Choosing the best new cars and ranking them in order is a mighty task. We did it so you don’t have to
I t has been five years since we last ranked our outright favourite new cars. Given one or two newsworthy things have happened in the automotive and wider world during that time, the idea was long overdue a repeat visit.
Much has changed since 2019, of course – not least that we’ve unwisely made life twice as hard for ourselves: instead of a top 50, we’ve decided on a top 100. But since the focus here was on picking our favourites – go on, indulge us – that process provided as much fun as it did fights.
Back in 2019, the Alpine A110 beat the McLaren 600LT Spider to the crown. So which car will triumph in 2024? Read on to find out…
100Subaru Crosstrek
That whole ‘fitness for purpose’ thing we used for our ranking? Right from the off, that’s why the Subaru Crosstrek is here: it has been built for a specific buyer who needs a specific car to do a specific job. Other jacked-up crossovers are more comfortable, stylish, better appointed and more engaging to drive. But few offer the same blend of on-road manners with genuine all-wheel-drive ability, bags of luggage space and ample towing capability. The Crosstrek wouldn’t shine in north London, but it’s ideal for many in north Wales.
99Citroën ë-C4
Citroën has adopted a pleasingly alternative and left-field approach to its cars in recent years – and the ë-C4 is a great current example. It sits firmly in the increasingly crowded ranks of mid-size electric hatchbacks, but it has satisfyingly alternative styling and a focus on helpful features that are useful every day – and all that at a relatively affordable price (from £32,410). It’s held back somewhat by a relatively scant claimed 220-mile range on entry-level models, but if your lifestyle fits that use case then there’s still plenty of appeal.
98Fisker Ocean
Fisker’s recent financial troubles mean the firm faces an uncertain future – which is a shame, because the Ocean SUV holds plenty of promise. It’s a well-priced family EV (at just under £50,000 for mid-spec trim it undercuts direct rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5) with reasonably dynamic handling, up to 440 miles of range and a spacious interior (and yes, it features a taco tray).
97Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler doesn’t just earn its place on the list due to its cult classic status: take it off-piste and
