Compare the best first cars
Browse a selection of suitable first and learner cars from rated and reviewed dealers
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.
2025
Smart Spender Award
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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