Hatchback

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

CORSA

SANDERO

YARIS

government-to-crack-down-on-bots-booking-driving-tests

Bots and third parties will be banned from booking <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-to-pass-your-driving-test-first-time/n24738">driving test</a> slots under plans announced by the Department for Transport (DfT), with the aim of reducing long waiting lists and preventing slots from being resold at high prices.Under the current system, instructors are able to book tests on behalf of their students. However, under the new rules, tests will only be bookable by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/new-drivers">learner drivers</a> themselves, and they will only be able to make up to two changes (for example, rescheduling or location changes) before the exam must be cancelled and rebooked. They’ll also be restricted to a limited number of test centres.The new rules will also bring in examiners from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to conduct tests in an attempt to tackle the backlog. The DfT has recruited 36 MoD examiners to conduct tests in England one day a week for 12 months.According to the DfT, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has onboarded 316 new examiners, but has actually achieved a net gain of just 40 as other examiners have left the profession.In an attempt to keep them in the role, driving examiners will be offered a “retention payment” of £5000.Despite the new changes, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that the original goal of bringing waiting times down to seven weeks by summer 2026 will not be achievable. At the end of June, the average time a learner waited to take their driving exam was 21.8 weeks.“I can't sit here today and tell you that I'm going to meet the summer 2026 deadline either,” said Ms Alexander. “Demand is still very high, and the approaches that DVSA have taken so far have not been sufficient to meet this level of demand.”The news of the changes was welcomed by Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation. “It is good to see steps being put in place to put a stop to those touting tests to frustrated learners – candidates stuck in the queue should at least be reassured that they aren’t being elbowed aside by those simply seeking to make a quick buck.“What will really deter the touts and tackle the queues would be a return to the more reasonable pre-COVID waiting time for tests, which we hope the arrival of a platoon of military examiners alongside the new DVSA recruits will help deliver.”<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html"> here</a><h2 dir="ltr">Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/learner-drivers-to-be-tested-on-cpr-first-aid-in-driving-theory-test/n28059">CPR training to form part of the driving theory test</a> &gt;&gt;</h2>

Government to crack down on bots booking driving tests

cpr-training-to-form-part-of-the-driving-theory-test

learner-drivers-to-be-tested-on-cpr-first-aid-in-driving-theory-test

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-to-pass-your-driving-test-first-time/n24738">driving theory test</a> will soon include questions about life-saving first aid, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has decided.From early 2026, people taking the test will need to know the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a defibrillator in an emergency, building on the first aid content already included in the test.According to the DVSA, drivers are often the first on-scene when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. The UK suffers from low cardiac arrest survival rates; of the 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occur each year, less than one in 10 survive.However, when CPR is administered and a defibrillator is used within three to five minutes of collapse, survival rates can be as high as 70%.This decision will aim to address these low rates by ensuring the 2.4 million <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/new-drivers">learner drivers</a> who take their theory test each year will have the knowledge to be able to respond in an emergency.James Cant, Chief Executive Officer of Resuscitation Council UK, said, “By embedding these life-saving skills into such a widely taken assessment, we can help ensure that more people gain the knowledge and confidence to act during a cardiac arrest.”Learner drivers will be tested on the correct depth to press down on a person’s chest during CPR and who is allowed to use a public access defibrillator, among other things. Official learning guides provided by the DVSA have already been updated with this information.<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html"> here</a><h2 dir="ltr">Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/over-70s-could-face-driving-ban-for-failing-eyesight-checks/n28050">Over 70s could face driving ban for failing eyesight checks</a> &gt;&gt;</h2>

CPR training to form part of the driving theory test

Learner drivers to be tested on CPR first aid in driving theory test

best-first-car-options-for-new-drivers-2024

first-cars-for-new-drivers

Skoda

Fabia

Seat

Ibiza

Hyundai

Dacia

Sandero

Volkswagen

Polo

Peugeot

Picanto

Vauxhall

Corsa

Mazda

Renault

Clio

Version&nbsp;1.0 TCe 90 Techno&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£19,195 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£18,192 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£195

The Renault Clio is a fantastic all-rounder, and it's long list of&nbsp;abilities makes it the best 1st car for new drivers.

With 90bhp and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 12.3sec, the entry-level 1.0-litre&nbsp;petrol engine provides decent&nbsp;performance, and it's relatively low power output places&nbsp;it in a low insurance group. Students and parents alike will also be pleased to hear that running costs should&nbsp;also be low, as proved by its official average&nbsp;fuel economy figure of 57.6mpg.

When you combine&nbsp;the entry-level&nbsp;1.0-litre engine with Techno trim, the Clio also undercuts many&nbsp;of its rivals on price. And yet,&nbsp;it still comes with&nbsp;luxuries such as&nbsp;a wireless phone-charging pad, automatic LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.&nbsp;

That's without mentioning the long list of standard&nbsp;safety equipment; all Clios&nbsp;come with&nbsp;automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), traffic-sign recognition and lane-keep assist&nbsp;for&nbsp;extra&nbsp;peace of mind.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio review</a>

Renault Clio

Version&nbsp;1.0 TSI SE Comfort&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£19,720 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£19,013 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£200

Skodas are renowned for their value and practicality, and that's no exception with the Fabia.

It's one of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">best small cars</a> if you want to carry passengers. It's very small, and yet it has a surprising&nbsp;amount of space in the back seats; three adults will sit more comfortably than in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>. The boot is also one of the biggest of any small car – so much so that it's bigger than what you'll find in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/review/n37">Ford Focus</a>.

For the best value, we think it's best to stick to the entry-level SE Comfort trim. It's not as cheap or well equipped as the Clio in Techno trim, but it still gives you alloy wheels, LED headlights and&nbsp;air conditioning as standard.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia review</a>

Skoda Fabia

Version&nbsp;1.0 TSI 95 SE&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£19,715 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£17,486 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£219

Looking for a 1st car that's fun to drive but cheap to run? Then the Seat Ibiza will be your best option.

It's one of the most sophisticated cars in its class to drive; the steering is well weighted and precise, and the suspension&nbsp;irons out imperfections nicely. That's without mentioning the handling, because the Ibiza is a hoot to&nbsp;drive down a twisty road.

Our recommended engine is the mid-level 1.0-litre petrol engine; it&nbsp;has 94bhp (and is turbocharged) so it pulls more eagerly&nbsp;than the wheezy entry-level engine,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it whisks the Ibiza up to speed reasonably&nbsp;quickly. It should also average more than&nbsp;50mpg in&nbsp;real-world driving.&nbsp;

In terms of trim levels, we'd recommend going for the SE trim if you're a first-time driver. The suspension is more supple than the firmer set-up in our favourite FR trim, plus&nbsp;it's slightly more affordable.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza review</a>

Seat Ibiza

Version&nbsp;1.2 Premium&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£17,520 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£16,652 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£219

Despite being very small, the Hyundai i10 is a&nbsp;practical <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a>. It has enough room&nbsp;in the back seats&nbsp;for two adults to sit comfortably (especially those of a taller nature thanks to its boxy shape). Plus, up&nbsp;front,&nbsp;there's plenty of space and adjustment in the seat for the driver to get comfortable.

