When looking at a car, there are many factors to consider. From running costs, annual taxation, and servicing and maintenance prices, there is also, of course, your insurance premium. We've covered the cheapest cars to insure (Groups 1-10), but what if you want something with a bit more oomph on the road, more power means slightly higher insurance premiums. Here we’ve found some of the best cars in insurance groups 11-20.
Mercedes Benz A-Class
Group: 15
Who doesn’t covet a Mercedes? It becomes even more desirable when you know the insurance costs won’t be too steep. If you’ve got your heart set on an A-Class with lower insurance premiums, then take a look at the A180, which should sit around the Group 15 mark. All versions of the A-Class come with a 7-inch digital instrument system, although if you want something flashier then opt for the Premium Package and the touchscreen will be enlarged to 10.25 inches. If super visibility is a key concern, the Merc has thin windscreen pillars which are great for tight corners, plus all models come with a reversing camera as standard.
Volkswagen Touran
Group: 18
The Volkswagen Touran is an award-winning and well-established MPV. The perfect family car, which is big enough for everyone and the dog, the Touran is also compact enough to squeeze into some fairly tight parking spots. All Tourans have a decent 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, complete with Bluetooth, a USB port and DAB radio, and with the SE versions you also get VW’s Discover Navigation system, which adds sat-nav to the list of features too. And what insurance group does this sit in, we hear you ask? You’ll find the SE-spec turbocharged models like this 1.5 TSI Evo SE in Group 18.
SEAT Leon
Group: 15
The SEAT Leon is a class-leading hatchback suitable for everyone. All versions of the Leon come with 5 doors as standard, with trim levels running from SE up to Xcellence Lux, via 4 other grades in the middle (including the sporty-looking FR cars). Step inside the interior of the Leon and it is surprisingly comfortable for longer journeys, with added adjustable lumbar support on the front seats. Entry-level SE spec like this 1.6 TDI SE will give you a 8.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complete with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus a whopping 7-speaker sound system.
Nissan Juke
Group: 20
A family-friendly SUV, the Nissan Juke is very affordable and is widely credited for kick-starting the crossover revolution. Models include the reasonable Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna and Enigma trims. Insuring the Nissan is reasonable too, and we love the Tekna model most of all - like this 1.0 DIG-T 114 Tekna. It sits in Group 20 for insurance and comes covered by Nissan’s agreeable 3-year, 60,000-mile warranty.
Vauxhall Astra
Group: 17
Another firm favourite with first-time car owners, or ones who just want faff-free driving, it’s the Vauxhall Astra. If affordability is your thing, the good news is that the Astra fares well against tough competitors like the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf. It’s not even much slower than its rivals either, taking only 9.7 seconds to 0-62mph as this 1.2 Turbo SRi, which is only 1 second behind the Golf 1.5 TSI Evo with 150hp. Insurance on the Astra is reasonable too, with our chosen model of the Vauxhall sitting in Group 17.
Suzuki SX4
Group: 13
Is it an SUV, 4x4 or supermini? Well, it can be argued that this Suzuki SX4 is a fusion of all of them in one package! It’s spacious for passengers inside and also has a functional 430-litre boot, while you’ll make a saving on insurance premiums as this little machine sits you nicely in Group 13. It may not have all the fancy tech and novelty features that other cars in this sector of the market have, but it's simple, solid, and very user-friendly.
Audi A3
Group: 20
If you’re a fan of the SEAT Leon and the Volkswagen Golf, but are looking for something with a pinch of added luxury, today’s A3 Sportback shares its underpinnings with both of these vehicles but has a more prestigious bodyshell and interior. The A3 offers drivers a customisable driving position with loads of adjustment for the steering wheel and seats. If visibility when manoeuvring is a concern, you're sorted with rear parking sensors which are included on all versions; but a reversing camera comes in higher up the trim range. The A3 is a great drive, as it handles and grips the road really well. This is most evident in the S line trim. The TFSI S line sits in the top bracket of the cars in this insurance group banding, so be prepared for slightly higher premiums as a result.
BMW 1 Series
Group: 15
This premium German hatchback has everything you need and has been a staple contender in the premium hatchback sector for a while. The BMW’s interior is good, with plenty of seat adjustment to suit your height and reach, and as standard you get analogue instrument dials with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that has loads of features. But what we like best is its clear and crisp graphics, and simple menu operation which makes it super-easy to navigate if you’re out and about. Insurance isn’t bad on the 1 Series either, as you’re looking at Group 15 if you opt for something like the 116d SE.
Volkswagen Golf
Group: 20
Now in its 8th generation, it's fair to say the Volkswagen Golf is a timeless classic that everyone from your dad to your coolest friend would be proud to drive around in. It’s a car which can easily host clever technology, while also maintaining its practical status. When out on the roads, the Golf has light steering which makes it relaxing for popping into town. If you opt for the R-Line, you also have a driver profile selection system which adds a Sport mode to help out on faster roads. The R-Line also puts you into the highest insurance group in this category (Group 20), so you may have more power and speed but you’ll also have a few extra annual costs too.
Peugeot 2008
Group: 11
The Peugeot 2008 is the French manufacturer's offering for the small SUV sector. But it’s also one of the largest in the class, and it isn't much taller than a regular hatchback. Having said that, the seats are mounted high so it does feel like you’re driving an SUV. The Peugeot 2008 has lovely soft suspension too, so driving along motorways and A-roads turns out to be a breeze. Furthermore, if insurance costs are top of your list of important things you need to think about when looking at your next car, you’re in luck: this little SUV sits in lowly Group 11 if you opt for something like the PureTech Active model with the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine.
