Best new cars for 2019
These are the best new cars set to arrive in 2019, featuring a particularly fine crop of EVs, hybrids, SUVs and sports cars...
Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV
Price: From £38,000 (est)On sale: Late 2019
The first plug-in hybrid from Citroen is about to reach showrooms: the C5 Aircross PHEV SUV. Originally previewed at the Paris Motor Show last year, this electrified model shares its EMP2 platform with the Peugeot 508 saloon and DS 7 Crossback, which will also benefit from the same technology.
The car’s hybrid drivetrain delivers a total system output of 222bhp and provides a pure-electric range of around 31 miles, with claimed CO2 emissions of 49g/km. The C5 Aircross PHEV is the first in a wave of models as the firm aims to release an electrified version of every car in its range by 2025. Citroen says the C5’s batteries can be charged from a standard three-pin socket overnight or in a couple of hours using a wallbox. Owners will be able to schedule the charging time through the MyCitroen app.
Ferrari F8 Tributo
Price: £203,476On sale: Now
Ferrari’s 488 GTB is a tough act to follow but this is the supercar that’ll take its place. Using the outgoing model as a starting point, the F8 Tributo gets exterior updates in the shape of revised head and tail-lights, a larger bonnet scoop and a clear engine cover inspired by that of the F40.
The engine itself is the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged unit from the 488 Pista, with 710bhp and 770Nm of torque giving a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 211mph. Electronic updates include Side Slip Angle Control 6.1 and a revised Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, which is designed to make the car’s explosive performance more accessible.
Kia XCeed
Price: £20,795On sale: Now
The XCeed crossover gives potential buyers of the Kia Stonic and Sportage SUVs another option. It’s part of the Ceed range, although every panel bar the front doors is new, giving it a more purposeful look. The XCeed’s boot offers an extra 31 litres of space compared to the Ceed hatch, with three trim options and a First Edition model available at launch. There are two petrol and two diesel engines, and mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are scheduled for next year. The XCeed also has a different suspension set-up to the rest of the Ceed range, with hydraulic bump stops on the front axle to boost ride quality.
Land Rover Defender
Price: From £45,240On sale: Now
Arguably Land Rover’s most eagerly awaited new car of 2019, the reborn Defender made its debut at Frankfurt and it will arrive in showrooms early next year. First to appear will be the five-door 110, with a more compact 90 three-door due to follow; later, an even larger 130 edition, that can seat up to eight people, is expected.
Engine options comprise two petrols, three diesels and a plug-in hybrid petrol, capable of a claimed 91mpg. Four trim levels will be available from launch, as well as a range of accessory packs designed to suit the most extreme off-road conditions. There’s certainly something for everyone.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Price: From £31,575On sale: Now
Little may have changed on the outside of the latest Discovery Sport, but there’s a whole new car beneath the skin. The mid-sized SUV has shifted to the same ‘PTA’ architecture as the new Evoque, which means that, as well as mild-hybrid engines, a plug-in hybrid will be available for the first time.
There are also big changes in the cabin, where the Disco Sport’s clunky dashboard and centre console design have been replaced by JLR’s new 10-inch infotainment system that is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other clever tech includes JLR’s digital rear-view mirror, for a much clearer idea of what’s going on behind.
Mercedes GLB
Price: £34,200On sale: Late 2019
Mercedes’ SUV line-up continues to grow, moving into a new segment with the arrival of the GLB, which is ready to compete with the Audi Q3 and Land Rover Discovery Sport. The GLB shares a platform with the A-Class, B-Class and CLA but has a longer wheelbase for better cabin space. Five and seven-seat versions will be available, with Isofix mountings on four of the seats, while features such as USB charging points in the boot boost practicality.
The GLB will come with a choice of one petrol engine and two diesels. The 1.3-litre petrol GLB 200 offers 161bhp with front-wheel drive, the GLB 200d comes with a 148bhp 2.0-litre and a choice of four- or front-wheel drive, and the GLB 220d has 187bhp from the same diesel engine and four-wheel drive only. A 302bhp GLB 35 AMG has been confirmed.
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