Top 5 70 Plate New Car Deals
Published Date: 23rd Sep 2020
Are you in the market for a new car? Here are our top 5 recommended 70 plate new car deals:
- Nissan Qashqai - The UK's best-selling crossover
- Ford Focus - Best selling medium hatchback in the UK
- Ford Puma - A new stylish compact SUV
- Ford Fiesta - Britain's best selling car
- Renault Kadjar - A stylish mid-sized SUV
Nissan Qashqai – The UK’s Most Popular Family SUV
The Qashqai is Nissan’s flagship model and Britain’s best-selling SUV/Crossover. Built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant (the biggest car plant in the UK), buying a Qashqai means you are supporting the British economy and workforce.
Despite an ever-increasing list of rivals in a crowded SUV/Crossover segment it remains in 2020 a clear favourite for UK new car buyers looking for a practical mid-sized SUV.
The Boot offers 430 litres of storage or just shy of 1600 litres with the back seats folded down. The Qashqai is known for practicality and clever storage ideas and the boot is true to that with plenty of shelves and dividers that can be moved around and re-configured with 18 different storage permutations.
The 1.3 DIG-T 140bhp petrol engine is the big seller and a great choice for those doing a lot of urban driving, it feels quick enough and smooth. There is also a more powerful 160bhp petrol unit which will probably not be worth the extra outlay for most people. The only caveat here is, if want a to combine a petrol engine with an automatic gearbox you will have to look at the more powerful 160bhp models as the 130bhp models only come with manual transmission.
For towing the 1.7dCi is your best option with a braked towing limit of 2000kg, the 1.5 dCi offers 1450kg of towing, the 1.3 petrol units 140 and 160bhp offer 1300 and 1500kg respectively.
Skip the entry-level Visia model if you want some extra tech and comforts, it does not include the 7-inch touchscreen.
Start your research at the Acenta premium model which includes the 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and automatic dual zone climate control.
Acenta Premium models also include a long list of driver aids including a rear view camera and the Smart Vision Pack which includes Front/Rear Parking Sensors, High Beam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition and a Lane Departure Warning System.
N-Connecta models add to the Acenta Premium with more safety tech and driver aids, including a 360-degree colour camera, blind spot monitoring, parking assist, rear cross traffic alert and driver alert. You also get the addition of rear privacy glass and roof rails.
N-Tec models add Alcantara interior, adaptive LED headlights and panoramic glass roof.
Tekna models get part leather interior, a Bose premium Audio system, panoramic roof with one touch electric shade and electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Tekna+ models get full Nappa leather interior, heated front seats and memory function for driver’s seat.
The Nissan Qashqai offers comfort and practicality making it a great family car, skip the entry-level Visia model and you will get excellent levels of equipment and tech.
Check out the latest Nissan Qashqai deals
Ford Focus – Britain’s Best-Selling Medium Hatchback
The Ford Focus is the UK’s favourite medium sized hatchback, it is famed for it is excellent drive and handling and for those needing extra storage it’s also available in an estate version.
The Focus faces stiff competition from cars like the Vauxhall Astra, VW Golf and SEAT Leon and Ford have looked to improve areas that have faced the most criticism. The latest model improves cabin and boot space, upgraded interior build quality and it offers more tech than ever before.
The latest Focus is also better looking too, it is sleeker looking with a longer bonnet.
The 1.0 litre EcoBoost 100bhp or 125bhp engines are the sweet spot for practical petrol engine choice, there is an 85bhp petrol option on lower grade models, but it can feel a tad underpowered.
There are more powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine options too, a 150bhp or 182bhp unit. If you pair the 182bhp with a ST-Line model with it’s sportier suspension, you won’t be a million miles away from the performance of the full ST Hot Hatch models, it will get you from 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds and sports tuned suspension turns a great ride into an exhilarating one.
The 1.5 diesel (120bhp) offers super low running costs and there is also a 2.0 litre diesel, the 1.5 diesel should offer around 62mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km.
The longer wheelbase of the latest Focus means you get more interior space, the main beneficiaries are rear passengers who get some extra leg room. Up front feels roomier too, thanks to the dashboard being moved forward. Boot space is reasonable for this segment at 340 litres, you will find a few rivals offering a tad more boot space, the VW Golf and Seat Leon offer around 40 litres more space for example but the Focus is still pretty good.
Interior cabin quality of the latest Focus is improved, the dash looks uncluttered and the seats provide plenty of support and comfort, making the Focus great for urban driving or longer cruising.
If you want the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, you will need to skip the entry-level Zetec model and start your research with the Titanium Edition which is the next model in Ford’s new simplified model line-up.
