Jump directly to the content
RULE THE ROAD

The new best cars for first-time drivers to buy in 2019 – from safety to style and comfort

There are plenty of safe and affordable options for new drivers looking for their first car this year

BUYING a car is a big decision families face once their child passes their driving test and is ready to head out on the road by themselves.

But figuring out which car is going to be the safest and most economical option for them can be tricky process for parents.

 Some of the best cars for new drivers in 2019
6
Some of the best cars for new drivers in 2019

There are plenty of models currently on the market which are easy to navigate and will allow your children to gain confidence when driving solo.

Hot hatches dominate the list, with compact models still proving the best option for first-time drivers.

From safe to simple, these are five of the best first cars for new drivers.

Ford Fiesta - from £13,965

 The Ford Fiesta is a reliable first car for those willing to spend a bit more
6
The Ford Fiesta is a reliable first car for those willing to spend a bit more

The Ford Fiesta is the UK's best-selling car and for good reason.

Young drivers will gain confidence in this compact motor, known for its efficiency, thanks to its range of safety features which includes seven airbags.

Parents can rest easy thanks to the Fiesta's MyKey system, which allows you to restrict the maximum speed of the car and stereo volume.

SEAT Ibiza - from £15,495

 The SEAT Ibiza is a reliable first car for new drivers to get comfortable in
6
The SEAT Ibiza is a reliable first car for new drivers to get comfortable in

This five-door provides plenty of space for new drivers and students who are constantly on the go.

While it's quite sporty, the Ibiza has an in-built pedestrian detection feature providing support for inexperienced drivers.

Its three-cylinder engine is reliable and doesn't make much noise when driving around town.

Skoda Citigo - from £8,885

 The low price of Citigo is helpful for buyers not wanting to spend too much
6
The low price of Citigo is helpful for buyers not wanting to spend too much

The Skoda Citigo has been a popular choice for new drivers for many years and it's easy to see why.

Its low price is a huge asset for buyers on a budget, but the model still packs a punch in the style department.

The Citigo provides plenty of room for four passengers and has a 251-litre boot to use for day trips.

Hyundai i10 - from £9,675

 Drivers will feel safe driving the Hyundai on the motorway thanks to its wider base
6
Drivers will feel safe driving the Hyundai on the motorway thanks to its wider base

The Hyundai i10 provides plenty of bang for your buck, while also being reliable in the city and motorways.

Its 1.0-litre petrol engine provides pace when needed and its wider base ensures that new drivers feel safe at high speeds.

Despite its relatively cheap price tag, the i10 has plenty of bells and whistles including electric windows, air-conditioning and MP3 connectivity.

Volkswagen Polo - from £14,330

 The Volkswagen Polo is a very sleek, stylish model
6
The Volkswagen Polo is a very sleek, stylish model

The Volkswagen Polo is a excellent mix of safety, style and comfort for those happy to spend a bit more.

The base model, S, comes will electric front windows, auto emergency brakes and manual air-conditioning.

For new drivers looking for a bit of extra leg room, the Polo is a fantastic choice.

We previously revealed six of the cheapest new cars you can buy in the UK.

And we also broke down the used motors you can pick up for under £1,000. 

If safety is your top priority, check out the top performing motors in last year's Euro NCAP crash tests - and the ones that failed miserably.