The Y reg, launched in September 2001, was the very last of its kind before we moved into the number plate system we still use today, starting with the 51 plate.

If you bought a car around that time, you’ll probably remember the buzz of seeing the very first “new style” plate on the road. And while the reg plate system might’ve been the most obvious change, the past 25 years have brought so many other shifts in the automotive world and in our everyday lives too.

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane…

Rear of old 25 plate car

Lupo GTI (2001-2004) parked by the side of the road

Goodbye Y Reg, Hello 51 Plate

Before 2001, registrations ran on a single new release each August, with each year tied to a letter. When the system hit “Y” in 2001, it was the end of the line. The government switched to the number system to make it easier to understand, and to allow for two new releases each year, in March and September.

That’s why today you’ll see plates like 25 reg (released in March 2025) and the upcoming 75 reg (due in September 2025). It’s a system that not only made things simpler but also gave buyers more opportunities each year to drive away in a brand new car.

Close up of 2000 badging on car

The Rise of Technology in Cars

Back in 2001, having a CD player in your car felt pretty fancy. Fast forward 25 years, and we’ve now got touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, parking cameras, adaptive cruise control and even cars that can park themselves.

Satnavs were once a chunky accessory stuck to your windscreen, whereas today they’re seamlessly built in. Safety technology has also come on leaps and bounds, with features like lane assist and automatic emergency braking now common across many new models.

And of course, one of the biggest shifts of all, the rise of the electric car. In 2001, the idea of charging your car at home seemed like science fiction. Now, EVs are becoming a normal sight on our roads, with models like the Audi Q4 e-tron, Volkswagen ID.4 and CUPRA Born showing just how far things have come.

Close up shot of all available fuel options at a fuel station

Fuel Prices Then and Now

Here’s a stat that might make you nostalgic (or maybe just sigh), in 2001 the average price of a litre of petrol was around 77p. By comparison, today’s prices are more than double that.

It’s no wonder more of us are now looking at hybrids and electric vehicles as an alternative.

Not only do they save on fuel, but the choice of models available has grown massively in the last decade. From the Honda e:Ny1 to the Peugeot E-2008, there’s now an EV to suit almost every lifestyle.

Close Up Image of an Old Rear Light on a Car

Cars Through the Years

Think back to some of the most popular cars of the early 2000s: the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 206, Renault Clio, all regular sights on UK roads. Many of those models are still around today in some form, but they’ve had major design overhauls to keep up with modern tastes and technology.

Fast forward 25 years and buyers are spoilt for choice, whether you’re after a brand new SUV like the Volkswagen T-Cross, a sporty hatchback like the CUPRA Leon, or a family friendly car like the Peugeot 3008. Even used car classics have their place, with Motor Match offering a wide choice of well-loved models from trusted brands.

 Beyond Cars: A Quick Look Back

It’s not just the automotive world that’s changed since the Y reg days. In 2001, most of us had a Nokia phone with the game snake, DVDs were taking over from VHS tapes, and streaming wasn’t even on the radar. Social media as we know it didn’t exist yet and Facebook was still three years away.

It’s a reminder of just how much the world has moved on, and how cars have adapted alongside our changing lifestyles.

Thinking About Your Next Car?

Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the days of Y reg cars or excited about the future of motoring, the past nearly 25 years show just how quickly things can change.

Here at Swansway Motor Group, we’ve been helping drivers through all those changes, from the last days of the letter reg system, right through to today’s latest hybrids and EVs. Whether you’re after a new Audi, BYD, CUPRA, Honda, Land Rover, PEUGEOT, SEAT, Volkswagen or Volkswagen Van our friendly teams are here to help you find the right vehicle to fit your lifestyle.

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