.
5. Opel Meriva A (2003–2010)
The FlexSpace system allows you to change the position of the rear seats. After folding the middle seat, the outer ones can be moved closer to the centre, increasing space for two passengers. Option for your search: petrol 1.6 l with manual transmission.
“In a compact car, a sliding rear bench and the way the seats fold can be more important than the boot volume itself,” notes the author of the selection, Oleksii Astapov.
