Nationwide Vehicle Contracts looks into the most suitable car models for young drivers in 2024.
Finding the right car is a tricky job for anyone, let alone for young drivers who are on a strict budget.
In this blog, we'll explore the best cars for young drivers in 2024, considering safety, affordability, and practicality.
1. Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is the undisputed GOAT for young drivers. Although Ford has officially stopped production of the Fiesta, there's still Fiesta's in stock, so we've got to include it on the list.
Not only does the Fiesta look amazing, but it's also great to drive, good on fuel, and comes with loads of equipment as standard. For first-time drivers, we'd recommend going for a mid-range trim such as Titanium or ST-Line, as they're affordable to insure.
It also has an NCAP safety rating of five stars and comes with various driver assistance systems like cruise control and lane-keep assist.
2. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is a fantastic small car that offers great value for money. It's comfortable and quiet to drive, has a spacious and smart interior, and comes with a great range of technology as standard.
Under the bonnet, there's a choice of economical petrol engines that all return more than 45mpg. It's also extremely reliable, coming with superb build quality and a five-year warranty (if new).
The i10 gets a Euro NCAP safety rating of three, which isn't as good as its rivals but performed the best for adult and child occupancy. It also comes with hill start assist, cruise control, emergency braking, and forward collision warning.
3. Skoda Fabia
If you're looking for a reliable car, look no further than the Skoda Fabia. Practical, comfy, and superbly built, the Fabia is one of the best small cars on the market.
Inside, you get a good range of tech, such as a seven-inch touchscreen display and a digital driver's display. It also comes with a range of punchy and economical petrol engines that return roughly 50mpg.
The Fabia comes with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, so it will serve you well.
4. Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto has been an ever-present on our roads since 2003, and it's not hard to see why. Now in its third generation, the Picanto is an ideal city car for young drivers with its frugal petrol engine, excellent technology, and superb build quality.
It's also surprisingly spacious inside, having more than enough space for four passengers and offering a boot space of up to 255 litres.
The Picanto gets a three-star safety rating, which is on par with its rivals and has loads of safety kit to boot, including a forward collision avoidance assist system.
5. Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo has been trusted by young drivers for generations and is a fantastic car for first-time drivers. It looks amazing, has a comfortable interior, and features loads of modern technology.
It also has a spacious interior that accommodates four passengers and has a range of economical petrol engines.
The Polo is one of the safest cars you can get and has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It also comes with loads of safety kit, such as cruise control, a driver alert system, hill start assist, and lane keep assist.
Conclusion
Embark on your motoring journey with confidence by choosing a car that aligns with your needs as a young driver. Safety, affordability, and practicality are key considerations, and there are plenty of cars available in 2024 to suit your needs.
From the stylish Volkswagen Polo to the reliable Ford Fiesta, there are some fantastic cars out there for young drivers.
Looking for more car advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of car leasing guides on various topics, such as Caring For Your Lease Vehicle and Young Driver Guides.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
