We see new drivers on the road everyday. Did you know?
- Young drivers, especially those aged 17, have a high success rate when taking their driving tests: More than half of young people pass their driving test first time around, meaning that younger drivers can often adapt to driving requirements and skills quickly [1][2].
- Increasing proportions of young people owning a licence: In recent years, around 46% of young men and 44% of young women in the age group of 17-24 have obtained their driving licence, reversing a previous decline [3].
- Learning from experience: Young drivers will often learn from their initial experiences. Learners who must take multiple attempts at their driving test show improved pass rates on their next try. This shows that young people are willing to learn and adapt quickly, which, in time, can turn into safer driving [4].
Becoming a new driver opens a world of independence, allowing individuals to explore and travel on their own terms. For young people especially, earning a driver’s license cultivates more than just mobility—it builds self-assurance, adaptability, and expanded social horizons as they navigate both roads and newfound freedoms [5][6].
It is also an important milestone for many people, whereby now budgeting for running a car along with repair costs is crucial. Warrantywise offers peace of mind to drivers purchasing their first car, giving them financial protection from unexpected expenses.
Choosing the ‘perfect’ car when you have just passed your driving test can be a daunting task. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 10 ideal cars based on various factors such as reliability, affordability, and safety.
1. Ford Fiesta
Prices start from £20,000 (new) & £5,000 (used) [7]
The Ford Fiesta has been a top-selling car in the UK for years due to its affordability and low maintenance costs. Its fuel efficiency contributes to lower expenses for owners. Some Fiesta models can achieve between 29.2 and 56.5 miles per gallon depending on the engine type and year of manufacture.
The Ford Fiesta is a reliable choice, scoring 70/100 in the Warrantywise Reliability Index. The Index data has shown that the most regular repair area for the Fiesta is the gearbox, occurring when there are issues with the transmission.
Despite the possibility of issues with the Gearbox, the Fiesta is a popular car in the UK, it is small, town and motorway-friendly, and fun to drive making it a perfect choice for new young drivers.
Additionally, the Fiesta also offers modern technology features and a variety of engine options that will suit the needs of those new to the roads. If you are in the market for a Ford Fiesta, do not forget to consider an extended car warranty for your peace of mind*.
2. Volkswagen Polo
Prices start from £18,850 (new) & £2,500 (used) [8]
The Volkswagen Polo has distinguished itself as a consistently impressive car, with excellent safety ratings that instil confidence in new drivers and their families, along with exceptional build quality that only adds to the safety of the car [9].
The Warrantywise Reliability Index data has shown that the Polo’s average repair cost comes in at £791, and the average age at repair is 7 years old, not only is it reliable but it makes for an affordable car too.
The robust construction of the Polo adds to the longevity of the strong resale values of the car, making it a great long-term investment for someone who is just starting out driving [10].
The comfortable ride, visibility, and controls collectively enhance the driving experience in the Polo – something that new drivers will appreciate in their first car [11] [12].
All cars are prone to expensive repairs, but putting an extended car warranty in place can help lessen the financial damage if they do occur*.
3. Vauxhall Corsa
Starting price: £19,625 (new) [13] / £6,995 (used) [14]
The popular Vauxhall Corsa has established itself as an essential for first-time car buyers. The compact hatchback offers low, affordable pricing making it a good entry point into car ownership.
With insurance costs that will not break the bank and competitive purchase prices [15][16], the Corsa does not stop there – the impressive fuel efficiency of the car results in reduced running expenses, again keeping costs low for young people who have just passed their driving test.
The widespread popularity of the Corsa is reflected in the SMMT’s used car sales for 2023 where it was found to be the UK’s 2nd most popular used car. We’ve rated the car in terms of reliability and with an average repair cost of £604 at an average age of 8 years old, it proves to be a cost-effective car for new drivers, especially those who are younger.
The impressive fuel efficiency of the car results in reduced running expenses, again keeping costs low for younger people who have just passed their test. Due to how popular the Vauxhall Corsa is, there is a vast amount of spare parts available which keep maintenance costs low.
4. Toyota Aygo
Prices start from £15,000 (new) & £7,800 (used) [18]
The Toyota Aygo is one of the most affordable cars on the list, both to purchase and to run. Toyota’s reputation for reliability shows in the Aygo, which is also reflected in the Warrantywise Reliability Index where it scored 85.3 sharing 5th place with the Toyota Hilux.
The Aygo is a compact car and is perfect for navigating busy environments as well as being an environmentally conscious choice due to its low emissions – this factor also contributes to lower tax rates.
Technology is invaluable to young people, making smartphone integration and connectivity options increasingly important when looking for a car. The Toyota Ago is equipped with integration such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing driving experiences and allowing for easy interaction with their smartphones for navigation and audio purposes [19].
With a variety of additions available with a Warrantywise extended car warranty including multimedia, you can help keep unexpected expenses at bay and enjoy your multimedia system too, get your car warranty quote today*.
