You've passed your Driving Test, and now you need a car that'll pass the reliability test.
And the nice to look At Test, and the cheap running costs test . . .
Thing is, you can't always have all 3. There's got to be compromise somewhere.
So yes, we are advising you not to go for a performance car or a sports car, but that doesn't mean you have to drive a banger either.
You want a good-value car that's somewhere between 'Banger' and 'Sports Car', and we've found 10 that fit the bill.
What to Look for When Buying Your First Car
Everyone remembers their first car, so you don't want your one lasting memory to be breaking down on the M6.
Yes, some cars might look flashy, but there's tons of less expensive ones which are actually much safer and more reliable on a daily basis. Which is why going for something that's safe and dependable is always a good bet, even if Mick from your year at school drives a flashy, modded-up BMW (don't worry, he'll be crying his way to the bank one of these days).
Luckily, pretty much all lease cars are new cars, meaning you're not going to end up with a hand-me-down old jalopy that some bloke hasn't cared for properly.
Still, some cars are inherently safer than others, so one thing you want to look out for is the car's Euro NCAP safety rating. Euro NCAP ratings use a star system (ranging from 1-5 stars). The more stars, the safer the car is.
Get a Car Insurance Quote
Insurance costs are sky-high for inexperienced drivers, especially if you're barely out your teens.
But you can help keep costs lower by choosing a car that's not in a high insurance group.
Basically, insurance groups are measured from 1 to 50 based on how expensive a car is to insure (with, 50 being the most expensive, and 1 the least expensive).
Of course, each car has different trim levels (where you can choose to get more features, spec etc.), meaning that even a single car will have different insurance groups attached to it.
And if you want extra help, there are plenty of other ways to lower your insurance premium.
Should I Choose a Petrol, Diesel or Electric First Car?
You're best going with petrol.
Mainly because there's more petrol cars than diesel cars, but also because you can do more stop/start driving in them. They're better for city driving.
Diesel cars are good at saving fuel on the motorway, but you really have to be travelling long distances regularly in order to see the benefit of that. Plus, a lot of diesel cars come with what's called a Diesel Particulate Filter, which means you pretty much have to do at least one motorway drive per week, otherwise the car could just break down on you.
Electric cars are increasing in popularity, but they may be a bit less user-friendly if you're just starting out. And although their battery range is increasing by the year, you're still going to get more miles with a petrol or diesel model.
Yes, you won't have to visit a smelly petrol station if you've got an electric car, but the charge times on some can be reallyyyy long, and you've also got to think about where you're going to charge it. Do you pay to install a home charger or do you visit the (relatively few) public charging stations across the UK? It's a lot of hassle to have at the opening stage of your driving career.
10. Vauxhall Corsa
Insurance Group: 2 to 12 (depending on trim)
One of those go-to first cars that's used by learner drivers and driving schools alike, you can't go far wrong with a Corsa. A true jack-of-all-trades, it's a solid performer in all areas of driving, without really excelling in any one area. It can go fast. It can get you from A to B. And best of all – it's not going to make you bankrupt.
This latest version is the most stylish yet, giving you bags of equipment despite the low price. Plus it’s one of the most comfortable small cars at high motorway speeds. The only downside is that it can feel a bit cheap and cramped inside, but as long as it's good to drive, right?
9. Toyota Aygo X
Insurance Group: 5 to 7 (depending on trim)
X marks the spot. Toyota’s funky-looking Aygo X aims to introduce a little SUV style into the city car class. Chunky plastic cladding on the wheel-arches and 17" alloy wheels help give the car an upright stance, but its relatively small length still gets it into the tightest of parking spots, aided by the reversing camera of course.
The thrummy little three-cylinder engine has bags of character, its modest power output meaning that the Toyota Aygo X is in Insurance Group 5. In other words, cheap insurance for you.
Body-coloured splashes on the inside of the doors help throw in some charm to the cabin, whilst the central touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All Toyota Aygos built in the last few years benefit from smartphone integration as standard, and the touchscreen in the Aygo X is more advanced.
8. Fiat Panda
Insurance Group: 1 to 6 (depending on trim)
Named after the best creature in the forest, it's fair to say that Italy’s best-selling car hasn't quite enjoyed the same level of success in the UK, but thanks to its low Group 6 insurance level, it is one of the cheapest cars to both drive and run.
A city car with a little bit of SUV attitude, the Panda Cross might could also make sense as Fiat's favoured it with its 1.0-litre Mild Hybrid tech. Introducing a bit of technology that's unusual for this class of car.
7. Ford Fiesta
Insurance Group: 3 to 7 (depending on trim)
One that just about everybody's heard of, it truly is as bright and fun as a fiesta. Roomy, great to drive and available with a range of engines as well, all part of what makes it such a great first car. Small size, light controls . . . and a comfortable suspension means that only the biggest of potholes is going to send a shockwave up into the cabin.
