Best first cars in the UK
Browse a selection of suitable first and learner cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated August 06, 2025 by
Mario Christou
Best first cars 2025: our favourite cars for new drivers
You never forget your first car, because getting into a set of wheels is a crucial moment in the life of every new driver. Unfortunately it can be hard to choose the right one, partly because the best first cars are all rather good, but also because most of the choices are similar in a lot of ways, too.
The main consideration will almost certainly be the price of insuring your first car, as new driver cover is more expensive than ever before. It’s not just age-related, but the youngest new drivers get stung more than those in their thirties or above.
That’s why it’s important to consider the insurance group when picking a first car. There are a few factors which contribute, such as engine size, price, the cost of car parts, difficulty to repair and how many safety features are fitted as standard.
We have a handy guide to explaining car insurance groups in detail, should you wish to know more before deciding which car to choose.
Small cars are often a wise choice of first car, not just for insurance reasons, but because they’re easier to park, easier to thread through narrow streets and generally cheaper to repair, should you have a minor prang while getting used to driving.
Our expert reviews team has tested every single car on this list, and decided that of all the small cars on sale, these are the best options as a first car. If you’re looking for a second-hand buy, we’ve also got a list of the best used cars for new drivers.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
1. Renault Clio
Renault Clio review
Best for: Budget style
The Renault Clio is our favourite small car because it looks great, has a high quality interior and a massive boot that means it’s still usefully practical despite its dimensions.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option there’s a petrol engine with a manual gearbox, which is great for people who have just passed and want to hone their self-shifting skills. However, if your budget can stretch to the hybrid version you get a smooth engine and automatic gearbox that will be great on fuel.
Inside, the interior is stylish enough and feels really well screwed together. You get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard, as well as cruise control to make long journeys more relaxing.
One complaint, though, is rear seat space, which is really tight. Your mates will probably be fine for a short drive, but expect to rotate who’s riding shotgun up front on longer journeys if you want to avoid complaints.
The trade off for it being a squeeze in the back seats is that the boot is huge for a car of this size – at 391 litres you get more capacity than anything else in this list. It’s important to note, though, that if you go for the hybrid this falls to 301 litres to make space for the batteries, which drops it below most alternatives.
Both engines are really economical, with over 50mpg possible from the petrol engine if you’re taking it easy. It’s even better in the hybrid though, which should see over 60mpg in the real world. It’s the more powerful option, too, which means it’s easier to get up to speed on the motorway, while the automatic gearbox makes it more relaxing for inner-city traffic. The downside is that it’s more expensive to buy, so you need to figure out if the lower running costs offset the increased price, or if you're willing (or able) to pay a bit more for the privilege.
The Renault Clio is our favourite small car because it looks great, has a high quality interior and a massive boot that means it’s still usefully practical despite its dimensions.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option there’s a petrol engine with a manual gearbox, which is great for people who have just passed and want to hone their self-shifting skills. However, if your budget can stretch to the hybrid version you get a smooth engine and automatic gearbox that will be great on fuel.
Inside, the interior is stylish enough and feels really well screwed together. You get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard, as well as cruise control to make long journeys more relaxing.
One complaint, though, is rear seat space, which is really tight. Your mates will probably be fine for a short drive, but expect to rotate who’s riding shotgun up front on longer journeys if you want to avoid complaints.
The trade off for it being a squeeze in the back seats is that the boot is huge for a car of this size – at 391 litres you get more capacity than anything else in this list. It’s important to note, though, that if you go for the hybrid this falls to 301 litres to make space for the batteries, which drops it below most alternatives.
Both engines are really economical, with over 50mpg possible from the petrol engine if you’re taking it easy. It’s even better in the hybrid though, which should see over 60mpg in the real world. It’s the more powerful option, too, which means it’s easier to get up to speed on the motorway, while the automatic gearbox makes it more relaxing for inner-city traffic. The downside is that it’s more expensive to buy, so you need to figure out if the lower running costs offset the increased price, or if you're willing (or able) to pay a bit more for the privilege.
2. Skoda Fabia
Skoda Fabia review
Best for: Big car space
The Skoda Fabia is something of a head over heart purchase. While the Renault has some classic French flair, the Fabia has much more understated looks as well as a focus on comfort and practicality. It’s such an easy thing to live with that owners love them.
