Best cheap cars for new drivers as millions brace for HUGE rule change – from £500 drive to cheapest SUV
MOTORING experts have revealed the best cheap cars to insure for new drivers as millions brace for a huge rule change.
Car insurance premiums hit a record high in 2023 with the average cost of a policy now exceeding £1,000 annually.
To battle the rising costs, the boffins at heycar compiled their top picks for cheap to run, reliable motors that don’t break the bank to cover.
The vehicles in the cheapest insurance groups range from the Seat Ibiza supermini to small SUVs.
Volkswagen Polo
Insurance group: 1
Example price: £597.97
As you’d expect from a VW, the Polo is great to drive with comfortable handling and responsive steering – making it very much a smaller, cheaper version of the Golf.
Naturally featuring a high build quality with good interior materials and a stylish finish, the Polo offers a premium feel.
For those low insurance costs, pick up the 1.0 TSI with its balance of performance and fuel economy.
Hyundai i10
Insurance group: 3
Example price: £562.67
The Hyundai i10 is almost a copy and paste of sister brand Kia’s Picanto, and like its fellow Korean supermini it finds itself in a particularly low insurance group.
Surprisingly comfortable, with remarkably roomy seats and a quiet interior, it’s pleasant enough to drive for longer journeys.
Like the Picanto, it’s cheap to run thanks to its efficient engine and affordable maintenance.
Millions of drivers face TWO huge rule changes
MILLIONS of drivers could be affected following fresh proposed legislation to combat dangerous driving.
Motorists under 21 in the UK would be hit by the moves put forward by the AA.
The organization believe introducing a graduated driving licence – which would prevent drivers carrying passengers of a similar age for six months after passing their test – would save at least 58 lives and nearly 1,000 injuries on the road.
The AA also suggested motorists with a “G” graduated driver plate be slapped with six points if they are not wearing a seatbelt, and therefore lose their licence.
A number of other countries including the US, Sweden and Australia have already imposed graduated licences.
According to Department for Transport (DfT) figures, 290 people died and 4,6669 suffered serious injuries in road collisions in the UK.
At least one of those drivers in each case was aged between 17 and 24.
The AA’s chief executive, Jakob Pfaudler, said: “Not only is this a tragic waste of life, but it contributes to the burden of high insurance premiums for young drivers.
“These premiums should fall when there is evidence of a reduction of young drivers and passengers killed and seriously injured.
“Graduated driver licensing has been proven in other countries to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries.
“We are calling on the transport secretary to make simple, pragmatic changes to the licensing process so young people are better protected in their first few months of independent driving.”
SEAT Arona
Insurance group: 8
Example price: £631.80
The ultra-roomy Arona will surprise many with its turbocharged 1.0-litre engine – which gives the small SUV plenty of oomph while keeping things affordable at 50.4mpg.
It’s also another example of a lot of car for the money, with the entry-level SE trim including 17-inch alloys, cruise control, air conditioning, a contrasting roof colour and metallic paint.
SEAT Ibiza
Insurance group: 3
Example price: £545.50
The evergreen Ibiza is one of the most iconic small cars released over the last 30 years, and is renowned for its good looks and affordability.
The current Ibiza boasts the model’s famous sharp handling and a surprisingly gutsy 1.0-litre engine, and it’s also pretty roomy inside with a 355-litre boot.
In terms of insurance, the Ibiza falls into a low insurance group, specifically group 11 or 12 depending on the version, which means insurers consider it to be less risky and cheaper to cover.
The cost to repair the Ibiza is relatively low, while it’s equipped with a range of safety features including advanced driver assistance systems.
There’s also a host of good security features that help prevent theft and vandalism, further reducing insurance premiums.
Skoda Fabia
Insurance group: 4
Example price: £652.84
The long-running Fabia model remains a great choice for urban driving on a budget, with its entry-level 1.0 MPi the cheapest version to insure.
Inside, drivers will get a roomy car that’s certainly more comfortable than many of its rivals, while the SE Comfort trim is enough for the likes of alloy wheels, LED headlights, air conditioning and various infotainment features.