Best ‘61’ Plate Cars – New Car Reg Guide

The new car registrations are fast approaching – 1st September, in case you need reminding – so the Auto Trader editorial team have created a run down of their favourite new cars you’ll be able to buy with a shiny new ‘61’ plate stuck to either end. Enjoy our nominations and if you fancy something else, be sure to visit the Auto Trader New Car homepage to start your search. Good luck!

Supermini

Audi A1
The Audi A1 is the German carmaker’s first attempt at breaking into the premium supermini market. It’s based on the already brilliant Volkswagen Polo and improves upon it. To drive it’s nimble, quick and, if you get the new sub 99g/km 1.6 diesel model, cheap to run and good for the environment. Inside is beautifully appointed and according to price residual experts, the Audi A1 will hold its value rather well – so you needn’t worry when it comes to resale time.

Hatchback

Ford Focus
The new Ford Focus once again shows that Ford is more than capable of making a brilliant car for everyone. The new Focus comes with more standard kit than a BMW 7 series, and can be specced with gadgets that stop you from falling asleep at the wheel, crashing into stationary traffic and much more besides. It drives very well indeed and its engines are all good fun, especially the 1.6-litre Ecoboost petrol unit. It’s got 150bhp but will still do more than 40mpg.

Crossover

Nissan Juke
Its quirky looks may not be for everybody, but the new Nissan Juke has swiftly become a sales success. Combining a raised ride height and supermini size it offers a unique drive. There are two petrol engines and one diesel on offer, the diesel, naturally, is the most efficient and offers best value for money for the driver. The interior is well designed, too, offering passenger and driver alike a comfortable place in which to travel.

Saloon

BMW 5 Series
Launched last year, the new BMW 5 Series offers the usual BMW quality and drive. While it may not claim to be the ‘ultimate driving machine’ any more, the new 5er certainly gives it a good go. There are plenty of options to keep technophiles happy for years and it’s comfy enough (in SE spec) to keep kids snoozing in the back. There are a range of petrol and diesel engines on offer, from the hyper-frugal 520d to the mega fast 550i. It’ll take you and pretty much all of your things wherever you need to go in luxury.

MPV

SEAT Alhambra
The new SEAT Alhambra is an award winner several times over for good reason. It will comfortably seat seven, has a massive boot and is an engaging drive. It doesn’t hurt that it’s good value for money, too. There are a range of engines to suit all driving styles, from the eco warriors to the motorway monsters. If you feel the need to spec your car with plenty of extra kit there’s plenty on offer, from tech packs to trick rear seats which come with a child seat built in.

Sports car

Mazda MX-5
Embodying what used to make British sports cars great, the Mazda MX-5 may be getting on a bit, but it’s still the most fun you can have in a new car under £20,000. There are only two engines on offer – a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre petrol – but either will be enough for some serious B-Road fun. However, its small sports car stance means space is at a premium, so don’t expect much by way of boot or cabin space.

By the New Car Editorial Team