It’s easy to understand why, because you get the practicality of a bigger car without the associated running costs. Okay, at 380 litres the boot isn’t quite as big as the Clio’s, but the rear seats are much more generously spacious, so your mates won’t grumble on a road trip. There’s also an optional package that adds some extras like a cover to protect your bumper from dog claws, and all models get an umbrella hidden in the door and loads of storage in the cabin.
You’ll probably want to go for higher-spec SE L or Monte Carlo trims to get the bigger infotainment display, because the smaller one makes the cabin look a touch dated, though all but the entry-level trim get the excellent ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument display. All models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so even if you go for a basic trim you can mirror your smartphone’s apps and services.
Younger drivers might prefer something a bit more exciting on a twisty road, but your parents will certainly prefer the Fabia’s safe and secure driving characteristics. It really does feel like a big car out on the road – okay, so it doesn’t have the best sound insulation at higher speeds, but it’s comfy and planted on the motorway. You don’t get cruise control on every trim, though.
The basic 1.0-litre ‘MPI’ engine is the cheapest and least powerful option, but as a result it’s in insurance group 4E, by far the lowest of the bunch. However, if your budget allows, the 116hp option is a better all-rounder and is available with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.
The Skoda Fabia is something of a head over heart purchase. While the Renault has some classic French flair, the Fabia has much more understated looks as well as a focus on comfort and practicality. It’s such an easy thing to live with that owners love them.
It’s easy to understand why, because you get the practicality of a bigger car without the associated running costs. Okay, at 380 litres the boot isn’t quite as big as the Clio’s, but the rear seats are much more generously spacious, so your mates won’t grumble on a road trip. There’s also an optional package that adds some extras like a cover to protect your bumper from dog claws, and all models get an umbrella hidden in the door and loads of storage in the cabin.
You’ll probably want to go for higher-spec SE L or Monte Carlo trims to get the bigger infotainment display, because the smaller one makes the cabin look a touch dated, though all but the entry-level trim get the excellent ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument display. All models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so even if you go for a basic trim you can mirror your smartphone’s apps and services.
Younger drivers might prefer something a bit more exciting on a twisty road, but your parents will certainly prefer the Fabia’s safe and secure driving characteristics. It really does feel like a big car out on the road – okay, so it doesn’t have the best sound insulation at higher speeds, but it’s comfy and planted on the motorway. You don’t get cruise control on every trim, though.
The basic 1.0-litre ‘MPI’ engine is the cheapest and least powerful option, but as a result it’s in insurance group 4E, by far the lowest of the bunch. However, if your budget allows, the 116hp option is a better all-rounder and is available with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 201 miles
Best for: Affordable electric motoring
Electric cars are far too expensive for new drivers, right? Not necessarily, as the Citroen e-C3 proves. It’s a small electric SUV with a price to match some of the petrol-powered hatchbacks in this list – though there are some compromises as a result.
The main issue is range – officially it’s 199 miles to a charge and you’ll see a bit less in normal driving. And because it has no heat pump (which helps improve efficiency in winter, but would make the e-C3 more expensive) you’ll get much less than that in cold weather.
Charging speeds are reasonable at 100kW, if nothing to boast about. The small battery does mean that this will get you from 20-80% capacity in under half an hour, so if you do have to stop on the road it shouldn't be for long.
Still, if you’re not regularly road tripping there’s a whole lot to love about this funky Citroen. For a start it looks great – it’s a baby SUV that looks like anything but a budget car thanks to sleek lines and slim LED headlights.
Inside you can find where corners have been cut if you go looking for cheaper materials, but thanks to a clever mix of materials it doesn’t feel bargain basement, rather deliberately characterful. Tech is perfectly adequate too, with a nicely sized infotainment screen that runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Interior space is pretty good too. The tall body means there’s plenty of headroom for all passengers, while those in the back shouldn't have too many complaints about legroom. At 310 litres the boot is, again, reasonably sized. A BYD Dolphin is an electric alternative with a bit more space, but the Citroen’s boot is bigger than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric’s. You can fit a decent amount of stuff inside because of its deep shape.
Electric cars are far too expensive for new drivers, right? Not necessarily, as the Citroen e-C3 proves. It’s a small electric SUV with a price to match some of the petrol-powered hatchbacks in this list – though there are some compromises as a result.
The main issue is range – officially it’s 199 miles to a charge and you’ll see a bit less in normal driving. And because it has no heat pump (which helps improve efficiency in winter, but would make the e-C3 more expensive) you’ll get much less than that in cold weather.
