Top 10 Best Cheap Cars of 2025: From Dacia Sandero to Toyota Yaris

Forget everything you knew about budget cars. Squeaky plastics, no air conditioning, and safety comparable to a cardboard box – these stereotypes are a thing of the past. Today, the battle for customers in the affordable cars segment forces manufacturers to offer maximum value for minimal money. Five–star safety ratings, modern infotainment systems, and efficient engines have become the norm, not the exception.

We have compiled a ranking of the best cheap cars for 2025 based on fundamental criteria: reliability, cost of ownership, and features. After reading our guide, you will get a clear and understandable answer to the question, what is the cheapest car to buy, and why it will be the best option in the long run.

Why People Choose Cheap Cars

Choosing a budget car isn’t always a forced measure. Often, it's a conscious and pragmatic decision, especially for certain life scenarios. Here are the main reasons for the popularity of such vehicles.

• Initial Savings. The obvious advantage. A lower purchase price means a smaller loan or the ability to avoid one altogether. You save money for other important things. For travel. For life.
• Cheap Maintenance and Insurance. The cost of ownership isn't just the purchase price. Insurance policies for budget models are cheaper. Parts are more accessible, and repairs are simpler, not requiring a visit to highly specialized mechanics. You save money every year.
• Fuel Efficiency. Most inexpensive cars are equipped with small and efficient engines. A fuel consumption of 5–6 liters per 100 km is the norm. This means fewer trips to the gas station and significant long–term savings on fuel.
• A Great Choice for Beginners and More. For novice drivers, students, or as a second family car for city trips, inexpensive cars are a perfect fit. They are compact and maneuverable. And a small scratch in a parking lot won't be a tragedy.

TOP 10 Best Cheap Cars of 2025

We've compiled a list of models that offer the best balance of price, quality, and features on the European market. These cars prove that budget doesn't mean boring. Each car on this list is a worthy choice.

1. Dacia Sandero – Maximum Utility for Minimum Money

• Manufacturer: Dacia (Romania)
• Price: from €13,000
• Engine: Petrol or LPG
• Character: A simple and reliable hatchback with a surprisingly spacious interior and a large trunk (328 liters). It is utilitarian and aimed at practical drivers.
• Pros: Very low price, high practicality, option for a factory-installed LPG system for extra savings.
• Cons: The base model is very basic, simple interior materials.

Why it's on the list: The absolute champion in the "price/space" ratio. An honest car without marketing fluff.

2. Kia Picanto – A Compact City Hatchback

• Manufacturer: Kia (South Korea)
• Price: from €15,000
• Engine: Petrol
• Character: A compact city hatchback with a bold design and good features even in the base version.
• Pros: Striking appearance, 7-year warranty, excellent maneuverability.
• Cons: Small trunk, a bit tight in the back seat.

Why it's on the list: One of the most stylish and well-equipped cars in the A-segment, yet it falls into the category of the most affordable cars.

3. Hyundai i10 – A Practical City Car

• Manufacturer: Hyundai (South Korea)
  
• Price: from €15,500
  
• Engine:Petrol
  
• Character: A practical and well-thought-out city car with a quality interior and a spacious rear row for its class.
  
• Pros: Comfortable for rear passengers, high safety level, good handling.
  
• Cons: Modest engine power.

Why it's on the list: A practical and well-designed city car, often chosen by those looking for cheap cars in Cyprus for urban use.

4. Citroën C3 – French Comfort with a Twist

• Manufacturer: Citroën (France)
• Price: from €16,000
• Engine:Petrol / Electric (ë–C3)
• Character: A comfortable hatchback with crossover-like styling and a soft suspension.
• Pros: High level of comfort, original design, available all-electric version.
• Cons: Handling is not the most exciting.

Why it's on the list: It combines comfort with the option of an affordable electric version.

5. Renault Clio – An Affordable European Hatchback

• Manufacturer: Renault (France)
  
• Price: from €17,000
  
• Engine: Petrol / Hybrid
  
• Character:An elegant hatchback with an interior that feels a class above and a large trunk (391 liters).
  
• Pros: Attractive design, large trunk, E–Tech hybrid version available.
  
• Cons: A bit tight in the back.

Why it's on the list: Proves that cheap cars can be beautiful and technologically advanced.

6. Skoda Fabia – Practicality Without Compromise

• Manufacturer: Skoda (Czech Republic)
• Price: from €18,000
• Engine: Petrol
• Character: A spacious and rational B-segment hatchback with a huge trunk (380 liters).
• Pros: Practicality, comfortable suspension, well-thought-out ergonomics.
• Cons: Conservative design, no hybrid versions.

Why it's on the list: The most car for your money.

7. Dacia Duster – A Crossover for Any Road

• Manufacturer: Dacia (Romania)
• Price: from €19,000
• Engine: Petrol / Hybrid
• Character: An affordable crossover with high ground clearance, a spacious interior, and an all-wheel-drive option.
• Pros: Excellent off-road capability, roomy cabin and trunk, durable suspension.
• Cons: Simple interior trim, higher fuel consumption.

Why it's on the list: An incredibly low price makes this model one of the most affordable cars in Europe.

8. Suzuki Swift – An Economical Compact Hatchback

• Manufacturer:Suzuki (Japan)
• Price: from €19,500
• Engine: Petrol (mild hybrid)
• Character: A lightweight and fun-to-drive hatchback with a "mild hybrid" system in all versions.
• Pros: Low fuel consumption, great handling, high reliability.
• Cons: Small trunk, firm suspension.

Why it's on the list: One of the most affordable cars with hybrid technology that combines economy and driving pleasure.

9. MG ZS – An Affordable Crossover and EV

• Manufacturer: MG (China / UK)
• Price: from €21,000
• Engine: Petrol / Electric
• Character: A spacious crossover with generous features and an electric version with up to 440 km of range.
• Pros: Great value for money, spacious cabin, EV version with good range.
• Cons: High fuel consumption for petrol versions, average material quality.

Why it's on the list: Makes crossovers and electric vehicles accessible to the mass market.

10. Toyota Yaris – The Benchmark for Hybrid Technology

• Manufacturer: Toyota (Japan)
• Price:from €22,000
• Engine: Petrol / Hybrid
• Character: A reliable hatchback with a best-in-class hybrid system and phenomenal fuel economy.
• Pros: Record-breaking fuel economy, legendary Toyota reliability, high safety level.
• Cons: Higher price than competitors, tight rear row.

Why it's on the list: The benchmark for hybrids in the compact class.

What to Consider When Choosing a Budget Car

When choosing between a new and a used car, weigh all the pros and cons. There are many.

• New vs. Used. A new car gives you a warranty and peace of mind. But it loses value faster. A used car for the same money might be a class higher. But it carries the risk of hidden problems.
• Important Criteria. For Cyprus, three things are important: a reliable cooling system, an effective air conditioner, and the availability of spare parts. By choosing a popular model, you guarantee yourself no problems with repairs in the future.
• Advice for Beginners. If you're looking for your first car, consider the Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i10, or Kia Picanto. These models are known for their reliability. They won't give you any unpleasant surprises. Time-tested.

Conclusion

Choosing a budget car in 2025 is no longer about finding compromises. The market offers many worthy options. They combine economy, safety, and even style. Answering the question of what is the cheapest new car available today, we see that the budget leader is the Dacia Sandero. However, the list of affordable cars doesn't end there.

The main thing is to clearly define your needs. City trips or island-wide travels? Petrol or electric? Two passengers or a large family? Your approach to the choice determines how successful the purchase will be. Explore our catalog to find the best cheap cars in Cyprus and choose the one that will become your reliable partner on the road.