From luxury electric cars to family-friendly SUVs, here is our list of the best new cars for 2021.

It’s no surprise to see electric vehicles making headlines in terms of new releases, with SEAT, Skoda, Dacia, and BMW all making bold strides into the world of electric cars. These range from the BMW i4, intended to compete with the highly popular Tesla Model 3 supercar, to the Dacia Spring, which aims to take turns in the most affordable end of the market.

Another trend for newly launched vehicles is that the SUV boom of recent years continues! Alfa Romeo will launch the Tonale and Hyundai the Kona N, which don’t quite make this list. What we do include, however, are an updated Kia Sorento, a new Peugeot, an electric SUV from VW, and a unique SUV-type crossover from Yaris.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN THESE NEW CAR REVIEWS?

The cars on this list are all what we consider the “best in their category” of new cars launched in 2021. But how do we decide which is the best? We’ve broken it down into four categories that signal an excellent all-around vehicle, and all the cars on our list excel in each of these categories. Whether it’s new 4×4 cars, roadsters, or family sedans, here’s what we look for in each vehicle.

POWER AND ECONOMY

Even when buying a family engine that will never do anything more arduous than the school run, people still want to know the power statistics. What is the horsepower? How much torque does it have? Of course, these questions are often asked without really understanding what they mean. Nevertheless, it’s important to know that any new car you get in 2021 has the means to take you where you need to go, which is why we’ve considered the type of engine and transmission, speed and acceleration, and the fuel economy the engine will offer you.

COMFORT

Comfort comes down to a few key elements, including size, space, and materials used. For these cars, we’ll consider how spacious they are in the cabin, the size of the rear and front seats, loading space, the materials used for the seats and interiors, as well as the driving comfort. The latter will be related to the suspension system, steering response, and handling.

For electric and hybrid vehicles, we’ve also considered the range as part of comfort; it wouldn’t be very comfortable to know that suddenly you only have 15 minutes of juice left when you’re 2 hours from home. It’s not easy to get all this exactly right when a new car is released, but it’s easy to spot when a car has gotten it wrong.

LUXURIES AND EXTRAS

For a car to be truly considered better than all the others, it must have features that set it apart and offer high-end technology. These will obviously vary from vehicle to vehicle, but you can probably expect these top 10 new cars to have some of the following: USB connection points, touchscreen infotainment systems, voice recognition identification systems, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a rotary selector, built-in satellite navigation, and heated seats. This is certainly not an exhaustive list of the gadgets cars can come with, but hopefully it has whetted your appetite.

VALUE FOR THE FUTURE

This category may seem self-explanatory since a car’s future value is its resale value. However, what we mean here is not only the share of its value that the car will retain in the future but also the extent to which it will fit into a rapidly and constantly evolving landscape of automotive legislation. If you’re considering buying a diesel or petrol car in 2021, not only will the resale value likely decrease in a few years, but the cost will skyrocket due to new legislation. It also won’t do the environment any favors. So here, value for the future doesn’t just mean the value of your car, but what it will cost you in the future, whether it’s a financial cost or a cost to the planet’s ecosystems. You can expect electric vehicles and new hybrid cars as well as conventional vehicles on our list.

1. DACIA SPRING

The Dacia Spring will be launched, you guessed it, in spring 2021 and will be the cheapest European electric vehicle at under £20,000. Stealing the SUV style with wheel arch cladding, a range of 140 miles, and a top speed of 78 mph, it definitely has a spring in its step. When it comes to new cars, electric cars like this are a great way to prepare for the future.

2. BMW I4

The Tesla Model 3 has dominated the electric supercar market and is often considered the best electric vehicle on the market. However, BMW has long been the gold standard for conventional vehicles, and they now want a piece of the electric pie. 523 hp electric motor. Top speed: 124 mph. Range: 373 miles. Move over, Tesla.

3. VOLKSWAGEN ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV that can travel up to 323 miles on a single charge and follows the ID.3 sedan, which has been a huge success. The tactile icons or the central touchscreen infotainment system all contribute to making it a luxury family vehicle.

4. PEUGEOT 3008

Another future family favorite, the 3008 is fantastic. Its massive grille and LED front and rear headlights set it apart from the crowd, and the technology is enough to impress people once inside. Night vision safety technology, lane positioning assist, automatic emergency braking. The list goes on and on.

5. KIA SORENTO

The 2021 Kia Sorento version brings all the usual Sorento features and more: FWD and AWD versions, a superb new “tiger nose” body shape, more off-road capabilities than ever before, and a hybrid engine with a pure electric range of 30 miles. It will certainly be one of the best new 4×4 cars.

6. TOYOTA YARIS CROSS

A true SUV that combines Toyota’s expertise in small cars and SUV heritage, the Yaris Cross offers distinctive design and dynamic performance. It features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system and Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system. The main 1.5 L full hybrid powertrain elevates energy efficiency, low emissions, and fully electric driving to new heights.

7. CUPRA EL-BORN

SEAT’s performance brand, Cupra, unveiled the el-Born for 2021. It has a claimed electric range of 310 miles and can reach 30 mph in 2.9 seconds, if upgrading in the city is that important to you. Still need convincing that it’s something special? Four words: augmented reality head-up display.

