ADAC analysis shows rising prices for small cars

An analysis by the ADAC reveals a significant price increase for small cars in the German market. Small cars are no longer automatically affordable entry-level models, as average prices continue to rise.

For internal combustion engine (ICE) models, the price of a new gasoline-powered small car averages approximately 24,000 euros, representing an increase of nearly 80 percent compared to ten years ago. The availability of ICE models is also declining, with only 46 models currently offered, marking a new low. Diesel and other combustion variants are virtually non-existent in this segment.

In contrast, the electric vehicle (EV) segment shows a different trend. The average price for an electric small car has decreased by over nine percent compared to mid-2024, now costing less than 30,000 euros. Additionally, the selection of electric models has grown to nearly 40 options. Despite this, the ADAC maintains that electric small cars remain too expensive compared to a decade ago.

Overall, the average price for a small car across all drive types has risen by over 10,000 euros over the last year, a trend the ADAC warns may make them unaffordable for many consumers. The organization is calling on manufacturers to avoid neglecting the small car segment.