Navigating the 2025 Car Market: The UK’s Cheapest New Models
Finding an affordable new car in 2025 presents a vastly different landscape than that of just a few decades ago. Where “cheap” once implied subpar quality, poor economy, and questionable reliability, today’s entry-level models hail from established manufacturers, backed by nationwide dealerships and comprehensive warranties.
The market itself remains newsworthy, defined by volatile price fluctuations. While used electric car prices have plummeted, the recommended retail prices (RRP) for new models have skyrocketed. The now off-sale Ford Fiesta, for instance, saw its list price climb by a staggering £10,000 between 2013 and 2023. For those returning to the new car market after a long absence, the sticker shock can be significant. Nevertheless, value can still be found. Here are the very cheapest new cars on sale in the UK.
The Value Leader: Dacia Sandero
Price: £14,200
Topping the list is Dacia’s flagship model. As the second best-selling car in Europe for 2024, the Sandero offers cracking value and holds the title of Britain’s cheapest new car. Its appeal has evolved significantly; as Editor-at-large Matt Prior notes, “The Sandero used to appeal simply because it cost little; now it’s likeable simply because it’s a really good car.”
It is a fully-fledged supermini, complete with seating for five and a 328-litre boot, offering space comparable to a Skoda Fabia. It’s surprisingly enjoyable to drive, flowing well across country roads with comparatively little body roll. While not class-leading dynamically, for the price, little can beat it. Base-spec cars come with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, and an LPG dual-fuel option is available for cost-conscious drivers.
The New EV Contenders: Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03
Price: £14,995 (Spring) / £15,995 (T03)
The Dacia Spring is the first electric car ever to make this list, undercutting numerous petrol alternatives. Staff Writer Jack Warrick suggests, “For many, the Dacia Spring will be all the car they ever need.” However, its affordability requires compromise. The entry-level 44bhp motor takes 19 seconds to hit 62mph, and its 26.8kWh battery yields just 137 miles of range. For short commutes and city errands, it remains a compelling option.
Challenging it is the Leapmotor T03. As Chief Sub-Editor Kris Culmer puts it, “The truly affordable small car format needs both saving and electrifying, and the Dacia Spring no longer stands alone as its best hope.” This Chinese miniature offers a 165-mile range from a 37.3kWh battery and a more potent 94bhp motor. Sized like a Kia Picanto, it is agile and impressively equipped with dual digital screens.
Rugged Value and City Car Champions
Price: £15,700 – £16,380
The Dacia Sandero Stepway (£15,700) adds raised suspension, bigger bumpers, and roof rails to the standard Sandero, tapping into Europe’s love for rugged-looking SUVs. Road Test Editor Matt Saunders states, “Any Sandero is a solid performer that stands great scrutiny against both new and used alternatives.”
In the traditional city car class, the Kia Picanto (£15,845) competes fiercely. Deputy Road Test Editor Richard Lane calls it “a charming car that’s enjoyable to punt down a half-decent road.” Its 62bhp 1.0-litre engine is slow, but the car is backed by Kia’s seven-year warranty. Its sibling, the Hyundai i10 (£16,380), is mechanically identical but often praised for its well-made interior and standard kit. Richard Lane notes, “The i10 has taken significant strides and now represents the very best and most well-rounded A-segment hatchback on sale.”
Mainstream Rivals: Citroën C3 and MG 3
Price: £17,990 (C3) / £16,495 (MG 3)
Despite a recent redesign, the Citroën C3 (£17,990) remains one of the UK’s cheapest cars. The new fourth-generation model focuses heavily on driver comfort and ride quality. Powered by a 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine, it’s ideal for town, with an electric ë-C3 also available. Editor Mark Tisshaw notes the C3 “is the latest evidence that the death of the Ford Fiesta doesn’t mean the supermini concept is doomed too.”
The new MG 3 (£16,495) has also shaken up the market. Even with its standard hybrid powertrain, it launched as one of the cheapest superminis in the UK, offering impressive fuel economy for the price of many competitors’ petrol-only models.
Beyond the Mainstream: A New Wave of Electric Design
While models like the MG 3 bring hybrid tech to the budget sector, and manufacturers like Peugeot turn heads with the sleek design of models such as the E-308, a different category of electric mobility is emerging. This niche segment questions the very definition of a “car,” prioritising fun and minimalism above all else.
Test Drive: The Citroën AMI Buggy
Who says electromobility must be serious, efficient, and silent? The Citroën AMI Buggy is a rolling smile on four wheels—puristic, charming, slightly mad, and utterly unique. We had the opportunity to test this special electric vehicle during a launch event in the Balearics and were immediately struck by its personality.
From the first glance, the AMI Buggy is designed to stand out. Its open construction, matt-black exterior with yellow accents, and striking gold-coloured wheels make it an eye-catcher. It features no conventional doors; instead, stable,-foldable metal tubes provide safety. A roll-up fabric roof exposes the cabin to the elements, and entry is gained by pulling a simple fabric strap.
A Focus on Pure Minimalism
While modern cars compete with vast displays and voice assistants, the AMI Buggy embraces simplicity. You get in, press the “D” (Drive) button, and go. At just 2.41 metres long, it is the perfect urban vehicle, fitting into parking spaces others can only look at.
The interior is dominated by hard plastics and clever, integrated storage. There is no climate control, no classic infotainment, and no large instrument cluster. Speed is shown on a small 3.9-inch monochrome display. This vehicle is not about digital gimmicks, but the pure driving experience. The AMI Buggy has a character many modern cars lack. You hear the wind, smell the city, and feel the sun. The tiny side mirrors, naturally, are adjusted by hand.
Despite its compact size, the AMI Buggy features clever details: cupholders, a smartphone holder, and a USB port. The seating position is comfortably upright, visibility is excellent, and there is ample room for two adults—even those over 1.90m (6ft 2in). A classic boot is absent, but the passenger footwell offers space for larger bags, and there is storage behind the seats. Beneath the plastic shell sits a 6-kW (approximately 8 PS) electric motor, offering a unique and refreshingly simple take on mobility.
