BRITAIN'S BEST NEW CARS 2023

Star models in 26 categories, with one Car of the Year

- Alex Ingram

AFTER a couple of tough years for the car industry, 2023 is showing rays of light that suggest things are getting back to normal. Supply issues are fizzling away, and with manufacturers keen to sell again, rivals are jockeying to offer the most tempting deals for prospective customers.

While the industry is recovering, many UK buyers are tightening their belts, so when it comes to new cars, affordability and low running costs are more important than ever. Our 2023 New Car Awards reflect that, but it doesn't mean that cheap cars get an easy pass. As in past years, our category winners need to be the best across the board.

There was a huge amount of talent on show, and our judges worked until the 11th hour to decide upon a very worthy 2023 Car of the Year winner.

CITY CAR OF THE YEAR

HYUNDAI i10

OUR CHOICE Hyundai i10 1.2 Premium (£17,520)

WHILE the sporty N Line will produce the most smiles, it's the mid-range 1.2-litre petrol in Premium trim that we like the most. It's a smooth, revvy unit with enough performance for the open road.

WHY IT WINS

AT a touch under 3.7 metres long, the Hyundai i10 is the smallest winner in our 2023 New Car Awards, but rarely has victory in the City Car class been more significant. With urban streets becoming ever more crowded, and so many buyers trying to trim their bills in any way they can, cars like this become more appealing by the minute.