When a first-time car buyer is considering a vehicle, it usually comes down to how much value they can get for as little money. However, areas such as safety, frugality, practicality and maintenance should be at the front of their minds, as these are the most valuable aspects for any vehicle buyer.
But before you start your search for new and used cars on AutoTrader, in this article, we will be sharing a few examples of new cars as well as used vehicles that should tick all the above-mentioned boxes for a first car.
Related: How to decide between a new and a used car
New car
Toyota Agya
The Toyota Agya is a small yet funky little hatchback. The hatchback model offers five seats and a 260-litre boot which should be ample for a student or an individual that needs to commute to the office. Under the bonnet, it features a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. This results in a manufacturer-claimed average fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L / 100 km which is very frugal.
Suzuki DZire
If you are looking for something a little bigger to fit your friends or your new family, the Suzuki DZire might be a good option to consider. The compact sedan also offers to seat five occupants, however, it comes with a 378-litre boot, great for those extra suitcases on the weekend trip. The model also comes fitted with two airbags and ABS brakes but the safety is further bolstered by brake assist as well as stability control.
Under the bonnet, customers can expect a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque and a manufacturer-claimed average fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L / 100 km.
Renault Triber
Need to be able to fit a few extra passengers for the carpool or growing family? The Renault Triber multi-purpose vehicle might just tick all the boxes. The model, which comes fitted with ABS brakes and two airbags as standard, offers up to seven seats and then still has 84 litres of luggage space. However, fold down a few seats and you will gain access to 625 litres of boot space.
Motivating the entry-level Renault Triber is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque. The motor has a manufacturer-claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L / 100 km.
Related: Can I get a better deal on a used car if I pay with cash?
Used car
Ford Fiesta
For around the same price, as you could get one of the new models listed above, you can also consider a 2019 model-year Ford Fiesta hatchback. This, even in the Trend specification, comes with no less than six airbags and ISOFIX anchors for child restraint seats. Under the bonnet, customers can expect a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine capable of 74 kW and 170 Nm of torque which is claimed to return an average fuel consumption figure of 4.3 L / 100 km.
The model has proven to be a reliable, safe and practical option for those seeking a vehicle for the daily commute to the office or university.
Volkswagen Polo sedan
If you need a little extra luggage space, the Volkswagen Polo sedan, like the Fiesta, will provide seating for five occupants but has a larger boot rated at 454 litres instead of the 303 litres in the Ford. Unlike the Ford, the Polo sedan only comes fitted with two airbags, however, hopefully, the ABS brakes and emergency brake assist will prevent the accident altogether.
Motivating the 2019 model-year Polo sedan in Comfortline guise is a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 63 kW and 132 Nm of torque, ample for what it was designed for. Volkswagen claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L / 100 km which is still very frugal even by today's standards.
Mazda CX-3
If a practical crossover is what you are looking for, the stylish 2016 model-year Mazda CX-3 in Active guise might just tick all the boxes. While it does have the smallest boot out of the used car examples, rated at 264 litres, it is the most powerful. The 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol motor will provide 115 kW and 204 Nm of torque, however, this does come at a cost as it has a claimed average fuel consumption return of 6.1 L / 100 km.
The Mazda CX-3 will not only be comfortable for its five occupants but safe too, as the model comes fitted with six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, traction control and stability control.
Verdict
With such a competent line-up of options as listed above, it is difficult to single out one model that should take the crown. For us, if a hatchback is what you are looking for, we would opt for the Ford Fiesta due to its reliability and standard safety features. However, when it comes to a sedan, we would rather have a new Suzuki DZire, due to its more affordable insurance premiums and included warranty. If a larger, more practical offering is what you are looking for, there are a lot of safety features and reliability found in the Mazda CX-3 and that will be our choice.
