How to choose the best initial car for your 17-year-old

If your teenager is about to commence studying to drive, chances are you’ll have to foot the bill for a initial car. Tim Barnes-Clay looks at the best alternatives.

As parents, we want to safeguard our offspring. This can be an expensive organization – especially when the teenage years begin.

For instance, when your youngster turns 17, there’s usually 1 goal they want to achieve – and that’s passing their driving test.

Safety initial

Regrettably this implies digging deep to acquire a new car.

Let’s face it: preferably, we want our youngsters to be driving something new, secure and dependable – not some old shed.

Here we round up some new cars that are ideal and safe first motors.

Škoda Citigo

The Škoda Citigo is aimed at younger drivers. The Elegance 1. MPI Greentech is excellent for driving from residence 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. Rates for the Citigo commence at £8,210 for the entry-level S-trim 3-door model, with 5-door vehicles only one more £350.

SEAT Mii

This Spanish version of the practically identical Škoda Citigo is zesty yet sensible. Even greater, the Mii is one of the greatest cars 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 takes 13.2 seconds to get from -62mph and this does not detract from the Mii’s flexible drive. On an average mix of town and motorway driving you can get more than 60mpg. You’ll also pay nothing at all in road tax for the first year. From £8,195 this is a excellent first auto.

Citroën DS3

It’s wonderful to feel 17 years old once again. That is what it is like driving the Citroën DS3, no matter what age you are. The funky car delivers a comfy 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 of the best elements 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 more than 60mpg and is priced from £12,615 for the petrol VTi 82bhp DSign.

Suzuki Swift SZ4

The Swift is fun 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 car inspires self-assurance and security on the road. This is due to security technologies that incorporate an anti-lock braking system and electronic braking-force distribution. The Swift also has 6 airbags. The Suzuki is a fantastic vehicle to nip about in, averaging more than 50mpg, and is a good selection for anyone who desires a initial car. Bought new, the basic 1.2 3-door hatch expenses £10,799.

Kia Picanto

Kia’s smallest car provides excellent enough overall performance, with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, along with fashionable looks. The 5-door car, priced from £8,145, is offered with 1.- and 1.25-litre petrol engines. The 3-cylinder 1.-litre unit is a fantastic 1st automobile selection – it develops 68bhp and has a combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg. Features include body coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, electric front windows, radio/CD player and an immobiliser. A 6-year or 100,000-mile fully transferable warranty is common on the Picanto. That kind of assurance alone could nicely persuade you to buy this motor for your teen.

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How to choose the best initial car for your 17-year-old