It is actually a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.
That’s a B-I-G lump for a little squirt.
Bigger than anything you’ll find in a Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai, come to think of it.
The reason being, Mazda has always dared to be different.
It doesn’t do “downsizing”. In other words using a smaller capacity engine and fitting a turbo to it.
It prefers “right-sizing”. Having the correct capacity engine for the job, so it is less stressed and more efficient.
Also, this new engine, combined with 48v mild hybrid tech, produces more torque lower down the rev range than the old 2-litre, improving real-world performance.
The Mazda3 the first in our new generation of cars
Cylinder-deactivation tech shuts down two cylinders under light loads, lowering CO2 and adding a smidge of mpg.
So it’s a really clever engine for a vehicle that’s aged well, drives sweetly and is brimming with big-car kit from £25k.
Slick six-speed manual or auto? I’d go manual. It’s one of the best in the business and an absolute joy to thread down a B-road.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the fastest ride at the fairground but it corners tidily, with good body control, and feels solid and safe.
If you need 4WD, try a CX-30.
The cabin is another example of Mazda’s mission to provide the highest quality for the money.
Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is ‘probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain’
Head-up display, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and a reversing camera all come as standard. We like that.
We also like the skinny, leather-wrapped steering wheel, squishy elbow pads, chunky footrest, big cup holders, old-school volume and heating controls, and grab handles galore.
It’s almost like they know exactly what people want from a car.
Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is “probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain”.
A pint of Hawkstone Lager says he’ll like the 2025 version even more.
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Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is ‘probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain’Credit: Supplied
Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it’s the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium.
It’s cheap to insure, but is it any good?
Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It’s economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you’re highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself.
You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k.
Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia
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The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last.
The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that’s also in a low insurance group, meaning it’s cheap to insure.
Driving is more fun than you’d imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride.
We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible.
Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model.
German precision: VW Polo
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OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they’re not identical twins.
The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish.
The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks.
You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500.
Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500
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When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that’s as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it’s a surprisingly good drive.
The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road.
There’s not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it’s an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget.
Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers.
Money-no-object: Mini
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Who doesn’t want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it.
The ‘modern’ MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors.
When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it’s a fantastic car to drive and own.)
There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000.
MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don’t be put off by a model that’s done over 100k.
Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that’s a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform.
What is the best car for a new driver?
Personally, I’d go for a Dacia Sandero – because that’s what I drive. But I’m old.
If I were a first time car buyer, I’d try and find the perfect middle ground. That’s going to be a great looking car that’s fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up.
My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia.
If you can, take one out for a drive. It’s surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history.
Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy
Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price.
When buying from Sun Motors, you’re dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed.
Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles.
Why would you buy from anywhere else?
New driver car buying FAQs
Car finance for new drivers: Can I get a used car on finance if I’m a first-time driver?
Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you’re over 18.
If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history.
Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance.
Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel!
How much is insurance for a new driver?
New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake.
The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value.
Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don’t ever buy a car without knowing how much it’ll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise.
What size engine can a new driver drive uk?
If you’ve passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it.
Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car.
What to look for when buying a used car for the first time
Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won’t share this information.
Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done.
Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small.
Size – Don’t get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents.
Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car.
Are used cars as safe as new cars?
Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
BUYING a used car involves lots of decisions. What size and style do you want? Are you petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV? Should you buy as cheaply as possible or invest as much as you can?
We can’t answer any of these questions, but we can tell you what the UK’s most popular car for sale on Sun Motors is.
When it was launched, this compact crossover SUV pretty much defined the category. It’s nearly 20 years old but remains as popular as ever.
I’ve driven the Nissan Qashqai and I’ll give you my honest opinion of its good points, bad points and anything else I can remember that’s relevant.
What are the most popular used cars?
Sun Motors is a nationwide marketplace that connects thousands of buyers and dealers. We keep track of every purchase and can reveal our list of the 10 most popular used cars in the UK.
You already know that at the top of the charts is the Nissan Qashqai. Here’s a list of the rest…
Nissan Qashqai
VW Golf
Mercedes A-Class
Mini (all models)
Kia Sportage
BMW 1 Series
Ford Kuga
BMW 3 Series
Audi A3
Hyundai Tucson
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.
Nissan Qashqai used car review
The Nissan Qashqai may have a name that you’ll struggle to spell, but its appeal isn’t hard to spot.
