Skip advert
Advertisement

Best of British

We fly the flag with eight of the finest new cars money can buy – all of which are assembled in factories on these shores!

Think the British car industry is dead and buried? Think again.

While the huge UK manufacturing giants of the past are long gone, many motor makers now choose to put their finest models together on these shores – and many of these are the best in class!

To show just how strong UK motor manufacturing really is, we have brought together a handful of the best British car building has to offer. Some of these vehicles will be familiar national institutions, and others might surprise you.

Advertisement - Article continues below

What they all have in common, though, is that they enable you to make a patriotic purchase without fear of opting for a sub-standard model.

The star of the show has to be the MINI. Not only is the famous brand an institution in its own right, but its modern interpretation of the pioneering original is also one of the most capable choices on the market. We’ve got two more legendary British badges represented by the Jaguar XF and Aston Martin V8 Roadster, while the Land Rover Freelander 2 is also a national treasure.

The long-lived Lotus Elise lines up alongside some big-selling models from Honda, Toyota and Nissan to complete our illustrious group. While recession-fuelled factory shutdowns are in full swing, it’s time to take a look at just how capable the British car industry really is.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,037 off RRP*Used from £9,970
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £2,073 off RRP*Used from £8,990
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,374 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,588 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Insurers still refuse to cover some Chinese cars despite booming sales
Skywell BE11 - front action

Insurers still refuse to cover some Chinese cars despite booming sales

Insurance companies seem to be struggling to keep pace with the wave of new cars coming from China, and buyers are literally paying the price
News
26 Feb 2026
Major Renault Megane revamp due this year with more range and racy looks
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric - rear static (night)

Major Renault Megane revamp due this year with more range and racy looks

All-new battery could push the more aggressive Megane EV past 300 miles of range
News
27 Feb 2026
Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback
Opinion - Vauxhall Grandland

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback

If you're looking for the most cost-effective cars to run, Mike Rutherford thinks you shouldn't discount diesel
Opinion
1 Mar 2026