20 Safest First Cars for Teens & New Drivers (for UK Buyers)
Only the safest vehicles for new and teenage drivers feature in this post.
They are impeccably safe and easy to drive for the inexperienced.
Safe First Cars for Young & First-Time Drivers
These classes of vehicles typically suit teenage drivers due to their budget-friendly price:
- City car.
- Supermini.
- Small family car.
Although city cars are the smallest, cheapest, and the least expensive to insure, the super-compact size compromises their ability to protect the occupants as capably as the larger vehicles.
Superminis and small family cars may cost more, but if you’re after the safest first cars that money can buy, they represent a better option that offers peace of mind.
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) uses a five-star system to rate the vehicles’ overall safety, while these four key areas receive a percentage score:
- Adult occupant – for driver and passenger.
- Child occupant – ditto.
- Vulnerable road users – include pedestrians and cyclists.
- Safety assist – evaluates driver-assistance and crash-avoidance technologies.
CLASS: Supermini
#1 Audi A1 (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 95%
- Child Occupant: 85%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 73%
- Safety Assist: 80%
The A1 is Audi’s answer to the MINI and other more mainstream rivals like the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, and Vauxhall Corsa (reviewed later in the post).
Besides the strong safety rating, excellent fuel economy and Audi’s signature solid build quality count among its pluses.
It is more expensive than a Polo or a Fiesta, but its strong residual value will repay you when it’s time to sell.
Further, it falls between insurance groups 9 and 29, depending on specifications.
#2 Volkswagen Polo (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2017
- Adult Occupant: 96%
- Child Occupant: 85%
- Pedestrian: 76%
- Safety Assist: 59%
While some competitors stand out in one particular aspect, the Volkswagen Polo excels in everything you’d expect from an excellent first car – easy to drive, comfortable, and spacious.
Plus, its quiet cabin aids long-drive comfort.
The VW Polo as First Car post details its pros and cons for new drivers.
#3 Ford Fiesta (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2017
- Adult Occupant: 87%
- Child Occupant: 84%
- Pedestrian: 64%
- Safety Assist: 60%
The Ford Fiesta is one of the most popular options in its class, partly due to its versatility, practicality, and low running costs.
Older Fiestas are competitive among hatchbacks, but the version that debuted in 2022 is the best among its generations – it’s easy and fun to drive.
Head to the Ford Fiesta First Car post for an in-depth look at its suitability for first-time drivers.
#4 Renault Clio (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 96%
- Child Occupant: 89%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 72%
- Safety Assist: 75%
Where the old Clios suffered from poor finishes, the newest model is a strong contender for best-in-class construction alongside the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, and SEAT Ibiza.
2020 and newer models present a choice of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines, so it’s easy to find the right price vs. efficiency balance.
The firmer-than-average ride and reduced rear seat space compared to the previous generation are drawbacks worth noting.
#5 Seat Ibiza (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2017
- Adult Occupant: 95%
- Child Occupant: 77%
- Pedestrian: 76%
- Safety Assist: 60%
The Ibiza is a strong contender in the small hatchback class with a punchy yet economical 1.0-litre engine, a calm ride demeanour, and plenty of boot space (355-1165 L).
Its five-star Euro NCAP rating should aid your first-car buying decision.
#6 Nissan Micra (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2017
- Adult Occupant: 91%
- Child Occupant: 79%
- Pedestrian: 79%
- Safety Assist: 72%
The basic model’s starting price is thoroughly affordable, although it gets pricey quickly with option boxes ticked.
The 2022 Micra hugely improved on its predecessor’s quality, but its handling and boot space cannot match class leaders.
Still, Euro NCAP awarded it five stars overall, so at least you know you’re getting a safe car.
#7 Vauxhall Corsa (4/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 84%
- Child Occupant: 86%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 66%
- Safety Assist: 69%
The Corsa is a competent first car; it’s cheap to run, well-equipped, and easy to drive for beginners.
Despite earning four stars from Euro NCAP and offering mediocre ride quality, it (surprisingly) remains one of the best-selling cars in the UK.
The Vauxhall First Car post lists plenty of attractive alternatives worth considering.
CLASS: Small Family Car
#8 Skoda Fabia (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2021
- Adult Occupant: 85%
- Child Occupant: 81%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 70%
- Safety Assist: 71%
The Skoda Fabia is the ideal small hatchback – affordable, cheap to run, and good-looking – and the perfect choice for new drivers.
Plus, its well-built and quiet cabin adds to the impressive ride quality.
The solid five-star Euro NCAP safety rating further boosts Skoda Fabia’s first-car credentials.
#9 Volkswagen Golf (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 95%
- Child Occupant: 89%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 76%
- Safety Assist: 78%
The VW Golf is one of the all-time front-runners and a refined family hatchback that feels posher than most rivals.
It has a broad range of strong, quiet, and efficient engines, and it’s a remarkably comfortable car to drive.
