As the pandemic slowly begins to loosen its grip on the UK, households across the country are setting their sights on making up for lost time. For millions, this means taking to the roads for long-overdue weekend breaks, summer holidays and trips to visit family and friends.
Not to mention, the perfect excuse to upgrade the family car.
Flexible car finance is making it more affordable than ever to pick up a high-quality car that is a joy to drive. With interest rates hovering around record-lows, there has never been a better time to take the plunge.
But if looking to step up to something seriously special this year, which are the most notable new cars to watch for in 2022?
BMW iX1
The all-new electric version of the iconic BMW X1 is set to shake up this high-end segment of the EV market. Not only does it come loaded with an amazing 282bhp electric engine, but it also has a top range in excess of 200 miles. Best of all, it can be charged to a capacity of 80% in just half an hour. No waiting around for your next the journey with this all-round amazing EV. It won’t be cheap, but the BMW iX1 showcases just how far EV technology has come over a relatively short period of time.
Skoda Fabia
Significantly more affordable yet no less desirable, the latest incarnation of the Skoda Fabia improves on everything that made its predecessors great. It sports an updated exterior and interior design, there is a whole bunch of new engine options available and it has a significantly larger boot. It’s also set to be as affordably priced as any past-generation Fabia, sealing the deal on a car that is also known for holding on to its value with impressive reliability.
Citroen Ami
Expect to see a lot more from the Citroen Ami over the coming months – particularly if you live in a busy urban environment. Designed exclusively for short jaunts around town, this quirky little car comes in with a top speed of just 30 miles per hour; it also has a range of less than 50 miles, which may call into question its appeal on paper. Still, when you realise the Citroen Ami will be sold from as little as £6,000 complete with an extensive warranty, you know you’re looking at a smash hit in the making.
Dacia Jogger
Dacia has a long history of putting out quality cars and SUVs that surpass their impossibly low prices. Something they are set to do again with the new Dacia Jogger – a no-frills seven-seater that’s all business. Basically, you will be hard pressed to find anything for close to this kind of price that delivers the same all-round practicality and reliable performance.
Fiat Panda
The last few versions of the Fiat Panda have all been fantastic. Compact, reliable, safe, fuel-efficient and cheap as chips – everything you need from a simple every day car. With the new Panda, the car’s design has been tweaked to make it a closer approximation of the Fiat 500. There is not a lot about the new Panda that is not to like – especially its starting price of just £11,000. As with its predecessors, you’ll struggle to find anything as enjoyable to drive for the same kind of money. That is, just as long as boot space isn’t your biggest priority.
Mercedes EQE
It has been a long time coming, but the Mercedes EQE is finally set to touch down this year. Despite packing a serious amount of power under the hood, this stunning-looking EV has a maximum range of around 410 miles. All the luxury and sophistication you would expect from a Mercedes, but with the incredible efficiency of a cutting-edge EV. Some have slated the Mercedes EQE as the first real challenge for Tesla’s more upmarket vehicles, which is quite the compliment.
Aston Martin DBX Coupe
The Aston Martin DBX Coupe is just about as good as it gets, if money is no object. Building on the brand’s inimitable legacy, the DBX Coupe is a firm contender for one of Aston’s most eye-catching outings to date. It has got all the power and sophistication you would expect from an Aston Martin SUV, but it is the way this car looks that makes it the stuff of dreams.