The ULEZ is a big deal if you live anywhere near London, governing what cars can be driven into the city limits without paying a fine. 

In August this year, the Ultra Low Emissions Zone was expanded to all boroughs of 

, meaning only compliant cars can drive into the city without paying a fee. Find out here. more information on

 what the ULEZ is and if your car is compliant

In this blog, we’ll discuss what ways there are to avoid having to pay the ULEZ fee or change your car.

Using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology, cameras record the registration of every car that passes by them. This list of cars is then automatically checked against a central database of vehicles for ULEZ compliance. 

Within the ULEZ zone, there are roughly 2,800 cameras in the ULEZ zone. Some are placed on dedicated poles, and some on existing traffic light gantries and signposts.

What Happens if You Get Caught by a ULEZ Camera?

Unlike speed cameras with a bright flash, there are no visible signs that a ULEZ camera has read and logged your number plate. If you do pass a ULEZ camera in a

 your details will be stored for roughly three days.

This is because you have until three days following the journey, to pay the ULEZ fee. If after midnight on the third day, you have not paid, you will be issued a fine.

If you’re caught entering a ULEZ zone and do not pay the fee within the allotted time period, a £180 fine will be sent to the registered keeper’s address. Issued in the form of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), these should not be ignored as they can lead to court rulings.

Whilst the fine is £180, it is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days of the fine date.

If your car is not compliant, you can avoid paying extra charges by taking care when planning your journey: 

WAZE is an app available on both Android and iPhone devices that maps routes, in a similar way to Google Maps does. 

The benefit of WAZE is that it utilises user-submitted data to monitor where traffic, roadworks, speed cameras and ULEZ cameras are situated. This allows you to avoid the ULEZ zones as long as you use WAZE to direct you. 

Before planning your route, open the settings menu, and select “Toll and HOV passes”, make sure the “London ULEZ Compliant” exemption is not selected. This tells WAZE that your car is not ULEZ-compliant. 

We’ve discussed almost everything there is to know about the ULEZ charging system and what you need to do. For more information on ULEZ and many other car-related topics check out our 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Here's How to Avoid the ULEZ Zones in London

Did you know SUVs are the most popular type of car sold in the UK? 

Prior to this popularity explosion, they were usually large, luxurious, and expensive vehicles that few people owned. However, almost every manufacturer is now making smaller, compact SUVs for daily life and all budgets. 

The trick to finding a cheap SUV is knowing which brand is worth buying. Consider this your SUV cheat sheet — we’ve compiled a list of the most affordable (quality) SUVs currently on the market in the UK. 

The list below starts at the most expensive affordable SUV and counts down to the cheapest. Get your notepad out and scroll down for more.

The Volvo EX30 isn’t the cheapest on this list by far, but it still sits in the lower price category for SUVs, and it’s a great choice if you’re ready to invest in an outstandingly reliable car. The EX30’s durability makes it excellent value for money, so your upfront purchase pays itself off after years of use. 

The highlights of the Volvo EX30 include its comfort, up to 296 battery range, and five-door design. Some drivers critique the car’s boot space, so keep this in mind if storage is a priority.

The Volkswagen T-Cross is another entry on this list that is above £20,000. However, don’t discount it, as this is still a more affordable SUV price, especially when you consider the value provided by the car.

The T-Cross offers lots of boot storage, ample space for backseat passengers, and great standard equipment. It also has innovative features like lane assist, cruise control, and blindspot detection. However, some drivers may opt for a cheaper car with similar features, such as the SEAT Arona.

Next is the Hyundai Baron. Known for its smooth ride and low CO2 emissions, this spacious and comfortable SUV is priced at the entry-level. It also has good rear space and plenty of storage in the boot.

The one feature to note is the Bayon’s low driving position. This won’t work for all drivers, so don’t rush into buying without a test drive.

The Mokka, the oldest of Vauxhall’s SUV range, has been a familiar sight on UK roads since its first generation in 2012. The 2023 model, however, is a delightful blend of modern and retro, with clear design cues from the Nova of the 1990s, sure to pique your interest.

Inside, the Mokka comes with air conditioning and a touch-screen stereo equipped with Apple CarPlay as standard. The model we found also had lane keeping and cruise control for long-distance comfort.

