As lockdown restrictions around the UK ease, motor industry observers are predicting a spike in the number of people buying and using cars as alternatives to public transport. At the same time, there are warnings of an economic downturn, leaving motorists worried about the running costs of their vehicle. One of the biggest of these is insurance, so provider Admiral has come up with a handy list of the cheapest models to insure based on its records. Admiral’s head of motor product, Clare Egan, comments: “It can be expensive to get on the road. From the price of fuel, to car insurance and making sure your vehicle is serviced and has valid road tax – it all adds up. So, to help people who may be looking at buying a new car to get around, we’ve calculated the ten cars which are, on average, the cheapest to insure. The good news is they vary in styles and size.”
. 1. Mazda MX-5
Average premium: £334.12. Mazda's evergreen roadster is an absolute blast on the open road but proves that big thrills don't have to come with big bills Photo: Mazda
. 2. Fiat 500C
Average premium: £346.37. Fiat's trendy city car proves that looking good doesn't have to cost a fortune with the cabriolet version of its chic city car slotting into second place on the Admiral list Photo: Fiat
. 3. Volkswagen California
Average premium: £356.85. At the opposite end of the scale from the tiny 500, the California camper van is a home on wheels with a built-in kitchen and beds. Ideal for those post-lockdown staycations Photo: Volkswagen
. 4. Dacia Logan MCV
Average premium: £357.63. One of the cheapest new cars on sale in the UK and also one of the cheapest to insure. The Logan is a no-nonsense family estate for those after a brand-new car at second-hand prices Photo: Dacia
5. 6. Seat Mii
Average premium: £368.75. The Up's Spanish cousin, the Mii is fundamentally the same urban-friendly runaround rebadged by VW's sister brand and offered with various fashion-related special editions Photo: Seat
6. 7. Seat Arona
Average premium: £383.62. The Arona is Seat's entry in the compact SUV segment and among the best in its class thanks to a decent driving experience and access to the huge VW Group supply of safety and convenience technology Photo: Seat
7. 8. Skoda Citigo
Average premium: £385.65. This should be familiar by now. Small boxy city car with a 1.0-litre engine and more than a passing resemblance to the Up and Mii. Replaced this year with an all-electric version, older Citigos are a great low-cost option Photo: Skoda
8. 9. Skoda Yeti
Average premium: £388.67. Before the mainstream Karoq, Skoda built the characterful Yeti. Beneath the unique looks is a practical family car that can be had in road-biased version as well as tougher 4x4-equipped models Photo: Skoda