From the all-electric Fiat 500 to Aston Martin’s ground-breaking new hybrid hypercar, Valhalla, 2021 looks set to be a bumper year for new car releases. But of all the models scheduled to hit showrooms over the next 12 months, which are the ones to watch?
Here, we’re taking a look at some of the cars we’re excited about in 2021, including hatchbacks, crossovers, saloons, supercars and EVs (electric vehicles). Use the links below to find the cars you’re most interested in or read on for the complete guide.
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Electric Cars
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8
Volvo is set to take its first steps into the world of EVs in 2021, as it launches its first all-electric model, the XC40 Recharge P8. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a cautious step forward for the Swedish manufacturer, with the Recharge based on the usual XC40 base. That said, the touted 248-mile range and trademark Volvo refinement could make this a winner for those wanting an EV that doesn’t compromise on luxury and comfort.
Fiat 500
The past few years have seen several well-known small cars receive an EV makeover, so it’s no surprise that Fiat has followed suit with an electric version of its iconic 500. The electric Fiat 500 is based on the usual petrol car, but will instead have a 117bhp electric motor which Fiat says is good for a range of about 200 miles. Could this be the car that finally brings electric to the masses?
Vauxhall Mokka-e
Vauxhall’s oddly-named compact crossover has proved a huge hit for the brand in recent years, so an electric model, set for release this year, seems a smart move. The Mokka-e will hit the market with a cool £30,940 price tag but don’t forget, government grants will bring that right down. As for the range, Vauxhall claims 201 miles, which means a lot of busy school runs on a single charge.
Hatchbacks
Citroen C4
French manufacturer Citroen has been on a good run of form in recent years, with models like the Cactus taking family hatchbacks into a whole new arena in terms of style and design. That’s why we’re excited about the release of the C4, which will become the brand’s flagship hatchback in 2021. The new car looks impressive inside and out, and a good mix of petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains means there’ll be an iteration for everyone.
Honda Civic
The launch of a new Honda Civic will always interest car fans, which is why the 2021 version has found its way on to our list. With Honda’s reputation for reliability and style, the Civic is sure to be a hit. Perhaps most exciting of all is talk of a new Civic Type R, a car considered the crème de la crème of hot hatchbacks.
Dacia Sandero
Sure, news of a new Dacia Sandero might not excite every car fan, but those shopping for a new car on a shoestring budget will welcome it. It’s no secret that this trim supermini comes in at thousands of pounds cheaper than rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa, and with this version, Dacia promises an updated interior and even more kit as standard. Anyone looking for a cheap run-around, watch this space.
SUVs and Crossovers
Renault Arkana
First, there were SUVs, then there were compact crossovers, and now there are SUV coupes. Renault’s Arkana is a prime example of this new breed of rugged crossover, with excellent, fastback styling giving it coupe looks on a raised chassis. Even with the sloping coupe roof, the Arkana gets a colossal boot, while the hybrid version is said to be so good, over 80% of journeys can be completed on electricity alone.
Audi Q5 Sportback
Another fastback SUV set to hit showrooms in 2021 is the Audi Q5 Sportback. With its sporty stance, chrome trim and huge front grill, the Q5 Sportback has all the trappings which have made Audi one of the UK’s biggest-selling car brands over the past decade. Sport suspension and a good range of performance powertrains mean the Sportback is no slouch either, making the Q5 excellent for munching miles on the motorway.
Nissan Qashqai
The crossover SUV that started it all; Nissan’s beloved Qashqai has been around for over a decade now, but has seen its share of the market drop in recent years thanks to a glut of new small SUV releases. The Japanese car brand is launching an all-new Qashqai in 2021, with updated styling and a mix of powertrain options to help it become king of the crossovers once more. We’re impressed with what we’ve seen of the new model so far, particularly the high-tech interior and premium styling.
Sports Cars and Saloons
Mercedes-AMG GT 73 EQ Power+
Ever since Ferrari began utilising hybrid technology onboard its fastest models, other manufacturers have been quick to follow suit, including Porsche and now Mercedes. The AMG GT 73 EQ Power+ will boast an 800 bhp hybrid engine when it’s released in late 2021, a powertrain with so much oomph, it’s capable of 0-62 in under three seconds – not bad considering the weight of its huge hybrid engine.
BMW M3 Competition
The BMW M3 has long been considered a proper driver’s car, and there are now several versions of what many see as the German manufacturer’s flagship model. The M3 Competition, then, is an extension of the M3 line-up, a car that’s more powerful and more rugged than the standard model. This new iteration, set for release in 2021, gets a higher-spec engine and four-wheel drive as standard – music to the ears of M3 purists.
Aston Martin Valhalla
At the opposite end of the scale to the Dacia we mentioned earlier; the Aston Martin Valhalla looks set to become the pin-up car of 2021. Based on a concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019, Aston Martin has confirmed that the Valhalla will replace the Valkyrie as its ultra-exclusive hypercar, with only a handful heading for the production line. And with a price tag set at over £1 million, this 1,000 bhp hybrid-powered monster is certainly made for a small market.
So, there you have it, 12 cars we’re excited to see hitting the forecourts in 2021. Do you agree with our list? Which cars are you looking forward to this year? Let us know on the Prestone UK Facebook page. Or to find out about our high-performance car maintenance products, visit the homepage.
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