12 Popular Cars for Less Than HK$100K for New Drivers

After getting your driving license, the next step, of course, is to consider buying a car to know what it’s like to own one. However, as a new driver with limited road experience, it’s hard to totally avoid minor accidents like scratching or denting your car while parking. Therefore, it is wise to choose a 'P-license car' that is easy to drive and maintain.

In this article, Kwiksure recommends 12 popular private cars suitable for new P-license drivers. They all have a moderate body size, engine displacement below 1,500 c.c., and excellent handling, making them particularly suitable for new drivers. Moreover, in view of the expenses that come with car ownership, such as insurance and parking, the price range is set below HK$100,000, making it easier for everyone to get on board.

8 Things to Consider When Buying a Car as a P-license Driver

As a new driver, it is a challenge to handle the vehicle while also paying attention to the traffic. Therefore, when choosing your first car, you should consider the following 8 things:

1. Car size - Should not be too large for easy maneuvering and parking.
2. Engine power - Models with a high horsepower figure may be more challenging for new drivers, so it is better to choose one with an engine capacity below 1,500 c.c.
3. Used cars - Consider buying a used car to lessen the frustration after minor collisions.
4. Affordability - Reserve sufficient funds for parking, insurance, and other expenses, instead of spending all your money on buying the car.
5. Popular models - If you choose a less popular model, the resale value may go down significantly when you sell it in the future.
6. Reliability and durability - Select a model known for its durability to minimize maintenance costs.
7. Automatic transmission - Even if you obtain a license for a manual-transmission vehicle, we recommend choosing an automatic-transmission vehicle so you can focus on accumulating road experience.
8. Safety ratings - Refer to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) safety test results for used cars.

1. Toyota Spade - Offers a great view of the outside and an optimal choice for new drivers

With its compact front and hatchback design, the Toyota Spade is easy for novice drivers to handle, while the large windows provide a great view and make parking easier. The electric sliding door next to the right rear seat reduces the risk of passengers causing damage when opening the door and makes getting in and out of the car even more convenient.

2. Toyota Prius C - Small hybrid car with a look that endures

As the smallest member of the Prius family, the Prius C comes with a 1,500 c.c. hybrid engine that achieves an impressive fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L. The first-generation Prius C entered the Hong Kong market in 2012 and has undergone only minor updates over the years, ensuring its design is not becoming obsolete anytime soon.

3. Toyota Sienta - Pioneer of small 7-seater cars

Toyota introduced the first-generation Sienta in 2003, successfully establishing the market for small 7-seater MPVs. Even after several facelifts, it remains a popular car model. The official distributor in Hong Kong started offering it in 2015, and it quickly became a preferred family car. The only downside is that the resale value remains high.

4. Honda Jazz - Classic small car with a playful touch

With its youthful appearance and excellent handling, along with a wide range of aftermarket parts, the Honda Jazz has garnered a large number of fans over the years. The used car market also offers plenty of choices, and older models can be acquired for just a few tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars. However, when purchasing, carefully inspect the condition and maintenance of the vehicle.

5. Honda Freed - Fully equipped to meet your needs

As one of the representatives of small MPVs, the Honda Freed perfectly meets the requirements of locals: 1,500 c.c. engine, seven seats, power sliding doors, and plentiful space. In later versions, a hybrid model was introduced to reduce fuel consumption. The Freed is mostly used as family cars, and the vehicles are generally well-maintained, ensuring a certain level of quality even as used cars.

6. Nissan Note - The first choice for new drivers offering great value for money

Featuring a 1,198 c.c. inline-three engine, the Nissan Note offers suitable horsepower for new drivers. The Note features a spacious interior, and compared to similar cars in the used car market, it offers a better value for money. In 2021, Nissan introduced the electric “ePower” version of the Note, where the engine is used only to generate electricity. Naturally, the ePower version carries a higher price tag.

7. Mazda2 - Upholding the “driving pleasure comes first” principle

The Mazda2 emphasizes driving pleasure and maintains a compact hatchback design. When most of its competitors use CVT transmissions, the Mazda2 continues to be equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox. If you have a budget of around HK$100,000, you may be able to find a relatively new second-hand model.

Mazda2
Used car reference price (2019)	Approximately HK$80,000
Engine	1,496 c.c. inline-three turbo
Horsepower	116 ps / 6,000 rpm
Torque	149 Nm / 4,400 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Dimensions (mm)	4,068 x 1,695 x 1,515

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8. Suzuki Hustler - Fun K-car with easy handling

With its boxy exterior, the Hustler is currently the only K-car available in Hong Kong. Its compact size makes it extremely suitable for new drivers. The vehicle is available in 11 colors and two-tone designs, and with numerous exterior accessories available from Japan, it is both playful and visually appealing.

9. Suzuki Solio Mild Hybrid - Spacious and fuel-efficient family car

Following a similar “small is beautiful” philosophy, the Solio offers even more space than the Hustler. It comes equipped with dual power sliding doors, making it suitable for families and allowing for easy storage of baby strollers and other items. A few years ago, Suzuki introduced the mild hybrid version, which is rare in the compact car segment and achieves a fuel efficiency of 28.3 km/l.

10. Volkswagen T-Cross - Compact SUV offering a great view

Based on the Polo and with a body length of 4.2 meters and a 999 c.c. engine, the T-Cross is a relatively uncommon small SUV in Hong Kong. Despite its modest horsepower, the elevated seating position of the SUV offers a great view, giving new drivers an advantage when observing traffic conditions or parking.

11. Kia Morning - High-quality and affordable new driver’s car

Kia Morning has always been known for its affordability, and the new car is priced at around HK$130,000. Naturally, the second-hand price is even more affordable, making it easy to find a clean and well-maintained used model. In terms of features, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic headlights, etc.

12. Subaru XV - All-wheel-drive cars with a big difference in power

The latest generation of Subaru XV, renamed as Crosstrek, features a sporty appearance and is equipped with an all-wheel drive system, providing enhanced traction and handling. Earlier versions of the XV were available with either a 1,600 c.c. or a 2,000 c.c. engine, with a significant output difference of nearly 42 horsepower between the two. Considering they are close in price as used cars and in the same license fee category, the 2,000 c.c. variant appears to offer better value for money.