9. Vauxhall Crossland 1.2 Turbo - £19,140 

As the smaller of the new-age Vauxhall range of SUVs, the Crossland could well be considered more of a crossover rather than an SUV, but with the lines between the two ever more blurred and the Crossland offering more space than some pronounced SUV, we’ll include it here.

Fitted with the GM 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine, the Crossland can be quite frugal on fuel, although not as impressive as some cars on this list, namely those with the VW 1.0 TSI engine. 

As our pick from our recent rundown on 1.0-litre engine cars, the Seat Arona is an excellent choice for those looking for the holy trinity: affordability, style and practicality.

The Arona benefits from the 1.0 turbocharged VW engine, stylish SEAT design and a large cross-section, meaning plenty of room for kids, dogs and luggage. The boot space is very generous at 400 litres. 

The Stonic was first brought to market in 2017 as Kia’s smaller SUV, sitting below the Sorento and the Sportage in their lineup. However, what it lacks in stature, it makes up for in value, with new models available from just over £18,500. 

For that price tag, you get Apple car play on the 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control and forward collision avoidance. The 1.0 turbocharged engine produces around 100 horsepower and achieves over 50 MPG.

As it's based on the same chassis as the aforementioned SEAT Arona, the Kamiq is similarly sized and has the exact same boot capacity! That, alongside the fact the engine and gearbox options are the same, means it's down to styling and cost on which one you should pick.

For us, the SEAT is just that little bit more stylish. The Skoda is typically more angular and functional than the SEAT's sleekness. The Skoda does pip the SEAT on price, though, with this brand new SE spec being a whole £1,000 cheaper than the Arona.

The C3 Aircross is an interesting-looking car with bubbly body panels that are very Citroen in shape. Inside, the steering wheel and dash are also quirky, with rounded squares and rectangles being the primary design cue.

Under the bonnet, the 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine does a good job moving the vehicle around, especially considering it can manage over 52 MPG on the motorway. Colour choices are aplenty with the C3, with some vibrant blues and yellows for those who want to stand out!

With a praised fuel economy, generous equipment, and a surprising amount of space for a smaller SUV (260L boot), the Suzuki Ignis is worth your time. If you’d prefer a version that can drive on all terrains, pick the four-wheel drive Suzuki Ignis. 

This car isn’t as stylish as others on the list, but it can get you from A to B without a hitch. However, this might not suit you if you want an SUV with a premium infotainment system. 

The Dacia Jogger bridges the gap between seven-seat family cars and expensive people carriers. It’s practical, spacious, and comfortable to drive. It’s also praised for being easy to park, which is a pro if you’re new to SUV-type cars.

The most popular variant of the Dacia Jogger is the Extreme 1.6 HEV Auto, a hybrid engine with five doors and automatic driving. Could this be the SUV for you?

2. Dacia Duster Essential TCe 90 - £17,300 

Dacia is great at making small, bare-bones cars that tick most of the boxes needed for an A-to-B kind of car. The new Duster does this while being packaged into a stylish SUV form factor.

The basic trim level keeps costs low by using steel wheels instead of alloys, which the Duster pulls off quite successfully, giving it a Land Rover Defender utility feel.

The Duster's interior design, while fairly sparse, exudes a touch of French style and elegance, a likely influence from Dacia's parent company, Renault. The engine, sourced from Renault’s Japanese partner Nissan, promises longevity and fuel efficiency. 

Lastly, MG’s SUV is one of the cheapest on the market. The 1.5 petrol engine produces 109 horsepower, and while it is not likely to break any speed records, it returns an admirable MPG figure of around 43 MPG. 

The ZS is not just about its snazzy infotainment system. It also offers a significant 7-year or 80,000-mile warranty, providing you with peace of mind. 

For the best combination of value, style and technical features, we’d recommend the SEAT Arona as the best cheap SUV to buy in the UK. It’s a great way to get an economical, high-tech sports utility vehicle for less than £20,000.

However, if budget is the biggest factor, you can’t go wrong with a Dacia Duster, which offers all the basic - and some not-so-basic - features the rest do at a no-frills price.

The best value and affordable SUVs - The takeaway

Whether you’re looking for your first SUV or your third, spending ample time on the research is always good. Use this guide to compare and contrast cheap SUVs until you find one that checks your personal boxes. 

Bookmark this blog so you don’t lose Bumper’s recommendations. 

