10 Best Cars for New Drivers

If you’ve just acquired that hard-earned little paper rectangle that allows you infinite amounts of freedom (also known as a driver’s license), chances are you’re looking to find a car. But what is important to new drivers, and their parents? It should be inexpensive to buy, cheap to run, reliable, and safe. We’ve chosen a few cars that fit the bill.

1. Renault Sandero

A personal favourite in the budget hatch department, is the very roomy and economical Renault Sandero. It was built with South African pothole-riddled roads in mind, and its 66 kW three-cylinder, turbo-charged engine has enough pep for inexperienced drivers who feel nervous when they have to overtake other vehicles. The standard spec level at this price is excellent, with stability control and Bluetooth across the range. Fuel economy is around 6.2 litres per 100 km’s.

2. Ford Fiesta

The Fiesta is a garage staple for many individuals who work in the motoring industry, as it is just brilliant all-round. It’s also seen some spit and polish recently and Ford’s award winning, turbocharged three-cylinder engines have been added for some serious 92kW zing. The Ford Fiesta 1.0 Trend with ESP,  is our first choice at R200 630. It may not in the budget of a new driver, but perhaps Dad can help here – just tell him about the stability control.

3. Ford Figo

Because the Fiesta is still out of your price range, how about a Figo? When it comes to small cars, the excellent Ford Figo is your best bet. The 1.4 TDCi Ambiente (R149 900) is famously low on diesel, so when you’re getting 5.3 litres per 100km’s, there’s more money for the fun stuff. Also have a look on our website for a “previously loved” one.

4. Volkswagen UP!

If you’re keen on making a VW part of your family, the funky new UP! Is definitely one of the more funky-looking “starter cars” on the road, and you get that neat German build quality as standard. Even taller drivers will be happy with the available headroom and the interior is a lot more exciting than bestselling bigger sibling, the Polo Vivo. The three-cylinder, 1.0 litre engine makes the UP! well-suited to city driving, and it needs very little fuel: Just 5.1 litres per 100km’s.

5. Chevrolet Spark

The Spark is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With its trendy design, durable, funky seat covers and motorcycle-inspired speedo and rev counter, the Spark is not just cool, it’s also solidly built. The 1.2 litre engine is ample for a car with these compact dimensions, and Chevy’s claimed fuel consumption of only 5.4 litres per 100km’s, is right on the money.

6. Kia Picanto

The Kia has always been one of the cutest small cars on the road, but with its recent update, it’s even more adorable. It is not cheap, but it’s filled with all kinds of useful goodies, such a sound system with USB and AUX ports, fog lamps, and a trip computer. ABS anti-lock braking is standard on the 1.2 EX, as is an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system. Sensors detect when the driver brakes hard, so the brake lights will flash three times to warn motorists behind you.

7. Honda Brio Hatch

The little Brio is simple in its design, yet fun to drive, with good ride quality and an able little engine. The 1.2 manual is our pick of the gearboxes, and the simple and user-friendly centre dash means minimal distractions for new drivers. If you need more of a boot for musical instruments or picnic baskets, the Brio Amaze Sedan (from R147 200), is worth checking out.

8. Suzuki Celerio

The Celerio won’t turn any heads with its generic, functional design, but it offers fantastic value for money. There’s lots of space for rear passengers, and its boot is bigger than both the VW Up and Hyundai i10, so students should be able to fit sufficient amounts of beer in there. The steering is not too light, and all-round visibility is great. If you’re cash-strapped, this is well worth taking for a test drive.

9. Toyota Etios Sedan

The Etios Sedan is not the heartthrob of the segment, but its sprightly 1.5 litre engine, spacious cabin and the addition of a nice big boot makes it a real value proposition. The Toyota Etios Hatch starts from R132 400.

10. Hyundai i10

The humbly priced, yet well-built i10 offers a lot of big-car specifications at a little car’s price. With Bluetooth, fog lights and a nifty under seat tray for hiding valuables, it’s a practical, quality buy for someone who is new to the driving thing.

Article source: http://www.autotrader.co.za/car-news/renault/sandero/6d7fac9c-fb82-4b33-833d-83997761f530-10-best-cars-for-new-drivers