The best new cars to buy in 2023, from city cars to SUVs
We pick the top models in each category
This year is shaping up to be a better one for car buyers than 2022, with plenty of excellent new cars on sale in the UK from which to choose.
Although long production delays for new cars still persist, with a slight easing of the global semiconductor shortage and a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in China, the supply of new cars has improved, which is good news for buyers.
Some manufacturers are even starting to reduce their prices and offer discounts again after a year that saw most hike their prices in response to the scarcity of brand new cars on forecourts.
That doesn’t mean, however, that choosing a new car has become very much easier, with a lot of big decisions still to be made.
Is petrol or diesel still the best option for you, or has the time come to take the plunge and go electric? How about a hybrid or plug-in hybrid as a stepping stone towards full electrification? Is it best to opt for a small crossover over a supermini, or a large SUV over an estate model? What if your lottery numbers have just come up?
These are important questions that need to be asked when buying a new car, but, thankfully, Driving.co.uk can offer some clarity on the matter with our guide to the best new cars to buy in 2023.
City car: Fiat 500
Price: From £28,195
The new Fiat 500 is everything that made the 2007 model such a hit, but modernised and electrified. It’s an achingly stylish city car and a doddle to drive around town.
Even better is the fact that, with a pure-electric powertrain, what was already handily manoeuvrable in urban environments has now been future-proofed against low- and zero-emission zones.
More than that, the handling, ride and balance are all improved over the old model, the electric drivetrain is smooth and punchy, and the infotainment system, technology and refinement are greatly improved.
Pros:
- Effortlessly stylish
- Tiny turning circle
- Zero emissions
Cons:
- Not the most spacious option
- Gets a little pricey with extras
- Up to 199 miles of range not ideal for longer trips
Alternatives:
- Honda e
- Toyota Aygo X
- Kia Picanto
- Suzuki Ignis
See our guide to the best city cars to buy in 2023
Small car (supermini): Toyota Yaris
Price: From £22,110
The Toyota Yaris has always had a stellar reputation as an outstandingly reliable and frugal runabout; the latest version is no different, powered by Toyota’s well-proven “self-charging” hybrid system (using a 1.5-litre petrol engine) and the ability to return up to 68mpg.
Whereas previous Yaris models were pretty dull, the current one, however, is one of the best-looking cars in its class and isn’t at all bad to drive.
Pros:
- Looks good
- Reputation for reliability
- Strong level of spec
Cons:
- Pricier than many rivals
- Only one engine option
- Auto transmission not to all tastes
Alternatives:
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Ford Fiesta
- Seat Ibiza
- Peugeot 208
- MG4
See our guide to the best small cars to buy in 2023
Compact SUV/ crossover: Dacia Duster
Price: From £15,795
The Dacia Duster is both bigger and tougher than most of its competitors despite being a whole lot less expensive. No, it’s not as jam-packed with tech and refinement as some of those rivals but judging by Dacia’s popularity in the UK, simplicity and sheer value are clearly what many buyers want.
The 113bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel version is the one to go for as it’s a reliable, willing and economical engine.
Pros:
- Exceptional value
- Bigger than pricier rivals
- Surprisingly capable off-road
Cons:
- A bit cheap-feeling inside
- Refinement reflected in price
- Poorer safety rating than rivals
Alternatives:
- Ford Puma
- Kia Niro
- Toyota Yaris Cross
- Nissan Qashqai
- Kia Sportage
- Genesis GV60
See our guide to the best small SUVs and crossovers to buy in 2023
Large SUV: Skoda Kodiaq
Price: From £33,485
Large SUVs are usually bought with family car duties in mind, and this is an area in which the Skoda Kodiaq excels. With seven seats and loads of boot space (a decent 270 litres even with all the seats in place), the Kodiaq makes for an ideal, practical family load lugger, while the quality and sense of solidity lend it an upmarket feel.
Of the two engine choices, the 148bhp 2-litre diesel version is the one to go for: it’s relatively efficient and has plenty of pulling power.
Pros:
- Practicality (seven seats, big boot)
- Quality
- Well-thought-out design
Cons:
- Plain looking
- Not many engine choices
- Interior a little dull
Alternatives:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- BMW iX
- Volvo XC90
- Dacia Jogger
- Peugeot 5008
Read our guide to the best large SUVs on sale in 2023
Company car: BMW i4
Price: From £56,185
The BMW i4 was the winner of the inaugural Company Car of the Year gong at The Times and Sunday Times Motor Awards 2022, recognising how big a part of the UK car market that company cars represent.
