Best 70-Plate Cars

NEW REGISTRATION THE BEST 70-PLATE CARS

The annual September plate change is on the way, but what’s the best new car to wear the new ‘70’ registration on?

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris has always been a safe, sensible and unexciting supermini option. But Toyota’s new fourthgeneration model aims to change that with a bold new design, more sporty driving experience and additional hybrid powertrains.

Aston Martin DBX

Aston Martin’s first SUV – the DBX – has been an awfully long time coming, but with the first examples recently rolling off the Welsh production line, it’s finally here. This British car-maker has been having a financially troubling time recently (even before the Covid-19 pandemic), so the DBX is key to Aston Martin’s survival.

Honda e

Honda’s known for its safe approach to cars, but the rulebook has been thrown away for its new electric car – the Honda e. With its retro-futuristic styling, fun drive and impressive tech (such as touchscreens that span across the full interior), this is the Japanese manufacturer’s boldest car in years.

First drive report: Page 25

Audi A3

With the Volkswagen Group hatchbacks all being updated for 2020, the most premium of the lot – the Audi A3 – is also new for 2020. The firm’s best-selling model gets a striking new look, a far more modern interior and new mild-hybrid powertrains to maximise efficiency.

Land Rover Defender

Arguably 2020’s most important model, the Land Rover Defender is back and it really couldn’t be more different to its predecessor. This new model takes a big step upmarket when it comes to tech and creature comforts, although it hasn’t forgotten about the need to be unstoppable away from tarmac.

First drive report: Page 26

Skoda Octavia

Just like the Leon below, the Octavia is another new VW Group hatchback for 2020, with this Skoda being the most practical and versatile of the lot. It benefits from many of the changes we’ve already mentioned but is now even more practical – its boot measuring a massive 600 litres (a Golf’s is 380 litres for comparison).

Vauxhall Insignia

Once one of Vauxhall’s most popular models, the Insignia has been overtaken by the firm’s own crossovers – notably the Grandland X. It remains a stylish option, though, and this new updated version gains new in-car technology and more efficient powertrains.

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen couldn’t have launched its Golf at a worse time, as it arrived in showrooms just as the UK was entering lockdown – meaning buyers couldn’t even collect it from showrooms. So the 70-plate will be the Golf’s breakthrough moment – this new hatchback coming with a transformed interior and new mildhybrid engine options. Hot GTE, GTD and GTI models are also just around the corner.

Seat Leon

Following on from the Audi A3, Seat’s best-selling Leon is also benefiting from all this tech at the firm’s disposal. Even with its digitised interior and electrified powertrains (a Cupra plug-in hybrid is also on the way), the Leon remains brilliant value, with a sub-£20,000 starting price.

Polestar 2

Volvo-owned Polestar is making waves in the EV world, with the Swedish firm’s new ‘2’ rivalling the likes of the Tesla Model 3 – a car that’s selling in huge numbers. With its sub-£50,000 pricing and 292-mile electric range, it’s a seriously appealing car from this new manufacturer.