People often ask us here at MotorCheck: what’s your favourite car? But that’s a difficult one to answer. Here’s why (along with some of our top picks of 2024).
The reason why it’s almost impossible to answer the question ‘what’s your favourite car’ is because no single model can do everything that someone wants. And that’s the case whether you’re a motoring journalist, a car history check expert or a consumer looking for some new decent wheels.
Of course, there might be a particular model you like the look of. Or that can go off-road when you need it to. Or that can set your pulse racing with its fiery performance now and again. Or will open its tailgate wide and swallow all your family’s belongings in one go. But that’s unlikely to be just one model.
There are simply thousands of beautiful cars out there (and some not so good) for UK motorists to choose from. There are several that we here at MotorCheck like very much, but that’s because they exceed in different ways.
So don’t ask us which one, single, solitary model is our favourite. Because we don’t know. Here are six of the best, though, that we think have been brilliant during 2024 and are certainly worth a look if you are thinking of buying – either new or second hand.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Say what you like about Alfa Romeo, they certainly know how to bring style to the party. Whenever you see the Italian brand’s Giulia model pass you on the road it certainly turns heads. A refresh in 2023 made the sporty saloon even more attractive and has been a favourite with private and business users alike.
And it’s not just about looks – the Giulia, which comes only as a saloon with no estate option available, is every bit as exciting on the tarmac. That’s thanks to a 280hp 2.0-litre engine, eight-speed auto transmission and excellent driving dynamics. Style with substance, that’s the Giulia.
Price guide: £45,000
Ford Puma
It’s the car you never knew you wanted. Ford’s stylish family model has icons such as the Fiesta in its lineage and accepts the challenge for mid-range fun and useful motoring full-on. There’s a big range from no-nonsense entry-level versions to the mighty 200hp ST, although this has been revamped recently and now only comes as a lower powered automatic, rather than a sporting manual.
But the car is attractive, fun to drive, comfortable and versatile thanks to a spacious cabin, large boot area and easy access through the four doors. The Puma’s is a modern design which still looks good and it’s one of Ford’s best selling cars.
Price guide: £28,000
Kia EV6
Kia’s full electric offering, the EV6, continues to win new fans across Britain and Europe. The Korean firm’s battery-powered family hatchback offers futuristic technology, a great ride, breathtaking performance and a long range without having to recharge – something that many potential electric car customers are demanding.
Great, modern looks, a space-age interior and bags of room for luggage and belongings add to the all-round package. There’s excitement to be had too – the most basic car will take off from 0-62mph in around seven seconds while dual motor and high performance GT versions bring that time down to nearer five. Sport, space and super-tech, the EV6 has it all.
Price guide: £45,000
Land Rover Defender
They said it could never happen: axing the beloved ‘old’ Land Rover Defender and bringing in a new version. It just won’t work, was the thinking. Well, Land Rover didn’t listen to that and revealed its stunning Defender range back in 2019. They somehow managed to keep the ‘flavour’ of the outgoing favourite while introducing loads of technology, ability and new styling.
The result is a classy, sophisticated, eye-catching off-roader with 4x4 know-how, executive-style levels of comfort and brilliant space and versatility. It come at a price though: the Defender is not a cheap car. But then class never came cheap…
Price guide: £75,000
Skoda Enyaq IV
Another electric offering, Skoda’s Enyaq has won several awards, mainly in the ‘Best Family Car’ category for its space, practicality and versatility. It’s a big, very usable coupe with style and high-tech, but with a sensible price tag too. Value for money is still a buzzword for Skoda, as it has always been.
Built for comfort for all the family, the Enyaq welcomes you in with an attractive interior that is both smart and practical. And you don’t have to settle for boring ‘practical’ performance either. The big Enyaq range includes some sportier versions including the mighty 300hp vRs model for exciting acceleration and petrol-less high speed.
Price guide: £45,000
Suzuki Swift
Want a good, honest, all-round small car that’s just great to drive? The Suzuki Swift might be your answer. A favourite for years, the little Japanese town car offers style, comfort and pretty good performance – especially if you opt for the nippy ‘Sport’ version.
Keeping up with developments and the growing march towards an electric age on the road, the newest Swift is a mild hybrid, with an battery-powered motor helping the petrol engine to accelerate quicker while using less fuel. It’s a clever system that will win the new-look Swift many fans. The older models are still very desirable for their looks, comfort and enjoyable drive. They’re great value for money too.
Price guide: £20,000
All of these cars can be found as a used vehicle now as well as new so, if you are thinking about dipping into the second-hand market to buy one, make sure you do all your research first, including running your potential next car through a history check.
MotorCheck’s £9.99 ‘Single Check’ will bring greater peace of mind to you by investigating a vehicle’s actual identity, its true mileage, whether it has been written off or stolen, has ever been used as a taxi, how regularly it has been MOT tested, and more.
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