Britain’s £15k Bargain Cars: Which One Truly Delivers?
In today’s car market, the definition of “cheap” has changed significantly. Once, you could pick up a brand-new car for less than £8,000. Just a few years ago, the Vauxhall Corsa was priced under £12,000, the Ford Focus sat below the £20,000 mark, and even the BMW 3 Series hovered a little over £30,000. Fast forward to now, and the landscape looks very different.
If you’re in the market for an affordable vehicle — something basic, reliable, efficient, and under £15,000 — your options are already dwindling. Whether you’re planning to buy outright or go the finance route (with a deposit and manageable monthly payments), the pool of available new cars has shrunk dramatically.
At this price point, there are only eight new cars available across the UK, and in this group test, five of them take centre stage: the Citroën C3, Dacia Sandero, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and MG 3. Other notable budget options like the Fiat Panda and Volkswagen Up were excluded due to availability issues, and it didn’t seem necessary to double up on Dacias.
It’s important to note that manufacturers and dealerships no longer seem as motivated to push budget-friendly models. With customer preferences shifting and more profitable cars to focus on, these entry-level vehicles often feel like they’re being left behind. But as this test shows, choosing an affordable car doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort, practicality, or enjoyment.
Dacia Sandero: Value That Speaks Volumes
The Sandero continues to live up to its reputation as a budget champion. Even without context, it stands out as an excellent deal. But when compared directly to its rivals, it truly shines. It offers generous cabin space, comfortably seating adults in both front and rear, and has a larger boot than the MG 3 by around 20%. The C3 trails behind in practicality, while the i10 and Picanto, being smaller city cars, feel more compact despite carrying similar price tags.
The Sandero tested wasn’t the absolute base model. Within the £15k budget, the Expression trim level was selected instead of the Essential version, which starts at £13,795. This allowed for a bit more equipment — and it’s quite the upgrade.
Features included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, cruise control, parking sensors, reversing camera, electric windows and mirrors, and stylish cloth accents on the dashboard that make the interior feel less austere. It’s simple, functional, and unexpectedly pleasant inside.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The Sandero could be more engaging to drive, and it doesn’t match some of its peers on refinement. The cabin acoustics are basic, and the door closures have a tinny ring. But Dacia’s ability to deliver a full-size supermini for the cost of a city car is impressive. It’s not just affordable — it feels like a genuinely smart purchase.
Kia Picanto, MG 3, Hyundai i10, and Citroën C3
Each of these contenders brings something to the table. The Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 are compact, agile, and ideal for urban settings, but their limited interior space can be a drawback. The MG 3 offers decent room but can’t match the Sandero’s boot capacity. As for the Citroën C3, while stylish and comfortable, it doesn’t quite offer the same bang for your buck.
Final Verdict: Britain’s Best Budget Car?
Among this group, the Dacia Sandero emerges as the clear winner. It balances affordability with practicality, comfort, and modern features in a way that’s rare in this segment. While others have their strengths, none offer quite the same all-round value.
For anyone looking to stretch their money as far as possible in today’s market, the Sandero is not just a cheap car — it’s a clever one.
