When looking for their first car, new drivers will need to take several things into account, including cost, safety features and reliability. Whilst this is no easy feat, there is one brand of car that ticks all of the boxes - and that is Honda. A Japanese brand, Honda is renowned for offering high-quality, reliable vehicles for any driver, no matter their experience. If you’re a new driver or have just passed your driving test, we’ve given you some great reasons why you should consider a Honda car and what models are the best for new or first-time drivers.
Honda Jazz
At the top of our recommendations is the trusty Honda Jazz. Reliable and practical, this model provides everything a new driver needs to build their confidence on the road. Offering strong fuel economy (particularly for the hybrid-petrol engines), technical features and plenty of room, it’s very easy to see the appeal of this car to new drivers.
Although the Jazz seems small on the outside, it offers ample space on the inside. Large windows and considerable back passenger space mean you don’t feel too squeezed in, so your comfort is always at the forefront of your experience. The car has been manufactured to handle city, country and motorway driving:
In the town/city: driving through the towns and cities can be a difficult experience, which is why the Honda Jazz makes it easy. Steering is light to aid with parking and manoeuvering through the streets, whilst the hybrid engine aids with easy junction emergence. That’s not all either - the suspension is first-class, meaning you’ll barely feel the bumps in the road.
In the country: in the country, we’re used to narrow and twisty roads which can be difficult to navigate. The Honda Jazz includes a ‘Sport’ mode, which alters the driving experience by raising the steering weight and increasing the responsiveness of the throttle. The characteristics of the car remain the same, adding to your safety around tight bends.
On the motorway: unless you’ve learnt to drive on the motorway during your driving lessons, motorways can seem daunting. However, there’s no need to worry with the Jazz - the car is fitted with lane assist and emergency brake assist, which can be used until you get used to the roads. The sound insulation installed helps to keep noise, and ultimately distractions, to a minimum.
Honda Civic
Another great option for a new driver is the Honda Civic. Slightly larger than the Honda Jazz, this mid-size hatchback offers great fuel efficiency, a large interior space and a fun drive. A popular choice amongst many drivers, it’s really no surprise. The interior of the vehicle is solid, with a simple centre console and the seats offer the all-important comfort whilst driving. Back seat passengers will appreciate the ample space the rear passenger seats offer, with USB ports to charge mobile devices.
Driving the Civic proves to be a good choice for new drivers on various different roads:
In the town/city: the large windscreen and low-set dashboard improves visibility in a busy town/city environment. Of course, this also helps when manoeuvering out of junctions and parking. If you opt for the hybrid version of the Civic, the electric-only mode reduces noise and improves overall driving experience. A reversing camera is ideal for parking and reversing into tight spots.
In the country: taking the Civic down a twisting road offers a great experience. The build of the chassis means that it handles tight corners well, so you don’t feel as though you’ll come out of your seat. With no delay when giving the accelerator some juice, it’s perfect for the faster roads and offers a smooth experience.
On the motorway: quiet and smooth to drive, the Honda Civic is another great choice for motorway driving. An ideal feature of the Civic is the adaptive cruise control - this allows you to set your speed, whilst maintaining an appropriate distance from the car in front.
Honda CR-V
Looking for something bigger? The Honda CR-V is the perfect choice. Of course, it’s also on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it all depends on your budget. One of the best-selling SUVs in the world, this car offers comfortable, easy and economical driving. The interior of the vehicle offers a sense of stylish luxury, with a sleek wooden-effect finish on some vehicles. Seats and headroom offer driver and passengers optimal comfort, especially for those longer drives and offers a top-notch driving experience:
In the town/city: although the size of the CR-V may put you off choosing it as a town car, it’s surprisingly good at handling the hustle and bustle of this type of environment. You get good visibility with this car, as the pillars don’t block your vision. As with the other models, steering is light and enables you to manoeuver the vehicle a lot more easily.
In the country: with different driving modes in the CR-V, country road driving becomes more fun. ‘Sport’ mode provides heavier steering and sharper response from the throttle. Simple in its drive, but perfect for when you need to concentrate on the more difficult roads.
On the motorway: unlike the other models, the CR-V isn’t as quiet and can be quite noisy once you get up to speed, but the comfort of the vehicle easily makes up for it. For longer journeys, the seats offer comfort but stability, just like the other models. As the seats are higher up (as to be expected in an SUV), it means that your driving position is optimal for a long drive. There is also ample boot space for luggage.
Why choose Honda for your first car?
As you can see, there are many different models of Honda that are perfect for new drivers and your choice depends on your budget and requirements. The Honda range offers a fantastic opportunity for new drivers to get used to driving on their own, whilst offering those all-important safety features that are paramount for first-time drivers. Of course, you may also be wondering ‘why should I choose a Honda as my first car?
Reliability
Hondas have been known for many years as a highly reliable car. Very rare failures and works exactly how you need it to, when you need it to. First-time drivers need this reliability more than anything, especially with the nerves of being on the road for the first time. A lot of Honda drivers have had their cars for years - and they’re still driving just as well as they always have!
Safety
Honda have consistently scored highly for the safety of their cars. With a range of safety features on the vehicles as standard, such as a reversing camera and sensors, parents of new drivers will appreciate that their child will have all they need to remain as safe as possible. Honda cars are also renowned for including state-of-the-art crumpling.
Repairs and parts
If you take a look at the roads, you’ll notice how many Honda vehicles are on the road. This is a testament to how good they are! Of course, this also means that parts are easy to come by - if you need a repair on your car, you won’t be waiting long to get it fixed and your car won’t be out of commission for long, regardless of how old your car is.
Find your first car with Swansway today
If there’s one thing to take away, it’s that Honda cars are built to last. Along with safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness, the Honda should be a serious consideration when looking into which model you should have as a first car. You don’t just have to take our word for it - take a look at our range of new and used Honda vehicles. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.