Bumper helps you spread the cost of car repair into monthly instalments with 0% interest and no upfront costs.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

13 of the Cheapest SUV Cars in the UK

With the popularity of SUVs being at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that manufacturers have made as many options available to their customers as possible, from big V8 engines to frugal diesel motorway cruisers and now sophisticated hybrid systems. 

These are the best 10 hybrid SUVs currently on sale in the UK, perfect for family holidays, commuting and anything in between. 

We’ve included both plug-in hybrids (PHEV) as well as full hybrids for greater selection, for more on which is which check our guide 

There are lots of hybrid cars on sale with very high MPG figures quoted, but one of the best in real-world feedback is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Its novel aerodynamic styling and extremely efficient engine selection allow it to reach over 120 MPG. 

Toyota has always been a pioneer in the hybrid sector. The RAV4 was also an innovative vehicle in its day. Combining the two then seems the obvious step.

With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and robust hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 remains a top choice for those seeking a well-rounded and eco-friendly SUV.

Combining luxury with efficiency, the Lexus UX 250h is an elegant hybrid SUV that delivers a smooth and quiet ride. Its distinctive design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology make it a standout choice for drivers who appreciate both style and sustainability.

The hybrid tech is very similar to those used in the RAV4, as Lexus and Toyota are essentially the same company, but the Lexus shows a marked improvement in interior quality and comfort.

The Volvo XC60 Recharge combines Scandinavian design with plug-in hybrid technology. Offering a luxurious interior and an impressive electric-only range, this SUV caters to those who prioritise both sustainability and a premium driving experience. 

If your commute is less than 50 miles and you can charge at work, you’ll be quids in on 

 with the 50-mile EV-only range. Impressive for a car weighing over 2 tonnes, in part due to its incredible safety features. 

Hybrid, Petrol Or Diesel - Which Is Best For You

Brand new for 2024, the Kodia iV is the first EV SUV from Skoda. This car is yet another reminder that Skoda is no longer the ugly duckling of the Volkswagen-Audi group, with very sleek styling both inside and out.

With a purported EV range of 100km, it would outlast most other EV modes currently on the market. 

Available in both a ‘full hybrid’ and PHEV guise, the new Kuga is very similarly styled to the old one, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The interior has received a minor refresh with better infotainment controls, though.

Both hybrid variants come with a 2.5L petrol engine again, which is larger than most others in this segment. It does not help the 0-60 performance though, with 9.2 seconds sounding (and probably feeling) quite poultry compared to some in this list.

Another Carbuyer favourite, the Tucson leads the way in a range of engine options, with mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid all available. All of the options use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Interior styling on the new Tucson is very bold, with an interestingly designed steering wheel, dash and centre console. We definitely recommend sitting in one before you commit to buying, as it might not be to everyone's tastes. 

Whilst there are cars that could be considered hybrid SUVs that are cheaper than the Niro, most of those are technically crossovers, the Niro would be our pick for a well-priced hybrid SUV.

Awarded Carbuyer’s Car of the Year 2023 in the small family car category, the Niro is set to continue its rise in 2024. The new models still combine the power from an electric motor system with a large 65kWh 

 and a 1.6-litre internal combustion engine.

This combo provides great economy and reasonable performance, easily rivalling the more sophisticated German and Japanese marques in this list. The styling is certainly not subpar either.

For the more premium end of the market, these last three cars should tick all the boxes. The xDrive45e sports BMW’s legendary 3.0 straight-six petrol engine, giving plenty of old-fashioned grunt when needed.

On the contrary, the refined hybrid system lets you cruise along in almost silence and absolute luxury. This is aided by the superb quality of the interior trim.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e combines German engineering with hybrid technology. Featuring a sophisticated interior, advanced safety features, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

It's an attractive option for those who prioritise luxury and sustainability, and it comes with all the usual features found in high-end Mercedes vehicles, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, Distronic radar cruise control and more. 

Last up is the Audi Q5 TFSI e, which is a plug-in hybrid SUV that blends style with efficiency. The Q5 is great for those who want a slightly less brash car, as the exterior styling is reminiscent of an A3, one of Audi’s smaller cars. 

If SUVs aren’t your thing or you’re on a tighter budget, then check out our 

guide to affordable hybrid vehicles in 2024.

Split the cost of repairs, maintenance, MOTs and services into monthly payments. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships nationwide.

