For New drivers, a new car should be affordable, simple to use, and secure.

Here are the top 10 new and best car for new drivers. Finding a car you can afford is the next obstacle standing between you and a whole new level of independence when you pass your driving test.

Naturally, in a perfect world, you also want one that is secure and well-equipped, has the functionality you require, and, ideally, a little bit of style and driving enjoyment thrown in.

Is that asking too much? Not according to our most recent ranking of the top first automobiles for learner drivers.

The best strategy to stretch your money as far as possible given the high costs associated with car ownership and maintenance is to select a vehicle that offers good value, reliability, economy, and low insurance prices.

Many first-time car purchasers will concentrate on used vehicles, but certain new vehicles may be purchased for a very low price, especially when financed through a PCP package. 

Ten of the best cars for new drivers are mentioned here. They are manageable and simple to drive, yet offer enough comforts to keep inexperienced drivers connected and safe when they are out and about.

Our choices are safe to drive, allowing you to gain confidence as you log miles.

Top 10 Best Cars For New Drivers

1: Volkswagen up

That Volkswagen cracks us up, is a fantastic tiny car, and from 2017 through 2020, we named it our City Car of the Year for four straight years. Even if it no longer carries this specific label, it is still a good option for a first vehicle.

The up!’s inexpensive pricing and insurance group 10 or below status for all trims (apart from the popular GTI model) are significant selling points. A 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with 64 horsepower is the only one available in regular petrol vehicles, and it should deliver more than 50 mpg. 

Electronic Stability Control, numerous airbags, and a front-facing camera with multiple functions are standard on all new models. With brand-new models including air conditioning and a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity as standard, interior quality defies the low price as well.

Even though the engine is only a little unit, it doesn’t feel overworked when making the odd trip down the highway thanks to the up!’s small proportions, which also make parking and driving easy and even enjoyable.

Even the completely electric VW is up! Is an option if you’d prefer a zero-emission vehicle. It has the same degree of quality as the petrol car and a battery range of up to 159 miles, but it costs more as a result.

2: Hyundai i10

The 2018 i10 from Hyundai has a stronger style than the previous model, and while it still isn’t the nicest car on the road, it does look a lot more angular than before. The most recent I10 has a full complement of safety equipment installed as standard across the range.

However, you will need to choose the Premium or N-Line trims, both of which come at a larger price, if you want amenities like a rear-view camera, climate control, or even front fog lights.

With the various variations falling into insurance classes 3 through 10, insurance should be rather reasonable across the whole i10 range. However, you will receive the brand’s five-year/unlimited-mileage guarantee as standard equipment regardless of which i10 you select.

3: Volkswagen Polo

If a “grown-up” supermini is what you’re after, the Volkswagen Polo is quite difficult to better. There are several Polo models to select from, but the entry-level ‘Life’ trim comes with a ton of amenities, like alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a DAB radio, electronic stability control, and automatic wipers that are sensitive to the presence of rain.

Despite being noticeably bigger than the VW Up!, the Polo should be simple to drive and park.

However, the Driver Assistance Package, which includes parking assistance, is an option.

4: Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto, now in its third generation, has evolved into a little car with a sporty appearance. Although Picanto’s new appearance increases its fun factor, it is still a very reasonable option for a city car. There is a large quantity of equipment within that is accessible across the board.

Electric front windows, USB ports, automatic lights, and hill start aid are to be expected. The Picanto is significantly more refined than its predecessors because of improved soundproofing, improved engine mounts, and a new engine cover.

Ownership costs should be minimal, with fuel consumption that can top 50mpg, and all Picanto trims find themselves in low insurance groups. Kia’s signature seven-year/100,000-mile warranty should keep maintenance worries at ease, too.

5: Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia considered one of the best cars for new drivers and a near relative of the Volkswagen Polo previously stated, is not only another vehicle that provides an abundance of functionality, equipment, and low operating expenses, but it is also the less expensive type to purchase.

If you choose the base ‘S’ model, you will also get air conditioning, lane-keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking, and a DAB radio with USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity. 

6: Toyota Aygo

The Toyota Aygo X might be your best option if you like the notion of owning an SUV but don’t want the sheer size and parking hassles that come with it. Due to its 1.0-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine, the Aygo X does not feel as current as some of its competitors, but on the bright side, it should easily achieve above 50 mpg.

The Aygo X’s cabin is colorful and surprisingly comfortable once you’re seated inside.

The standard features of the Aygo X base model include 17-inch alloys, a 7-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera.

7: Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is one of the least expensive vehicles available for purchase in the UK, and the most recent model is built on the excellent supermini Renault Clio.

Although the Sandero’s equipment is admittedly more basic and sparse than that of some of the other vehicles on this list, the necessities are all still present.

However, with prices beginning at less than £13,000, you won’t feel underpaid. With five seats, five doors, and a 320-liter boot, the most recent Sandero should also prove useful for daily use.

Although driving it won’t be particularly exciting, it’s quite affordable to insure for new drivers because the tough Step Way variant falls into the insurance category.

8: Fiat 500

It’s common knowledge that the auto industry is rapidly converting to electric power, and with the UK’s ban on gasoline and diesel vehicles set to take effect in 2030, you may be thinking about switching to an electric vehicle as soon as you have your license. The Fiat 500 should unquestionably be on your radar if you are.

We’ve picked the 500 for our 2022 City Car of the Year despite the fact that it’s one of the tiniest and least expensive EVs now available.

The 500 offers flair and flare in spades, much like its petrol-powered predecessor, but this time with the extra benefit of zero emissions. You’re better off choosing the 42kWh battery if you’re a little worried about range because it provides a claim.

