101 BRILLIANT NEW CARS
@jimmybrods
THE new-car landscape is changing, and at a pace never seen before. With nearly every manufacturer now well on the way to heavy electrification, there’s perhaps never been a richer tapestry of new cars in the pipeline.
That’s because the concept cars of recent motor shows are arriving in production form thick and fast. In the late 2010s, many big car makers set out their stalls with a blitz of concepts showcasing the near future, and the present looks set to be defined by the finished items. But the near future is not only battery electric; with the internal combustion engine’s days numbered, perhaps some car makers feel obliged to send petrol off with a bang.
That’s why, alongside many new electric and hybrid cars in this rundown of 101 models to keep an eye on over the next few years, you’ll see that petrol-powered performance models are still in vogue.
Indeed, you could argue that there’s never been more variance; both a Ferrari SUV and an electric MG sports car arriving soon defines the mood of the era. The first half of this decade looks like a great time to be into new cars.
1 Ferrari Purosangue
Price: £200,000 (est)
On sale: 2022
A FERRARI SUV still sounds like an alien concept, but it’s really happening. Bentley, Lamborghini and Aston Martin have all had success with SUVs in recent years, and Ferrari wants a piece of the pie. Hence the Purosangue, which will launch next year.
We expect its looks to be inspired by the brand’s Roma GT, with a practical hatchback boot and a raised ride height. In fact, the new model will use tech from the Roma, and possibly plug-in hybrid power, with either a V6 or V8 petrol engine.
However, it’s also possible that Ferrari’s V12 engine could appear in the car, although it’s not likely to be a hybrid. Either way, expect plenty of power, strong performance and striking looks from this new ultra-high-end SUV.
2 Citroen C5 X
Price: £27,000 (est)
On sale: 2022
THE X in the new, upmarket Citroen C5 X is significant, because it hints at the firm’s ambition for the car, which is to blend attributes from several sectors, including hatchbacks and SUVs.
Sure enough, the styling seems to reflect that, with elements of each in the design. It’s based on the same tech as the C5 Aircross SUV but it’s a more grown-up offering, with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains and an all-new 12-inch HD infotainment touchscreen inside.
The C5 X is also designed to offer a standard of luxury you might not expect given the relatively affordable price.
Rivals to the forthcoming big Citroen include the Peugeot 508 and Volkswagen Passat, although the C5 X might also tempt buyers from SUVs such as the Peugeot 3008 when it arrives in 2022.
3 Fiat Panda
Price: £11,000 (est)
On sale: 2022
A NEW Fiat Panda is expected to arrive soon, boosting the Fiat range alongside the stylish 500. The new car was previewed by the Centoventi concept of 2019, and Fiat says it will stay true to its roots as a low-cost, entry-level car that focuses on offering great value for money.
Now that Fiat is part of the Stellantis Group, the car is likely to be based on the group’s CMP platform, so it will share parts with some small Peugeots and Citroens, helping it to achieve economies of scale in order to keep prices low.
We even expect a few similar styling elements; the concept car showed some funky details that remind us of the Citroen C4 Cactus. The Stellantis connection means the car is likely to use the group’s 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, and electrified versions will feature too.
4 Mercedes G-Class 4x42
Price: £150,000
On sale: 2022
THE Mercedes G-Class is already a formidable off-roader, but it’s set to become even more focused when the new 4x4² model arrives next year.
This new version features bigger wheelarches, sturdier alloys and off-road tyres, plus beefier suspension and brakes. We expect the mechanical parts to be toughened up and protected from bashes and scrapes to boost the car’s all-terrain prowess even further. It’s set to use the same 4.0-litre V8 engine as the G 63 model, which produces 577bhp, although it may be detuned for better usability off road.
A nine-speed automatic gearbox will send power to all four wheels, but we expect different calibration and driving settings to boost traction.
5 BMW M2
Price: £60,000 (est)
On sale: 2022
THE new BMW 2 Series Coupé is extremely likely to spawn a high-performance M2 variant next year.
The new M2 will offer rear-wheel-drive thrills with a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine producing around 400bhp.
The car’s powerplant is most likely to be a detuned version of the unit found in the most recent M3 and M4 models.
It will take on the latest Audi RS 3 and the Mercedes-AMG 45 S hyper-hatches, but its unique selling point for keen drivers will be the availability of rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. However, buyers who prefer to let the car do the shifting itself will be pleased to hear that an automatic model will be available, too.
Spy shots suggest BMW will not be using the large kidney grille design that features on the new M4.
6 Cupra Born
Price: £32,000 (est)
On sale: 2022
THE Cupra Born is the first all-electric model from the fledgling sporty Spanish brand, and it’s coming in early 2022.
It is based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen ID.3, and there are some similarities in its styling, albeit with more dramatic bodywork and wheels.
The Born will come with 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh battery options, giving a range of up to 335 miles in the flagship version. Performance improves as you move through the range as well; the fastest edition can go from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, although all models are rear-wheel drive only for now.
Rapid 125kW charging means you can top up from 10-80 per cent in just over half an hour. The suspension will be set up to offer a focused driving experience.
7 Alfa Romeo Baby e-SUV
Price: £35,000 (est)
On sale: 2023
ALFA Romeo’s range of new SUVs will include a small all-electric model.
This new car hasn’t yet been made official, but being part of Stellantis gives Alfa access to the technology behind the Peugeot e-2008, meaning the new small electric SUV could come to market relatively quickly – as soon as 2023. Stellantis’s technology means the car is likely to have a 50kWh battery pack and a range of about 200 miles on a single charge, although it’s possible that by 2023 battery tech will have advanced further for an increased range.
The Alfa Romeo SUV will be more upmarket than the Peugeot, with a price tag to suit, but it should attract customers with its striking looks and the promise of reliability from the proven powertrain.
8 Dacia Jogger
Price: £15,000 (est)
On sale: 2022
IF you want a seven-seater and are on a tight budget, the new Dacia Jogger will be the cheapest example on the market when it goes on sale later this year.
Prices starting from around £15,000 mean the Jogger will retain Dacia’s trademark value for money, and thanks to rugged-looking add-ons, such as roof rails and a raised ride height, it might even appeal to some SUV lovers, too.
We’ve not seen a Dacia MPV in the UK before, although the Lodgy was previously available in other countries. The Jogger’s UK launch is part of a range expansion that includes the Bigster SUV (page 35) and new Sandero, both of which will sit on a version of the CMF-B platform also used by the latest Renault Clio and Captur.
9 Audi A6 e-tron
£55,000 (est)