Its impressive list of qualities, including impeccable safety credentials, makes the VW Golf one of the best first cars for new drivers.
#10 Volkswagen ID.3 (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2020
- Adult Occupant: 87%
- Child Occupant: 89%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 71%
- Safety Assist: 88%
The ID.3 is all-electric and a compelling option for young drivers looking for a non-petrol, environmentally friendly first car.
Besides the ability to cover more than 200 miles (in the most affordable model), its other first-car qualities include a comfortable interior, low running costs, and easy maneuverability around town.
It may be pricey to buy, but you’ll recoup your upfront investment in the long run.
#11 Ford Focus (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 96%
- Child Occupant: 87%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 72%
- Safety Assist: 75%
The Focus delivers the right balance of ride comfort, sporty handling, and adequate boot size in an affordable package.
Not only does it have impeccable safety ratings, but its fun-to-drive character also ensures its long-lasting popularity among family car shoppers.
Opt for the newer Focus models (from 2022) as they offer improved ride quality, a roomier cabin, and more equipment than earlier versions.
#12 Skoda Scala (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 97%
- Child Occupant: 87%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 81%
- Safety Assist: 76%
It may not be on par with its sibling, the Skoda Fabia. Still, the Scala does what Skoda does best: offering more for less.
Its interior may look bland compared to rivals, but it’s an acceptable trade-off for the beginner-friendly price, strong engine, and spacious rear storage (467 L).
#13 SEAT Leon (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2020
- Adult Occupant: 92%
- Child Occupant: 88%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 71%
- Safety Assist: 80%
Besides the high safety rating, the SEAT Leon matches the VW Golf’s stylish, spacious, and upmarket interior.
It offers excellent value for money as all models are well-equipped for less than the Golf’s price, although the SEAT’s plug-in-hybrid is pricier.
Its sub-400-litre boot is a flaw for college students needing more cargo room.
#14 Toyota Yaris (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2020
- Adult Occupant: 86%
- Child Occupant: 81%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 78%
- Safety Assist: 85%
While it isn’t the cheapest small car, the Toyota Yaris has smart looks on the outside and inside and is fun to drive when pushed.
The hybrid engine may be pricey, but it’s affordable to run and relaxing to drive.
The cramped backseat and tiny boot may dissuade shoppers who prefer space over style.
Still, the Toyota Yaris is a top contender in the first car space.
#15 Honda Jazz (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2020
- Adult Occupant: 87%
- Child Occupant: 83%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 80%
- Safety Assist: 76%
Although the styling may not have broad appeal, the Honda Jazz is highly practical, safe, and cheap to run.
It has plenty of room for four adults to travel comfortably with loads of head and legroom in the back.
The hybrid engine setup has not hindered the practicality of its trick Magic Seats, which fold for 1205 litres of luggage space.
#16 Mazda 2 Hybrid (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2020
- Adult Occupant: 86%
- Child Occupant: 81%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 78%
- Safety Assist: 85%
This Mazda hybrid combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 59kW electric motor.
The hybrid powertrain returns a combined fuel economy of between 70 and 74 mpg, so new drivers need not worry about frequent refills.
#17 Mazda 3 (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 98%
- Child Occupant: 87%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 81%
- Safety Assist: 73%
The Mazda 3 may not be the first to spring to mind for first car shoppers, but its excellent handling, upmarket interior, and impeccable safety rating deserve attention.
It is as good to drive as any class leader, such as the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, or Volkswagen Polo.
Poor rear visibility and cramped rear seats are downsides in an otherwise premium-looking exterior and well-finished interior.
#18 Toyota Corolla (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 95%
- Child Occupant: 84%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 86%
- Safety Assist: 77%
A five-star Euro NCAP rating isn’t the only reason to get a Corolla.
Its hybrid models are efficient and easy to drive for beginners, and the interior is aesthetically pleasing and well-built.
The relatively expensive price tag and average boot size may deter some first car shoppers. That said, the rear seats can split 60:40 for oversized loads.
#19 Kia Ceed (5/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2019
- Adult Occupant: 88%
- Child Occupant: 85%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 68%
- Safety Assist: 73%
The Kia Ceed received a 4-star rating without Safety Pack and 5 stars with Safety Pack.
Although the engine sounds slightly unrefined compared to rivals, the Kia Ceed offers a generous amount of standard equipment, a well-finished cabin, and respectable boot space – qualities that make a good first car.
#20 Vauxhall Astra (4/5 Stars)
- Publication Year: 2022
- Adult Occupant: 80%
- Child Occupant: 82%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 67%
- Safety Assist: 66%
The Astra is a handsome family hatchback and a smart choice among Vauxhall cars for teenage drivers.
It is spacious, cheap to run, and offers excellent value for money with its wide range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines.
That said, its 4-star Euro NCAP rating leaves room for improvement.
References:
https://www.euroncap.com/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/