Charging speeds are reasonable at 100kW, if nothing to boast about. The small battery does mean that this will get you from 20-80% capacity in under half an hour, so if you do have to stop on the road it shouldn't be for long.
Still, if you’re not regularly road tripping there’s a whole lot to love about this funky Citroen. For a start it looks great – it’s a baby SUV that looks like anything but a budget car thanks to sleek lines and slim LED headlights.
Inside you can find where corners have been cut if you go looking for cheaper materials, but thanks to a clever mix of materials it doesn’t feel bargain basement, rather deliberately characterful. Tech is perfectly adequate too, with a nicely sized infotainment screen that runs Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Interior space is pretty good too. The tall body means there’s plenty of headroom for all passengers, while those in the back shouldn't have too many complaints about legroom. At 310 litres the boot is, again, reasonably sized. A BYD Dolphin is an electric alternative with a bit more space, but the Citroen’s boot is bigger than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric’s. You can fit a decent amount of stuff inside because of its deep shape.
Battery range up to 252 miles
Best for: impressing your mates
The Renault 5 is a cracking little car. Where a lot of cheap, small cars feel just that, the Renault 5 punches far above its price bracket for charm and desirability. A Renault 5 wouldn’t look out of place in a London mews, at a country manor or in a university car park.
It’s a very handsome little car, smothered in 1970s and ‘80s design features, harking back to its iconic forebear of the same name. The same applies to the interior, where you get a two-tier dashboard trimmed in funky denim fabric and a crisp dual-screen setup perched on top.
Space up front is adequate, but adults in the back will feel cramped - particularly if they’re long-legged. You get a big boot as a result though, larger than the Citroen e-C3 and BYD Dolphin Surf.
With an insurance group of 18 to 22 depending on which trim level and battery you opt for, the Renault 5 probably isn’t the cheapest car to insure on this list, but if you can stretch a bit for a posher car then the 5 still won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
The Renault 5 is a cracking little car. Where a lot of cheap, small cars feel just that, the Renault 5 punches far above its price bracket for charm and desirability. A Renault 5 wouldn’t look out of place in a London mews, at a country manor or in a university car park.
It’s a very handsome little car, smothered in 1970s and ‘80s design features, harking back to its iconic forebear of the same name. The same applies to the interior, where you get a two-tier dashboard trimmed in funky denim fabric and a crisp dual-screen setup perched on top.
Space up front is adequate, but adults in the back will feel cramped - particularly if they’re long-legged. You get a big boot as a result though, larger than the Citroen e-C3 and BYD Dolphin Surf.
With an insurance group of 18 to 22 depending on which trim level and battery you opt for, the Renault 5 probably isn’t the cheapest car to insure on this list, but if you can stretch a bit for a posher car then the 5 still won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
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5. Hyundai i10
Hyundai i10 review
Best for: space for four
The Hyundai i10 is a genuinely good-looking small car that has genuine space for four people and incredibly low running costs.
There’s a choice of three engines, and the 1.0-litre turbocharged option at the top of the range is the pick of the bunch. It’s a slightly higher insurance group but if your budget will stretch that far it’s a perky engine that’s perfectly suited to the i10’s city car credentials.
However, the two lower-powered options are really cheap to insure and are likely to be your best bet for a first car. The automatic transmission is in insurance group two, meaning it’s the lowest of the bunch, but it’s a terrible gearbox that should be avoided. However, if you go for the 63hp or 79hp engines with a manual gearbox, they range from group three to six, so they’re also about as affordable as car insurance can get and will be really good on fuel too.
It’s not a purely financial decision in favour of the Hyundai i10, either. The cabin is a bit basic but the infotainment system works well enough, and there’s enough space for four adults to travel in comfort. The boot’s a bit small at 252 litres, but it’s not miles off most alternatives.
City driving is where the Hyundai i10 feels most comfortable thanks to light steering and good visibility, while also being surprisingly good fun on a twisty road. If you regularly go on the motorway you might find the lower-powered engines a bit too weedy, though.
The Hyundai i10 is a genuinely good-looking small car that has genuine space for four people and incredibly low running costs.
There’s a choice of three engines, and the 1.0-litre turbocharged option at the top of the range is the pick of the bunch. It’s a slightly higher insurance group but if your budget will stretch that far it’s a perky engine that’s perfectly suited to the i10’s city car credentials.
