Last updated March 14, 2025 by
Darren Cassey
Best cheap new cars 2025: affordable electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel cars on a budget
Cars are getting more and more expensive and the cost of living crisis is making it harder than ever to justify splashing out on an expensive new vehicle. But fear not, although prices seem to only be increasing, there are still some fantastic deals to be had – and this list of the best cheap cars available today has something for everyone.
Carwow’s expert car reviews team has tested all of the cheapest new cars on sale today to compile this list of the very best. And don’t think that just because you’re considering a cheap car it has to be a little city runaround – there are estates, SUVs and even an electric car in our recommendations.
Although affordable electric cars are slowly making their way on sale, cheap cars tend to be petrol-powered, though in some cases you can spend a bit more and get an affordable hybrid that will keep your running costs even lower.
It’s also worth noting that the starting price for each of these cars will be the most basic version, so they will typically have the least powerful engine and fewest creature comforts – though you often don’t have to spend a huge amount more to get things like cruise control, heated seats and the like.
Below we’ll not only highlight the best cheap cars, but also what kit you’re getting for your cash.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: seven-seat bargain
The Dacia Jogger is an oddball in the best kind of way. It’s a combination of an SUV and an estate, looks quite handsome from some angles or plain vanilla from others, and costs about as much as some small hatchbacks despite having seven usable seats on board. It’s essentially an MPV, but somehow cooler.
It’s impossible to get more space for the cash, so if you’ve got a big or growing family the Jogger is a fantastic option. Clever packaging means that while seats six and seven are in the boot, you actually get more space back there than you do in bigger SUVs.
Don’t need all seven seats? You can fold that third row forward (or remove it completely) and open up a massive boot – up to 700 litres – which means you have all the space you need for the family’s sports equipment or luggage for a weekend away.
To get all this space for such little money means there are trade offs, and the key one is the interior. It feels pretty cheap inside, with hard-wearing plastics rather than soft, plush materials. The upside is that your fixtures and fittings will stand up to the rigours of family life over time.
You don’t get much kit in base models, either. There are basics like air conditioning and rear parking sensors, while cruise control is a bit of a luxury that’s included as standard – but you don’t get an infotainment screen at all. Instead, there’s a clamp for your phone on the dashboard, with a Dacia app for basic functions.
The most basic model is only available with a 110hp petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, though this combination rather struggles to summon up enough grunt when the car’s fully loaded.
If you can find an extra £4,000-plus, the hybrid engine is much better – it’s more powerful yet more economical, and comes with an automatic gearbox, which is particularly useful when driving in stop-start traffic. It’s available from the mid-spec trim, which adds an infotainment display and keyless entry – and although it doesn’t look like quite such a bargain, it’s still a lot of car for your money.
The Dacia Jogger is an oddball in the best kind of way. It’s a combination of an SUV and an estate, looks quite handsome from some angles or plain vanilla from others, and costs about as much as some small hatchbacks despite having seven usable seats on board. It’s essentially an MPV, but somehow cooler.
It’s impossible to get more space for the cash, so if you’ve got a big or growing family the Jogger is a fantastic option. Clever packaging means that while seats six and seven are in the boot, you actually get more space back there than you do in bigger SUVs.
Don’t need all seven seats? You can fold that third row forward (or remove it completely) and open up a massive boot – up to 700 litres – which means you have all the space you need for the family’s sports equipment or luggage for a weekend away.
To get all this space for such little money means there are trade offs, and the key one is the interior. It feels pretty cheap inside, with hard-wearing plastics rather than soft, plush materials. The upside is that your fixtures and fittings will stand up to the rigours of family life over time.
You don’t get much kit in base models, either. There are basics like air conditioning and rear parking sensors, while cruise control is a bit of a luxury that’s included as standard – but you don’t get an infotainment screen at all. Instead, there’s a clamp for your phone on the dashboard, with a Dacia app for basic functions.
The most basic model is only available with a 110hp petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, though this combination rather struggles to summon up enough grunt when the car’s fully loaded.