Top 10 Best Hybrid SUVs To Buy 

Luxury can take many forms, from exotic holidays and fashion brands to swanky cars. However, it's not without a cost! The luxe life usually comes with a hefty price tag and a big dent in your wallet. 

Don’t give up your search. If you know where to look, luxury cars can be surprisingly affordable. 

We have some good news for luxury auto fans — we’ve researched for you. In this article, we’ll list the best cheap luxury cars so you don’t overspend on purchasing and maintenance. Let’s get started. 

New cars are expensive, especially luxury models. Thankfully, the secondhand market is full of bargains! If you want to buy a cheap luxury car, look at pre-loved models. 

Here are five of the best-value luxury cars:

Made from 2001 to 2011, the L322 is one of the most iconic shaped Range Rovers. Known for being the first to use a monocoque design instead of the old Land Rover-esque body on chassis, it was sublimely comfortable and refined whilst still being more than capable off-road. 

These can be bought for as little as £5,000 with less than 100,000 miles on. Look out for a good service history, as these complex cars can be demanding if not looked after.

BMW’s flagship executive saloon has been around for many years now, but as with many premium models, the older generations quickly lose value. The best generation to buy for great value is the E65, made from 2001 to 2008.

As it has not yet become a classic but sports a completely different styling from the newer and current generations, a model in good condition can be had for less than £6,500. We’d suggest the 3.0 diesel engine, which is legendary for its reliability and torque.

3. Mercedes S-Class 2006 - 2013 - £4,400

The S-Class has always been a staple in the high-end luxury/executive saloon market, competing with the BMW 7 series and Audi A8. Along with oodles of tech and ultra-luxurious cabin space, the S-class came equipped with great engines, from the 3.0-litre economical diesel to the 6.0-litre V12.

For practicality and running costs, we’d advise either the S320 or S350 versions with economical but powerful Diesel engines. For around £4,400, you can get a 130,000-mile Mercedes S-Class with plenty of kit and options from circa 2007. 

The Jaguar XF is the newest car of the bunch and the most expensive option. However, it’s a great combination of luxury and a more affordable price that some readers might find interesting. Second-hand models are available for as little as £8,000.

Highlights of the Jaguar XF include a deluxe cabin feel, sports driving characteristics, attractive interior design, and a smooth drive. 2020 models even have a touchscreen media system, which will cost you a little more. 

Launched in 2010, the Audi A8 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cheap luxury car that will stand the test of time. This model is known for being reliable and needing little maintenance — meaning it also has affordable maintenance costs (but more on cars that are cheap to run later!)

The Audi A8 has a classy interior, a sophisticated overall look, and plenty of technical features that’ll make any auto fan smile. Benefits of an Audi A8 include adaptive air suspension, a 3.0 TDI, and a super smooth engine feel.

The secondhand market is rarely kind to expensive and luxurious vehicles, mainly due to the high costs associated with keeping them on the road.

Almost everything costs more, from high tax bands to even the tyres being two or three times the price of those fitted to a basic hatchback.

These three luxury cars have been picked with their cost of running in mind: 

As luxury cars go, Lexus is pretty high up in the rankings. It is famous for producing some of the best-made saloon cars in the world, but for some luxury that won't break the bank, the GS450H is perfect. 

It uses a 3.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, a system similar to that of the Toyota Prius, and is extremely reliable and effective at producing great economy figures. The GS450H, despite being a full-size luxury saloon with over 350 horsepower, can easily achieve in excess of 45 MPG.

Cars from around 2006/2007 offer the best combination of low miles (under 100,000) and great value. 

Another Japanese brand, the Honda Legend, is a much less common sight on the roads than others on this list. With its 3.5-litre V6 engine and ample creature comforts, it definitely falls under the category of a luxury car.

Whilst you won't see as impressive MPG figures as the Lexus, as a hybrid system does not assist the NA 3.5L engine, you can rely on it being ultra-reliable and well-built, as with all Honda products. This means you shouldn't end up in the garage too often for repairs.

Volvo is well known for its comfortable cruisers, and the S80 takes passenger comfort to a new level with plush seats and loads of creature comforts. Double-glazed windows are an option for unrivalled interior quietness, too!

We’d suggest the dependable D5 engine, with plenty of torque and reasonable fuel consumption. This 2.4 Diesel is used in all of the Volvo range. £3,000 would net you a tidy Volvo S90 from 2003-2011 with reasonable miles; around 120,000.

