Best new 23-plate cars to buy

Looking for a new vehicle this March? Here are some great options

Every March sees the introduction of a new in-demand registration, and this March 1 brings the arrival of the ‘23’ plate. 

It can be an exciting month, and it’s one of the most popular when it comes to new car sales. But what are the best 23-plate cars to look out for this March? We take a look at the best to suit a range of uses and budgets. 

BMW i7

BMW’s 7 Series has earned a fantastic reputation in the luxury car world, and the German firm is now taking that a step further with the arrival of the new i7. Arriving as BMW’s new electric flagship, it boasts a striking design and high-end interior filled with equipment – an optional; 32-inch cinema screen is even available for passengers in the rear. 

But if you’re in the driving seat, the i7 is also rather impressive, boasting plentiful performance and also a range of up to 387 miles. 

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MG4

MG is now well known for its electric cars, and things have improved even further with the arrival of the MG4. It’s the firm’s most affordable EV, and with a £26,995 starting price, significantly undercuts many rivals. 

Yet for that price it still comes generously equipped, while the MG4 also offers a roomy interior and plenty of technology. A ‘Long Range’ version can travel up to 281 miles on a charge, though even the cheapest model can do a claimed 218 miles.

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Mini Electric Convertible

Mini’s 3-Door Hatch has proven an ideal model to convert into the Electric, and now the British firm is broadening its EV line-up with the new Mini Electric Convertible. Bringing all the fun of its well-loved drop-top, you can now enjoy it with the zero-emissions powertrain. 

Available in a single high-spec trim level, which includes features such as a head-up display and full leather upholstery, it’s also being sold as a special edition as the current Mini Convertible bows out of production later this year. Just 150 of the 999 European production run will be sold in the UK. 

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Nissan X-Trail

Nissan’s Juke and Qashqai are both fantastic crossovers, but if you need a little extra space, you need to take a look at the X-Trail. Recently arriving for a new generation, this model boasts a more striking look, as well as electrified e-Power powertrains that are both smooth and efficient. 

The X-Trail also continues to have the key selling point of being one of few cars in its class available as a seven-seater, while the generous equipment levels and great safety record make this Nissan a great family car.

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Ford Puma

Ford’s Puma crossover might have been around for a few years already, but if you’re in the market for a compact crossover, it remains hard to beat and would be a great model to secure a 23-plate on. 

Offering a spacious interior – particularly when it comes to boot space – the Puma also comes with efficient mild-hybrid petrol engines that are great on fuel. If you want something sportier, a 197bhp ST model sits at the top of the line-up.

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Citroen e-C4 X

Citroen already offers one of the most extensive line-ups of electric models, and it’s recently grown further with the new e-C4 X saloon. Sitting alongside the e-C4 hatch, this ‘X’ version adds a more distinctive shape that helps to make it stand out further. 

Though other countries will be able to choose the C4 X with petrol and diesel engines, in the UK it’s only being sold as an EV. Bringing a 222-mile range, great value for money and impressive levels of comfort, this Citroen is a unique and desirable choice.

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Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe

Speaking of desirability, we’ve got Skoda’s new Enyaq iV, which is now being sold as a sleeker Coupe bodystyle, alongside the conventional SUV. With only a small compromise on practicality, this Coupe version is, without doubt, a lot more stylish. 

Those sleeker looks also help it travel a little further, with Skoda claiming an impressive 345 miles between charges. If you want something a little sportier to both drive and look at, it’s worth taking a look at the vRS too.

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Cupra Born

Cupra is proving to be hugely popular in the UK, and much of its recent success stems from the introduction of the Born – its first electric car. A sibling model to the Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra is sportier to drive and arguably better to look at too. 

It’s also practical enough to use as a small family car, while the equipment and technology levels are particularly impressive. Various versions are available, with the largest battery model capable of a claimed 343 miles to a charge.

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Hyundai i20 N

If you fancy something fun as a new 23-plate car, but one which won’t cost a fortune to buy or run, it’s worth looking at the Hyundai i20 N. This relatively new hot hatch is an absolute riot to drive, with an old-school driving experience making it feel like a hot hatch of days gone by – most certainly a good thing. 

Yet Hyundai still kits it out with plenty of equipment, with modern screens ensuring it still feels cutting-edge. A £25,750 starting price is very good value for a new hot hatch in 2023, too.

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Seat Leon

Seat might not have released anything new in recent months, but its range of cars still has plenty to offer. Not least its mid-size Leon. Available as both a five-door hatch or an estate, it’s cheaper to buy than its VW Golf sibling and would make a great 23-plate car. 

The Leon is also good to drive, and offers a surprisingly roomy interior, regardless of which derivative you go for. All versions are well-equipped from the offset, while a £22,515 starting price makes it a very good value for money.

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