Until the second-hand market is slowly returning to “normal” prices, Searching for the first car is, more than ever, an important and difficult step. Because you have to combine objective qualities (reasonable operating costs, numerous safety features) with, if possible, a certain power of seduction and a good presentation. Auto Plus Occasions will advise you on the right choice based on your finances.

Your budget: €3000

Peugeot 207 is the right choice: 1.4 16V

Seventeen years after graduation The 207 continues to lead by example in road manners. Its recent success in the bayonet test conducted by our lab during a safety subject lends confidence. Six standard airbags – with the exception of the basic Urban version – confirm this good impression. Given the volume of the offer of used goods and affordable prices, do not delay aim for the core Executive Series finish (manual air conditioner, fog lights) el 1.4 16V at the beginning of its career, universal and more reliable than blocks marked VTi (fragile timing chain). For those who drive a lot, the 1.6 HDi 90/92 is a good choice.

Renault Twingo 2 is the right choice: 1.2 16V

Flexible, easy to manage and pocket-sized, Twingo has always been recommended to start your automotive career. But you have to aim correctly to benefit from the safety features. At the entry level Twingo 2 is stingy: only two airbags, no rear head restraints and no power steering! The results are much better in the Dynamic or Rip Curl finish., with additional side airbags, fog lights and, for comfort, air conditioning. It also gives access to the 1.2 16V, which with its 75 hp. less afraid of long trips than its younger brother with 60 hp, but does not consume more. By the way, Crit’Air 1 tablet from October 2009.

Your budget: €6000

Fiat 500 is the right choice: 1.2

With seven standard airbags (including one on the driver’s lap), The Fiat 500 has positioned itself as a benchmark for safety since its launch. But while the 1.4 automatically benefits from ESP (unprecedented at this level of the range), the 1.2 has to wait until 2015 to have it as standard. Don’t worry about the budget:courses are now available and appetite for this block remains very reasonable. In short, the perfect kit to make this favorite purchase the most encouraging model possible! Behind the wheel, we appreciate healthy handling in all circumstances, while enjoying the stylish presentation with the glass roof as standard on this Lounge.

Volkswagen Polo is the right choice: 1.6 TDI 90

Equipped with healthy handling, rated well in the Euro NCAP crash tests and one of the first to be equipped with ESP as standard (on units with a power of 90 hp and above), Polo is a safe city car. Starting with the entry-level Trendline, six airbags and cruise control are included. Older versions get a tire under-inflation detection function, as well as air conditioning and a multifunction steering wheel, which change everyday life. Under the hood, the small petrol units are disappointing, and the TSI 105 is fragile. The results are better with 1.6 TDI from 2012, reliable and more affordable than lead-free counterparts. It turns out to be much more pleasant to drive than the three-cylinder that replaced it (1.4 TDI 90).

Your budget: 10,000 euros

Renault Captur is the right choice: 1.5 dCi 90 EDC

Combining the robust and economical 1.5 dCi 90 with its own EDC dual-clutch transmission, Captur offers the same pleasant combination both in the city and on the road. Offering ESP and four airbags across the range, it adds reversing radar, GPS, Bluetooth, as well as air conditioning, headlights and automatic wipers. high-class Intens. This version, which is very often seen in advertisements, is shown at a price slightly higher than that of the Zen, and also takes care of the appearance (two-tone paint, 17-inch aluminum wheels).

Mini Hatch is the right choice: Cooper

By the physique of a temptress, Mini hides a serious design. ESP, six airbags: the equipment does not skimp on safety. The same cannot be said for the approval part… Chiche en One, Mini finds all its vigor in the Cooper. Its engine, reliable after its power increased to 122 hp. in early 2010, offers performance that lives up to expectations, with an appetite similar to that of the entry-level 95 hp. with just good equipment (air conditioning, alloy wheels) unless you’re aiming for one of the many Chili Pack-equipped cars (cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, etc.).

Your budget: 15,000 euros

Seat Arona is the right choice: 1.0 TSI 115 DSG

with his beautiful gift (ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning and Bluetooth across the range) and its interesting range of engines, Arona has it all, especially since its prices are lower than those of the stars of the segment. In essence, it uses a successful three-cylinder, at the same time lively and sober. And if you have to step up to the 115bhp version to access the DSG7 dual-clutch transmission (made reliable in 2017), that combo now costs around €15,000 in style. Aluminum wheels, cruise control and mirror: selection is complete. In use, the responsiveness of the transmission contributes to driving pleasure without increasing appetite.

Renault Zoé is the right choice: the R90 “complete purchase”.

Necessary in the used electricity market, The Zoe now costs less than €15,000 “complete purchase”. Until 2018, batteries had to be rented (from 80 to 100 euros per month). Bad, this offer is for the 41 kWh versions with increased autonomy. The most common is called R90: benefits from very proper execution and at the same time dynamic and reassuring behavior on the road. On board is an attractive refined presentation and excellent Intens equipment (aluminum wheels, GPS, reversing radar). Battery warranty is 8 years or 160,000 km.

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