Top 5 69 Plate New Car Deals
Published Date: 8th Aug 2019
Are you looking to purchase a brand new 69 plate car? Here are our top 5 recommended vehicles including information and specs and on each model. All new cars are UK dealer supplied with full manufacturers warranty and free delivery to most parts of mainland UK with 1000s more new car deals available.
69 Plate Ford Focus
Ford produces Britain's top two best-selling new cars, and they have consistently been the UK's favourite two cars for several years now. The Focus holds the crown as the second best-selling new car in 2019 only surpassed by it's smaller sibling the Ford Fiesta.
The Focus is renowned for its fantastic handling and being a joy to drive, the current model is no different.
The Ecoboost petrol and diesel engines are excellent and if you go for the more powerful 1.5 Ecoboost petrol or the 2.0 Ecoblue diesel you get upgraded suspension which makes the steering even more responsive and the car even more of a pleasure to drive.
The Focus has just about every base covered from frugal around town runner to sporty hot hatch and there's even the option of the Crossover inspired Active and Active-X models which offer higher driving position, jacked up suspension and more rugged exterior styling with moulded wheel arches and chunkier bumpers. Whilst the Active and Active X models are not full-blown 4x4s they do offer an additional drive mode 'slippery' specifically designed for more demanding driving conditions. The Active X offers better levels of equipment and is similar in specs to a Titanium hatchback model with a few extra goodies thrown in.
Looks-wise the latest Focus hatchback is sleeker and more stylish than ever, inside is a cleaner looking affair, with more controls transferred to the touchscreen infotainment system.
If you want the full touchscreen experience you'll need to skip the entry-level Style model which comes with a 4.2 inch screen, altogether underwhelming in today’s hi-tech world. All other models get the 8-inch screen which is a much better proposition, it comes with smartphone integration in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
We think the Titanium trim-level is a good place to start if you want all the extra tech and comfort. It includes features like front and rear parking sensors, integrated sat nav, heated front seats and automatic temperature control in the cabin. For those that like premium audio there's the option of a B&O sound system, which comes as standard on top spec Vignale and ST models.
The latest Ford Focus retains all that’s made it so popular, improves on it and has added even more options.
You can compare all 69 plate Ford Focus models and deals here
69 Plate Mini Hatchback, Clubman & Countryman
The MINI is better than ever and BMW's renowned engineering and refinement is clear to see, yet it still retains its character and is one of the most enjoyable small cars to drive.
The split rear doors of clubman models pay homage to its roots and the infotainment system sits in the centre of the dashboard in a round frame that pays homage to the original MINI's dash.
All MINI's come as standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth. The infotainment platform is based on the same system included in BMW's, widely considered one of the best infotainment platforms available. For iPhone users there's Apple CarPlay for full smartphone integration, but as with BMW's there's no Android Auto support. Users of Android smartphones can at least get comfort from the fact that the excellent infotainment system and integrated sat nav is more than adequate for most requirements.
Hatchback's are available in a 3-door or 5-door model, whilst the new full electric MINI is available to pre-oder will only be available in a 3-door hatchback at launch. First deliveries of the new electric model are expected in March 2020.
The Mini, owned and built by BMW retains some of its British heritage too.... with the hatchback, Clubman and Countryman models all built in BMW’s plant in Oxford, England. So buying a MINI means you are supporting the British economy.
The 3-door model is a popular option and as long as adults aren't getting in the back on a regular basis its a good choice. There's no diesel option, instead you get the option of a 1.5 or 2.0 petrol engine, both available with manual or automatic transmission.
The 5-door hatchback looks a tad 'chunkier' that the 3-door, it offers more headroom and better legroom for rear passengers and the extra doors obviously make getting in and out of the rear a much easier affair.