Titanium Editions of the Focus are extremely well equipped, they include a colour 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support, dual zone climate control, heated front seats and 16-inch silver alloy wheels. Titanium X models add part leather interior, LED headlights, privacy glass, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
ST-Line models offer a sportier option without going all out for the full hot hatch experience of a ST model. They offer sports tuned suspension and sporty design features like a larger rear spoiler, flat bottomed steering wheel, alloy sports pedals and unique a ST-Line upper/lower grille and full body kit. St-Line X trim adds Salerno part leather interior, red brake callipers and heated front seats.
Pair an ST-Line model with the most powerful petrol engine and you have the next best thing to a hot hatch ST model.
The Vignale trim level represents the luxury end of the trim, with a long list of equipment/tech and unique Vignale style and luxury.
At the top end of sports performance, you get the ST models, at their fastest 0-62mph should be achievable in under 6 seconds with an official top speed of 155mph.
The Ford Focus is widely considered one of the best cars to drive, offering superb handling. The line-up and choice of models is wide ranging, from frugal economic models to the ST models offering sports performance. There are even the Active and Active X models which bring an SUV inspired flavour to the range, offering a higher driving position, rugged exterior styling, and an additional ‘slippery’ drive mode.
Browse the latest 70 plate Ford Focus deals
Ford Puma – A Stylish New Compact SUV
Ever wondered what a compact SUV based on the Ford Fiesta might be like? Well you need wonder no more because that is exactly what the Ford Puma is. It is not the only small SUV in Ford’s line-up, the EcoSport of course has been around for a few years, however it shares very little similarity with the Puma in actual fact. The EcoSport is boxy and a more ‘rough and ready’ small SUV whilst the Puma sits at the other end of the spectrum, its sleeker looking and more refined.
Based on the Fiesta platform, the Puma is paired with Ford’s award winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine. The EcoBoost engine can be had in 125bhp or 155bhp guises with mild hybrid technology available. The technology utilises brake regeneration to recoup some energy that is stored in a small battery and re-used when the vehicle is accelerating, you can also deploy Eco drive mode to get the most economical drive.
The mild hybrid technology means you get a small SUV with a mere 1.0 litre engine that is spritely enough whilst still returning good economy figures. The 125bhp models with manual transmission return around 67 mpg (combined) with 0-62mph in just under 10 seconds and emissions of 96g/km. The more powerful 155bhp models (manual transmission) shave a second off the 0-62mph time, still return 64mpg (combined) and emissions are as low as 99g/km.
Based on the Fiesta platform as you’d expect the Puma drives well, it sites higher than a Fiesta so it won’t be as much as fun as the Fiesta or handle quite as well but as far as compact SUVs go it is one off the best to drive.
All models get five drive modes; Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery & Trail, slippery offers additional traction and control for very wet/slippy conditions, whilst trail drive mode offers even more traction for even trickier conditions.
There’s also an ST-Line Ford Puma model available with a lowered/tuned suspension which offers a more exhilarating drive.
Based on the Fiesta platform the Puma’s interior is more spacious than you might expect, a stretched version of the Fiesta if you like. Room up front is good and rear passenger space is adequate too, head room isn’t a problem as you get the higher roof line as you’d expect with a SUV-inspired car, boot space is a generous 450 litres.
The Puma offers lots of practicality and family friendly features when you consider rear passenger room is like a Ford Focus it should not be a problem to accommodate a family with kids in the back. The seat covers zip off too, so if the kids spill food or drink, you can simply zip them off and put them in the washing machine.
All Ford Puma models are well-equipped, entry-level Titanium models get the 8-inch colour touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and for interior comfort there’s electronic air temperature control.
You also get plenty of safety tech, as standard on all models are automatic headlights/windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, cruise control, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning.
ST-Line models bring a sportier feel to the Puma with lowered suspension, the black moulded wheel arches of the Titanium model are replaced with body coloured ones and the interior includes an impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, alloy pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The ST-Line X adds a few extra goodies like part-leather interior, rear privacy glass and a premium B&O sound system.
Sitting at the top of the range is ST-Line Vignale which a touch of luxury and more comfort with full premium leather interior, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and keyless entry.
If you are in the market for a compact SUV/Crossover the Puma should be on your short list, it offers a fun drive combined with practicality and good running costs
Check out the latest 2020 Ford Puma deals
Ford Fiesta – The UK’s Favourite Small Car
The Ford Fiesta is Britain’s favourite small and indeed it has been the best-selling new car in the UK for years and that says a lot about this little gem that has model for just about every taste.
From an economical around town runner to a full hot hatch ST that offers one of the most fun drives that can be had, the Fiesta range has wide ranging appeal.