It’s a crossover SUV, which means it looks like a car that’s capable of running off-road and has an elevated driving position, but in reality, it’s a pretty refined and reliable city car.
We’re going to talk about the second-generation (and subsequent) models that launched in 2013.
With this version, Nissan ironed out all the faults and created the UK’s favourite (sort of) SUVs.
It’s now beloved by middle managers, school-run mums and dads and anyone for whom a MINI was just a little bit too small.
Modern versions are even more aggressive-looking but, for our money, don’t look as good.
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Models such as this Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi n-tec+ SUV 5dr Diesel Manual 2WD Euro 6 can be found on Sun Motors for as little as £130 per month – it has 68K miles and is from 2015
The high-up driving position offers great visibility, and the responsive handling makes the car manoeuvrable enough to slide into that supermarket parking spot.
OK, so it’s not going to knock your socks off or make you smile too much, but it’s a family car, so we never expected it would.
Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today
If you’re part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start
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Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.
Enjoy:
A choice of fuel type whether it’s petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
There have been far too many engine variations (including petrol, diesel, hybrid and the latest e-POWER powertrain) for us to run through them all.
Reviewers seem to favour the 1.3-litre DIG-T 140 mild-hybrid petrol engine, and we won’t argue.
Bad points are, as you’d expect, few and far between. The Qashqai is quite expensive as a used car, with other makes and models perhaps a little cheaper to buy, run and insure.
The Qashqai is, like lots of crossovers, a bit of a fake too. It’s not really an off-roader like the Range Rover, but not many people need that sort of performance (or can afford the price).
Are Nissan Qashqais reliable?
The Nissan Qashqai isn’t quite as reliable as the bullet-proof Nissan cars of old, with the 2014-21 diesel models in particular suffering from engine and exhaust problems.
Overall though, it’s a sturdy family motor that shouldn’t leave you stranded by the roadside.
Try to buy one with a full service history, ensure all recalls are done and check receipts for any work.
How much is a Nissan Qashqai?
Nissan Qashqais start from £5,000 for a 10-year old (2015) model with over 100,000 miles on the clock. Nearly new models, including the e-POWER version, can cost over £35,000.
As a ballpark, expect to pay around £15-17,000 for a 2020 Qashqai.
It’s not the cheapest car on the market, with some used models that are as expensive as a new Dacia Duster, for example, but it’ll hold its value.
Is Nissan Qashqai a 4×4?
The Nissan Qashqai isn’t a true 4×4 like a Land Rover, Range Rover, etc, but you can find both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (AWD) models on the market.
In off-road mode the 4×4 Qashqai will tackle difficult terrain like mud and gravel, more much more confidently than the 2WD version.
Most drivers who really need 4WD performance should look elsewhere. In the end, they probably already were.
Used Nissan Qashqais for sale
We’ve scoured Sun Motors to find three top used cars for sale. You’ll need to get in quick to secure these…
This isn’t the cheapest Qashqai on the market, but it’s arguably one of the best-value used motors we’ve seen.
Don’t let the 60,000+ miles on the clock put you off. This Acenta Premium model comes with 17” alloys, a good touchscreen and parking sensors.
It’ll do 55mpg all day long, too. That’s why this is our bargain buy.
Awesome auto: Nissan Qashqais SUV 1.3 DIG-T Tekna
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Reviewers love the 1.3 litre DIG-T petrol engine for its power, control and reliability.
This automatic Qashqai is in Tekna trim, featuring cool 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display. Nice.
High-class hybrid: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Acenta Premium 5dr Auto
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The 2024 Qashqai is a thoroughly modern car. Its petrol/electric hybrid motor produces an impressive 188bhp.
It’s quiet, quick and has the mean look of the new Qashqai.
This particular car has fewer than 5,000 miles on the clock, so it’s as nearly new as it gets.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
A MAN who has had his £114k Range Rover stolen four times says he always gets it back thanks to an essential gadget.
Tom Jaconelli, 39, was left infuriated after his posh 150mph SUV was taken from outside his house yet again.
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Tom Jaconelli saw his expensive motor stolen but it wasn’t the first timeCredit: Jam Press/Romans International
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Tom’s pricey 2024 Range Rover Sports P550eCredit: Jam Press/Romans International
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Tom’s clever gadget helped recover his vehicleCredit: Jam Press/Tom Jaconelli
Doorbell footage showed the director of car dealership Romans International, having his 2024 Range Rover Sport P550e snatched just metres from his front door.
