Once you pass your driving test the next step is to look for a suitable first car! Preferably one that is both affordable and packed with the latest tech features! Look no further! In this article, we'll be discussing the best small cars for new drivers in 2023.
We will investigate insurance groups, running costs & modern features. This will help you make a wise decision when selecting a car for your driving test.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a popular choice for new drivers, It’s been one of the best-selling cars in the UK for years! It’s a fun-to-drive small car that’s also easy to drive, making it perfect for city driving.
One of the standout features of the Fiesta is its handling. It’s agile and responsive, making it easy to navigate through tight spaces and park in small spots. The suspension is also well-tuned, providing a smooth ride even on bumpy roads. Depending on the trim level, the Fiesta has various safety features such as lane departure warning and brake assist, which can provide new drivers with confidence.
Another key feature of the Fiesta is its fuel efficiency. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the market, meaning that new drivers won’t have to worry about spending too much on petrol.
Depending on the choice of trim level, the Fiesta offers a range of technology features. These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This enables drivers to easily connect their smartphones to the car's infotainment system.
All in all, the Ford Fiesta is a great choice for new drivers. It’s fun to drive, affordable to run, and packed with features that can make driving easier and safer.
Toyota Yaris
Toyota has an outstanding reputation for safety and reliability, and the Yaris is no exception. It is a dependable and budget-friendly small car ideal for new drivers looking for their first car.
It has been a popular choice for new drivers for many years. It is well known for its low running costs and high safety levels. Additionally, it is easy to drive, making it an excellent choice for drivers who are new to the road.
The Yaris has an excellent safety rating. It has consistently been given a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense, automatic headlights and wipers, reversing camera and even Apple CarPlay (on later models)
The Yaris is one of the most affordable small cars on the market. Its running costs are low, including fuel consumption and insurance.
Whilst this car may not be thrilling, it is reliable and ideal for new drivers. It gets the job done.
Kia Picanto
If you are a new driver, the Kia Picanto is worth considering. It is small, affordable, and offers many features. This city car is compact and comfortable to ride.
It also has good fuel efficiency. Moreover, it offers a range of modern tech features, making it a joy to drive.
One of the most notable features of the Kia Picanto is its spacious and well-designed cabin. Despite its small size, the Picanto offers plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard is laid out in a logical and easy-to-use way.
The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes it easy to connect your phone while you're on the go.
In addition to its comfortable interior, the Kia Picanto is also surprisingly fun to drive. The engine of this car is nippy. It provides quick acceleration. The nimble handling makes the car easy to manoeuvre in tight city streets.
Of course, one of the biggest pros of the Kia Picanto for new drivers is its affordable price tag. This car is one of the most affordable in its class.
Overall, the Kia Picanto is a fantastic choice for new drivers who want a small, affordable car that's packed with features and fun to drive. It's reliable, efficient, and easy to handle, making it a great option for anyone who's just getting started behind the wheel.
Volkswagen Up
The Volkswagen Up is a popular choice for new drivers due to its reliability and low running costs. The car has a reputation for being well-built and dependable, with few reported issues. It consistently ranks highly in reliability surveys and has received positive reviews from both owners and industry experts.
In terms of insurance, the Volkswagen Up falls into insurance groups 1-6, which makes it one of the cheapest cars to insure on the market. This is great news for new drivers who typically face higher insurance costs due to their lack of experience. Additionally, the car's low emissions make it an attractive option for those who are environmentally conscious.
The Volkswagen Up also offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective option for new drivers. Its three-cylinder petrol engine delivers impressive fuel economy, with an average of around 50 miles per gallon, depending on driving style and conditions. This not only saves drivers money on fuel costs but also helps to reduce emissions and carbon footprint.
Overall, the Volkswagen Up is a reliable, affordable and efficient car, making it an ideal choice for new drivers. With its low insurance group, running costs and fuel efficiency, the Volkswagen Up is a practical and economical car that offers great value for money.
Hyundai i10
Reliability, insurance group/cost, and fuel efficiency are all important factors to consider when choosing a car, especially for new drivers. The Hyundai i10 is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient small car that won't break the bank in terms of insurance costs.
The i10 has a reputation for being a dependable car, with low maintenance costs and a five-year warranty for added peace of mind. It has also scored well in safety tests, with features like electronic stability control and hill-start assist as standard.
In terms of insurance, the i10 is generally rated in the lower insurance groups, which can translate to more affordable premiums for new drivers. Fuel efficiency is also a strong point for the i10, with some models offering up to 60 miles per gallon on the highway.
Overall, the Hyundai i10 is a solid choice for new drivers looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective small car.
Honda Jazz
Next on our list, the Honda Jazz is another great option for new drivers in 2023. This popular small hatchback has been a hit with drivers since its launch in 2001, and it's easy to see why. The Jazz is renowned as a small yet versatile hatch, appealing to people in need of a small car with big space.
Another factor that makes the Jazz a great choice for new drivers is its affordable insurance group rating (Group 13-19). This, combined with its low running costs, makes it an attractive option for those looking to keep their motoring costs down.
Overall, the Honda Jazz is a great choice for new drivers in 2023 who want a reliable, practical and affordable small car with a range of trim levels and specifications.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular choice for new drivers due to its affordability and practicality.
It offers a range of various engine sizes, with the smaller engines offering the best fuel economy and lower running costs, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
It has a comfortable interior and responsive handling, making it an enjoyable car to drive both in the city and on the open road.
Overall, the Vauxhall Corsa is a reliable and practical choice for new drivers who are looking for an affordable and safe car to own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of great options for new drivers looking for a small car in 2023. Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for a bit of luxury, there's something on this list for everyone. From the reliable and practical Toyota Yaris to the stylish and fun Fiat 500, these cars offer a range of features that make them perfect for first-time drivers.
So, take your pick and hit the road with confidence, knowing you've got a reliable and safe car to get you where you need to go.
Happy driving!
