Top five new cars to buy in 2025 for style, practicality & value for money, according to motoring experts

DRIVERS in the market for a seriously stylish set of wheels that won't break the bank this year are in luck.

A group of eminent motors journalists have shortlisted the best wheels that will ensure the former and the latter.

It marks the 61st consecutive year that the European Car of the Year awards have revealed the best motors for 2025.

Renault 5 E-Tech - 353 votes

This vehicle simply works everywhere — in stop and start city traffic, on a motorway, and even on a twisty B-road.

The B-mode braking regeneration system, which sticks a bit of juice back into the battery when you coast, is nicely calibrated.

The cabin combines Eighties cool with a Google-powered touchscreen.

A deserved winner.

Kia EV3 - 291 votes

Nipping on its heels is this family-friendly and eye-catching SUV.

It tells you exactly how many miles you’ve got left depending on your driving behaviour.

Out on the road, the acceleration is as smooth as you like and the pillow-soft suspension makes life decently comfortable.

Flappy paddles adjust levels of braking regeneration. So if you’re good at anticipating traffic flow, you’ll hardly ever touch the foot brake.

Plus, it boasts reversing cameras - helping you to park like a pro.

Citroen e-C3 - 215 votes

Squeezing onto the podium is the C3 with chalked up a very respectable score.

The e-C3 starts at £21,990. That gets you a 199-mile battery by the WLTP test, and a big enough motor to keep you swimming in quick traffic.

It looks the part too, with alloys and a two-tone roof.

The main thing is comfort - its suspension laughs at speed bumps and rural pot-holed lanes and deservedly features on the shortlist.

Dacia Duster

The Duster has all the minerals most people need: Proper mechanical 4WD, high ground clearance and attack angles, chunky tyres, five drive modes and hill descent control. Its all-round cameras will help you to avoid scrapes with rocks.

It looks chiselled, tough and cool ­— inside and out.

And it’s kinder to the planet with those wheel arches made from 20 per cent recycled plastics.

Hyundai Inster

The smart-looking EV comes with an adventure-ready roof rack and a set of stylish 17-inch alloy wheels.

Its interior is finished in green with lime accents, and there is an option of Amazonas Green matt paint.

There is also plenty of room for four, with each seat capable of being folded completely flat.

The rear two seats can slide and recline independently to enhance legroom or boot space as needed.

On the dashboard, it features a 10.25-inch digital display as well as Hyundai’s full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including a 360-degree parking camera and blindspot cameras.