Skip advert
Advertisement
News

New Car Awards 2021: the winners

These are the best cars on sale today, the winners of the 2021 Auto Express New Car Awards...

Following a trying 2020 for us all, 2021 has been an opportunity to return to normality. It’s also a year for the motor industry to bounce back; following the decimation of sales during the pandemic, the recovery has been rapid. 

New-car registrations were up 42.5 per cent on last year’s numbers to the end of May, no doubt boosted by so many exciting new car releases. From sensible electric cars to wild sports cars, we’ve tested the lot – but we’ve also re-evaluated our categories to reflect the changes within the industry, not least the onset of electrification.

The 2021 New Car Awards categories reflect today’s car market and the kinds of cars that you are buying. We’re recognising the top models in the traditional market sectors from city car through to luxury car and then on through coupes and convertibles to hot hatches and performance cars.

There are six SUV awards as a result of that sector’s continuing expansion and growth in popularity while we’re also presenting three company car awards to reflect the diversity of automotive options now open to fleets and business users. There are also four awards for electric and hybrid vehicles, possibly the defining story of the car market in recent times. More and more consumers are considering cars with plugs and, as always, Auto Express is on hand to help you find the best model to spend your cash on.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The standard of the new cars on sale today really is remarkable and so is the pace of change as the world’s car manufacturers rise to the challenges facing the industry. Across all of our New Car Award winners, excellence in design, technology and engineering is a given and that’s what’s propelled them to the head of such a competitive field.

Click the links below to find out all about the 2021 New Car Awards winners...

Special edition of Auto Express

For the full experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

Auto Express Issue 1,685

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the magazine cover price. You can currently Subscribe and get 6 issues for just £1 or download our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet.

Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2021 and beyond, follow Auto Express on social media...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Auto Express New Car Awards: all the previous winners
Octavia

Auto Express New Car Awards: all the previous winners

A look back at previous winners of the Auto Express New Car Awards
Awards
5 Jun 2024

More on New Car Awards 2021

Van of the Year 2021: Ford Transit Custom
Van of the Year 2021

Van of the Year 2021: Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom is the 2021 Auto Express Van of the Year, with the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo and Land Rover Defender Hard Top commended
Awards
7 Jul 2021
Design Award 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - header

Design Award 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the 2021 Auto Express Design Award winner
Awards
7 Jul 2021
Technology Award 2021: Citroen Ami
Citroen Ami - header

Technology Award 2021: Citroen Ami

The Citroen Ami is the 2021 Auto Express Technology Award winner
Awards
7 Jul 2021
Premium Electric Car of the Year 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Ioniq 5 - header

Premium Electric Car of the Year 2021: Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the 2021 Auto Express Premium Electric Car of the Year, with the Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model 3 commended
Awards
7 Jul 2021
Electric Van of the Year 2021: Vauxhall Vivaro-e
Electric Van of the Year 2021

Electric Van of the Year 2021: Vauxhall Vivaro-e

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is the 2021 Auto Express Electric Van of the Year, with the LEVC VN5 and Renault Zoe Van commended
Awards
7 Jul 2021
Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2021: Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender - header

Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2021: Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is the Auto Express 2021 Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year with the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace commended
Awards
6 Jul 2021