What are the best first cars for new drivers in 2025?
Choosing your first car is an important decision; you only ever get one first car. Making a smart decision when it comes to choosing your first car can be the difference between a memorable experience and a traumatic one. We list some of the best choices you can make when buying a new car in 2025.
It's no secret that safe, reliable public transport is virtually non-existent in South Africa. E-Hailing is a popular alternative that does away with the ownership concerns associated with a motor vehicle, but many still want to be independent and self-reliant.
Choosing your first car, especially when you're an inexperienced driver, brings with it a host of questions and considerations. We're here to help you choose.
Related: 15 Driving Tips for New Drivers
Our list below takes a look at several entry-level cars that many would consider affordable. They're on the more affordable end of the spectrum, offer cost-effective running, and don't pose a security risk (yet). Here are 5 models that we would recommend you look at when shopping for your first car.
Toyota Vitz/Suzuki Celerio
The Toyota Vitz and Suzuki Celerio are, essentially, the same vehicle. There are only small differences between the two; slight changes to the front bumper, badging, and specification. The biggest difference is the warranty, with Suzuki offering a 5-year warranty as opposed to Toyota's 3-year warranty.
Both the Vitz and Celerio come with an impressive complement of 6 airbags and XR/GL trims get touchscreen infotainment systems with reverse cameras. There's also a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
Toyota Vitz: R178 800 to R224 900
Suzuki Celerio: R188 900 to R225 900
Suzuki Swift
A little larger than the Celerio, the Swift gives you a 'big car' feel without breaking the bank. Fast becoming one of South Africa's most popular models, the Swift is a reliable package at a great price. GL+ and GLX trims get a touchscreen infotainment system and reverse camera, but all Swifts, no matter the trim, get a complement of 6 airbags for your safety. Both GL+ and GLX trims are available in automatic.
Suzuki Swift: R224 900 to R487 900
Hyundai Grand i10
This plucky Korean hatch (or sedan, if that's your preferred flavour) is a joy to drive! Perfect for tight, connected roads, the Grand i10 is just the right size and has light, but direct controls. Anyone can drive one! Unfortunately, it suffers on the safety front, only offering 2 airbags as opposed to the 6 made available on some of the others on this list. All models get a touchscreen infotainment system and reverse camera, while an automatic gearbox is only available on the 1.2 Premium model.
Hyundai Grand i10: R224 900 to R309 900
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Grand i10 and offers the same enjoyable driving experience. The specifications similar, with models getting infotainment systems and reverse cameras, but only two airbags as part of their safety systems. Here though, even the entry-level LS trim gets an automatic option. That may be the decider for many when choosing between the Grand i10 and Picanto.
Kia Picanto: R236 995 to R325 995
Nissan Magnite
The Nissan Magnite is the only crossover in this list, but don't let that scare you off, it still has compact proportions but offers a slightly raised driving position. This allows you to see more of the road and many new drivers find this appealing. The Magnite has a complement of 6 airbags in addition to other standardised safety systems and touchscreen infotainment systems are available from Acenta trim onwards.
Nissan Magnite: R246 200 to R410 700
