With the prospect of two (or more!) teens in your family coming up to driving age then it is wise to look out for a good deal on potential cars. The car market can offer compact, easy and fun to drive cars with modest running costs and, in some cases, funky styling and good smartphone connectivity. Insurance is often the biggest stumbling block, but modern cars can often make do with small yet perky engines to help lighten the financial load.
To help save on insurance, spend some time on comparing prices on the models you like the look of.
Here are five of the best cars for teenagers.
Fiat 500
Fiat’s funky little runabout is full of retro charm and has proved extremely popular ever since its launch in 2008. With its raft of customisation opportunities and connectivity options for smartphones and modern, low emission engines, the 500 is an ideal teen car.
It’s fun to drive, economical to run and – with a refresh in 2016 – likely to enjoy continued success. It’s well priced, and if you’re thinking of buying one brand new then various funding options to spread costs are worth considering. You could also consider leasing a new Fiat 500.
VW Up!
VW’s distinctive city car offers a prestige badge and a very well made package that’s fun to drive, economical, and much roomier than it looks from the outside.
It uses two power output versions of the same one litre engine, and with various customisation options including contrasting roof and mirror colours, and a welter of dashboard finishes, your teen can tailor their Up! to suit their personality.
Very similar versions of the small VW are available in the form of the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo.
Dacia Sendero
The wonderful value for money Sendero range starts at a shade under £6,000, although you’ll be getting a very basic car at this price point without even a radio as standard. The Sendero is a roomy car with low insurance groupings and long service intervals to help save on running costs.
It’s rather dated compared to more modern rivals and a bit thirstier on fuel, and road tax is on the more expensive side. That said, the chance to have a brand new car at such bargain basement money could be a major temptation, although a model further up the range might be preferred so as to boost standard equipment levels.
Toyota Aygo (also Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108)
Jointly developed with Citroën and Peugeot, the Aygo is a characterful little car with very low running costs and reasonable interior space.
The Toyota has a smartphone-optimised infotainment system and a range of personalisation options including snap-in interior parts and the option to change the colour of the large ‘X’ on the front and that of the wheels and bumpers. It’s zippy and good fun to drive.
Vauxhall Viva
Vauxhall have resurrected the Viva badge from the model of the same name sold in the 1960s and early 70s. Starting at £8,500, the present incarnation is very competitively priced and offers a safe enough driving environment with a decent ride and predictable handling.
The Viva is considered a trifle bland overall when other city cars with more personality are available, but running costs are reasonable and it’s well appointed.
More choice
Other good city cars include the popular Hyundai i10 and its Kia Pacento stablemate. If a slightly larger car is needed and funds allow a move up to the supermini class, then strong options such as the hugely successful Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and VW Polo are available.