If you can find an extra £4,000-plus, the hybrid engine is much better – it’s more powerful yet more economical, and comes with an automatic gearbox, which is particularly useful when driving in stop-start traffic. It’s available from the mid-spec trim, which adds an infotainment display and keyless entry – and although it doesn’t look like quite such a bargain, it’s still a lot of car for your money.
2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: affordable chic
The Renault Clio is the perfect option if you’re looking to save cash on a car, but you don’t want it to look like you’ve picked a money saving option.
That’s because the Clio looks fantastic, even in its entry level trim, with smart vertical daytime running lights and sharp lines in the front bumper. You get some extra design flourishes, such as chrome trim and detailing in the grille, as you go up the range, but even then it remains an affordable car.
Equipment is pretty good, with standard-fit cruise control, rear parking sensors and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on Evolution models. Step up to Techno and you get bigger alloy wheels and a rear parking camera, while Esprit Alpine models get a sporty exterior makeover, bigger and better screens for the infotainment screen and driver display, and adaptive cruise control.
Inside you could easily mistake the Clio for a small car from a posher brand, thanks to the sweeping dashboard design, neatly integrated air vents and metal-effect dials for the climate control. Cheaper materials can be found low down in the cabin, but everything you regularly touch is of impressive quality.
It’s spacious in the front, but those in the back seats will find things much more cramped. On the flip side, the 391-litre boot is excellent for a car of this size, though you do lose a bit of capacity if you go for the hybrid.
The cheapest models come with a 90hp petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, which is fine for this sort of car the majority of the time, but if you can find the extra £3,000 for the hybrid engine, it’s more relaxing to drive around town thanks to the electric motor and automatic gearbox, as well as having more power for motorway driving.
Whichever engine you go for, the Clio is most at home in town, where its small dimensions and good visibility make it easy to navigate tight streets. The suspension makes you jiggle about over bumps more than a Volkswagen Polo though, and it lacks some refinement at high speeds too.
The Renault Clio is the perfect option if you’re looking to save cash on a car, but you don’t want it to look like you’ve picked a money saving option.
That’s because the Clio looks fantastic, even in its entry level trim, with smart vertical daytime running lights and sharp lines in the front bumper. You get some extra design flourishes, such as chrome trim and detailing in the grille, as you go up the range, but even then it remains an affordable car.
Equipment is pretty good, with standard-fit cruise control, rear parking sensors and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on Evolution models. Step up to Techno and you get bigger alloy wheels and a rear parking camera, while Esprit Alpine models get a sporty exterior makeover, bigger and better screens for the infotainment screen and driver display, and adaptive cruise control.
Inside you could easily mistake the Clio for a small car from a posher brand, thanks to the sweeping dashboard design, neatly integrated air vents and metal-effect dials for the climate control. Cheaper materials can be found low down in the cabin, but everything you regularly touch is of impressive quality.
It’s spacious in the front, but those in the back seats will find things much more cramped. On the flip side, the 391-litre boot is excellent for a car of this size, though you do lose a bit of capacity if you go for the hybrid.
The cheapest models come with a 90hp petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, which is fine for this sort of car the majority of the time, but if you can find the extra £3,000 for the hybrid engine, it’s more relaxing to drive around town thanks to the electric motor and automatic gearbox, as well as having more power for motorway driving.
Whichever engine you go for, the Clio is most at home in town, where its small dimensions and good visibility make it easy to navigate tight streets. The suspension makes you jiggle about over bumps more than a Volkswagen Polo though, and it lacks some refinement at high speeds too.
2025
Smart Spender Award
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: off-roading for cheap
The Dacia Duster has always been synonymous with affordable off-roading, but the latest version takes that winning recipe and sprinkles more refinement to make it easier to live with every day.
To keep the price down for entry-level Essential models you do have to go without some creature comforts, namely the built-in infotainment system – instead you get a smartphone holder and a Dacia app for all your basic functions. Everything you need, but it does feel a touch spartan inside, particularly with the analogue dials.
Budget allowing, it’s worth paying about £2,500 extra for the Expression trim, which adds a digital driver’s display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is slicker than anything seen in a Dacia before. It also displays a rear parking camera.
