2023 is set to be an exciting year for new cars, with multiple new brands set to disrupt the UK market and a variety of unique and distinctive new models from existing manufacturers.
Audi A6 e-tron
Audi will enter the electric executive saloon space next year with the A6 e-tron and A6 Avant e-tron. Only a concept version of the new model has been revealed so far, but it suggests the A6 e-tron will have little in common with the existing A6.
Like the current Audi e-tron GT , the A6 e-tron is being co-developed with Porsche. It is expected to use a 100kWh battery, giving a range of around 430 miles, and have a power output of 470PS. A cheaper version may also be offered, with a 300-mile range.
The car will be capable of adding 186 miles worth of range in just 10 minutes and will have an estimated starting price of £60,000.
BMW M3 Touring
BMW is giving its M Performance treatment to the 3 Series estate by official means for the first time this year.
The M3 Touring will feature the same aggressive styling as the saloon, and it’ll be powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. It’s likely the most potent Competition variant will be offered in the UK, which will have 510PS and 600Nm of torque. Four-wheel drive will be standard, too.
BYD Atto 3
BYD will enter the UK market this year with its Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4-rivalling Atto 3 SUV.
The car is powered by a 60kWh battery, giving a range of up to 261 miles. It uses a 204PS electric motor to power the front wheels and has a claimed 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds.
Arnold Clark and Pendragon have already confirmed they will partner with the Chinese brand when it comes to the UK.
Fisker Ocean
American EV brand Fisker is planning to bring its Ocean SUV model to the UK this summer.
The new car will be available with a range of battery sizes and the option of all-wheel-drive, offering a range of up to 390 miles.
Entry-level versions, capable of 275 miles, will be priced from £34,990.
The Ocean will be available to purchase directly from Fisker, and on a subscription basis through ONTO.
Honda Civic Type R
The latest iteration of the Japanese carmaker’s performance flagship is its most powerful to date, delivering 320PS, yet claims to offer the same high levels of comfort, practicality, and refinement as the all-new 11th-generation Civic.
Among the new features are an updated rear spoiler, lightweight 19-inch matt black alloy wheels and bespoke compound Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Inside, the Civic Type R’s cabin features Honda’s classic Type R crimson red trim and a fully customisable digital instrument binnacle.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Based on the Prophecy Concept from 2020, Hyundai’s new Ioniq 6 will offer radically different styling to the Ioniq 5 when it joins the brand’s stable this year.
In keeping with its sportier look, the Ioniq 6 will deliver a more engaging driving experience than the Ioniq 5 and will go head-to-head with the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3.
The distinctive body was designed to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and sits stop the same platform that underpins the Ioniq 5. UK versions will be offered with a 77.4kWh battery, available with both a single or dual motor arrangement. The offer a WLTP range of up to 338 miles.
Prices start at £46,745
Nio ET5
Nio will make its UK debut with the Tesla Model 3 rivalling ET5 mid-size saloon this year.
The car provides a range of up to 621 miles, when equipped with a 150kWh battery. Buyers can also choose from 75kWh and 100kWh versions.
Two electric motors provide 487PS, giving a 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds.
Battery swapping stations and subscription models form part of the Chinese brand’s European launch strategy.
Polestar 3
Polestar is expanding its model line-up with the introduction of the Polestar 3 SUV.
The new model, which is already available to order, has a WLTP range of 379 miles, courtesy of a 111kWh battery pack.
From launch, the car is available with a dual-motor configuration and all-wheel-drive. Prices start at £79,900. The Polestar 3 produces 489PS or, with the optional Performance Pack, total output is 516PS. The Performance Pack, which includes 22-inch wheels, bumps the price to £85,500.
The SUV will begin production in early 2023 and will be built alongside the new Volvo XC90.
Smart #1
The Smart #1 is the first new car to launch after the Mercedes-Benz-owned brand entered a joint venture with Polestar and Volvo owner Geely Automobiles.
The five-door five-seat SUV is the largest Smart model to date, although it builds on the brands expertise in making small city cars. It rivals models like the Renault Megane E-Tech and VW ID 3.
All models are fitted with a 66kWh battery pack, to give a range of over 250 miles and rapid charging of up to 150kW, enough for a 10%-80% top up in less than 30 minutes.
Vauxhall Astra Electric
The Vauxhall Astra will gain an electric variant this year, alongside its Peugeot 308 sister car. The two Stellantis models will offer the same specs, so expect a range of around 250 miles and a power output of 156PS.
Vauxhall recently announced a GSE sub-brand to provide sportier version of its electrified cars, so a hotter version of the Astra-e could be on the cards.
