First cars are not just vehicles, they are the key to freedom and independence. They allow new drivers to explore, travel with friends, and create a treasure trove of memorable experiences.
Our experts have compiled a list of nine best new cars for first-time buyers.
Our experts have evaluated these cars based on reliability, fuel efficiency, maintenance, safety ratings, depreciation, resale value, ease of driving, and insurance cost, which are significant for new drivers.
Best First Cars 2024
Seat Ibiza
Retail Price: £22,520.00
Savings: £3,533.00
Motorfinity Price: £18,987.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £267.08
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The Seat Ibiza is our first pick. With exciting features, it provides good overall value for first-time car buyers.
The vehicle falls into a relatively low insurance group, which means the insurance cost is comparatively affordable - an attractive feature for first-time car buyers.
As well as its practicality, the vehicle is feature-rich. The entry-level models have high-end features such as full LED headlights and an 8.25" infotainment system.
The vehicle's resale value is not just respectable, it's a testament to its reliability. It holds its value well, with less depreciation cost compared to other cars in its segment.
Toyota Aygo X
Retail Price: £17,180.00
Savings: £1,377.00
Motorfinity Price: £15,803.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £219.38
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The Toyota Aygo X is an attractive choice for first-time UK drivers, offering affordable and modern features.
With its competitive starting price and excellent fuel economy, the Toyota Aygo X is a reassuring choice for new drivers, helping them manage initial purchase and running costs.
The Aygo X falls into insurance groups 6-8, depending on trim level, making it competitive and helping keep first-year premiums lower than other hatchbacks.
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The Toyota Aygo X's low price doesn't mean it compromises on features.
Even in the entry-level Pure trim, the Toyota Aygo X is packed with advanced technology, giving you a taste of the future right from the start.
Standard features include a 17 inch alloy, automatic headlights, seven-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
Suzuki Swift
Retail Price: £18,699.00
Savings: £2,554.00
Motorfinity Price: £16,145.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £187.19
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The Suzuki Swift is an attractive choice for first-time buyers, offering affordability, driving enjoyment and excellent fuel economy.
With an impressive fuel economy of up to 64.2 mpg, the Suzuki Swift falls under insurance groups 21-27, making it a competitive choice for its value and contributing to low overall running costs.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Swift offers an agile response. Its 1.2-litre engine is smooth and quiet, making it one of the best drives in its segment.
The Suzuki Swift is well-equipped with modern technology, even in its entry-level trim.
Standard features include a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control and advanced safety features.
Suzuki's strong reliability record provides complete peace of mind for new car owners.
Vauxhall Corsa
Retail Price: £19,635.00
Savings: £1,329.00
Motorfinity Price: £18,306.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £281.42
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The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular choice for the UK's first-time drivers.
It offers a blend of familiarity, modern features and competitive pricing.
The Corsa, falling into insurance groups 10-24, depending on the model, ensures that insurance costs are relatively manageable. This, coupled with the overall value it provides, makes it a wise investment for new drivers.
The Vauxhall Corsa offers impressive fuel economy, with the 1.2 turbo petrol 100PS returning over 50 mpg and hybrid models surpassing 60 mpg, helping to keep running costs down.
Its handling is surefooted with good grip, while light steering makes it great for city driving and parking.
The Corsa is more than just a first car. It's a versatile companion that offers decent passenger and boot space for its class, making it ideal for family use as well.
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Renault Clio
Retail Price: £18,095.00
Savings: £2,246.00
Motorfinity Price: £15,849.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £256.61 Make an Enquiry
Another attractive choice on the list is the Renault Clio, which offers a perfect blend of style, value, and driving enjoyment.
Insurance groups range from 3 to 12 for most models, with higher specs reaching 18, making it affordable for new drivers.
Fuel economy is impressive, with the 1.0-litre TCe 90 petrol officially returning 54.3 mpg and the E-Tech hybrid achieving up to 67.3 mpg.
The vehicle's handling is nimble and fun, with accurate steering and good body control, making it enjoyable for new drivers while ensuring a comfortable ride.
The overall driving experience is outstanding.
Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assistance.
The vehicle offers a smart interior with quality materials and a practical 391-litre boot (301-litres for hybrid models). This ample space makes it an ideal choice for those who value utility beyond just a first car.
Nissan Juke
Retail Price: £1,282.50
Savings: £282.50
Motorfinity Price: £1,000.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £242.72
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Not everyone wants a small hatchback as their first car. If you are after a bigger and more spacious option, the Nissan Juke is the best choice.
Despite being an SUV, it falls into manageable insurance groups - 11-16 for most models - keeping insurance costs relatively affordable for new drivers.
The fuel economy is decent. The 1.0-litre DIG-T 114 returns up to 48.7 mpg, while the hybrid version offers an improved 56.5 mpg.
The Juke maintains the same comfort and features. Even entry-level variants are well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features.
The Nissan Juke is more than just a first car; it provides extra comfort, making it ideal for families. It offers an intelligent interior with suitable quality materials and a practical 422-litre boot ( a bit less in hybrid models).
