Best new cars to look forward to in 2021

The best new car launches coming in 2021

There are signs that 2021 will surpass the whirlwind that was 2020 for many reasons. Not least because of the host of all-new cars some of our favourite motoring manufacturers are waiting to let loose onto our roads. 

Naturally, electric cars take a pivotal position in the best new cars of 2021 line up. But if emission-free driving hasn't grasped by the collar just yet, there are numerous hybrid options to take your fancy too. One thing is for sure though; the SUV will continue to reign supreme as the body style of choice for many. 

Here we tempt and tease you with our picks of the best new cars to expect in 2021 with confirmation on just why we like them. Want to join us on an exhilarating drive-by into the future of motoring? Then keep reading!

Alfa Romeo Tonale

It has been nearly two years since the Alfa Romeo Tonale was first revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. Now, Alfa Romeo have released further details on their latest concept vehicle. It is an SUV to sit alongside the Stelvio and will pose competition to the likes of the Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3.

It will be available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power, in addition to a Quadrifoglio performance version. Most excitement stems from this hybrid variant as it has been designed specifically to boost performance as well as efficiency. Taking inspiration from the likes of the Jeep Renegade, the plug-in hybrid Tonale will offer front and all-wheel drive: the petrol engine powering the front wheels and the electric motor powering the rear.

Why is the Alfa Romeo Tonale one of the best new cars of 2021? Alfa Romeo offer a small and carefully formed range. We trust that any addition to this well-formed line up will be something to look forward to.

Audi e-tron GT

While we would be right to expect the Audi e-tron GT to appear as a high powered, well-formed SUV, we would in fact be wrong. The latest electric car to join the prestigious Audi lineup will come in the form of a four-door coupe whose driving experience is set to compete with the Porsche Taycan. With an electric range of 250 miles and with torque by the bucket-load, what is there not to like? An even more powerful RS e-tron GT is expected to follow soon.

Why is the Audi e-tron GT one of the best new cars of 2021? Put 'GT' at the end of any model name and you've piqued our interest!

BMW iX3

If you are a fan of the BMW X3, you will be sure to be impressed by the new BMW iX3. Bucking the trend of their other models that share model lines, the BMW iX3 actually does take a lot of inspiration from the normal combustion X3. The iX3 is BMW's first i-badged SUV, it will be fully electric across its range and offers a range of around 285 miles between charges. Watch out the Mercedes EQC, you'll soon have tough competition!

Why is the BMW iX3 one of the best new cars of 2021? Making one of our favourite luxury crossovers emission free is the ultimate best of both worlds. 

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya is another fully electric concept car expected to make its debut in 2021. Its designers have chosen to follow the increasingly popular minimalist trend set by the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Honda e. As such, both inside and out, the new Nissan Ariya appears clean and sleek. And the influence of the much-loved Nissan Leaf is clear. 

Why is the Nissan Ariya one of the best new cars of 2021? It's Nissan's first fully electric SUV and, if it follows the likes of its hatchback counterpart, its a model we should all take notice of.

Renault Arkana

Renault continue to monopolise on the rise of the SUV with their latest release: The Renault Arkana. The Arkana will complement Renault's strong SUV lineup, sitting alongside of the Kadjar and the Captur. But what does the Arkana bring to the party? According to its designers, it promotes a "balance between the elegance of a saloon and the powerful stand of the SUV." Sometime dual genres can be the catalyst for a complete automotive flop, but we think the Arkana has real potential. It is expected to be on sale from July 2021 with buyers being able to choose between plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid variants.

Why is the Renault Arkana one of the best new cars of 2021? We're hoping the Arkana will offer us a more executive version to add to an SUV line up we already love.

Skoda Enyaq

The Skoda Enyaq is set to be a top player in the competitive ranks of the affordable fully-electric family SUV. If you've been considering the Kia e-Niro or the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Skoda Enyaq may offer an attractive alternative. As is standard of Skoda, their latest model will offer plenty of tech options but it will share the minimalist design popular among its fully-electric counterparts. A coupe version is expected to join the standard SUV soon after launch.

Why is the Skoda Enyaq one of the best new cars of 2021? We're a big fan of Skoda generally here at Carparison. Our fandom has plenty of room for growth, and we can't wait to put the Skoda Enyaq through its paces to see where it fits in the Skoda lineup. 

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota Yaris Cross debuts as the brand's smallest and most affordable SUV. As the name suggests, it takes close inspiration from its popular hatchback sibling, the Toyota Yaris. Its only engine option will be a 1.5-litre petrol with a supporting electric motor that adds performance and emissions benefits. The Toyota Yaris Cross will also be available in four-wheel drive, unlike a lot of its competitors. 

Why is the Toyota Yaris Cross one of the best new cars of 2021? It has solid foundations and stands out in its price category in terms of design.

Tesla Model Y

Although it is yet to appear in the UK, the Tesla Model Y is already on sale in the US. It is a smaller SUV to sit alongside the existing Tesla Model X. You'll have the choice between five or seven seats and, as hoped, there will be both long-range and performance model variants. The progressive range Tesla is renowned for is maintained and the Tesla Model Y will offer up to 314 miles of full-electric range. It will compatible with Tesla's rapid chargers and maintains Tesla's minimalist aesthetic. 

Why is the Tesla Model Y one of the best new cars of 2021? If pure electric driving pleasure is your aim, you will not have failed to take note of the Tesla range. The added practicality afforded by the Model Y adds an additional string to the already coveted Tesla bow. 

Best new cars of 2021

There it is: our pick of the best new cars coming over the next 12 months. 

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