Top 10 first cars for new drivers

The Fiat 500 has been a hit ever since it got a fresh look in 2007, winning people over with its stylish design inside and out. Now, there's an electric version that keeps the same iconic look while offering zero-emissions driving, making it a solid choice for your first car. 

The electric 500 still has all its original charm but is even better for city life—it's super quiet, gets you into congestion zones for free, and there's no road tax. While it's one of the pricier options on our list and insurance costs are slightly higher (starting in group 17), the savings you'll get from lower running costs in the city could make up for it pretty quickly.

The Mazda2 has been around for a while, but it often gets overlooked compared to its more famous competitors, which isn’t really fair. This sleek little hatchback is well-equipped, fun to drive, and one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars out there, with some models hitting up to 60.1mpg—a real money-saver at the pump.

The base model with a 75bhp 1.5-litre engine isn’t far off either, boasting 58.5mpg. It's also cheaper to buy and a bit easier on insurance. With an insurance group of 14, it's not the absolute cheapest to insure, but it's still reasonable, especially for slightly older first-time drivers who might already have lower premiums due to their age.

The Vauxhall Corsa was a best-seller in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. The entry-level Design models start at just over £19,000 and offer great value, coming with a solid amount of standard features like a seven-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and a leather steering wheel. 

If you’re looking for something with more style, the GS trim adds a sporty touch with a black roof, tinted rear windows, rear parking sensors, and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It even has a ‘Sport’ mode that pumps fake engine sounds through the speakers—a feature that might strike you as either cool or cheesy, depending on your vibe.

For those thinking about starting their driving journey with an EV, the Corsa Electric is an option worth considering. It’s more expensive upfront and will likely come with higher insurance costs, but with perks like free road tax, lower running costs, and free entry into congestion zones, it could end up being a better deal for city drivers in the long run.

The Dacia Sandero might not have the fancy interior materials or high-tech features of some of the other cars on this list, but it’s all about delivering reliable, no-frills motoring at a super affordable price with low insurance costs.

While its styling is more practical than eye-catching compared to the Renault Clio it’s based on, the Sandero is surprisingly comfortable and refined for one of the cheapest cars in the UK. If you prefer a higher driving position and a tougher look, there’s the Sandero Stepway—a rugged version of the regular hatchback, though insurance costs will be a bit higher for this model.

You might come across some concerns about the Sandero’s safety due to a lower NCAP score, but keep in mind that safety test standards became stricter in 2020. So, older competitors might seem safer based on past scores, but they’d likely perform worse if tested today. On the bright side, Dacia updated its warranty in 2024 to cover up to seven years or 75,000 miles (with regular servicing), and this even applies to some used models. It’s worth checking out before you buy.

The Aygo X (pronounced “cross”) isn’t really an SUV in the traditional sense—it wouldn’t be much use off-roading compared to a Range Rover or Land Rover Defender. However, as a small city SUV, it’s packed with handy features for urban driving. It offers a slightly higher driving position, which makes it easier to get in and out of and gives you a better view of the road.

While it doesn’t boast the fuel economy of a huge SUV, its 1.0-litre engine is affordable to run and maintain, and with 71bhp, it’s plenty zippy for a first car. You can choose between a manual or an S-CVT automatic transmission, so if you’ve got an auto-only licence, the Aygo X still works for you. We recommend the manual, though, since it’s more engaging to drive and a bit more fuel-efficient. Plus, for those worried about long-term costs, the 10-year warranty (with regular servicing at the main dealer) is a big bonus.

A common sight with learner plates, many new drivers start out in the stylish and reliable Renault Clio. The latest model has a big upgrade in quality, with soft-touch materials replacing the old hard plastics, making it a strong contender against more premium models like the Audi A1 or MINI. It boasts a five-star safety rating and low running costs, making it even more appealing. Plus, with modern tech features like an optional 9.2-inch screen, the Clio is definitely worth considering when you're picking out your first car.

The Hyundai i10 is a solid choice for a first car, thanks to its affordable price tag and Hyundai’s five-year warranty, which helps keep running costs down and gives you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.

Much like its sibling, the Kia Picanto, the i10 offers more practicality than you'd expect for a city car, so your friends won’t be too squished in the back. It’s enjoyable to drive and looks sharp, and the 1.0-litre engine provides up to 54.3mpg, balancing good fuel efficiency with decent performance. We were also impressed by the infotainment system, which feels on par with the tech found in Hyundai’s larger models like the i20 and Bayon.

The Kia Picanto has a lot going for it, especially for new drivers. It’s budget-friendly, has low running costs, and comes with a seven-year warranty. With three engine options and better practicality than a Volkswagen Up!, the third-generation Picanto is a great choice for your first car.

Insurance is affordable across the range, with most of the 66bhp models falling into groups one to five. The 99bhp GT-Line S sits in group 11, which is pricier but still reasonable for a top-spec model. We recommend the entry-level 66bhp 1.0-litre version for its excellent fuel economy and low insurance costs. Plus, the Picanto is known for its reliability, having ranked an impressive second in our Driver Power Survey in 2021 and 26th in 2023.

The Volkswagen Polo has long been a strong competitor to the now-discontinued Ford Fiesta, and it’s nearly as iconic. After 48 years on the market, the Polo has set itself apart from other superminis with a more premium feel and solid build quality, while still keeping insurance costs low, especially in the entry-level Life model, which sits in the lowest insurance group one.

The 79bhp 1.0-litre engine makes the Polo very affordable to insure, which is ideal for new drivers facing high insurance rates. It might be a bit sluggish, but if you can stretch your budget for the 96bhp turbocharged version, it’s only slightly more expensive to insure, sitting in group eight. This is still quite low compared to the wider range of options, and could be a better pick for slightly older first-time drivers.

The new Skoda Fabia, launched in 2021, brings some significant upgrades and shares parts with the latest Volkswagen Polo. It offers more space for passengers and cargo, plus updated tech that keeps it competitive with the best in its class. While it might not be the flashiest option, the Fabia is a smart choice with standard features like a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, air conditioning, lane keep assist, and an e-Call system that automatically contacts emergency services if you’re in an accident.

For younger buyers, we’d suggest the entry-level SE Comfort model with its 1.0-litre 79bhp engine. It’s in insurance group four, making it affordable to insure, and the extra power is a nice upgrade from the now-discontinued S trim. Although the Volkswagen Polo with the same engine might be slightly cheaper to insure, the Fabia is less expensive to buy and offers better value overall, making it our top recommendation.