- The hatchbacks, coupes and SUVs we're looking forward to.
- Eight brands, 10 very different vehicles.
- Why is there a picture of a person with a yellow hammer?
When we get to the end of a year we revisit our favourite cars, usually sorting lists of our best and/or most popular reviews and stories. And when we start a new year, we start thinking about which cars we're most looking forward to, and which might turn out to be our best and/or most popular reviews and stories again.
Hey, we don't make the rules. We just do the work. So it's time to look at our most anticipated new models of 2026, the ones we haven't yet driven but would very much like to.
As you might suspect, there's a little bit of contrivance here. We've made an effort to achieve a decent mix of vehicle shapes, sizes and prices, because left to please ourselves entirely, you might not get as much variety. It wouldn't be all supercars if that's what you're thinking, either; nope, more likely tiny city oddities or utility-based vehicles in strange configurations. So you're very welcome... and here we go.
Honda Prelude
Some people seem to think all Japanese coupes from the 1980s and '90s were highly strung drift machines and mobile spoiler showcases. Some of those people are already on record as being disappointed with the reborn Honda Prelude (absent since 2001).
But those who know what a Prelude really was and should be - a handsome, nice-to-drive cruising coupe with highly polished dynamics - are pretty excited about this one. It's based on the platform and technology of the excellent new Civic e:HEV hybrid, but adds some novel "S+" faux-gearshifting for the CVT and a few Type R suspension smarts.
- David Linklater
BMW i3/iX3
The naming of these two upcoming EVs is confusing - the i3 has nothing whatsoever to do with the revolutionary small hatch that originally bore that name, while the iX3 is, at best, a spiritual successor to the electric version of the current same-name SUV that currently wears that name.
That is because both are the first examples of BMW's new BEV platform, colloquially known as "Neue Klasse" (New Class) and will split off from their 3 Series/X3 ICE counterparts. With boldly radical styling and packing seriously advanced tech, the iX3 will be the first to launch as a dual-motor AWD medium SUV, the i3 following as a sedan variant later in the year. Both promise to be as revolutionary as the original i3 hatch was back in 2013.
- Damien O'Carroll
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is here partly because we're running a current model as a long-termer this year, in kind of a run-up to the 3rd-generation model. So we're invested.
But mostly because the CX-5 has always been arguably the most satisfying of the medium mainstream SUVs for the keen driver (well, I will argue it with you), and I want to see if Mazda can keep that character but also embrace a lot of new technology and a bigger footprint.
When the CX-5 arrives, expect more cabin and cargo space (wheelbase is up by 115mm) and cabin-tech that leapfrogs even the larger and more expensive CX-60/80/90 models, with a dominant 15.6in touch screen and fewer physical controls (gulp).
- David Linklater
Honda Super One
Say what you will about Honda, but the Japanese manufacturer has always done one thing better than anyone else - and that is small cars. The original Civic was a shock to the system for Western carmakers in the 1970s, while the City was a masterclass of clever packaging, charming design and driver enjoyment in the '80s.
Throw in the modern success of the Jazz and the various superb Kei cars that only make it here as used imports (and even then, rarely) and anticipation for a Kei-sized BEV that will be sold here new is off the chart. Particularly for a Kei-tragic like me. Oh, and indications so far suggest that it may well also be sharply priced, unlike those used-import Honda e BEVs.
- Damien O'Carroll
Jaguar GT
Jaguar's decision to completely reboot its brand ("Exuberant Modernism" is the new thing, since you asked) and stop making cars for a while (the last F-Pace rolled off the line in December last year) still seems bold. Let's not even get started on the fuss/backlash about the 00 concept.
But that 00 will spawn a pretty special-sounding EV, known simply as the Jaguar GT. It's not been revealed in full yet, but expect in excess of 750kW from the car's tri-motor layout (two at the back, in case you're wondering)... and a massive pricetag.
From what we know, cars will definitely be in customer hands before the end of the year. Will we get to drive one before the end of the year, though? We can hope.
- David Linklater
Suzuki e-Vitara
Suzuki has never been shy about messing with the Vitara name. It's been a minuscule hard-core 4x4, a medium-sized family adventure vehicle, a compact city crossover... and now it's a full electric vehicle, based on a platform shared with Toyota (its version is the Urban Cruiser) and using BYD Blade batteries. Intriguing.
How much of a soft-roader and how much of an off-roader? We're looking forward to finding out in the second quarter. But we do know the e Vitara will come in a choice of 2WD or AWD. And that it looks cute as a button.
- David Linklater
Toyota GR GT
While it is still firmly rooted in safe, sensible cars for the masses, Toyota has been on an absolute blinder recently with a run of sporty, great looking performance cars that are genuinely exciting to drive.
Starting with the 86 (now called the GR86) back in 2012 and followed by the reborn Supra, we then got the utterly superb GR Yaris and GR Corolla, with the persistent rumour of a Celica/MR2 rebirth in the very near future.
But next year sees the launch of the Big Daddy of the GR range - the stunning GR GT with its twin-turbo hybrid V8 and revolutionary transaxle. It promises to be something very special indeed. Oh, and then there's the all-electric (didn't see that one coming!) Lexus LFA variant that will add a serious level of luxury to it all.
- Damien O'Carroll
Toyota RAV4
Speaking of Toyota's sensible cars for the masses, the ultimate expression of that is also coming from the Japanese manufacturer this year in the form of the all-new RAV4.
Ever since it invented the car-based crossover SUV segment along with with the Honda CR-V in the mid-1990s, the RAV4 has been the default choice in the segment, and the new model promises to expand that appeal with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in FWD and AWD forms, a veritable tsunami of new technology and some pretty sharp pricing.
Even better; in keeping with its reborn enthusiasm for performance, there will be a GR Sport version and its PHEV powertrain will pump out a tasty 227kW!
- Damien O'Carroll
Porsche Cayenne Electric
Porsche knows a thing or two about making awesome EVs. The Taycan is still my favourite by a long shot, highly desirable, capable and entertaining in all its many, many forms. But I digress. What were talking about?
Oh yeah. The new Cayenne Electric looks like a pretty special SUV. It looks fantastic generally. But it's packed with clever digital technology inside, active aero, smart chassis stuff like Porsche Active Ride and more performance than you could possibly want from a large, luxurious SUV. Or not... let's find out.
- David Linklater
Ford Mustang Raptor (maybe)
It's the rumour that just won't die, but while it is yet to be officially confirmed, there is just too much genuinely believable evidence to dismiss the idea that Ford will unleash a proper answer to the likes of the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato in the form of the Mustang Raptor later this year.
Ford boss Jim Farley has admitted that he wants the company to become "the Porsche of off-roading" and desperately wants a Mustang GTD-inspired high-performance off-roader to compete in high-profile events like the Dakar Rally.
Either way, given how remarkably good the Ranger Raptor is, a Mustang with a (potentially) supercharged V8 and the Ranger's remarkable Fox Racing suspension would be an absolute off-road weapon and the ultimate street cruiser/attention-getter all in one package.
- Damien O'Carroll