The most popular new car reviews of 2021

Launched last year, the latest Kuga is a decent large SUV in any guise, but really makes sense if you opt for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. In fact, this is one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs out there, providing tidy handling, a decent electric-only range and excellent fuel economy once the battery has run flat – and all for a sensible price. Just make sure you can live with the slightly disappointing interior quality.

It's really no surprise that the new Skoda Enyaq has made it on to this list – because it's a brilliant SUV that proves you don't need deep pockets to buy a large electric car. It also ticks the boxes of many of the main requirements for an electric SUV, such as being comfortable, practical, good to drive and well-equipped. The 80 and 80X versions of the Enyaq have a good official electric range, too, but they are a fair bit more expensive than the 60 versions.

You sit quite low to the ground in the Kamiq, with a driving position that's barely any more elevated than that of the Skoda Scala hatchback. However, in every other respect it's a brilliant small SUV – its supple, controlled ride and remarkably spacious interior are particular highlights.

Few cars received as much hype before their launch as the Model 3, which partly explains its presence on this list. However, crucially, even fewer can match what the Model 3 offers in reality. Tesla's most affordable car so far is great to drive, packed full of tech, fast (ridiculously so in Performance guise) and surprisingly spacious. When you factor in a competitive price, it’s not only a great electric car but also one of the best executive cars you can buy.

With rear-wheel drive, accurate steering and fine body control, the ID.3 is an electric car that’s enjoyable to drive. What's more, its practicality is up with the roomiest family hatchbacks, predicted resale values are superb and it’ll be cheap to run for both company car drivers and private buyers. Throw in strong performance and a long range, and it's a brilliant choice.

The fully electric e-Niro can do more than 250 miles between charges in real-world conditions, so it banishes range anxiety. What's more, it offers good practicality, performance, comfort and equipment. In fact, we rate the e-Niro so highly we made it our 2019 Car of the Year, and it's been among the most popular cars on the What Car? website ever since.

The Karoq offers many of the best bits of the Volkswagen Tiguan for thousands of pounds less. In fact, it's a super family SUV, with a smart-looking and sturdy-feeling interior and clever rear seats that can slide, recline or be removed entirely. It’s also a pleasure to drive, with a comfortable ride (as long as you avoid the larger 19in alloy wheels) and excellent visibility.

Volkswagen now offers five SUVs, but it's the T-Roc that's not only most popular with What Car? readers but also the best all-rounder – especially if you stick to the cheaper engines and trims. Its supple suspension, superb refinement and practical boot will appeal to families, plus it has one of the best driving positions of any car in the small SUV class.

The Puma was our 2020 Car of the Year, and it remains the best small SUV you can buy today. Its agile handling and surprisingly nippy performance will put a bigger smile on your face than any rival. It’s also a car you can buy with your sensible hat on because of its low CO2 emissions, excellent real-world fuel economy, clever boot and attractive monthly PCP finance costs.

The XC40 has similar front and rear lights to the brand’s bigger SUVs to ensure a family resemblance, but it avoids the 'Russian doll approach' of some rival manufacturers. More importantly, it mixes its distinctive style with space, comfort, cutting-edge safety, a high-quality interior and relative affordability. No wonder it's the most popular car with What Car? readers in 2021.

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