How to choose the ideal initial vehicle for your 17-year-old

If your teenager is about to start off understanding to drive, probabilities are you will have to foot the bill for a first car. Tim Barnes-Clay looks at the greatest choices.

As parents, we want to protect our offspring. This can be an high-priced business – specifically when the teenage years begin.

For instance, when your child turns 17, there’s typically one goal they want to achieve – and that’s passing their driving test.

Safety 1st

However this means digging deep to buy a new vehicle.

Let’s face it: preferably, we want our little ones to be driving some thing new, safe and reputable – not some old shed.

Here we round up some new automobiles that are perfect and safe 1st motors.

Škoda Citigo

The Škoda Citigo is aimed at younger drivers. The Elegance 1. MPI Greentech is perfect for driving from home to college and has outstanding about-town manoeuvrability. The fuel-saving technology fitted to this model mean the hatchback sips rather than swigs petrol and can return up to 68.9 miles per gallon. Prices for the Citigo start at £8,210 for the entry-level S-trim 3-door model, with 5-door vehicles only yet another £350.

SEAT Mii

This Spanish version of the virtually identical Škoda Citigo is zesty but sensible. Even much better, the Mii is one particular of the best vehicles for parking. You can do a 3-point turn in the blink of an eye. The 3-cylinder 999c engine sounds like it has all the energy of a sewing machine – but the SEAT is not dull. It requires 13.2 seconds to get from -62mph and this does not detract from the Mii’s versatile drive. On an typical mix of town and motorway driving you can get over 60mpg. You’ll also spend absolutely nothing in road tax for the initial year. From £8,195 this is a excellent 1st car.

Citroën DS3

It’s fantastic to really feel 17 years old once more. That is what it is like driving the Citroën DS3, no matter what age you are. The funky auto delivers a comfortable ride, and quality is evident inside and out. On the safety front, the Citroën DS3 has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and comes with 6 airbags and a reinforced body structure. One particular of the ideal aspects of the compact Citroën is that it redefines bespoke motoring with a choice of personalisation options. So, the DS3 can be masculine and sporty or feminine and chic. This car will do over 60mpg and is priced from £12,615 for the petrol VTi 82bhp DSign.

Suzuki Swift SZ4

The Swift is enjoyable to drive and has nimble handling. The steering is light and the 5-speed manual transmission is slick and effortless to use. What’s really impressive though is that the auto inspires self-assurance and safety on the road. This is due to safety technologies that contain an anti-lock braking program and electronic braking-force distribution. The Swift also has 6 airbags. The Suzuki is a excellent vehicle to nip around in, averaging over 50mpg, and is a very good decision for any individual who desires a 1st vehicle. Purchased new, the standard 1.2 3-door hatch fees £10,799.

Kia Picanto

Kia’s smallest vehicle gives excellent sufficient overall performance, with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, along with fashionable looks. The 5-door auto, priced from £8,145, is offered with 1.- and 1.25-litre petrol engines. The 3-cylinder 1.-litre unit is a fantastic very first auto option – it develops 68bhp and has a combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg. Characteristics incorporate body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, radio/CD player and an immobiliser. A 6-year or 25,000-mile totally transferable warranty is standard on the Picanto. That sort of assurance alone could nicely persuade you to purchase this motor for your teen.

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How to choose the ideal initial vehicle for your 17-year-old