However, the two lower-powered options are really cheap to insure and are likely to be your best bet for a first car. The automatic transmission is in insurance group two, meaning it’s the lowest of the bunch, but it’s a terrible gearbox that should be avoided. However, if you go for the 63hp or 79hp engines with a manual gearbox, they range from group three to six, so they’re also about as affordable as car insurance can get and will be really good on fuel too.
It’s not a purely financial decision in favour of the Hyundai i10, either. The cabin is a bit basic but the infotainment system works well enough, and there’s enough space for four adults to travel in comfort. The boot’s a bit small at 252 litres, but it’s not miles off most alternatives.
City driving is where the Hyundai i10 feels most comfortable thanks to light steering and good visibility, while also being surprisingly good fun on a twisty road. If you regularly go on the motorway you might find the lower-powered engines a bit too weedy, though.
6. MG3
MG MG3 review
Best for: Low hybrid fuel costs
Let’s be frank: the old MG3 was a pretty terrible car. However, this new one is completely different and more than worthy of consideration as a first car, particularly thanks to its clever hybrid engine that means fuel costs should be super-cheap.
It’s a self-charging hybrid, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in. However, it has a bigger battery than most hybrids and relies more on the electric motors, which not only means it’s really good on fuel, it also means inner-city driving is quiet and smooth. We saw just over 50mpg in our time with the car, and while you’re likely to get closer to 60mpg in a Toyota Yaris Cross, it’s still a mighty respectable figure.
Inside it does feel a bit cheap, but much like the Citroen e-C3, its design hides this well. The simple, minimalist design isn’t particularly interesting but it has an understated, classy feel. The downside to this minimalism is that most functions are controlled through the touchscreen, which is a bit clunky and tricky to use on the move.
The only real issue with this car is the high insurance group it falls into, which could make it too expensive for many young drivers. The low purchase price and fuel costs might offset this, so it’s worth getting a few quotes first.
Let’s be frank: the old MG3 was a pretty terrible car. However, this new one is completely different and more than worthy of consideration as a first car, particularly thanks to its clever hybrid engine that means fuel costs should be super-cheap.
It’s a self-charging hybrid, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in. However, it has a bigger battery than most hybrids and relies more on the electric motors, which not only means it’s really good on fuel, it also means inner-city driving is quiet and smooth. We saw just over 50mpg in our time with the car, and while you’re likely to get closer to 60mpg in a Toyota Yaris Cross, it’s still a mighty respectable figure.
Inside it does feel a bit cheap, but much like the Citroen e-C3, its design hides this well. The simple, minimalist design isn’t particularly interesting but it has an understated, classy feel. The downside to this minimalism is that most functions are controlled through the touchscreen, which is a bit clunky and tricky to use on the move.
The only real issue with this car is the high insurance group it falls into, which could make it too expensive for many young drivers. The low purchase price and fuel costs might offset this, so it’s worth getting a few quotes first.
7. Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo review
Best for: Big car refinement
If you want your small car to feel a bit like a big car, then the Volkswagen Polo should be top of your shopping list. It’s anything but exciting to drive, but it feels safe, secure and refined, and as a result few cars on this list are as quiet and comfortable to drive long distances on the motorway.
Its looks are understated, but that gives it a more sensible image than some of the more funky-looking cars in this list. Coupled with the badge appeal that comes with a Volkswagen, that might make it particularly appealing if you’re passing your test later in life and want something sensible for the office car park.
This continues inside because the interior looks great and is full of quality materials, and it’s almost as roomy as the larger Golf, which means your mates won’t complain in the back seats. The boot is on the more spacious side of average, too.
Despite its upmarket image, the Polo is available with the same 80hp petrol engine as the Skoda Fabia, which puts it in one of the lowest insurance groups. If you can afford to run one of the punchier engines they’ll be more pleasant to live with, but that lower-powered engine could make a huge difference to your insurance premium.
If you want your small car to feel a bit like a big car, then the Volkswagen Polo should be top of your shopping list. It’s anything but exciting to drive, but it feels safe, secure and refined, and as a result few cars on this list are as quiet and comfortable to drive long distances on the motorway.
Its looks are understated, but that gives it a more sensible image than some of the more funky-looking cars in this list. Coupled with the badge appeal that comes with a Volkswagen, that might make it particularly appealing if you’re passing your test later in life and want something sensible for the office car park.