However, it's not just&nbsp;practicality where the i10 excels, because it's very cheap&nbsp;to buy and run. Okay, it's not&nbsp;as cheap to buy&nbsp;as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>, but it does at least come&nbsp;with an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system (with Bluetooth) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;as standard.

The best bit? The i10 is in&nbsp;insurance group 2E, which makes it the cheapest car on this list to insure. However, bear in mind that the i10 only&nbsp;has a&nbsp;three-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10 review</a>

Hyundai i10

Version&nbsp;1.0 TCe Bi-Fuel Expression&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£14,795 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£14,551 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£168

The Dacia Sandero is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, but that doesn't mean it comes with a long list of compromises.

In fact, the Sandero is a strong offering in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> class; it's practical, with plenty of&nbsp;space in the back seats and boot, plus the ride is pretty comfortable. The entry-level engine (the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel) can also run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as petrol to help lower your&nbsp;running costs.

Even though there's a more affordable Essential trim, we think it's worth stepping up to&nbsp;Expression; it comes with&nbsp;rear parking sensors, automatic lights and&nbsp;wipers&nbsp;and a touchscreen infotainment system as standard.

When it comes to safety, the Sandero is less impressive; it only scored two stars when it was safety tested by&nbsp;Euro NCAP&nbsp;in 2020. For that reason, we can't place it any higher up this list.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero review</a>

Dacia Sandero

Version&nbsp;1.0 TSI Life&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£21,905 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£20,708 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£221

If you're&nbsp;considering a first car, it's likely that the Volkswagen Polo will have already crossed your mind. And these days, it offers <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">VW Golf</a> levels of sophistication at a much lower price.

Indeed, the Polo is&nbsp;smart inside, comfortable and practical, plus it's very&nbsp;good to drive. We think the 94bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine is best option for it; it's the same engine that you get in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>, and it&nbsp;pulls strongly from low revs thanks to its&nbsp;turbocharger.

The Polo&nbsp;is a bit more expensive than its Seat and Skoda siblings, but it does come with a long list of standard kit. Our recommended Life trim, for instance, comes with&nbsp;air conditioning, automatic windscreen wipers,&nbsp;power-folding door mirrors and an&nbsp;8.0in touchscreen infotainment system. All versions come with a&nbsp;wide range of safety kit, too.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo review</a>

Volkswagen Polo

Version&nbsp;1.2 PureTech Active&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£20,400 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£16,986 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£169

The Peugeot 208 is the most comfortable car on this list, and it's actually very well priced – especially with our Target Price discount factored in.

What's more, it also has a&nbsp;smart interior for the money; the design is striking and the materials are mostly very plush. Some drivers may not like&nbsp;the 'i-Cockpit' driving position, though,&nbsp;so&nbsp;we'd recommend test driving one before you buy.

The 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine&nbsp;is our recommended engine for the 208; it's&nbsp;gutsy and&nbsp;ideal for propelling you along A-roads and motorways. It's&nbsp;actually&nbsp;more&nbsp;lively&nbsp;than the equivalent engine in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo</a>.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208 review</a>

Peugeot 208

Version&nbsp;1.0 3&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£15,950 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£14,978 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£184

Like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a>, the Kia Picanto is a very cheap car to insure.

This makes&nbsp;it&nbsp;a great&nbsp;buy if you're looking for a car that's cheap to own. That's helped by its tiny 66bhp 1.0-litre engine, which averaged a reasonable 46.8mpg on our hilly real-world test route. As you might expect from a car with so little&nbsp;horsepower, though, it isn't very&nbsp;quick; we managed a 0-60mph dash in 14.9sec at our private test track.

More positively, the Picanto has a smart interior,&nbsp;tidy handling and a generous equipment list with our favourite 3 trim. It comes with&nbsp;electrically adjustable door mirrors,&nbsp;a leather-trimmed steering wheel, rear parking sensors and an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto review</a>

Kia Picanto

Version&nbsp;1.2 Turbo GS&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£22,905 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£19,481 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£227

For many, the Vauxhall Corsa is the go-to first car because it has a wide range of engines and trims to choose from, plus it has a big boot.&nbsp;

Our favourite engine is the&nbsp;mid-range 1.2-litre petrol engine with 99bhp. It's the same engine that you get in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>, which means&nbsp;it's a strong performer; that's evident by its&nbsp;0-62mph time of&nbsp;9.9sec.

GS trim is also a good option; it comes with&nbsp;17in alloy wheels, climate control, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, sportier styling and sports seats.

It's worth noting that the&nbsp;208 has a nicer interior than the Corsa,&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> is more spacious inside. Those cars are also more affordable to buy,&nbsp;although the Corsa does have competitive PCP finance rates.

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa review</a>

Vauxhall Corsa

Version&nbsp;1.5 e-Skyactiv G MHEV Centre-Line&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£19,515 |&nbsp;Target Price&nbsp;£18,599 |&nbsp;Target PCP&nbsp;£222

The Mazda 2 is a very easy car to get along with, and that's&nbsp;helped by its user-friendly interior and comfortable driving position.

We especially like the fact that there's a good range of adjustment with the driver's&nbsp;seat and steering wheel, and the fact that it&nbsp;comes with&nbsp;height adjustment as standard (so even tall drivers can find a comfy position).

The infotainment system is also very easy to use. The 8.0in&nbsp;touchscreen responds well to inputs, and you also get a&nbsp;rotary controller between the front seats to&nbsp;control it. This makes it far&nbsp;less distracting to use&nbsp;while driving than touchscreen-only systems.

In key areas such as&nbsp;ride comfort, performance and practicality, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>,&nbsp; <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>&nbsp;are better options. However, the&nbsp;2 is still worthy of your consideration if you're looking for a well equipped alternative.&nbsp;

Read our in-depth <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/2/hatchback/review/n95">Mazda 2 review</a>

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Mazda 2

Buying your first car is an exciting experience, and the good news is that there are some excellent new cars out there to choose from.This doesn't mean that finding the best 1st car is an easy process, though. The list of options can be lengthy, and there are a lot of things that could make a difference in how much it will cost to own.Crucially, a good 1st car has to be cheap to insure. Drivers with little or no experience behind the wheel are much more likely to be involved in an accident than older motorists, many of which have driven more miles. This is why small cars are often the ideal fit; they don't need a big engine, so are generally cheaper to buy, run and insure than larger models, such as <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family cars</a>.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider when finding the best 1st car, including safety, practicality and fuel economy. That's why our team of road testers have come up with the list below after testing the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">best small cars</a>. As such, we think the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> is the best 1st car for new drivers. To find out why we rate it so highly and which version we think you should buy, you can read on below. However, if the Clio doesn't suit your needs, there are plenty of other options on this list that could fit the bill. And if any of the other 1st cars here do catch your attention, you can read our full reviews to find out more, or you can click on the deals links to potentially save thousands on a brand new model.

