Whether it’s electric or petrol power, there has been a whole range of exciting new models that have been launched this year, as well as pick-ups and performance cars.
Let’s take a look at the best new cars released so far in 2023.
Peugeot 408
One of the boldest new cars to launch so far in 2023 comes from Peugeot with its new 408. It’s a striking combination of SUV and fastback and certainly turns plenty of heads. But there’s a lot more to the 408 than just its styling, as with a very practical interior, it could make a fantastic family car.
The 408 also offers a high-quality interior, while has an especially comfortable ride that would make it ideal for longer trips. While you can have a regular petrol engine in this Peugeot, it’s the plug-in hybrids that are the ones to go for.
Honda Civic Type R
Honda’s main focus these days is electrified models, and until earlier this year, its full line-up was either all-electric or a hybrid. But that changed with the introduction of the latest Civic Type R hot hatch.
This model has a remarkable legacy as a performance car, and Honda has managed to make this latest Type R as engaging as ever. It’s without doubt one of the best driver’s cars of recent years. Honda is only selling it in small numbers, so you might have to battle to be able to get your hands on one, however.
Audi Q8 e-tron
The e-tron was Audi’s first all-electric model, and as the firm expands its EV line-up, Audi rebranded it to become the Q8 e-tron a little earlier in the year in a move that aims to reflect its upmarket status.
Along with a change of name, though, the Q8 e-tron also gets larger batteries, enabling much-improved ranges – Audi claims up to 343 miles from the ‘55’ version. Like before, you can also get it as a standard SUV or a sleeker coupe-like Sportback model.
Volkswagen ID.3
The ID.3 has been a hugely important for Volkswagen, helping to kick off its new ‘ID’ line-up of EVs. Despite only being introduced a few years ago, the rate of pace is rapid in this segment, so VW is already back with a facelifted version.
Key changes include a subtle exterior redesign that aims to clean the ID.3 up, while Volkswagen has worked to improve the material quality. Like before, there is a choice of powertrains, with the flagship 77kWh battery model enabling a seriously impressive claimed range of 347 miles.
Abarth 500e
Think EVs can’t be exciting? Abarth has set out to prove that doesn’t have to be the case with its new 500e. It’s one of the most interesting cars to be introduced this year as the Italian firm has really worked to make this hot hatch engaging.
It doesn’t have the most performance, but is still more than nippy enough, while also getting a cool ‘sound generator’ feature that replicates the noise of Abarth’s legendary exhaust systems.
Volkswagen Amarok
A new pick-up doesn’t come around all that often, but recently Volkswagen has introduced a new generation of its Amarok. It brings more muscular styling, as well as a completely modernised interior.
This latest Amarok is based on the Ford Ranger, but don’t let that put you off as this is a fantastic base, though the two pick-ups only sharing a handful of exterior parts.
BMW M3 Touring
The car community has been waiting a huge amount of time for BMW to create a Touring version of its legendary M3, but the wait was finally over earlier this year when the first examples started arriving with customers.
Mixing practicality with stunning performance and a fantastic interior, the M3 Touring is one of those cars that can do it all.