The 1.5 petrol is the go to option for most, it's nippy enough to retain the traditional fun factor associated with driving a MINI (0-62mph in a fraction over 8 seconds) and offers fuel economy of around 50mpg (combined). The 2.0 litre model packs some extra punch and is even more fun to drive, it can take you from 0-62mph in around 6.8 seconds and still delivers good fuel economy of up to 43mpg (combined). There's also the option of a plugin hybrid and the new full electric MINI should hit UK roads in March 2020.
If you're looking for a diesel the Clubman and Coutryman models have the option of a 2.0 diesel that offers up to 60mpg (combined).
The Clubman is the estate version of the 5-door hatchback, its 270mm longer and 30mm wider meaning a bigger boot and more room inside and of course you get the 'retro' split rear doors.
The Countryman is very close in width and length to the Clubman but differs with 'jacked up' suspension, a higher driving position and more rugged styling. It is the SUV inspired version of the MINI with the option of 4-wheel drive.
You can compare 69 Plate MINI models and deals here
69 Plate Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai is one of a number of popular cars built in Britain in this case at Nissan's plant in Sunderland. If you are looking to support the UK economy and workforce then buying one will certainly mean you are contributing.
The Nissan Qashqai has been the number 1 best-selling Crossover/SUV vehicle in the UK for many years, in fact Nissan are one of the pioneers of the Crossover; vehicles built on a traditional family car platform that feature many of the features a full-blown 4x4 would offer like higher driving position, rugged exterior styling and additional drive modes designed to tackle more demanding road conditions.
The Qashqai faces stiffer competition than ever with increasing demand for mid-sized SUV/Crossover vehicles, rival models are many, like the Mazda CX-5, KIA Sportage and Seat Ateca .... so how does it stack up? Well, it may struggle to claim the trophy of class leader in any one department but what it can claim is, to do everything very, very well and Nissan know the Qashqai's market too.
Engines-wise the 1.3 (138bhp) petrol is our tip and the one most will find the best fit, especially for frequent short trips and around town driving. There's a more powerful 158 bhp petrol engine but honestly the extra power is not as noticeable as it should be, and unless you are towing and need the extra torque its very hard to justify the extra cost of the 158bhp models.
Other considerations are the drive which is comfortable, the caveat here is the 19-inch alloy wheels on higher grade models which do stiffen up the ride and can make it a tad uncomfortable on particularly bumpy UK roads.
If you are clocking up a lot of miles or looking for a business vehicle the 1.5 dCi is the most frugal option (up to 67mpg combined), there's also a 1.7 diesel available with 4WD, very useful for heavy towing.
The model range kicks off with the Visia which includes decent levels of standard equipment like DAB radio, Bluetooth support with audio streaming plus air con with pollen filter.
We recommend starting your research with the the Acenta Premium model which is our pick. It offers plenty of equipment and tech including 17-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, dual zone climate control, Nissan's 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated sat nav and smartphone support in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There's also a generous list of driver and safety aids, inlcuding in the 'Smart Vision' Pack, (standard on Acenta Premium models). The pack includes front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, lane departure warning, high beam assist, intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection and traffic sign recognition.
The next grade is the N-Connects which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and roof rails, there's some extra tech too with push button start, around view monitor and safety shield technologies that includes rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning system, intelligent driver alert and intelligent parking assist.
Tekna models add 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, a premium Bose sound system and part leather interior with heated front seats, while the Tekna+ adds full premium Nappa leather interior.
You can compare a full list of 69 Plate Nissan Qashqai models and deals here
69 Plate Volvo XC40
It shouldn't really be a surprise that a car manufacturer that has built its reputation on building robust vehicles with class leading levels of safety has turned out to be a very, very good manufacturer of SUV vehicles. Volvo boldly claims the latest XC40 is the safest SUV available right now and the only thing you might say is not Volvo like, is the exterior styling, perhaps less boxy and much more eye-catching than you might expect, its a muscular looking yet very handsome looking SUV.
The XC40 won What Car's overall car of the year in 2018 and so it needs your attention if you're in the market for a mid-sized SUV, rival vehicles are cars like Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
Volvo have gone for a simplified XC40 model line-up with three basic trim-levels, The entry-level Momentum, the R-Design with sports styling and the top-of-the-range Inscription model. Each trim-level then has a 'Pro' version that effectively upgrades the equipment levels.
