It’s no wonder why the Ford Fiesta has been Britain’s best-selling car for years. It looks great, is available with smart tech, such as voice control and a heated windscreen (perfect for those frosty mornings), and is as fun to drive as some sports cars. Really. It’s ideal for first-time drivers because it feels responsive and solid on the road, inspiring confidence when you’re behind the wheel even if you’ve only just passed your test.
You can choose from a wide range of models, including many with a small engine that gives you enough oomph to pull out of a junction safely but which won’t cost a fortune for a new driver to insure. For the best balance of performance and cost, we’d recommend the popular 100-horsepower version of the 1.0-litre petrol engine.
Downsides? Well, it’s hard to stand out in the UK’s most popular car. And although running costs are very reasonable, there are more affordable cars to buy and insure. Overall though, the Fiesta is a tremendous choice for your first car.
Read our Ford Fiesta review