Entry level versions are only available with two-wheel drive, but if you want off-road-friendly four-wheel drive it’s available on all other trims, as is a city-friendly hybrid, though this does start pushing prices up.
That said, even a fully loaded hybrid is reasonably priced compared with other SUVs, and the Dacia Duster can more than hold its own on a tough green lane. Sure, it will struggle with the more hardcore features of your local off-road centre, but we’ve found its light weight and four-wheel drive system help it scamper over rough terrain and up muddy inclines just as comfortably as the bigger, pricier Toyota Land Cruiser.
That doesn’t mean it’s not also a decent family SUV if you never plan to take it off the beaten track. It’s not perfectly at home in the city thanks to poor visibility, but it performs well enough, especially with the hybrid engine, which lets you pootle about on the silent electric motor. Things feel secure and stable at higher speeds, if a little noisy.
Where the Duster really wins points is bang for your buck. The rugged exterior styling gives it character, it’s spacious inside and has some clever practicality touches, such as the YouClip system, which uses mounting points around the cabin that let you attach things like clamps, phone holders or even lights. Neat.
The Dacia Duster has always been synonymous with affordable off-roading, but the latest version takes that winning recipe and sprinkles more refinement to make it easier to live with every day.
To keep the price down for entry-level Essential models you do have to go without some creature comforts, namely the built-in infotainment system – instead you get a smartphone holder and a Dacia app for all your basic functions. Everything you need, but it does feel a touch spartan inside, particularly with the analogue dials.
Budget allowing, it’s worth paying about £2,500 extra for the Expression trim, which adds a digital driver’s display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, which is slicker than anything seen in a Dacia before. It also displays a rear parking camera.
Entry level versions are only available with two-wheel drive, but if you want off-road-friendly four-wheel drive it’s available on all other trims, as is a city-friendly hybrid, though this does start pushing prices up.
That said, even a fully loaded hybrid is reasonably priced compared with other SUVs, and the Dacia Duster can more than hold its own on a tough green lane. Sure, it will struggle with the more hardcore features of your local off-road centre, but we’ve found its light weight and four-wheel drive system help it scamper over rough terrain and up muddy inclines just as comfortably as the bigger, pricier Toyota Land Cruiser.
That doesn’t mean it’s not also a decent family SUV if you never plan to take it off the beaten track. It’s not perfectly at home in the city thanks to poor visibility, but it performs well enough, especially with the hybrid engine, which lets you pootle about on the silent electric motor. Things feel secure and stable at higher speeds, if a little noisy.
Where the Duster really wins points is bang for your buck. The rugged exterior styling gives it character, it’s spacious inside and has some clever practicality touches, such as the YouClip system, which uses mounting points around the cabin that let you attach things like clamps, phone holders or even lights. Neat.
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2025
Smart Spender Award
Highly Commended
Battery range up to 199 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: affordable electric motoring
Buying an electric car doesn’t have to break the bank, as proved by the Citroen e-C3. There are some compromises to keep the cost low, but if you’re not doing mega miles on the regular it’s a fantastic electric city car.
For a start, it looks great, with baby SUV looks giving it a hint of rugged appeal despite the fact it’s unlikely to ever venture further off-road than a gravel driveway. Meanwhile the interior uses a clever mix of materials to hide the fact it’s clearly been built to a budget, such as the strip of fabric across the dashboard.
Despite the low cost you get pretty good kit as standard, such as a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that is pretty basic but covers all the essentials, and can be bypassed with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s also LED headlights, a head-up display and rear parking sensors.
You only have the choice of two trims, and for about £2,500 extra the top-spec model adds heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and a heated windscreen.
Both trims come with a 113hp motor and the same battery pack that offers a range of up to 199 miles in official tests, though our time with the car indicates this is more likely to be around 160 miles in the real world. That’s likely to drop further in winter too, because you can’t get the e-C3 with a heat pump to improve cold weather range, which is a shame.
