What will 2019 bring?
The popularity of SUVs has soared in recent years, and 2019 will be no different. As car buyers continue to demand the stylish looks and practicality of larger vehicles, manufacturers are finding new and exciting ways to meet those needs.
However, the big change next year will be towards lower-emission vehicles. Drivers will have more choice than ever before when it comes to economical cars, with a wide range of hybrid, electric and hydrogen models on offer.
But if speed, power and modern technologies are your thing – don’t worry – there’s plenty of that to come too!
Electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles
SUVs
Citroën C5 Aircross
Release date: Early 2019
Price: From £23,225
What to expect: An updated suite of safety and infotainment features. Three trim levels; Feel, Flair and Flair Plus. There’ll be a choice of petrol or diesel engines and six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. All models are front-wheel drive but there’ll be driving modes to help with tricky terrain. In terms of style, the floating roof, daytime running lights and airbumps make for a distinctive look. Inside, a large central console is surrounded by cupholders, smartphone charging area and upmarket materials.
DS3 Crossback
Release date: Spring 2019
Price: Estimated to start from £21,000
What to expect: A compact crossover with plenty of attitude. The petrol and diesel versions will arrive first, followed by an all-electric variant towards the end of next year. There are lots of chunky styling flourishes and more room inside. The 10-inch touchscreen takes centre place in the cabin and the diamond-patterned upholstery creates a luxurious feel.
SEAT Tarraco
Release date: January 2019
Price: From £28,320
What to expect: SEAT’s first seven-seater features lots of clever technology and styling that looks thoroughly modern. There are two four-cylinder petrol engines on offer and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel too. Expect a plug-in hybrid variant to follow in 2020.
ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS
Release date: Early 2019
Price: From £41,375
What to expect:ŠKODA’s upcoming Kodiaq vRS is the first in its line-up to feature biturbo technology. The 2.0-litre engine has a power output of 176 Kw and maximum torque of 500 Nm. Anyone with an active lifestyle will love this new model; it’s fun, practical and daring. As the first SUV to set a lap record around the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, it’s got more than enough sport credentials too.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Release date: Early 2019
Price: Estimated to start from £17,000
What to expect: A flexible SUV with striking features such as bold paint options and chrome accents. The modular seating arrangement makes it easy to expand the boot and transport bulky items. The Car-Net app means you can use your smartphone apps in the car and a Beats sound system is a welcome addition for music lovers. Safety features include lane assist, blind spot sensors and parking distance control.
Electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Release date: February 2019
Price: From £21,300
What to expect: A sleek, elongated shape with eye-catching features such as distinctive wheel designs and imposing front grille. A 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid engine on all trim levels with Toyota Hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
Audi e-tron
Release date: Early 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £71,000
What to expect: Audi’s first-ever all-electric car will be a luxurious electric SUV with bold looks and industry-leading features. Buyers can choose to remove the car’s door mirrors and replace them with cameras so you can view your surroundings from the screen inside. The electric motors produce up to 300 kW of power, propelling the e-tron from 0–62mph in less than 6 seconds.
Hyundai Nexo
Release date: Spring 2019
Price: From £60,000
What to expect: The first hydrogen-powered SUV you can buy from your local showroom. As a zero-emission vehicle, you won’t need to pay vehicle tax or congestion charges and you will also qualify for the government’s plug-in car grant. Unlike battery-powered cars, the Nexo will take just five minutes to refuel and has roughly double the range of electric cars.
Kia e-Niro
Release date: April 2019
Price: From £36,495
What to expect: An affordable electric car with an impressive range approaching 300 miles. The e-Niro is a spacious family car with the spec, performance and range to make EV ownership a more viable option for many.
Toyota Camry
Release date: Early 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £30,000
What to expect: A thoroughly modern revival of a classic saloon, complete with petrol-electric hybrid technology and intuitive equipment such as a 7-inch head-up touchscreen infotainment system. The 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor is the same as you’ll find in the RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota promises that the Camry will reach 0–62mph in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
Release date: Late 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £70,000
What to expect: A genuine rival to the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace. Complete with MBUX infotainment system with natural voice controls and AI learning ability. The EQC will be powered by an 80 kW battery pack, capable of a 280-mile range. Mercedes claims that it can reach 0–62mph in 5.1 seconds.
Family cars
Mazda 3
Release date: Summer 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £19,000
What to expect: The all-new 3 will take styling cues from the Kai concept which was unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. Choose either a 1.5- or 2.0-litre version of Mazda’s SkyActiv-G petrol engines. Both reportedly have 30% better efficiency figures than an ordinary diesel engine. Inside, there’ll be an 8-inch infotainment screen and a raft of intuitive driver safety features.
