Best new cars coming in 2021
What can you expect to see in showrooms this year? Our guide reveals all
- Page 1 - Superminis and family hatchbacks
- Page 2 - Small SUVs and family SUVs
- Page 3 - Large SUVs and fast SUVs
- Page 4 - Coupes, convertibles, saloons and estates
- Page 5 - Hot hatchbacks and MPVs
- Page 6 - Cars coming in 2022 and beyond
Fast SUVs coming in 2021
Cupra Formentor VZ5
On sale: Spring
Cupra’s first exclusive model is borrowing the characterful 2.5-litre engine from the Audi RS3, creating a powerful range-topper. Only 7,000 VZ5 models will be produced, with 385bhp and some unique features, but all will be left-hand drive and only a handful will come to the UK.
Read more about the Cupra Formentor VZ5 here.
Hyundai Kona N
On sale: Now
The wraps have come off the new Hyundai Kona N performance SUV. It boasts a 276bhp petrol engine, front-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox with unique gearshift modes. As the range-topping model, the Kona N gets an array of styling upgrades and a sporty interior, and will be a direct rival to high-riding performance models like the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Ford Puma ST.
Read our review of the Hyundai Kona N here.
Kia EV6
On sale: Now
The electric Kia EV6 has been unveiled and is the fastest model ever produced by the Korean brand. The new car is an electric crossover based on the Kia Imagine concept. It is capable of over 300 miles of range, with the fastest GT model hitting 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, rivalling performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan. The EV6 costs a lot less though, starting from around £40,000. The flagship GT model costs around £60,000.
Read more about the Kia electric SUV here.
Volkswagen Tiguan R
On sale: Now
It seems like many companies are producing fast SUVs now, and the previously straight-laced Volkswagen Tiguan is now available with a 316bhp petrol engine. Standard-fit four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox allows it to sprint from 0-62mph in under five seconds - a time few hot hatches can match. Prices start from around £46,000.
Read more about the Volkswagen Tiguan R here.
Large SUVs coming in 2021
BMW iX
On sale: Autumn
BMW has unveiled the divisive looking iX, which will be the company’s flagship electric SUV. Power will stand at around 500bhp, and you’ll be able to travel up to 376 miles on a charge, although the battery will deplete much quicker if you make use of all that power.
Read more about the BMW iX here.
BMW X8 and X8 M
On sale: Late 2021
BMW has trademarked ‘X8 M’ after doing the same for ‘X8’ several years ago. This suggests it may be working on a new super-luxurious SUV with a high-performance M variant. It would likely be heavily based on the BMW X7 but will take aim at cars like the Bentley Bentayga, and will have a six-figure price tag to match.
Read more about the BMW X8 here.
Hyundai Santa Fe
On sale: Now
Hyundai’s latest large SUV is now on sale, with prices starting from just over £40,000. The last Santa Fe was only on sale for two years but a new platform and two hybrid options should make the new model last longer.
Read our review of the new Hyundai Santa Fe here.
Lagonda SUV
On sale: Unknown
Now that the Aston Martin DBX has launched, the British company will turn its focus to launching a luxury SUV under its Lagonda brand. Unlike the current crop of mega SUVs, however, the Lagonda will stand out with a purely electric powertrain. Few things are known about the ‘All-Terrain concept’ yet, but we’re told the production version will retain the boldness of the concept - if it makes production at all.
Read more about the Lagonda SUV here.
Land Rover Defender V8
On sale: Now
A range-topping V8 version of the new Land Rover Defender 110 has been added to the line-up. It’s be a modern iteration of the original Defender V8, and will cost around £100,000. Power comes from the 5.0-litre V8 found in the Range Rover Sport SVR, and there’s 518bhp and a five-second 0-62mph time.
Read our review of the Land Rover Defender here.
Tesla Cybertruck
On sale: Unknown
Anyone who was expecting the Tesla Cybertruck to look like a relatively conventional pickup (we did!) was very much mistaken. The futuristic Cybertruck is completely different to any commercial vehicle on our roads. The most powerful version is said to have a range of more than 500 miles and a maximum towing capacity of over six tonnes. It may not come to Europe, however.
Read more about the Tesla Cybertruck here.
Toyota Highlander
On sale: Now
Toyota’s newest SUV sits above the RAV4. The Toyota Highlander is a seven-seater and will be hybrid only, using the same 2.5-litre engine as the RAV4. It’ll come with a big boot and plenty of equipment, including a Land Rover-style digital rear-view mirror, and is cheaper to buy than the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90 T8.
Read our review of the Toyota Highlander here.
Volkswagen ID. Roomzz
On sale: Late 2021
Volkswagen showrooms may change in the next few years, as the cars we’re used to will be joined by electric versions. The ID. Roomzz concept is larger than a Volkswagen Touareg, suggesting it’ll be the company’s flagship and most expensive electric car. It’ll share styling with the rest of the VW ID. range, including the ID.3 hatchback. The ID. Roomzz is unlikely to come to the UK, however.
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