Best first car options for new drivers 2024

first cars for new drivers

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

Toyota

Yaris

how-to-buy-your-first-car

Citigo

Nobody ever forgets their first car, so it pays to pick a good one. Whether you're a parent looking to choose a safe car for a newly qualified driver, or you’ve just passed your test and want to make your budget go as far as possible, What Car? can help.As well as giving you tips for finding a safe and affordable first car, and advice on how to keep running costs such as insurance under control, we'll give you our recommendations for the best first cars to buy.<h3>Should I buy new or used?</h3>

Cars start to lose value as soon as they leave the showroom, and after three years on the road a second-hand car is typically worth 30-40% of the original price. So it's wise to let someone else take that financial hit and buy a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">used car</a>.There are benefits to buying new, though, such as the reassurance of the manufacturer's warranty, which will cover the cost of any faults that might arise in the first few years.Unless you have enough funds to buy a car outright, there’s also the cost of finance to consider. This is when a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/">new car</a>, purchased on a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/car-finance-explained/n1108">competitive finance deal</a>, can be less expensive than it first seems.<h3>Can a new car make an affordable first buy?</h3>

Twenty years ago, you needed a trust fund or generous parents to afford a brand new first car, but low-rate finance schemes with modest monthly payments have brought new cars within the reach of more young drivers.The most attractive deals for new drivers are usually <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">personal contract purchase (PCP) deals</a>. These offer low monthly payments because they leave a large chunk of the car’s value until the end of the deal. Buyers can make the final payment to own the car, or hand it back with nothing more to pay. Alternatively, if the value of the car at the end of the term is greater than the final payment, the difference can be used as a deposit to start a new deal.Special offers with low interest rates and manufacturer deposit contributions mean that if you're shopping for a city car, monthly bills of less than £100 aren’t uncommon after an initial deposit.<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/how-to-buy-your-first-car-insurance/n1188">Next: How to save money on insurance &gt;</a></h2>Page 1 of 3

How to buy your first car

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Clever interior space </li> <li>Quiet and comfortable ride </li> <li>Good visibility </li> <li>Plenty of safety tech </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>Outstanding value for money</li></ul>

City cars are all about diminutive size and manoeuvrability because they invariably spend most of their time on our increasingly crowded urban streets.

They do need to be big enough for a couple of adults, with back seats that’ll suffice for occasional use by people – or as a dumping ground for a couple of large shopping bags – but they must also be small enough to nip in and out of traffic, and squeeze into tight parking spaces.

Out-and-out acceleration isn’t crucial, but there must be enough oomph in the lower gears to scoot into gaps that appear in the traffic. Running costs should be low, too.

Fortunately there’s never been a better line-up of city cars on offer. Kia's Picanto mixes a neat, functional interior with tidy handling and a surprisingly big boot, while the Skoda Citigo and Suzuki Celerio are cheaper and even more frugal.

City

how-to-buy-your-first-car-insurance

Ford

Fiesta

Fiat

It’s not just the cost of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-finance/">financing a car</a> that young drivers and their parents have to worry about; insurance can be crushingly expensive. Car insurance premiums are currently at their highest level for two years, and Confused.com found that premiums increased by £32 (6%) year-on-year in the second quarter of 2022, to reach an average of £554.However, drivers can save money by shopping around for the best value cover, and by buying cover up to four weeks before it's needed. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/how-to-save-money-on-your-car-insurance/n1117">What Car? research</a> revealed that a 20-year-old male driver could save £750 on cover for a 2021 Skoda Fabia 1.0 SE by deferring the start date of the policy for four weeks. Any premium will be based on all sorts of variables, including the driver’s age, driving experience, postcode and so on. Clearly, there’s not a lot a teenager can do about their age and number of years on the road, but they can do something about the car they drive.Cars are given an insurance grouping of 1-50. Thatcham Research decides which car fits into which group, taking into account a car’s performance, price, safety, security and the cost of repairing. The lower the insurance group number, the lower the insurance premium should be.

Other ways to reduce premiums include limited-mileage policies. However, it’s important to be realistic when setting a mileage limit, because there are likely to be extra fees if it’s exceeded and your cover could be invalid if you exceed it but don't tell the insurer.Setting a high excess (the amount the driver has to contribute to repairs in the event of a claim) is another option, but be sure the amount isn’t more than you’ll be able to afford if you have to pay out.Another means of chipping away at the annual premium is to insure a second, responsible driver (say, a parent or an older sibling). Just be sure that it’s someone who will actually drive the car. And don’t be tempted to make a parent the main driver on a policy if the car is really the child's; this is known as ‘fronting’ and is considered insurance fraud.<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/is-a-black-box-car-insurance-policy-for-you/n1170">Telematics or 'black box' insurance</a> can also reduce a young driver’s premium. With these policies, the car is fitted with a black box to monitor when and how it is driven. Stick to the speed limit and drive smoothly and the cost of cover will come down after a while. But drive badly and your premium could rise. There are negatives, though, because some policies include night or mileage limits, and if you drive aggressively you could see your premiums rise beyond your initial quote.<h3>How about all-in-one car and finance deals?</h3>

One way to get on top of buying a new car and insuring it in one go is to opt for a PCP scheme that also includes the cost of insurance in a single monthly payment.Peugeot offers one called <a href="http://www.offers.peugeot.co.uk/just-add-fuel?&amp;gclid=CKalkfvwoM8CFasp0wod2AsEhg&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Just Add Fuel</a>. It’s available to drivers aged from 18 to 20 with less than two years' no claims discount. The only stipulation is that they have a telematics box fitted to monitor how the car is driven and report back to the insurer. As the name implies, the scheme not only covers the cost of insurance but also routine bills such as servicing.

Monthly payments vary but, based on a low-risk address and a £4290 deposit, Peugeot’s online finance calculator quoted us a monthly payment of £208 for an 18-year-old buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> 1.2 Active Premium on a 37-month deal, with an annual mileage limit of 6000 miles.<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/how-to-buy-your-first-car/n1154">&lt; Previous</a> | <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/how-to-buy-your-first-car-choosing-a-car/n1187">Next: Choosing the best first car &gt; </a></h2>Page 2 of 3

How to buy your first car: insurance

New drivers

<h2>What we're looking for</h2><ul><li>Outstanding value for money</li> <li>Ultra-low running costs</li> <li>As few compromises as possible, whether inside or on the road</li> <li>Easy to drive</li> <li>Long and comprehensive warranty</li></ul>

Value car

The best cars for new drivers, plus our top tips and the latest news

View all the latest new driver guides and find practical advice about becoming a new driver from the What Car? team.

new driver

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

Audi

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

Citroen

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

Honda

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is owned by Chinese firm SAIC these days and it's slowly beginning to rebuild its model line-up. At present, just two cars are offered: the MG 6, which aims to match cars like the Skoda Octavia on space while beating them on price, and the Ford Fiesta-rivalling MG 3. Both cars look good value for money, but resale values have been an issue, as well as cabin quality and the tax bills created by relatively high CO2 emissions. Things could improve with the arrival of the GS, a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV that will bring a new transmission and new turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a revised diesel motor. It's scheduled to go on sale in 2016 - although it wouldn't be the first MG to have been delayed during the brand's rebirth.

