New cars coming next year

We’ve already covered the best-selling cars of 2025, but at Tempcover we always like to drive forward and look at the road ahead… What new cars can we expect in 2026?

With new brands coming along, the transition to electric vehicles and more affordable models once again taking centre stage, there’s a lot to look forward to.

Now, it’s time to look at what’s coming in 2026…

A new wave of more affordable electric vehicles

As we head towards the government’s ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2035, car manufacturers are bringing electric vehicles to the masses - and at more affordable prices.

With the electric vehicle grant also coming into place, it’s likely you’ll see more electric cars on the road, including:

• Nissan Micra EV - The 2025 edition was described by Car Magazine as a "fantastic little EV" with a "classy interior and big boot". Will a 2026 edition follow in its tracks?
• Skoda Epiq - The Epiq is a small electric SUV with a recommended selling price of around £22,000.
• VW ID.2 - Described by Electrifying as “effectively an electric Polo”, this smaller EV will cost around £20k and offer the interior space of a VW Golf.
• Honda Super-N - The successor to the Honda e is small, agile and features an exciting ‘Boost mode’.
• Cupra Raval - An electric city car with a keen focus on high performance.

The classics go electric…

BMW, Jaguar and Land Rover are looking to go green. While it’s unlikely the electric vehicle grant will apply to these cars, drivers looking for something premium with long-term value will be interested in them.

• Mazda 6e - Expected in the UK in mid-2026, the EV Mazda 6e was praised by EV Powered for its "sleek flowing look" and spacious legroom and headroom.
• BMW i3 (Saloon) - BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ generation is being launched to much acclaim. According to Autocar, this electric successor to the 3 Series promises a new look and 500-mile range.
• Jaguar GT - Jaguar will be launching as a purely electric luxury brand and the GT is at the forefront of this development.
• Range Rover Electric - Described by Range Rover as “the beginning of a new era”, the 800V Range Rover Electric will retain its trademark off-road strengths while offering “near-silent fully electric propulsion”.

Family-friendly SUVs

As shown in our best-selling cars of the year post, SUVs continue to be amongst the most popular choices and 2026 will see this trend continue. From premium hybrid vehicles to affordable seven-seaters, you’ll be able to transport the family in style.

• Toyota Urban Cruiser - Coming in the first quarter of 2026, the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser offers two battery options (49 and 61kWh capacities) to cover different driving needs and budgets.
• Nissan Leaf - Adapted from its traditional hatchback style, this smaller SUV offers all wheel drive option while sharing technology with the larger Ariya.
• Audi Q3 - An ever-popular choice, the SUV is being redesigned into a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV) with an electric-only range of over 60 miles.
• Dacia Bigster - Top Gear’s review states this is “essentially a bigger Duster, but that is absolutely no bad thing”. It’s a practical and lightly rugged electric SUV with ample space.

Something new?

You might see some new cars on the road from outside the traditional manufacturers. These cars from the Chinese brands like Omoda and BYD will push the boundaries with their unique designs and high-tech features.

Buying a new car in 2026? Don’t forget to Tempcover…

If you’re thinking of buying a new car in 2026, don’t forget how much temporary car insurance can help. Whether taking one for a test drive or selling your current car and letting a buyer get a feel for the wheels, we have you covered.

You can also use temporary car insurance to drive away from the showroom when you pick up the new car, getting you home and giving you extra time to sort your annual cover.

Have a week or two between cars? Cover yourself on someone else’s car so you can still get around - with no impact on their no claims discount.

Which new car are you most excited about in 2026?

Sources

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best/new-cars-coming-soon

https://www.whatcar.com/news/coming-soon-new-cars-worth-waiting-for/n24987

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/nissan/micra-hatchback/

https://evpowered.co.uk/electric-car-reviews/mazda-6e-review-imposter-syndrome/

https://www.electrifying.com/blog/article/volkswagen-id-2-everything-we-know-about-the-electric-polo

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-bmw-i3-promises-sheer-driving-pleasure-and-500-mile-range

https://www.rangerover.com/en-gb/electric/index.html

https://www.carwow.co.uk/audi/q3

https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/dacia/bigster