Revealed: the five new cars to watch out for in 2022

Good things come to those who wait, or so the saying goes. If you're one of the thousands of new-car buyers who put off a purchase in 2021 - whether due to the pandemic or the production delays currently affecting the industry - the great news is there are plenty of brand-new models coming to showrooms over the coming months.

This is particularly good for anyone uninspired with the sheer number of crossover SUVs dominating the market. While there are lots of those on the way too, the new models we've highlighted shows there's plenty of life left in the humble hatchback and saloon car, especially if you're looking to get ahead of the 2030 petrol car ban and get into a brand-new EV for 2022.

Below, we reveal our top five new cars to keep an eye out for.

Of course, new cars don't come cheap. If you're after something more affordable, check out our complete guide to the best cars for 2022, where you'll find Best Buy models (new and used) for all budgets - and discover which cars to avoid.

1. Cupra Born

Cupra may have only existed as a marque in its own right since 2018, but it's beaten other established brands to showrooms with its Born hatchback, which joins the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3 in the currently very small mid-size EV hatchback market.

Closely related to the Volkswagen ID.3 (Cupra being manufactured by VW's sister brand Seat), the Born comes with a more aggressive design, different interior styling and, like other Cupra models, promises plenty of driver appeal with high performance and agile handling.

It's offered with four motor options, with power ranging from 150-239hp. Opt for the most powerful model and you'll get a claimed range of 335miles, as well as 125kW rapid charging capability. The entry-level 45kWh model can manage 211 miles based on official testing.

The Cupra Born starts from £33,735. The first customer cars are expected for delivery before April.

From dealerships to classifieds, discover the best place to buy a car

2. Mercedes-Benz EQE

Mercedes is committing wholeheartedly to electrification and is offering an increasing number of EV alternatives to its popular luxury cars. The latest to join the range is the EQE luxury saloon. Around the same size as the E-Class, it is expected to reach the UK this summer. Prices will be confirmed in the coming months.

Looking to quell any notion of range anxiety, Mercedes claims the EQE can drive up to 410 miles between charges. Full details are yet to be announced, but a power output of 286hp suggests that progress will be as effortless as it is in the car's petrol-powered counterpart.

What's more, the EQE will feature Mercedes' new 'MBUX Hyperscreen', which sees the entire dashboard turned into a touch-sensitive display. It certainly gives the interior a futuristic edge, but as we've seen with current touchscreens, usability on the move could prove to be a problem.

Mercedes doesn't have the posh EV market to itself. It will have to best rivals such as the BMW i4 and the well-rounded Polestar 2 to succeed. We'll bring you our full test of the EQE later this year.

3. Toyota Aygo X

Drivers who favour the smallest petrol-powered cars may have been left somewhat disappointed with the diminishing number of new models available. Toyota is aiming to buck the trend with its all-new Aygo X city car.

Like almost everything else these days, this five-door hatchback comes with off-road inspired styling (including a mildly raised ride-height), but it retains the compact dimensions and small overhangs (the bodywork fore and aft of the wheels) that made previous Aygo's such a hit around town.

Prices start at £14,795 for entry-level 'Pure' trim. For that you'll get a decent specification, including alloy wheels, touchscreen media system with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, as well as a Toyota's 'Safety Sense' suite of active safety tech. This includes autonomous emergency braking - something that's been lacking on the majority of models in the city car class.

Range-topping 'Exclusive' models start from £17,715 and get wireless phone charging, LED headlights, parking sensors and a larger central touchscreen. Order books are open now, with the first models expected to hit the road this Spring.

The city car market may be shrinking, but there are still some decent small hatchbacks to choose from. Discover which models we recommend, in our roundup of the best small cars for 2022.

4. Citroen C5 X

Is it an SUV? Is it a saloon? Citroen's latest large car, the C5 X, appears to straddle market segments, offering the raised height of a crossover SUV, but with the voluptuous styling of a four-door coupe.

The brand is hoping it's all-new car will have broad appeal, claiming it also has the practicality of an estate car. Initially it will be offered with petrol or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines. The former being a 130hp 1.2-litre or a more powerful 180hp 1.6-litre.

Citroen claims PHEV models are capable of covering up to 34 miles emissions-free and has official CO2 emissions of just 30g/km, despite a healthy 225hp power output.

We'll be driving the C5 X at its media launch in March. Head back then for our first drive review. If you don't want to wait until then, Citroen are taking reservations now, with prices starting from £26,490 and rising to £38,680.

5. Ineos Grenadier

Our final pick may be an SUV, but a hatchback-based crossover it most certainly isn't. The Grenadier is a full-fat off-roader aimed at those who prioritise serious off-road capability over eye-catching styling or a must-have bonnet badge.

This is the first time that chemical giant Ineos has ventured into making cars, which makes the Grenadier something of an unknown quantity. Cynics might suggest it's a copycat of the iconic Land Rover Defender, but its utilitarian bent is a refreshing addition to the large SUV market, with most similarly sized models (the Defender included) focussing on improved luxury and on-road driving manners.

The Grenadier takes a wholly different approach, and with a separate 'ladder' chassis, solid axles and locking differentials, it's fully equipped to reach places nature would rather you didn't.

Power comes courtesy of BMW, with the brand's muscular 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines fitted, along with an eight-speed automatic transmission, for easier progress in the rough stuff.

The Ineos Grenadier is available to pre-order now, priced from £48,000. The model's official showroom debut is expected in July.

Find out which full-size 4x4s aced our road and lab tests, in our guide to the best large SUVs for 2022.