8. SKODA ENYAQ IV

Skoda’s Enyaq iV is the Czech brand’s first purpose-built electric car. The most expensive model offers 125 kW that will charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes and has a range of 260 miles. In terms of luxury, this sharp-looking sedan is equipped with dual-zone air conditioning and keyless operation.

9. ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE ROADSTER

The new James Bond film may be delayed, but you can feel like him in the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster. With a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, a roaring AMG V8 engine that sounds fierce, and 20-inch wheels, there’s no better way to feel the wind in your hair.

10. MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS

As Mercedes’ marketing manager Bettina Fetzer said, “the S-Class is the centerpiece of our brand.” It has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and the 2021 model is no different. It comes with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive systems, a V-8 engine, and there will be a plug-in hybrid version with over 60 miles of electric range.

There is a car for every stage of life. Whether it’s the used car in which you learn to drive or the hard-earned upgrade after landing that new job, every car plays a different role. So, when it’s time to start or expand a family, you’d better make sure you have the right car for the job. This will be the car in which you’ll make countless school runs, watch your children grow out of their booster seats, and probably have to endure many repetitions of “are we there yet” on family holidays. No ordinary car can handle that, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best family cars in the UK.

Many types of cars have been included, including SUVs, saloons, and estates. Whether you’re looking for the best family cars for camping or the best budget family cars to save money for a family holiday test, we have something for you.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF A FAMILY CAR

As we mentioned earlier, not just any car can make a good family car. In addition to the usual expectations you’d have from a car, such as its performance, durability, reliability, and appearance, family cars need to have that little something extra to meet the challenge of being the faithful steed of your family unit.

When considering what we think are the best family cars for 2020, we took 4 main qualities into account.

1. Rear Seat Space
   One of the most important factors is the amount of space in the back of a family car. Cramped rear seats will always lead to school squabbles and make holiday drives feel endless. Not to mention the space needed for baby or booster seats, or the irritation that can arise when there’s no middle seat, family cars are going to need plenty of space in the back and in the boot for the weekly shop, inflated bags, pushchairs, and everything else that comes with a family.
2. Good Child Safety
   Efficient performance and practicality aren’t enough for a family car. It must also be safe. Fortunately, most cars come standard with excellent safety features, and many on this list have the latest means of protecting your children. These features go far beyond the simple child locks and adequate space for child seats that were expected in older vehicles. Some of the features you should look for are active stability systems and brake assist to help limit passenger jolts, power window switches and electric windows with an anti-pinch or auto-reverse system to protect children’s hands, and the ISOFIX or LATCH system to help child safety seats be installed quickly and securely.

   

3. Fuel Economy
   As with any car these days, good fuel economy can make the difference between a used vehicle and the best in its class. For a family car, it’s doubly important to reduce costs and not have to refuel as often, saving you time. A good target when considering fuel economy is to try to find a car that does around 40 miles per gallon. 40 miles per gallon will give you a decent range and won’t break the bank. Even better, most of the 40 mpg cars on our list are surprisingly affordable, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on your new fuel-efficient family carrier.
4. Inexpensive to Maintain
   Having a family is a bit like signing a phone contract – they always come with a host of costs you had no idea about before signing up. So it’s extremely important that when choosing a car, you try to pick one that won’t add to the expenses. This means the cars on our list are reliable and unlikely to break down, will have parts that can be replaced cheaply, and their maintenance (the type of oil needed, for example) won’t eat into your family budget more than necessary.

BEST FAMILY CARS IN THE UK

1. KIA CEED ESTATE

Kia has a reputation for being as good as anything out there, and the Ceed is no exception. This affordable saloon is one of the best family cars for 5 people, with impressive technical features fitted as standard with a 1.0 or 1.4 litre petrol engine or a 1.6 litre diesel engine. These will achieve between 52 and 74mpg respectively.

2. DACIA DUSTER

Finding some of the best cheap family cars is a real challenge, but the Dacia Duster is hard to beat for space and functionality, especially given its extremely affordable price. It may lack some technology, but the sacrifices are worth it, and it will certainly get you, your family, and all your gear where you need to go.

3. TOYOTA COROLLA

This incredibly modern and attractive hatchback might seem a bit pricey, starting from £24,140, but that gets you a hybrid powertrain and a powerful 2.0 litre engine, with 16-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, a 4.2-inch TFT screen between the dials, and heated front seats with lumbar support as standard, offering great comfort for the whole family.

4. FORD GALAXY

The Galaxy has long been a staple for families, and that doesn’t look set to change. On the latest model, they’ve increased the interior space to make it even more spacious and packed it with tons of luxury features. If you’re looking for one of the best 7-seater family cars with comfort and style, look no further.

5. SUBARU OUTBACK

The Subaru Outback offers a practical and reliable alternative to SUVs and saloons, providing excellent load space, good ground clearance, and even off-road capabilities, making it a great car for family adventures. The 2.5 litre or turbocharged 2.4 litre engines offer plenty of power, but only 33 mpg.

6. VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN

The Touran is made for family life and comes with seven seats as standard. The second and third rows can be folded down to create a flat floor. With five seats in place, up to 917 litres of boot space is offered. You can also fit three Isofix child seats in the second row and two more in the back.

