UK Families Guide: Which is the Best Car a New Driver?
As a parent or grandparent, finding the best first car for a new driver can be challenging. You would want to ensure that the young driver ends up with a reliable, safe, and inexpensive car while keeping insurance costs to a minimum.
If your grandson is now 17 and has just passed his driving test, you must be excited, but at the same time practical. You want to ensure he gets the best first car. With a budget of £5-6K, there are several excellent options available that tick all the boxes for a new driver.
Why Smaller, Reliable Cars are Best for New Drivers
For a first car, the size really matters. For instance, a small car is among the best picks for the first driver: it is more manageable, fuel-friendly, and mostly, cheaper to insure. Another important factor for insurance prices is the insurance group. You can find out the insurance group for free with a vehicle check. This history report will also reveal important facts about the car’s past.
Probably one of the best first cars is going to be compact, reliable, with very low running costs. Luckily, there are many excellent models to fit this description within the budget of your grandson.
- Hyundai i10
For example, such cars as Hyundai i10 have good requirements such as reliability and affordability. Its compact size provides excellent parking capabilities, and also a good ease in maneuverability that makes this 1.0-litre petrol engine with good performance but adequate fuel economy for the one seeking to cut on costs of running their car. This also makes it an excellent choice for young drivers, since it has a low insurance group and therefore is less expensive to insure than many other models.
The i10 is a long-lasting vehicle, and it is well-kitted with features such as air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and an intuitive infotainment system. It is perfect for a person who wants a no-frills, dependable car without much fuss.
- Kia Picanto
Another good bet would be the Kia Picanto – nearly a virtual twin for the Hyundai i10. Both sit on the same platform and so share virtually every feature from identical interior spaces down to its matching 1.0-litre engine – remarkably frugal at fuel consumption, or low priced as far as the insurance stakes. The build is also fantastic as is well attested; likewise, very pragmatic little town-car for newly fledged young car owners.
The Kia Picanto is also offered with Kia’s generous warranty, that will provide security for first-time car owners. The overall compactness of the car plus its great reliability makes the Picanto a real contender for first-time drivers to get their very first car.
- Hyundai i20
If your grandson requires a car that is merely a bit larger, then probably the Hyundai i20 is what he needs. The Hyundai i20 is still not large enough, but bigger than the i10; thus, if your grandson will use his car on more significant journeys or heavy loads, then this is absolutely a good deal. Interesting about the Hyundai i20 is it can be cheaper to insure than some smaller models, so get a few insurance quotes to see what they come out as before making the final decision.
The i20 offers a lot: it’s comfortable to sit inside, with excellent safety ratings, and pretty good fuel efficiency. It is yet another reliable and solid vehicle that will give years of hassle-free driving.
- Toyota Aygo
Toyota Aygo is a very good option for new drivers. It is trendy and easy to drive. Aygo is compact in size and ideal for city driving, given its reliability and low maintenance. With the 1.0-litre petrol engine, the fuel economy is fabulous. Running costs of the Aygo are so low that it will appeal to most young drivers.
Apart from practicality, a good safety feature is a prominent point for a new driver and the Toyota Aygo has it, making it an enjoyable and very practical car and offering excellent value for money.
Conclusion
Reliability, affordability, and insurance costs are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a first car for a new driver. The Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Hyundai i20, and Toyota Aygo are all good choices for your grandson, as they have a good balance of low insurance costs, high reliability, and low running costs. He should be able to find a good, well-maintained model in the £5-6K bracket from these brands. Just shop around for insurance quotes to find the best deal. Happy car hunting!
