Looking to buy a new small car for under €30,000.
I am looking to gift a car to my wife. With a range of 242 offers, I am inclined to buy a new one. She is still taking her driving lessons and needs hand controls to drive the car due to her foot disability.
She needs a small car with two mandatory features: an automatic transmission and adaptive cruise control. I have narrowed down some options with the budget I have for €30k, but confused what to consider: Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris Luna Hybrid, Dacia Sandero Stepaway or MG3 Hybrid? I am open to suggestions but it should have the two mandatory features.
Thanks
Ankit Gulati (Dublin)Sep 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ankit,
Let's go through your list for a start:
Suzuki Swift: Even the top-spec model with loads of options comes in under budget, has adaptive cruise control and can be had with an automatic gearbox. Easy to drive, well-specified, should be reliable, though doesn't feel as substantial as some of the other cars listed. Read our Suzuki Swift reviews here.
Volkswagen Polo: Only the Style and R-Line versions come with adaptive cruise control, but those are slightly out of budget if fitted with the DSG automatic gearbox so unless you stretch the budget this isn't an option. That's a shame as it's probably the best car in this list all things considered. Read our Volkswagen Polo reviews here.
Toyota Yaris: The 1.5-litre hybrid is an automatic by default, and as you've identified, the Luna comes with adaptive cruise control. It's the only version in the Yaris lineup within budget with those items and it's an excellent car. The rear seats aren't huge, but the fronts are fine, it drives fantastically, should be very reliable and the hybrid system is efficient and good to drive. Quite likely the pick of the cars here all things considered. Read our Toyota Yaris reviews here.
Dacia Sandero Stepway: An automatic gearbox is available, and even the most expensive version is well within budget, but this car can't be had with adaptive cruise control - only the non-adaptive type is fitted. Otherwise, it's a spacious and well-equipped car for the money. Read our Dacia Sandero reviews here.
MG3: All versions are automatic and come with adaptive cruise control, so those boxes are ticked. And even the most expensive version is within budget so it's a realistic possibility. It's the most powerful car here, which is probably not important, but it's quite efficient as well. The Yaris is a more polished product, but the MG has a little more space. Read our MG3 reviews here.
Hopefully that's all of help. I'd strongly recommend you and your wife go check out a shortlist of cars in person and test drive them to see which you prefer, as it will come down to personal preference.
Let us know which you go for.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor@Shane_O_D