7. VAUXHALL ZAFIRA TOURER

The Zafira Tourer is a more upmarket compact MPV with three rows of cleverly folding seats and is probably the most handsome MPV on the market. Starting from the relatively affordable £21,000, the diesel ecoFlex stop-start version now averages nearly 69 mpg, resulting in decidedly tax-friendly CO2 levels. Even the 1.4 litre will do around 45 mpg.

8. VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN

The VW Multivan is less of a big car and more of a small room. You can actually stand up and walk around in it, as the middle section is huge and perfect for a large or growing family. The seats also swivel, and you can move them back and forth on rails. It’s a truly versatile family car.

9. RENAULT TRAFIC

The Renault Trafic is an excellent all-round vehicle that is popular in Europe and has generous equipment levels to make it a comfortable drive for the whole family. It has an efficient engine and a very responsive automatic gearbox that will reduce driving stress, even if the children don’t.

These premium cars will help keep your insurance low and your confidence high as you take your first steps in your driving adventure.

Being a new driver can be a scary and intimidating experience. In addition to understanding everything about how to drive, experiencing other drivers and real-life situations on the road for the first time can be quite stressful – for fresh-faced drivers and worried parents alike.

That’s why the type of car first-time drivers use is very important. Ensuring the car has all the features you need and doesn’t need to be towed to the garage every few months will reduce the pressure and allow you to focus solely on driving. This will make everything much safer, easier, and ultimately more enjoyable.

So we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best first cars for new drivers to make those initial miles as easy as possible and set you up for the best start to your driving career. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers or the best automatic cars for new drivers, there’s bound to be something for you here.

WHAT ARE OUR CRITERIA?

BEST CARS FOR NEW DRIVERS

1. FORD FIESTA

The Fiesta is known for its affordable price, peppy engine, and many extra features. It has a sporty look, and this is matched by its performance; it handles well on the road and is reliable.
Regarding systems and technology, it comes with ABS, EBA, and electronic stability control, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB digital radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

2. VOLKSWAGEN POLO

With an engine ranging from 1.0-liter to a much faster 2.0-liter engine depending on the trim level, the familiar Polo name for new car owners. It is synonymous with reliability, a minimalist presence, and timeless performance. The latest ‘S’ model comes with specifications such as ABS, ESP, front disc brakes, and hill start assist.

3. TOYOTA COROLLA

After 10 years, the Corolla is back and offers a high hatchback option for new drivers. Available with a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine, a 1.8-liter VVTi (same as the Prius), or with a 2.0-liter powertrain, it is fast but remains an economy-focused device, with CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km and over 60mpg at its best.

4. KIA PICANTO

The Picanto’s compact frame and unique grille give it a sporty-looking car, with great performance and extra features. With five doors as standard, it’s one of the most spacious cars on this list and comes with electric front windows, a two-speaker stereo system, USB connectivity, automatic lights, and touchscreen satellite navigation.

5. RENAULT CAPTUR

A comfortable, unique interior and easy driving define the Captur. Whatever engine you choose, it is quiet, refined, and offers decent fuel economy. What is particularly appealing to novice drivers is the suite of driver assistance systems offered as standard, the five-star Euro NCAP rating, and Renault’s overall reputation for safety.

6. SUZUKI JIMNY

The Jimny has always been able to feel its individual character and charm with its adorable look, fun driving, and great off-road capabilities. However, it’s also an excellent car for new drivers who live in a non-urban area and need something reliable, stable, and ready for a challenge.

7. HONDA CIVIC

Certainly one of the more expensive cars on the list, the Honda Civic will provide a spirited performance as a first sedan with a powerful engine. A practical cabin and trunk, with a huge amount of storage (420-770 liters!), as well as an excellent standard technical kit. It’s definitely an option to consider.

2020 was nothing if not a year of change. We were all shocked and forced to change our way of life because of Covid-19, and scientists are announcing that some environmental tipping points and thresholds have been crossed or that we are rapidly approaching them. Times of intense change have always been seen as an opportunity to reflect on our lives and the world around us, and this could be the moment for you to start thinking about your driving.

With petrol and diesel cars being quickly targeted by government regulations, and the EU even stating that the ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars will be moved up from 2040 to 2035 at the latest to help protect the environment, there has never been a better time to think about switching to an electric vehicle. If you’re stuck in the middle and not convinced about going fully electric, we have the perfect options for you: the 9 best hybrid cars to buy.

This list provides a comprehensive lineup of the best hybrid cars to buy to play your part in helping make the planet cleaner, while getting the best performance.

There are many reasons why hybrids are the way to go now. The lightweight materials used to make hybrid vehicles mean that electric power will be sufficient to move the car. This means less reliance on petrol and greater freedom and fuel economy. The UK government also offers some tax benefits for less polluting cars, like hybrids, which could offset the additional costs or higher prices of hybrids, ultimately making owning the best hybrid cars affordable. The last reason, and perhaps the most important, to jump on the hybrid bandwagon is their resale value. Due to the fluctuations and unpredictability of oil prices, more and more people are turning to hybrid vehicles either to ease gas prices or to not be as dependent on oil. Therefore,

WHAT IS A HYBRID CAR?

To put it simply, a hybrid car combines at least one electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine to power the car, and it recovers energy through regenerative braking. The amount of power provided by the electric motor varies; some cars are fully powered by the electric motor, sometimes it’s all the petrol engine, and sometimes they cooperate. This leads to less petrol burned and, consequently, better fuel economy, meaning more money in your pocket. In some circumstances, adding electric power can actually enhance performance.

