New car prices have risen considerably since the Covid pandemic, and nowhere is this felt more than at the most affordable end of the spectrum. The days when a new car could be picked up for less than £10,000 are largely over, but there are still a number of bargains that can be had. Let’s take a look at the UK’s most affordable cars available today.
Kia Picanto – from £13,695
While Kia might have been elevating itself to more of a premium positioning, its Picanto continues to serve those wanting a value model. And you won’t find better value than this Kia, which is currently the UK’s cheapest new car.
This city car is a far more well-rounded option than its low price suggests, with a practical interior and good road manners. Entry-level versions don’t get much on the equipment front, though.
Dacia Sandero – from £13,795
While the Dacia Sandero was the UK’s cheapest new car for years, the firm has recently discontinued entry-level versions, meaning the starting price is now far higher. Yet it still offers superb value for money at £13,795 for what is a far larger and roomier car than most other models on this list.
The Sandero also drives well and should be very affordable to run, while all versions come with air conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth.
MG3 – from £13,820
MG is a fast-growing car firm and one of the key attractions to it are its cars' low prices. While its larger SUVs are the most popular, if outright value is the most important aspect, it’s worth a look at the MG3.
While a little behind the times in cabin quality and road manners, it still looks stylish and gets a lot of equipment for its £13,820 starting price – including an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and rear parking sensors.
Citroen C3 – from £13,995
Citroen lowered the price of its C3 – its most popular car in the – last year with the introduction of an entry-level ‘You’ specification. Available from £13,995, it gets the entry-level engine and doesn’t get a huge amount of bells and whistles, but with air conditioning and cruise control, is far from sparse.
The C3 is also comfortable, and with it being a supermini, offers a bit more room than the many city cars on this list.
Fiat Panda – from £14,740
Fiat’s Panda is really getting on in terms of age, and though it's off the pace in some respects, if you want a really small car that will be cheap to run and easy to park, it certainly has its merits, not least with a £14,740 starting price.
Its recently-introduced mild-hybrid engine offers strong fuel economy, while a great turning circle and excellent visibility make it perfect for around town.
Dacia Sandero Stepway – from £15,295
If you find the standard Sandero a little too bland, it’s worth taking a look at the Stepway version. This gets more rugged styling, incorporating plastic cladding and clever roof rails that can double up as rails to fix roof boxes or cycle racks too.
Though it’s around £1,500 more expensive than a regular Sandero, you do get additional equipment along with the same excellent attributes of the standard car.
Hyundai i10 – from £15,420
Hyundai has put the price of its i10 up quite a bit recently, but even with a £15,420 starting price, it represents an attractive buy. It’s a much more refined and high-tech option than other city cars in its class.
It’s brimming with equipment too, with even entry-level models coming with an eight-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera and plenty of safety equipment.
Toyota Aygo X – from £16,130
The city car market has declined quite considerably in recent years, but Toyota committed to it with the introduction of its new Aygo X last year. Bringing more rugged styling to this compact hatchback, it is one of the best small cars around.
At £16,130, it isn’t as cheap as other cars in this class but boasts a fun design, generous equipment levels and Toyota’s warranty that lasts up to 10 years as long as the car is serviced at one of its dealers.
Fiat 500 – from £16,790
Fiat has put the price of its 500 up quite considerably in recent years, with the petrol version now starting from a steep £16,790, though considerable discounts are often available.
The 500 might be getting on a bit in terms of age but remains one of the most stylish new cars you can buy today, with plentiful personalisation options available. It’s also exceptionally efficient and its light controls make it a doddle to use around a city.
Suzuki Swift – from £17,199
Suzuki is another firm that has increased the price of its cars considerably in the past couple of years, though at £17,199, the Swift supermini remains a decent buy. It’s especially light and nimble, while its mild-hybrid engines are very economical.
It’s a bit behind the times in terms of interior quality and refinement but is still a good-value small car.