Skip advert
Advertisement
Best cars

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

A good first car needs to be many things, including affordable, reliable and safe. Here’s our pick of the best

The best first cars 2023

Passing your test and getting behind the wheel of your own first car is a milestone moment for every motorist, and it’s tempting to rush into buying the cheapest car you can. But for new drivers the cheapest car won’t necessarily be the best, and there are plenty of other factors to consider. The best first cars need to sit in a low insurance group, as this bill is often an expensive one for younger drivers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You might think that your only choice for a first car is an old clapped out banger, but with Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance deals having taken off in popularity in recent times, there are now affordable ways to get behind the wheel of a brand new car. Newer cars should prove more reliable and safer too, which will keep parents happy. The latest engines are more fuel efficient than ever, meaning running costs should be low, particularly with small cars and superminis.

Best used cars for young and learner driversTop 10 best used cars for young and learner drivers

Features that were once exclusive to premium cars, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument displays and lane keeping assistance, have found their way into some humble hatchbacks and city cars in recent years, so budget motoring doesn’t have to be as bare-bones as it once was.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It wasn’t long ago that names like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Vauxhall Corsa were a no-brainer when it came to considering your first car. But, as Fiesta production has ended after nearly five decades, and with the arrival of more body styles and electric cars, our top 10 best first cars list may be more diverse than you expect.

Advertisement - Article continues below

When shopping around for the best deal for your first car, you should weigh up the insurance cost against the cost of the car – a cheaper car may end up being more expensive in the long run if it costs a fortune to insure. Road tax (VED) is another factor to consider – the current structure means that you pay a first-year rate based on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. The tax is rolled into the on-the-road price of the car. Every year after, you then pay a flat annual rate.

Cars that cost over £40,000 incur an additional supplement for the first five years, although none of the cars on this list meet this threshold. At present, zero-emission cars are exempt from VED. Cars registered before April 2017 are taxed using the older system based on CO2 emissions.

Skoda Fabia review - a great-value, practical supermini

Carbuyer best small car Skoda Fabia
Carbuyer rating

4.4 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

A brand-new Skoda Fabia launched in 2021, with a host of improvements and shared parts with the latest Volkswagen Polo. The Fabia now has more space to transport family and friends, and the updated tech brings it back in line with the best in class. While the Fabia may not be the most eccentric pick, it may be a sensible one as standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, air conditioning, lane keep assist and an e-Call system that will automatically call the emergency services if you find yourself in an accident.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

For younger buyers, we’d recommend the entry-level SE Comfort model with its 1.0-litre 79bhp engine. This falls into insurance group four, so it should be cheap to insure and the extra power over the now-discontinued S trim’s engine is a welcome addition. While insuring the Volkswagen Polo with the same engine may be cheaper still, the Fabia is cheaper to buy and better value to buy in the first instance, so it takes our top spot.

Volkswagen Polo hatchback review

Volkswagen Polo - front 3/4 dynamic
Carbuyer rating

4.2 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

For a long time the Volkswagen Polo was a rival to the late Ford Fiesta, and almost as iconic. It’s been around now for 48 years, and in more recent decades it’s differentiated itself from other superminis by offering a slightly more premium image and sturdier build quality, and yet it still sits in the lowest insurance group one in entry-level Life guise.

With the 79bhp 1.0-litre engine, the Polo is very cheap to insure, which makes it a great choice as a first car for new drivers, when your insurance can be the most expensive. Admittedly, that version’s a little slow, but if your budget stretches to afford the slightly more powerful 96bhp turbocharged version, insurance is only marginally more expensive as the model sits in group eight out of 50 – that’s still pretty low in the grand scheme of things, and for slightly older first-time buyers it might be a better choice.

Kia Picanto hatchback review

kia picanto hatchback
Carbuyer rating

4.2 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

There are many reasons to love the Kia Picanto, but first time drivers will especially appreciate its affordability, low running costs and seven-year warranty. With three engines to choose from and better practicality than a Volkswagen Up!, the third-generation Picanto is a strong pick as a first car.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

All Picantos are cheap to insure, with the majority of the 66bhp lineup sitting in groups one to five, while the 99bhp GT-Line S sits in group 11 – that may be the most expensive to insure, it’s still not too bad for a top-spec model. The entry-level 66bhp 1.0-litre is our pick for first-time drivers because of its good fuel economy and low insurance group rating. Reliability is excellent and the Picanto has regularly finished with a good placing in our Driver Power Survey, coming in an impressive second place in 2021, with its most recent placing at 26th in 2023.

Hyundai i10 review - tech-filled and practical small car

hyundai i10 facelift
Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

Read full review

The Hyundai i10 is another city car with a relatively cheap purchase price, helping to keep things affordable for first-time car owners. Added peace of mind comes from Hyundai’s five-year warranty, which could keep running costs even lower, as you won’t need to worry about footing the bill if it goes wrong in that time.

Like the related Kia Picanto, it’s more practical than you’d expect for a car its size and your friends won’t feel too cramped in the back. It’s pretty good to drive, too, as well as sharp to look at, while all the engines combine good fuel economy and decent performance: the 1.0-litre version returns up to 54.3mpg. During our time with the i10, we were impressed by its infotainment setup, which feels similar to the bigger cars in Hyundai’s range, like the i20 supermini and Bayon crossover.

