What cars are good for short drivers?

[ODFOx]

My daughter is almost 17 and looking to get her first car.
She is 4'11" tall.
Know it's more an issue of driving position than actual car size, my MIL couldn't drive a mini metro because she couldn't find a position to see out without booster cushions and then couldn't reach the pedals). but can anyone recommend a small engine car with not too much legroom? Thank you

I'm 5ft 2 and have mainly driven Vauxhalls. Currently on a Zafira after upgrading from an Astra. I learned in a Corsa.

I loathe driving DH's Sharan. To sit high enough to see out of the windscreen, I can't put my heels down and I end up at a really tight angle that jams my calves and my quads are dying in 45 mins from holding my leg on the accelerator. When we've looked at some cars, sometimes I've sat in them and instantly rejected the brand as the positioning is so claustrophobic.

My DM is 4'11 and drives a VW Fox with no problem. Having said that, back in the 70s/80s she drove DF's tank-like Rover 80 with nothing more than a cushion to sit on!

I'm 5'2 and was fine with a Seat Ibiza, a Seat Altea (which had adjustable steering wheel and seat height) and Renault Clio. I've currently got a Hyundai i20 - the newer shape. I test drove the older shape (pre 2015?) and found my knees and lower legs were hitting the underside of the steering wheel dashboard thing so ruled that one out.

Fiat panda really comfortable to drive. Im just about 5ft. Best car I've ever had.

I'm 5ft 0 and haven't had a problem with driving different cars. I guess I do lean towards little ones though! Currently on my 2nd Fiat 500 which speaks for itself

I’m 5’1”, size 3 shoe and petite in size. I could drive a fiat panda, Ford Fiesta, Nissan micro, Vauxhall corsa all without cushions. Need cushion and booster seat for my Kia Sorento and DH’s BMW. Couldn’t drive his old Mercedes at all, couldn’t get the seat in a position whereby I could physically change gear without bashing my leg on steering column whilst trying to reach pedals - I have short legs.

Remember also that you shouldn’t be too close to the steering wheel due to the airbags - not sure but I think you should be at least 12” away from it to avoid injury.

Take her to a car supermarket - loads of vehicles to try, with no obligation to buy.

Oops, meant to add - watch out for cars with very sloped windscreens. By the time you've pulled the seat right forward, you can be close to the glass.

I've got a suzuki Alto which I imagine would be very good for short people. It's very cheap to run, tax free and very reliable. I'd definitely recommend a suzuki to anyone now I've got one after years of having large, diesel cars.

I find the seats too deep in all cars so I have firm deep piece of foam behind my back - much better!

I have a Hyundai i10 that dd1 is also learning in. She is 5’4 and I’m 5’0. We can both reach the pedals fine

Am a shortie too and VW tend to be great for me, I don't even need to be all the way forward, but I also had a Vauxhall that height adjusted well despite being basic model. Have just switched to a merc and I can reach the pedals but it's a stretch and the seat doesn't go as high as I would like.

I am shorter than your daughter. I recommend she goes to a car supermarket and sits in the driver seats of many different cars.

In general larger cars and newer cars have more movable seats. She needs a seat that goes up and down as well as back and forth, and a steering wheel that drops.

Some seemingly obvious cars are not suitable for those of us who are vertically challenged!

Automatics are also far easier as having to stretch for constant gear changes is far harder than occasional stretching to break hard.

mil is around the 5ft mark and she drives a vw up and a renault captur.

Please remember it's not just about reaching the pedals. It's sitting up high enough to see well over the dashboard and to turn round to view clearly as you're reversing. It's also ensuring the seat belt does not cut into your neck and that the handbrake has not disappeared behind you.

Forgot to mention the position, length and angle of the pedals is important to consider. There is nothing worse than having to drive with your own leg if your heel doesn't reach the floor.

Whole leg.....I hope everyone drive with their own leg!

This was my issue as well! I could see out of the following: ford focus, toyota yaris and aego, honda jazz, volkswagen polo and golf. I ultimately decided on getting an automatic toyota yaris and still absolutely love my car!

Also, I see a fair few very short drivers in completely inappropriate cars as they are so low down and can hardly see. It's SO dangerous! So, people saying what relatives/friends drive may not necessarily be helpful.

My dm is the same height as your dd @ODFOx . She has driven several Peugeot's in recent years, I do remember her having a cushion in her maxi years ago though. More modern cars have fairly adjustable seats

I'm 5ft exactly and have never really had an issue with any of the cars I've driven. Seat Ibiza, Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia.

The biggest issue I've found in the past with some cars is that once you've pulled the seat forward enough to reach the pedals, you can find yourself squished against the steering wheel. That can easily be fixed if you get a car where the steering wheel can be adjusted forwards/backwards as well as up/down.

I'd recommend the Seat Ibiza as a first car. Not too big, and doesn't feel too small and flimsy either.

Test drive if you can too. I tested one recently - funnily enough, a Mercedes and I have size 3 feet like a pp - where having my right foot in its natural position meant it barely grazed the accelerator. Making better contact meant my ankle was at a strained angle. So uncomfortable, and I only realised after driving it for about ten minutes.

I’m short and drive a bmw 1 series. Very comfortable, and the driving position gives good visibility. An older one would make a great first car. Had a micra before that, which was good too.

We have a Hyundai i10, it’s not a new version but it’s really good! I’m short and have no problems and it’s actually a good size for a small car.

@ODFOx

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sure a Smart is in her budget but might be a fun test drive!

DH thinks. Hyundai i10 would be a good first car for her. He drives a Hyundai already. Does anyone have any experience of more affordable cars for petites?
Thanks

I believe the i10 has a really poor safety rating and I wouldn't buy one for that reason.

Skoda cars are worth trying. Not fashionable but excellent seating positions for those under 5ft.

Beware of small cars with circular moulding round the dash board. They blocked too much view even when I could reach pedal.

I'm 5'1 and drive a Vauxhall Corsa. I can see perfectly fine out of it. I have also driven a Renault Laguna and a Mazda 6 estate car and coped perfectly fine with both those too. In fact I was able to reverse park my Mazda much better than my corsa