The best new cars for 2025

BYD Dolphin Mini

Having made progress in the UK with the Seal and full-size Dolphin, Chinese car manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) is now aiming for the small electric car market with its new Dolphin Mini (as shown above). Priced to match the UK's cheapest electric car, Dacia's Spring, the Dolphin Mini can seat four people and offers a range of 175 miles. However, it lacks a bit of performance: with a small 74bhp engine located at the front, it takes nearly 15 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill, priced from £16,000.

Dacia Bigster

Expected to arrive in the spring, this spacious family SUV (larger than the Dacia Duster) could appeal strongly to buyers who are considering alternative models like the Kia Sportage, primarily due to its competitive pricing, ample boot space, and good fuel efficiency (up to 50mpg). The vehicle is set to be available with two petrol engines – a mild hybrid and a 155bhp full hybrid. Inside, Dacia has taken an uncomplicated approach to its infotainment system, greatly simplifying its controls with the use of physical buttons, and the starting price is expected to be around £25,000.

Volkswagen ID.2

The ID.2 is a new car described as an "homage to the Golf, Polo and Beetle" and is targeted at the suburban supermini market. It's a fast, affordable, and practical electric small car that can accelerate from 0-62mph in around seven seconds and will be driven from the front wheels. It will come with a new 223bhp motor and a choice of two battery sizes (38kWh and 56kWh) offering a maximum range of up to 280 miles. A high-performance GTI version will also be available. Inside, a large 12.9in central touchscreen will be standard on models starting from £21,000.

Ford Puma Gen-E

Unveiled at the end of last year, the Ford Puma electric is poised to challenge top-selling family vehicles like the Kia EV3 and Renault 5. This crossover, built in Romania, features a 43kWh battery with a WLTP range of 233 miles. It's expected to take approximately 23 minutes to charge from 10-80% using a 100kW fast charger. The Ford Puma also boasts a large boot space and ample additional storage in the front compartment. The interior includes a 12in touchscreen and a 12.8in digital display, which is available from a price of £29,995.

Range Rover Electric

Jaguar Land Rover claims that the company's all-electric luxury Range Rover model is expected to have similar off-road capabilities to its petrol-powered counterpart, boasting a maximum depth of water it can wade through of 850mm. This is due in part to torque management, which enables better control over the car's wheels for improved agility. On motorways, the model should offer a smooth ride. With a 0-62mph time of just 4.5 seconds, it also has a claimed electric range of around 300 miles, and is designed with an 800-volt electric powertrain, which is expected to allow for faster recharging (estimated cost £104,000).

Renault 4 E-Tech

The success of the new Renault 5 has generated high expectations for this larger, advanced electric compact SUV. The Comfort model boasts a 150bhp engine and a 52kWh battery, offering a maximum range of 249 miles, whereas the more affordable Urban Range reaches a maximum of 186 miles. Engineered for city driving, it is likely to bring together a smooth ride and responsive handling with its "gloriously retro interior," coupled with an electronic voice assistant, all from a price point of £28,000.

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