But savvy Tom had fitted his motor with a tracking system which enabled him to get his vehicle back.
He said the car was retrieved when three police dog vans stopped the thief in his tracks.
Thankfully for Tom, the motor was found 15 minutes away from Tom’s home in Cobham, Surrey.
Tom said: “This is the fourth time I’ve had a car stolen from outside my house.
“Three times out of four we got the car back but this is the first time they actually caught the criminal who did it.
“We got the car back with the amazing help of Meta Trak UK and the Metropolitan Police who turned up with three dog vans.
“And, not only did they manage to get the pinpoint location of the car, but they also detained the suspect who is now in custody thanks to the police dogs who chased him and took him down.”
The Range Rover Sport was taken from his drive on Wednesday April 30.
And Tom thinks that there should be harsher punishments for those who steal cars.
Heartstopping moment self-driving car smashes into van parked in driveway as driver is slapped with a ticket
“Sadly, the worst sentence someone can get for car theft is six months in prison and apparently, most get off with community service.
“Personally, I think there should be much harsher sentences for car thieves to deter them as it’s rife, especially around London and Surrey.
“Big shout out to the Met Police officers who I have heard criticised previously for turning a bit of a blind eye to car theft but this shows that they will go after people in force and serve justice.
“Also I think it’s time I got a gate or one of those retractable security bollards if anyone can hit me up with a contact.”
Surrey Police and the Met Police have been approached for comment.
Data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) unveiled where each of the 61,343 cars nicked last year was stolen from.
It was revealed that the Ford Fiesta was the most frequently stolen model last year, with 4,446 of the compacts being nicked.
However, some of these pinched motors were far more valuable than your average Fiesta.
In fact, many exotic and pricey models of motor were nabbed last year, including a 2024 Ferrari Purosangue worth £375,000 that was taken from Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire.
Also making the costly list was a 2023 Rolls Royce Cullinan worth £270,000, nicked from Stanford-le-Hope in Essex.
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But the car thief was soon stopped and caught by policeCredit: Jam Press/Tom Jaconelli
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Tom’s gadget has saved him on multiple occasions nowCredit: Jam Press/@jackanello
MILLIONS of drivers are said to ignore a “hidden” button on their car’s dashboard that cools down the motor and could be a summertime saviour.
When a heatwave hits, hopping back into your parked vehicle is never a pleasant process.
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Being behind the wheel in the summer heat isn’t easy – but there’s a button that helps
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Once the air is cooler in the car than out, the re-circulation button is a driver’s best friend
But now motorists are sharing a tip about an easy-to-miss button on the dashboard.
The button is marked by a little arrow with a symbol of the car.
It’s called the “recirculate air” button, and it can cool down your cabin even with the air con off.
According to Virtual Driving Instructor, the button could be a “life-saver on a scorcher of a day”.
And it also helps to save on fuel.
The expert said: “When you press this button, it stops any air from outside coming through these vents, circulating the air inside the cabin.”
Pressing both the air conditioning and recirculating air buttons can be really helpful, as they “keep all the cool air inside the cabin”.
It works by cutting off the outside air, instead recirculating what’s already in the car.
This brings down the temperature when the air outside the car is hotter than the air inside.
To ensure this is the case, blow the aircon for a couple of minutes and then hit the recirculate button – rather than swapping it for warmer outside air.
NO NOISE Drivers will risk $1,000 fines if they fail to install car feature under new law – few will be exempt
That could even allow you to switch the air con off, saving on fuel.
Fuel prices remain high with the average price of a tank costing £75, so it could be a timely piece of financial advice.
The RAC agrees and offers another tip to drivers who are looking to save cash on hot days.
It said: “Start driving, but keep the car windows open for a minute or two to let all the hot air escape, do this until the air from the vents feels cooler than the outside temperature.
“Once the air conditioning is blowing cold, close all the windows and switch to (pre-cooled) recirculated air.”
First of all, start driving for a couple of minutes before turning on the AC as this can improve it’s power.
Consumer Reports experts said: “Your car air conditioning works much better when you’re actually driving because the faster the engine turns, the faster the AC compressor runs, which lets the system cool more effectively.
“Don’t waste time and fuel by letting your car run before you go.”
Once you’re up and running, open all the windows fully for between 10 and 20 seconds to let hot air out and make the air con’s job easier.
Then, when cold air has started to come through the vent, roll up the front windows but keep the rear windows cracked open.
