Latest news with #affordablecars
Auto Express
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Inster is cute, charming and cheap at just £175 a month
Cutesy styling 229-mile range; easy to drive Just £174.12 a month Not that long ago you could count the number of affordable small electric cars on the fingers of one hand. But now that's changing fast, and in recent months a whole wave of pint-sized EVs has arrived to cater for people on a relatively low budget. Advertisement - Article continues below Easily one of the most charming of this new crop of cheaper EVs is the Hyundai Inster. It's a Renault 5 and Fiat Grande Panda EV rival, and just as charismatic; it's also a bit of a bargain right now. Scouring the Auto Express Find a Car service, we found Lease Car UK is offering the cutesy Inster for just £174.12 a month right now. It's a three-year deal that requires a £2,437.44 initial payment, while mileage is capped at 5,000 a year. Rather amazingly you can bump this up to 8,000 miles per annum for only around a fiver extra a month. The Inster line-up is easy to get your head around, given that there are just three models – 01, 02 and Cross – and two battery sizes to choose from. With this deal you get the entry-level 01 but, very impressively, you nab the largest of the batteries on offer. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The 49kWh 'Long Range' battery brings a claimed range of 229 miles, and if you live in the city and only travel short distances, you could likely cover 100 more miles than that before needing to top up. Power comes from a 113bhp electric motor, which serves up 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds – not outrageously fast, but plenty quick enough for most everyday driving situations. The entry-level 01 brings a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a rear-view camera and parking sensors, heated and power-fold mirrors, along with 15-inch alloys. Surprisingly, a heat pump and a battery-heating system are thrown in, too. The Inster is a strict four-seater, but the interior is pretty roomy considering the car's dinky dimensions. That boxy shape means visibility is excellent, and overall the car is easy and very comfortable to drive. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Hyundai Inster leasing offers from leading providers on our Hyundai Inster page. Check out the Hyundai Inster deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers' hearts and minds Car group tests 12 Jul 2025
UAE Moments
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
10 Best Cars for First-Time Buyers in 2025
Looking for your affordable 2025 first car? Driving around the city for the first time is thrilling, but you need something reliable, safe, and easy to maintain. This first-time car buyer guide 2025 highlights the top beginner cars 2025 —from compact hatchbacks and city-friendly compact SUVs to hybrid models that are perfect for eco-aware young drivers. We've considered fuel efficiency, insurance costs, and modern tech to help you find a cheap reliable new car 2025 that fits your vibe. How We Chose These Cars Affordability & Ownership Cost We focused on vehicles under $25K— best beginner cars under $25k —with low upkeep. Think fuel savings, modest insurance, and minimal depreciation. These rides are meant to be as easy on your wallet as they are fun to drive. Safety Ratings & Reliability Your first ride should be trustworthy. Every pick earned top safety scores and comes with a reputation for long-term reliability. That means peace of mind every time you hit the road. City-Friendly Tech & Style From 2025 compact hatchback first car options to city-friendly compact SUVs, these models offer easy parking, modern infotainment, and features tailored for urban life—all while looking sharp. 2025 Top 10 First-Time Buyer Cars 1. Toyota Corolla A classic choice, the Corolla delivers excellent mileage (up to 40 mpg), standard safety tech, and minimal maintenance. It's a fuel-efficient new driver car and a go-to for affordability. 