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

Suzuki

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

Hatchback (2015 - 2024)

Hatchback (2018 - )

Hatchback (2020 -)

Hatchback (2020 - 2024)

Hatchback (2021 - )

Hatchback (2022 - )

Hatchback (2023 - )

Hatchback (2024 - )

Aygo X

Cooper

Jazz

Mazda2

Mazda2 HYBRID

Sandero Stepway

Swift

AUDI

CITROEN

FIAT

HONDA

Korean brand Hyundai is a rival to mainstream car makers such as Skoda, Toyota and Volkswagen. However, it's also increasingly taking on premium alternatives&nbsp;– particularly with its electric cars.

At the extremes of the Hyundai line-up you find the tiny i10 city car and the huge Ioniq 9 electric SUV. Meanwhile, other highlights of its line-up include two recent What Car? Awards winners: the seven-seat Santa fe SUV and the Ioniq 5 N hot hatch.

As a bonus, all Hyundais come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas many&nbsp;rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

MAZDA

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

PEUGEOT

RENAULT

SKODA

SUZUKI

VOLKSWAGEN

2 Hybrid

AYGO X

CLIO

COOPER

FABIA

IBIZA

JAZZ

PICANTO

POLO

SANDERO STEPWAY

SWIFT

The 208 has a 309-litre&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">boot</a>, which is decent for its class but not as big as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>'s or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>'s boot.&nbsp;We managed to squeeze five <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">carry-on suitcases</a>&nbsp;in the 208&nbsp;below its parcel shelf – the same number as in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>.&nbsp;

Annoyingly, the 208’s boot has a narrower opening than many other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a>,&nbsp;making it harder to squeeze in&nbsp;large items, and you can't have a height-adjustable boot floor.

“Rear seat space isn’t a strength of the 208, but a couple of six-foot passengers didn’t mind an hour-long trip in the back when I had one on test.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

The 208’s interior is one of the most striking designs available in a small car – even including the premium <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a>.

The use of high-end materials and soft-touch surfaces makes it feel upmarket, and if you go for GT trim, you'll get some fancy ambient interior lighting.&nbsp;The build quality largely matches the style, with everything feeling screwed together sturdily.

“A 3D-effect digital driver display comes as standard on GT trim and above, making some information on the screen appear closer to you than others. To be honest it’s feels like a bit of a gimmick and I prefer the regular display.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

Entry-level Style trim has analogue dials with a small digital screen between them, while the rest of the range has full digital instruments – with a 3D effect on GT trim and above.&nbsp;But how you view the instruments in the&nbsp;Peugeot 208&nbsp;is where things get rather&nbsp;unconventional.

Peugeot calls the set-up its&nbsp;iCockpit design, and you're&nbsp;supposed to view the&nbsp;instruments (the speedo, rev counter etc) by looking over, rather than through, the steering wheel. To make this possible, Peugeot's shrunk the steering wheel to the size of a shirt button. So, is it better than the conventional driving positions of its rivals? Well, that depends.&nbsp;

If you're long in the body or sit close to the wheel with the seat jacked up, you’ll probably think that's great. If not, you'll probably find that the steering wheel actually blocks your view of the instruments, and you have to sit in an uncomfortable position to see what speed you're doing. On manual versions, the space&nbsp;next to the clutch pedal is quite tight, too, so&nbsp;make sure you&nbsp;take&nbsp;a test drive before buying to check you're happy.

We also have a gripe about the 208's lack of physical buttons. For example, you have to use the touchscreen to adjust the interior temperature, which is distracting.&nbsp;On a positive note, the seats are comfy but adjustable lumbar support is standard only on range-topping GT Premium trim. It's&nbsp;available as an option on GT trim, as part of a pack that adds Alcantara upholstery, heated seats and a massage function.

1.2  Petrol

1.2  Petrol Hybrid

Even the 208's cheapest trim level, Style, is quite well equipped, but it does come with wheel trims&nbsp;rather than alloys. Highlights include heated wing mirrors, automatic lights, air conditioning and a leather steering wheel.&nbsp;

Allure trim is our pick, which adds dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, automatic wipers, power-folding door mirrors&nbsp;and extra parking aids.

GT adds 17in wheels, wireless phone-charging, keyless entry and start, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while GT Premium adds heated front seats and some Alcantara interior trim – but these top two trims push the price up.

You can pretty much rely on&nbsp;a French car maker&nbsp;to create a stylish small car. Whether it’s any good or not is another matter entirely, so you'll be pleased to know from the outset that the current Peugeot 208 is one of the good 'uns.

Let's be clear: this is a completely different model to the first-generation 208. That's marvellous news, because the original was one of the less good ones, and struggled to compete with rivals such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>. This second-generation 208&nbsp;presents much more of a challenge to the class best.

<h2 dir="ltr">New Peugeot 208 video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lj2_5tISLr4?si=pVeJu8Oov5mbgdMx" width="560"></iframe>

Better still, the current 208 doesn’t just stack up well against the best mainstream rivals. The more expensive versions in the range are genuine alternatives to premium-badge rivals, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a>. Why's that,&nbsp;you might ask? Just take a look at the 208's upmarket interior and you'll get an inkling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It all sounds pretty good so far, then, but it's time to get into the nitty gritty to establish where exactly the Peugeot 208 sits in the '<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">best small cars</a>' pecking order.&nbsp;

<hr />
What’s new? 
 
- June 2025 - Top-of-the-range GT Premium trim introduced with Alcantara interior, heated front seats and an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat 
- May 2025 - New special edition 208 Style features a black grille, orange seat stitching and comes with a 1.2-litre engine 
- October 2023 - Revised 208 launches with a new look, 10in touchscreen and most models feature wireless <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay-and-carplay-ultra/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/d77b5cae5b94&amp;rdt=4" target="_blank">The latest&nbsp;What Car? Reliability Survey is live, so please tell us about your car now</a>

Although it’s a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a>&nbsp;,the Peugeot 208 has enough head and leg room for tall drivers in the front. It's also narrower than some rivals between the two front doors, although you and your passenger will have enough space to both rest your elbows on the central armrest. There are roomier&nbsp;alternatives, though,&nbsp;such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>.&nbsp;

Under the armrest, there's a large cubby for your&nbsp;wallet, and storage space elsewhere is very good. You get sizeable door bins, trays and cup holders, plus a&nbsp;decent glovebox.

While the 208's <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">suspension</a> softness makes it a cushy and comfy cruiser, it doesn’t lend itself to sportiness. There's more body lean through tight twists and turns than in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>, and it's not as keen to change direction&nbsp;through switchback turns.

The 208 has a tiny steering wheel that looks a bit go-kart like. It conveys a good amount of weight as you turn the wheel but feels a little artificial and elastic off-centre, which doesn’t give you a great sense of connection with the road.

Once you’re used to it, it does the job, but if you want a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> that’s more engaging and fun to drive, you’ll want to try an A1 or Clio.

All 208s come with a 10in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a>. It's&nbsp;standard definition on entry-level Style trim and a higher definition with other trims.&nbsp;

Neither version is&nbsp;as&nbsp;high definition as the equivalent in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> or a Polo, though, and Peugeot's operating system isn't as responsive or intuitive to use, either. Fortunately, wireless&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> come as standard so you can use your phone apps through the screen, but even then the software can be laggy.

TomTom <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav</a> is standard on all versions, as are front USB-C charging ports, with wireless phone charging optional from Allure trim and standard on GT Premium.&nbsp;

Unless you go for the all-electric<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228"> Peugeot e-208</a> (which we've reviewed separately) you'll get either a petrol or hybrid petrol engine.

