The automotive industry has come a long way in terms of providing affordable and reliable vehicles. Just a couple of decades ago, the cheapest new cars were often subpar, uneconomical, and unreliable. However, in 2024, even the cheapest cars on the market come from manufacturers with a proven track record, have dealerships throughout the country, and offer decent warranties. In fact, some of the best cheap cars available today are genuinely brilliant.
One aspect of car values that has been making headlines recently is the fluctuation in prices, both for new and used cars. While the prices of used electric cars have hit rock-bottom, the prices of new cars have skyrocketed. For example, the Ford Fiesta, which is no longer on sale, saw an increase in list price of £10,000 from 2013 to 2023.
For those who haven’t looked at new car prices in over a decade, the current prices may come as a surprise. However, there are still affordable options available. Here are the cheapest new cars on sale in 2024, listed by their list prices:
1. Dacia Sandero (£13,795): Dacia’s Sandero is not only Britain’s cheapest new car but also a fully-fledged supermini with seating for five and a 328-litre boot. Despite its affordability, it offers a decent amount of space and a surprisingly fun driving experience.
2. Citroen C3 (£14,150): The Citroen C3 stands out in this segment with its stylish design, featuring recognisable Citroen elements like Airbumps and a ‘floating’ roof design. It offers a composed ride and soft seats for a comfortable driving experience.
3. Dacia Spring (£14,995): The Dacia Spring is the first electric car on this list, offering affordability compared to its petrol counterparts. While it may have some performance limitations, it remains a great option for city commutes and errands.
4. Dacia Sandero Stepway (£15,295): The Sandero Stepway adds a rugged look to the regular Sandero, making it more appealing to SUV-loving Europeans. It offers the same ergonomic joy as the regular Sandero, with clear dials and physical heating controls.
5. Kia Picanto (£15,595): Kia’s smallest car, the Picanto, is fun to drive and reasonably well-appointed on the inside. It comes with a 1.0-litre non-turbocharged engine, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure and buy.
6. Hyundai i10 (£16,030): The Hyundai i10 is a good old-fashioned city car, perfect for those looking for something cheap to run and easy to park. It offers a well-made interior and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto even in the base trim.
7. Toyota Aygo X (£16,140): The Toyota Aygo X has grown up from its previous iteration and now offers a decent amount of room in the back and a comfortable ride. It shares its platform with the Toyota Yaris, ensuring a mature road manner.
8. Suzuki Ignis (£17,949): The Suzuki Ignis may be more of a city car than an SUV, but it can be specced with four-wheel drive and has reasonable ground clearance. It seats four adults well and offers good fuel efficiency.
9. Renault Clio (£18,095): The Renault Clio stands out with its high-quality cabin design and perceived quality. It offers agile handling and a choice of powertrains, including a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
10. MG 3 (£18,495): The MG 3 is the only full hybrid available for this price range, making it excellent value for money. It offers a comfortable ride and comes with a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.
These affordable options show that even on a budget, it’s possible to find cars that offer good value, reliability, and enjoyable driving experiences. The automotive industry has made significant progress in providing affordable and quality vehicles, making car ownership more accessible to a wider range of people.