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Top Cars For New Drivers
26 Feb 2024
If you've just passed your driving test, congratulations! Plunging into the world of driving really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we always encourage new drivers to enjoy every step of the journey, from collecting your pass certificate to announcing the news, and choosing your first car.
If you’re on the hunt for a used car and find yourself struggling to decide between all the many manufacturers out there, then we’re here to help out! We’ve picked our top seven vehicles that are perfect for new drivers.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 has quickly established its place as a firm favourite for first-time drivers. Its unique retro styling, affordability, and advanced safety systems make it a practical and stylish choice for new drivers.
Running and maintenance costs are affordable, and its ability to hold its resale value reasonable well make it a wise choice for a new driver.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa has always been a safe option for new drivers, for its range of efficient engines and generous range of standard equipment. It’s enjoyable to drive and easy to park due to its compact size, making it perfect for new drivers driving around town or commuting.
Vauxhall designed the Corsa with the driver in mind, as the adjustable aspects of the driver’s space such as the steering wheel and seat makes the adaptability convenient for anyone to drive. The quality of the Corsa’s cabin is comparable with the likes of Mini and Audi.
Ford Fiesta
For many first-time drivers, the Ford Fiesta is the go-to model. Not only is it stylish, it’s fun to drive, has great fuel economy, and comes with a variety of equipment as standard. It has a five-star NCAP safety rating, giving you great peace of mind, and is a reliable model.
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Golf often overshadows the Polo, but the Polo is not to be underestimated. It has been trusted by young drivers for generations, and is the epitome of a perfect car for first-time drivers. It’s reliable, looks amazing, has a comfortable interior, and features the necessary modern tech.
Its range of economical petrol engines make it affordable, and it’s one of the safest cars you can get with its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It comes with a number of safety features as standard, such as cruise control, hill start assist, lane keep assist, and a driver alert system.
Seat Ibiza
The Seat Ibiza offers many of the same safety qualities as the Polo, but in a more stylish and sporty body. It’s spacious in both the cabin and the rear, and offers a comfortable and well-made interior. The infotainment system features smartphone integration, which is sharp, responsive, and simple to navigate.
As well as the additional space in the cabin, the Ibiza has a competitive boot size, adding to its convenience and practicality. As standard, you’ll get a good amount of safety assistance tech, such as cruise control and speed limiter.
Renault Clio
With its high quality interior, stylish design, and generous boot space, the Renault Clio is a firm favourite among new drivers. It’s affordable without sacrificing its style and practicality, and is competitively spacious in comparison with similar hatchbacks.
The portrait-orientated infotainment screen includes smartphone integration, and fits in nicely alongside the sweeping dashboard with modern air vents and premium knobs and dials.
Peugeot 208
The cabin of the Peugeot 208 is stylish and distinctive, it is fun to drive, and it’s spacious. The seven-inch infotainment system includes DAB Radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering modernity and convenience for today’s young drivers.
The 208 scored four stars in the EURO NCAP safety assessment, and includes automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and a lane departure warning system as standard.
Tips and advice
Buying your first car can be overwhelming. There’s a whole world of different models to choose from, and once you start comparing things like insurance premiums and road tax costs, it can get a bit much.
We suggest that to find the right car for you, you need to find a model that suits your needs as a driver. For example, will you be using your car for commuting? Do you require a big boot space? The main thing to consider when choosing a car is safety, affordability, reliability, and practicality.