When buying a car on a budget, it’s easy to assume a used car is your only option, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of brand-new models that won’t break the bank, from compact city cars to practical family crossovers and even fully electric options.
Thanks to finance options, warranties, and a growing range of affordable offers, buying a brand-new car is made simple, allowing you to experience the latest technology at great value for money.
Read on to discover 10 of the cheapest new cars on the market that deliver great value without compromising on quality.
- Leapmotor T03
- Dacia Sandero
- Kia Picanto
- Dacia Spring
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- Hyundai i10
- Citroën C3
- Dacia Sandero Stepway
- Peugeot 208
- Renault Clio
Leapmotor T03
Pros: Well equipped, spacious cabin for its size, good battery range
Cons: Limited performance, limited boot size
Gone are the days when electric cars were among the priciest vehicles on the market. Leapmotor has managed to build a clever little electric city car with a futuristic edge, and it happens to be one of the cheapest cars on our list.
Despite its low price tag, the T03 is available with just one trim level, and it comes with all the technology you need. Standard features include an 8-inch digital driver cluster and a 10-inch central touchscreen, which work together to provide all the information and entertainment you need while on the go.
Power-assisted seats, a reversing camera, and rear parking sensors make everyday driving easier, while adaptive cruise control and automatic air conditioning add an extra touch of refinement you may not normally expect in such an affordable city car.
Unlike many small cars, the T03 comes with five doors as standard, making it simple to get in and out - a small detail that makes a big difference for daily convenience.
When it comes to performance, the T03 offers up to 165 miles of range and 95bhp, and although it's not the fastest or most powerful EV on the market, it's more than enough for city life and the odd road trip.
Safety has also been given plenty of attention in the T03, with plenty of advanced driver assistance systems included, such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Search Leapmotor T03 OffersDacia Sandero
Pros: Comfortable ride, great value for money, practical boot size
Cons: Not the most stylish option, rivals may be more reliable
It should come as no surprise that Dacia has made an appearance on a list of the cheapest cars around. The brand has built a solid reputation for producing some of the most affordable and straightforward vehicles on the market, and the Sandero has played a huge part in that reputation.
Simple, practical, and great value for money, the Sandero offers everything you need from a small hatchback without the unnecessary extras. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and feels well put together, proving that budget doesn't have to mean basic.
Standard technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Safety is also covered, with Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition all fitted as standard.
Boot capacity is decent for its size too. You get 382 litres at your disposal, which can be expanded to 1,200 with the rear seats folded flat. The cabin is also comfortable, with supportive seating and lots of legroom for the driver and passengers in the front and rear.
The Sandero is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TCe 90 petrol engine, paired with a smooth 6-speed manual or an optional automatic. It’s got plenty of punch for city driving and manages a solid 53.3mpg, keeping fuel costs low.
Search Dacia Sandero OffersKia Picanto
Pros: Excellent warranty, fun to drive, strong resale value
Cons: Small boot size, limited rear legroom
A household name in the UK, the Kia Picanto is a firm favourite for plenty of reasons, namely its affordability, nippy performance and cute aesthetics that make it perfect for a first car.
The Picanto doesn't feel like one of the cheapest cars on the market either, with technology that's both simple and intuitive, such as an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to stay connected on the go.
The Kia app is also available, offering remote features like checking your vehicle’s status or planning routes. Step up to higher trims, and you get extras like a 10.25-inch digital driver display and wireless charging, while still keeping costs competitively low.
The 1.0-litre petrol model is ideal for those who prioritise fuel economy, achieving around 55mpg, while the 1.2-litre petrol provides a bit more power for drivers needing extra punch, still managing close to 50mpg. Both engines are designed for efficiency, keeping running costs down, and both manual and automatic transmissions are available depending on your preference.
And of course, you get Kia's 7-year or 100,000 mile warranty that makes the Picanto a smart choice for new car buyers, offering great reliability and strong resale value.
