It hardly seems five minutes ago since the 21-plate was introduced in March, but here we are six months later and it’s time for the new 71-plate registration.
Hitting showrooms on September 1, this registration is well timed as a range of new cars are just reaching forecourts. But what are the new cars you should be looking at? Here we've rounded up the best on sale.
BMW iX3
BMW is ramping up its electric car range with a raft of new EVs on the way, and one model that’s just arriving at dealers is the iX3. It’s the German firm’s first electric SUV and is set to prove a popular rival to the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC.
It’s safe to say customers have been waiting for the iX3 for some time – it was first revealed in June 2020 – but with its 286-mile electric range, practical interior and classy styling, it will likely prove worth the wait.
Enquire on a new BMW iX3Cupra Leon
Cupra now has more models to choose from than ever before, but its Leon hot hatch is one that really impresses. Rivalling the Volkswagen Golf GTI, this sporty Spanish hatchback is great fun to drive and gets a generous amount of standard equipment, too.
With a stylish exterior and tech-laden interior, it’s one of the best hot hatches on the market today. Along with powerful petrol engine options, you can even choose it as a plug-in hybrid if you want to bring down your running costs.
Enquire on a new Cupra LeonVauxhall Mokka
In years gone by, the Vauxhall Mokka was one of those ‘white goods’ cars – one that filled its brief but offered little else in the way of excitement. That’s all changed with this brand’s latest crossover, which gets a striking new look and modern interior design that will both be rolled out across the Vauxhall range.
Alongside petrol and diesel engines, you can also choose the electric Mokka-e, which offers a 200-mile electric range, speedy rapid charging capability and no compromise when it comes to passenger space.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall MokkaSkoda Enyaq iV
You might be noticing this list is rather EV-heavy, but this is certainly the way things are going. It’s safe to say the choice of electric cars has never been greater, and one of our favourites to launch in recent months is the new Skoda Enyaq iV.
It’s the brand’s first bespoke EV and seriously impresses with its practicality merits, smooth performance and long electric range of more than 300 miles on models fitted with the large 77kWh battery. It also undercuts many rivals for price, and is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a family car, even if you’ve never thought about an electric car before.
Enquire on a new Skoda Enyaq iVMG5 Long Range
Though the latest MG5 might not look any different to its predecessor, the difference is what’s under the surface – its battery pack. Although this electric estate car (the first of its kind) already offered a 214-mile range before, MG has now kitted it out with a larger battery that unlocks a long 250-mile range – the most of any EV costing under £30,000.
With generous equipment levels and a roomy interior, it’s certainly a car that ticks plenty of boxes. MG has also recently announced that it has plenty of supply, which is important given the delays affecting plenty of new cars at the moment due to supply chain issues.
Enquire on a new MG5 Long RangeCitroen C3 Aircross
Citroen is happy to do things a bit differently to other manufacturers, and its C3 Aircross is a great example of this. Favouring comfort over sportiness, it’s a crossover that would be impressively easy to live with.
The French firm has also recently updated it, giving it a bolder look than before, as well as a range of new in-car technology and driver assistance features – all of which improve it for the better.
Enquire on a new Citroen C3 AircrossHyundai i20 N
The hot hatch market is arguably more competitive than it’s ever been, and one of the most surprising players in recent years is Hyundai. Its ‘N’ division has already worked its magic on the i30 and now it’s turned its attention to the smaller i20 supermini, too.
Rivalling the Ford Fiesta ST, this is a hot hatch that’s fun, quick and is as aggressive to drive as it looks. With a long list of standard equipment and attractive pricing, this is a brilliant hot hatch available to those that are on a tighter budget.
Enquire on a new Hyundai I20 NAudi e-tron GT
Every manufacturer needs a flagship, and for Audi’s electric range that car is the new e-tron GT. Based on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, the e-tron GT is arguably one of the best looking cars of recent years and it gets the typically impressive build quality expected from an Audi.
With an electric range of up to 298 miles, and impressive rapid charging capability that means the GT’s battery can be charged to 80 per cent in just 22 minutes, it’s certainly a useful model for those long-distance journeys. You can even choose an ‘RS’ version if you want something even sportier.
Enquire on a new Audi e-tron GTFord Mustang Mach-E
Ford could have played it safe with its first bespoke EV, but it certainly hasn’t done that with the Mustang Mach-E. With its funky muscle car-inspired styling, tech-laden interior and spirited driving experience, it’s unlike any other electric SUV in this class.
A whole raft of derivatives are available, but it’s the top ‘Long Range’ model to look out for, as this is capable of travelling a claimed 379 miles on a single charge – which is one of the longest of any EV on the market today.
Enquire on a new Ford Mustang Mach-ENissan Qashqai
One of the more sensible options to get on a 71-plate registration is the new Nissan Qashqai. Recently back for its third generation, this British-built crossover is now roomier than ever, more stylish and is brimmed with technology, particularly on those top-spec trims.
With prices starting from £23,535 it’s the most affordable option on this list, while the addition of mild-hybrid petrol engines means that it’s more efficient than before. If you’re happy to wait a bit longer, a full hybrid version is also on the way.
Enquire on a new Nissan Qashqai