This continues inside because the interior looks great and is full of quality materials, and it’s almost as roomy as the larger Golf, which means your mates won’t complain in the back seats. The boot is on the more spacious side of average, too.
Despite its upmarket image, the Polo is available with the same 80hp petrol engine as the Skoda Fabia, which puts it in one of the lowest insurance groups. If you can afford to run one of the punchier engines they’ll be more pleasant to live with, but that lower-powered engine could make a huge difference to your insurance premium.
8. Dacia Sandero
Dacia Sandero review
Best for: No frills affordability
The Dacia Sandero is the UK’s cheapest new car, historically because you didn’t get much more than four wheels and a steering wheel. It’s hardly gone posh, but these days the Sandero is a genuinely good-looking small car, with big-car space on the inside and a cabin that’s simple, functional, and no longer looks decades out of date. Yet it’s still an absolute bargain.
It’s a great option for a first car because there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, so it’s easy to get into a comfortable driving position, while the big windows offer great visibility to make it easier to navigate about town.
Engine choices are simple, because you have a 1.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox, offered in petrol or LPG bi-fuel form, and that’s it. The former will suit most people more and you should see over 50mpg without trying. (The more rugged SUV-ish Sandero Stepway is available with an automatic gearbox on its top-spec trim if you’d prefer that.)
It’s really spacious inside, and two adults can sit comfortably in the rear seats, meaning it’s also one of the better small cars if you have a child seat. The boot is perfectly adequate at 328 litres, so you’re not really penalised on luggage capacity for those roomy rear seats, which is nice.
The Dacia Sandero is the UK’s cheapest new car, historically because you didn’t get much more than four wheels and a steering wheel. It’s hardly gone posh, but these days the Sandero is a genuinely good-looking small car, with big-car space on the inside and a cabin that’s simple, functional, and no longer looks decades out of date. Yet it’s still an absolute bargain.
It’s a great option for a first car because there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, so it’s easy to get into a comfortable driving position, while the big windows offer great visibility to make it easier to navigate about town.
Engine choices are simple, because you have a 1.0-litre engine with a manual gearbox, offered in petrol or LPG bi-fuel form, and that’s it. The former will suit most people more and you should see over 50mpg without trying. (The more rugged SUV-ish Sandero Stepway is available with an automatic gearbox on its top-spec trim if you’d prefer that.)
It’s really spacious inside, and two adults can sit comfortably in the rear seats, meaning it’s also one of the better small cars if you have a child seat. The boot is perfectly adequate at 328 litres, so you’re not really penalised on luggage capacity for those roomy rear seats, which is nice.
9. SEAT Ibiza
SEAT Ibiza review
Best for: First car fun
The SEAT Ibiza has long been a great choice for first cars, because it has always had a youthful charm to its styling. While the likes of the Volkswagen Polo look safe and grown up, the latest Ibiza in particular has a fun, sporty look that’s perfect for young drivers.
Perfect, because while it looks sporty, it still gets the small-capacity, low-powered engines that will keep parents, and perhaps even more important, insurance companies happy. While it shares much of its mechanical make-up with the Skoda Fabia, it doesn’t get the really insurance-friendly engine that car gets, but the 95hp option still won’t break the bank.
The cabin is starting to feel a bit old now, but there are some cool angles and splashes of colour that mean it’s still a perfectly pleasant place to be, and feels a bit more like a hot hatch than the plain cabins of alternatives.
Base models get an 8.3-inch touchscreen (which is better than the old car’s tiny screen that looked like it had been borrowed from an old mobile phone), but all other models get a slightly better 9.2-inch display with sat nav built in.
The lower-powered engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, which is fine around town and for having a bit of fun on a twisty road. However, it could be worth paying the extra for the 115hp engine if you do a lot of motorway miles, because you get a sixth gear for better economy and refinement at higher speeds. There’s an auto option too, but you’ll be paying more again up front for this.
The SEAT Ibiza has long been a great choice for first cars, because it has always had a youthful charm to its styling. While the likes of the Volkswagen Polo look safe and grown up, the latest Ibiza in particular has a fun, sporty look that’s perfect for young drivers.
Perfect, because while it looks sporty, it still gets the small-capacity, low-powered engines that will keep parents, and perhaps even more important, insurance companies happy. While it shares much of its mechanical make-up with the Skoda Fabia, it doesn’t get the really insurance-friendly engine that car gets, but the 95hp option still won’t break the bank.
