From superminis to SUVs, dozens of freshly launched new cars will hit showrooms during 2022, with electric and hybrid vehicles leading the charge
Considering the UK will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, it's no surprise to see so many all-new EVs. The good news is that there are an increasing number of new models at the affordable end of the market.
We've decided to highlight just 11 newcomers, but other notable 2022 newcomers include the BMW iX, Cupra Born, Lotus Emira, Genesis G70 Shooting Brake, Honda Civic, Maserati Grecale and Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Peugeot 308
The all-new third-generation version of Peugeot's popular family hatchback has serious kerb appeal. Priced from £24,000, it's available with a choice of efficient petrol, diesel and hybrid engines.
Continuing Peugeot's push up-market, standard technology includes Peugeot’s digital i-Cockpit with a 10-inch driver's display and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota may be a bit late to the EV party, but 2022 will finally see the launch of the car giant's first mass-produced electric vehicle. And the slightly awkwardly named Toyota bZ4X crossover looks like it will have been well worth the wait.
With striking looks and cutting-edge on-board tech, it will have a range of up to 280 miles and be able to reach 80% charge in around 30 minutes with 150kW rapid charging.
Toyota claims the battery will still be able to achieve a world-class 90% of its original performance even after 10 years of use.
Kia Sportage
Kia's best-selling model moves on a generation in 2022. The all-new version of the family SUV (Mk5) sports a bold new design, high-tech interior and a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid (mild, full and plug-in) engines.
Priced from £26,745, the Mk5 Sportage will battle other crossovers including the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and new Suzuki S-Cross (see below).
Fiat Panda
The all-new 2022 Fiat Panda is expected to be based around the cute Centoventi Concept EV revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Sitting below the iconic 500 in the range, it's believed the more affordable Panda will have battery packs that can be added or removed depending on how far you need to drive, giving it a range of up to 300 miles.
It's quite possible that the entry-level model could end up being the cheapest electric vehicle on the market.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
The stylish, all-new Suzuki S-Cross is a car transformed. Building on the outgoing model’s reputation for value for money and practicality, the next gen S-Cross not only looks fresher, but it’s generously equipped and surprisingly spacious.
And its mild hybrid 1.4-litre petrol turbo engine is a cracker, offering a winning blend of performance, economy, low emissions and refinement.
Priced from £24,999, it will be available with smooth manual and automatic gearboxes – and all-wheel drive.
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
The striking all-new, all-electric Megane has already been crowned Top Gear’s Family Hatch of the Year. Judges praised it for its dynamic driving experience, desirable design and interior.
Available with two battery options (40kWh and 60kWh), it offers up to 292 miles of range, while rapid 130kW charging delivers 186 miles in just 30 minutes.
Dacia Jogger
Looking like a cross between an estate, a crossover and an MPV, the latest vehicle to join the Dacia budget range will offer seating for seven people, rugged looks and remarkable value for money.
Starting at just £14,995, the Jogger shares design cues with its siblings, the Duster SUV, Sandero supermini and Sandero Stepway compact crossover.
Honda HR-V
This boldly styled new compact SUV from Honda is priced from £26,960.
Only available as a self-charging hybrid, it combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, producing 131hp. Honda claims CO2 emission levels are as low as 122g/km and fuel economy of up to 52mpg.
The HR-V's formidable rivals include the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke, Vauxhall Mokka and Renault Captur.
Skoda Fabia
Priced from £14,905, Skoda's next-generation small hatchback will do battle with rivals including the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo in the highly competitive supermini sector.
Bigger than its popular predecessor, buyers will expect it to continue Skoda's reputation for space, reliability and value for money. The petrol engines on offer include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo.
Vauxhall Astra
Priced from £23,275, the eighth-generation Astra is a family hatchback transformed.
Sporting sharp new looks and packed with the latest tech, it's available with petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid which offers up to 35 miles of pure-electric running, potential fuel economy as high as 256.8mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 24g/km.
An all-electric version (badged Astra-e) will go on sale in 2023.
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan's big SUV gets a Qashqai-inspired front end for 2022 and lots more. As well as seven seats, rugged looks and the option of four-wheel drive, the new model will also be available with electric power for the first time.
It will use Nissan's unique hybrid 'e-Power' system, which utilises a small petrol engine solely to charge the batteries and the wheels are driven by the electric motors.
Ford Ranger
If 2022 is a big year for new cars, it's huge one for pick-up buyers. An all-new version of the UK's best-seller (around 40% of all pick-ups bought in Britain are Rangers), Ford says the next-generation vehicle will be the "smartest, most capable, most versatile Ranger yet".
The 4x4's bold design is inspired by its big American cousins, the Bronco and pure electric F-150 Lightning.
Volkswagen ID Buzz
And finally, a bonus. Yes, we know the ID Buzz is not a car, but for many it will be one of the highlights of 2022.
Due in van and people carrier forms, its rakish looks are nod to the iconic Type 2 Microbus. Despite the retro styling, it will come packed with cutting-edge technology.
Only available as an EV, it will have a choice of battery packs, delivering a range as high as 350 miles.
Gareth Herincx
Motoring journalist
I'm an experienced journalist, digital editor and copywriter, now specialising in motoring. I’m editor of Automotive Blog and have worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online for household names including the BBC, GMTV, ITV and MSN. I’ve produced digital content in the financial sector for Lloyds Bank, Nationwide and the Money Advice Service. I'm married with two children and live near Bath in Somerset.