Best first cars for new drivers 2024 (2024)

0-62mph: 12.2 sec

MPG/range: 53.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 119g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 284 litres

Insurance group: 11E

Version1.0 TCe 90 Techno|List price£19,195 |Target Price£18,192 |Target PCP£195

The Renault Clio is a fantastic all-rounder, and it's long list ofabilities makes it a great car for new drivers.

With 90bhp and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 12.3sec, the entry-level 1.0-litrepetrol engine provides decentperformance, and it's relatively low power output placesit in a low insurance group. Students and parents alike will also be pleased to hear that running costs shouldalso be low, as proved by its official averagefuel economy figure of 57.6mpg.

When you combinethe entry-level1.0-litre engine with Techno trim, the Clio also undercuts manyof its rivals on price. And yet,it still comes withluxuries such asa wireless phone-charging pad, automatic LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

That's without mentioning the long list of standardsafety equipment; all Clioscome withautomatic emergency braking (AEB), traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assistforextrapeace of mind.

Read our in-depth Renault Clio review

0-62mph: 10.7 sec

MPG/range: 55.8mpg

CO2 emissions: 115g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 380 litres

Insurance group: 11E

Version1.0 TSI SE Comfort|List price£19,720 |Target Price£19,013 |Target PCP£200

Skodas are renowned for their value and practicality, and that's no exception with the Fabia.

It's one of the best small cars if you want to carry passengers. It's very small, and yet it has a surprisingamount of space in the back seats; three adults will sit more comfortably than in the Renault Clio. The boot is also one of the biggest of any small car – so much so that it's bigger than what you'll find in theFord Focus.

For the best value, we think it's best to stick to the entry-level SE Comfort trim. It's not as cheap or well equipped as the Clio in Techno trim, but it still gives you alloy wheels, LED headlights andair conditioning as standard.

Read our in-depth Skoda Fabia review

0-62mph: 11 sec

MPG/range: 52.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 123g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 355 litres

Insurance group: 12E

Version1.0 TSI 95 SE|List price£19,715 |Target Price£17,486 |Target PCP£219

Looking for a first car that's fun to drive but cheap to run? Then the Seat Ibiza will be your best option.

It's one of the most sophisticated cars in its class to drive; the steering is well weighted and precise, and the suspensionirons out imperfections nicely. That's without mentioning the handling, because the Ibiza is a hoot todrive down a twisty road.

Our recommended engine is the mid-level 1.0-litre petrol engine; ithas 94bhp (and is turbocharged) so it pulls more eagerlythan the wheezy entry-level engine,andit whisks the Ibiza up to speed reasonablyquickly. It should also average more than50mpg inreal-world driving.

In terms of trim levels, we'd recommend going for the SE trim if you're a first-time driver. The suspension is more supple than the firmer set-up in our favourite FR trim, plusit's slightly more affordable.

Read our in-depth Seat Ibiza review

0-62mph: 12.6 sec

MPG/range: 51.4mpg

CO2 emissions: 125g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 252 litres

Insurance group: 6E

Version1.2 Premium|List price£17,520 |Target Price£16,652 |Target PCP£219

Despite being very small, the Hyundai i10 is apractical small car. It has enough roomin the back seatsfor two adults to sit comfortably (especially those of a taller nature thanks to its boxy shape). Plus, upfront,there's plenty of space and adjustment in the seat for the driver to get comfortable.

However, it's not justpracticality where the i10 excels, because it's very cheapto buy and run. Okay, it's notas cheap to buyas the Dacia Sandero, but it does at least comewith an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system (with Bluetooth) andApple CarPlayandAndroid Autoas standard.

The best bit? The i10 is ininsurance group 2E, which makes it the cheapest car on this list to insure. However, bear in mind that the i10 onlyhas athree-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Read our in-depth Hyundai i10 review

0-62mph: 11.6 sec

MPG/range: 52.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 109g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 328 litres

Insurance group: 14E

Version1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel Expression|List price£14,795 |Target Price£14,551 |Target PCP£168

The Dacia Sandero is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, but that doesn't mean it comes with a long list of compromises.

In fact, the Sandero is a strong offering in the small car class; it's practical, with plenty ofspace in the back seats and boot, plus the ride is pretty comfortable. The entry-level engine (the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel) can also run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as petrol to help lower yourrunning costs.