The cabin is starting to feel a bit old now, but there are some cool angles and splashes of colour that mean it’s still a perfectly pleasant place to be, and feels a bit more like a hot hatch than the plain cabins of alternatives.
Base models get an 8.3-inch touchscreen (which is better than the old car’s tiny screen that looked like it had been borrowed from an old mobile phone), but all other models get a slightly better 9.2-inch display with sat nav built in.
The lower-powered engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, which is fine around town and for having a bit of fun on a twisty road. However, it could be worth paying the extra for the 115hp engine if you do a lot of motorway miles, because you get a sixth gear for better economy and refinement at higher speeds. There’s an auto option too, but you’ll be paying more again up front for this.
10. BYD Dolphin Surf
BYD Dolphin Surf review
Battery range up to 200 miles
Best for: affordable standard kit
The BYD Dolphin Surf isn’t just one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, it’s one of the cheapest motors you can buy at the minute, full stop. It’s noticeably cheaper than the Citroen e-C3, and though the small Citroen is better to drive, the Dolphin Surf is far better equipped.
It looks funky too, with loads of sharp angles and pointy corners all over its upright body; the Dolphin Surf is a little head-tuner, especially in tennis-ball yellow.
The interior isn’t quite as eye-catching, but with standard-fit touchscreen infotainment, adaptive, lane-keeping cruise control, heated seats and rear-view camera, you can forgive the cheap cabin materials and glare-inducing dashboard.
There’s enough space for four adults to sit in comfort in the Dolphin Surf, and a decent boot with a useful amount of underfloor storage to keep your charging cables hidden away.
Active or Boost trim levels are in insurance group 14A, while the faster and more expensive Dolphin Surf Comfort range topper sits in group 19D. The sweet spot is the Boost, which has the longest range of all the models at 200 miles.
You can really feel the cost savings when behind the wheel of the small BYD, because you get bounced around over rough roads and it’s too noisy on the motorway. It is fun to chuck around tight bends though, so it’s not all bad.
The BYD Dolphin Surf isn’t just one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, it’s one of the cheapest motors you can buy at the minute, full stop. It’s noticeably cheaper than the Citroen e-C3, and though the small Citroen is better to drive, the Dolphin Surf is far better equipped.
It looks funky too, with loads of sharp angles and pointy corners all over its upright body; the Dolphin Surf is a little head-tuner, especially in tennis-ball yellow.
The interior isn’t quite as eye-catching, but with standard-fit touchscreen infotainment, adaptive, lane-keeping cruise control, heated seats and rear-view camera, you can forgive the cheap cabin materials and glare-inducing dashboard.
There’s enough space for four adults to sit in comfort in the Dolphin Surf, and a decent boot with a useful amount of underfloor storage to keep your charging cables hidden away.
Active or Boost trim levels are in insurance group 14A, while the faster and more expensive Dolphin Surf Comfort range topper sits in group 19D. The sweet spot is the Boost, which has the longest range of all the models at 200 miles.
You can really feel the cost savings when behind the wheel of the small BYD, because you get bounced around over rough roads and it’s too noisy on the motorway. It is fun to chuck around tight bends though, so it’s not all bad.
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How to choose the best first car for you
Insurance groups
Insurance is going to be the most prohibitive cost associated with buying a first car, particularly if you’re a young driver, because those under the age of 25 and those lacking experience behind the wheel are considered the highest risk by insurers.
As such, unless you have a massive budget, you’re going to have to stay away from expensive, powerful cars for a while.
There are 50 insurance groups, with one being the cheapest to insure and 50 being the most expensive. Cars in the lowest insurance groups will typically be smaller and less expensive than average, with low-powered engines.
Size
It’s always tempting to run before you can walk, but it can be a good idea to start off with smaller cars that are easier to judge the dimensions of on the road rather than jumping straight into something bigger. Insurance costs will typically limit new drivers to smaller cars anyway, but even if you have the budget for something bigger, consider holding off on that purchase until you’re more experienced unless you really need the space.
New or used
A new car can make for a great first car. There are excellent deals to be found whether buying with cash, finance or leasing, and you’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if anything goes wrong.
However, you could also consider buying a used car that’s probably going to be cheaper to buy and repair if something goes wrong. That’s important to think about – as a new driver you’re more likely to damage something, which could be more expensive to deal with in a new model.