The cheapest is also our pick of the range – the 99bhp 1.2-litre PureTech 100. For a little engine, it packs a relatively big punch: it&nbsp;pulls keenly from low revs and feels potent&nbsp;when you rev it out. It's ideal for propelling you along A-roads and motorways without fuss, and feels much livelier than a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97"> Renault Clio</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a> with equivalent power.

If you’re after efficiency, the 108bhp Hybrid 110 and 143bhp Hybrid 145&nbsp;are interesting options. Although they are technically <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrids</a>, they allow you to drive on electricity alone for short distances at low speeds, and have plenty of power to get you up to motorway speeds.

The 208 small car majors on comfort, quiet cruising manners and a stylish interior&nbsp;

The 208 isn't the easiest car to get in and out of if you're an adult of reasonable stature because it has&nbsp;fairly narrow door openings.

Once inside, however, there's just enough head and leg room for taller adults to fit, and the 208's rear seats are roomier than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>'s. Do bear in mind that the&nbsp;208's optional Cielo glass roof reduces head room by quite a bit, though.

Once again, the&nbsp;Polo is roomier, so if you need more rear space, that's a&nbsp;better choice. Storage space in the rear of the 208 includes a couple of small door bins and map pockets on the back&nbsp;of each front seat, though.

Relative to other small cars, this is an area of strength for the 208. Road noise is excellently suppressed, even at speed, and there’s not much suspension noise as you trundle around town. At higher speeds, there's a bit of wind noise from around the windscreen pillars, but it's not intrusive.

The 1.2 PureTech 100 is a little noisy at times. You’ll hear it&nbsp;thrum as you accelerate from low revs but that quickly fades into the background at motorway speeds. If you go for one of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrids</a>, you'll enjoy much quieter electric-only driving for parts of your journey.

The 208's standard six-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/which-cars-come-with-a-manual-gearbox/n26678">manual gearbox</a> doesn’t quite have the pleasing mechanical precision of the equivalent in the Ibiza. The&nbsp;same goes for its clutch action, with a&nbsp;slightly vague bite point that can cause the odd jerky start.&nbsp;The optional <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a> suffers a little bit of a delay when you put your foot down, and doesn’t iron out its gear changes as smoothly as it could.

“In the hybrid versions of the 208, your speedometer on the digital driver's&nbsp;display turns green when it’s running on pure electric power, which I think is a nice touch.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

Peugeot as a manufacturer finished a decent&nbsp;11th out of 30&nbsp;manufacturers in the 2025<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">&nbsp;What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. That's below Honda, Kia, Mini and Toyota, but above Audi, Skoda and VW.

Every 208 gets a three-year <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/best-new-car-warranties/n26485">warranty</a>, consisting of two years of unlimited-mileage cover from the manufacturer and an additional year that's provided by Peugeot’s UK dealer network. Kia and Hyundai offer longer standard warranties, while Toyota’s 10-year/100,000-mile offering is unrivalled by everyone except Lexus.

The 208 scores well for comfort, offering a gentler and more supple ride than even an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a> or Polo. Regardless of speed, the 208 is particularly&nbsp;smooth, and it’s most impressive&nbsp;on motorways, where it feels as comfortable as some larger cars.

The 208 has softer suspension than the Clio, so it bobs up and down more&nbsp;along undulating B-roads, but not in the wayward manner of a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n17364">Citroën C3</a>. And being softer means that even nasty ridges and potholes don't cause too much discomfort.

The Peugeot 208 is an attractive prospect for cash buyers. Its starting&nbsp;price is&nbsp;lower than the equivalent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>, and only slightly higher than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>. The 208 is predicted to depreciate at the same rate as the Fabia, so PCP finance rates should be competitive, too.&nbsp;

Running costs are pretty good. In our real-world tests, the 1.2 PureTech 100 petrol averaged&nbsp;47.9mpg (versus its official figure of 58.2mpg), which is more than similarly powerful engines in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> and the Polo. The hybrid versions should be more efficient but not by a huge amount&nbsp;–&nbsp;officially,&nbsp;the Hybrid 110&nbsp;averages 65.9mpg.

If you’re chasing the lowest possible CO2 emissions, to keep <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK tax</a> down for your next&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a>, you'll find an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric car</a> cheaper to run. To read about the fully electric version of the 208, see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208 review</a>.

The 208 was given four stars out of five when it was safety tested by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> in 2019, while the Clio received the full five stars. If you drill into the details of the test, it's almost as good in most areas, such as chest protection and whiplash protection for those in the rear, but not as good at protecting people outside the vehicle.

All models come with a basic form of automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>)&nbsp;as standard, but you'll have to go for GT trim to get a more advanced system that works at night and can recognise cyclists as well as pedestrians.

Traffic-sign recognition and a driver attention alert system are both standard on all versions, as is lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring is only available as part of the optional parking pack on the top two trims.

“I think it’s a shame heated front seats only come as standard with range-topping GT Premium trim, or as an option on GT trim.”&nbsp;– <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/doug-revolta/n1031">Doug Revolta, Head of Video</a>

<hr />
<h2 dir="ltr">Buy it if...</h2>

- You want a small car with a classy interior 
- You enjoy a comfortable ride 
- You want a punchy and efficient petrol engine

<h2 dir="ltr">Don't buy it if...</h2>

- You haven't tried out the 208's unconventional driving position 
- You need maximum passenger space 
- You need the biggest boot available

<hr />
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The rear seatbacks split and fold in a 60/40 arrangement as standard. That's par for the course in a&nbsp;small car but not as versatile as the more practical 40/20/40 arrangement you’ll find bigger cars, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/a-class/hatchback/review/n88">Mercedes A-Class</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a>&nbsp;is a small car with more seating flexibility. It's unique rear seats have a special folding mechanism that allows them to&nbsp;fold totally flat, so you can increase the load-carrying capacity when needed.

With GT trim, Peugeot adds a height-adjustable front passenger seat. You can't add passenger lumbar adjustment, though, which you can with the Polo and some other rivals.

Style

GT Premium

Allure

The Peugeot 208 is one of the best small cars in the UK, and stands out for ride comfort, interior quality and hushed cruising manners, although it's not as much fun to drive as a Renault Clio. We recommend mid-spec Allure trim with the punchy and efficient 1.2 Puretech 100 engine.

Seeing out of the 208 could be easier. For a start, the windscreen pillars obscure&nbsp;more of what you can see in front of you than they do in, say, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>. There are decent-sized wing mirrors but the rear pillars and tapering roofline reduce the amount you can see over your shoulders as well.

Still, there is salvation in the form of standard rear parking sensors on all models, with front sensors added if you step up to mid-spec Allure trim and a rear-view camera added in GT cars. You can add front and rear cameras to Allure and GT trim as part of a parking pack.

Eco LED lights are standard across the range so you won’t struggle to see where you’re going at night. On GT trim, those are upgraded to full LEDs.

This is for all cars that are hatchbacks

At 335 litres in volume, the Ibiza’s boot is one of the biggest in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car class</a> – there's almost as much room as there is in the super-spacious <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> TCe 90 (391 litres) and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> (380 litres). We managed to fit an impressive five <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/the-cars-with-the-biggest-boots/n18791">carry-on suitcases</a> below the Ibiza’s parcel shelf.