2. Honda Civic The Civic blends sporty styling with reliability. It's fuel efficient and boasts high resale value—ideal for those seeking a dependable best used car for first timer. 3. Hyundai Kona This city-friendly compact SUV offers both gas and EV options, bold looks, and advanced safety features. It's a top choice for urban dwellers looking for a crossover feel. 4. Kia Seltos With roomy interiors and tech-rich trim, the Seltos is a practical, stylish, and affordable SUV—great for first-timers wanting space without hefty costs. 5. Mazda CX-30 The CX-30 brings premium cabin quality and agile handling to the table. It's a compact crossover that feels upscale without the upsized price tag. 6. Volkswagen Polo A 2025 compact hatchback first car, the Polo offers efficiency, solid safety, and a classy, minimalist interior—perfect for city streets. 7. Nissan Kicks The lively Kicks serves up personality, good fuel economy, and a crossover stance—ideal for those who want something fun yet functional. 8. Ford Puma 9. Skoda Fabia Flat-out practical, the Fabia is simple, spacious, and reliable. It's understated but effective—a solid pick for sensible drivers. 10. Suzuki Swift The Swift is light, nimble, and extremely fuel-efficient—perfect for zipping through tight city streets and parking with ease. Comparison Table & Specs Model MSRP MPG / Range Safety Rating Insurance Tier Body Type Corolla ~$24K Up to 40 mpg 5-star Low Compact Sedan Civic ~$25K 32–36 mpg 5-star Medium Sedan/Hatchback Kona ~$23K 30 mpg / 200 mi EV 5-star Low–Medium Subcompact SUV Seltos ~$24K 28–32 mpg 5-star Medium Compact SUV CX‑30 ~$25K 28–32 mpg 5-star Medium Crossover Polo ~$20K 35–40 mpg 5-star Low–Medium Hatchback Kicks ~$22K 28–32 mpg 4–5 star Low–Medium Subcompact SUV Puma ~$23K 30–36 mpg 5-star Medium Compact SUV Fabia ~$19K 35–40 mpg 5-star Low Hatchback Swift ~$18K 35–40 mpg 4-star Low Hatchback First-Time Buyer Tips Insurance Expectations Expect rates 15–25% higher as a young driver. Stick with low insurance cars for teens like Swift, Polo, or Corolla to keep costs down. Avoiding Depreciation Traps Choose models with steady resale—Civic, Corolla, and compact SUVs hold value well compared to trendier but fast-depreciating alternatives. When to Consider Certified Pre-Owned A cheap reliable new car 2025 may sound ideal, but a certified pre-owned car under $25K offers added warranties and inspection checks without a full new-car premium. Financing & Budgeting Advice Plan beyond the sticker price—factor in insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking. Whether financing or leasing, a good down payment and low APR are key. For first-timers, consider entry level hybrid cars to offset fuel costs and get eco perks. Quick Takeaways Under $25K, high value and low-cost ownership Top safety scores, ideal for safe new driver cars Compact hatchbacks and SUVs perfect for urban life EV and hybrid picks offer long-term savings Watch insurance rates and depreciation CPO options add peace of mind Choose the ride that matches your style and city needs Stepping into your first car in 2025? Go for a ride that balances affordability, safety, and city-readiness. Whether you choose a top beginner car 2025 like Corolla or Civic, or cruise in a compact SUV, you'll have a reliable and stylish companion. Don't forget to test drive, calculate total costs, and explore CPO deals. Drive smart—your journey starts now. FAQs Which are the cheapest reliable cars 2025 for newbies? Models like Swift, Fabia, and Corolla offer dependable performance without the hefty price tag. Is the Kona EV a good first car? Yes—it's a strong entry level hybrid for city drivers with great range and lower fuel costs. Are compact SUVs better than hatchbacks for city use? Yes— city-friendly compact SUVs like Seltos and Kona offer visibility and cargo space while still fitting tight spaces. How much higher is insurance for teen drivers? Typically 15–25% higher—choosing low insurance cars for teens helps you save significantly. Is certified pre-owned worth it for first-timers? Absolutely—CPO offers warranty protection and vetting, giving you a cheap reliable new car 2025 feel without full price.
