Best Cars for First Time Drivers

(Posted on 05/04/24)

Choosing your first car can be a daunting task, with numerous factors to consider, ranging from meeting your specific needs to affordability in both purchase and maintenance costs. We've compiled a comprehensive rundown of the best cars for new drivers, prioritising affordability, durability, and economical running costs.

Realistically, most new drivers operate within a limited budget, whether they're opting for leasing or purchasing a vehicle. It's crucial to find a car that not only fits within your financial constraints but also proves to be cost-effective in the long run. While the allure of a sporty car may be tempting, it's prudent to exercise patience, as the exorbitant insurance premiums for such vehicles can significantly impact your expenses.

Our curated list features a diverse selection of cars, ensuring that you don't have to settle for something basic or compact. Here, you'll find a range of excellent options tailored specifically for new drivers, encompassing various sizes and specifications.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is an excellent choice for new drivers. Its size strikes a perfect balance, offering plenty of room for passengers while still feeling manageable on the road. Inside, it boasts a luxurious feel, featuring a user-friendly touchscreen interface that seamlessly connects to your smartphone. With ample space for passengers in both the front and back, along with a spacious boot, the Polo caters to practical needs as well.

What sets it apart is its smooth and quiet ride, making every journey a comfortable experience. Additionally, its light and responsive handling make it easy for new drivers to control, helping them gain confidence behind the wheel. Overall, the Volkswagen Polo combines practicality with luxury, making it an ideal first car for any new driver.

Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 may be smaller in size compared to some others on the list, but it offers great value for money and surprising roominess. It falls into a higher price bracket, but its affordability shines through in other aspects, particularly its low insurance costs thanks to its 1-liter engine placing it in group 1. While its gearbox might not be the smoothest to operate, its ease of handling, especially in city driving conditions, makes up for it.

Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia may not boast the flashiest image, but it's a small car that excels in meeting all your needs. Despite its unassuming appearance, it offers a comfortable and spacious interior, providing ample room for passengers. What sets it apart from others on this list is its generous boot space, making it a practical choice for various purposes.

In terms of running costs, both insurance and fuel expenses are reasonable, adding to its appeal as a budget-friendly option. Equipped with all the essential gadgets you'd expect, the Fabia ticks all the boxes for what you'd want in a car for a new driver. Its easy-to-drive nature makes it the perfect companion for navigating city streets or embarking on longer journeys with confidence.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is the epitome of a perfect city car, setting itself apart from the competition with its stylish design and cutting-edge interior technology. It offers a comfortable driving experience, whether you're navigating the bustling streets of the city or cruising along the motorway, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride at a price that won't break the bank.

One of its standout features is its exceptional fuel efficiency and low insurance costs, making it a highly economical choice for drivers. With the option of either a 1.0-liter or 1.25-liter engine, you can tailor the Picanto to suit your specific needs and preferences.

While its interior space may not be the most expansive on the list, the Picanto still offers a decent boot capacity of 255 liters, providing ample room for your essentials. Overall, the Kia Picanto strikes the perfect balance between style, technology, affordability, and practicality, making it a top choice in the city car category.

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 Electric presents an optimal option for new drivers, boasting an all-electric design that aligns with modern sustainability goals. With an impressive range of 199 miles, it provides ample flexibility for various driving needs. Enhanced with convenient features such as keyless entry and advanced touchscreen technology, the Fiat 500 Electric offers a seamless and intuitive driving experience.

This model embodies Fiat's dedication to innovation and environmentally conscious transportation, making it not only a practical choice but also a sustainable one for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Renault Clio

The newly facelifted Renault Clio embodies style and sophistication, boasting a plethora of features that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. It offers a thrilling driving experience, with a lively and dynamic feel that adds excitement to every journey. Overall, it's a delightful car to drive, with the added option of a hybrid version for improved fuel economy and a smoother ride. However, it's worth noting that opting for the hybrid variant significantly increases the price, so if you're working within a tighter budget, sticking to the petrol version may be more prudent.

Vauxhall Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa stands out for its spacious interior, providing extra comfort compared to some competitors. Designed with city driving in mind, it offers nimble manoeuvrability, making it ideal for urban environments. However, its versatility extends beyond city limits, performing admirably on motorways with smooth cruising at 70 mph, all while maintaining a quiet cabin.

Inside, the Corsa boasts modern and practical features, including wireless smartphone charging and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With the introduction of electric, hybrid, and petrol models, the new Corsa offers drivers a range of options to suit their preferences and needs. Opting for the electric model not only contributes to reducing emissions but also helps keep running costs in check.

Overall, the Vauxhall Corsa is a perfect choice for new drivers, offering ease of handling and navigation. However, it may prove to be even more practical for those who frequently embark on long journeys or regularly transport passengers.