The electricity comes from a high-voltage battery (separate from the car’s conventional 12-volt battery) that regenerates by capturing energy when the car decelerates. In conventional cars, all is lost to the heat generated by braking, but here, it is put to better use. The battery can also be maintained by the petrol/diesel engine if necessary. One of the best things about hybrids is that they can be designed and engineered for different targets or specifications. A hybrid could, for example, aim for maximum fuel economy or keep the vehicle cost as low as possible. In addition to the high-quality features and performance that often come with hybrid cars, as car manufacturers want to impress with their hybrid range, for the best hybrid cars, luxury is a given.

THE BEST HYBRID CARS IN THE UK

1. TOYOTA COROLLA

After 10 years, the Corolla is back and looking to reclaim its place as a top hatchback, this time as a hybrid. Available with a 1.8-litre VVTi (same as the Prius) or with a 2.0-litre powertrain, it’s fast but remains an economy-focused device, with CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km and over 60 mpg at its best.

2. HYUNDAI IONIQ PLUG-IN

For those thinking about a hybrid for the first time, the Ioniq offers low running costs at an affordable price as well as a normal and reassuring driving experience. It is more practical and smarter inside than its main rival, the famous Toyota Prius. There are conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions, but the conventional hybrid is our choice.

3. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

The Golf has long been a favorite, but this hybrid version offers something new. It still has as many strengths as before with a smooth and responsive powertrain, brilliant packaging, and looks both inside and out, and the usual Golf performance. They changed the engine but not the winning formula.

4. HONDA CR-V

The latest CR-V SUV offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, and the hybrid version – combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor – delivers power to match. It’s also a very efficient and stylish hybrid that would make a great family car with all that space.

5. FORD MONDEO HYBRID

Like many names on this list, the Mondeo has been around for a while. This long-standing success hasn’t stopped Ford from offering something new with the hybrid version. Its low CO2 emissions of 98g/km (103g/km for the estate) significantly reduce tax, although the Mondeo Hybrid is not exempt from London’s congestion charge.

6. VW PASSAT ESTATE GTE

The VW Passat is a comfortable and eco-friendly offering from VW. Emissions are only 29 g/km of CO2, and fuel economy is also good, around 65 mpg with a full battery and even up to 40 mpg with a flat battery. Owners will also benefit from very low monthly BIK (Benefit in Kind) tax payments due to the low emissions.

7. BMW 330E

If you think hybrids might not have the comfort and performance you’re used to, BMW’s 330e sedan might help change your mind. Built on the already superb BMW 3 Series, the electric motor and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine combo mean this hybrid will do 0-60 in just 6.1 seconds, all with the typical BMW comfort and luxury.

8. MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

There’s nothing extraordinary about the Mitsubishi Outlander, as the Japanese manufacturer’s 2.4-litre hybrid petrol engine offers great aesthetics and fuel economy. Even if you run out of fuel, the battery alone will allow you to travel 28 miles – certainly a reassuring feature for anyone who has ever been stranded on the motorway.

9. KIA NIRO

The Kia Niro petrol/electric hybrid is much more conventional in its appearance than its other hybrid counterparts. It looks and feels like an SUV and comes with many tech features: there are plenty of USB charging ports, a wireless mat to charge your smartphone on the dashboard, and it has a standard EuroNCAP 4-star safety rating.

In addition to giving you the freedom to travel comfortably and on your own terms, there’s a very good reason why cars have become a staple of Western civilization. Have you ever tried to bring back a mattress from IKEA? How about getting to the green for 18 holes of golf by train? I guess you haven’t, and that’s precisely why cars have remained so popular. Cars with massive trunks can help us move all those bulky items in their own secret tardis: the car trunk.

If you’re looking for a cavernous compartment that will have no problem storing all your bits, this is the right place to start, with our list of 12 cars with big boots.

While most people would tend to assume that a bigger car means a larger trunk, that’s not necessarily true. Since there are excellent small cars with big boots, it’s worth considering more than just the trunk space. As well as the overall trunk capacity, whether the rear seats fold down or not, the width of the car’s rear, the loading lip height, and the car’s height are all factors to consider when determining if your potential new ride will do what you need.

To make it easier for you, we’ve divided the list into car types, so whether you’re looking for good family cars with big boots or more affordable cars with large boots, there will be something here for you.

SUV CARS WITH BIG BOOTS

BMW X7

It has received a lot of criticism for its front grille design, but the BMW X7 packs an impressive trunk. As one of the best 7-seater cars with big boots, the X7 has a 320-liter luggage compartment that increases to 750 liters when you fold down the rear seats. For such a huge vehicle, it’s also surprisingly agile.

HONDA CR-V

The CR-V is one of the SUV cars with big boots that doesn’t shy away from a trip to pick up furniture or at the mere mention of a camping holiday. It’s stylish and fast, in addition to being offered in 5 or 7-seater versions. The 7-seater, however, has a bit less loading space.

KIA SORENTO

Another 7-seater with large storage, the Kia Sorento offers drivers a comfortable ride and a punchy diesel engine with a standard four-wheel-drive system. With a “A” CO2 emission rating and a high towing capacity, it’s a very solid SUV with 660 liters of space at the back.

