Confused.com has revealed that the Vauxhall Corsa(1) is the most popular first car for new drivers, in a top 10 entirely dominated by little hatchbacks. The research suggests most new drivers select vehicles of a smaller engine size with 20% choosing a modest 1.2 engine and 75% choosing engines of 1.4 or under.

New drivers tend to buy their first car using their own savings; with 40%(2) of those polled saying this was how they funded their new ride. A worrying 16% admit they took out a personal loan or credit card to afford the vehicle they wanted. A surprising number were sponsored by the Bank of mum & dad with 14% admitting to this method of funding. Ladies had the most generous parents, being 3% more likely to be given a car than men, with spoilt first drivers mainly located in Wales, East Anglia & London.

The choice of vehicle for new drivers suggests awareness that smaller, less powerful cars represent a smaller risk when it comes to car insurance, which is especially pertinent for new drivers who are deemed a much higher, and therefore more expensive, risk when it comes to the premiums they have to pay. A 17 year old girl selecting a first car would do well to note that a 1996 Vauxhall Corsa is more than £10003 cheaper to insure than 2006 VW Golf and almost £200 more could be shaved off by opting for Third Party Fire & Theft cover. Smaller cars are also a lot cheaper to buy, which may also account for some of their popularity.

Will Thomas, head of car insurance quotes says “Corsa may well top the charts due to its status as a popular learner car but parents looking to buy a car for kids flying the nest to go to university this September would do well to remember these tips:

“The best way to keep the costs down is by shopping around for cover, as not all insurance providers rate age the same way and some companies specialise in covering younger drivers. Price comparison is the ideal solution to getting the best price for the most suitable cover.”

CSK’s annual contribution from the sale of these calendars helps BGCA operate more than 4,000 Clubs in the U.S. and on military bases around the world. We also focus contributions in the markets served by Checker, Schuck’s, Kragen and Murray’s stores. Over the years CSK has donated dozens of vans and buses to Boys & Girls Clubs in CSK communities. The vehicles allow the Clubs to expand their reach to young people living beyond their immediate community, many of whom never venture out of their neighborhood, to enjoy enriching opportunities such as college tours, sport tournaments and field trips.

Visit your local Checker, Schuck’s, Kragen, or Murray’s store, and learn why this car calendar has become a collectible by car enthusiasts everywhere. Your purchase will benefit young people who depend on the Boys & Girls Clubs in their towns.