Speaking of which, the cabin welcomes you with a smart design dominated by a large and easy to use touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning you can use your phone's navigation and music apps on the car’s big screen. And if you want ultimate practicality, you could opt for the 5-door model to help your mates in and out.
6. Dacia Sandero
Insurance Group: 2 to 12 (depending on trim)
Much bigger and stylish inside than you’d expect for a small car, it’s still incredibly cheap for a vehicle that's new. Almost a mini-SUV, it's more formidable on the outside too.
In fact, it's probably the compact family hatch that many people should be considering. People who normally go for Fiestas, Polos and the like (which are good cars too). But those more mainstream options aren't only more expensive than the Dacia Sandero, they're smaller inside as well. Yet the big selling points of the Sandero still usually aren't enough to persuade drivers to give it a look in. In other words: think again.
If driving for you is just a functional activity, a way from A to B, then a Dacia Sandero could be the choice set of wheels.
5. Renault Clio
Insurance Group: 3 to 27 (depending on trim)
A 5th generation model that's the definitive expression of the French brand's vast level of experience in the supermini class, the Renault Clio builds upon the company's reputation for making small, compact cars that are fun to drive, loaded with character and technically accomplished – qualities that stretch back to the well-known Renault 4 and Renault 5 models of old. This is just the latest version of that high-quality design style.
4. Fiat 500
Insurance Group: 9 to 19 (depending on trim)
The car that's became almost synonymous with the brand, chances are you've seen plenty of these on the road, and for good reason. The appeal of Fiat's cheeky little 500 city car is not going away anytime soon, having recently gained clever 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrol power and yet another package of mild cosmetic tweaks.
Otherwise, this car hasn't really changed much with the times, and would you really want it to? There's just something about the smart Italian look, the cute, dinky feel, and how it's so distinctive. Fiat knows its market well. And the good news is that there's also an electric version if you feel like plugging in.
3. SEAT Ibiza
Insurance Group: 2 to 19 (depending on trim)
As SEAT is to Spain, the Ibiza is to SEAT. A starter car with an edge, it's a little more 'look at me' than your Fiestas and your Clios, with sharper styling and a sportier character. That being said, it's pretty much the same as the Volkswagen Polo under the bonnet, so you know you're not getting a sports car that might break down on you.
Its good looks will make you the envy of your friends, and its light controls make it an easy first car to drive, coming as standard with automatic emergency braking, to give you extra peace of mind. All the engines give you a great drive in town, but the 95PS petrol also copes well on the motorway and is affordable to run.
2. Volkswagen Polo
Insurance Group: 1 to 28 (depending on trim)
A staple of everyday driving, there are a few versions of Polo to choose from, but the base ‘Life’ trim offers plenty to go with, including automatic headlights, alloy wheels, DAB radio, rain-sensing automatic wiper and electronic stability control.
The Polo is about as safe as Fort Knox and scores full marks in a crash test, achieving the maximum 5 stars in Euro NCAP testing. Yes, maybe a bit too sensible for its own good, but a bright paint colour should always help bring it to life. The boot is large enough (351-litres) and well-designed, with an adjustable boot floor which means no having to lift heavy luggage over a nasty lip.
1. Skoda Fabia
Insurance Group: 1 to 18 (depending on trim)
Fab for fabulous, the Fabia may lack the French flair of the Clio, but it's got it where it counts. Not the most exciting of cars, but comfortable and right up there in terms of practicality. So just what you want in a first car, really. OK, it doesn't have the most youthful appeal, but if you're after a car that does it all well, this one should be near the top of your list.
Its frugal engines aren't going to burn through the bills either, plus insurance costs are low. Inside, there's space enough for you and 3 friends, and the boot is massive (380-litres) when compared with the competition.
Skoda is famous for adding clever little features to its car and the Fabia is no exception, with extra goodies like an ice scraper in the fuel flap, a USB socket in the rear-view mirror and an umbrella in the driver's door.
Can You Insure Yourself As a Named Driver on Someone Else’s Policy?
Only if the other person is the main user of the car.
In other words, you can't put Daddy down as the main driver if he's not actually using the vehicle, or if he uses it less than you.
That's called 'fronting' and it's a form of fraud. If your insurer catches on to it, they can easily refuse to pay up for any damage in the event of a claim. Worst-case scenario, you could even end up with a criminal record.
Summary
There you have it, the top 10 best cars for new drivers.
If one of the above takes your fancy, just hit the relevant link, click 'Configure', adjust the car to your preferred terms, and then reach out to our leasing partners for a quote. It's that simple!
Safe driving, and enjoy your first car.