This family SUV was a gamechanger when it was launched, but it has lost its lustre over the years. Its engines can be a little coarse and the ride isn’t very good on the 19in wheels fitted to range-topping cars. Better to stick with one of the smaller-wheeled entry-level versions instead, saving both on the car’s price and on the cost of getting it insured.
Read our Seat Ateca review
8. Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 95 SE manual
Annual insurance premium £473.86 Saving vs November 2023 £91.31 List price £19,275
The Ibiza remains a great choice six years after it was first introduced, thanks to its well-finished interior, responsive turbocharged engine and balanced chassis. The steering is overly light, but that’s its only major failing.
Seat Ibiza review
9. Kia Picanto 1.0 2 automatic
Annual insurance premium £476.87 Saving vs November 2023 £50.64 List price £16,295
The Picanto’s recent facelift addresses its key weaknesses: interior quality and technology. We’ve yet to drive the new version, but the outgoing car was comfortable and surprisingly good fun on the road, with agility that’s seldom found in cars so cheap. We would advise against the automatic gearbox chosen here for its lower insurance group, though. It’s lethargic when shifting gears and can spoil the drive. Only time will tell whether the new one is an improvement.
Kia Picanto review
10. Volkswagen Polo 1.0 MPI Life
Annual insurance premium £497.21 Saving vs November 2023 £115.32 List price £20,975
If you want big-car refinement and comfort in a more affordable package, the Polo is a great choice. The 1.0-litre MPI petrol engine featured here lacks a turbo, so it can feel a little underpowered at times, but it does at least bring a big saving on insurance costs compared with the boosted TSI units.