If you need even more space, you can always fold down the rear seats, although doing so creates a fairly large step up from the main boot floor, which could make loading in long items awkward. (There's no height-adjustable boot floor option to give a level surface).

“While I appreciate that the Fabia is roomier overall, the Ibiza proved spacious enough to fit me and three friends without any discomfort.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, Reviewer</a>

The Ibiza’s dashboard is covered in a squidgy material that both looks and feels better than the scratchy plastic you often find on the dashboards of many small cars, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/c3/hatchback/review/n26860">Citroën C3</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>. In all Ibizas, the steering wheel, handbrake lever and gear lever are trimmed in leather, while ambient lighting in the outer air vents help it feel a bit more upmarket.

If you go for the FR Sport, there's also faux-suede upholstery that lifts the feel of the interior even further. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini Cooper</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> feel even classier inside, but not by a huge margin.

Regardless of trim level, everything inside the Ibiza feels well screwed together and all the buttons, switches and stalks operate in a reassuringly solid manner.

“I like a low driving position and that the Ibiza (unlike a lot of other small cars) caters for that very well.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer</a>

If you like a fairly low-slung driving position, the Seat Ibiza will suit you better than many <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a>, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift/hatchback/review/n54">Suzuki Swift</a>. The seat is supportive (especially in FR trims, with sports seats that have extra side bolstering) and you’ll easily find a comfortable driving position, thanks to a good amount of seat and steering wheel adjustability.

It’s a shame you can’t get adjustable lumbar support in the Ibiza, but lower back support is reasonable without it.

The interior is laid out in a logical fashion. True, the air-con controls are positioned quite low down on the dashboard, but they’re clearly labelled and not too distracting to use while you’re driving. All Ibizas get an 8.0in digital driver’s display, while a larger 10.25in display that offers a wide range of layouts is optional.

The entry-level Ibiza SE gets a good list of kit as standard, including 15in alloys, air-conditioning, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">cruise control</a>, powered door mirrors, metallic paint and an 8.3in touchscreen. If you step up to SE Technology – which is our recommended trim – it won't cost too much more but gets you a 9.2in touchscreen and bigger, 16in alloy wheels.

The FR First Edition trim is worth considering if you value a slightly sportier appearance to go with its handling, with a more aggressive-looking bodykit, rear privacy glass, ambient lighting and 17in alloy wheels. It also gets you dual-zone climate control, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and an alarm. FR Sport trim adds bigger 18in wheels and microsuede upholstery but is too expensive to recommend.

You might be surprised by how much pub trivia the Seat Ibiza has behind it. The original Ibiza had engines built in collaboration with Porsche along with styling conceived by the designer of the first Lotus Esprit.

This sporty upbringing can still be felt in the latest, fifth-generation Ibiza: it’s positioned as the athletic sibling next to two small cars it shares <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-car-platform-and-chassis/n27195">underpinnings</a> with – the more comfort-focused <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a>.

Moreover, the Ibiza promises to be one of the sharpest handlers in the entire <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car class</a>. This includes the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/review/n53">Hyundai i20</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a>, which currently sits at the top of the class after being named Best Small Car at our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/new-car-awards">Car of the Year Awards</a> – so no pressure on the Ibiza, then…

<hr />
What’s new?&nbsp;

-&nbsp;January 2026: The Ibiza gets refreshed bumpers, a reshaped front grille and slimmer LED headlights, along with new trim inside around the air vents and new sports front seats for FR trim

- November 2024: FR Black Edition launched with black paint applied to the 18in alloy wheels, plus a rear wing and side skirts for sportier looks&nbsp;

- January 2024: Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition introduced to commemorate four decades of sale, featuring new equipment and colours, and distinctive alloy wheels&nbsp;

- May 2023: Marina Pack revealed, with a focus on using sustainable materials for the seat covers, trim and carpets

- November 2022: Ibiza received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

- April 2021: Facelifted fifth-generation Ibiza begins production, featuring 9.2in multimedia screen and improved safety tech

Even if you’re well over six feet tall, you won't feel your head brushing the roof, and the seats slide back far enough to accommodate anyone with long legs.

Shoulder room is better than in many small hatchbacks, making the Ibiza feel as roomy as some <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n27171">family cars</a>.

The front door bins aren’t the biggest but they will take a large water bottle. There are also two cupholders between the front seats, along with a cubbyhole in front of the gearlever for your phone and keys. The glovebox is a decent size, too.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Ibiza is how composed and sophisticated it is to drive. In fact, it’s the best-handling <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> we've driven.

The Ibiza’s steering works well both in town and at faster speeds, starting off light during slower driving and manoeuvres, before progressively weighting up well when you find yourself on a twisty country road.

The steering gives you good feedback – more so than the steering in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> – meaning you can confidently judge the level of grip. There’s also very little body lean working against you, especially if you opt for one of the FR trims.

All versions of the Ibiza come with an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a> – it measures 8.25in while a larger 9.2in version is available on higher trims. You have to go for the bigger screen to get built-in sat-nav, although a DAB radio, and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> smartphone mirroring come as standard across the range.

We’ve yet to try the smaller screen, but the larger version is one of the better touchscreens in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car class</a>. It's crisp and bright, responding quickly when you prod it, and the operating system is relatively easy to get used to.

The Seat Ibiza’s entry-level engine is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, badged 1.0 TSI 95. It has 94bhp and, during our testing, we saw 0-60mph in a respectable 9.8sec, and there’s a decent amount of shove low down in the rev range. The 1.0 TSI 95 is certainly capable of keeping up with traffic on motorways, just like the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>. It’s our recommended engine.

For more performance, you’ll need to upgrade to the 1.0 TSI 115 (and at least the FR trim). It uses a similar 1.0-litre engine but with 113bhp, and feels marginally quicker. If that’s not enough, there are rivals that offer punchier performance, such as the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI.

While the TSI 95 comes with a five-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/which-cars-come-with-a-manual-gearbox/n26678">manual gearbox</a>, the TSI 115 is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. The manual gearboxes are slicker to use than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>’s, with light, precise, satisfying gearshifts. The auto box is a little sluggish to change down a gear when you need a burst of acceleration, but switching the drive mode to Sport livens up the response, or you can use the paddles on the back of the steering wheel to manually change gear.

The Ibiza is great to drive and well priced&nbsp;but its poor reliability record is an issue

Yes, the Ibiza is a small car in the grand scheme of things, but you might be surprised by how spacious it is in the back. There's considerably more leg room than you'll find in the rear of, for example, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> and matches the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>.

The Ibiza's 1.0 TSI engines are reasonably smooth, although when you put your foot down hard, you hear more of a buzz than in the Fabia. The stop-start system could be smoother - there’s a bit of vibration from the 115 engine coughing into life on the automatic version - but it’s no worse than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> Hybrid.

There's not much wind noise, even on motorways, but you hear a noteworthy amount of tyre roar. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a> are quieter companions.

