The Best car for new drivers
The cost of car insurance for young and new drivers is infamously high. The make and model and trim of your car massively affects how much you pay in insurance each year.
Each car registered in the UK is included in one of 50 insurance categories, numbered 1 to 50 with cars in Group 1 being the cheapest to insure.
What group a car fits into depends on several factors;
- How much the car costs
- How easy it is to repair
- How long it takes to repair
- The cost of 23 common replacement parts.
- The performance of the car e.g. acceleration and top speed
- Safety and security features
We have compiled a list of cars perfect for new drivers.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular supermini car in the UK, known for its sleek design, practicality and affordability. It comes in a range of trim levels and engines, catering to different needs and preferences. The latest model has a modern interior with advanced features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration and advanced safety features. It also offers a comfortable ride, making it a great choice for daily commutes or longer trips. Overall, the Vauxhall Corsa is a well-rounded and reliable car that is a popular choice among UK drivers.
Insurance Group : 1-23
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Hyundai I10
The Hyundai i10 is a popular city car that is ideal for drivers who need a vehicle that is efficient and practical for everyday use. With a compact size and nimble handling, the i10 is easy to manoeuvre through congested city streets and tight parking spaces. It also boasts an impressive fuel economy, making it an economical choice for those who want to keep their running costs low. Despite its small size, the i10 has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to four passengers comfortably, making it an excellent choice for small families or those who need to carry passengers on a regular basis. Additionally, it comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers protected on the road.
Insurance Group: 1-12
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Volkswagen Up
The Volkswagen Up is a compact city car that’s perfect for zipping around town. Despite its small size, it’s surprisingly spacious on the inside with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. It’s also packed with features such as air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment system, and safety features like automatic emergency braking. The Up is available in a range of colours and trims to suit all tastes and budgets, making it a popular choice for city dwellers who want a reliable and practical car.
Insurance Group: 1-17
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 is a small and stylish city car that is perfect for navigating the streets of the UK’s urban areas. Its compact design makes it easy to park in tight spaces and its nimble handling makes it a joy to drive in busy traffic. The C1’s exterior design is characterized by clean lines and a distinctive front grille, while the interior is comfortable and well-crafted, with a range of advanced features such as touchscreen infotainment and automatic climate control. With its agile handling, efficient engines, and affordable pricing, the Citroen C1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a small and stylish city car that delivers both fun and practicality.
While discontinued in 2022 there are still plenty of excellent used Citroen C1 examples available.
Insurance Group : 1-13
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is a classic and iconic city car that combines style and practicality in a compact package. The car’s retro design is instantly recognisable, with its curved lines, circular headlights, and distinctive front grille. Inside, the Fiat 500 offers a comfortable and well-crafted cabin that is loaded with features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, and a range of advanced safety features. The car also offers a smooth and agile ride, making it perfect for navigating through busy city streets.
From July 2022 Fiat only manufacture electrified (hybrid & all-electric) vehicles.
Insurance Group : 5-19
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular small cars on the market, renowned for its agile handling and sporty performance. Available in a range of trim levels and engine options, the Fiesta is perfect for drivers who want a fun and efficient car that’s easy to park and navigate through city streets. With a stylish and modern design, the Fiesta features a host of advanced safety and technology features, including Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with smartphone integration and a range of driver assistance features. Whether you’re looking for a practical and reliable commuter car or a fun and sporty hatchback, the Ford Fiesta is a great choice for drivers of all ages and backgrounds.
Production of the Ford Fiesta was discontinued in 2023.
Insurance Group : 2-30
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Seat Ibiza
The Seat Ibiza is a popular supermini car that has been around since the 1980s. The latest version of the car is a stylish and modern vehicle with a wide range of features, making it a popular choice for drivers who want a reliable and affordable car. The Ibiza comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and it offers good fuel economy and low emissions. It also has a spacious interior, with plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers, and a decent-sized boot for storage. Overall, the Seat Ibiza is a practical and fun-to-drive car that offers excellent value for money.
Insurance Group : 2-24
Annual Road Tax *: From £150
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is a popular supermini car in the UK that offers a great combination of practicality, style and efficiency. With a range of efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid engines to choose from, the Polo is ideal for city driving and longer journeys alike. It also boasts a spacious and comfortable interior with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. Plus, with a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist and emergency braking, the Polo offers peace of mind on the road.
Insurance Group : 1-29
Annual Road Tax* : From £150
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a popular supermini that has been a mainstay of the UK car market for decades. The latest model boasts a stylish and modern design, with a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. Inside, the cabin is spacious and comfortable, with a good level of standard equipment including a touchscreen infotainment system. The Clio also boasts strong safety credentials, having been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Overall, the Renault Clio is a practical and stylish choice for drivers in the UK supermini market.
Insurance Group : 3-29
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
Toyota Aygo
The Toyota Aygo is a fun and stylish city car that is perfect for navigating the busy streets of the UK. With its compact size, the Aygo is easy to park and maneuver, making it a great choice for urban dwellers. Despite its small size, the Aygo has plenty of personality, with bold styling and a range of customization options to choose from. It also boasts impressive fuel economy and low emissions, making it an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. With its reliability and affordability, the Aygo is a popular choice for those seeking a practical and stylish car for city driving.
Insurance Group : 5-9
Annual Road Tax* : From £20
*Annual road tax varies for each model variant, some model variants have free road tax.