SALOON CARS WITH BIG BOOTS

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

The Volkswagen Passat offers drivers a premium interior, a host of standard features, a very large trunk, and a spacious rear bench for a mid-size saloon. If you’re looking for cars with large boots for dogs that can comfortably fit a crate or kennel, the Passat is perfect and offers a combination of sportiness and comfort.

HONDA ACCORD

The Honda Accord may seem quite expensive compared to other saloons, but the wide range of luxury features, like the 18-inch alloy wheels, side view and rearview cameras, keyless entry and start, leather seats and trims definitely justify the price. The luggage capacity starts with a 457-liter trunk, and you can lower the rear seats for more space.

BMW 7 SERIES

The second BMW on the list, this time a saloon, is almost as spacious at the back as the X7. As always, its majestic aesthetics and sumptuous interior make the BMW 7 Series an excellent vehicle, and there is also a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the car, whose engine emits less than 50 g/km of CO2.

HATCHBACK CARS WITH BIG BOOTS

HONDA CIVIC

The 2021 rebranding campaign for the Honda Civic might seek to showcase its “aggressive” style and new impressive features (remote engine start, 18′ black alloy wheels, 1.5 L VTEC turbo engine), but that doesn’t stop it from having 479 liters of trunk space, surpassing most other saloons, and being able to fit seven carry-on suitcases. Perfect for holidays.

CHEVROLET CRUZE

Chevrolets are generally more about power than big trunks, but it seems dealers tend to post videos on Youtube showcasing the Cruze’s huge loading space. As they show us, you can easily store two full sets of golf clubs or the family’s suitcases and still have room for shopping.

CITROËN C4

The C4’s 408-liter trunk not only improves on most other medium cars with large boots, but folding down the Citroën’s rear seats increases the total load capacity to 1300 liters, which can take on any challenge. The rear of the car is also low, meaning storing things in the trunk is hassle-free.

ESTATE CARS WITH BIG BOOTS

MERCEDES E-CLASS

The Mercedes E-Class is renowned for being one of the best 5-seater cars with big boots, and the current E-Class confirms this reputation amazingly. It has a huge 540-liter trunk and an even more spacious cabin due to its 43 mm longer length compared to previous versions and an additional 65 mm between the front and rear wheels.

SKODA SUPERB

The Skoda was clearly designed with storage and transport in mind. With a massive volume of 625 liters, the trunk can handle all daily challenges, as well as holiday luggage and specialized equipment. The large-opening rear also makes it easy to load larger-than-average items, and for those looking for cars with large boots for prams, it’s a solid option.

HONDA CIVIC TOURER

The Honda Civic Tourer offers 624 liters, making the loading space more than sufficient for almost all situations, and folding down the rear seats extends the available space to an almost unfathomable volume of 1668 liters. The rear seat bases can also be lifted up, making it one of the best cars with large boots for wheelchairs or other more difficult objects.

As more and more restrictions on diesel and petrol cars come into effect in UK city centers and the ever-present threat of global warming remains firmly in the headlines, the demand for electric cars has never been higher. If you’re not too familiar with the range of electric vehicles (or EVs) on the market, you might think the conversation starts and ends with Tesla.

While it’s true that Tesla propelled electric cars into the spotlight long before any other major car manufacturer, other big players in the automotive industry have started to emerge on the scene with impressive offerings. The general public also seems to have taken note, as 10% of all car registrations in the UK so far in 2020 were for electric cars. For good reason too; they are quiet, cheap to run, and easy to drive. With 26,300 charging points already built across the country, there has never been a better time to think about the best electric cars to buy and recharge for some of these high-voltage vehicles.

THE CRITERIA FOR THE BEST ELECTRIC CARS ON THE MARKET

To decide which are the best electric cars, 5 main criteria come into play.

1. Price – Always an important factor in choosing the right car, the prices of electric cars are what put many consumers off initially. And rightly so – some of the first electric cars intended for everyday use would cost buyers £60,000 or more. Fortunately, technological developments and increasing support (often through government grants) have brought prices down and made some of the best electric cars cheap and affordable.
2. Quality – Electric vehicles are known for being easy to drive, quiet, and packed with technology, as well as often looking stylish while doing it. We have considered all the different features that can come with modern electric cars to determine which are the best choices. These include the onboard display, design quality and overall look, the quality of materials used, heated seats, built-in GPS systems, adaptive cruise control, smartphone connectivity, and many more.
3. Suitability for Daily Use – Like any vehicle considered a bit of a luxury, a question mark always hangs over how practical a car is for everyday use. It may be true that an electric car saves the planet by producing zero emissions, but if it can’t get you from point A to point B without losing charge or if its battery needs replacing very frequently, it doesn’t measure up to everyday working vehicles. This won’t be a problem for any of the cars on this list.
4. Energy Reserve – As mentioned above, the quality and ease of use of an electric car depend hugely, almost entirely in fact, on both the distance it can travel when fully charged and the time it takes to reach that point. Fully charging a battery with a Level 1 or 2 charger can take up to 8 hours without a fast charging station, which may not always be ideally located. Therefore, the cars on our list are those that will last the longest.

