The motor industry never stands still. Every year brings a fresh wave of new models across every segment and budget, and 2025 was no exception. From small hatchbacks to big seven-seat SUVs, car makers have been investing heavily to bring UK drivers more choice than ever.
Around 1.9 million new cars are bought in the UK every year. That tells its own story; British drivers are hungry for the latest motor. They want the next thing, the newest development, the safest, the cleanest, the quickest.
The same pattern is repeated across the globe, with millions of new buyers scanning adverts and test reviews in Europe, America, Asia and beyond before making a choice on their next set of wheels.
The world’s car manufacturers know all this, and it is a constant job to design and develop the next generation of models. That is good news for car buyers, because it means a wide range of choice across all sectors of the market, from compact hatchbacks and crossovers to larger seven-seat family cars.
2025 was a great example of how the industry is meeting that challenge. It was a strong year for new cars. Here are ten of MotorCheck’s favourite cars of 2025 for UK drivers.
1. Abarth 600e
The Abarth 600e is a sporty compact SUV from Italian giant Fiat’s performance arm. It is bold, quick and, because it is fully electric, impressively quiet.
Abarth is known for its nippy little speedsters like the 500 and 124 Spider, so this is a useful departure with much more room inside. Based on Fiat’s 600 model, the 600e gives you five seats and a full-sized boot area, making it a realistic option if you have a family to move around. With 0–62mph acceleration of around six seconds and an agile feel on the road, there is still plenty of fun to be had.
The sharp, characterful styling will turn heads and there is a good range of options if you want to personalise the car and make it your own.
- Top speed: 124mph
- Price guide: £36,000
2. BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 is another electric SUV, this time from Chinese manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams), which has already launched the Seal and Dolphin in the UK. It offers a generous level of standard equipment in a practical, family-friendly package.
Inside, there is a large 15-inch infotainment screen which can rotate 90 degrees at the push of a button. Driver and passengers can choose different ambient lighting modes, use all-round cameras when parking, and enjoy heated seats, climate control and adaptive cruise control.
Performance is strong. Even the entry-level model reaches 62mph in under seven seconds, while higher-spec versions cut that time to around four and a half seconds. Supportive seats and a neat interior design help it feel comfortable on longer journeys as well as around town.
- Top speed: 133mph
- Price guide: £45,000
3. Citroën C5 Aircross
Comfort is the key word for the Citroën C5 Aircross. The French brand is well known for its smooth, bump-soaking suspension and the C5 Aircross makes full use of that.
The latest version includes a facelift, more interior space and a broader choice of engines, including hybrids and a fully electric option. That brings a spread of performance figures, but 0–62mph times typically sit between eight and 11 seconds depending on the powertrain.
The driving position is very good, with sensible seat height, steering wheel adjustment and pedal placement, all of which help on long trips. Passengers benefit from a comfortable ride and a practical, family-orientated cabin.
- Top speed: 125mph
- Price guide: £31,000
4. Dacia Bigster
Romanian manufacturer Dacia has worked hard over the past few years to move from purely value-for-money cars to models that are also more appealing to look at. Sharper front ends and neater lighting designs are part of that story, and French parent company Renault, which took control of Dacia around 25 years ago, has clearly had an influence.
The Bigster earns its name. It is longer and taller than the popular Duster and offers a very spacious interior and a generous boot. Power comes from a petrol engine supported by hybrid technology. Performance is sensible rather than sporty – a 0–62mph time of around nine seconds which suits the car’s role as family transport.
- Top speed: 112mph
- Price guide: £27,000
5. Ford Puma Gen-E
The Ford Puma has already been a strong seller in petrol form, so Ford has a good base to build on with the electric Puma Gen-E, the the first all-battery Puma model.
You can spot it by its smoother, grille-less front end. Inside, the dashboard has been updated, and a large central screen now handles most infotainment and control functions.
On the road, the Puma Gen-E is enjoyable to drive, with brisk acceleration from a standstill, a 0–62mph time of under eight seconds, and secure, predictable handling. Regenerative braking helps slow the car without always needing firm pedal input.
Equipment highlights include 360-degree parking cameras, a modern infotainment system, wireless phone charging and an upgraded sound system.
- Top speed: 99mph
- Price guide: £32,000
6. Hyundai Ioniq 9
Hyundai already offers the excellent Santa Fe hybrid, a family wagon capable of carrying up to seven people. The Ioniq 9 takes a similar brief and makes it fully electric.
This is a large SUV with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. Buyers can choose between two- or four-wheel drive, different power outputs and various battery sizes, with ranges of up to around 370 miles depending on specification.
A smooth, quiet ride is one of its main strengths. Light, accurate steering makes town driving and parking more straightforward than you might expect from such a big car. It is not a cheap model, but the materials and overall finish reflect the price.
- Top speed: 118mph
- Price guide: £72,000
7. Mini Cooper Convertible
Despite often unsettled summers, UK drivers have long had a soft spot for convertibles. Many can be seen with the roof down on cold but bright days, heaters turned up and scarves on. While soft-tops are less common than they once were, the Mini Cooper Convertible remains a popular choice.
