'I'm a car writer and out of 137 cars set for release this 1 will impress the neighbours'
Express car writer Jack Mortimer gives his view on the best of the new cars set to be released in 2025.
Despite the tax rises, the potential of tariffs, and the cost of petrol and diesel continuing to go up for five consecutive months, drivers are still anticipating a wave of new models set to enter the dealerships before 2025 is out. Already 2025 has given me the chance to try out Renault's 70s throwback-hatchback that won European Car of the Year, Alfa Romeo's family-sized crossover, Leapmotor's ultra-affordable electric car, and a Chinese take on the Range Rover for a fraction of the price from Jaecoo.
However, out of the 137-odd cars that are due to be released in the nine months left of 2025, those who really want to impress their neighbours will buy the Alpine A390. The performance sub-brand of the Renault Group, the A390 is effectively the brand's famous A110 that can be used by five people - featuring a four-door coupe body with sweeping lines and a full-size glass roof.
Unfortunately, Alpine has yet to share any information about the powertrain of the A390, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2024, but it is confirmed to feature three electric motors, meaning it is unlikely to be lacking in power.
One model set to be a hit with buyers when it launches this spring is the Ford Puma Gen-E - the all-electric variant of one of the best-selling compact crossovers on the market. Whilst the styling has only received minimum tweaks compared to the petrol-powered model, such as a mostly-covered front grille section, a 43kWh battery pack and 168bhp motor have been fitted to offer 233 miles of range and a 0-62mph time of just eight seconds.
The slightly more compact electric components also help to make the Puma Gen-E a more practical car, with an even larger compartment under the boot floor. Prices for the Gen-E will begin at £29,995.
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Nevertheless, drivers longing for a new petrol model still have a considerable range of cars to choose from, with the latest version of the BMW 3 Series due to launch at the end of 2025.
Whilst this will be the first time the premium brand's compact saloon will be offered as an EV, buyers will also be able to opt for a petrol or hybrid version - all of which feature a much wider version of the famous 'kidney grilles' that encompass the headlights.
2025 is set to be a particularly important year for BMW as a whole, with the company introducing its Neue Klasse family of cars, all of which are notable for featuring incredibly striking styling somewhat reminiscent to the brands cars of the late 1960s.
However, perhaps the most anticipated new car of the year will be the first production model from Jaguar since their controversial rebrand at the end of 2024.
Whilst the brand is set to sell very few cars during 2025, as production stops to prepare for its up-market relaunch, Jaguar's first new model will be an all-electric GT based on the Type 00 concept.
As a result, expect striking looks, such as a perfectly rectangular grille connected by two slimline headlights, along with the odd touch of classic Jag, such as the long, sweeping bonnet and ultra-flared rear wheel arches.
