UK’s best new cars of 2026 are officially revealed as bargain Chinese carmakers top the list

THE UK’s best new cars of 2026 have been revealed – with Chinese carmakers topping the list. The results highlight the growing influence of Chinese carmakers in the UK market. The newly revived Nissan Micra is one of the UK’s best known EV models Credit: Getty The Jaecoo 7 is the first SUV from the Chinese brand, seen as an affordable option for luxury vehicles Credit: Alamy The reborn Nissan Micra won the Small Car of the Year crown before the model even reached many showroom floors. The all-electric Nissan Micra is one of the UK’s best-known models for its competitive EV technology. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! ‘The Micra is allowing us to connect with a type of customer who previously would have gone to a rival brand for their small electric hatchback,’ one dealer told Car Dealer Magazine . The Jaecoo 7 also won a gong for Mid-sized Car of the Year by dealers. The Chinese Chery Tiggo 9 is a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV Credit: Getty The SUV is fast becoming one of the UK’s best vehicle success stories and has helped push the Chinese brand into the mainstream due to its competitive pricing. Another Chinese brand, the Chery Tiggo 9 has also made it to the top of this year’s best cars in the UK, winning Large Car of the Year. The seven-seater is one of the most affordable of its type, fitted with a massive battery capable of taking motorists 90 miles only on electricity. At a starting price of £43,105, the plug-in hybrid is backed by a 7-year or 100,000-mile manufacturer warranty. Most read in Motors Comment now