Whether you’re learning to drive or have recently passed your test, choosing the right car as your first wheels is particularly important.
There’s no shortage of city cars and superminis that are ideal as first cars, but what are the best?
Skoda Citigo
Since going on sale in 2012, the Citigo has proven to be a particularly popular first car, alongside its Volkswagen Up! and Seat Mii siblings.
The Citigo is available with either three or five doors and is surprisingly practical for such a small car. Less powerful, lower trims also sit in the cheapest insurance group, while prices start from just £8,890. For affordable new motoring, this Skoda is ideal.
Seat Ibiza
The stylish Ibiza is more practical than the Citigo, and its larger cabin provides better refinement and comfort than the smaller city car. Therefore, it could be a better choice for new drivers who are needing to do more miles each year and perhaps drive on motorways.
Prices start on the steeper side, but the standard equipment makes up for that. For the entry-level £15,500 car, it comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring, automatic headlights and even automatic emergency braking.
Vauxhall Corsa
A new Corsa might be just around the corner, but the outgoing car’s stylish looks and affordable prices still make a lot of sense for new drivers. It’s little wonder so many new drivers end up with a Corsa as a first car!
Prices start from £11,735, which is great value for a supermini, with the low-powered engines also being relatively cheap for new drivers to get insured on. The stylish Griffin Edition is our pick of the range, with this model coming with a heated windscreen, automatic lights and wipers and a cool black styling pack.
Peugeot 108
For style-conscious buyers, the compact 108 from Peugeot is a great first car. Despite being on sale for several years, the city car still looks the part, while buyers wanting even more glamour can look at the ‘Top!’ version, which comes with a retractable canvas roof – perfect for the warmer weather.
Prices for the 108 start from £9,695 for the entry-level model, although the mid-range Active trim is our favourite as this adds a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 is mechanically identical to the Peugeot 108 (and the Toyota Aygo for that matter) but each enjoys a different look fitting in with each brand’s identity.
The youthful C1 is a bold and stylish city car that’s quirky both inside and outside, and is a doddle to park thanks to its compact dimensions. Prices start from £10,140, but it’s the £11,990 ‘Feel’ grade that makes the most sense, getting a seven-inch touchscreen, automatic emergency braking and air-conditioning. These are all very appealing features for new drivers.
Mazda2
The Mazda 2 straddles the boundaries between a city car and a supermini, but this model should not be dismissed because it is great fun to drive, and also looks the part.
Entry level SE+ models start from £13,795, with standard equipment including 15-inch alloy wheels, USB connection, keyless entry, electric windows all round and air conditioning. The 74bhp, 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine also has just the right amount of power for a first car.
