2021 was the year the cars we heard about and saw in photos during lockdown finally reached our showrooms since Covid19 interrupted everything. Here are some of the very best new cars launched in 2021. Some, like the Alpine A110, only reached some shores after a long delay. Each is a standout car in its own right. I’m picking a Car of the Year winner not because it’s a new electric car. Not a bit of it. The Kia EV6 cleverly democratises and normalises the oddity of buying an EV with a decent range, gorgeous looks and one of the best designed interiors seen in 2021. To better Tesla at its own game first time shows how far the South Koreans have come in 10 years. That’s why it gets the nod.
Kia EV6 – Car of the Year 2021
Why it’s great: Striking looks that betters a Jaguar i Pace’s design, 77.4 battery with over 300 miles range, fast charging 10-80% in 18 mins, 100,000 miles/seven year warranty, marginally better to drive than sister Hyundai IONIQ 5, great cabin, feels normal.
Why it’s not: Firm suspension, touchscreen can be slow to complete commands, 490-litre boot space.
Hyundai IONIQ5 – best design
Why it’s great: Brilliant design throughout, cleverly plays tricks of the eye with Audi Q5 size/hatchback looks, strong performance, fast charging, entry level rear-wheel drive 58kWh/168bhp more relaxing than Kia’s EV6.
Why it’s not: Larger wheels impact ride smoothness, NVH refinement bettered by EV rivals.
Ferrari Roma – best supercar GT
Why it’s great: Delectable looks, most beautiful Ferrari in decades, 3.9-litre V8 612hp petrol engine wails and screams under bonnet, SF90 derived gearbox blasts through gears like a machine gun, convincing long-distance GT, scalpel-sharp steering.
Why it’s not: Fiddly infotainment centre screen, rear blind spots, new touch sensitive buttons a retrograde step.
Alpine A110 – best sportscar
Why it’s great: 1.8-litre four cylinder petol with 249hp is a gem, steering’s housefly responses to inputs, 1,100 kg weight, unidentifiable and niche choice, small for sportscar, 100 percent fun, most desirable car of 2021.
Why it’s not: Pricey for two-seater niche sportscar, Porsche Cayman is strong rival, cabin plastic in places.
BMW iX – best large electric SUV
Why it’s great: Extraordinary attention to detail, smooth and library quiet to drive, skyscraper build quality, 0-100km in 6 seconds, Richter scale Bowers& Wilkins system’s sound, best-in-class interior cabin and infotainment.
Why it’s not: Delinquent chipmunk grille’s styling, only a five-seater, average entry level 71kW battery’s 275 range.
Bentley Flying Spur – best luxury car
Why it’s great: First Flying Spur with agility and performance of softened BMW M5, gloriously crafted interior, 27mpg possible in W12, more subtle than new S-Class or BMW 7 Series.
Why it’s not: Price, not as quiet as an Audi A8 Hybrid, high running costs.
Dacia Sandero/Stepway – best improved and affordable car
Why it’s great: The cheapest new car you can buy, unbelievable value, Stepway’s new looks, good to drive and own, practical, excellent reliability rating. Almost clinched my Car of the Year vote.
Why it’s not: 2 Star Euro NCAP, average NCAP frontal offside crash test protection.
BMW M3 – best four-door super saloon
Why it’s great: 503hp twin turbo six screamer, sickening performance punch, four-wheel drive adoption keeps the fun, lowered and improved seats, DTM racer looks.
Why it’s not: Alfa’s Giulia Quadrifoglio has more delicacy, tubby at over 1,800k.