9: Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is an exception, even if a tiny SUV may not seem like the logical choice for a novice driver. Despite being around since 2017 and getting a brand-new successor this year, the existing model is still going strong thanks to its excellent road manners, robust safety features, and option for either a hybrid engine or a totally electric drive.

The hybrid, which has a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor, can earn an astounding 57.6 mpg, but more importantly, for novice drivers is how inexpensive insurance is.

Given its feature-rich cabin and mature vibe, the Kona hybrid, which is in insurance group 8 and lower than a Vauxhall Corsa, is worth a look.

10: Fiat Panda

Even though the Fiat Panda will be replaced by an entirely new model in 2023, it is one of the oldest vehicles on this list and should still be taken into consideration because it is also one of the best car for new drivers.

The little Panda offers a comfortable ride, engaging handling, great all-around visibility, and ingenious storage.

The most recent vehicles have 1.0-liter mild hybrid engines, which result in low operating expenses. The Panda should also be on your list of ideal first automobiles because it is still available for a very affordable price.

For less than £14,000, you can get a brand-new Panda, and secondhand models can be had for even less if you don’t mind an older model. 

What to look for in a first car

The cost of insurance, which is exorbitantly high, is one of the major challenges facing novice drivers. A new driver’s lack of driving experience will be seen negatively by insurance. If you can avoid problems for a whole year, you will get a no-claims discount that will lower your premium by a certain percentage.

These savings will only increase over time if you keep not filing any insurance claims. There are even certain credit arrangements that offer free insurance, but the monthly payments are typically significantly increased.

Installing an insurer-approved “black box” in your car is one way to increase your no-claims discount.

With the use of this electronic device, which plugs into the car’s electronics, your insurance and you may examine your performance to determine where and how you can make driving improvements. If you submit a strong score, the insurance may further lower your costs.

A gasoline-powered vehicle is preferred over a diesel vehicle. There aren’t many compact diesel cars available for purchase, and you won’t profit from their higher fuel economy unless you drive much on the highway, which is unlikely if you’re a new driver.

It’s advisable to choose a small gasoline, and if stop-start is a possibility, that should help to save operating expenses even more.

Although the first time the engine cuts off when you shift into neutral may be unsettling, you’ll quickly develop the habit of conserving gasoline and making your money go further.

Some parents will be able to purchase their children’s first vehicle, and if you find yourself in that wonderful position, you’ll probably want to get the safest vehicle you can. Find vehicles with the greatest Euro NCAP safety rating possible; the greater the score, the safer the vehicle.

However, because a new car will have the most recent safety features, it will fundamentally be safer than an older, used vehicle.

This might include more sophisticated features like lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking, which enable the car’s systems to take action in an emergency and try to prevent a collision.

A growing variety of smaller hybrid vehicles are also available if your budget permits them. These vehicles reduce fuel consumption and emissions by utilizing both gasoline engines and electric motors. As a result, you may be able to save money on taxes and operating expenses while also lowering your carbon impact. There are various hybrid vehicle models, and depending on how you use them, each has advantages and downsides. This is crucial to keep in mind while shopping for a hybrid vehicle.

There are a few compact, simple-to-drive vehicles available if you’d prefer to go completely electric. However, the majority of the time, electric car prices are still more expensive than those of their gasoline, diesel, and hybrid equivalents.

As a result, insurance premiums may also be significantly higher.

However, if you calculate it correctly, the fuel and tax savings can assist to offset this. Naturally, it’s crucial to confirm that you could live with an electric automobile, such as by having enough room for a home charger.

When purchasing a vehicle for a new driver, other features to keep an eye out for include light steering, decent sight, responsive brakes and an engine, user-friendly controls, and a positive gear change; all of these features will assist a new driver gain confidence when operating a vehicle.

Conclusion

Buying the best car for new drivers and using it every day might be intimidating and frightening. When you purchase your first automobile, this may feel even more scary. When preparing to purchase a first vehicle, one must exercise extreme caution. Your needs and financial situation should be taken into consideration while choosing the ideal first car. You will avoid a great deal of unnecessary hassle if you do this.

Additionally, if you buy a used automobile, be sure to purchase a guarantee on it because that is the first step in taking proper care of your vehicle.

In the event of unforeseen events where any of your car’s parts might need to be replaced or repaired, a warranty protects your vehicle and helps you avoid spending a lot of money.

A very good used automobile warranty is available from Warranty Direct. It comes with AA roadside recovery as a standard, which is useful in emergencies.

FAQs

What is the cheapest new automobile to purchase?

The most affordable new automobile on the market right now is the Kia Picanto. Compared to the Hyundai i10, which is regarded as its relative, the automobile is £2,000 less expensive. Even a Dacia Sandero is not that inexpensive in comparison.

What size engine is ideal for a new car?

The smallest engine you can afford is always preferable because it is less complicated to insure. Therefore, it is preferable to stick with 1.0-liter unit engines, which are offered by manufacturers like Ford, Volkswagen, and Renault, and provide all-around performance in that price range.

Should you finance your first vehicle purchase?

Although the monthly payments on a loan may appear cheap, the total amount due in three years is not. You should be prepared to negotiate a new contract with your car if you are unable to make the payment after three years. As a result, it’s crucial to read the entire policy before making a choice after carefully weighing your possibilities. Make sure you can afford the payments long-term. This is crucial.

How should you go about getting your first car?

Many people enlist their parents’ aid in purchasing their first vehicle. While it is a choice, another one is to save money and get your first automobile. You stand a better chance of getting a great bargain on your car if you have cash for the down payment.

What qualities should you seek in your first car?

When purchasing the best car for new drivers, the two most crucial factors to consider are economy and dependability.