It was a worthy winner, too: the i4 is eligible for the all-important 2% BiK tax rate for electric cars and manages an impressive 365 miles between charges. It feels nicely screwed together, handles well and acceleration is addictively brisk.
Pros:
- Qualifies for 2% BiK tax rate
- First-class interior
- 365-mile range
Cons:
- Not cheap
- A little cramped in the rear
- Divisive front-end styling
Alternatives:
- Mercedes EQE
- Vauxhall Astra
- Skoda Superb iV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
Read Driving.co.uk’s guide to the best company cars on the market in 2023
Full (‘self-charging’) hybrid: Honda Civic
Price: From £30,495
The latest Honda Civic looks a lot more discreet than its predecessor and quality is — predictably — excellent. At the heart of the new Civic is a complex hybrid system primarily using the engine as a generator to charge the battery which then supplies energy to the propulsion motor.
The biggest net results of this are the facts that, with the engine rarely under stress, the Civic is capable of returning 60mpg and that refinement is also excellent. Even Jeremy Clarkson, who is vocal in his dislike of the Toyota Prius, thought so and unexpectedly commended the Civic as a quietly brilliant machine.
Pros:
- Handsome, discreet styling
- Good fuel economy
- Very refined
Cons:
- A little dull
- Slightly claustrophobic in the rear
- Somewhat pricey
Alternatives:
- Toyota Yaris
- Kia Sportage hybrid
- Toyota Corolla
- Ford Kuga FHEV
- Kia Sorento hybrid
Read our guide to the best self-charging hybrids on sale in the UK in 2023
Off-roader: Land Rover Defender
Price: From £51,365
The new Defender had a lot to live up to and, happily, it’s just as off-road-capable as ever while feeling thoroughly modern, comfortable and perfectly at home on the road (where, let’s face it, most Defenders will spend the majority of their lives).
Should drivers decide to go tackle the rough stuff, the Defender, with its raft of advanced traction control technology, short overhangs, significant ground clearance and class-leading wading ability, proves even more unstoppable off-road than its predecessor.
Pros:
- Excellent off road
- Seven-seat option
- Strong resale values
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy and emissions
- Reliability may be a concern
- Boot and rear seat space in shorter 90 models is tight
Sports car: Lotus Emira
Price: From £59,995
The Emira is the final petrol-powered car from Lotus as the brand seeks to go all-electric in the coming years. It’s a fitting send-off though, with trademark Lotus handling nous and more tech, comfort and refinement than ever before.
The Emira is a seriously strong effort from its maker, with rivals including the Alpine A110 and maybe, just maybe, even the Porsche 718 Cayman. We liked the Emira so much we awarded it Sports Car of the Year at The Times and Sunday Times Motor Awards 2022.
Pros:
- Outstanding handling
- Well-designed interior
- A lot more refined than Lotus models of old
Cons:
- Not much luggage space
- Stiff gear change
- A tad heavier than some rivals
Alternatives:
- Alpine A110
- Porsche 718 Cayman
- Toyota GR Supra
- Morgan Plus Six
- Jaguar F-Type
Luxury car: Rolls-Royce Ghost
Price: From £249,600
The Rolls-Royce Ghost, launched in 2020, is sumptuous beyond belief with exceptional build quality, carpets thicker than the deepest moss, hand-crafted fixtures and fittings and truly dazzling levels of comfort and luxury.
The Ghost is a sublime car that just feels that bit more special than its ultra-luxury rivals. But of course, that’s what we expected from Rolls. Read our full review here.
Pros:
- Supremely comfortable interior
- Outstanding ride
- V12 performance and refinement
Cons:
- You’ll pay much more than the base price after customisation
- Trick dampers don’t seem to add much to ride quality
- A bit ostentatious?
Alternatives:
- Bentley Flying Spur
- Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Related articles
- After reading about the best cars of 2023, you might want to see our guide to the best crossovers to buy in 2023
- Keen to go electric? Here are the top 10 longest-range electric cars
- Here are the UK’s Top 10 Most Popular Models
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