Doing this for another 10 to 20 seconds will pull the cooler air through into the back of the car, helping to achieve a better all-around chill.
Finally, set the temperature as low as it will go and adjust the fan speed and aim to your preference
A road user fills her tank with petrol at a gas station in LondonCredit: EPA
Number 1 Plates, one of the UK’s leading motoring experts, is encouraging motorists to rethink where they fill up.
A new study from the motor experts highlights how simple decisions at the pump could save drivers hundreds of pounds annually.
After analysing data from 100 Shell and 100 BP stations across the UK, they found that these brands tend to sit at the higher end of the pricing scale compared to supermarkets and some independent providers.
A difference of £3.69 was found between BP and supermarkets like Tesco.
Over 50 tanks per year, drivers could be spending up to £184.50 more by not shopping around.
The motoring expert firm said that products like Shell V-Power and BP Ultimate include advanced additives, adding cost for drivers who opt for them.
Many Shell and BP stations are in high-rent, high-footfall areas like city centres and motorways, which increases the costs.
Meanwhile, supermarkets like Tesco and Morrisons operate high-volume sites and can pass savings on to consumers.
The research reflects average fuel prices from January to 9 May 2025.
A spokesperson from the company said: “We analysed 100 Shell and 100 BP stations, and while both are well-established brands, the price differences can be significant depending on where and how often you fill up.
“Drivers don’t need to switch brands entirely — but they should stay informed. Using fuel comparison tools can lead to consistent savings over time.”
Details of the study
Number 1 Plates gathered pricing data from 200 forecourts — 100 Shell and 100 BP — across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Using PetrolPrices.com and other verified trackers, they compared prices to Morrisons, Tesco, and independent brand Gulf, to give a clear national overview.
Average Unleaded Prices (Jan–9 May 2025) BP – 143.7p per litre
Shell – 141.78p per litre
Gulf – 139.5p per litre
Morrisons – 138.8p per litre
Tesco – 137.0p per litre
What That Means at the Pump Filling a standard 55-litre tank at:
BP costs around £79.04
Shell: £77.98
Tesco: £75.35
Meanwhile, drivers can fill up for free using a clever fuel trick at Tesco and Esso.
New data from RAC Fuel Watch shows petrol dropped by nearly 4p a litre in March, down to 136.03p, while diesel fell to 142.51p — saving motorists around £2 a tank.
But with prices varying by as much as 10p a litre, experts are urging Brits to shop around — and clever motorists are slashing even more off with a Tesco Clubcard fuel trick.
They work at Tesco petrol stations and selected Esso forecourts that have a Tesco Express store inside.
You can even earn them by sending parcels with Evri or shopping with Tesco’s reward partners.
To find a participating Esso garage, use the “Find a Station” tool and select the Clubcard filter.
Simon Williams from the RAC said: “Drivers are finally seeing some relief from high pump prices, which has come at a good time with the start of the Easter school holidays and one of the biggest bank holidays of the year for travel.
“It’s a shame prices on forecourts haven’t fallen further and faster, but this reflects the higher margins many retailers are now choosing to take.
“We urge drivers not to presume the forecourt they’ve visited for years is necessarily the cheapest anymore.”
He also warned the cheaper prices may not last, adding: “Crude oil prices are starting to edge up again. If that continues, wholesale fuel costs will rise — and pump prices could follow.”
The money saving deal meant that punters got a fiver’s cash back if they fill their car with at least £10 worth of petrol.
OTHER WAYS TO SAVE FUEL
If you never shop at Tesco, there are other schemes that can help.
For instance, if you have a Nectar card, you can use your Nectar points to get 5p off every litre of fuel bought at Esso when you swap 300 points.
You can also spend Nectar points at Sainsbury’s to buy fuel.
However, you cannot use Pay at Pump to redeem the points, instead you need to swipe your card at the kiosk.
If you regularly fill up at Shell garages, consider becoming a Shell Go+ member.
Every 10th visit you will get a fuel reward worth between £1 and £50 off.
The discount you get depends on your average spend over the last nine visits, so someone who spent £100 every time would get a bigger reward than someone who spent just a tenner.
BP also has a BPme scheme, where you earn points for money spent on fuel or in service station shops.
You get 1 point for each £1 spent in-store, 1 point for every litre of regular fuel, or 2 points for every litre of Ultimate fuel.
Every 100 points you earn can be redeemed for £1 off your fuel or shop spend.