   

5. Comfort – Our final criterion is the comfort of the car. Whether a car is equipped with heated leather seats, a two or three-zone climate control system, smartphone connectivity, or even a spacious cabin, it can really contribute to the driving pleasure and the time you want to spend in it. There’s nothing worse than dreading long car journeys due to discomfort, so we’ve made sure you’ll love getting into these best electric cars of 2020.

THE 8 BEST ELECTRIC CARS ON THE MARKET

1. NISSAN LEAF

The second-generation Nissan Leaf arrived on the UK market in 2018 and was quickly named Electric Car of the Year 2018 by WhatCar? It was also the world’s best-selling plug-in electric car in 2019 and with a range of 239 miles reaching 0-60 in just 7.1 seconds, all starting from around £27,000, it’s easy to see why.

2. RENAULT ZOE

If you’re looking for one of the best electric cars for range, the Renault Zoe offers the best range of any electric vehicle under £30,000 with 250 miles on a full charge when driving in the city. Even more impressively, it gives you a range of 90 miles after just 30 minutes of charging at a 50 kWh charging station.

3. KIA SOUL

The Soul shares a state-of-the-art powertrain with the Kia e-Niro that gives it a useful range of 280 miles and is considerably more interesting than the e-Niro with a sleeker interior and a fairly unique design, as well as a 315-litre boot. You’ll certainly stand out from the crowd.

4. FIAT 500 ELEKTRO

Claimed by Fiat as being both the only fully electric convertible and “a kind of urban Tesla,” the 2020 Fiat 500e model comes with more luxurious features than you might expect from a compact electric car. Features include Level 2 autonomous driving, 360-degree “drone view,” wireless Apple CarPlay, 17-inch alloy wheels, eco-leather upholstery, and a 3 kW wall box.

5. VOLKSWAGEN E-UP

Based on the VW Up, the king of small city cars, the e-Up offers excellent value for money. It easily exceeds 120 miles in regular urban use for just over £20,000. It’s not as attractive as the Honda e or the Renault Zoe, but in terms of durability at a reasonable price and no-frills for everyday use, it’s the way to go.

6. HONDA E

If a distinctive look and cutting-edge technology are your top priority, the Honda e is definitely made for you. With no external wing mirrors, a sleek and futuristic interior, and headlights that look so much like bright, sparkling eyes that they seem to come to life with every charge, the Honda e is one of the most comfortable and high-quality electric cars on the market.

7. PEUGEOT E-208

For people who aren’t too enthusiastic about electric cars but still want to do something to reduce their emissions, the Peugeot e-208 is a great choice. It looks, operates, and feels very similar to a standard 208. The 50 kWh battery allows for a maximum range of 217 miles on a single charge while performance is also quick.

8. BMW I3

The BMW i3 is certainly the best high-end electric vehicle you can buy. Traveling in the city or between cities is a joy in the i3 as it is quiet, efficient, and behaves well with a ton of luxury features inside the cabin. All this doesn’t come cheap, as it will cost you over £35,000.

Is the car not cool enough anymore? Stay calm and recharge your air conditioning unit.

Among the many luxuries offered by modern cars, air conditioning is perhaps the one that makes driving the most comfortable. Gone are the hour-long journeys in a stuffy, boiling car in summer and you can stay cool and comfortable on every little trip to the shops. But what happens when your air conditioner stops blowing cold air and why does it happen? If your air conditioner is blowing hot air or only working intermittently, you may have exhausted the substance that gives your car that magical cold air ability. An AC recharge can bring back cold air when you need it most in hot weather.

WHAT IS AIR CONDITIONING RECHARGE?

Your car’s air conditioning works through a compressor, a refrigerant, and an evaporator. Air conditioners cool the interior air by forcing special chemical compounds to evaporate and condense over and over again in a closed coil system. These compounds are refrigerants that have properties allowing them to change chemical state at relatively low temperatures. Air conditioners also contain fans that push your cabin air over these cold coils filled with refrigerant.

When hot air flows over the cold coils of the low-pressure evaporator, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat and changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state. To ensure it continues to cool effectively, the compressor puts the refrigerant gas under high pressure which converts it back into a liquid. All the extra heat created by compressing the gas is then removed from the system using a second set of coils called condenser coils and a second fan. When the refrigerant gas cools down, it becomes liquid again and the process starts over. It’s like an elegant, endless cycle designed to keep you cool: the liquid refrigerant is converted into gas as it absorbs heat, then it is compressed and turned back into liquid so it’s ready to absorb heat from the air inside the car. Magic… or science to be precise.

Car air conditioning recharge involves removing the old refrigerant gas from your air conditioning system and replacing it with new refrigerant, so your air conditioning can cool again. When wondering where to get an air conditioning recharge service, your garage should be your first point of call, but it might also be possible to do an air conditioning recharge yourself.

WHY DO AIR CONDITIONERS NEED TO BE RECHARGED?

In theory, the refrigerant should not need to be replaced. Because it just changes from a gas to a liquid inside the coils, it should last forever. Studies show, however, that as a result of this process, up to 10% of the refrigerant is lost each year as it permeates the system. Less gas of course means less cool air in your system, so a top-up every few years will allow your air conditioning to operate under optimal conditions.