If you’re looking for an upmarket hatchback but don’t want to splurge, consider the classic Mercedes A-Class. This car has a luxury look and a sleek interior design, making every journey feel like a treat. More recent models even have high-tech entertainment systems and voice recognition. 

Older A-Classes cost less, allowing you to drive around in style without a big bill. However, this might not be the best option if you live within a ULEZ area, as some old A-Class models aren’t compliant.

The Volvo XC60 provides the space and sophistication of a mid-size SUV while also giving an all-around modern driving experience. Unlike sportier models, the XC60 has a simpler design, but this is Scandinavian minimalism at its best. Pair this with a touchscreen media system, and you’ll get a faultless vehicle.

What really makes the XC60 a cheap luxury car is its high-quality materials and build. Owners report nee

 meaning you’ll spend less time paying off garage invoices and more time enjoying the car on the road.

Unlike fashion, car brands tend to spread their products across many market segments, with only a select handful making luxury cars. However, the most commonly seen luxury brands are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Range Rover, and BMW.

Let’s get to know some of the top names.

One of the oldest car makers in the world, Rolls Royce split their business ventures between building jet engines and arguably the most luxurious cars in the world. They are famed for their exquisite quality, attention to detail and paint finish.

Another British classic, although it has been owned by Volkswagen since 1998, Bentley has focussed on the sports-luxury market in the last 20 years or so, with one of their most popular models being the Continental GT. 

One of the big three high-end German manufacturers, Mercedes was one of the first to make a car back in 1886. It produced a single-cylinder tricycle of sorts, using wooden wheels and a tiller to steer. Their modern vehicles are much more well-equipped. They are some of the most premium cars on the market.

Another German Giant, BMW targets the premium-luxury market worldwide, with a large market share in their home country as well as the rest of Europe and the US. Whilst still producing executive and luxury cars, BMW is also big in the sports car market, linking to its large motorsport history.

Whilst Audi has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group since the late 1960s, Audi cars are generally distinguished from their VW counterparts by higher quality and more stylised design.

Created as a vehicle for wealthy landowners and farmers to use instead of the utilitarian Land Rover, in 1969, the Range Rover offered off-road capability. Still, in comfort and luxury, it was an immediate success. 

Nowadays, it’s still super popular, one of the most well-known SUV and luxury brands in the world, and it is still equipped with great off-road ability. 

Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to the question of what the cheapest luxury car is.

The best way to find cheap classy cars is by looking through used car sites. Like second-hand clothing sites or antique store websites, the pricing can be unpredictable and depends on what the seller wants to earn.

Sometimes, you might get lucky and find an incredible deal. Other times, sellers want to charge high fees for cars that aren’t worth so much anymore.

Finding the cheapest luxury car - The bottom line

So, that was a quick rundown of the most affordable luxury cars. Hopefully, we’ve given you a starting point for your search. Make a note of these models and brand names, or bookmark this page. 

Always check out second-hand sites to find the best value-for-money luxury car. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems that get listed every day! Now go forth and discover. 

Split the cost of car repairs into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships across the country.

Affordable Luxury Cars: The Cheapest Luxury Cars to Buy and Maintain 

In a world where a run-of-the-mill Vauxhall Astra is nearly £26,000, and a Ford Focus is over £28,000 it may seem mad to see a new car for around £10,000, but there are still some manufacturers making genuinely cheap new cars. 

We’ve rounded up the top 10, sorted by lowest price first, for your perusal. All our prices have been taken from current cars for sale on 

Your personal circumstance determines which is the most cost-effective method of buying a new car, mainly how long you intend to keep it, and if you will want to upgrade it in the near future. 

For example, Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is great if you want to change your car every 2 or 3 years or don't mind paying a large ‘balloon’ payment at the end of the term to keep the car. Hire Purchase (HP) is better suited to those wanting a new car for 5+ years, as it allows you to buy it outright, over a set period of time.

For more in-depth information on ways to buy a new car, check out our guide 

Whilst not a ‘real’ car in its home country, the Citroen Ami is considered a motor vehicle in the UK, and thus gets to top our list of cheapest new cars, even if it is mostly made of plastic! 

The Ami is aimed at young adults and city dwellers, with its 28 mph top speed and sub 500kg weight, it's certainly not a car to be taken anywhere near a motorway, but for driving around city centres, it may be better than cycling. 

