Between steep insurance costs and minimum-wage jobs, many new drivers are on a tight budget.
Don't fret though, because we've picked out the most stylish and cost-effective cars on the market – perfect for first-time drivers.
You'll find most of these options with big discounts as nearly new and used cars on sale at Motorpoint.
1. Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is an obvious pick for a new car, even if it's not the most exciting. Its list of talents is longer than the time you’ve waited to get driving, with impressively stable and confidence-inspiring handling so you don’t feel like you’re in a tin can on the motorway. New drivers are best with the 1.0-litre MPI engine. It’s not fast but it’ll return great fuel-economy figures, and it sits in the very lowest insurance group. Less money spent on car insurance, more money spent on Friday nights at Walkabout. Bonza.
Shop used Volkswagen Polo cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Polo review
2. Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta’s been easing drivers into driving since some of your grandparents were sticking on L plates in 1976. It’s been brought bang up-to-date for its seventh-generation with smartphone-friendly tech, an altogether slicker style, and even mild-hybrid technology to eke out the best fuel economy. Much as things have changed, the Fiesta’s still cheap-as-chips to run, fun to drive, and it's a shame it's no longer made. Look for a nearly new or used Trend or Zetec model with the 1.1-litre petrol engine for the lowest insurance premiums. If you need something a little bigger, consider the Ford EcoSport or the Ford Puma, which also sit in fairly low insurance groups.
Shop used Ford Fiesta cars for sale or read our Ford Fiesta review
3. Skoda Citigo
Another brilliant car that's no longer available new, the Skoda Citigo is a tiny little hatchback with lots of urban agility, while also having a reassuring big-car feel on the motorway. It's one of a trio of cars that includes the Volkswagen Up and SEAT Mii, which are identical besides the bumpers and badges. These city cars are brilliant, with a functional but stylish charm, and deft touches like an integrated phone cradle for infotainment duties or the flip-out cupholder. The blocky proportions means the Citigo is surprisingly spacious inside, plus it’s fun to drive and costs peanuts to run.
Shop used Skoda Citigo cars for sale
4. Fiat 500
There's a reason the adorable Fiat 500 remains so popular with its mousey face and dinky, rollerskate proportions, but there’s so much more to this Italian city car than adorable looks. You'll spot several nods to its retro predecessor, like the circular concentric dials behind the steering wheel and the fridge-style door handles. Cute colours and neat upholstery complete the impression, and pint-sized petrol engines under the bonnet mean low fuel and insurance costs. And, with lots of supply on the used market, prices are competitive too.
Shop used Fiat 500 cars for sale or read our Fiat 500 review
5. Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa might not have the retro charm of the Mini or Fiat 500, but it's still an icon in its own right – especially among young drivers. Corsas come with reassuringly low insurance groups to keep your coverage affordable, plus a full suite of safety gear to protect you on the move. Young drivers will be best off with the entry-level 1.2-litre 75hp engine but, if you can stomach slightly higher insurance costs, the 100hp turbocharged version of the same engine is much punchier with a negligible fuel economy impact. It shares parts and engines with the Citroen C3, which adds a dash of utilitarian French charm to the mix.
Shop used Vauxhall Corsa cars for sale or read our Vauxhall Corsa review
6. Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 is one of the best-value cars you can buy at Motorpoint, with prices firmly in the four-figure bracket. Its 14.2-second 0-62mph ‘sprint’ is fairly yawn-inducing – you'll have to keep the accelerator pinned to keep up on the motorway – but why worry when you can eke almost 70 miles from every gallon of fuel? The C1 even looks cool, especially with the range of funky colour and upholstery choices. The Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108 are basically the same cars underneath, with the same simple and honest charm. No-frills motoring at its finest.
Shop used Citroen C1 cars for sale
7. Toyota Aygo X
That 'X' isn't a kiss, it’s a cross. For crossing lakes and mountains presumably, as the teensy Aygo X is desperately trying to be an SUV, with its taller ground clearance, big alloys and plastic wheel cladding. We like its trendy looks and they don’t come at the expense of compact dimensions. It’s very easy to park, especially as every version comes with a reversing camera. Stick with the entry-level Pure trim and you’ll benefit from group 5 insurance, so it should be just about possible to get affordable coverage. And, you’ll still have the protection of auto emergency braking, plus a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for entertainment duties.
Shop used Toyota Aygo X cars or read our Toyota Aygo X review
8. Hyundai i10
Take one look at the Hyundai i10 and you might think tinned sardines have more space to stretch out, but the i10 is deceptively roomy. Assuming your friends aren't all burly rugby players, four average-sized adults will fit with no complaints, and there’s a boot that’s big enough for a weekly shop for you and your flatmates. The i10 boasts sophisticated tech too – there’s phone mirroring, a reversing camera and cruise control – along with low insurance costs and even lower fuel costs. It shares oily bits with the Kia Picanto, which is another great option at this price point.
Shop used Hyundai i10 cars for sale or read our Hyundai i10 review
9. Kia Rio
With Kia’s range now including gems like the Sportage and EV6, you’d be forgiven for completely forgetting that the Kia Rio exists. The Rio keeps your head happy. It’s super easy to drive, economical, nippy and spacious, and the balance of its seven-year warranty means it’ll be absolutely painless to live with. Equipment levels are generous too, so you'll find most versions include desirable features like an infotainment system and some active safety aids. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine isn't exactly a tower of power but should return 50mpg without too much difficulty.
Shop used Kia Rio cars for sale
10. Renault Captur
Perhaps you’re a first-time driver out of necessity – you might have a new family that you'll struggle to squeeze into a tiny city car. If you need something with a little more space, the previous-generation Renault Captur should do you well. It’s one of the cheapest SUVs to insure, starting in group 8 for a 90hp version, while its Renault Clio mechanicals mean it’s economical to run too. The Captur gets a simple-to-use interior, generous passenger space and good all-round visibility, taking the stress out of commuting when you’re new to the rush hour hustle and bustle.
Shop used Renault Captur cars for sale
