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Browse a selection of suitable first and learner cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best first cars 2022
1. VW Polo
2. Peugeot 208
3. Vauxhall Corsa
4. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is the ideal first car if you love driving. It’s great fun on the road and comes with the tech young drivers love. It’s not the cheapest of its kind to insure, though, and some desirable safety kit costs a bit extra.
5. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 feels as much like a TARDIS as a car – despite its small size, its interior is surprisingly roomy. Unlike the VW Up, the i10 actually has a full rear bench, able to carry three of your mates, rather than two. You’ll want to stick with the S or SE if you’re a first-time buyer, as those models, when powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine, fall into insurance group 2.
6. Skoda Fabia
If you fancy the practicality of a VW Polo but don’t want to spend quite as much money, then the Skoda Fabia could be worth a look. It shouldn’t be expensive to insure and the cabin can stand up to the worst abuse your mates can fling at it and has a rear bench that can sit three of them side-by-side comfortably. It’s not very exciting however.
7. Fiat 500
8. Volkswagen Golf
9. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a reliable all-rounder and one of the most dependable first cars you can buy. The cabin is spacious and you also get Toyota’s famous reliability, which means the Yaris should last you a long time. If it doesn’t, you still have peace of mind thanks to its five-year warranty. Many of the car’s less expensive trims also fall into insurance group 2.
10. Nissan Micra
Best cars for learner drivers
1. Volkswagen Golf
2. Suzuki Ignis
3. Hyundai i10
4. Toyota Aygo
5. Dacia Sandero
Best cheap first cars
1. Hyundai i10
2. Skoda Citigo
3. Citroen C4 Cactus
4. VW Up
5. Nissan Micra
Safest first cars
1. Renault Clio
2. Volkswagen Golf
3. BMW 1 Series
4. Ford Focus
5. Mazda 3
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