Besides keeping your cabin cool, there are other reasons to ensure your air conditioning is working as well as it can. You can also improve your energy efficiency if the refrigerant is at its capacity, as there is less strain on the system and the engine.

Air conditioning doesn’t just provide car comfort during the hot summer months; it can also be used in winter to defog your windshield, which is another important reason to recharge your air conditioning unit. Air conditioning systems create dry, warm air instead of the usual humid air outside in winter, which can clear your windshield much faster than your regular blowers.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECHARGE MY AIR CONDITIONER?

When to recharge the air conditioning is an important question, as the service is not always the cheapest. Air conditioning is not checked as part of an MOT test, so it’s important that you include recharging as part of your vehicle’s regular maintenance. The lifespan of the air conditioning gas in a car depends on the car manufacturer, but most manufacturers recommend having your air conditioning regassed once every 2 years.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECHARGE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING YOURSELF?

The cost of air conditioning recharge is one of the reasons why some people might consider doing this DIY. In a garage, prices are usually quite standard and depend on the type of refrigerant gas your car uses. The vast majority of cars on the road in the UK use one of two types of refrigerant – R134A and R1234YF. If your air conditioning system requires R134A gas, the recharge cost is £49.95. For vehicles that require R1234YF gas, the recharge cost is £129.95. In short: it’s quite expensive.

However, you can buy air conditioning regas kits if you want to try it yourself and save money. If something goes wrong, however, you risk ending up with a very expensive repair bill. Specialists may also have a better idea of how to check for leaks and other issues with the air conditioning system. There are also safety issues to consider. If the refrigerant gas comes into contact with your skin or eyes, it can cause painful frostbite burns.

You will need a canister filled with refrigerant and a valve to attach it to the AC system, as well as screwdrivers, goggles, gloves, and your car’s manual or handbook. A gas canister and valve typically cost around £60 and you get a £10 refund when you return the valve. One cartridge can be used to fill three air conditioning systems, so in theory, you’ll make big savings compared to garage prices.

If you want to do it yourself, there are three steps: Locate the air conditioning fill port, attach the top-up gas, and simply fill.

Use your manual or handbook to locate the air conditioning fill port, often called the low-pressure port. The manual will also tell you what type of gas you need to buy if you’re unsure. Some covers under the hood need to be removed before accessing this port.

Remove the plastic cap that is often secured using screws and bolts and attach the valve. Start the engine and set the air conditioning to the coldest setting. Let it run for at least three minutes, then check the pressure on the valve. If your air conditioning needs regassing, the valve will usually give a low reading (in the white zone).

Shake the gas cartridge, then connect it to the valve. Recharge by pressing the trigger for a few seconds. Go back and check the pressure again for an updated reading. Continue until it’s in the green, so above 25 PSI. Before finishing, check the air conditioning again by turning it on and it should blow cold. If the air conditioning does not hold pressure and cannot reach the green section of the PSI gauge, there is likely a leak somewhere in the system and it will require a specialist to check and repair it.

DO AIR CONDITIONER RECHARGE KITS WORK?

Air conditioning recharge kits have the potential to save you a lot of money. But do they work? The short answer is: sort of.

Yes, they can absolutely top up the air conditioning refrigerant in your system so it will blow cold air again.

However, since your vehicle’s refrigerant is supposed to last forever, if your sealed air conditioning unit is losing refrigerant, it could be due to a leak. If your refrigerant can leak out, air and contaminants can get in and that’s extremely bad.

Now, a small leak isn’t so bad. A £15 recharge yourself can revitalize the system with refrigerant for the entire summer season if the leak isn’t that big. The same problem will occur again the following year, but as long as the leak hasn’t gotten worse, you can repeat the process and avoid going into the workshop and having an expensive repair. Some people treat this as part of their car’s annual maintenance. Some kits also come with a sealer to help eliminate small leaks, which is an added bonus. You must be careful, however – putting anything into the system that your manufacturer does not recommend can have adverse effects.

A recharge kit only injects refrigerant into the system. It does not remove any contaminants from your system and does not clean it, and an AC machine is needed to decontaminate all the air in the system. If there is a leak, it also means that even though a kit will temporarily recharge the air conditioner, it will lose refrigerant much more quickly.

There is also the additional concern that if you use a recharge kit yourself with little or no experience, you could overpressurize the AC system and cause premature compressor failure. This can be very costly. It might be worth paying a garage to recharge your air conditioning rather than paying for repair costs. Taking it to a garage will also get you additional services, like compressor oil change, which will be essential to help maintain your air conditioning system in good condition, especially if it’s a car over 4 or 5 years old.

With constantly fluctuating oil prices, knowing your fuel economy has never been more essential.

There are many things to consider when buying a new car. What is the handling like? What about power and acceleration? Is it comfortable to drive? One of the most common questions is what will the running cost be? And it’s an extremely important question. In recent years, there have been perfectly designed, attractive, and comfortable cars that consistently received poor critic ratings because they are simply too expensive to use.

Most of the time, this comes down to them being “gas guzzlers,” meaning they have extremely high fuel consumption. Given the high and unpredictable price of gasoline and diesel, the energy efficiency of cars has become a key metric to help you choose the right car for you. That’s why we have MPG and why almost every review of a vehicle will mention what its MPG is. But what is this value, can I calculate it for my existing vehicle, and how useful can it be for buying a new car?

