69 plate new releases

Superminis

Three key new arrivals are just about to hit UK dealer showrooms – all-new versions of the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208 and its cousin, the Vauxhall Corsa.

Family Hatchbacks

Vauxhall has revamped its Astra with all-new engines. And the recently launched all-new Mazda3 now has a clever ‘SKYACTIV-X’ supercharged engine that combines high performance with high economy. If you want a family hatch-sized car with a premium badge, there’s the all-new BMW 1 Series to consider. And Mercedes is just launching the estate versions of its recently introduced CLA four-door compact coupe.

People Carriers

If your family needs a large MPV, there’s the Vivaro Life, a passenger-carrying version of the recently introduced third generation Vivaro van. Or, if you’d like something more premium, more up-market and more ‘car-like’, Mercedes has significantly revamped its V-Class MPV.

Small SUVs

This is the real market growth area at present and more contenders will shortly be launched. Skoda has its smallest SUV to show you, the Kamiq, which will go up against all-new versions of the Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008 and the Mitsubishi ASX that are just about to be launched. Early next year, we’ll see the new Ford Puma small SUV and the Mercedes GLB too.

Mid-Sized SUVs

If you need a family-sized SUV, there’s the new Kia XCeed, the new Ford Kuga and the shortly-to-be introduced, mild hybrid, Subaru Forester to consider. A newer, sportier premium model from Audi is found in the Ingolstadt brand’s new Q3 Sportback. If you need a larger mid-sized premium SUV, Mercedes has revised its GLC and GLC Coupe models. And Audi has a new diesel version of its sport Q5, the SQ5.

Large SUVs

BMW’s new generation X6 aims to resume leadership of the large SUV Coupe segment, but close competition will come from the all-new Porsche Cayenne Coupe. If you want a more conventional large premium SUV, there’s the new Mercedes GLE and there are heavily revised versions of the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90 now on sale. Plus, an all-new version of the Audi A6 allroad luxury go-almost-anywhere estate.

Eco-Friendly models

There’s plenty to talk about here. We’ll start with hybrids; Toyota’s Prius has been heavily revised for 2019 and now includes the option of 4WD. And its closest competitor Hyundai’s IONIQ has already been comprehensively updated in hybrid, full-electric and plug-in forms, as has the Kia Niro.

What about full EVs? Well there are now full electric versions of the Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii citycars. And if you want a battery-powered supermini, there’s the new Vauxhall Corsa-e, which goes up against the full-electric version of the new Renault Clio and Peugeot’s e208. What about a full-electric small SUV? There’s the new Peugeot e-2008, the DS 3 Crossback E-TENS, the Kia Soul EV and the MG ZS EV. Nissan’s more conventional LEAF EV now comes in a more powerful ‘E+’ version. And, in the luxury SUV segment, Mercedes is just about to launch its new EQC to go up against the Audi e-tron and the Jaguar I-PACE. Tesla has also now launched its all-electric Model 3 (at last).

Mid-Sized Executive models

There are revised versions of the Ford Mondeo, the Skoda Superb and the Volkswagen Passat all now on sale. If you want a premium badge and versatility, you’ll want to know about the new BMW 3 Series Touring estate.

Full-Sized Executive models

Mercedes has revised its E-Class range with new plug-in petrol and diesel variants. Lexus has launched its new ES against both these models. In the larger luxury saloon segment, the big news is the arrival of a heavily revised version of the BMW 7 Series. BMW has also just announced its new four-door 8 Series Gran Coupe.

Sporty Cars

Fancy something sporty? Mercedes’ AMG-engineered A 45 could suit. Or, perhaps the new Toyota Supra GR sports coupe. If you’re a boardroom type, you might like the idea of the new Audi S8 saloon or the BMW M8 (Coupe and Convertible).

Pick-ups

Ford has heavily revised its Ranger pick-up and Nissan has done the same with its Navara.

Overall, it’s hard to remember when there was a wider choice of new models for a registration plate change. Research your chosen car carefully, make time for more than the odd test drive and enjoy the buying process.

If you’re looking for more information on these models, make sure you check out our new car reviews with our handy 10-point rating system. There’s also plenty of used car guides.