Citroen e-C4
- On sale: January 2021
Citroen is a little behind the EV game compared with its PSA stablemates Peugeot and DS, but the funky e-C4 crossover will give the brand a pure-electric alternative to the likes of the Ford Focus and Nissan Qashqai. The non-electric C4 will cost from £20,990 so the electric e-C4 commands a hefty premium over the ICE version. Both are available to order now.
Based on the same e-CMP platform that underpins the Peugeot 2008, the e-C4 makes use of a 50kWh battery for an official range of 217 miles. Thanks to a 100kW charger, a half-hour charge will take the battery level from zero to 80 per cent. A 135bhp motor drives the front wheels, enabling the C4 to sprint from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds.
Cupra El-Born
- On sale: 2021
This is the El Born, Cupra’s answer to the electric hot hatchback. The first production car from SEAT’s sporty sub-brand to use the VW Group’s MEB platform for electric vehicles, the El Born will offer buyers a sporty, sharply styled alternative to the likes of the Kia Niro.
Thanks to an 82kWh battery pack, the El Born promises 310 miles of range, while a 100kW charger means you can add 161 miles in half an hour.
Dacia Spring
- On sale: 2021
The Dacia Spring shows the Romanian brand’s ambition to burst onto the EV scene with one of the most affordable zero-emissions cars on the market. Derived from the Asian-market Renault Kwid and electrified K-ZE, the Spring will offer buyers an SUV-styled city car rival for the Skoda Citigo-e iV.
Starting from under £19,800, the Spring is the cheapest electric car on sale in Europe - undercutting the SEAT Mii Electric.
Details of the production version are still under wraps, but the K-ZE features a 26.8kWh battery, a 124-mile range and a 44bhp electric motor driving the front wheels. Costs should be kept low by retaining the basic body structure and panelling of the K-ZE, and by drawing on Renault’s existing in-car technology.
Ford Bronco
- On sale: Early 2021
After nearly 15 years on the sidelines, the Ford Bronco name plate is back. True to the original, the Bronco is no poseur SUV but a true 4x4; chunky tyres and huge suspension travel show that this is a car designed with departure angles and wading depths in mind.
Engine choices consist of a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 266bhp and a 306bhp 2.7-litre V6, but there are no plans to bring the car to UK.
Ford Puma ST
- On sale: Spring 2021
The Ford Puma has had the ST treatment, and it promises to become one of the most exciting small performance cars on the market when it arrives early in 2021. That’s because, under the skin, the Puma rides on the same platform as the Fiesta, which means it will probably feature the same sort of chassis upgrades that make the Fiesta ST one of the best hot hatchbacks that money can buy.
The Puma ST shares its engine with the hot supermini, too; the 1.5-litre turbo petrol helps it sprint from 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds, yet the car retains the benefits that a practical crossover body provides.
Hyundai i20
- On sale: Early 2021
Hyundai has given its Fiesta rival a thorough makeover. This latest model is based on a heavily revised version of its predecessor’s platform, but it ushers in mild- hybrid power, new in-car tech and advanced safety systems.
The interior of the i20 is all new; two 10.25-inch displays stretch across the dash, giving drivers access to all of the major functions. The boot has also grown by 25 litres, to 351 litres. A sporty N Line model comes with up to 119bhp and cosmetic tweaks inspired by the i20 N hot hatch.
Hyundai i20 N
- On sale: Early 2021
There’s an all-new hot hatch waiting in the wings from Hyundai, in the form of the i20 N. The new pocket rocket will go up against the mighty Ford Fiesta ST, and key to its success will be its attractive pricing – around £20,000 – as well as the know-how of Hyundai’s N boss, Albert Biermann.
Our exclusive image gives you an idea of how the i20 N could look; an aggressive bodykit and bulging wheelarches should feature in its racy appearance. Under the skin, expect it to use a 200bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbo unit found in the larger i30 N. It’ll be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Hyundai Kona N
- On sale: Mid 2021
Hyundai will expand its new N performance sub-brand with a hot version of the Kona SUV.
Prototypes have been spotted undergoing development testing, revealing that the Puma ST rival will receive a dramatic design overhaul, with bulging wheelarches and an aggressive bodykit as part of the N makeover.
Power will come from a 2.0-litre turbo developing around 250bhp, although it’s expected that the Kona N will be front-wheel drive only. Hyundai will also make extensive chassis and suspension tweaks to help accommodate that extra performance, including adding a limited-slip differential.
Hyundai Tucson
- On sale: Early 2021
An all-new version of Hyundai’s biggest-selling model will be in showrooms early next year. The next-generation Tucson features Hyundai’s new trademark headlamp and front grille arrangement. It’s all change beneath the skin, too, because the Tucson will be offered with the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time. The PHEV version should offer a 261bhp powertrain and an electric range of around 30 miles. Mild-hybrid engines will also be offered when the car is launched.