“I’ve yet to drive another small car that flows down a country road as well as the Ibiza does.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, Reviewer</a>

&nbsp;

Previously, the Ibiza performed poorly in our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/most-reliable-cars/n27337">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> and finished at the bottom of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car class</a>. There haven’t been enough entrants in this year’s survey for an up to date result, but it’s a potential weak area that’s worth bearing in mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seat as a brand achieved a slightly below average score, ranking 18th out of 30 manufacturers featured – above Renault and Volkswagen but below Vauxhall, Toyota, and Suzuki.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The standard Seat <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/best-new-car-warranties/n26485">warranty period</a> is three years or 60,000 miles, although this can be extended for a fee to four years, 75,000 miles or five years, 90,000 miles. It’s worth bearing in mind that Hyundai, Kia and Toyota offer longer warranties.

Most versions of the Ibiza ride bumps well, smoothing over imperfections more effectively than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift/hatchback/review/n54">Suzuki Swift</a>. However, if comfort is your top priority, we'd recommend trying the even more supple <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>.

FR versions of the Ibiza get firmer <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/types-of-suspension-adaptive-suspension-explained/n27085">sports suspension</a> as standard. It's designed to improve cornering, and while it doesn't mean you wince over every pothole, you do feel more of bumps as they pass beneath the car.

FR Sport trim brings the largest wheels on offer, measuring 18in. That makes the ride even firmer – something to bear in mind before you’re seduced by the sporty looks.

As a cash buy, the entry-level Seat Ibiza is similar to the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> and undercuts the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a> (by a small amount). The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a> cost more by a larger margin. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/clio/hatchback/review/n97">Renault Clio</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> are cheaper buys, though. Ibiza resale values are respectable rather than outstanding.

So far, we've put only the 1.0 TSI 95 through our real-world <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/true-mpg-most-and-least-efficient-cars-revealed/n14356">True MPG tests</a> and it averaged an impressive 54mpg. Mild hybrid engines for the Ibiza are due to arrive in 2027.

All versions of the Ibiza come with six airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring and automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>). That helped it score the full five stars in its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> safety test, although it’s important to note that the result is from 2022, when the tests were less stringent than they are today.

A tiredness recognition system is standard on all models to alert you if you become too drowsy, as is lane-keeping assistance. Every Ibiza can read road signs and display the speed limit on the driver’s display.&nbsp;

“Much of the Ibiza's poor reliability score came from faulty touchscreens, which isn’t the worst thing to go wrong but will still be annoying and inconvenient.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/claire-evans/n1100">Claire Evans, Consumer Editor</a>

<hr />
<h2 dir="ltr">&nbsp;Buy it if...</h2>

- You want a hatchback that’s more fun to drive than most rivals

- A smart and easy to use interior

- Has a good amount of space for four adults

<h2 dir="ltr">Don’t buy it if…</h2>

- You want fuel-efficiency that matches a hybrid rival

- You’re hoping for quick performance

- You want the most versatile rear seats

<hr />
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All versions of the Ibiza come with 60/40 split folding rear seats, which is par for the course in the class. If you need greater seating flexibility, take a look at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> – its rear seat bases can be flipped up like those in a cinema.

The Seat Ibiza excels in its driving experience, being sharp and precise yet composed and comfortable. It’s a great choice in other areas too, thanks to a roomy interior and low costs, especially if you opt for our recommended 1.0 TSI 95 engine and SE Technology trim.

Fortunately, the Ibiza’s eye-catching looks haven’t come at the expense of visibility. Up front, the windscreen pillars don’t obstruct your view out too badly – even at junctions – and the front side windows are suitably tall and easy to see out of.

For extra reassurance, Seat gives you rear parking sensors as standard. FR trim adds front sensors and a rear-view camera.

To help you see where you’re going at night, full LED headlights now come as standard on all trims (cheaper versions previously had a dimmer Eco-LED system).

Prices are yet to be confirmed ahead of the car’s arrival near the end of 2025, but the starting price of the Toyota Aygo X is expected to be similar to high-spec versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a>. That makes it slightly pricier than the budget-focused <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a> and similar to big-selling small cars, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris-cross/estate/review/n23440">Toyota Yaris Cross</a> doesn’t cost much more, either.

Even so, thanks to excellent fuel economy (officially up to 76.3mpg) and cheap insurance, the Aygo X should work out cheaper to own than almost all other new petrol cars in the long run.

Entry-level Icon trim is worth considering. It has all the kit you really need, including 17in alloy wheels, electric front windows, automatic headlights, air conditioning and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-cruise-control-and-should-you-have-it-on-your-next-car/n26822">adaptive cruise control</a>.

That said, we reckon the mid-rung Design trim is worth paying extra for. It adds a bi-tone paint finish, 18in alloy wheels, climate control, automatic wipers and rear privacy glass.

Range-topping Excel trim gets you keyless entry, ambient lighting and some faux-leather trim on the seats, but pushes the price into the territory of more polished <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a>. There are some optional extras, including a canvas roof, but none that are really worth forking out for.&nbsp;

GR Sport brings the option of black paint finish for the bonnet and is the only model available with a yellow Mustard paint finish.

The outgoing version of the Aygo X came joint top in our 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/most-reliable-cars/n27337">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> – its 100% reliability rating suggests that it should be very dependable. It shared the number one spot with the much pricier <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/nx/estate/review/n132">Lexus NX</a>. Better still, Toyota's <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/best-new-car-warranties/n26485">warranty</a> extends for up to 10 years if you get your car serviced annually by an official dealer.

The safety experts at <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> awarded the Aygo X four stars (out of five), which is better than the score of some other budget small cars, including the Sandero and the Hyundai i10. All trims come with automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), lane-keeping assistance, traffic-sign assist and tyre-pressure monitoring.

"You're not going to go far wrong with the long-term reliability if you buy an Aygo X. Toyota frequently scores well in our reliability survey, and I reckon the potential for an Aygo X to have a 10-year warranty is almost unbeatable." — <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/oliver-young/n22317">Oliver Young, Reviewer</a>

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The Toyota Aygo X combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined power output of 114bhp. This full <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-cars/n17013">hybrid</a> setup is the same as what you’d get in the bigger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a> and drastically improves the performance over earlier versions of the Aygo X, with a 0-62mph time of 9.2sec (rather than 14.9sec previously).

It doesn’t leap off the line quite as eagerly as the Yaris - the Aygo X has been tuned to accelerate more gradually to help provide a smoother driving experience in the stop-start conditions of city driving. However, there’s plenty of muscle on the move to keep up with other cars and you can overtake slower traffic with more confidence than any <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift/hatchback/review/n54">Suzuki Swift</a>.

That means it has a similar get-up-and-go to the turbocharged version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a> to haul you out of bends and scale inclines without prolonged downwards pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Being a hybrid also means the Aygo X is only available with an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>. It’s responsive enough and helps deliver a smooth power delivery.

The Aygo X's tight turning circle makes low-speed manoeuvres easy. It also handles neatly, resisting body lean in bends, and while the steering response could be sharper, the well-judged weighting helps you place the car accurately on the road. It's more fun than a Sandero, although the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> handles in a more sophisticated fashion.