Buying an electric car doesn’t have to break the bank, as proved by the Citroen e-C3. There are some compromises to keep the cost low, but if you’re not doing mega miles on the regular it’s a fantastic electric city car.
For a start, it looks great, with baby SUV looks giving it a hint of rugged appeal despite the fact it’s unlikely to ever venture further off-road than a gravel driveway. Meanwhile the interior uses a clever mix of materials to hide the fact it’s clearly been built to a budget, such as the strip of fabric across the dashboard.
Despite the low cost you get pretty good kit as standard, such as a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that is pretty basic but covers all the essentials, and can be bypassed with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s also LED headlights, a head-up display and rear parking sensors.
You only have the choice of two trims, and for about £2,500 extra the top-spec model adds heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and a heated windscreen.
Both trims come with a 113hp motor and the same battery pack that offers a range of up to 199 miles in official tests, though our time with the car indicates this is more likely to be around 160 miles in the real world. That’s likely to drop further in winter too, because you can’t get the e-C3 with a heat pump to improve cold weather range, which is a shame.
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Best for: big car feel
If you’re after a small car that doesn’t feel like a small car, the Skoda Fabia should be top of your shopping list.
It’s always been a head over heart purchase, the Fabia, but therein lies its appeal. It’s a simple, no fuss hatchback that offers sensible practicality other similarly sized cars could only dream of.
That’s best demonstrated in the boot, which at 380 litres is bigger than you’ll find in the Volkswagen Polo. The Renault Clio offers more capacity, but then it’s not as roomy for passengers; the Fabia allows four adults to travel in comfort.
Basic SE models get some decent equipment such as an 8.3-inch infotainment system, LED headlights and keyless entry and start. And while most budget cars limit your engine options on the entry-level trim, the Fabia has a choice of four engines and transmissions. All are petrol-powered, but the entry-level 80hp option should be avoided if your budget can stretch to one of the more powerful alternatives. The priciest option is the 116hp engine with an automatic gearbox.
If you can stretch to an SE L Edition model, you get the bigger, better 9.2-inch infotainment screen and the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display. However, if you’re doing that, it’s only about £500 more to get the top-spec Monte Carlo Edition, which also adds some sporty design touches.
Even if you go for this model, the Fabia isn’t exactly sporty to drive, but it soaks up bumps nicely around town and is more quiet and refined on the motorway than most small cars.
If you’re after a small car that doesn’t feel like a small car, the Skoda Fabia should be top of your shopping list.
It’s always been a head over heart purchase, the Fabia, but therein lies its appeal. It’s a simple, no fuss hatchback that offers sensible practicality other similarly sized cars could only dream of.
That’s best demonstrated in the boot, which at 380 litres is bigger than you’ll find in the Volkswagen Polo. The Renault Clio offers more capacity, but then it’s not as roomy for passengers; the Fabia allows four adults to travel in comfort.
Basic SE models get some decent equipment such as an 8.3-inch infotainment system, LED headlights and keyless entry and start. And while most budget cars limit your engine options on the entry-level trim, the Fabia has a choice of four engines and transmissions. All are petrol-powered, but the entry-level 80hp option should be avoided if your budget can stretch to one of the more powerful alternatives. The priciest option is the 116hp engine with an automatic gearbox.
If you can stretch to an SE L Edition model, you get the bigger, better 9.2-inch infotainment screen and the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display. However, if you’re doing that, it’s only about £500 more to get the top-spec Monte Carlo Edition, which also adds some sporty design touches.
Even if you go for this model, the Fabia isn’t exactly sporty to drive, but it soaks up bumps nicely around town and is more quiet and refined on the motorway than most small cars.
2025
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended
What's good
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Best for: family practicality
Okay, the Citroen C5 Aircross might be stretching the ‘cheap car’ ethos a bit, but because you get so much for your money it feels worthy of being highlighted. It’s also the only car in this list that’s available with a diesel engine.
So why is it such good value? For a start, because of its size. This is not a small car, but even compared with similarly sized alternatives the boot is impressive – 580 litres in its standard configuration. However, if you don’t have anyone in the rear seats you can slide the bench forward to open up a cavernous 720-litre boot space. A Hyundai Tucson has 620 litres, but it costs quite a bit more.
