A list of the most affordable cars in the UK.

Despite inflation, the cost of living crisis, and political uncertainty, new cars in the UK can still be relatively affordable.

A few decades ago, the cheapest new cars were often substandard, uneconomical, and unreliable. However, by 2024, even the most affordable models come from manufacturers with solid reputations, established dealerships nationwide, and decent warranties. The best budget cars are surprisingly impressive.

The fluctuating values of new and used cars have been notable, with used electric car prices hitting rock bottom while new car RRPs continue to climb. For example, the now-discontinued Ford Fiesta saw its list price increase by £10,000 between 2013 and 2023.

If you haven’t checked new car prices in over a decade, you might be in for a surprise. Here are the most affordable new cars available in the UK, ranked by their list prices:

The Cheapest Cars

1. Dacia Sandero
   RRP: £13,795
   Pros: Comfortable, spacious, ergonomic interior.
   Cons: Poor safety rating compared to competitors, noisy, brand stigma.The Dacia Sandero is the best-selling car in Europe for 2023 and offers tremendous value as the cheapest new car in the UK. It’s a full-fledged supermini with seating for five and a 328-litre boot, comparable to the Skoda Fabia. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol or LPG engine options are economical, though the gearbox can feel clunky.
2. Citroën C3
   RRP: £14,150
   Pros: Stylish design, comfortable ride, soft seats.
   Cons: Going off-sale soon, less sharp handling, vague gearbox.The Citroën C3 brings some style to the budget segment with its distinctive design, including Airbumps and a ‘floating’ roof. The best engine option is the 108bhp 1.2-litre petrol, which is more suitable for longer journeys.
3. Dacia Spring
   RRP: £14,995
   Pros: Inexpensive for an EV, lightweight, good boot space.
   Cons: Low charging speed, limited seat adjustability, noticeable wind noise.The Dacia Spring is the first electric car on this list, offering a budget-friendly entry into EV ownership, albeit with modest performance and range.
4. Dacia Sandero Stepway
   RRP: £15,295
   Pros: Ergonomic, spacious, efficient engines.
   Cons: Poor safety scores, overly light steering, limited features.The Sandero Stepway adds a rugged look with raised suspension and roof rails to the regular Sandero’s practicality. It retains the ergonomic and spacious qualities of its sibling model.
5. Kia Picanto
   RRP: £15,595
   Pros: Fun to drive, well-appointed interior, excellent manual gearbox.
   Cons: Compromised driving position, underpowered engine, competitors are cheaper.The Kia Picanto is a nimble city car with a well-built interior and a standout manual gearbox. It offers a basic engine option that keeps insurance costs low.
6. Hyundai i10
   RRP: £16,030
   Pros: Spacious rear seats, good equipment levels, agile handling.
   Cons: Poor safety rating, slow base engine, sluggish automated manual gearbox.The Hyundai i10 is a classic city car that is easy to run and park, with a well-made interior borrowed from higher-end models.
7. Toyota Aygo X
   RRP: £16,140
   Pros: Mature handling, comfortable on long drives, good safety tech.
   Cons: Very slow, relatively expensive, limited space.The Aygo X adds SUV styling cues to a city car platform, providing comfort and stability but lacking in acceleration.
8. Suzuki Ignis
   RRP: £17,949
   Pros: Efficient use of interior space, fun to drive, optional four-wheel drive.
   Cons: Lower cabin quality, rough ride at low speeds, underpowered engine.The Suzuki Ignis is a compact SUV-like city car that seats four adults comfortably and offers optional four-wheel drive.
9. Renault Clio
   RRP: £18,095
   Pros: High-quality interior, pleasant petrol engine, agile handling.
   Cons: Less comfortable ride, cramped rear seats, expensive higher trims.The Renault Clio boasts a high-quality interior and enjoyable driving dynamics, making it a solid choice in this price range.
10. MG 3
    RRP: £18,495
    Pros: Generally relaxed driving experience, hybrid for the price of petrol, comfortable ride.
    Cons: Lacks advanced driver assistance, limited seating adjustability, dull interior.The MG 3 offers a unique hybrid setup at a petrol car price, combining a 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor for a balanced drive. It also comes with a seven-year warranty