The GR Sport comes with slightly stiffer suspension and tweaked steering to sharpen up the response, but the difference is negligible. Thankfully, it doesn’t have a negative effect on ride comfort, either. The ride in all versions is fairly firm but it rounds off bumps at low speeds in a controlled manner. On the motorway it can struggle to settle down and become a bit choppy at times.

The hybrid system allows the Aygo X to drive with the engine off for very short distances at low speeds, so it can make for quiet progress. The three-cylinder engine fades at motorway speeds and, while it is vocal when accelerating, at least you don’t need to work it hard for long. There’s some engine vibration but it’s vastly reduced over the earlier 1.0-litre version.

Road noise is kept in check, but wind noise grows markedly at motorway speeds, mainly from around the front door pillar and – if fitted – the sliding fabric roof. When it rains, the retractable roof also gives you the pitter-patter sound you get in a tent.

Despite the brake pedal needing to combine the regenerative braking system (which harvests back energy to help recharge the battery) with regular friction brakes, the positive and linear response makes it easy to bring the Aygo X to a smooth stop. You can slide the gear-lever into a B mode to increase the braking strength but it’s not strong enough to bring the car to a complete halt.

"The Hybrid version of the Aygo X has drastically improved one of its previous shortcomings. I like that the added punch means it no longer feels out of its depth once you leave town" — <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/lawrence-cheung/n23691">Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor</a>

The Toyota Aygo X is here to prove that there’s still a place for affordable small cars – and they don't have to be electric to be nippy and cheap to run.

Indeed, if you're thinking of buying an Aygo X as an urban runaround, you might also be considering <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>. True, there’s the attractively priced <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/spring/hatchback/review/n26964">Dacia Spring</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/leapmotor/t03/hatchback/review/n27136">Leapmotor T03</a>, but many rivals still demand a bigger investment from the get-go.&nbsp;

Toyota’s smallest and cheapest model started out with a simple 1.0-litre petrol engine. However, the Aygo X has gone through a significant mid-life update and has managed to shoehorne the full-hybrid setup found in the bigger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/review/n31">Toyota Yaris</a>.&nbsp;

That involved redesigning the front to make room for a bigger engine and repackaging the rear underpinnings to accommodate a battery.

While there aren’t any direct hybrid rivals, there are plenty of petrol-powered alternatives, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swift/hatchback/review/n54">Suzuki Swift</a>.

<h2 dir="ltr">Toyota Aygo X video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4lKAcazeKg4" width="560"></iframe>

Despite its mildly rugged looks, the Aygo X isn't blessed with four-wheel drive. Sure, there’s plastic cladding on the wheel arches, but this isn't a car with any notable off-road ability. It's designed to be easy and enjoyable to drive on the road.

So, how do we rate the Toyota Aygo X against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">best small cars</a>? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new?

- September 2025 - New hybrid version introduced with the lowest emissions of any non-plug-in car on sale, at an estimated 86g/km. 1.0-litre petrol model discontinued. 
- October 2024 - Special edition Aygo X JBL features 300-watt audio system, silver-black paint and alloy wheels&nbsp; 
- March 2024 - Aygo X Undercover is a limited edition with two-tone grey paint, 18in alloys and red accents

The Toyota Aygo X's driver's seat is height-adjustable and the steering wheel and pedals line up neatly with one another. Sadly, the wheel adjusts only for height (not reach), so you might struggle to get completely comfortable. We'd advise a test drive before buying.

Behind the wheel you'll find a 7.0in digital drivers display showing useful information including your speed in digits, fuel economy and what proportion of your journey has been covered on electric power. It's a simple but effective arrangement.

The air-con controls are easy to use, and forward visibility is excellent, helped by big door mirrors and relatively narrow windscreen pillars. True, the chunky rear pillars and small rear window make seeing out of the back tricky, but all versions come with a rear-view camera as standard to help when parking and the image displayed fills up the whole infotainment screen. Top-spec Excel trim also includes front and rear parking sensors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are two sizes of infotainment touchscreen available, and both have <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> smartphone mirroring as standard. Icon and Design models have a 9.0in screen, which has fairly sharp graphics, but it can be quite sluggish to respond to commands.

If you upgrade to range-topping Excel or GR Sport trim, the screen grows to 10.5in and responds quickly enough to prods. These trims also get a wireless phone-charging pad and give you the option of adding a more powerful JBL sound system. It’s clear and has enough punch from the subwoofer, but you still only get four front speakers. Those in the back will struggle to hear much.

As for interior quality, the Aygo X feels really well screwed together. Controls such as the indicator and wiper stalks feel surprisingly solid given the car's low price, and even the steering wheel is trimmed with tactile leather.

Granted, it feels pretty low-rent inside compared with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a> (there's no soft-touch plastic on the dashboard, for example) but it has the edge over a Dacia Sandero.

"I like the looks of the Aygo X, admittedly, but my favourite view is the one out. Here is a small car that's very easy to drive thanks to its excellent all-round visibility. The steering wheel feels nice in the hands, too." — <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a>

&nbsp;

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The Aygo X offers fun and thrifty motoring but there are more practical rivals

Toyota Aygo X

There's plenty of space in the front of the Toyota Aygo X – plenty of elbow room to avoid you feeling squished, and enough leg and head room for those well over 6ft tall. The mid-life update introduced a height-adjustable front passenger seat, so taller occupants won’t have to feel as perched up as they would have in earlier models.

Storage space up front is reasonable, with a tray for your phone in front of the gear lever and a pair of cupholders on the centre console. The door pockets are more like letterbox slots, though, so can only take small bottles.

Rear passengers are not nearly so well catered for. Head room is tight (a six-footer will need to cower) and the optional canvas sunroof lowers the height of the ceiling even further. With limited leg room and small side windows (which pop out instead of wind down), claustrophobia could set in quickly.

Access to the rear seats is also restricted because of the small rear doors that don’t open very wide, which makes installing a child seat difficult. What's more, the Aygo X has only two seats in the back, whereas the many rivals have three. Put simply, if rear space is a priority, you're better off looking at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/sandero/hatchback/review/n55">Dacia Sandero</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i10/hatchback/review/n49">Hyundai i10</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/picanto/hatchback/review/n58">Kia Picanto</a>.

In terms of rear storage, the centre console that extends from the front over the rear footwell has a couple of shallow storage trays, but that’s your lot. You don’t get map pockets on the back of the front seats or any door bins.

The Aygo X’s 231-litre boot is pretty titchy – even by small car standards. The i10 and the Kia Picanto offer more than 250 litres, and the Sandero more than 300 litres. Still, there's enough space for a small weekly shop or three carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf.

However, go for the optional JBL sound system and the boot shrinks to 189 litres, due to a raised floor that caters for a subwoofer sitting underneath it.

You can fold down the rear seats if you need to carry more, although the backrest (which splits 50/50) flops on top of the seat base, creating an awkward step in the floor of the extended load bay.

"You won't be buying the Aygo X for acres of interior space, but there's plenty of room up front. I've found that younger friends and family members are quite happy in the back seats for shorter journeys." - <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/darren-moss/n1005">Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor</a>

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The Toyota Aygo X offers great fuel efficiency and is packed with safety tech. It's good to drive, too – although there are more practical alternatives. We’ve only tried higher spec versions so far, but recon Excel trim makes more sense than GR Sport.

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