It's easy to forget what it feels like to find yourself on the road as a new driver. Not only do drivers who have just passed their driving tests have to - quite literally - navigate a whole new array of challenges and considerations, they need to choose the vehicle in which to do it. And with so many to choose from with such diverse features, it can seem almost impossible to separate the wheat from the chaff. That's why we've outlined what we think are some of the most sensible car choices for new drivers on the market today - and why.
1. VW Polo
The entry-level 1.0-litre 3-cylinder ‘Evo’ engine in Life trim is the second cheapest car to insure on our list and offers plenty of features including alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a DAB radio, electronic stability control, and rain-sensing automatic wipers. We’ve placed it first on the list for all-round star quality, taking into account other factors, including its excellent Euro NCAP 5 star safety rating and long-held reputation.
It’s never going to wow you with its rapid acceleration, however the Polo does have a certain air of distinction about it and for an added sense of security you can add the Driver Assistance Package which includes parking assist, a considerable benefit for new drivers. With enough space for 4 adults to sit comfortably and a 351-litre boot, it's not just for teenagers and will suit adult drivers who have just passed or double up as a car that’s suitable for family trips too.
2. Hyundai i10
Spacious for such a compact car, the i10 63hp 1.0-litre 3-cylinder model with the 5-speed automated manual gearbox sits in insurance group 1, making it the cheapest vehicle to insure in the UK and therefore a surefire favourite for new drivers. It’s only really let down by its 3 star safety rating from Euro NCAP, for which it’s forfeited the top spot on our list. A city car known for its ease of use and good fuel economy, it's designed for effortless city driving, but can be felt to struggle on longer journeys or higher speeds.
3. Skoda Fabia
Sitting in insurance group 4 , the 1.0 MPI Skoda Fabia is closely related to the Polo but minus the price tag, giving you access to decent interior space and the same 80hp engine at a more affordable cost. It’ll be a bit more expensive to insure than the Polo but you can choose from SE Edition or Design trims within the same insurance grouping. Efficient, spacious and comfortable, the 380 litre boot will come in handy too, making it a great choice as a first car.
4. Toyota Aygo X
Thanks to a modest power output, driving insurance and fuel consumption are kept in check while this funky little car does the best impression of an SUV that it possibly can. 17-inch alloy wheels and plastic-cladded wheel arches, give it the upright posture of an SUV, but there’s no getting past its 3.7-metre length, enabling new drivers to squeeze into small spaces without too much of a headache, further assisted by the standard-fit reversing camera.
An added bonus comes in the form of the touchscreen, integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2022, Euro NCAP crash tested the Toyota Aygo X and awarded it a commendable 4 out of 5 stars for its overall performance. Opt for the Pure manual model and you’ll get low insurance premiums thanks to it sitting in insurance group 5.
5. Kia Picanto
As one of the smallest and cheapest cars available in the UK, with every variant also returning over 50mpg, the Picanto would have featured higher on our list if it wasn’t for its poor 3-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The entry-level 66bhp 1.0 version should be one of the cheapest vehicles out there to insure, and should return not far off 50mpg.
The Picanto in entry-level 2 trim is plenty well equipped and the one to choose for low cost motoring. It comes with 14in wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, air-conditioning, touchscreen infotainment and parking aids, particularly useful for new drivers.