Standard kit is decent, with a 10.0-inch infotainment display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument display, and some useful safety kit such as lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
There are three engine options, a diesel, a mild-hybrid petrol and a plug-in hybrid. The latter is pricey enough to disregard if you’re trying to keep costs low, but there’s not too much difference in price between the other two engines, so go for the diesel if you do a lot of motorway miles, or the petrol if you tend to stick to your local area.
Okay, the Citroen C5 Aircross might be stretching the ‘cheap car’ ethos a bit, but because you get so much for your money it feels worthy of being highlighted. It’s also the only car in this list that’s available with a diesel engine.
So why is it such good value? For a start, because of its size. This is not a small car, but even compared with similarly sized alternatives the boot is impressive – 580 litres in its standard configuration. However, if you don’t have anyone in the rear seats you can slide the bench forward to open up a cavernous 720-litre boot space. A Hyundai Tucson has 620 litres, but it costs quite a bit more.
Standard kit is decent, with a 10.0-inch infotainment display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument display, and some useful safety kit such as lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
There are three engine options, a diesel, a mild-hybrid petrol and a plug-in hybrid. The latter is pricey enough to disregard if you’re trying to keep costs low, but there’s not too much difference in price between the other two engines, so go for the diesel if you do a lot of motorway miles, or the petrol if you tend to stick to your local area.
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What’s not so good
Best for: powerful hybrid goodness
Hybrids are a kind of halfway house between electric cars and combustion-engined models, but the MG3 is more so than most. That’s because it uses a more powerful electric motor than your typical hybrid, and the petrol engine is mostly there as backup to keep the batteries topped up.
The advantage of this is, naturally, punchy acceleration, but also means you get the smooth running of an electric car. The downside is that sometimes the engine can be really noisy as it battles to keep the battery charged. Fuel economy is fine – we saw around 55mpg in town driving – but you’d see better from more traditional hybrid setups in the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
That hybrid is the sole engine option, so your only choice is one of two trims. The entry level feels like great value as it comes with a 10.3-inch infotainment display, digital driver’s screen and MG Pilot, which is MG’s suite of driver assistance tech such as adaptive cruise control. That alone is great for a small car at this price.
Whichever model you go for the interior has a nice minimalist appearance and is solidly screwed together. If you’re upgrading from the old MG3 it’s going to feel like a luxury car by comparison. The only real complaint is the infotainment system, which can be a bit fiddly to use.
Despite being at its best in town, where you can really maximise the benefits of the hybrid engine, the MG3 is also really good fun to drive on a twisty road.
Hybrids are a kind of halfway house between electric cars and combustion-engined models, but the MG3 is more so than most. That’s because it uses a more powerful electric motor than your typical hybrid, and the petrol engine is mostly there as backup to keep the batteries topped up.
The advantage of this is, naturally, punchy acceleration, but also means you get the smooth running of an electric car. The downside is that sometimes the engine can be really noisy as it battles to keep the battery charged. Fuel economy is fine – we saw around 55mpg in town driving – but you’d see better from more traditional hybrid setups in the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
That hybrid is the sole engine option, so your only choice is one of two trims. The entry level feels like great value as it comes with a 10.3-inch infotainment display, digital driver’s screen and MG Pilot, which is MG’s suite of driver assistance tech such as adaptive cruise control. That alone is great for a small car at this price.
Whichever model you go for the interior has a nice minimalist appearance and is solidly screwed together. If you’re upgrading from the old MG3 it’s going to feel like a luxury car by comparison. The only real complaint is the infotainment system, which can be a bit fiddly to use.
Despite being at its best in town, where you can really maximise the benefits of the hybrid engine, the MG3 is also really good fun to drive on a twisty road.
Battery range up to 28 miles
What's good
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Best for: easy-to-use infotainment
The Renault Captur could so easily be just another small, hybrid SUV – but it’s genuinely stylish and really practical, meaning you get head-turning looks without stomach-turning running costs.
