Imagine the joy of the open road. And turning heads as often as you turn corners…
…owning a stylish small car is a very attractive prospect, isn’t it?
Being a first time buyer is also a great rite of passage – and one that a lot of us get really excited about.
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Picture this for a moment
Have you ever pictured yourself cruising around Europe in a cute, shimy new Fiat 500 – be honest? Or a customised vintage, open topped model, perhaps – that’s easy on the eyes – and runs like a dream.
You can spend hours imagining your own stylish first car – and planning the adventures you’ll have, can’t you? But you need to get practical too – before you go out and start searching seriously.
So what helpful things do you need to know about – and how can you make the most informed decision?
Fuel and insurance
It might not sound the most glamorous of things – but the cost of fuel and insurance for your small car is critical. And if you’re a young driver this is particularly important. So make sure you know how many mpg your ideal car can achieve – is it economical? If not – forget it.
And research brokers who can give you tailored advice and support – as a first time driver. Their specialist knowledge will make dealing with the insurance company that much more straightforward..And it will save you a lot of headaches, and money, in the long run – should the worst ever happen.
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New or used – which is best?
We think new is a good option – and there are lots of cars out there that should be right up your street. Just because some are more reasonably priced, that doesn;t mean they’re dull – far from it. Many offer scope for customisation, and impressive driver enjoyment – as well as being stylish.
For the most part, you’ll also find extras like air-conditioning, alloy wheels and smartphone integration. The days of small family cars offering little in the way of features are long gone – we’re glad to say.
Another advantage of buying a new car is that it will come with the latest safety equipment. And that’s something that will be a huge comfort to the families of young and inexperienced drivers.
What are our suggestions?
There are so many stylish small cars on the market it’s difficult to choose one – so here are a few of the best.
Maybe consider something like a Skoda Citigo, Ford Fiesta or even the Peugeot 208, perhaps. This offers all the practical aspects of the first two – but looks a bit more sophisticated. Like you.
The Hyundai i10 is affordable and very well equipped – while the Volkswagen Polo is recognised for its classy design.
There’s no denying the desirability of the MINI – it’s definitely top of a lot of people’s lists. And rightly so, because as well as looking beautiful, it handles brilliantly. As long as you can afford it – it’s not the cheapest of options of course. An interesting alternative is the Vauxhall Adam – which has a lot of its appeal for a fraction of the price.
The Citroen DS3 is curvaceous and classy – it’s genuinely one of the coolest cars around. It has an air of Parisian chic – and its unique signature LED lights make it really stand out.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a real individual – and it’s a bit more exclusive because it isn’t quite as popular. If you’re someone who likes to be a little bit different yourself, it could be just right for you. And the great news is that, in performance terms – It’s also very capable.
If you’re a little bit unconventional
The Renault Twingo is a great choice – and the rear-engined setup means it has a surprisingly large interior. It’s also desirable, don’t worry – in fact it’s a great combination of practicality and looks..
For ultimate retro-appeal, the Fiat 500 takes some beating – and its twin air turbo charged engines give it extra appeal. It’s just as good to drive on the open road as the city – so the daydream we discussed earlier could come true, after all. It’s also got a great infotainment system.- if you like a few tunes as you travel.
This one’s a little bit cheeky
The Peugeot 108 really is a bit cheeky – is that an unusual way to describe a car? It’s a great little compact package – perhaps that’s better.
IIt shares lots of components with the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, but somehow looks more stylish – just like your good self. It’s got a simple, smart interior and It’s available in lots of different colours – so what’s not to like?
As you’d expect, the supermini-sized Audi A1 manages to be as classy as the company’s larger models. It doesn’t offer the funky looks of some others on the list, perhaps – but it’s stylish in what you’d call a more restrained way.
If styling is your top priority, the Mercedes A-Class is a slick hatchback that should be at the top of your list. It really has the appearance of a true premium car – and it looks equally fantastic from all angles.
Looking for a crossover?
The only crossover in our list, the Citroen C4 Cactus, is without doubt a talking point. Let’s be honest – it’s unorthodox. You’ll either love or hate its appearance, which personally we think is amazing. Its “airbumps” aren’t just for show either – they help protect the paint which, as you’d expect, is available in some pretty loud colours.
The latest Mazda MX-5 has razor sharp lines and a slanted head – and its taillights give it a serious appearance. Its dainty in size but its looks really match the performance.
So that’s what we think of them…
Now over to you
Whatever you decide on, as your first small car – it’s all about achieving the right combination of factors, That should include being reliable, economical and efficient, as well as beautiful. Just like an ideal boyfriend. And when you get all those in one place – bingo!. What more can we say? Happy travelling…
