Cars to consider after passing your test
Passing your driving test is a momentous occasion for anyone. Whether you’re a teenager getting the chance to drive after years of waiting, or an older driver finally finding time to master a new skill, it’s a moment worth celebrating.
Once you’ve passed, it’s time to look for a car. There are all kinds of considerations as part of this process, though the main one is likely to be cost. Not necessarily the price of the car, but more likely insurance – it’s a big barrier to young and new drivers as the insurance companies want to mitigate the risk to them.
To help you find the perfect first car you can read on to find out more about the top ten best cars for first-time drivers in 2021. Each one has been picked not just because it’s likely to be cheap to insure but because it’s a good car in its own right. You can read more about each car below.
If you’re looking for a car for a loved one who has just passed their test, you may want to get a car valuation if you are trading in an old car to help pay for it. It always pays to know how much your car is worth beforehand.
Best cars for new drivers
1. Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a brilliant small car that’s spot-on for young drivers. The entry-level engine option is cheap to insure and the Clio offers lots of space inside and loads of equipment for the money.
2. Volkswagen Up
The Volkswagen Up’s small petrol engines are cheap to insure but also fun to use and really economical. The VW is also comfortable and easy to drive, has good visibility, has a good amount of space inside and since it’s so small, it’s easy to park for those who aren’t used to the process yet.
3. Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is a lot like the VW Up – its small engines are great for insurance but also fuel economy and it’s a comfy, easy-to-drive city car. It’s surprisingly fun to drive and looks smart too, plus there’s room inside for four adults. The boot is small but you can fold the rear seats down.
4. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a perfect choice for new drivers who have discovered they love driving. Even the entry-level model with the small three-cylinder petrol engine is really fun to drive, plus it’s economical, comfortable and has a pleasant cabin with plenty of tech.
5. Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is a hugely popular first car because it brings stylish looks and a fun driving experience along with its economical and cheap-to-insure engine options. Its retro-inspired looks are at the heart of its appeal, but you might have to compromise as the rear seats are tight.
6. Peugeot 108
The Peugeot 108 is a really economical car, so if you are planning on driving to work in your new car it’s a worthy choice. It’s cheap to insure like most of the others here, plus it’s quite fun on a twisty road, easy to park and looks stylish.
7. Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia is the model to go for if you need a lot of interior space – it has a huge boot for a supermini and lots of passenger space as well. It’s good to drive, well equipped and comfortable too, so it makes a great everyday car with room for all sorts of activities.
8. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is a similar size to the VW Up and Kia Picanto, so it’s nice and easy to drive and park. It’s also fun to drive, well equipped, relatively practical and cheap to run. The small 1.0-litre petrol engine keeps both fuel and insurance costs low, even for young drivers.
9. Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra is a great choice because it comes as standard with lots of safety kit. This means it sits in insurance group 1, which is as low as it gets. This means it should be affordable for new drivers, plus it’s fun to drive and pretty practical too.
10. Volkswagen T-Cross
The VW T-Cross is an SUV or crossover, and while it’s not the cheapest to insure as a result of its higher price, it’s good to know that there’s an option out there for someone who needs a higher-up driving position or a bit more space inside than a small city car or supermini can bring.