As well as the smart exterior, you get a solid interior that comfortably matches German alternatives for build quality. Interior space is a touch hit and miss – it’s fine for those in the front, while those in the back should be happy enough so long as you don’t try to squeeze three in. The ISOFIX mounting points are a bit of a faff to get to, though. Fortunately all is redeemed in the boot, because at 484 litres there’s enough for a weekly shop and your kids’ sports gear at the same time.
Although the hybrid engine is better around town, thanks to its automatic transmission and potential for electric driving, if you’re looking to cut costs the cheapest version comes with a 90hp petrol engine and manual gearbox.
Stepping up to the mid-spec Techno trim should be your target if the costs make sense, because then you get built-in Google services for the infotainment system. As a result, you get one of the easier-to-use infotainment systems on the market, and means you don’t necessarily need to connect your phone for music streaming and maps.
The Renault Captur could so easily be just another small, hybrid SUV – but it’s genuinely stylish and really practical, meaning you get head-turning looks without stomach-turning running costs.
As well as the smart exterior, you get a solid interior that comfortably matches German alternatives for build quality. Interior space is a touch hit and miss – it’s fine for those in the front, while those in the back should be happy enough so long as you don’t try to squeeze three in. The ISOFIX mounting points are a bit of a faff to get to, though. Fortunately all is redeemed in the boot, because at 484 litres there’s enough for a weekly shop and your kids’ sports gear at the same time.
Although the hybrid engine is better around town, thanks to its automatic transmission and potential for electric driving, if you’re looking to cut costs the cheapest version comes with a 90hp petrol engine and manual gearbox.
Stepping up to the mid-spec Techno trim should be your target if the costs make sense, because then you get built-in Google services for the infotainment system. As a result, you get one of the easier-to-use infotainment systems on the market, and means you don’t necessarily need to connect your phone for music streaming and maps.
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What’s not so good
Best for: no frills
Good news! The Dacia Sandero is still the cheapest car you can buy, and these days it’s better than ever.
While models of old looked bargain basement inside and out, the latest Sandero looks great on the outside, thanks largely to a new-look front bumper and grille that’s home to the updated Dacia badge.
Inside, it does feel a little bit like stepping back in time thanks to analogue instruments and chunky physical controls for the climate settings. There are plenty of cheap plastics too, but for the most part the Sandero feels solidly put together, helping lift the ambience somewhat.
Basic models feel exactly that, because there’s no infotainment display, so you have to use your phone instead. The Sandero is still a bargain if you step up to the Expression trim, which not only adds an infotainment system with a reversing camera, you also get posher seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
All trim levels come with a choice of a 92hp petrol engine or a 101hp bi-fuel option that can run on petrol or LPG. There’s no cost difference between the two, so if you live near one of the few LPG stations still available in the UK you could benefit from the lower running costs.
Good news! The Dacia Sandero is still the cheapest car you can buy, and these days it’s better than ever.
While models of old looked bargain basement inside and out, the latest Sandero looks great on the outside, thanks largely to a new-look front bumper and grille that’s home to the updated Dacia badge.
Inside, it does feel a little bit like stepping back in time thanks to analogue instruments and chunky physical controls for the climate settings. There are plenty of cheap plastics too, but for the most part the Sandero feels solidly put together, helping lift the ambience somewhat.
Basic models feel exactly that, because there’s no infotainment display, so you have to use your phone instead. The Sandero is still a bargain if you step up to the Expression trim, which not only adds an infotainment system with a reversing camera, you also get posher seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
All trim levels come with a choice of a 92hp petrol engine or a 101hp bi-fuel option that can run on petrol or LPG. There’s no cost difference between the two, so if you live near one of the few LPG stations still available in the UK you could benefit from the lower running costs.
What's good
What’s not so good
Best for: company car choosers
It would be easy to disregard the latest MG HS if you’ve spent any time with its predecessor – but this one is a massive improvement and is available with a seriously impressive plug-in hybrid engine.
You’re not going to confuse it for a premium car, but it’s such good value for money that it effectively competes with bigger cars on price. For example, it costs about the same as a Ford Puma, but it’s closer to a Ford Kuga in size.
