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What are the best first cars for new drivers? From Dacia to Volkswagen

A CAR expert has revealed the best first cars for new drivers - and there're 10 to choose from under £20,000.

The majority of drivers struggle to find an affordable car after passing their driving test.

A car expert has revealed the best first cars for new drivers, all of which cost less than £20,000
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A car expert has revealed the best first cars for new drivers, all of which cost less than £20,000
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Handily, car experts at have come up with the best ten cars for first drivers.

They say that the cost of buying and running a car for a new driver can be steep, so the best way to maximise how far your money goes is to choose one that's good value, reliable, economical and cheap to insure.

Below, we have listed the ten best new cars for new drivers.

1. Volkswagen up! £14,620

Its small dimensions make it easy to drive and park, and there's even the option of the fully electric VW e-up!
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Its small dimensions make it easy to drive and park, and there's even the option of the fully electric VW e-up!

This car has been awarded the Auto Express City Car of the Year title for four years in a row from 2017 to 2020.

READ MORE ON THE BEST CARS

The only engine offered in the standard petrol models is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder which produces 64bhp and should return more than 50 mpg. 

Its small dimensions make it easy to drive and park, and there's even the option of the fully electric VW e-up!

2. Hyundai i10 £14,166

Insurance should prove pretty affordable across the i10 range, with the different variants in insurance groups 3-10
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Insurance should prove pretty affordable across the i10 range, with the different variants in insurance groups 3-10

The latest i10 features a full array of safety kits fitted as standard across the range.

And this car range features three standard petrol engine options, with no hybrid or fully electric versions available.

Insurance should prove pretty affordable across the i10 range, with the different variants ranging between insurance groups 3-10. 

3. Volkswagen Polo £19,125

While being noticeably bigger than the VW up!, the Polo should be simple to drive and park
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While being noticeably bigger than the VW up!, the Polo should be simple to drive and park

There are several Polo models to pick from, but the entry-level 'Life' trim offers plenty of features, including alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a DAB radio, electronic stability control and rain-sensing automatic wipers.

While being noticeably bigger than the VW up!, the Polo should be simple to drive and park.

And there's the option of the Driver Assistance Package, which includes parking assistance.

4. Kia Picanto £12,480

Ownership cost should be minimal, with fuel consumption that can top 50mpg
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Ownership cost should be minimal, with fuel consumption that can top 50mpg

In its third generation, the Kia Picanto has transformed into a sporty little number.

Inside, there is a healthy amount of equipment available across the range, including electric front windows, USB inputs, auto light, and hill start assists.

Ownership cost should be minimal, with fuel consumption that can top 50mpg.

5. Skoda Fabia £18,710

The Skoda Fabia is another vehicle that provides lots of functionality, equipment and low running costs
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The Skoda Fabia is another vehicle that provides lots of functionality, equipment and low running costs

The Skoda Fabia is a great option as it offers lots of functionality, standard kit and low running costs.

And if you opt for the base 'S' trim, you will still get air-conditioning, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and a DAB radio with USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity.

A car expert also revealed the best cars that cost less than £30,000.

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Plus, the cheapest electric cars with the longest ranges have been revealed, and there are 10 to choose from under £40,000.

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