At £7,695 the Ami is by far the cheapest brand-new car listed on Autotrader, with its 6.3kWh battery and front-to-back styling (the front and rear bumpers are the same to save on tooling costs!) it’s certainly one to consider for out and out cheapness. 

The Picanto is a perfect small car, it has a frugal but revvy 1.0-litre petrol engine, a 5-speed manual gearbox and only costs £12,195 off the forecourt. Alongside Kia’s 7-year warranty as standard, the Picanto represents excellent value if you just need an A to B car. 

Further savings come when running the car, it will do nearly 60 miles to the gallon, and only costs £185 per year to tax. 

 will be low too, as the Picanto falls into group 1, most drivers aged 25 and over wouldn’t expect to pay more than £500 per year (location depending). 

MG has re-entered the market with a very wide range of vehicles on offer, from this small super mini right up to the brand new MG HS SUV. This shape MG3 was introduced in 2018 but the car it is based on was designed in 2011 by the UK team of automotive company SAIC. 

Performance is not too shabby from the 1.5-litre petrol engine, at 107 horsepower, certainly more than most of the other cars on this list, but the engine design shows its age by only achieving 42 MPG, something Japanese cars, such as the Suzuki Swift, have been achieving for nearly 20 years. 

Thankfully other concerns over build quality would be remedied by the 7-year warranty, possibly introduced to compete with the Kia. Nevertheless, the MG3 is a cheap way to get into a small, back-to-basics car. 

The C3 is the smallest car Citroen makes, replacing the Saxo and the AX before that. It is classed as a supermini, and is one of the better-equipped cars in the category, especially at this price point. The current generation is the third one since 2002, with a fourth planned for next year. 

Powered by a modern 1.2 turbo petrol engine, which is capable of achieving 55 mpg and delivers 107 horsepower. Just the right balance of economical city driving with a small amount of long-distance and motorway thrown in.

Citroen has always focussed on the styling and innovation of their cars, and the new C3 is no different, with a striking front and side profile sprinkled with just enough modern features such as LED daytime running lights and body-coloured door handles. 

Another well-equipped small car is the i10, shipping with air conditioning, Bluetooth and touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, lane keeping and reversing camera. Truly impressive for less than £14,000. 

It has also received high praise by various outlets including What Car? and Top Gear, for its driving feel, high levels of tech and comfort on the road. 

Hyundai offers a 5-year warranty as standard, slightly less than the Kia or Dacia, but it is an unlimited mileage warranty, so if you intend to do mega miles in the first few years of owning your new car, the Hyundai might be worth considering. 

Since Dacia, a company originally from Romania, were bought by Renault, they have begun producing some quality utilitarian vehicles, with just enough modern tech to be competitive and enjoyable in the modern market. 

The cheapest Sandero comes with a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine producing 65 horsepower. Whilst it’s not going to be winning any traffic light Grand Prix, what it can do is deliver over 50 MPG with a very low insurance group, meaning it’s 

Dacia is keen on giving their customers plenty of tech, too. The car we found on Autotrader at £13,795 had cruise control, a DAB radio and tyre pressure monitoring, features few of the other cars offer. 

The Panda has been around since the 1980s and has become a very popular small car both in Italy and across Europe. Designed as a cost-effective but safe method of transportation, the new Panda is far removed from the original. 

Standard features include air conditioning and a great infotainment system, with cruise control and park assist available on the higher City Life trim models.

In terms of engines, you can pick from multiple, with the 85hp TwinAir turbocharged unit found in the 500, and the hybrid version using the same engine being the most popular. The latter achieved over 50 MPG. 

Replacing the popular 207, the 208 is a great small car for those looking for plenty of styling features and creature comforts. The interior is as bright as the exterior, with coloured trims and buttons coming as standard.

Other than an electric version, only one engine choice is available for each fuel type, a 1.2-litre petrol unit with three power output choices, and one diesel. For the best of both worlds, we’d suggest either the 100hp or 130hp petrol engine, both achieving MPG figures over 50, but with quite a bit more power than the other options. 

The new Ignis is a complete redesign of the older, much more basic car of the mid-2000s, with funky body-coloured plastic mouldings and door trims, it certainly stands out among the more sedate small cars. 

With an optional 4-grip 4-wheel drive system, there is something for everyone when specifying the Ignis, although the most basic model, the SZ3 comes with air conditioning, Electric windows and a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity. 