5. Hyundai i10
Prices start from £15,420 (new) & £2,090 (used) [20]
The Hyundai i10 is excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for drivers new to the roads. The car is equipped with a range of different safety features such as an autonomous braking system, and lane assist making it a safe option for inexperienced driver and can add to their confidence as they get used to navigating the roads [21].
For those newly passed drivers who are on the lookout for a user-friendly vehicle, the Hyundai i10 will be an excellent choice due to the combination of safety, affordability, and fuel efficiency [22].
If you are looking to purchase a used Hyundai i10, and the manufacturer warranty has ended, look at a extended warranty for your hyundai*, to carry on your peace of mind whilst you start your journey as a new driver.
6. Kia Picanto
Prices start from £13,500 (new) & £4,450 (used) [24]
The Kia Picanto is a car that stands out for its exceptionally low starting prices, which makes it one of the most available cars to purchase for new drivers, the low purchase prices and running costs make this a great car to choose for budget-conscious buyers.
The small size of the Picanto makes it easy to drive whilst new drivers are getting used to a car, in addition to this the car is well-designed and spacious, making it a stylish yet practical choice.
Not only is this car easy on the eye, but there are also a multitude of safety features such as multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems, all of which can enhance the driver’s safety on the road.
Overall, the combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, and technology make this car an excellent choice for drivers purchasing their first car.
Warrantywise can offer you an extended car warranty for your used Kia, offering a layer of financial protection* that will help you along the way with your new used car.
7. Nissan Micra
Prices start from £8,298 (new) & £3,660 (used) [25][26]
The Nissan Micra is ideal for those who care about the look of their car, the Micra combine style with practicality. Typically, the Micra falls into the lower insurance groups, helping to keep annual costs down for new drivers who often face high insurance premiums.
An important feature in newer models of the Micra (especially for the younger generation), is the smartphone integration, meaning that drivers can safely interact with their infotainment system.
The Nissan Micra has an outstanding 5-star rating awarded by Euro NCAP meaning that this car has excellent crash protection and prevention with advanced crash avoidance technology (newer model) [23].
The likelihood of breakdowns and unexpected repairs is unlikely due to the well-known dependability of the Nissan Micra, despite the need for an extended car warranty remains crucial to add that extra financial protection*.
8. SEAT Ibiza
Prices start from £18,406 (new) & £11,500 (used) [27][28]
The SEAT Ibiza offers a sporty aesthetic without compromising on practicality. It is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Polo, meaning it also benefits from a solid build quality but at the same time is priced slightly lower.
The Ibiza is known for its responsiveness, which makes it enjoyable to drive while still being easy to control for newcomers. The fuel-efficient engine of the SEAT Ibiza means that running costs are low – an ideal factor for new and younger drivers.
Like the Kia Picanto, the SEAT Ibiza has received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP due to it being equipped with advanced safety technologies including Electronic Stability Control (a computerised safety system that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle and avoid or reduce the severity of crashes), six airbags, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (a safety feature that can automatically apply a vehicle’s brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision ) – giving new drivers the peace of mind that they need when they first hit the roads.
SEAT’s reputation for reliability is proved in the Ibiza’s build quality and dependable performance, all important things for first-time drivers.
9. Suzuki Swift
Prices start from £19,298 (new) & £5,000 (used) [29]
The Suzuki Swift is known for its light, agile handling making it both fun to drive but also easy to manoeuvre – a perfect confidence builder for new drivers. Its engines are known for their efficiency, keeping fuel costs low.
The Swift is a small car which perfect for new drivers whilst they get used to driving, and the clever design of the vehicle means it is practical for everyday use.
With advanced safety features such as Dual Sensor Brake Support (an advanced forward detection system to help support safe driving), Lane Assist (a safety feature that helps keep a vehicle within its lane, typically using a camera to detect when it’s drifting out of line), and Blind Spot Monitoring (a vehicle safety feature that uses sensors to detect other vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and warn the drive), the awareness of new drivers is only going to improve.
There is an option for an efficient 1.2 litre petrol engine that has mild hybrid technology – this will keep the car financially manageable.
10. Peugeot 208
Prices start from £15,595 (new) & £7,140 (used) [30]
The Peugeot 208 stands out as a stylish car, its modern design is appealing to those who want their first car to look great. The car offers fantastic fuel economy across its range of engines, which keeps costs low. The 208 typically falls into low insurance groups, beneficial for new drivers who will often face high insurance premiums.
A range of modern tech features is also offered in the Peugeot 208, including interactive multimedia systems – tech-savvy young people will take great joy in the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone integration allowing them to access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 208 is a renowned car for its comfort, offering a smooth driving experience, the car is compact which makes it easy to navigate.
There are many varied factors to consider when purchasing your first car – reliability, affordability, and efficiency to name a few. Whether it is the safety of the Suzuki Swift or the affordability of the Ford Fiesta, this list of cars can assist you in finding a car that not only fits your budget but also keeps you safe on the road.
It is important to remember that any car can suffer from unexpected mechanical and electrical faults, so having an extended car warranty in place can help financially protect you*. Get your quote today for peace of mind on the roads.