Renault Clio review - E-Tech hybrid takes on EV rivals

Renault Clio UK
Carbuyer rating

4.4 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

A regular sight with learner plates, many drivers who’ve recently passed their test will have cut their teeth in the stylish and safe Renault Clio. The latest model is a step up in quality over previous generations with most of the hard plastics replaced with soft-touch materials, it is now a classy competitor to upmarket models like the Audi A1 or MINI.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

A five-star safety rating and low running costs make the Clio an even more attractive proposition. There is also up-to-date technology, with the option of 9.2-inch screen making the Clio a car that’s hard to ignore when shortlisting a first car.

Toyota Aygo X hatchback review

Toyota Aygo X Undercover
Carbuyer rating

3.8 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

The Aygo X (pronounced cross) isn’t quite the SUV that some may expect, it certainly wouldn’t hold up against a Range Rover or Land Rover Defender off-road, but this small city SUV does have some great features for those who plan to stay on the road. This includes a slightly lifted driving position that is easier to get in and out of and a better view of the road ahead.

The Aygo X also doesn’t have the fuel economy of a giant SUV either, instead, its 1.0-litre engine is cheap to run and maintain and feels zippy with 71bhp on tap, which will likely be more than enough for a first car. You can also get it with a manual transmission or an S-CVT automatic gearbox, so even if you’ve got an auto-only licence the Aygo X could be a winner. For most buyers, we’d recommend sticking with the manual, though, because the automatic isn’t as fun to drive, or quite as economical.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

First car buyers who are worried about maintenance will be even more impressed by the 10-year warranty offered as long as you service the vehicle with the main dealer.

Dacia Sandero hatchback review

Dacia Sandero review
Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

Read full review

The Dacia Sandero may not have all of the plush interior materials or technology of other cars on this list, but it instead offers simple, reliable motoring with an ultra-affordable purchase price and low insurance costs.

Styling is functional, and without the flair of the Renault Clio on which it's based, but the Sandero is comfortable and surprisingly refined for one of the cheapest cars on sale in the UK. If you want something with a higher driving position and tougher looks, Dacia offers the Sandero Stepway, a rugged version of the regular hatchback, although insurance costs will be slightly higher for this model.

If you search the internet for the new Sandero you may find its safety questioned after a disappointing score from NCAP. However, you should note the test became much stricter in 2020 and so competitors that were tested prior to that date may appear safer on the star scoring system, but they may score poorly if retested today.

Vauxhall Corsa review - the best Corsa yet

Vauxhall Corsa facelift
Carbuyer rating

4.1 out of 5

Read full review

The Vauxhall Corsa was a top-selling car during 2023 and for good reason. Entry-level Design models start from just over £19,000 and are good value, coming equipped with a generous level of standard equipment such as a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, LED headlights and a leather steering wheel. Image-conscious buyers can also step up to the GS trim to give the Corsa a sporty makeover, including a contrasting black roof, tinted rear windows, rear parking sensors and a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also boasts a ‘Sport’ mode that plays synthesised engine sounds through the car’s speakers; a feature that may be deemed cool or kitsch, depending on your own personal tastes.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

For first-time drivers who want to start their driving life with an EV, they can also look at the Corsa Electric. It’s pricier to buy than a petrol model and will likely have a higher insurance premium, however, with free VED (road tax), lower fuel costs, and free entry into congestion zones it may work out cheaper overall for first-time drivers in the city.

Mazda2 hatchback review

Mazda2 2023 facelift
Carbuyer rating

3.4 out of 5

Read full review

The Mazda2 has been around for a few generations now but tends to be forgotten amongst all of its more well-known rivals, which is perhaps a little unfair. The stylish little hatchback is well-equipped, feels good to drive and is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale, with some of the range achieving up to 60.1mpg, making it very frugal indeed. 

The entry-level 75bhp 1.5-litre petrol model isn’t too far behind that, with a fuel economy figure of 58.5mpg, and is cheaper to buy and slightly cheaper to insure. Sitting in group 14 means that while it’s not as cheap to insure as some rivals, it’s still acceptable in the grand scheme of things, and might suit slightly older first-time drivers who will already benefit from lower premiums thanks to their age.

Fiat 500 review

Carbuyer best small electric car Fiat 500
Carbuyer rating

4 out of 5

Read full reviewWatch video

The Fiat 500 has been a popular vehicle ever since its rebirth in 2007, thanks to its appealing interior and exterior styling. Now the 500 electric is available with the same look and zero-emissions running costs, making it an attractive choice for a first car.

In electric form, the 500 has lost none of its charm and suits the city even more thanks to its silent running, and free entry into congestion zones, not forgetting zero road tax. It is one of the more expensive purchases on our list, and EVs are typically slightly more expensive to insure, with the electric 500 starting in group 17 – however, lower running costs for city drivers may soon make up the difference.

Looking for a new car but you’re on a tight budget? Check out our top 9 most economical cars...

Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

  1. Skoda Fabia
  2. Volkswagen Polo
  3. Kia Picanto
  4. Hyundai i10
  5. Renault Clio 
  6. Toyota Aygo X
  7. Dacia Sandero
  8. Vauxhall Corsa
  9. Mazda2
  10. Fiat 500
Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2024
The UK's best-selling cars hero
Best cars
6 Mar 2024

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2024

Skoda Fabia review - a great-value, practical supermini
Carbuyer best small car Skoda Fabia
In-depth reviews
1 Feb 2024

Skoda Fabia review - a great-value, practical supermini

Hyundai i10 review - tech-filled and practical small car
hyundai i10 facelift
In-depth reviews
29 Jan 2024

Hyundai i10 review - tech-filled and practical small car

Vauxhall Corsa review - the best Corsa yet
Vauxhall Corsa facelift
In-depth reviews
25 Jan 2024

Vauxhall Corsa review - the best Corsa yet

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024