So many cars to choose from, where do I start?
Whether you’ve just passed your test, or you’re finally ready to buy your first car, it might feel like the odds are stacked against you! From the cost of driving lessons, to the unprecedented waiting times for booking tests, securing your first vehicle is a huge milestone to work towards.
One of the best ways to guarantee peace of mind, along with great long-term savings, is to choose a reliable and cost-effective vehicle. We’ve outlined just a few of the best models to pick below:
- Volkswagen up!
The up! is as cheerful as its name. It’s a compact city car that rides comfortably and has a rather classy interior for an entry-level vehicle.
It performs well against other, more expensive, models in the Volkswagen line-up, where reliability is concerned. Combine this with good fuel efficiency and cheaper insurance costs, and it’s a great choice for new drivers.
You can also choose to upgrade to the up! GTI, with its three-cylinder turbocharged engine, if you’d like more power. This might be slightly more costly to insure, but it’s worth remembering that young driver insurance can be more suitable if you’ve only just started your driving journey.
- Hyundai i10
With a group one insurance rating and automatic controls, the Hyundai i10 is popular among those new to the roads. It’s a frugal machine too, and makes a brilliant choice for long-distance commutes.
Newer models are fitted with parking sensors and cruise control, which means you won’t need to miss out on cutting-edge safety features with this car. There’s also a five-gear automatic transmission model to choose from if you’d rather avoid driving a manual car.
- Kia Picanto
The Picanto is a small and agile car that’s perfect for anyone looking for an easy, compact drive. Best suited to town driving, this car is easy to manoeuvre and fits into the smallest of spaces.
Despite being so compact, the Picanto also has a surprisingly spacious interior and boot. It also has a solid range of safety features, while maintaining impressive affordability and low running costs.
- Vauxhall Corsa
This is a popular small car with trendy styling. The compact and classic aesthetic of the Vauxhall Corsa maintains widespread popularity in the UK.
The compact size of the Corsa means it’s easy to handle, with enough space to house several passengers and luggage. It has good fuel economy and is reliable, which is perfect for a first car.
The technology and safety features can vary between models, and whether the previous owner paid extra for upgrades, so don’t forget to check what comes with the one you’re eyeing up.
- Fiat 500
Finally, this car is playfully feminine, but makes a fantastic choice for any driver. Compact, cute and with just enough sportiness to keep things sensible, the Fiat 500 is a popular first car for good reason.
With a range of petrol engines to choose from, starting from just 1.2L, the Fiat 500 is incredibly efficient and typically placed in lower insurance groups too, meaning you won’t need to spend a fortune getting it covered. Its small size and smooth handling make it very well suited for city commuters.
Ready to start your search? With these models in mind, you’ll be on your way to safe, enjoyable and cost-effective driving for many years to come.
Image: Depositphotos
