Our favourite new cars launched in 2024.

There has been no shortage of fun new entrants into the car market this year.

While electric seems to be reigning supreme, with nearly every entrant a full EV number, there are still some innovative petrol and diesel (and hybrid) cars knocking about for those who aren’t quite ready to make the switch yet.

But we won’t lie – the funnest of the new entrants into the automotive market this year are mostly electric.

There’s good reason. EVs allow brands to be innovative and playful, bringing something new to the table while still updating and facelifting their stalwart combustion engine models in the background.

Not to mention the impending 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars meaning that many manufacturers are looking to the future, and the longevity of their brand.

And the uptick in electric manufacturing really shows.

The more brands that start turning their hand to EV, the more competition there is, and the better the cars get. And 2024’s batch of new models are some of the best we’ve seen, from both newer manufacturers like BYD and Polestar, and staples of the scene like Ford, Kia and Renault.

Best of all?

They’re all available to lease right now.

BYD SEAL U

BYD SEAL U

The latest car to hit our roads from newcomer BYD, the BYD SEAL U – full name BYD SEAL U DM-i with Super DM Technology – is a plug-in hybrid number set to sell in numbers.

Swerving BYD’s formerly all-electric attack, the BYD SEAL U is designed to appeal to us Brits, bridging the gap between combustion engine and full electric with its battery capable of travelling up to 93 miles (WLTP Comb) with the engine off.

In looks, the SEAL U is a chunkier SUV version of the BYD SEAL. But the two are really only similar in the name and styling department – where the SEAL is a sleek electric saloon, the SEAL U is a hybrid SUV, built to rival the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

As well as the Ford Kuga, Renault Captur, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, and about 300 other family SUVs all vying for this slice of the market. The SEAL U doesn’t break new ground here, but it does do what it says on the tin very nicely indeed.

Browse our best BYD SEAL U lease deals

Kia EV3

Kia EV3

It’s no big secret that Kia have become one of the best electric car manufacturers in recent years.

The Kia EV6 (Kia’s first bespoke EV) was a runaway success, the seven-seater Kia EV9 actually brought something new and fresh to the MPV market – and now comes the Kia EV3.

It’s a fully electric crossover – the spiritual successor to the Kia Soul – and comes in at a much more affordable price point than Kia has been going after so far. Size-wise, it’s similar to the Kia Sportage, and it’s based on a chunky concept car that Kia revealed last October.

But, despite its more affordable price, Kia haven’t scrimped on the brief. It ticks all the boxes: spacious cabin, plenty of tech, good range (up to 267 miles on the Standard Range, and up to 372 miles on the Long Range - both WLTP Comb).

The Kia EV3 makes a lot of sense for your next electric lease, if you’re after a well-rounded car that’ll look good on your drive, without breaking the bank.

Browse our best Kia EV3 lease deals

MG Cyberster

MG Cyberster

We have been waiting for a fully electric roadster to hit our roads and MG have finally answered our prayers with the debut of the MG Cyberster. 

Launching ahead of the Porsche Boxster, Polestar 6 and the oft-talked-about-but-not-yet-seen Tesla Roadster (and for a lower price – everyone say ‘thank you MG’), the MG Cyberster heralds a new age of EVs. 

A fun one.

Listen, we know all the practicalities of why electric cars are so beneficial for so many of us. Often cheaper to run, jam-packed with the best tech, functional and versatile for the whole family.

But sometimes, you just want your car to be fun.

And the MG Cyberster is just that.

(Don’t get us wrong – it’s practical too, with a surprisingly spacious cabin for two, large boot and claimed range of up to 376 miles. But mostly it’s very fun.)

Browse our best MG Cyberster lease deals

MINI Aceman

MINI Aceman

Sandwiched between the smaller MINI Cooper and the larger MINI Countryman, the MINI Aceman is a brand-new electric crossover designed to bridge the gap.

At around four metres long, the Aceman uses the same platform as the current electric MINI Cooper (but stretched out a little) with the same mix of batteries and powertrains.

The entry-level MINI Aceman E has a 42.5kWh battery for a WLTP Comb claimed range of 193 miles, while the Aceman SE gets a 54.2kWh battery for a bigger 253-mile WLTP Comb claimed range. When it comes to trim levels, MINI are offering three from launch: Classic, Exclusive and Sport.

Regardless of trim, the Aceman looks like a MINI, all short overhangs and round headlights and a squat body with few curves.

But looks and stats are not the best bit about the MINI Aceman. The best bit is MINI’s virtual four-legged assistant, Spike. Yeah, that’s right. MINI have made their virtual assistant a dog.

We’re sold.

Browse our best MINI Aceman lease deals

Polestar 3

Polestar 3

Over the past few years, Polestar have become a major player in the EV game.

And they’ve basically done it with one car – their second ever launch and their first all-electric car, the Polestar 2.

The Polestar 3 is the brand’s next step, and it feels like a natural one. The Polestar 2 rivals the Tesla Model 3, going after the elongated, sleek fastback crowd. The Polestar 3 is a full size SUV, and will appeal to those who want the additional space and practicality that a big ol’ SUV brings.