Ford Focus Active
Release date: January 2019
Price: From £21,900
What to expect: A range of body options, from estate to hatchback and crossover. The raised ride height gives a commanding view of the road ahead. Ecoboost and Ecoblue engine options provide great emissions figures. On the road, Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system has everything you need for an entertaining drive.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Release date: Available to order now
Price: From £26,975
What to expect: There are two trim levels; Sport and AMG Line. Standard kit includes a seven-inch infotainment screen, MBUX technology, voice recognition, 17-inch alloy wheels, lane keep assist and keyless entry. Upgrade to AMG Line for 18-inch alloys, a wider infotainment screen and Nappa leather interior. There are two petrol and two diesel engines to choose from, ranging from 1.3- to 2.0-litres.
Renault Clio
Current model.
Release date: Spring 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £13,000
What to expect: Upgraded engine variants (including a hybrid powertrain) and more premium materials inside.
Executive cars
Hyundai i30 Fastback N
Release date: Early 2019
Price: Estimated to start from £29,000
What to expect: The fastback version of the i30N will feature a 1.4-litre T-GDI engine and an elegant silhouette. Inside, there are N branded sports seats and sport steering wheel, metal pedals and N gear shift knob.
Volkswagen Arteon
Release date: Early 2019
Price: From £32,745
What to expect: A new 2.0-litre TSI 272 PS engine adds power to the Arteon range. It can reach 0–62 mph in just 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. Despite this, running costs are still impressive and drivers can configure the car to their requirements. Equipment is impressive and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive adds another string to the Arteon’s premium bow.
Volvo S60
Release date: Summer 2019
Price: Estimated to start from £30,000
What to expect: A sports saloon with a comfortable interior and a range of driving modes, intuitive technology features and efficient performance. There’s a large boot and enough head and legroom inside to seat five adults comfortably.
Sports cars
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé
Release date: Late 2019
Price: Estimated to start from £80,000
What to expect: A stunning coupé with a comfortable and luxurious interior. There’ll be a choice of petrol and diesel engines, and you can opt for four-wheel drive or four-wheel steering too. All models get an eight-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of performance, the M850i offers the most power, with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that produces 530 hp and can reach 0–62 mph in under four seconds.
Toyota Supra
Release date: Late 2019
Price: Estimated to start at £50,000
What to expect: A pure sports car produced by Toyota GAZOO Racing that has been developed with driving pleasure in mind. It has a six-cylinder petrol engine with a power output of 330 bhp. It’s front-engined and has rear-wheel drive with perfect 50:50 weight distribution for exceptional response and performance.
BMW Z4
Release date: March 2019
Price: From £36,990
What to expect: A timeless two-seat roadster with a modern twist. The soft-top roof takes just 10 seconds to unfold and you can do so at speeds up to 31 mph. With the M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, you can reach 0–62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Inside, BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system will keep you entertained with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and smart AI features.
City cars
Peugeot 208
The latest Peugeot 208.
Release date: Spring/Summer 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £13,000
What to expect: A refined supermini. All cars in the range will have a sportier look and better connectivity and infotainment. There’s also a possibility that an electric GTi model will join the line-up.
Vauxhall Corsa
Current model.
Release date: Early 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £14,000
What to expect: This popular small hatchback will be getting a fresh new look, an updated range of engines and even an all-electric option.
Fiat 500
Current model.
Release date: Autumn 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £12,500
What to expect: The same quirky features that have made this city car such a huge success but with updated colours and interior finishes. There is also likely to be new hybrid and electric options available alongside the traditional petrol and diesel variants.
Hot hatches
Ford Focus ST
Release date: Summer 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £25,000
What to expect: The new Focus ST is expected to feature an updated version of the 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder engine found in the current RS. It will be the fastest model in Ford’s range until the arrival of the Focus RS in 2020.
Mercedes-Benz AMG A35
Release date: Available to order now
Price: From £35,580
What to expect: Mercedes’ most affordable hot hatch yet. The same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine you’ll find in the A250, taking the car from 0–62mph in just 4.7 seconds. Inside, there’s the MBUX infotainment system with floating touchscreen interface and voice controls.
Mercedes-Benz AMG A45
Release date: Early 2019
Price: Estimated to start around £45,000
What to expect: The world’s most powerful hot hatch. Knocking the Audi RS 3 from its perch, the new AMG A45 will boast an astonishing 400+ bhp, four-wheel drive and a dual-clutch gearbox powertrain. This promises to be a performance hatchback like no other.
Prices correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.