Six Top Choices For A First Time Driver

30/06/2025 10:51 Share

Six Top Choices For A First Time Driver

As one of the founding partners of Co-op Live, we’re hugely excited about the upcoming appearance of Olivia Rodrigo at the UK’s largest indoor arena.

The American singer-songwriter will be one of the biggest names to appear in Manchester this summer when she takes to the stage for the final dates of the Guts World Tour at the end of the month.

Rodrigo’s debut single 'Drivers License' was a number one hit when it was released back in 2021 and remains one of her biggest hits, which got us thinking about the options that are available for fans who may be looking to acquire a licence of their own to hit the road.

With that in mind, here are six top options you might want to consider...

Skoda Fabia:

The Skoda Fabia isn’t the cheapest option on this list but delivers everything a new driver could possibly need – particularly if you go for the base 1.0 litre engine option. That puts the model in insurance group 4E (the lower the better) and will also deliver more than 50mpg to reduce trips to the pumps.

Even if you go for a slightly more powerful engine and the increase in insurance that follows, you’re still going to get a great all-rounder that remains one of the best-selling models in the sector

The Fabia comes with a decent amount of equipment as standard and benefits from a raft of safety features, whilst there is also no shortage of space inside – adding practicality to the list.

It might not be the most stylish option with a more understated approach to design, but it’s one of the best small cars on sale.

MG3:

The first generation MG3 scored well on price, but struggled to match its rivals beyond that. The newest incarnation of the car couldn’t be more different however, and is now a much more appealing option for a new driver.

Whilst looks may not be everything when you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get on the road, the MG3 does not benefit from being much more visually appealing and also benefits from low running costs thanks to its powerful hybrid engine.

That is particularly true for shorter trips around town where the electric motor can do much of the work.

The interior may be more on the plain side but has everything you need and offers plenty of space, whilst there are plenty of safety features as standard and the benefit of a seven-year warranty.

The only potential downside is that insurance can be slightly higher than some of its rivals.

Dacia Sandero:

If price is the key factor when choosing a car as a new driver then the Dacia Sandero will be right at the top of the list. Quite simply, as a new car, there isn’t anything that can beat it.

The Sandero doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t, offering the key things that a new driver will be looking for in a solid package that is cheap to buy, cheap to insure and cheap to run.

Again, it’s not a car that is going to top the style charts but being based on the same platform as the Renault Clio means a solid driving experience behind the wheel whilst the build quality and equipment belies its budget roots. 

Kia Picanto:

The Kia Picanto is another model that is a world away from the one that launched in the UK back in 2003 in many ways, but which is exactly the same in one; the price.

The Picanto remains a relatively low-cost option for someone looking to purchase a new, small car and has plenty going for it, from the stylish and well-proportioned design through to a range of engines that offer strong economy at all levels.

The small size of the car means that manoeuvring is a breeze but it’s packaged well so that there is plenty of room inside – although there is no denying that the boot is on the smaller side.

Insurance levels are low and you also have the benefit of Kia’s legendary warranty. In short, what’s not to like?

Toyota Aygo X:

If you want to stand out from the crowd then the Toyota Aygo X could well be the car for you – providing the costs of a supermini but the style and design of an SUV.

As well as the funky appearance, the Aygo X is well equipped and comes with plenty of equipment as standard, with running costs being relatively low thanks to the 1.0 litre engine under the bonnet.

The Aygo X benefits from solid handling and is easy to drive, with plenty of equipment included as standard and the benefit of a strong warranty behind you.

Interior space isn’t the best for those in the rear and the boot is also smaller than some of its rivals but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that the Aygo X is a great option for a first car. An upcoming hybrid will only make it more appealing.

Renault 5 E-Tech:

As a bit of a left-field option, the Renault 5 E-Tech offers an affordable route into all-electric motoring for a new driver – and at the wheel of one of the most hotly-anticipated models to go on sale for a number of years.

The entry point to Renault’s electric range, the 5 E-Tech is the modern incarnation of the iconic model from the 1980s and seamlessly blends retro design with the very latest EV technology.

The entry level model is fun to drive and provides fantastic value for money, with plenty of interior space in what is a relatively compact package and a range of built-in safety features.

Versions with a larger battery do see the base price rise, potentially putting it out of reach of those starting out on their motoring journey.