It’s the first Polestar built to be a Polestar, rather than just being derived from a Volvo project, and the time and care that’s gone into creating the 3 really shows.

Not only is it extremely practical with its spacious and comfortable cabin, and generous boot, but it’s also really quite striking. It’s not quite as aggressive as your run-of-the-mill SUV. It’s definitely a Polestar, and a much sleeker machine than you might expect.

And with a WLTP Comb range of between 348 and 390 miles, the Polestar 3 really puts its money where its mouth is.

Browse our best Polestar 3 lease deals

Polestar 4

Polestar 4

‘Another Polestar?!’ we hear you cry. And you’d be correct. Yes, another Polestar.

After launching the Polestar 2 in 2019, Polestar went pretty dark on the ‘releasing new cars’ thing. But they’re back with a vengeance, and by the looks of things? Polestar are ready to tackle some pretty big and increasingly crowded sectors of the market, starting with the SUV Polestar 3.

The Polestar 4, perhaps a little confusingly, actually sits between the 2 and the 3 in terms of price and size, but it’s called the 4 because it’s the fourth car to be launched.

Still with us?

It’s an electric coupe-SUV, and it’s tipped to be Polestar’s best-seller going forward. And we wouldn’t be surprised if it is. Coupe-SUV’s are becoming increasingly popular, marrying the practicality of the SUV with the sleek, stylish looks of the coupe, a la the Volkswagen ID.5, Volvo EC40 and Renault Arkana.

And with this one being a Polestar, you just know it’s going to be good. 

Browse our best Polestar 4 lease deals

Ford Capri

Ford Capri

Stand down, old Capri lovers – this isn’t the same Capri you knew and loved in the ‘60s and ‘70s. 

But it is a very good-looking and very nice electric crossover, based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform (the same underpinnings as VW’s ID. badged range). 

It embraces the currently-very-popular coupe look, and slaps the iconic Capri badge on the front. According to Ford, the new electric Capri is what the Seventies icon would have evolved into. And who are we to argue?

The Ford Capri is the brand’s second electric car, after the new Ford Explorer, and it’s a good one. Bigger than the Explorer, this is the car of choice if you want a family-friendly electric Ford for your next car lease.

And the stats match up to its looks and name. It’ll be available with several battery and powertrain options, giving you a claimed WLTP Comb range of between 368 and 390 miles. It really feels like brands have been listening to consumers over the last few years, and offering their EVs with whacking great batteries from the off.

No range anxiety over here.

And with a 627L boot, plenty of cabin storage and a comfortable interior, the Ford Capri is an excellent pick.

Browse our best Ford Capri lease deals

Renault Symbioz

Renault Symbioz

Sitting pretty between the Captur and the Austral is the new Renault Symbioz.

It fills that midsize SUV gap, rivalling the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, and giving families more flexibility than a compact SUV, but without having to worry about manoeuvring a big beast around town and down windy country lanes.

And with the name meaning ‘symbiosis’, or ‘living together’, it’s pretty clear the angle that Renault are taking with their latest release.

Renault aren’t new to the family wagon market, and over the years have perfected the formula. The Renault Grand Scenic accompanied my family on many a trip, traipsing everywhere from Wales to Brittany. The Symbioz might be the newest member, but it’s got an illustrious history behind it.

There are no shortages of Renault SUVs to pick from, but this will be the one for you if you’re after something sizeable, efficient but still with that premium feel to it.

Browse our best Renault Symbioz lease deals

CUPRA Tavascan

CUPRA Tavascan

A sportier take on the SUV, the CUPRA Tavascan is the brand’s second electric car.

And – say it with us now – it’s an electric coupe-SUV. Anyone else think 2024 and 2025 are going to be the year of the coupe-SUV, after a few years of the crossover hatchback/SUV reigning?

We’re not mad about it. 

CUPRA have carved themselves out a little sporty niche within the automotive market, and are fast becoming known for their take on some classics. The CUPRA Formentor is a sporty take on the crossover SUV, the CUPRA Born a sporty take on the electric hatchback – and now the Tavascan has landed.

It took CUPRA around four years to get the Tavascan to production, after revealing the bold concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, but that time hasn’t been wasted.

The CUPRA Tavascan is a striking car, tipped to rival the Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya.

But it’s not just good-looking. It’s a practical car, with a full-size boot that doesn’t lose much space to the sloping roof, and a spacious cabin. The stats are good too, with a WLTP Comb range of between 326 and 355 miles.

It’s not a car that’s going to leave you stranded on the M5. And it’s not a car that’s going to rinse you of all your money. It’s the best of both worlds, wrapped up in a beautiful little package.

Browse our best CUPRA Tavascan lease deals

Ready to get your new car leasing journey on the road?

Beth Twigg

Beth Twigg

Beth is our Content Marketing Manager, tasked with creating great articles to keep you both entertained and informed. She has two years previous experience, but has been writing and scribbling for much longer.