Best car for new drivers revealed as budget-friendly classic knocking premium motor off top spot
Autotrader's annual Drivers' Choice Awards have crowned the Volkswagen Golf the best car for new drivers, declaring it 'cost-effective, fuel-efficient and easy to drive.'
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With the Audi A1 coming in at second place, the Golf has been praised as a multi-generational classic car which still has a lot to offer.
The BMW1 Series also narrowly missed the top spot, but by offering premium quality, plenty of space, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and low running costs, the Golf has a lot of appeal to new drivers.
Autotrader's Editorial Director Erin Baker, said: 'The Golf continues to prove its timeless versatility.
'It's the car of voice for new drivers looking for a fun, dependable set of first-time wheels that won't break the budget.'
The starting price of a new VW Golf is roughly £28,000, however they can be bought second hand for under £5,000.
Beyond the Golf and Audi A1, other cars that have been proven popular among new drivers include the Skoda Fabia, the Kia Picanto and the Renault Clio.
This year, over 225,000 people voted in the Driver's Choice Awards.
Autotrader explained that each year they ask car owners to share what their car is like to live with to find out what the best new cars on sale today really are.
Among the other motors recognised as the best to buy in 2025 were Kia's EV3, which was awarded the prestigious title of New Car of the Year, and the BMW I4, which was crowned Best Car for Families.
Voters elected the Omoda 5 for Best Value Car, the Land Rover Defender 110 took the cake for Most Loved Car, and the Porsche Macan was chosen for the Most Fun Car to Drive.
New Nissan Leaf tested - it's bigger, better and goes further
In terms of the best brands in the business, Lexus was declared most reliable, Dacia was crowned the best value, and BYD was awarded the most loved.
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