Revving Up Confidence: Choosing the Best First Car for New Drivers’ Safety and Comfort

None of us are born with the ability to drive perfectly. It’s an acquired skill, so sooner or later, it’s time for us to get behind the wheel for the first time, learn road signs, traffic rules, and how to drive. When all lessons are successfully passed, the driver’s license becomes the best reward. However, this does not mean that it is time to rest on our laurels: it is still just the beginning.

If you plan to start driving as soon as possible, you need to understand what kind of special it will be. In fact, not all engines fit the beginner, and color should play the last role in the choice. Talk about how to find an appropriate option and present our list of the best cars for new drivers.

Who Are the New Drivers?

In the vast majority of cases, beginners are the teens who want to try everything and a car is the opportunity to make a statement in their own environment. Although young drivers are very energetic and cheerful, their absent-mindedness and self-confidence can play a nasty trick on them, while driving experience is not enough. That is why the car for the first few years of driving should be special.

As for girls and women, they are usually less confident and do not always respond quickly to the road situation. Typically, they choose compact or small vehicles, although some may pick them up spontaneously charmed by the color and exterior of this or that model.

However, some get a driver’s license as an adult, and therefore approach driving more consciously. A good risk assessment and self-management make car selection more inclusive for them. Again, however, it is important to consider the lack of experience and the strength of the skills acquired.

What Is a Good Car for a Newbie – Some Helpful Tips for the Best Choice

The variety of cars offered by the market today makes newcomers panic too often, because they sometimes just do not know what they need from the car. However, everything is much easier if you navigate by the criteria below.

Car dimensions matter!

Mazda crossover SUVs look delicious, but not all newcomers feel them well enough to drive through narrow streets or park. The Cadillacs are gorgeous, but their length and width do not allow full confidence to move backwards or the same parking, as they are too big.

Thus, compact sedans and hatchbacks are the best choice for beginners. If you are sure you feel the dimensions well, the compact crossover SUV may be just as good.

Transmission matters as well!

As a rule, automatic transmission is more convenient for beginners, as they are free from pedal confusion and handle manipulation. At the same time, breakdowns of it can be more serious and require the attention of professionals. If you do not have the opportunity or desire to be a more frequent guest with experts, manual transmission will provide more reliability.

The lower the engine power, the better

This is of great importance if you choose the first auto for your teen. As a rule, young drivers tend to be impulsive while a powerful and agile car spins their head and makes them develop mind-boggling speed. This can lead to unpredictable consequences on the road, so as you understand, the choice in favor of a fast Subaru or Chevy Corvette is too reckless.

Count on an engine of up to 2 liters and a capacity of no more than 100-130 horsepower, which will allow a new driver to ride without jerks and will teach him to feel the road better. Besides, these cars have better fuel economy and you need to worry less about refueling.

Safety, even more safety

We all want to buy a car as cheap as possible, but that’s not when it comes to safety for a new driver. The more options provide the newcomer with protection and traffic control, the better, so study this point when choosing a vehicle.

According to experts, the list of important electronic options for new drivers includes a maximum of airbags, parking assistance, ESP, ABS, and, if possible lane assistance, rear view cameras and blind zone control systems. However, there may be even more, but all of them will be helpful at the very beginning.

The golden mean between expensive and cheap

Of course, it is unlikely that anyone will buy a very expensive car, when planning to drive the first miles behind the wheel. High risk of accidents and parking damage will be too painful in this case. However, excessive economy is not appropriate here, because the cheapest cars, as a rule, offer too few safety options, and the quality of control and assembly sometimes leave much to be desired.

Besides, many beginners also fluctuate between new and used vehicles, but everything depends on the condition of the lot here. If you are professional enough to thoroughly check it and be sure of the impeccable operation of all units and assemblies, it’s up to you and your budget!

The Best Makes and Models for Your Safe and Comfortable First Drive

• Toyota

This Japanese automaker offers the perfect combination of handling, safety, and reliability. Do not think that leasing or buying these cars is not cheap: a Corolla hatchback is offered for more than an affordable price compared to a sedan, and a compact Yaris will give confidence both in the trip and in the parking lot.

• Honda

Honda may be too frisky for a beginner, but its eye-catching exterior, perfect automatic gearbox operation, and responsive steering sometimes leave little chance for the opponent. We would recommend it to adult novice drivers, especially since leasing prices are quite moderate; the sleek Civic will cost you around $400 per month.

• Hyundai

The Korean brand offers cars that we can safely call ideal for beginners. Simple and intuitive layout, hugging interior, and unprecedented reliability are the true strengths of these cars. Moreover, a huge number of security options are already in the base trim levels of the sedans and hatchbacks. So, you can consider Elantra, Ioniq, or Kona – all this really works, not to mention affordable prices.

• Kia

Models of this brand from Korea can boast the same advantages as Hyundai, but show higher performance in body strength, stability and handling. If you are looking for an affordable car with the same characteristics, something like Soul or K5 will do.

• Ford

These simple, inexpensive, and cute specials are perfect for brand new drivers. Of course, we do not take into account powerful pickups and sports Mustangs, but Fusion and Fiesta may well become reliable guides on the city streets within the early driving years.

• Volkswagen

The special by the German automaker remains the standard of safety, reliability, fuel economy, and inspiring design. If you need something really compact, consider Beetle. Golf will provide more stability and a spacious trunk, but if you are still looking for something cheaper, an elegant Jetta is worth looking at.

• Nissan

Nissan SUVs are stealing the show today, but that doesn’t mean that there are no compact or economical sedans in their model range. So, Versa или Sentra may become just what you are looking for, as they are good-looking, easy-to-drive, and really safe!

To Sum It Up

Choosing a car for a beginner is a serious matter, as you will have to take into account many factors, from size to the facilities of the car-to-be. Also, do not try to save too much; not all used cars are able to provide a sufficient safety level.

Besides, a test drive of your future vehicle can also be a good idea, as a novice driver will realize whether he or she can feel confident on the road. So, don’t make a decision spontaneously; a car for the first years of driving should be as perfect as possible.