No matter how good a car is, sometimes it doesn’t make an impact on buyers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a supermini, an SUV or even a supercar, sometimes some models are simply left out in favor of more famous rivals. Sometimes a car that slips into the shadows is well deserved, but often the most underrated cars get our attention.
Often, the reason a model can sit in the shadow of competitors has nothing to do with how good it is. It could simply be thanks to the fancier technology and gimmicks of newer models, or even just a more memorable marketing campaign.
Another factor is heraldic snobbery – more established brands don’t offer more substance than a less well-loved brand, but steal attention with their strong identities and perhaps is a more impressive back-end sample portfolio.
It could even be a simple flaw or polarizing aspect of a vehicle that makes it overlooked – a controversial design, a poor infotainment system or a small launch. It’s not all bad news, though, because these underdogs may still have a lot to offer, with brands slashing prices or making lucrative financial deals in an attempt to win. attract buyers into the showroom. We’ve put together this list here to highlight some of the best underrated cars to buy in the UK.
When we test cars, we take each model and evaluate it against the backdrop of our competitors and how well that model fits the needs of our target audience. As a result, Auto Express’s coveted five-star rating is awarded only to the best car, so a car that really has to be very special can get the top score. As the saying goes, competition creates excellence, and with so much competition in the car industry, many models falling short of the lead are still highly desirable.
For all these reasons and more, cars can be undervalued by the car-buying public, and we want to establish that right. We’ve omitted a few minor imperfections, omitted the ads, and forgotten the fads to highlight what we think are the worst-selling new models today…
ten. Jaguar XF
The original XF was a true Jaguar statement, telling the world that the British marque was nothing short of a premium pickup. The current XF continues to fight with BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class – especially since it’s as good as any German rival from behind the wheel. The new mild-hybrid powertrain is also impressive, finding the right combination of performance and performance.
The XF’s mid-life refresh for 2020 results in an all-new center console, steering wheel design and subtly upgraded exterior. The XF’s infotainment system is the best equipped, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard. Unlike its smaller brother XE, the XF also comes as a Sportbrake engine for added practicality.
With so many formidable competitors in its segment, such as Volkswagen Golf Course, Ford Focus and Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla can be ignored. Average boot space and an unimpressive infotainment system are some of the limitations, but with a comfortable ride, precise handling, excellent build quality, and smart looks, it’s still a lot of things.
The Corolla has a wide choice of body styles: a five-door hatchback, a four-door saloon or a portable version. There are quite a few trim levels to choose from, meaning there’s something to suit every taste and budget, while the petrol-electric hybrid is available in 1.8- and 2.0-liter sizes. .
8. Hyundai Ioniq electricity
In a long time, Toyota Prius is the only game in town if you want a hybrid, but in recent years it has been challenged by the Hyundai Ioniq. Better still, unlike its arch-rival, Hyundai is available as a hybrid, plug-in, and all-electric vehicle. It makes the most sense in EV guise, as it’s refined and easy to drive.
A recent upgrade has also improved the range and performance of the Ioniq, with 193 miles claimed on a single charge and a more powerful 134bhp engine. With prices starting at £30,550 after government funding, it’s also affordable for an EV.
7. Skoda Scala
The Skoda Scala isn’t the family car many people will immediately think of, and that’s a pity because it impressed us so much when we tested it and we gave it five stars. full. It performs well – almost as well as its slightly more advanced sibling Volkswagen Golf Course – but above all, its excellent value for money is what amazed us the most.
Its practical long hatchback shape means it’s also very roomy, and testing has proven it’s comfortable and easy to drive, although not the most exciting car across the board – part of why it’s easily overlooked by its more charismatic rivals. It’s also not quite as refined as the Volkswagen Golf, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative that really ticks all the right boxes, the Scala is a great choice.
6. Lexus UX
Today, most premium car manufacturers have at least a few SUVs in their lineups, and Lexus is no different. There are some classes where Lexus lags behind its German rivals, but in terms of the small premium SUV segment, the UX has the upper hand. The complex infotainment system and small boot are the UX’s only weak points. If you can ignore these flaws, it will impress with its efficient engine and luxurious interior.
Riding on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (shared by Camry and Prius), the UX drives as good as BMW X2 and Audi Q3. Better still, you can rest assured that it will never go wrong, and even if it does, you will have to reinvigorate the renowned Lexus dealer network.
5. Volkswagen up! GTI
The Volkswagen up! Popularity, but the GTI version is still full of youthful energy, helping it bring back the same smiles as the pioneering Mk1 Golf GTI from the late Seventies. It’s the smallest car in the Volkswagen line-up to get the GTI badge, and although it only makes 113bhp, that’s more than enough power for a vehicle this size!
Its 1.0-litre turbocharged engine is also cheap to run and the interior is solidly built, something we’ve come to expect from most Volkswagen models. If we’re being completely honest, the steering is a bit lifeless, which stops it from being the all-time great and standard car! can be almost as much fun. But if you want the same kind of thrills offered by the original Golf GTI but in a safer, more modern package, then go! GTI is a great choice.
While the Alfa Romeo Giulia is certainly lauded for its excellent handling and elegant styling, the Italian saloon is also a great car to live with. It was voted third overall in our 2018 Driver Power satisfaction survey – a performance you certainly wouldn’t have expected from Alfa Romeos just a few years ago.
The 2020 upgrade further enhances the Giulia’s appeal, with infotainment updates helping it keep pace with compact senior leaders. The Veloce’s 2.0-litre 276bhp turbocharged engine responds quickly and delivers a lovely refreshing feel, but the sizzling Quadrifoglio version is the pick if your budget is tight. This BMW M3 rival offers great performance from its superb 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, as well as agile and engaging handling.
The Citroen C4 The Cactus is an eye-catching alternative to the compact SUV lineup. It may have become a bit more refined in terms of design than the original Cactus, but the slim headlights, brand nameplates, and pleasantly minimalist interior help it stand out.
Citroen’s renewed focus on comfort is welcome at a time when even SUVs are getting sportier touches. The C4 Cactus has more body roll than other modern crossovers but the trade-off is a comfortable ride, making it a good highway cruiser.
C4 Cactus also proves that you have quirky style and practicality. The lowered roofline doesn’t take up as much headroom as you might think, and boot space is just behind the Volkswagen Golf.
2. Mazda CX-30
If you’re after a family SUV with good drivability, you could do much worse than the CX-30. There’s a sweet balance between ride and handling and there are exceptional engines on offer. The responsive steering also gives you a connection that many of its rivals lack. Bodywork is well controlled by SUV standards but don’t expect MX-5-like handling.
The neat interior feels more upscale than some of its pricier German rivals, and there’s plenty of space, too. For your added peace of mind, this is one of the safest cars ever tested by Euro NCAP.
first. Mercedes E-Class Coupe/ Cabriolet
There are not many rivals of the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. Convertible versions of BMW 4 Series Audi A5 sit in the class below in terms of size while the drop down BMW 8 Series and Mercedes’ own S-Class coupe sits above. As a result, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet can often be forgotten in a niche of their own.
There’s serious performance available in AMG models and the E-Class platform retains supple driving qualities. It makes the mid-size Mercedes coupe/cabrio a very pleasant place to go for miles. The 400 d diesel is our favorite, combining speed and efficiency with refined looks.
Check out our sister site Buyacar for great used bargains…
