If you’ve just acquired your license, chances are you’re in the market for a nice new (or used) car. But what is important to new drivers, and their parents? It should be inexpensive to buy, cheap to run, reliable, and safe. We’ve chosen a few cars that fit the bill.
1. Ford Figo
Because the Fiesta might still be out of your price range, how about a Figo? When it comes to small cars, the excellent Ford Figo is your best bet. The 1.4 TDCi Ambiente is famously low on diesel, so when you’re getting 5.3 litres per 100 km, there’s more money for the fun stuff. Also, have a look on our website for a “previously-loved” one. The Figo isn't expensive to maintain either.
Related: Which is better? Honda Amaze or Ford Figo sedan?
2. Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto has always been one of the cutest small cars on the road, but with its recent update, it’s even more adorable. It is not cheap, but it’s filled with all kinds of useful goodies, such as a sound system with USB and AUX ports, fog lamps, and a trip computer. ABS anti-lock braking is standard on the 1.2 EX, as is an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system. Sensors detect when the driver brakes hard, so the brake lights will flash three times to warn motorists behind you. Earlier Start models didn't have ABS, so just ensure that the Picanto you have your eye on is equipped with this all-important feature. Search for pre-loved Picantos on AutoTrader.
Please note that the image above is of the Picanto X-Line, which is new and therefore still quite pricey.
Related: Suzuki Celerio vs. Toyota Agya vs. Kia Picanto - which offers the best value?
3. Hyundai i10 or Grand i10
The humbly priced, yet well-built Hyundai Grand i10 or older i10 offer a lot of big-car specifications at a little car’s price. With Bluetooth, fog lights and a nifty under-seat tray for hiding valuables, it’s a practical, quality buy for someone who is new to the driving thing.
Want something inexpensive but newish? Find out about a demo model of the Hyundai Atos, which is a great little city runabout which is more affordable than the i10. Also read: Is the new Hyundai Atos good for new drivers?
Related: Hyundai Grand i10 vs Kia Picanto vs Suzuki Swift
4. Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is a garage staple for many individuals who work in the motoring industry, as it is just brilliant all-around. It’s also seen some spit and polish with the last facelift where Ford’s award-winning, turbocharged three-cylinder engines have been added for some serious 92kW-zing. The Ford Fiesta 1.0 Trend with ESP, is our first choice. It may not be within the budget of a new driver, but perhaps Dad can help here – just tell him about the stability control.
Keen on something more sporty? Find out everything you need to know about the Ford Fiesta ST here.
Related: Nissan Micra 84 kW Turbo vs Volkswagen Polo TSI Highline vs Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium
5. Volkswagen Up!
If you’re keen on making a VW part of your family, the funky Up! Is definitely one of the more funky-looking “starter cars” on the road, and you get that neat German build quality as standard. Even taller drivers will be happy with the available headroom and the interior is a lot more exciting than the bestselling bigger sibling, the Polo Vivo. The three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine makes the UP! well-suited to city driving, and it needs very little fuel: Just 5.1 litres per 100 km.
Find out everything you need to know about the VW Up! here.
6. Honda Brio Hatch
The little Brio is simple in its design, yet fun to drive, with good ride quality and an able little engine. The 1.2-litre manual is our pick of the gearboxes, and the simple and user-friendly centre dash means minimal distractions for new drivers. If you need more of a boot for musical instruments or picnic baskets, the Brio Amaze Sedan is worth checking out.
Top 4 things you need to know about the Honda Brio.
7. Suzuki Celerio
The new Suzuki Celerio has launched recently, (and now Toyota has also rebadged it as the Vitz, which is the cheapest car in their local lineup), but if you can't afford one just yet, we'd recommend that you wait for a demo model or the pre-facelift model pictured above. Why don't you drop by the dealership and request that they get in contact once one is available?
If your budget is even smaller, the previous-generation Celerio won’t turn any heads with its generic, functional design, but it offers fantastic value for money. There’s lots of space for rear passengers, and its boot is bigger than both the VW Up and Hyundai i10, so students should be able to fit sufficient amounts of luggage in there. The steering is not too light, and all-around visibility is great. If you’re cash-strapped, this is well worth taking for a test drive.
8. Toyota Etios and Etios sedan
The Etios Sedan is not the heartthrob of the segment, but its sprightly 1.5-litre engine, spacious cabin, and the addition of a nice big boot make it a real value proposition. The Toyota Etios Hatch and Toyota Etios Cross hatchbacks make enticing, value-packed cars for beginner drivers too. It's also safe!
Did you know that the Haval H1 is based on an older Toyota platform and has similar equipment than the Etios Cross? You should be able to find newish ones that are quite affordable. Search for Haval H1 models here.
The complete guide to buying, owning and selling a Toyota Etios
9. Chevrolet Spark
10. Renault Sandero
A favourite in the budget-hatch department is the economical Renault Sandero. It was built with South African pothole-riddled roads in mind, and its 66 kW three-cylinder, the turbocharged engine has enough pep for inexperienced drivers who feel nervous when they have to overtake other vehicles. The standard spec level at this price is excellent, with stability control and Bluetooth across the range. The fuel economy is around 6.2 litres per 100 km.
Pictured is the Renault Sandero Stepway model, in Techroad trim. The Stepway offers higher ride height and SUV styling, but is going to cost you more than the regular Sandero.
Top 5 Renault Sandero articles on AutoTrader
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