Top 10: Best First Cars for New Drivers in 2025
19th Jun 2025
By Ellie Brown
Buying your first car after passing your driving test is a major milestone for many. It marks the start of real independence, giving you the freedom to get where you need to go on your own schedule.
Most new drivers look for similar qualities in a first car: something safe, economical to run, easy to drive, and cheap to insure. A reliable vehicle that builds confidence on the road is key, especially for those just starting out.
With a wide choice of affordable new and used options on the market, we’ve rounded up some of the best first cars that strike the right balance between cost, comfort, and practicality for new drivers.
- Ford Fiesta
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Dacia Sandero
- Hyundai i10
- Nissan Qashqai
- Peugeot 208
- Toyota Aygo X
- Volkswagen Polo
- Kia Picanto
- Fiat 500
Ford Fiesta
Pros: Great to drive, low insurance groups, plenty available on the used market
Cons: Outdated interior compared to some rivals, limited rear space
There's no better way to kick off this list than with one of the UK's best-selling cars: the Ford Fiesta. Popular with first-time drivers for years, the Fiesta offers impressive versatility, low running costs, and great all-round capability.
Although the Fiesta was discontinued as a new car in 2023, it remains widely available on the used market and continues to be a top choice for newly qualified drivers.
Recent models (from 2021 onwards) introduced sharper styling along with helpful driver assistance features that build confidence on the road, such as Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring. Even older seventh and eighth-generation versions offer fantastic value for money, providing good reliability, comfort, and low insurance costs.
Search Used Ford FiestaVauxhal Corsa
Pros: Modern design, plenty of powertrains to choose from, plenty of technology
Cons: Firm ride in sportier models, automatic gearbox can feel jerky
Another staple among young drivers, the Corsa is Vauxhall's long-standing supermini. With sporty styling and an effortless driving experience, it's a solid choice for those after a practical yet eye-catching first car.
Inside, new drivers will appreciate features such as a 7-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and speed sign recognition, making the driving experience even more enjoyable.
Petrol and diesel options cater to different needs, while the Corsa Electric offers an efficient, zero-emission alternative; though electric models typically come with higher insurance premiums. Automatic gearboxes are also available if you're after a more straightforward means of motoring.
Search New Vauxhall Corsa Search Used Vauxhall CorsaDacia Sandero
Pros: Excellent value for money, spacious interior, well-equipped for the price
Cons: Basic design, limited engine choices
If affordability is high on your list, why not consider the UK's cheapest car? The Dacia Sandero is a no-nonsense supermini that delivers impressive interior space, excellent comfort, and low running costs.
Despite its low price tag, the Sandero feels durable and comes with plenty of standard technology, even in entry-level versions. Newer models come with an intuitive infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, cruise control, and a great deal of safety features for peace of mind while driving.
If you're looking to go electric but still want the low price tag of a Dacia model, the Spring is also an excellent option that's designed for effortless city driving.
Search New Dacia Sandero Search Used Dacia SanderoHyundai i10
Pros: Cheap to insure, 5-year warranty, good-sized boot for its class
Cons: Modest performance, 3-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Since its initial introduction in 2007, the Hyundai i10 has become a popular city car amongst drivers thanks to its impressive value for money and low running costs.
Hyundai has ensured the latest generation is as sharp and advanced as ever, receiving all-new updates across many of the car's features. Increased interior space, intelligent technology and efficient powertrains are just a few examples of what the i10 has to offer.
You'll be hard pushed to find a car that's as cheap to insure as the i10 too, with plenty of models residing in groups 1 and 2 (out of 50). Hyundai's 5-year manufacturer warranty is a welcome bonus, providing you with peace of mind even if you buy a used example.
Search New Hyundai i10 Search Used Hyundai i10Nissan Qashqai
Pros: Excellent practicality, comfortable, lots of standard technology
Cons: Rivals are more fun to drive
For first-time drivers who need extra space, greater practicality, or plan to transport the whole family, an SUV may be the most suitable choice. The Nissan Qashqai offers a higher driving position, generous interior space, and added versatility compared to smaller city cars.
The obvious benefit to having a Qashqai is the extra room it offers compared to smaller alternatives; 504 litres of boot space can comfortably fit a pushchair or a few bags of luggage. Good amounts of head and legroom also make life easier when fitting child seats to the ISOFIX mounting points in the rear.