Motor 1
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The 10 Cheapest Cars of 2025
It's no secret that buying a car can be expensive, with the average transaction price hovering just below $50,000. This accounts for all vehicles purchased, including pickup trucks and EVs, which opens the door for a set of wheels to cost upwards of six figures. But not everyone has that kind of cash simply lying around. Ye of little faith, the corresponding list shows that it's possible to keep the total purchase amount low. Even better, the choices presented here prove that owning a cheap car doesn't have to feel like a sacrifice. It's worth noting that the following prices include the destination charge, so you're not shocked at the next dealer visit. With that in mind, let's take a look at your options. 10. 2025 Chevrolet Malibu: $26,995 Photo by: Chevrolet Turbo 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder 163 Horsepower Chevrolet's mid-size Malibu sedan breaks into the top ten—with a caveat. Production ended in November 2024, with some remaining stock still available new. So the possibility of a killer deal is there if your local dealership is eager to move inventory. If size is more important and the idea of a crossover just doesn't appeal, beware that the remaining entries on this list only get smaller. 9. 2026 Honda Civic: $25,745 Photo by: Honda 2.0-liter Four-Cylinder 150 Horsepower The staple Honda Civic gets a slight price bump for the 2026 model year. This gets you into an LX sedan with 16-inch wheels, wired smartphone connectivity, and essential safety tech to guard you on the road. If you want a manual, you'll have to step up to the Si, as it's no longer available on the non-hot hatchback. 8. 2025 Subaru Impreza: $25,530 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder 152 Horsepower If you want the cheapest new hatchback, the 2025 Subaru Impreza is your best bet. For that, you get LED headlights, Subaru's famed EyeSight safety suite, all-wheel-drive, and some eye-popping color options. Since it was redesigned for 2024, there has been no sedan option. 7. 2025 Mazda3: $25,335 Photo by: Mazda 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder 191 Horsepower Speaking of sedans, the Mazda3 comes in at just $25,335 for 2025. The sportier hatchback version, meanwhile, commands an extra $1,000. At that price, you get the most potent base engine on this list, as well as alloy wheels, auto-on headlights with high-beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, a digital instrument cluster, and an 8.8-inch center display with smartphone connectivity. 6. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta: $23,720 Photo by: Victoria Scott / Motor1 Turbocharged 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder 158 Horsepower Volkswagen's compact offering gets a major refresh for 2025 that sees revised styling and an updated cabin. The Jetta S makes a solid case for base, throwing in 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps and taillamps, VW's Digital Cockpit, a leather steering wheel, and an 8.0-inch center touchscreen with App-Connect. Plus, it's one of the few cars on this list with a standard turbocharged engine. Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . 5. 2025 Toyota Corolla: $23,545 Photo by: Toyota 2.0-liter Four-Cylinder 169 Horsepower The Corolla is the oldest model on this list. But it still reigns supreme as the bargain standard for mass transportation, giving you only the essentials in the base LE. This includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone connectivity wrapped in a package that still wears hubcaps in 2025. A hybrid powertrain is available, but it costs extra. 4. 2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,370 Photo by: Hyundai 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder 147 Horsepower Like the Corolla, the Elantra is getting long in the tooth. However, it still packs a punch in value with standard equipment such as alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an 8.0-inch display, LED projector lamps, and a plethora of active safety features. 3. 2025 Kia K4: $23,165 Photo by: Kia 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder 147 Horsepower Kia's popular compact gains a new badge to go with a complete redesign for the 2025 model year. The aptly-named K4 arrived on the scene late last year with trendy styling, an upscale cabin that punches above its price point, and a long list of amenities to boot. Highlights include a standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting inside and out, keyless start, a multitude of USB-C ports to keep your devices charged, and a number of safety features. 2. 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder 149 Horsepower Surprise! The remaining two cars come from Nissan, one that is likely to see another generation and one that will be killed off soon—we'll get to that in a sec. Gracing the number-two spot is the Sentra , which throws in Safety Shield 360 and smartphone integration to go with a fuel-sipping powertrain. A new generation is expected to arrive soon. 1. 2025 Nissan Versa: $20,130 Photo by: Nissan 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder 122 Horsepower For a number of years, the Nissan Versa has been the cheapest new car to buy in America. Despite a recent refresh, it will soon join the Mitsubishi Mirage and Kia Rio in cheap car heaven as the brand shifts to a lineup focused mostly on SUVs. This is your last chance for basic transportation if you care about having four wheels and a warranty. Cheapest Cars of 2025 2025 Nissan Versa: $20,130 2025 Nissan Sentra: $22,730 2025 Kia K4: $23,165 2025 Hyundai Elantra: $23,370 2025 Toyota Corolla: $23,545 2025 Volkswagen Jetta: $23,720 2025 Mazda3: $25,335 2025 Subaru Impreza: $25,530 2026 Honda Civic: $25,745 2025 Chevrolet Malibu: $26,995 More on Cheap Cars Mazda: Americans Want Cheap Gas Cars Cheap Car Sales Exploded in 2024 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Chevrolet Trax Pricing Swells By Four Figures