Search Kia Picanto OffersDacia Spring
Pros: Decent range for the price, quick charging, practical storage solutions
Cons: Basic interior, limited power
As we've mentioned, Dacia does a great job of making affordable, no-nonsense cars, and the all-electric Spring is a perfect example of that, earning itself the title of the cheapest EV in the UK.
You get up to 189 miles of electric range, and fast charging can take you from 20 to 80 percent charge in around 45 minutes, which is perfect for life on the go. If you opt for home charging, simply plug your Spring in overnight, and the battery will be full in as little as four and a half hours.
Even at entry level, the Spring comes packed with all the gadgets you need, including a 10-inch multimedia system with wireless connectivity, manual air conditioning with heaters, media controls, and rear parking sensors. Like all of Dacia’s cars, the interior is simple and minimalistic, with easy-to-use features throughout.
Though it’s a city car, it’s still pretty practical for its size. There’s 308 litres of boot space, or 1,004 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a handy 35-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet for extra storage.
Search Dacia Spring OffersBYD Dolphin Surf
Pros: Unique design, quick charging, packed with technology
Cons: Firm rides on rougher surfaces, not the most comfortable in its class
Another new addition to the electric car market, the BYD Dolphin Surf impresses from the first glance with BYD’s signature ‘ocean aesthetics’, sporty features, and bright colour options that really stand out.
You’ll get up to 200 miles of range, and charging is quick too. The Dolphin Surf supports fast charging from 30 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes, or 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes thanks to its 85kW maximum DC charging rate.
Inside, you get the kind of tech-filled cabin you’d expect from a forward-thinking brand like BYD. There’s a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus handy voice control via the 'Hi BYD' command, so you can adjust key settings without taking your hands off the wheel.
It’s hard to believe the Dolphin Surf is among the cheapest brand-new cars in the UK, and it’s not bad on practicality either. Just like the Dacia Spring, you get 308 litres of boot space, expanding to a slightly larger 1,037 litres with the rear seats folded.
It also packs in more than 20 clever storage areas, from cup holders between the front seats to extra space beneath the boot floor - perfect for keeping all your belongings neatly tucked away.
Search BYD Dolphin Surf OffersHyundai i10
Pros: Enjoyable to drive, strong reliability record, efficient engines
Cons: Small boot, cramped rear seats
The award-winning Hyundai i10 proves that small and affordable doesn’t have to mean low in quality, offering tons of style, comfort, and clever technology that makes it stand out in the city car segment.
What really impresses in the i10 is the technology, especially for its price point. You get full connectivity with an all-digital cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluelink Connected Car Services to keep you connected on the go.
The i10 is easy to manoeuvre through busy city streets and genuinely fun to drive. You can choose between a manual gearbox or Hyundai’s 5-gear automated manual transmission (AMT), which does the shifting for you. It delivers the relaxed feel of an automatic but with better efficiency, thanks to its lighter weight and reduced friction compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
Both engines on offer are petrol-powered, with either a 1.0-litre engine with 62bhp or a 1.2-litre with 78bhp. And because it’s a Hyundai, you also get that famous reliability and durability, so you don’t have to worry about damage or depreciation when buying brand new.
Search Hyundai i10 OffersCitroën C3
Pros: Attractive design, comfortable ride, full of modern technology
Cons: Limited space in the rear
The Citroën C3 has always been a popular name in the UK, and with its recent facelift, it’s now arguably one of the most attractive city cars on the market. Not only does it look the part, it’s also more than capable, with a smooth drive and plenty of clever features to make everyday journeys that bit easier.
You’ll find plenty of modern technology inside, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and Citroën Advanced Comfort seats that make even longer trips feel relaxed.
You can choose between two powertrains. The petrol comes with 99bhp, returning 46 to 53mpg with a manual transmission. Or, there’s the hybrid automatic, which offers 108bhp and an impressive 56.5mpg, ideal if you want a bit more efficiency without going fully electric.