Don't be intimidated by the larger dimensions either, as responsive handling and good visibility ensure it's easy to drive and manoeuvre.
Big cars often demand more when it comes to insurance, but not the Qashqai. You'll find models that reside in insurance groups as little as 13 (out of 50), which is respectable for an SUV.
Search Used Nissan QashqaiPeugeot 208
Pros: Stylish interior and exterior design, advanced technology, efficient engines
Cons: Pricier than some rivals, limited rear visibility
The Peugeot 208 is a great example of a first car that doesn't have to be basic, thanks to its eye-catching design and modern technology that put it well above its price point.
Step inside, and you'll find Peugeot's signature i-Cockpit layout, creating an intuitive and driver-focused experience that’s especially useful for new drivers getting used to life on the road. All models come with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and smartphone connectivity as standard, adding both convenience and confidence.
Available with a range of efficient petrol engines, the 208 strikes a good balance between running costs and performance. There's also the e-208 available, an all-electric version that offers zero-emission driving and lower day-to-day costs.
Search New Peugeot 208 Search Used Peugeot 208Toyota Aygo X
Pros: Great fuel economy, easy to drive, reliable
Cons: Small boot, less powerful than some rivals
Toyota's Aygo X replaces the original Aygo city car with a chunkier, crossover-inspired design and a higher driving position, offering a more confident view of the road.
Its 1.0-litre petrol engine is built for efficiency, making it cheap to run and ideal for city journeys and short commutes. And although it's larger than the original Aygo, the Aygo X is still just as effortless to drive and manoeuvre, with a tight turning circle and compact dimensions.
Inside, you’ll find a well-designed cabin with smartphone connectivity, a touchscreen infotainment system, and available driver assists like Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert. Low insurance groups and Toyota’s strong reliability record only add to its appeal as a stress-free first car.
Search Used Toyota Aygo XVolkswagen Polo
Pros: Top build quality, spacious interior, strong safety rating
Cons: Higher upfront cost than some competitors, sportier variants sacrifice comfort
The Volkswagen Polo offers the usual supermini traits such as good all-round capabilities, affordable running costs and various safety features. However, competitors struggle to match the Polo when it comes to overall build quality.
The interior is made up of various top-end materials and comes with a touchscreen infotainment system as standard that has smartphone mirroring capabilities. The full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating provides confidence while out on the road, too.
Five doors as standard and a generously-sized 351-litre boot make the Polo a top option for young families or those who regularly travel with multiple friends.
Search Used Volkswagen PoloKia Picanto
Pros: Low insurance and running costs, easy to park, five doors as standard
Cons: Lacklustre engine option, can be noisy at high speeds
Coming with perky looks and generous amounts of technology, it's no wonder the Kia Picanto is a go-to choice for new drivers.
The small 1.0-litre engines on offer significantly reduce running costs, thanks to their impressive fuel economy figures and low insurance groups. However, the Picanto still feels punchy around town, allowing drivers to enjoy their time behind the wheel.
The compact dimensions and good visibility mean manoeuvres are a doddle, especially when paired with available safety features such as rear parking sensors. Five doors as standard allow friends to jump in the back easily, while a respectable 255-litre boot swallows multiple bags of shopping with ease.
Search New Kia Picanto Search Used Kia PicantoFiat 500
Pros: Retro design, cheap to buy and run, effortless to drive and park
Cons: Not the most practical, cramped rear seats
Rounding off our list is a favourite in the first car market - the charming little Fiat 500. Known for its retro-inspired styling and budget-friendly running costs, it's easy to see why this compact city car has become a go-to choice for new drivers.
A range of economical engines means reduced trips to the petrol station while also being nimble around town. A mild hybrid variant is also available, as well as an all-electric 500e for the most eco-friendly individuals.
With only 185 litres of boot space and three doors as standard, it isn't the most practical of cars, so you may want to opt for something else if you're regularly travelling with more than one passenger.
Search New Fiat 500 Search Used Fiat 500Find your perfect first car with Evans Halshaw
With such a wide range of cars available, there's sure to be something out there that suits your needs and lifestyle. Our dealerships have a wide range of new and used cars ready to browse through and test drive.
For more buying guides to help you find the perfect first car, visit our blog section, which is home to a variety of useful articles that can help you get to grips with the world of motoring.
