3 CAR GARAGE

Auto Express Car of the Year trio for less than a Model 3

- Richard Ingram

OVER the past quarter of a century, Auto Express has named an eclectic set of Cars of the Year, and to celebrate 2025's winners, we've picked three champions for what we think would be a compelling three-car garage: an EV for cost-capped commutes, a big SUV for family duties and summer holidays, plus a sports car for the weekend - all for less than a top-spec Tesla Model 3.

1 HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 £18,390

THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 wasn't the first pure-electric Auto Express Car of the Year, but it did set a precedent when it took the trophy in 2021: every winner since has been an EV. But we stand by our decision to crown it top dog — it remains one of the finest cars of its type.