Looking for Britain’s cheapest cars? These are the lowest-priced new motors you can buy today

Written by Keith Adams Updated: 10 April 2025

Once upon a time, the cheapest new cars on sale in the UK were mostly exercises in compromise. Built in creaky old factories, often by brands from the Eastern Bloc, they were designed to hit a low price point by being based on cast-off technology, often decades old. They came with minimal equipment, questionable safety, and a driving experience that could charitably be described as interesting.

Fast forward a three decades and the world looks very different indeed. Today’s budget-friendly cars are often refined, generally safe, and sometimes well-equipped. Thanks to shared platforms, modern safety regulations, and clever engineering, the cheapest cars now punch well above their weight. Sure, you’re not going to get the last word in tech and excitement, but you will get a solid, reliable car that’s perfectly suited to everyday life – and a whole lot more satisfying to own than a Lada Riva.

To help you find the best value, we’ve pulled together a list of the 10 cheapest new cars you can buy in the UK right now. The selection includes everything from electric city cars to petrol-powered superminis – ranked from least to most expensive based on the cash price of the cheapest model in their range.*

The cheapest new cars on sale

FAQs: Cheapest cars buying guide

Why are there no new cars under £10,000 anymore?

It wasn’t that long ago you could pick up a brand-new car for well under £10,000, but those days are firmly behind us. The reason? A combination of rising manufacturing costs, higher safety and emissions standards, and the global effects of inflation. Even basic new cars must now meet strict rules around crash protection, pedestrian safety and emissions, which require expensive engineering, sensors and software. That drives up the cost of production significantly.

Additionally, customer expectations have evolved. Features like air conditioning, infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay, and active safety tech are now expected even in entry-level models. Manufacturers would struggle to offer a sub-£10k car without removing these essentials, which most buyers would reject. Instead, brands are focusing on offering the best value at a slightly higher price point, which is why the cheapest cars now sit comfortably in the £14,000-£18,000 range.

What is the difference between a car and a quadricycle?

Quadricycles, like the Citroen Ami, are not cars – even though they have four wheels and a roof. They’re classified in law as light quadricycles or heavy quadricycles, depending on weight and power. The Ami, for example, is limited to 28mph and has no airbags or advanced safety systems. As such, it only needs to meet less stringent regulations than a proper passenger car, particularly in areas like crash protection and structure.

That’s why we don’t include the Ami in this list. While it’s the cheapest four-wheeled new vehicle you can buy in the UK, and is fun in the right circumstances, it’s not comparable to the others in terms of usability, comfort, or safety. For urban commuters or short-range drivers it might still be appealing, but it lacks the versatility, space and security expected of an actual car.

What’s the cheapest electric car I can buy?

If you’re looking for an electric car on a tight budget, the Dacia Spring is the cheapest option. It’s currently priced from £14,995. Designed for city driving, it offers a range of around 140 miles and comes with the key essentials – think digital dials, a touchscreen and air-con. It’s simple, no-frills motoring, but that’s precisely what helps keep costs low.

Bear in mind that EVs under £20,000 are still rare, and most electric cars tend to sit in a higher price bracket. That made the Spring something of a gamechanger when launched – especially for urban drivers who want to go electric without breaking the bank. But we find it almost impossible to recommend given its lack of decent safety kit and questionable road manners. A secondhand Corsa Electric makes much more sense.

Are cheap new cars safe?

Yes, in absolute terms. All new cars sold in the UK must pass stringent crash safety tests and meet legal safety requirements. Even the most affordable models typically include features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control (ESC), multiple airbags, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard.

However, cheaper models may not score as highly in independent crash tests such as Euro NCAP compared to more expensive cars. That’s often because they lack optional driver assistance systems. However, safety technology has come a long way, and you can be confident that any new car sold in the UK today meets a basic standard of protection – even the Dacia Spring.

Are any of these cars available with automatic gearboxes?

Yes, several of the cheapest new cars on the market offer automatic transmissions, though usually as an optional extra, and not always on the base trim. Models like the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo X can be ordered with an automatic, while the MG3 Hybrid+ comes with one as standard due to its hybrid drivetrain.

Automatic versions usually cost more than their manual counterparts, and they may also slightly reduce fuel economy. However, they make driving in heavy traffic more relaxing and are increasingly popular with urban buyers. Just be sure to double-check which transmission options are available for the trim level you’re interested in, as it might significantly jack up the price.

Why are so many of the cheapest cars made by Dacia?

Dacia has become a household name for budget-conscious buyers by offering no-frills, reliable transport at a fraction of the cost of many rivals. It achieves this by using tried-and-tested Renault components, keeping design and tech simple, and minimising options that would push the price up. That’s why the Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Spring dominating the entry-level market

Rather than chasing premium aspirations, Dacia is refreshingly honest about what it offers: good-value motoring that focuses on functionality over flair. You might not get all the bells and whistles, but you’ll get a solidly built car with everything you need for day-to-day use – and often with surprisingly good space and practicality for the money.

Is it better to buy a cheap new car or a secondhand one?

That depends on your priorities. A new car will come with a full manufacturer warranty, zero mileage, and the peace of mind that it hasn’t been abused by a previous owner. You’ll also get the latest safety tech and infotainment features, and won’t need an MoT for the first three years – all of which make for a lower-stress ownership experience.

On the other hand, a used car can offer more size, power or features for the same budget – or much less. A lightly used example of a bigger or more premium model might appeal if you value comfort or performance. But remember, used cars come with the risk of hidden faults, wear and tear, and reduced warranty coverage. Weigh up the pros and cons carefully based on how you plan to use the car.

Are finance deals available on these cars?

Yes, most of the cars listed here are available with PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or PCH (Personal Contract Hire) or more traditional car finance deals. Monthly payments can be surprisingly low, especially on cars with stronger residual values. Some manufacturers even offer 0% finance on selected trims – though that often requires a larger up-front deposit.

If you’re looking to keep costs down month-to-month, finance can be a useful option – just be aware of the total amount payable over the term. The cheapest monthly figure may involve a balloon payment at the end of a PCP deal or restrictions on annual mileage. As always, shop around and compare offers from dealers and independent brokers before committing.

Will these cars be banned in cities in future?

There’s growing concern about air quality, and some cities are introducing restrictions on older petrol and diesel vehicles – but the good news is that all the cars on this list meet the latest emissions standards. That means they’re currently allowed in places like London’s ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) without additional charges.

However, rules are evolving, and some cities are considering tighter regulations or even zero-emission zones in the coming years. If you mostly drive in urban areas, it might be worth looking at hybrid or fully electric options like the MG3 Hybrid+ or Leapmotor T03 to future-proof your purchase. As ever, check with your local authority for the latest info.

Which of these cars is best for motorway driving?

While all the cars in this list are capable of motorway use, some are better suited than others. The Dacia Sandero, Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto, for example, offer relatively good refinement and comfort for the class, and can cruise at 70mph without too much fuss. They’re great choices if you occasionally need to head out of town.

Cars like the Leapmotor T03 and Dacia Spring are more at home in city environments. Their lower power output and limited range (for EVs) make them less ideal for long-distance journeys. If you’re planning to do regular motorway miles, it’s worth prioritising a car with a bit more power and comfort — even if it costs slightly more upfront.

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