With the end of what has been a remarkable year drawing near, it’s time to turn our attention to what 2021 has in store for us. Beyond hopes of a return to normality here at Robins & Day, we’re also looking forward to a very exciting 12 months in terms of new car releases across our full family of brands.
But what exactly are we looking forward to? Our guide to the best new cars for 2021 in the UK will tell you everything you need to know about the hottest models on the horizon.
Peugeot
It’s a big year ahead for Peugeot, with a number of updates to established models expected through 2021, starting with a well-earned refresh for one its best-loved motors.
Peugeot 308
The current Peugeot 308 is a well renowned model in the Peugeot range. Expected towards the back end of 2021, the new 308 is anticipated to offer both plug-in hybrid and full electric versions, with new styling and suggestions of a more rugged model suited to the demands of a more active family lifestyle. While it’s quite early in the day to get full details on the new 308, its arrival will be hotly awaited in the family hatchback sector.
Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered
Offering a more considerable step into the future, the Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered will be the first model from the brand’s newly formed performance arm and will arrive in a growing market for sporty hybrid saloons with some impressive numbers behind it.
Those numbers in question are a 355bhp output from its combined turbocharged 1.6 litre engine and two axle-mounted electric motors, a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds and a WLTP fuel economy figure of 139mpg. Incorporating a number of performance tweaks to the chassis of the normal 508 alongside a sleek, futureproofed makeover both inside and out, the 508 SE is set to be a standout arrival in the next 12 months.
Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008
Far from leaving the highly popular SUV range alone this year, Peugeot will also be updating its 3008 and 5008 models – with both undergoing similar revisions that will make their standout design even more eye-catching than before.
A major design change for both models will be the introduction of a new grille, which moves the front-end design away from the more conventional and into the contemporary with a patterned square chrome aesthetic. The headlights on both models have also been adjusted with the addition of vertical daytime running lights to replace the older style fog lights.
With additional safety features and interior tech upgrades on show, plus a hybrid version of the new 3008, both models have enhanced their established position in a highly competitive SUV market. The best news? Both are already available.
Citroen
The exciting new model launch for Citroen is the release of the stunning new C4, offering both conventional engines and an all-electric option. Citroen also continues to stand out in the SUV segment with the multi award winning C5 Aircross SUV and C3 Aircross SUV.
Citroen C4 and Citroen e-C4
The striking design of the Citroen C4 has made it a highly intriguing option for customers looking in both the family hatchback and crossover markets. Arriving in February 2021, the latest edition of the Citroen C4 will bring SUV styling to a large hatchback with a bolder lighting design to set it apart from previous variants. The interior will be refined, too, offering a slicker and more conventional look compared to the older C4 Cactus model.
The Citroen e-C4 is one of the standout new electric cars for 2021, with a 217-mile range on a single charge off of its 136hp electric motor and 50kWh battery. Beyond the obvious powertrain differences, the e-C4’s styling will be much the same as the new C4, offering families another great sustainable hatchback option for the future.
Vauxhall
Vauxhall will bring some significant arrivals to the fore for 2021, with a first for its best-loved and longest-standing model and a notable update on a popular SUV.
Vauxhall Astra
No matter the year, the Vauxhall Astra just keeps on getting better and better, which is no doubt one of the reasons it’s been a perennial bestseller all these years. So, what can we expect from the 2021 edition?
With the Astra being so incredibly popular, Vauxhall has often had to act with caution when redesigning it, in order to find the balance between appealing new features and keeping what already works. This year, however, the Astra gets a bold new design and a plug-in hybrid option offered for the first time.
The headline design features include two-tone contrast colouring between the roof and bonnet and the rest of the chassis, plus a striking new front grille which aligns with work on the new Mokka (more on that below). The interior will also be upgraded, with a focus on higher quality materials being added. All in all, the Astra of 2021 is likely to be the established model which we see the most visible change in.
All-new Vauxhall Mokka
From concept to the showroom floor, the new Mokka is set to define the latest generation of Vauxhalls in design terms. Back in 2018, Vauxhall showcased a concept version of the Mokka by the name of the GT X Experimental, which boasted a futuristic look typical of brand concepts. However, unlike so often where the following product looks nothing like the concepts which inspired it, the 2021 Mokka actually carries forward much of this sleek and innovative build.
The new Mokka carries the contrast roof and bonnet, just like the Astra, but its most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the “Vizor” grille, which stretches the full width of the car front and is designed to resemble the visor of a crash helmet. Arriving in early 2021, there will also be an all-electric Mokka-e version for sale, putting the all new Mokka at the forefront of a striking revamp for Vauxhall in the new year.
DS
The new arrivals from DS this coming year will see the return of an old name and the beginning of a new generation for the luxury French brand.
DS 4
You may already be familiar with the DS 4. Its eight-year production ceased in 2018, however it’s due a return for 2021 as part of the brand’s exciting expansion plans.
Although we’re unlikely to see it until later in the year, DS fans will be interested in its placement in the SUV range, which will likely be somewhere between the current DS 3 CROSSBACK and DS 7 CROSSBACK. As per the general brand mantra, the DS 4 will offer some wonderful hi-tech assistance features and futuristic styling, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
DS 9
Perhaps the biggest step in recent memory for DS will be its entry into the saloon market by way of the upcoming DS 9. Designed with the same E-TENSE hybrid technology found on the Crossback 3, DS has promised a saloon that will offer “technical excellence, incredible comfort and unparalleled sophistication”.
With three petrol-electric engine options available, and the top-end model offering a considerable 360bhp under the bonnet, the DS 9 will look to combine performance with the brand’s passion for unique styling and attention to detail in interior design and luxury.
The 2021 cars line-up at Robins & Day is looking incredibly strong, with all four brands set to make a splash. With potential new saloon ventures from Citroen, DS and Peugeot plus some significant revamps on some of our best-loved models, many of the best new cars for ‘21 in the UK can be found right here at Robins & Day.