What cars are best for new drivers? Passing your test is stressful enough, but picking the wrong first car can make you lose all confidence in your driving abilities. You want something easy to drive, a breeze to park, and practical enough to do whatever you need.
So, avoid all the bulky cars with horrendous turning circles and consider one of these options instead:
VW Up!
The Volkswagen Up is a fantastic intercity car with many impressive features. It’s perfect for new drivers because it’s one of the smallest cars around. You’ll nip around town, and the precise steering and small turning circle make it one of the easiest cars to park—even in the tightest of spaces.
Such a small car has a surprisingly good amount of space for passengers. There’s a decent chunk of legroom in the back, and the boot can easily fit your weekly shopping or a large suitcase.
It’s already ticking the right boxes, but what about affordability? The UP is one of the most popular used cars for sale, so you’ll be able to find a bargain deal without any problems. Plus, it has exceptional MPG, which makes it a highly economical first car. You won’t spend a fortune on this one, that’s for sure.
Kia Picanto
Kias are brilliant cars, but most of the options aren’t suitable for new drivers. They’re either too big or expensive – apart from the Kia Picanto. It may be small, but the 1.2-litre petrol engine option packs a serious punch. Like the Up, this car is straightforward to drive and zip around cities or towns, but it also has enough oomph to handle motorway driving.
Thanks to some great tech under the bonnet, maneuvering, and parking the car couldn’t be easier. The Kia Picanto comes with a nice little reversing camera and parking sensors to help you see where you’re going while parking up. It also boasts smartphone connectivity and alloy wheels as standard.
Brand-new Kia Picantos are excellently priced, especially with finance options. Or you can find loads of low-mileage used options for even less, making it a genuinely affordable first car for anyone.
Hyundai i10
Last on the list is the small but mighty Hyundai i10. The newest versions have undergone some nice design changes to make it a lovely little city car. It’s fun to drive regardless of the engine options, and Hyundai loads the newer models with excellent parking assistance tech.
There’s a decent amount of space for 4 passengers in the car, plus enough of a boot for daily use. However, the big thing with this car is its affordability. According to the RAC, it’s the cheapest new car to insure – this is music to the ears of all new drivers. First, car insurance is usually abominable, so a car like this makes it more manageable.
Of course, insurance is even lower if you buy a used option, and all versions of the i10 are known for being incredibly economical with low running costs.
Whether you’re searching for your first car or buying one for your child who just passed their test, these three options are the best of the bunch. They’re the perfect new cars regarding practicality, drivability, and affordability.
