Best small cars for new drivers

Whatever your budget, find the best small car to get you on the road

Small cars are increasingly popular for younger and first-time drivers, with good reason too.

To be a great gateway into the world of driving, a first car should traditionally be cheap to run and have low insurance costs. They need to be easy to drive without compromising on practicality, safety, tech or good looks.

Whatever your budget, we’ve picked out some of our favourite small cars that we think you should consider if you’re searching for your first vehicle. 

Are you a new driver looking for your first car lease?

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta has always been one of the go-to cars for younger drivers. The Fiesta has built up a strong reputation of being reliable and easy to drive, so it is no surprise to see the model maintain such popularity.

With competitive running costs and hybrid models available, leasing a Ford is an affordable option for younger drivers. There are no corners cut when it comes to safety either, thanks to the Fiesta’s five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Regularly sitting at the top of the UK sales charts, our Ford lease deals can help you get behind the wheel of one of the country’s most popular cars.

It was announced in 2022 that Ford will be discontinuing the iconic Ford Fiesta in 2023, but we still currently have a few vehicles available to lease.

Once this stock goes, the Ford Fiesta will still be a good option if you’re looking at used car options.

Check out our best-selling Ford Fiesta lease deals

Audi A1

A more premium option is available in the Audi A1. which is a brilliant balance of something practical, sporty, and surprisingly affordable. 

Despite what many might think, our Audi lease deals are a very cost-effective method of driving away in a compact but premium hatchback.

The A1 comes packed with technology and boasts the same comfortable interiors that Audi have become known for, as well as having a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. 

With a wide range of trims available, there’s plenty of choice for every budget to ensure you find the perfect Audi car for you.

Check out our best-selling Audi A1 lease deals

SKODA Fabia

The Fabia Hatchback can often get overlooked within the SKODA range, with their brilliant estate and SUV options often taking centre stage.

As good as the likes of the Octavia and Kamiq are, the Fabia is just as impressive for those wanting something a little smaller. It is the smallest model available from SKODA but it more than packs a punch.

Like so many in the SKODA range, it is simple and effective. Sportier trims are available for those that want it, while entry-level trims offer a more refined design.

Not only are SKODA deals seriously affordable, but with low running costs, they can take so much of the stress out of finding your first car.

Check out our best-selling Skoda Fabia lease deals

Volkswagen Golf

If there was ever a hatchback that has stood the test of time, look no further than the Volkswagen Golf. Launched in 1974, the Golf has since transformed into a seriously modern car that offers high-end quality, efficiency, and practicality.

The Golf has unmistakable good looks, a dynamic design, and comes filled with impressive technology. 

With great interior space and storage opportunities, the Golf is not a car that you’re going to grow out of anytime soon. 

Whether you’re needing it for the everyday commute or family life, the Golf is versatile enough to do it all. 

Soon to be discontinued, the ICE Volkswagen Golf will still be a great option if you’re looking at used car options. Though their electric version will still be in production if you’d like an eco-friendly electric car lease.

Check out our best-selling VW Golf lease deals

Vauxhall Corsa

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a car that has been so synonymous with younger drivers as the Vauxhall Corsa, with good reason too.

Rivalling the likes of the Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo, the Corsa looks every bit the modern hatchback that offers practical space and comfort at a very affordable price. 

There’s plenty of choice with the Corsa too. You get numerous different trims to choose from as well as the option to go electric with the Corsa-E if you wish. 

The combination of good looks, efficient driving and competitive pricing ensures the Corsa will still be popular with younger drivers for many years to come.

Check out our best-selling Vauxhall Corsa lease deals

SEAT Ibiza

We feel the SEAT Ibiza often gets overlooked by younger drivers but compared to some of its rivals, you get an awful lot of car for a very competitive price. 

While still very stylish, the design of the Ibiza may not be as sporty as some of its rivals. however, it does come filled with a spacious cabin, a good range of technology and a wealth of safety features that helped it score top marks in its Euro NCAP safety rating.

The Spanish manufacturer has prioritised space, comfort, and practicality with the Ibiza offering a well-rounded driving experience.

With our SEAT deals, you can experience that Ibiza for a seriously competitive monthly cost.

Check out our best-selling Seat Ibiza lease deals

Kia Picanto

The Picanto is Kia’s offering of something small and nimble. Cheap to run and insure, the Picanto is a great option for someone searching for their first car. 

Capable of nearly 60mpg, the Kia Picanto is incredibly efficient and doesn’t compromise on style either. With a great balance of interior space and everyday practicality, the Picanto more than holds its own against rivals such as the Volkswagen Up and Hyundai i10.

There are as many as seven different trim specifications to choose from, including the GT-Line S for those who want more fierce and sporty looks. 

Check out our best-selling Kia Picanto lease deals

Fiat 500

It’s reliable, it looks great, and it’s fun to drive – we can see why the Fiat 500 is a popular choice for first-time drivers. 

It’s quite a cute looking thing and the interior is packed with your basic kit and infotainment, so if you’d like your first car to feature funky styling, this city car is the perfect option.

The Fiat 500 is great for whizzing around town, and it’s complete with a mild hybrid engine, so you’ll have no worries about fuel consumption, and you won’t be spending all your time or money at the fuel station.   

You get 185 litres of boot space which is good enough for its class, plus you can drop the back seats to get 550 litres of space, or even split them 50:50 if you still need to seat someone in the back.

Check out our best-selling Fiat 500 lease deals

Hyundai i10

Pint-sized, practical and with a variety of versions to choose from, the Hyundai i10 is a 5-seat supermini that’s comfortable, competent and, most importantly, affordable.

All versions come with a good amount of kit as standard, including safety and technology. Opt for the SE Connect and the touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to easily mirror your phone and use your favourite apps.

Boot space is very good for its class, you get 252 litres to play with, which is enough for a couple of small suitcases and bags.

The drive is stable, and steering is accurate which is great if you live in the countryside and need to navigate narrow country lanes often. But it’s equally fantastic around town and inexpensive to run.

Check out our best-selling Hyundai i10 lease deals

You never forget your first car and while budgets may vary, it is important to make this decision carefully.

Finding the right balance of safety, practicality and good fuel economy can be a tricky task, but young drivers today now have a wealth of choice in front of them.

Car leasing is a brilliant way to enjoy some of the best cars on the road, with the latest safety features and all the modern technology that you desire.

Drivers must be at least 18 years of age to lease a car and if you would like to know more about leasing your first vehicle, read our first-time car leasing tips or get in contact with one of our experts.