Auto Trader NZ
Published 12 July 2024
Choosing the right car for a learner driver is a big decision, especially here in New Zealand where road conditions and driving needs can vary a lot. For new drivers, the ideal car should be safe, easy to handle, and budget-friendly.
Here are the top 10 cars that tick all the boxes:
Toyota Corolla
- Price (Used/New): $2,500 – $54,000
- Fuel Economy: 3 – 6.0 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Toyota Corolla is known for its outstanding reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety features. It’s easy to drive and maintain, making it an excellent choice for first-time drivers.
Mazda 2/Demio
- Price (Used/New): $3,000 – $33,000
- Fuel Economy: 5 – 5.5 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Mazda 2/Demio offers a fun driving experience with responsive handling and a stylish design. Its compact size and efficiency make it perfect for new drivers learning to navigate the roads.
Honda Jazz
- Price (Used/New): $4,000 – $42,000
- Fuel Economy: 3.8 – 5.8 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Honda Jazz stands out for its spacious and versatile interior, providing comfort and practicality. It’s easy to handle with excellent visibility, making it ideal for new drivers.
Suzuki Swift
- Price (Used/New): $3,900 – $32,000
- Fuel Economy: 3 – 6.8 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Suzuki Swift is loved for its compact size, affordability, and sporty look. It’s easy to maneuver and park, with plenty of safety features, making it great for first-time drivers.
Subaru Legacy
- Price (Used/New): $3,000 – $45,000
- Fuel Economy: 5 – 10L/100km
- Why It’s Great: The Subaru Legacy offers durability and all-weather capability, thanks to its All-Wheel-Drive system. It’s reliable and provides a smooth ride, making it a dependable choice for new drivers.
Honda CR-V
- Price (Used/New): $4,000 – $67,000
- Fuel Economy: 5.4 – 8.4 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Honda CR-V is known for its spacious interior and reliability. It offers a comfortable driving experience with the benefit of its All-Wheel-Drive system, higher driving position and advanced safety features, making it a safe and practical choice for new drivers.
VW Golf
- Price (Used/New): $3,000 – $69,000
- Fuel Economy: 2 – 6.8 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The VW Golf combines solid build quality with a refined driving experience. It’s practical, great on petrol and comes with the latest technology, making it an excellent choice for first-time drivers.
Toyota Yaris
- Price (Used/New): $5,000 – $39,000
- Fuel Economy: 3 – 6.8 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Toyota Yaris is compact, fuel-efficient, and highly reliable. It’s easy to drive and park, with a comfortable interior, making it perfect for new drivers.
Toyota RAV
- Price (Used/New): $8,000 – $60,000
- Fuel Economy: 5.8 – 9.0 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Toyota RAV4 offers a versatile and spacious interior, elevated driving position and All-Wheel-Drive capability. It’s reliable and easy to drive, making it a great option for new drivers who need a bit more space.
Mazda 3
- Price (Used/New): $5,500 – $55,000
- Fuel Economy: 6.0 – 8.0 L/100km
- Why it’s great: The Mazda 3 is stylish and offers sporty handling with a premium interior feel. It’s equipped with innovative safety features and efficient engines, making it an appealing choice for first-time drivers.
Top 10 First Cars Comparison Table
| Car Model | Price (Used/New) | Fuel Economy (L/100km) | Safety Rating – Overall (Old/New) | Why it’s great |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | $2,500 – $54,000 | 3 – 6.0 | 2 stars – 5 stars | Reliable, fuel-efficient, and safe. Easy to drive and comfortable for new drivers. |
| Mazda 2/Demio | $3,000 – $33,000 | 5 – 5.5 | 2 stars – 5 stars | Fun to drive, stylish, and highly fuel-efficient. Great handling for learners. |
| Honda Jazz | $4,000 – $42,000 | 3.8 – 5.8 | 3 stars – 5 stars | Spacious and easy to handle. Ideal for city driving and trips. |
| Suzuki Swift | $3,900 – $32,000 | 3 – 6.8 | 2 stars – 5 stars | Affordable, stylish, and easy to maneuver. Packed with safety features. |
| Subaru Legacy | $3,000 – $45,000 | 5 – 10 | 3 stars – 5 stars | Durable and great for all weather conditions. Smooth ride and reliable. |
| Honda CRV | $4,000 – $67,000 | 5.4 – 8.4 | 3 stars – 5 stars | Spacious and reliable. Sporty handling and advanced safety features. |
| VW Golf | $3,000 – $69,000 | 2 – 6.8 | 3 stars – 5 stars | Solid build quality and practical. Refined driving experience and advanced tech. |
| Toyota Yaris | $5,000 – $39,000 | 3 – 6.8 | 2 stars – 5 stars | Reliable, fuel-efficient, and compact. Easy to handle for new drivers. |
| Toyota RAV4 | $8,000 – $60,000 | 5.8 – 9.0 | 2 stars – 5 stars | Versatile and spacious. Good for families and adventurous learners. |
| Mazda 3 | $5,500 – $55,000 | 6.0 – 8.0 | 3 stars – 5 stars | Stylish and sporty. Premium feel with safety features and efficient engines. |
These cars offer a perfect blend of safety, reliability, and affordability, making them ideal for new drivers. Whether you’re looking for something compact and zippy or a bit more spacious, there’s an option here for everyone.
What car is the best?
When it comes to choosing the best car, the Toyota Corolla stands out as a top contender. With a price range from $2,500 to $54,000 for used and new models, and an impressive fuel economy of 3 to 6.0 L/100km, the Corolla is celebrated for its outstanding reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety features. It’s easy to drive and maintain, making it an excellent choice for first-time drivers.
To find the best car that suits your needs, head on over to one of AutoTrader’s trusted dealers and explore your options!
What to view all cars by safety rating? Check out the link below.