The vehicle provides sufficient head and legroom, ensuring comfort for both driver and passengers. This combination of space, practicality, and comfort makes the Juke a versatile choice that can serve new drivers well beyond their initial years of driving.
Volkswagen Polo
Retail Price: £21,915.00
Savings: £2,674.00
Motorfinity Price: £19,241.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £237.89
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If you're after quality, practicality, and comfort in your first car, along with strong brand reliability, the Volkswagen Polo is an excellent choice.
The vehicle falls into insurance groups 1-8 for most models, which is quite low compared to other hatchbacks. A manageable option for new drivers.
Fuel economy is good, with our experts recommending the 1.0 TSI 95 engine, which officially returns 52-54 mpg.
The Polo stands out for its ride quality, offering a smooth and comfortable experience that's especially beneficial for new drivers.
The combination of low running costs and superior comfort makes it one of the best options in its class.
The Volkswagen Polo is well-equipped with technology, even in its entry-level variant. It offers an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
While the initial purchase price may be higher than that of other hatchbacks, the Polo's substantial resale value and low depreciation make it a sound investment. These factors and its high-quality features make the Polo one of the best choices for a first car.
Toyota Yaris
Retail Price: £23,545.00
Savings: £3,277.00
Motorfinity Price: £20,268.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £275.71
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The Toyota Yaris is an attractive choice for first-time buyers, particularly those interested in hybrid technology and excellent fuel economy.
Most Yaris models fall into insurance groups 8-14, making it relatively affordable to insure compared with competitors.
The standout feature is its fuel economy. The hybrid powertrain officially returns 57.6 - 70.6 mpg, making it one of the most efficient non-electric cars available.
Despite its focus on practicality and efficiency, the Yaris doesn't skimp on features. The entry-level variant is well-equipped, offering a 9.0-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense package with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
The Toyota Yaris's most vital point is its reliability, thanks to Toyota's reputation in this area. This reliability contributes significantly to the vehicle's appeal as a first car.
The Yaris's dependability leads to low depreciation costs over time. It maintains a substantial resale value compared to its rivals in the same segment.
These factors combined - reliability, low depreciation, and substantial resale value - make the Yaris an economically sound choice for first-time car buyers, offering long-term value beyond its initial purchase price.
Mazda Mazda 2
Retail Price: £24,135.00
Savings: £3,233.00
Motorfinity Price: £20,902.00
Motorfinity Lease Starts From: £257.70
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The Mazda 2 is an attractive choice for first-time car buyers. It offers a combination of good fuel economy, impressive features, striking design, and overall comfort.
The vehicle falls into insurance groups 13-19, which leads to relatively low insurance costs compared to other cars in its segment.
One of its strongest points is the engine, which provides smooth power delivery through naturally aspirated 1.5-litre options (74bhp, 89bhp, or 113bhp).
For those who prefer traditional interfaces, the Mazda 2's sensibly laid out cabin with physical controls is particularly appealing. This thoughtful design contributes to the car's user-friendly nature, making it an excellent option for new drivers.
What to Consider When Buying a New Car as Your First Car
There are several compelling factors to consider when opting for a new car as your first car.
When choosing your new car, please consider models that:
- Offer a comprehensive warranty accompanying new vehicles. It provides peace of mind and potentially saves you substantial repairs during the first few years of ownership.
- Have competitive insurance rates for new drivers. For more information check out the guide on insurance groups for young drivers from the association of British insurers (ABI)
- Offer competitive insurance rates for new drivers. Many manufacturers now provide telematics-based insurance options, which help reduce premiums by monitoring your driving habits.
- New cars also tend to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, which leads to lower running costs and reduced road tax.
It is also worth exploring the various finance packages available.
Why Buy New as Your First Car
Buying a new car as your first car is not an easy decision, as they come with a hefty price tag and rapid depreciation. However, the compelling advantages that the new car offers cannot be overlooked.
The new vehicles offer cutting-edge safety features and are far more secure than used cars, as first-time drivers are more prone to accidents.
A new car, especially from reliable brands, comes with a big-time warranty, which provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair costs - a significant benefit for those on a tight budget.
Being more reliable also means fewer breakdowns and reduced maintenance expenses in the early years of ownership.
New cars can offer superior fuel efficiency compared with used cars.
New cars are full of features, as the technology and other specs for most cars improve with the latest models. These feature state-of-the-art infotainment systems and smartphone integration, which enhances both convenience and safety.
The other significant benefit is that financing a new car helps young buyers establish a positive credit history when responsibly managed.
Whilst the initial cost may be higher, the long-term value, safety benefits, and technological advantages of a new car make it a worthwhile consideration for first-time buyers who can afford the investment. Ultimately, the peace of mind and reduced stress of owning a reliable, warrantied vehicle can be invaluable for those navigating the roads for the first time.
Motorfinity and First Cars
At Motorfinity, we provide exclusive discounts on the above mentioned first cars for our eligible audience. You can enjoy an average of £7,000 discount on all makes and models.
If you are looking for more budget-friendly options, don't forget to check our section on cars under £20,000.
Searching for the best new car deals? Explore our comprehensive guide to July's top discounts and start saving big today!
Are you eligible?
Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
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