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Compare the best first cars

Browse a selection of suitable first and learner cars from rated and reviewed dealers

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Rated 4.6/5 from 53,240 reviews

Last updated April 5, 2024 by Darren Cassey

Best first cars for new drivers of 2024

Choosing your first car is a big deal, and there’s loads to consider before parting with your hard-earned cash. It needs to be cheap enough to buy and run, because insurance costs in particular are sky high for new drivers. However, it also needs to have at least a hint of style so your mates won’t mock you, and for younger drivers, be safe and slow enough that your parents won’t veto the decision.

With so much to think about, it can all seem a bit overwhelming. That’s why our expert reviews team have put together a list of the best cars for new drivers to consider below.

Renault Clio

1. Renault Clio

9/10
Renault Clio review
The Renault Clio is one of the best small cars you can buy today, because it’s cheap but still has plenty of style, is comfortable to drive and has enough space for most. Your tall friends might grumble at the legroom in the back seats, but those in the front will be impressed by the quality of the cabin when you consider it’s so affordable. Hybrid engines are available and reduce running costs, but they’re more expensive up front than the standard petrol.
Skoda Fabia

2. Skoda Fabia

9/10
Skoda Fabia review
While the Clio has some French flair, the Skoda Fabia sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. It’s not particularly exciting, but it’s comfortable and really practical. Basically, it’s the car your parents want you to have. The interior feels cheaper than the Renault, but the back seats are roomier.

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Hyundai i10

3. Hyundai i10

8/10
Hyundai i10 review
The Hyundai i10 is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy today, and while this is evident particularly in the entry-level models, there’s a lot to love about this car if you look past the gutless engine and basic cabin. For a start, it looks great, so you get instant style points, but it’s also really easy to drive in town and has a good boot for a car of this size.
Peugeot 208

4. Peugeot 208

8/10
Peugeot 208 review
It’s far from the cheapest car in this roundup, but the Peugeot 208 deserves a place on any new driver’s shortlist. The cabin is stylish and distinctive, with a small steering wheel that looks like it belongs in a go-kart. There’s lots of space up front, though the rear seats are quite cramped. There’s even a fully electric version, which is great for the eco-conscious new driver, but it does cost considerably more to buy.
SEAT Ibiza

5. SEAT Ibiza

8/10
SEAT Ibiza review
The SEAT Ibiza is a fantastic all-rounder, because it’s basically the same as the excellent Volkswagen Polo underneath, but has a more stylish exterior and costs less. It doesn’t feel as posh inside as the Polo, but it’s similarly practical and a bit more fun to drive.
Dacia Sandero

6. Dacia Sandero

8/10
Dacia Sandero review
The Dacia Sandero used to be the butt of jokes, but it’s no longer the bargain basement model it once was. Sure, it’s still incredibly cheap for a new car, but it’s actually pretty stylish inside and out and feels much bigger inside than you’d expect for a small car. Its major downside, though, is its two-star Euro NCAP safety rating…
Volkswagen Polo

7. Volkswagen Polo

8/10
Volkswagen Polo review
If safety is a top priority, this is the one to buy. The Polo is built like a bank vault and performs like one in a crash test, scoring five stars in Euro NCAP testing. Some Polos may seem a bit too sensible for their own good, but a bright paint colour brings the styling to life, and it feels posher inside than most small cars.
Vauxhall Corsa

8. Vauxhall Corsa

7/10
Vauxhall Corsa review
Along with the Ford Fiesta, the Vauxhall Corsa has been one of the go-to first cars for learner drivers and driving schools alike. The latest version is the most stylish yet, you get loads of equipment despite the reasonable price, and it’s one of the most comfortable small cars at motorway speeds. It does feel a bit cheap and cramped inside, though.
Kia Picanto
2024
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended

9. Kia Picanto

7/10
Kia Picanto review
The Kia Picanto is cheaper than the Hyundai i10 with which it shares much under the metal, which is nice, and arguably nicer to look at with chunky, square-edged styling. Not the roomiest thing in the world, but it’ll do, and Kia’s seven-year warranty is reassuring when it comes to reliability. You might just crack 60mpg if you drive carefully.
Citroen C3

10. Citroen C3 Origin

6/10
Citroen C3 review
The Citroen C3 Origin (the new name for the C3) is one of the best value propositions of all new cars, because it’s the cheapest thing you can buy this side of a Citroen Ami – which isn’t even a proper car. The C3 Origin is really comfortable and certainly doesn’t look like you’ve gone for the cheap option thanks to its unique styling. You’ll notice the cost cutting inside, though with scratchy materials aplenty and the fact you don't even get a proper infotainment system on the cheapest trim.

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Advice about first cars

Good first cars FAQs

Insurers will want you to buy the smallest engine you can, so it’s probably best to stick to a 1.0-litre unit. Thankfully, the latest 1.0-litre engines from the likes of Ford, Volkswagen, and Renault are much better all-round performers than they used to be, so venturing out onto the motorway isn’t an exercise in endurance.

At the moment, the Citroen C3 Origin, Dacia Sandero and Kia Picanto are the cheapest options, with each hovering around the £14,000 mark. The Sandero is our pick of the bunch, but the C3 Origin and Picanto are both good cars and worthy of a look if you’re looking to save as much money as possible.

The Kia Picanto and basic versions of the Volkswagen Polo are in Group 1 for insurance, so it’ll be tough to get a better quote than you will with one of them. The Ford Fiesta, Skoda Fabia, Kia Rio, and SEAT Ibiza all start in Group 2, while the Renault Clio, Hyundai i10, and Dacia Sandero all start in Group 3.

Check out our explainer guide on car insurance groups to find out more.

Well, saving up is the best way – there’s nothing like going into a car dealer with a pocket full of cash, and you’ll definitely wangle a good deal if you do. Many will buy with parental help, of course, so be nice to mum and dad. You can also browse the latest new car deals on Carwow to see how much you could save, or browse used stock from our network of trusted dealers.

Maybe. Finance is a big commitment, and while the monthly repayments on PCP plans look temptingly low, don’t forget there’s always the final payment to make in three years’ time, or you’ll have to be ready to roll the car over into a new deal. Make sure you read all the fine print, and don’t assume that the car company’s finance deal is the best — shop around with high street banks and credit unions to get the best deal. Above all, make sure you can afford the repayments in the longer term.

You can read more about buying a car on finance in our guide on PCP car financing.

Insurance should be your first concern. New drivers are facing hefty premiums at the moment, so make sure you get a quote before buying a car and finding out you can’t afford the insurance. Once that’s settled, you also want to consider reliability and economy. With fuel prices the way they are, you don’t want something that’s getting any less than 45mpg on average (and preferably better than that). Reliability is key too, as even if problems can be sorted under warranty, if you’re in a first car you’re also probably in a first job, and missing days to get your car fixed is a no-no.

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