Best new cars coming in 2023

Best small cars coming in 2023

Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross is one of our favourite small SUVs as it offers a unique blend of funky styling and a relaxed driving experience. An all-new version of the French brand’s compact crossover is due to arrive in 2023 with a slightly modernised design and electrified powertrains. Car buyers can expect to see the same battery and electric motor setup as the Peugeot e-2008 with a range of around 250 miles. A fuel-sipping mild-hybrid petrol variant is also likely to make an appearance, which should soften the blow of potentially losing the diesel model.

Hyundai Kona

In December 2022, the new Hyundai Kona was revealed, sharing many of its parts with our Carbuyer Car of the Year for 2023, the Kia Niro. The new model features a striking design with front and rear light bars, as well as infotainment tech taken straight from the fully-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5. Hyundai has stated the new model will be available in mild-hybrid petrol, self-charging hybrid and fully electric form, meaning there should be a powertrain to suit a wide range of buyers.

Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first-ever electric car is also the smallest model in its lineup. The new Jeep Avenger was first revealed in 2023 and shares many of its parts with the Vauxhall Mokka Electric. Unlike the Vauxhall, however, the Avenger gets Jeep’s signature brawny styling, off-road driving modes and the brand’s latest UConnect infotainment system, as seen in the much larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. We expect the 249-mile Avenger to start from just over £30,000 when it goes on sale in 2023, with a cheaper petrol model potentially coming later on.

MINI Cooper

A new MINI is always a big event in the automotive world and the next generation of the iconic hatchback is set to shrink slightly in size for its next generation. The upcoming car – rumoured to be renamed MINI Cooper – will be available in both petrol and electric form, with the EV models being built in China instead of the UK. Expect a funky and minimalist interior, as well as a strong collaboration with artist and fashion designer, Paul Smith.

GWM ORA Funky Cat

If you can manage to look past its bizarre name, the GWM ORA Funky Cat looks to be a compelling small EV with a strong range and tech-focused interior. Top-of-the-range First Edition cars go on sale in late 2022, however, mainstream models are set to arrive in early 2023. Eventually, buyers will be able to choose from two battery sizes – 48kWh and 63kWh – for a maximum range of 198 miles and 261 miles respectively. When it finally makes its way onto UK roads, the ORA Funky Cat will be a rival for the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3.

Smart #1

Perhaps the biggest sign of how SUVs have taken over is the fact that even Smart has given in and made one. A rival to the likes of the upcoming MINI Aceman, the new Smart #1 features a premium interior and a funky, curvy design. We’ve already driven a First Edition model and you can read our full review here – however, the majority of customer cars are expected to arrive towards the middle of 2023.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a great choice if you’re looking for a cheap and fun small car, and a new version is currently in the works. We’ve already spotted test mules out and about on public roads, hinting the new car will only look slightly different to the outgoing model. As before, the new Swift will be available with fuel-saving mild-hybrid technology, however, we expect there to be a few added bits of interior tech to entice buyers to upgrade.