Recently updated, this version of BMW-owned Mini’s small car is designed to be fun to drive. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine provides lively performance, with 0–62mph in around eight seconds. Those wanting more can look at the quicker Cooper S or the high-performance JCW version.
Inside, Mini’s famous round centre dial is retained, now housing a modern infotainment system with access to car settings, media and navigation.
- Top speed: 137mph
- Price guide: £32,000
8. Omoda 9
The Omoda 9 is a plug-in hybrid SUV from Chinese brand Omoda and is relatively new to the UK. It builds on smaller models in the range by offering more space and a higher level of equipment.
A 1.5-litre petrol engine looks after longer-distance motorway work, while two electric motors and a sizeable battery manage much of the town driving. Together they produce impressive performance, with a 0–62mph time of 4.9 seconds. With a full tank and battery, the car can cover nearly 700 miles, with a proportion of that available on electric power alone.
There is generous legroom, a useful boot and a long list of standard equipment. Features include multi-colour ambient lighting, heated and cooled seats and bird’s-eye-view parking cameras.
- Top speed: 124mph
- Price guide: £44,000
9. Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 was an icon of the 1970s and 1980s, known as a versatile yet sporty hatchback. The new Renault 5 E-Tech echoes that classic shape while bringing the car firmly into the modern era.
Now fully electric, it is smart, compact and offers a range of colour and trim combinations. Range can reach around 250 miles, and rapid charging can take the battery from low to about 80% in roughly half an hour under suitable conditions.
The light steering and responsive throttle make it ideal for city driving, yet it remains comfortable at motorway speeds. Equipment includes parking assistance and speed-limiting support systems, helping take some of the strain out of daily use.
- Top speed: 99mph
- Price guide: £25,000
10. Vauxhall Frontera
The Vauxhall Frontera name will be familiar to anyone who remembers the robust 1990s 4x4. The modern Frontera is a more compact SUV, but still with practicality in mind.
There are two mild-hybrid petrol engines to choose from, as well as a fully electric version. That flexibility makes it easier to match the car to your driving pattern and budget.
The raised driving position gives a clear view of the road ahead, and there is good space in the rear along with a useful boot. A seven-seat version is available, although with all seats in use, luggage space is naturally reduced.
Standard equipment levels are sensible and include cruise control, an electric parking brake, alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging.
- Top speed: 118mph
- Price guide: £25,000
Looking back at the best cars of 2025
Whether you were looking for a small electric hatchback for city use, a stylish convertible, or a large seven-seat SUV for family life, 2025 turned out to be a strong year for new cars. From value-orientated models like the Dacia Bigster and Vauxhall Frontera to more technology-focused choices such as the BYD Sealion 7 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, there was something to suit most budgets and requirements as the year drew to a close.
Before you make a final decision, on any car purchase, particularly if you are buying used, it is sensible to check as much as you can about the vehicle’s background. A vehicle history report from MotorCheck UK helps confirm key details about a car’s past and gives buyers extra peace of mind before they commit.
FAQs: looking back at 2025’s best cars
What were the top 10 favourite cars for UK drivers in 2025?
There was no single official list of the top 10 favourite cars for UK drivers in 2025, but this article highlights ten stand-out models based on UK relevance, value and everyday usability. Our selection includes the Abarth 600e, BYD Sealion 7, Citroën C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Ford Puma Gen-E, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Mini Cooper Convertible, Omoda 9, Renault 5 E-Tech and Vauxhall Frontera. Together, they represent a mix of small electric cars, family SUVs, crossovers and a convertible that appealed strongly to UK buyers during 2025.
Which car was generally considered the best overall car for UK drivers in 2025?
There was no single car that could be universally crowned the best overall car for UK drivers in 2025, because the “best” choice depended on individual needs and budgets. Awards and reviews tended to pick different winners in categories such as small car, family SUV, electric car and performance model. In broad terms, smaller EVs like the Renault 5 E-Tech suited city and suburban driving, larger SUVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and BYD Sealion 7 worked well for families and longer trips, and cars like the Ford Puma Gen-E offered a useful middle ground for many UK drivers in 2025.
Which SUVs and crossovers stood out as the best options for UK families in 2025?
Several SUVs and crossovers stood out as strong options for UK families in 2025. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 offered a large, comfortable electric SUV with plenty of space, while the BYD Sealion 7 provided a well-equipped electric family car with strong performance. The Citroën C5 Aircross remained a favourite for comfort-focused buyers, and the Dacia Bigster delivered generous space at relatively low prices. The Vauxhall Frontera added a compact, practical choice with mild-hybrid and fully electric versions, giving families a range of SUV options to consider in 2025.
What were the best affordable cars launched in 2025 for UK buyers?
For UK buyers looking to keep costs under control, several affordable cars launched in 2025 stood out. The Dacia Bigster offered strong space-for-money value and straightforward running costs. The Vauxhall Frontera combined sensible pricing with good equipment levels and a choice of hybrid or electric powertrains. The Renault 5 E-Tech provided a compact, relatively accessible way into electric motoring for drivers with shorter commutes. As always, true affordability in 2025 depended not just on the purchase price but also on insurance, servicing, tax and day-to-day fuel or electricity costs.
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