Engine choices are limited to one, a 1.2 hybrid system, but that’s not always a bad thing, as Suzuki has clearly worked hard to make it efficient, outperforming many small petrol cars on this list at nearly 56 MPG. 

. Apply online and choose from 1000s of trusted dealerships signed up to the Bumper network. 

The 9 Cheapest New Cars In The UK

Electric vehicles have significantly improved since their introduction. Cars like the Kia EV6 can now out-accelerate supercars. Yet range remains a major concern for many drivers. 

However, this issue is improving. The first-generation Nissan Leaf could only go 73 miles on a charge, but the latest model can now travel 168 miles, nearly 2.5 times longer. So, will we see a 1000-mile EV any time soon?

In this article, we’ll examine the EVs on sale and what the future holds for EV range numbers. 

With top cars of 2023 reaching only 450 miles per charge

, achieving a 1,000-mile range will require major advancements in battery technology

. It's uncertain if this will happen soon or if it will be too expensive.

However, Toyota is working on it, planning to develop a 1,000 km EV using a new type of lithium battery. These upcoming ‘solid-state’ batteries are expected to cost 10% less than current lithium-ion ones.

Yes, it’s looking very likely that in the next 2-3 years we will see the advent of 500-mile range EVs using existing methods. 

MIT’s 2023 technology review suggests that lithium batteries will see further advancements soon. With ongoing improvements in cooling, charge movement, and energy density, we may experience 10-20% increases in capacity without significant changes in volume.

We may also see a 600-mile EV in 2027/28 from Toyota’s high-performance lithium-ion battery. The aim is to create a driving range of 1,000km, which is approximately 621 miles.

There might not be a 1000-mile EV yet, but some long-range electric vehicles are on the market right now. Wondering what electric car has the longest range? Here are the top options with over 350 miles:

Thanks to its huge battery bank, storing over 107 kWh of power - that’s over five times the capacity of the original Nissan Leaf! - it will do 452 miles on a single charge. As the MQS is the electric version of the revered S-Class, it will also be 452 miles of comfort and luxury!

It’s nice to see manufacturers creating EVs by tailoring the styling slightly from the standard cars instead of only creating bizarre concept car-looking designs. With its accented trim and shiny grille, the EQS is simply a sleeker, more modern-looking S-Class.

A relatively new player in the EV market and one that has focused on sustainability and longevity in its ethos, Fisker has multiple EVs either in production or planned to be released soon. The Ocean is an SUV that comes in multiple trim levels. The top model, the 

, has a slightly smaller battery pack than the Merc' but still manages 440 miles between plug-ins. 

Fisker claims the Ocean is the world's most sustainable vehicle, with over 50kg of recycled, biodegradable materials being used. Hopefully, that won't mean the dash will disintegrate after 15 years of use!

Polestar has been in the UK for a few years now. After being bought by Volvo, they have cemented their place in the mid-to-high end of the EV market. The new Polestar 2 has achieved sector-topping performance, with over 400 miles range. 

As one of the more subtle EVs, the new Polestar could be mistaken for a new Volvo if it didn't have the green number plate stickers, aero wheels and shiny, flat front grille.

Around 10 years ago, Tesla would be dominating this lineup of EVs, it shows then the pace at which the competitors have innovated, that the Tesla only takes spot 4. 

Regardless, the tech crammed into the latest Model S cannot be overstated, and the figures back it up with a range of nearly 400 miles and a 0-60 of 3.1 seconds.

Very similar to the Model S, the Model 3 is built on the same motor, battery, and drivetrain ‘skateboard’. This means the stats are very similar, with the Model 3’s baby-SUV styling increasing the drag coefficient slightly, leading to a slightly worse range figure of 391 miles.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD - Range of 372 miles

Another option with an impressive range is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium RWD. This car is popular for those looking for an electric vehicle with unique muscle car features. Cue an impressive range and engaging driving dynamics. 

The main drawback of this model is its poor infotainment system. However, if you can look past this you’re in for a great experience.

BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport - Range of 365 miles

The BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport is another EV that provides a long driving range. With a luxury feel and plenty of advanced tech, this model isn’t the longest on the list, but it gives a satisfying drive nevertheless. 

Two options were released in summer 2021 (eDrive40 and the more performance-focused M50). Both were then later joined by a more basic eDrive35 model. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

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