Have you just passed your driving test? Congratulations! Passing your test and buying your first car is often one of the most memorable milestones in an adult’s life. Once you’ve passed your driving test, the level of freedom you’ll have will be unmatched. Even though you have done the hard part, there’s one last hill you have to climb…It’s time to pick out your first car. It can be a difficult task for newly-qualified drivers to find the perfect one for them.
Everybody knows that the cost of buying and running a car can be high, so the best way to get the most out of your money is to get a car that’s affordable, economical and with cheap insurance.
If you’re unsure which car would be best for you then don’t panic! We have put together a list of the best cars for first-time drivers. Let’s see which car is right for you…
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is Britain’s best-selling car and makes the perfect first set of wheels. Not only is it easy to drive, and great fun, too, the Fiesta scores well with its raft of safety tech. Fiestas have been made since 2008 and have scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests (based on the tests at the time).
Young drivers will be wowed by the technology the interior offers, including SYNC voice activation, while Titanium models upwards get air-conditioning.
Nissan Qashqai
Not all the best cars for new drivers are small hatchbacks. The Nissan Qashqai can prove an excellent solution if you’re after something a bit bigger. This reliable motor is a small SUV (crossover) that is incredibly practical – great for festivals, road trips and even pet owners.
To put it simply, it’s big, comfy and easy to see out of which pretty much ticks most buyers’ boxes. With many models hosting a 1.2 or 1.5-litre diesel or petrol engine, a Qashqai can work out relatively inexpensive to run (if you drive it properly, of course).
Kia Picanto
Reliability is rated excellent with the Kia Picanto and it even finished in a very respectable 29th place in the “Car Buyer 2019 Driver Power Survey”. Safety is good with the car scoring four out of a possible five stars.
Along with this car being very reliable, the Picanto offers a mix of practicality, reliability and good quality to go with its new style. Inside, you’ll find a range of equipment available. Expect to find electric front windows, USB inputs, auto lights and hill start assist. It’s only available with five doors now, but you do get a choice of 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is one of the best cars for first-time drivers. Not only are they relatively cheap to insure but they are easy to drive and have a range of impressive features that come as standard. These can include DAB radio, seven airbags, ABS brakes and Isofix child seats and the hazard lights come on automatically under hard braking.
Since its relaunch in 2007, the Fiat 500 has been on a never-ending popularity rise. Its iconic design makes it a hit with new drivers of all ages (not just the fresh-faced 17-year-olds) and they come in such a vast range of colours that there is pretty much a car for every type of person.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is an attractive car for young/first time drivers as it has a mix of practicality with inexpensive running costs. The Corsa falls into low insurance groups and there are also plenty of attractive finance/leasing deals available with this reliable little car.
Unlike other hatchbacks which only come with 5-door options, the Corsa is one of the few still available as a three-door if you prefer. In short, it’s small, dynamic, responsive and a nifty car to drive in the town or city centre.
There are so many cars out there that are suited for first-time drivers, be sure to look through our selection of makes and models available and contact the team today!