If you do prefer to go all-in on electric, the ë-C3 is also on offer, giving you all the same comfort and style but with zero emissions and a quiet, effortless drive.
Search Citroën C3 OffersDacia Sandero Stepway
Pros: Rugged styling, raised driving position, practical boot size
Cons: Basic technology on offer, limited engine options
You guessed it, another Dacia, and this one comes in crossover form. With its SUV-inspired styling and raised driving position, the rugged Sandero Stepway is perfect for those who like a bit of adventure and extra visibility on the road.
You get roof bars as standard, which are great for carrying bikes, roof boxes or camping gear, making weekend getaways a little easier. And if boot space is high up on your list, the Stepway offers a decent 328 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,108 litres with the 60/40 split seats folded down.
Inside, the Stepway keeps things simple but smart. There’s an 8-inch media display compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, giving you all the info you need on a large touchscreen with easy smartphone integration for music, maps and calls.
With the Dacia app, you can even turn your smartphone into your infotainment system, with access to sat nav, phone calls, and key car info. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still control the radio and Bluetooth via the steering column controls and driver display cluster.
You’ll also find keyless entry and rear parking sensors as standard, along with a solid list of safety features, including Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.
You can choose between two configurations: TCe 90 or TCe 90 automatic, both offering reliable performance and great efficiency, perfectly in keeping with Dacia’s reputation for value and practicality.
Search Dacia Sandero Stepway OffersPeugeot 208
Pros: Very good-looking, i-Cockpit technology, efficient engine options
Cons: Smaller boot than some rivals
Known for its undeniable sporty style, the Peugeot 208 is a striking supermini that also packs a lot of substance.
Peugeot's signature i-Cockpit layout shines throughout the cabin, featuring a compact steering wheel, a 3D digital instrument panel, a 10-inch HD touchscreen, and elegant piano key controls for a driver-focused experience.
There are plenty of connected services to make driving easier, including a six-month trial of ChatGPT via SoundHound’s AI platform on the Connect PLUS pack, which can be subscribed to once the trial period ends. All of this comes alongside Peugeot’s reputation for reliability and safety, making the 208 a practical choice as well as a stylish one.
Both petrol and hybrid options are on offer, depending on your preference. The hybrids include 110bhp and 145bhp automatic 6-speed variants with excellent fuel efficiency ranging from 54.5 to 66.3mpg for the 145bhp and 54.9 to 64.9mpg for the 110bhp, both offering strong performance for city and longer drives. The petrol model offers 100bhp with a 1.2-litre engine and a manual 6-speed transmission, delivering fuel efficiency from 49.5 to 57.6mpg.
And if you prefer electric, the Peugeot e-208 is also available, giving you the same sporty looks and technology in a fully electric package with up to 268 miles of range and quick charging options.
Search Peugeot 208 OffersRenault Clio
Pros: Strong reliability, attractive design, lots of safety features
Cons: Rivals are more powerful
Completing our list is the iconic Renault Clio, a longstanding British favourite that's earned its status since the 1990s with its distinctive design, agile handling, and unmistakable French flair.
You can choose between the reliable TCe 90 petrol with a smooth manual gearbox for a straightforward driving experience, or the efficient full hybrid E-Tech option. The hybrid delivers 143bhp, accelerates from 0 to 62mph in under 10 seconds, and offers an impressive 575 miles of range from a single tank.
Inside, the Clio feels more premium than its price would suggest, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and Renault’s latest infotainment technology. A 7-inch digital cluster and 9.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in come as standard, alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Clio also scores highly for safety, with the latest model achieving a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, plus safety features like lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and active emergency braking.
Search Renault Clio OffersFind your perfect new car with Evans Halshaw
A brand-new car can be well within your budget, with so many models on the market offering fantastic reliability and style without the hefty price tag.
At Evans Halshaw, we offer an extensive range of new cars to suit every need and budget. Alternatively, for more help finding your perfect new car, explore our blog section, which is regularly updated with the latest buying guides to keep you informed and help you on your car buying journey.