WHAT IS MPG?

MPG stands for miles per gallon and it is the standard unit for measuring fuel consumption in land vehicles. The figure shows the number of miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. For example, if your car has a fuel consumption of 50 mpg and its fuel tank holds one gallon (or 4.55 liters), you can travel 50 miles before the car runs out of fuel.

By law, every car must be given an official MPG value by the manufacturer and this must also be made available to customers. This serves as a guide so consumers can compare energy efficiency between different models and vehicles. The EU sets the standards for British vehicles and the tests are administered in the UK by the Vehicle Certification Agency. Because they are all standardized, they offer an accurate comparison between cars. If you are buying a new car and looking to get something more efficient, it’s always a good idea to ask what my car’s MPG is right now and will this car have a better one.

HOW IS MPG CALCULATED?

The official MPG is calculated from a test conducted in a laboratory on a rolling road. A single model is tested for each product range. A car is tested on two cycles: the urban cycle and the extra-urban cycle. The urban cycle test starts from a cold engine and then mimics city driving at speeds not exceeding 30 mph. This test lasts 2 and a half minutes and includes a series of stops and starts to recreate the type of driving required in urban areas. The extra-urban test is designed to see how a car would behave outside the city and lasts 4.3 miles with a maximum speed of 70 mph. The temperature is standardized to 20-30 degrees and there is never more than the driver in the car. The MPG shown by a manufacturer is then an average of the two MPG figures from these two tests.

HOW DOES THIS DIFFER IN REALITY?

Since MPG is done under hypothetical laboratory conditions, there will always be a difference between a car’s official calculated mileage (calculated under the official EU-regulated test conditions) and what you can actually achieve behind the wheel.

MPG figures can still be used for comparison purposes, but they won’t be very useful if you’re trying to determine how much a car will actually cost you, because the average mileage per gallon in real terms will differ from the manufacturer’s value.

The amount of gasoline you will need for 100 miles will always vary on the road because the test removes variables such as hills, uneven surfaces and does not account for different driving styles, passenger weight, cargo carried, wind resistance, or any modifications made to a car.

For example, fitting larger wheels means the car will be heavier, generate more aerodynamic drag, and have more rolling resistance than standard wheels, so your car’s fuel economy will be worse.

HOW TO CALCULATE ACCURATE FUEL CONSUMPTION RATES

Even though the test is not entirely reliable, it is possible to calculate fuel costs yourself. It is relatively simple and can teach you how to reduce fuel consumption and make savings.

The simplest way is to fill up your car’s gas tank and note your current mileage. Decide whether you are going to focus on urban, extra-urban, or general fuel consumption and drive normally under the desired conditions. When you are ready to calculate your car’s MPG, fill up the tank again and note the number of liters of fuel needed to fill it to the limit, as well as the number of miles you have traveled since the first fill-up.

Since we fill our tanks with liters, we will have to convert this figure into gallons. So, divide the mileage by the number of liters used, then to convert to MPG, multiply that figure by 4.546. You now have the true MPG of your car.

It is important to note that if you want to compare it to the official statistics, you should try to stick to their test conditions (including the speeds used and the types of roads on which you perform the tests). All of this can be made easier if you have a built-in or aftermarket onboard computer. Many of them often automatically display the MPG at the end of a trip.

TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR FUEL ECONOMY

From how you drive to what you keep in your car, here are 10 tips to reduce your fuel costs:

1. Make your car lighter: get rid of all unnecessary items in your car’s trunk or on the back seat. For every 45 kg of weight in the vehicle, your car’s fuel consumption decreases by about one or two percent.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated: underinflated tires can reduce your car’s fuel consumption by up to five percent in some cases due to their insufficient grip on the road and increased resistance. Ensuring they are at the recommended pressure can save you money.

   

3. Stick to the speed limit: this is not just about safety, because sticking to the speed limit also helps you maintain good fuel economy. Driving faster often means your fuel consumption will be worse because the engine has to work harder to produce the power needed at high speeds.
4. Avoid idling: when your car is running but not moving, your gasoline mileage is absolutely zero, but fuel is still being burned to keep the engine running. So, if your car is going to be stationary for more than about a minute, turn off the engine. Only do this, however, if it is safe.
5. Constant braking and acceleration: while driving, always apply steady, constant pressure to your car’s accelerator pedal. A heavy foot will always lead to reduced gasoline mileage and poor fuel consumption
6. Make your car more aerodynamic: removing roof racks and reducing the car’s weight by removing unnecessary items or changing tires or wheel rims can allow the car to move through the air better and reduce drag, meaning less fuel is needed to get you where you need to go.
7. Use cruise control on highways: cruise control means your car will run at a constant speed, meaning there is no acceleration. No acceleration reduces the amount of work your engine does and thus consumes less fuel.

   

8. Keep the windows closed: this can be difficult if it’s hot outside, but keeping the windows closed makes your vehicle more aerodynamic and improves its energy efficiency. Especially at higher speeds, you should keep the windows closed to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption
9. Use air conditioning less: there will always be times when you need to turn on the air conditioner, but you should try to use it in moderation.
10. Replace dirty air filters: A dirty air filter makes your car’s engine work much harder and has a real negative impact on your fuel economy. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for periodically changing the air filter.