Seven new cars you should look out for in 2020

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The New Year sees the launch of all-new versions of old favourites and an exciting new emissions-free model that doesn’t need recharging at the plug. By Daljinder Nagra2 Jan 2020 Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare by email Are you considering making the switch to emissions-free motoring in 2020? From fledgling beginnings, electric cars are now a mainstay of most manufacturers’ line ups. The New Year promises an exciting new array of zero emission models, from premium hatchbacks to sports crossover SUVs. Not all carmakers see battery electric cars as the future, though. Toyota has put its might behind hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and the second generation of its hydrogen-powered Mirai saloon will be in showrooms in a matter of months. However, the reality remains that conventional petrol and diesel cars are currently the most convenient choice for the majority, and it seems there’s life in internal combustion engine yet. From the humble Toyota Yaris, the practical Skoda Octavia or the svelte and luxurious Lexus LC500 Cabriolet, we’ve got plenty of new metal to look forward to. Read on below for our highlights. We reveal the very best cars you can buy right now. Hyundai i10 Hyundai’s city car may sit at the very low end of the new car price spectrum, but the Korean brand’s all new model offers a lot for buyers on a budget when it arrives in showrooms early in 2020. Being a tiny hatchback, don’t expect diesel engines or heavy hybrid systems. Peppy petrol engines are the order of the day and from launch there’ll be a choice of two: a 67hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder and a four-cylinder 1.2 producing 84hp. Buyers will have a choice of either five-speed manual or automated manual transmission, which Hyundai claims saves weight over a traditional automatic. Though in our experience, these are usually not as smooth as the best torque-converter or CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearboxes. Hyundai claims the new model’s extended wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) improves passenger space to the point where you’ll be able to fit two adults in the back row. Claimed boot space remains the same as before at 252 litres, which is large for city cars. The biggest change for the new i10, though, is the sheer amount of technology that will be available. It comes with the same eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system as the bigger i30 hatchback, meaning Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite navigation and access to Hyundai’s subscription-based live services. The safety kit tally has also been increased with the addition of autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection as well as lane-keep assist and an automatic high-beam. Thanks to the po[CENSORED]rity of compact crossovers, there are a dwindling number of super-small hatchbacks left on the market. The Ford Ka+ remains for now but the Renault Twingo has departed UK showrooms. Thankfully, the new i10 looks like it’ll be a strong new addition to the market. In the summer the i10 range will expand to include a range-topping ‘N-line’ edition. This will get a unique turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, as well as sporty styling inside and out. This tiny city car might not seem the most obvious candidate for a hot-hatch makeover, but given the excellent job Hyundai has done with its larger i30 model, we’re certainly looking forward to it. We’re driving the new i10 early next year. Head to our car reviews in late January for our first drive review. Toyota Mirai While most manufacturers are placing their eggs in the battery EV basket, Toyota believes the future of sustainable mobility will be powered by hydrogen. The Japanese brand is getting ready to launch the second generation of its Mirai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) saloon. You could be forgiven for missing the last model – there are very few on UK roads thanks to high list prices and, critically, a current lack of hydrogen filling stations.