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2026 Chevrolet Trax Faces $1,100 Price Hike When it comes to affordable new cars, the options continue to dwindle, but the Chevrolet Trax has managed to hover around the $20,000 mark for some time. Sadly, that time has come to an end, as new order guide data obtained by CarsDirect reveals that the diminutive crossover will be hit with a 5.37% increase in base form, adding $1,100 to its sticker. Other trims are less severely impacted, but they've all gone up by between 1.76% and 3.27%. Let's see what those figures mean in dollars for the cheapest new Chevrolet currently on sale. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen The top 10 best value used cars in 2025 Watch More Other 2026 Trax Trims Up By As Much As $800 The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS (base model) started at $20,500 before destination, but for 2025, its base MSRP is $21,600. A rung higher up the trim ladder is the 1RS variant, which will cost $23,100 for 2026 (a $600 increase), followed by the LT, which gets a $400 increase to arrive at the same $23,100 base price. Similarly, both the 2RS and the ACTIV trims will cost $25,300, with both seeing an $800 inflation. Sadly, the order guide data does not reveal any additional features for the extra outlay, but new exterior paint colors and minor accessories are expected. All pricing listed here excludes the obligatory destination charge, which appears unchanged at $1,395. MY2025 MY2026 Difference Trax LS $20,500 $21,600 +$1,100 Trax 1RS $22,500 $23,100 +$600 Trax LT $22,700 $23,100 +$400 Trax 2RS $24,500 $25,300 +$800 Trax ACTIV $24,500 $25,300 +$800 Since they're mechanically related, we'd be remiss not to mention the Buick Envista's MSRP (for 2025, 2026 pricing is not yet available). Three trims are available – Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir – and they're offered at $23,800, $25,300, and $28,600, respectively. The extra outlay buys you leatherette interior surfaces, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and some nicer trimmings, but those wanting more value for similar money might want to look higher up the Chevy hierarchy, not at the bottom of Buick's. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Chevy Makes It Tougher To Choose The new pricing brings Chevrolet's smallest crossover closer in price to its next smallest, the Trailblazer, which starts at $23,000 for 2026, or just $1,400 higher than the Trax. As noted by CarsDirect, the gulf between the two subcompact SUVs was previously $2,600, and as this gulf closes, some buyers may find themselves more attracted to the added features of the Trailblazer. Since before its last redesign, rumors of the Trax's imminent discontinuation have repeatedly surfaced, but it's not gone yet. That may soon change, though, as Chevrolet is working on bringing the Bolt back as an affordable crossover, along with another cheap EV. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Auto Blog
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ford's Cheapest Car In America Is A Great Buy
The Cheapest New Ford Isn't A Cramped Hatchback Or Sedan It wasn't too long ago that you could buy several cheap, affordable Ford models for around $20,000 or less, but those days are gone. The Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport were some of the cheapest Ford cars that were perfect for first-time buyers, but all have been discontinued. Today, you'll have to spend almost $30k to buy the cheapest Ford model on sale. However, it's not a small hatchback nor a compact sedan. Once we interrogated the data, it became clear that the Ford's cheapest car is a pretty good deal, despite its price going up recently. So what model are we talking about? Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More The Cheapest New Ford Is The Maverick XL Pickup Truck Source: Ford By a slim margin, the 2025 Ford Maverick XL is the Blue Oval's cheapest new model, starting at $28,145 before options or the destination charge of $1,695. The next cheapest new Ford is the Escape, which begins at $29,515 – every other new Ford begins at over $30,000. By choosing to re-enter the compact pickup segment, Ford has found a way to offer buyers something practical, rugged, and efficient, all packaged in the form of a truck, the body style preferred by a large percentage of Americans. It's little wonder that Maverick sales are so strong. The Maverick's smaller footprint and unibody underpinnings have helped keep costs down compared to the Ranger, but is it worth the price? Furthermore, how does the cheapest Maverick compare to its only rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz? Maverick XL Looks Basic, But That Works For A Truck The 17-inch steel wheels, absence of fog lights, and lack of chrome finishes leave no doubt that this is a basic pickup, not a range-topper. However, while a poverty-spec sedan or sports car may be visually disappointing, a basic pickup is entirely sensible. After all, these vehicles are supposed to be used for towing, camping trips, and carting around awkwardly shaped items. With this in mind, the Maverick XL's looks are appropriate. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. It's still a modern-looking truck, although Ford's recent facelift plonked a slightly awkward slab of metal around the bottom of the grille, and not everyone loves it. The following standard features can be found on the Maverick's exterior: Six tie-downs Flexbed storage system LED reflector headlights 17-inch Sparkle Silver steel wheels You can choose from colors like Velocity Blue and Eruption Green if the commercial look is a bit too unsettling, and there are a wide range of other options to customize the bed area and exterior. Functional And Basic Interior, But Infotainment Is Modern Black Onyx cloth seats can be found inside the Maverick XL's cabin, and there are no alternatives on this trim level for livening up the appearance. You can also expect many hard plastics, but the base Maverick doesn't feel flimsy. Being the cheapest Ford on sale, seats must be adjusted manually, there is no automatic climate control, and the best safety features are baked into an optional package. The following interior features are standard: 13.2-inch touchscreen and eight-inch digital gauge cluster Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Manual, single-zone air conditioning Remote keyless entry Six-way manual driver's seat Pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking For $795, you can add the Ford Co-Pilot 360 pack with blind-spot monitoring, reverse parking sensors, lane-keep assist, and more. Efficiency Or Performance: Take Your Pick Source: Ford The standard powertrain for the Maverick XL is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels only via a CVT, and if all of that sounds uninspiring, consider that this is the most efficient pickup on the market: The Maverick hybrid returns 42/35/38 mpg city/highway/combined with FWD. For only $125, you can select the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This automatically adds all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, but more importantly, outputs rise to a healthy 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. Naturally, efficiency drops significantly with the EcoBoost, which gets 22/30/25 mpg, but it's by far the more potent performer, and we appreciate that Ford charges almost nothing for the upgrade, giving buyers the flexibility to choose efficiency or power. Properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs. That's minimal for a truck, but very good when compared with similarly sized crossovers. How Does The Maverick XL Compare To Its Only Rival? 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz — Source: Hyundai Only one other automaker builds a compact pickup truck, and that's Hyundai with the Santa Cruz. In entry-level SE guise, the Santa Cruz starts at $28,750, which means the price gap between these two has almost closed entirely. For several years, the Ford undercut the Hyundai comfortably, but a series of price increases – and the likely implication of tariffs – has seen the Maverick's price rise steadily. The base Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that matches the Maverick hybrid's power (191 hp), but is far less efficient (25 mpg combined). Given that the Maverick EcoBoost still undercuts the Hyundai, the Ford wins this category. Furthermore, at this price point, the Ford can tow 500 lbs more, has a more spacious bed, and boasts a better payload. The Hyundai claws back some points in its interior, which feels more modern. You also get standard lane-keep assist, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert on the Santa Cruz, all of which cost extra on the Ford. If you want a small truck that feels more like a crossover, get the Hyundai. But if you want a small truck to do truck stuff with, the Maverick wins. Other Affordable New Fords If you want an affordable Ford at around the $30k mark but don't fancy a pickup truck, the brand has two other options worth looking at. Ford Escape: $29,515 Source: Ford Slightly pricier than the Maverick, the base Ford Escape Active offers the typical compact SUV experience. It's nimble enough in the city, smooth enough on the highway, and has reasonably handsome looks. It's better specified than the base Maverick, with standard alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control, so this is the preferred choice if you don't need the versatility of a truck. Ford Bronco Sport: $30,995 Source: Ford As good as the Escape is, the Bronco Sport is even better. In Big Bend form, it starts at $30,995, and gets a standard 4×4 system with various driving modes for different terrains. The butch looks are great, and the 180-hp EcoBoost engine is efficient. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