Even though there's a more affordable Essential trim, we think it's worth stepping up toExpression; it comes withrear parking sensors, automatic lights andwipersand a touchscreen infotainment system as standard.

When it comes to safety, the Sandero is less impressive; it only scored two stars when it was safety tested byEuro NCAPin 2020. For that reason, we can't place it any higher up this list.

Read our in-depth Dacia Sandero review

0-62mph: 10.8 sec

MPG/range: 54.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 118g/km

Seats: 5

Boot: 351 litres

Insurance group: 9E

Version1.0 TSI Life|List price£21,905 |Target Price£20,708 |Target PCP£221

If you'reconsidering a first car, it's likely that the Volkswagen Polo will have already crossed your mind. And these days, it offers VW Golf levels of sophistication at a much lower price.

Indeed, the Polo issmart inside, comfortable and practical, plus it's verygood to drive. We think the 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine is best option for it; it's the same engine that you get in the Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza, and itpulls strongly from low revs thanks to itsturbocharger.

The Polois a bit more expensive than its Seat and Skoda siblings, but it does come with a long list of standard kit. Our recommended Life trim, for instance, comes withair conditioning, automatic windscreen wipers,power-folding door mirrors and an8.0in touchscreen infotainment system. All versions come with awide range of safety kit, too.

Read our in-depth Volkswagen Polo review

Version1.2 PureTech Active|List price£20,400 |Target Price£16,986 |Target PCP£169

The Peugeot 208 is the most comfortable car on this list, and it's actually very well priced – especially with our Target Price discount factored in.

What's more, it also has asmart interior for the money; the design is striking and the materials are mostly very plush. Some drivers may not likethe 'i-co*ckpit' driving position, though,sowe'd recommend test driving one before you buy.

The 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol engineis our recommended engine for the 208; it'sgutsy andideal for propelling you along A-roads and motorways. It'sactuallymorelivelythan the equivalent engine in theRenault ClioorVolkswagenPolo.

Read our in-depth Peugeot 208 review

Version1.0 3|List price£15,950 |Target Price£14,978 |Target PCP£184

Like the Hyundai i10, the Kia Picanto is a very cheap car to insure.

This makesita greatbuy if you're looking for a car that's cheap to own. That's helped by its tiny 66bhp 1.0-litre engine, which averaged a reasonable 46.8mpg on our hilly real-world test route. As you might expect from a car with so littlehorsepower, though, it isn't veryquick; we managed a 0-60mph dash in 14.9sec at our private test track.

More positively, the Picanto has a smart interior,tidy handling and a generous equipment list with our favourite 3 trim. It comes withelectrically adjustable door mirrors,a leather-trimmed steering wheel, rear parking sensors and an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system.

Read our in-depth Kia Picanto review

Version1.2 Turbo GS|List price£22,905 |Target Price£19,481 |Target PCP£227

For many, the Vauxhall Corsa is the go-to first car because it has a wide range of engines and trims to choose from, plus it has a big boot.

Our favourite engine is themid-range 1.2-litre petrol engine with 99bhp. It's the same engine that you get in the Peugeot 208, which meansit's a strong performer; that's evident by its0-62mph time of9.9sec.

GS trim is also a good option; it comes with17in alloy wheels, climate control, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, sportier styling and sports seats.

It's worth noting that the208 has a nicer interior than the Corsa,and the Volkswagen Polo is more spacious inside. Those cars are also more affordable to buy,although the Corsa does have competitive PCP finance rates.

Read our in-depth Vauxhall Corsa review

Version1.5 e-Skyactiv G MHEV Centre-Line|List price£19,515 |Target Price£18,599 |Target PCP£222

The Mazda 2 is a very easy car to get along with, and that'shelped by its user-friendly interior and comfortable driving position.

We especially like the fact that there's a good range of adjustment with the driver'sseat and steering wheel, and the fact that itcomes withheight adjustment as standard (so even tall drivers can find a comfy position).

The infotainment system is also very easy to use. The 8.0intouchscreen responds well to inputs, and you also get arotary controller between the front seats tocontrol it. This makes it farless distracting to usewhile driving than touchscreen-only systems.

In key areas such asride comfort, performance and practicality, the Renault Clio, Seat IbizaandSkoda Fabiaare better options. However, the2 is still worthy of your consideration if you're looking for a well equipped alternative.

Read our in-depth Mazda 2 review

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