Ford have even introduced the Active and Active X Crossover versions of the Fiesta that offer a higher driving position, raised suspension and SUV inspired styling like chunkier bumpers, tyres and moulded wheel arches, you also get additional drive modes to tackle more demanding driving conditions.
Engine-wise, for most people one of the 1.0 litre EcoBoost models will be a good choice, they are punchy enough whilst returning good economy figures.
There is also a 1.0 litre 125bhp EcoBoost engine featuring mild hybrid technology, it utilises brake regeneration technology to ‘recycle’ energy, so it also returns excellent economy figures whilst offering a bit more grunt. It may only set you back a few hundred pounds more than the lower-powered 95bhp equivalent and is well worth it.
The 155 bhp EcoBoost engine offers a tad more acceleration and it should take you from 0-62mph in under 9 seconds but, it does not feel a whole lot quicker than 125bhp engine.
Demand for diesels is in decline but if you are a loyal diesel driver there’s a super-frugal 1.5 dCi option that Ford say can deliver up to 80mpg (combined) and boasts low emissions of 92 g/km.
The model line-up has seen some changes over the last few years, some trim levels have been dropped like the Style and Zetec trims and the entry-level model is now the Fiesta Trend.
Entry-level Trend models get the 8-inch colour touchscreen featuring the Ford SYNC platform, inside you get manual air con and driver aids include lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping aid, a speed limiter, automatic headlights and Fords QuickClear heated windscreen.
Titanium models add a long list of extra features including rear parking sensors, an upgraded 8-inch infotainment system with navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support, privacy glass, power folding mirrors and LED interior ambient lighting. Titanium X models (our pick) further add part leather sports seats a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, traffic sign recognition and high beam assist.
St-Line and ST-Line X models add sport styling and sports suspension making them the next best thing to the full ST hot hatch experience. Vignale models represent the top end of luxury and comfort in the model range whilst the Active and Active X are the jacked-up Crossover versions of the Fiesta.
The Fiesta is one the best cars to drive regardless of which model you choose, go for an ST-Line model with the top-powered petrol engine or a full hot hatch ST model and there’s very little that will top the pleasure and satisfaction you’ll get from driving it..
Browse the latest new Ford Fiesta deals
Renault Kadjar - A Popular Small SUV With Eye Catching Looks
The Kadjar is Renault’s stylish mid-sized SUV sitting in between the compact Captur and larger Koleos model in Renault’s SUV line-up. Thanks to the Renault Nissan alliance it shares many of the underpinnings of the Nissan Qashqai which can’t be a bad thing. The Qashqai is a tried and tested formula in the SUV world and it has been the UK’s best-selling SUV/Crossover for several years.
Whilst it shares the same platform as the Qashqai the Kadjar does manage to trump it on interior space and offers a bigger boot too, 472 litres or 1,478 litres with the rear seats folded down.
For around town driving the 1.3 (140bhp) petrol engine is a good choice, it feels surprisingly punchy and it can take you from 0-62mph in little over 10 seconds whilst delivering up to 48mpg (combined) with a manual gearbox. Only those who do a lot of motorway driving and/or are carrying significant weight need look beyond this engine.
For those that crave more power there’s a 160bhp petrol unit offering more grunt whilst delivering similar economy figures to the lower powered 140bhp models.
For those covering a lot of miles the 1.5 dCi diesel models may make sense with a fuel economy of up to 65mpg (combined) and CO2 emission of 110g’km.
The Kadar ride is pretty comfortable and handling is good, the Qashqai may still be a little better when it comes to ride comfort but that’s no big criticism of the Kadjar, the Qashqai is amongst the top SUVs when it comes to ride comfort.
Entry-level Play models are pretty well equipped, you get the 7-inch colour touchscreen, there’s no native sat nav but you do get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration so you can mirror your phones screen and use your favourite smartphone sat nav app. For comfort there’s dual zone climate control and you also get automatic headlights, rain sensing windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors and automatic emergency brake assist.
Our pick is the Kadjar Iconic model, it adds to the entry-level Play model with part synthetic leather interior and an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system with integrated navigation. It also adds additional driver tech including front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera and a lane departure warning system.
The S Edition gets its own unique cloth upholstery with blue stitching, full LED lights, LED fog lights and a panoramic roof whilst the top-grade GT Line gets full leather interior, a premium BOSE® sound system and some extra driver aids including blind spot monitoring and hands-free parking.
If you are in the market for a mid-sized SUV you should put the Kadjar on your shortlist. Its stylish, offers a comfortable ride and is well equipped (even entry-level models have all the basics covered and some extra goodies too).