If you’re being really budget-conscious then there’s a petrol engine with an automatic or manual gearbox that costs about the same as a posh city car like the Audi A1. And that doesn’t get close to the MG HS’s 507-litre boot space.
The real headline story is the plug-in hybrid. Yes, it’s a lot more expensive than the petrol, but it’s cheaper than equivalent PHEVs and has a massive 75-mile range. That means incredibly low running costs if you can keep it charged, and if you’re considering the HS as a company car, means you’ll pay considerably less benefit-in-kind than PHEV versions of the Kia Sportage or Ford Kuga.
The cheapest models get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while entry-level versions of the plug-in hybrid also get a digital driver’s display. Whichever engine you go for, all trims come with MG’s driver assistance tech such as adaptive cruise control.
It would be easy to disregard the latest MG HS if you’ve spent any time with its predecessor – but this one is a massive improvement and is available with a seriously impressive plug-in hybrid engine.
You’re not going to confuse it for a premium car, but it’s such good value for money that it effectively competes with bigger cars on price. For example, it costs about the same as a Ford Puma, but it’s closer to a Ford Kuga in size.
If you’re being really budget-conscious then there’s a petrol engine with an automatic or manual gearbox that costs about the same as a posh city car like the Audi A1. And that doesn’t get close to the MG HS’s 507-litre boot space.
The real headline story is the plug-in hybrid. Yes, it’s a lot more expensive than the petrol, but it’s cheaper than equivalent PHEVs and has a massive 75-mile range. That means incredibly low running costs if you can keep it charged, and if you’re considering the HS as a company car, means you’ll pay considerably less benefit-in-kind than PHEV versions of the Kia Sportage or Ford Kuga.
The cheapest models get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while entry-level versions of the plug-in hybrid also get a digital driver’s display. Whichever engine you go for, all trims come with MG’s driver assistance tech such as adaptive cruise control.
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The Citroen Ami isn't technically a car, but it's too much fun to not include on this list. It's left-hand drive and has the refinement of a brick, while the 28mph top speed means it's not one for road tripping. But its quirky looks will turn heads wherever you go, and if you just need a fun electric runaround for the city, it's the perfect way to indulge your inner child.
What's good
What’s not so good
The Dacia Sandero might be undercut by the Citroen Ami, but it has regained its place as the most affordable car on sale in the UK right now. Despite its low price, the Sandero appeals because the interior is solid and really spacious, and it’s good to drive, too.
Battery range up to 140 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
The Dacia Spring is the cheapest electric car on sale in the UK by a comfortable margin. It's really small, and its range of just 140 miles means it's best for driving around your local area rather than long road trips, but it does come with an impressively spacious boot.
What's good
What’s not so good
The Kia Picanto has been around for a while, but a substantial update in 2024 brought a fantastic, futuristic design that brings it bang up to date. All models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen now, too. The Picanto's engines aren't exactly powerful, but they're perfectly suited to city driving.
What's good
What’s not so good
The Hyundai i10 is another fantastic-looking city car, and the smart checkerboard-style LED daytime running lights in the grille are a particular highlight. It's not exactly plush inside, but a neat mix of materials makes the i10 feel a bit more plush than many other budget cars.
More advice about cheap cars
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How to choose the right cheap car for you
Space and practicality
This list proves that just because you’re looking at cheap cars, it doesn’t mean they’re exclusively small. However, that generally is the case, so if you’re shopping for a family car, or regularly carry passengers or lots of luggage in the boot, it’s worth taking a bit more time to make sure you’re buying a cheap car that suits your needs. If you do need more space, you could consider browsing larger used cars that fit your budget.
Engines
When budgeting, make sure to include running costs in your calculations, particularly if you’re considering a car on finance and you’re looking at your monthly payments. Electric or plug-in hybrid cars typically have a higher purchase price, but if you can charge at home, you might find they’re so cheap to run that it works out cheaper in the long run. And because of the tax benefits that come with these cars, they can be incredibly affordable for company car choosers.
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