8 of the Best Cars for New Drivers
Have you just passed your test? Looking for your first car? Want something that’s cheap to run and to insure?
We have scoured the car market looking for cars that would work for new drivers. Cars that look good, offer new technology, and are cheap to run and insure.
Here’s what we came up with.
Peugeot 208 - Insurance Group 6
The Peugeot 208 is one of the best cars for new drivers you can buy. Whether new or used, this car delivers the looks, the practicality, and the image we would all want from a first car.
The 208 is small, has great design, well-built interior, digital instruments, and a touchscreen. It also has small, frugal engines, an EV option, and is reasonably cheap to insure.
As a package, the Peugeot 208 is hard to beat. While only 3 years old, the model already has a selection of quality used versions as well as some great deals on brand new models.
Renault Clio - Insurance Group 3
The Renault Clio is another French car that delivers for new drivers. It’s a similar size to the 208 but has a completely different look.
It’s rounder, lower at the front than at the back, and has a very friendly profile. It’s also well built, has plenty of technology, a large screen, and one of the largest boots around for a car of this size.
Small engines, reasonable repair costs, and popularity make this an affordable first car and we would thoroughly recommend it.
Fiat 500 - Insurance Group 12
The Fiat 500 is a classic first car that many drivers decide to keep after many years’ driving. It's a funky update to the original Fiat Cinquecento and is incredibly popular in cities.
It’s a small car with a big character and can seat four comfortably. It doesn’t have much in the way of technology except a modest touchscreen but comes with enough character and charm to carry it through.
Small, frugal engines keep insurance costs reasonable while delivering good mileage.
Citroën C3 - Insurance Group 5
The Citroën C3 is another small car with a big character. This compact hatchback comes in a variety of guises, but the hatch is best for new drivers.
The car looks great, has the unique appeal of all modern Citroën and a nice interior. It can seat four comfortably, has decent boot space, and can come with a wide range of features.
The Citroën C3 isn’t as small as the Fiat 500 or Peugeot 208 but is still easy to drive around town. It’s reasonable to insure too!
Ford Fiesta - Insurance Group 2
The Ford Fiesta used to be the default first car for those who didn’t want a Mini. Now it has much more competition, yet still manages to hold its own.
The design isn’t quite as funky as the Fiat 500 or Peugeot 208 but is still attractive enough for a first car. Interior space and visibility are excellent, engines are smooth and reliable and you can add a lot of features.
The Ford Fiesta isn’t the most inspired choice but it’s a cheap, reliable car. Plus, everyone can fix Fords, so running costs are low too.
Vauxhall Corsa - Insurance Group 2
The Vauxhall Corsa is another classic first car. Like the Fiesta, it has been around a while and the design is a little long in the tooth. It’s still interesting enough to be worth a look though.
It’s another small car with a deceptively light and spacious interior. Seats are comfortable, engines are smooth and you’ll find it easy to drive around town.
The Vauxhall Corsa is basic but easy to maintain and while you can add features if you like, sometimes simple is best.
Hyundai i10 - Insurance Group 1
The Hyundai i10 is another cheap car ideal for your first drive. The new design elevates this little car above much of the competition, making it a must-see.
It’s cheap to buy new or secondhand, comes with a 5 year warranty, has comfortable seats, direct steering, and is very easy to manoeuvre.
The Hyundai i10 is a leftfield option but the build quality and reliability are ideal for a first car.
Dacia Sandero- Insurance Group 2
The Dacia Sandero is based on the Renault Clio and has similar dimensions and appeal. The design may not be up there with Renault but few cars offer the same levels of value.
Dacia have upped their game with the redesigned Sandero. It looks great, offers nicer interiors, comfortable seating, and provides an accessible route to a brand new car.
The Dacia Sandero has some eager little engines that make it better to drive than you might think.
