Likewise, the price of the Dacia Sandero Stepway has risen by nearly £1,000 from 2021, when the basic model sold for £11,895.
The MG3 cost £500 less last year at £12,495, while the Suzuki Ignis has risen over £2,250 from £12,499 to £14,749.
The cheapest models also come at another cost: they have less power in the engine and a more “down-market” trim than other models.
A spokesman for Auto Express said: “Sadly, as with many things, the cost of buying a new car has increased over time.
“Once, not too long ago, if you were looking to buy one of the cheapest cars in the UK, there was an underlying sense of ‘you get what you pay for’.
“These cars may have looked like a great deal but the cost-cutting was obvious, to say the least. However, times have changed, and you can now look at these motoring bargains using both your head and heart.
“But cars in this price bracket should come with a different set of expectations.
“They’ll get you from A to B for sure, but will they be as economical, practical, or well-built as something that costs a few grand more? There’s no guarantee.”
Auto Express has advised motorists to consider whether they would rather prioritise a used model, which would come at a similar price to a new car and have added extras, despite some miles on the clock, or go for a brand-new car with a full warranty and better loan deals.
The spokesman added: “The cheapest new cars today begin at around the £11,500 mark, so if you’ve got a tighter budget than this, you may be better off looking for a used car.
“Many people will rather sink their cash into an apparently better car with a few thousand miles on the clock, but the appeal of a brand-new model with a full warranty and finance facilities not always open to used car buyers is still strong.”
Source: Telegraph