All models come with Volvos impressive 9-inch infotainment system with sat nav and an excellent audio system, there's also a 12-inch digital instrument panel. The dashboard is an uncluttered affair with many functions controlled via the touchscreen or steering wheel mounted controls. The XC40 is undoubtedly very classy inside with dashes of clever Swedish practicality. The front seats are possibly best in class for comfort and the ability to adjust to your precise liking, you sit higher up in the XC40 than in rival vehicles like the BMW X1 and driving position feels near perfect.
We think the XC40 Momentum Pro model is a good place to start, It includes all the standard Momentum trim-level equipment like sat nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, dual zone climate control control and rear parking assist and adds to it with heated front seats, electrically adjustable drivers seat with memory function, a heated windscreen, headlight cleaning, LED front Fog-lights plus LED headlights with 'active bending' lights.
Engine choices are D3 (150bhp) and D4 (190bhp) diesels and three petrol engines named T3 (156bhp), T4 (190bhp) and T5.(247bhp). Volvo expects to sell a lot of the most frugal D3 diesels and they are surprisingly smooth and refined, CO2 emission are as low as 127g/km and fuel economy is anything up to 58mpg (combined). The D3 comes with a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox, if you choose the latter you have the option of all-wheel drive. The D4 is restricted to automatic transmission and AWD.
You also get 4 drive modes Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-road and an Individual mode, the latter lets you fine tune settings to your liking and the off-road mode is very handy if you do not choose an all-wheel drive model.
The XC40 is a very impressive SUV, the higher grade models do get a bit expensive but a Momentum Pro spec is pretty impressive if you can do without some extra luxuries like full leather interior.
Compare all 69 Plate new Volvo XC40 models and deals here
69 Plate Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is Mazda's well-equipped, mid-sized SUV sitting just above its smaller sibling, the CX-3 compact SUV in Mazda's model line-up.
The CX-5 is a big seller globally for Mazda, in fact it accounts for around one quarter of all Mazdas sold around the world. It has mass appeal in an era where SUVs are in high demand. It offers solid petrol and diesel engines and generous levels of equipment across the range.
The diesels are especially appealing, the most frugal diesel will be the go to option for business users as it delivers outstanding fuel economy of up to 49mpg (combined), whilst the more powerful diesel is our pick if you don't mind the additional cost, it comes with 4WD and offers some extra punch.
A 2019 simplified CX-5 model line-up starts with the SE-L Nav+ which is extremely well-equipped for what is effectively now the entry-level model. Its comes with a long list of features including 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, inside there's premium black cloth upholstery, Mazda's touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav/Bluetooth/DAB radio, front and rear electric windows and dual zone climate control. Driver aids and safety tech includes front and rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers, dusk sensing headlights, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, radar cruise control, smart city brake support and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
Next in the line-up and our pick is the Sport Nav+ model. It features and adds to to the SE-L Nav+ model with larger 19-inch alloy wheels and an electrically operated tilt and slide sunroof. Inside the audio is upgraded to a premium Bose sound system with 10 speakers, upholstery is premium Nappa leather and front seats have a heating function. There's also the addition of a reversing camera and active driving display (HUD) projected on the windscreen. Also available as an option, is the 'Safety Pack' that adds additional safety/driver aids including a lane departure warning system, 360 view camera and adaptive LED headlights.
You can compare all CX-5 Sport Nav+ models and latest prices here, select any model to view detailed specs and options available. The CX-5 Sport Nav+ is without doubt one of our favourite cars right now and if you are in the market for a mid-sized SUV it should be on your shortlist.
The top of the range GT Sport Nav+ adds the safety pack as standard plus some other goodies, including front seat ventilation and a 7-inch TFT driver instrument display.
Compare all new 69 Plate Mazda CX-5 models and the latest deals here