Best Cars to Lease as Your First Car
If you’ve just passed your driving test and are looking for a new set of wheels, Select Car Leasing understands the excitement of getting your first car and the freedom that comes with it.
However, with the cost of insurance rising for young drivers, it can be challenging finding one that fits the bill.
That’s why we’ve put together an extensive list of the best cars for new drivers to help you get on the road, keep down the cost of insurance premiums and do it in style.
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First Cars and Insurance
Underwriters calculate insurance premiums based on a number of factors including:
Personal details — Your age, where you live and the car itself play a critical role in calculating the cost of your insurance premium.
Driving history (if any) — They may also consider how long you’ve been driving for, whether you have any points on your license or any criminal convictions.
Vehicle details — Cars with more horsepower and torque, sportier car models and luxury vehicles all have a higher insurance cost than normal cars because of their increased risk of accidents, theft and higher running costs.
Usage – How often you plan to use the car can affect premiums. It’s cheaper to insure someone who only drives 3000 miles a year than someone who will drive 10000 miles, for example.
Policy type — Comprehensive insurance policies, typically cover more than 3rd party, fire and theft policies — making them more expensive.
Additional drivers — Having additional drivers on the policy — especially long-standing license holders with a clean license — can bring down premiums in some cases.
Payment method — Whether you choose to pay your premium monthly or annually can have a bearing on the overall price. Typically, you save money paying annually as there’s additional charges for those that make monthly repayments.
Volkswagen Polo
The Polo is renowned for its solid build quality, reliability, and safety features. It’s easy to drive, with smooth handling and a refined cabin, making it ideal for new drivers. Its compact size ensures it’s easy to park, while the 1.0-litre petrol engines and efficient design keep running costs low. The generous boot space also makes it practical for daily use or road trips.
Engine Specs: 1.0-litre petrol (65-95hp) or 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine (up to 150hp); also available as a diesel (1.6 TDI) in older models.
Size: Compact hatchback; 4.05m (L) x 1.75m (W).
Boot Space: 351 litres.
SEAT Ibiza
The SEAT Ibiza combines sporty looks with practicality. It’s fun to drive, especially with the lively 1.0-litre engines, and has a stylish interior. Its reliability, low running costs, and large boot make it ideal for young drivers who need more space for luggage, shopping, or hobbies.
Engine Specs: 1.0-litre petrol (80-115hp), 1.5-litre petrol (up to 150hp), or 1.6-litre diesel in older models.
Size: Supermini; 4.05m (L) x 1.78m (W).
Boot Space: 355 litres.
Skoda Fabia
The Fabia offers one of the largest boots in its class, making it versatile and practical. It’s economical, reliable, and easy to drive, which is ideal for young drivers. Skoda’s focus on affordability ensures running and insurance costs stay low.
Engine Specs: 1.0-litre petrol (60-110hp), 1.5-litre petrol (150hp).
Size: Supermini; 4.1m (L) x 1.78m (W).
Boot Space: 380 litres.
Kia Picanto
The Picanto is small, easy to park, and fuel-efficient, with a compact boot suitable for light loads or small bags. Kia’s 7-year warranty is a big advantage for peace of mind, and the car is stylish, affordable, and cheap to run, perfect for those on a budget.
Engine Specs: 1.0-litre petrol (67-100hp) or 1.2-litre petrol (84hp).
Size: City car; 3.6m (L) x 1.60m (W).
Boot Space: 255 litres.
MINI Hatchback
While the boot is on the smaller side, the MINI Hatch is a style icon that’s compact, agile, and fun to drive. It’s perfect for city living, and the premium build quality and tech make it stand out for young drivers who want a unique, luxury feel to their first car.
Engine Specs: 1.5-litre petrol (102-136hp), 2.0-litre petrol (up to 178hp), or electric version.
Size: Supermini; 3.82m (L) x 1.73m (W).
Boot Space: 211 litres.
Vauxhall Corsa
The Corsa is practical and easy to drive, with low running costs. It offers a good-sized boot for everyday use and comes packed with modern tech features like touchscreen connectivity. It’s a great value option for young drivers looking for affordability and comfort.
Engine Specs: 1.2-litre petrol (75-130hp) or electric (Corsa-e).
Size: Supermini; 4.06m (L) x 1.77m (W).
Boot Space: 309 litres.
Peugeot 208
The 208’s modern styling and tech-forward interior make it attractive to young drivers. Its efficient engines and stellar boot size make it practical for everyday use. The electric e-208 is also a great eco-friendly option.
Engine Specs: 1.2-litre petrol (75-130hp) or electric (e-208).
Size: Supermini; 4.05m (L) x 1.75m (W).
Boot Space: 311 litres.
Hyundai i10
The i10 is compact, reliable, and economical, ideal for city driving and parking. The boot space is decent for its size, perfect for daily essentials. Hyundai’s warranty (5 years) offers excellent peace of mind, making it a smart choice for new drivers.
Engine Specs: 1.0-litre petrol (67-100hp) or 1.2-litre petrol (84hp).
Size: City car; 3.67m (L) x 1.68m (W).
Boot Space: 252 litres.
FAQ's
Although the Renault Clio got rated as the small car of the year at the 2024 UK Car of the Year awards, the most popular car is the Mini Cooper.
Not only was it the most-bought small car of the year but it was the most-purchased car in the UK, period.
Insurance costs for new drivers — particularly those that are aged 17- and 18-year-olds — are typically very high, so its best for young, new drivers to choose a car that poses “less of a risk” for insurance companies and therefore cheaper premiums.
When determining the price of an insurance policy for a particular vehicle, companies evaluate various factors, including the purchase price, repair expenses, parts availability, safety features, engine torque, and horsepower.
To keep premiums down, it’s advised you look for cars with no more than a 1.2 litre engine.
Ultimately, it’s down to your personal preferences and your budget.
Although newer cars come equipped with more assistance and safety features, you might find that newer cars cost more.
On the other hand, when buying or leasing an old car, you might find that you’re spending more on maintenance and repair costs.
Buying or leasing a used car that’s been well looked after can be just as good as buying an expensive newer car, so don’t let age be the only determining factor.
Yes, you can legally own a car at 17 in the UK. There is no minimum age to own a vehicle — as long as it’s registered in your name.
However, to drive the car, you need a valid full driver’s license, valid insurance, vehicle tax and MOT, and be over the age of 17.
The number of doors has no impact on insurance premiums.
