That being said, there have been plenty of spectacular new cars arriving in showrooms this year, from the widespread popularisation of electric vehicles and hybrids to the release of several top-tier performance cars. Keep reading as we breakdown our best cars of 2020 in more detail, below.

Best City Car – Hyundai i10

Fuel type: petrol

Engine capacity: 1.0L

Body type: hatchback

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Doors: 5

With its modern alloy wheels, black trim and sleekly sculpted body, the Hyundai i10 is certainly easy on the eyes. This latest edition even incorporates the recent trend of “floating” roofs, for that stylish two-tone effect we’re used to seeing on more premium cars. Compact but perfectly proportioned, the i10 is the ideal city car, with sharp steering to make parking a breeze, and a turbocharged 1.0L engine for extra pep.

Best Electric Car – Kia e-Niro 

Fuel type: electric

Electric range: 282 miles

Body type: SUV

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Doors: 5

This is only the second completely electric Kia to be released in the UK, and it doesn’t disappoint. An electric car that puts your range anxiety to rest, the Kia e-Niro can achieve up to 282 miles on a single charge, according to official stats from the manufacturer. It’s also one of the most spacious electric vehicles on the market, with a roomy cabin and high-tech features like a touchscreen sat-nav and reversing camera included as standard.

Best SUV – Land Rover Discovery SE

Fuel type: petrol

Engine capacity: 2.0L

Body type: SUV

Drivetrain: four-wheel drive

Doors: 5

The fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery may come at a premium price tag, but it offers excellent longevity and value for money. Sporting the iconic and instantly recognisable Land Rover shape, this SUV has a generous, 7-seat layout that makes it ideal for adventures with friends and family. With a powerful 2.0L engine and four-wheel drive, its off-road ability is unparalleled; this is a car that can capably traverse all terrains, from snow to sand and everything in between.

Best Family Car – Škoda Superb Estate

Fuel type: diesel

Engine capacity: 2.0L

Body type: estate
Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Doors: 5

Skoda is widely known for developing practical, dependable cars, and the Superb Estate is no exception. The spacious signature shape of the estate features a well-designed cabin, which is just as comfortable on long journeys as it is on the school run. There’s a range of convenient tech on board, including parking sensors to make your manoeuvres more intuitive, adaptive cruise control and even dual-zone air conditioning. Capable of 56 miles per gallon (combined), this model is also very low-cost to run, so ideal for frequent family journeys.

Best Hybrid – Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Fuel type: petrol

Engine capacity: 2.0L

Body type: hatchback

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Doors: 5

A modern hatchback with plenty of tech to offer, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid brings the best elements of the Prius in a more compact package. This 2020 model has had an aesthetic upgrade, with rounded bumpers and sharper headlights, while the flagship 2.0L engine capacity allows for smooth, swift acceleration, without a hitch. Road noise has been reduced with increased body sealing, so you’re in for a quiet, comfortable ride, while the 7-inch digital display dashboard makes controls especially easy to navigate.

Best Small Car – Ford Fiesta

Fuel type: petrol

Engine capacity: 1.5L

Body type: hatchback

Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

Doors: 3

Reliable, affordable, and appealing to look at, it’s no wonder the Ford Fiesta has been the most popular new car in Britain, every year since 2009. It may be compact, but with a 1.2L engine capacity the Fiesta offers a smooth ride, seamless acceleration and agile movement achieved by its precise, nimble steering. CO2 emissions are low and fuel economy is remarkable, thanks to the Ecoboost petrol engine on board, helping you get maximum miles per gallon.