Nine of the most exciting new cars arriving in 2022

IF YOU’RE looking to buy a new car in 2022, you’re in for a treat as a range of exciting new models are on the way, from established car makers including Alfa Romeo and BMW as well as some of the new kids on the block, such as Polestar and Cupra.

And variety is the spice of life on the road. While one person may enthuse about the visual flair and breakneck speed of a hypercar, another will wax lyrical about a cheap, peppy little hatchback. Some will find the most appeal in a big, practical SUV with the next person preferring something soft, svelte and comfortable.

Whatever your preference — big, small, plush. spartan, hybrid, petrol or electric — there are a range of interesting and exciting cars coming in 2022 and here are a few of the best.

1. Alfa Romeo Tonale

The Tonale is Alfa Romeo’s entry into the compact crossover segment, taking on the likes of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. If the 2019 concept is anything to go by, it’ll be the best-looking of the bunch.

Expect a range of engine options including a plug-in hybrid set-up shared with the Jeep Renegade 4xe using a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine allied with a 45kW electric motor, giving the Tonale an electric-only range of around 26 miles.

2. BMW M3 Touring

A proper estate of the hot M3 is something enthusiasts have been crying out for years. The M3 Touring will have all the power and performance of the saloon but with a lot more space and practicality.

Powering the M3 Touring will be a 3-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine producing 503bhp and available with all-wheel drive.

3. Cupra Born

We’ve already reviewed the Cupra Born ahead of its arrival early next year and we were impressed by the looks, the battery range, the finish and the chassis set-up. It’s let down somewhat by a below-par infotainment system, the fact that maximum power is only available for 30 seconds at a time and that, so far, it’s only available in rear-wheel drive.

The Born will come with 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh battery options, giving a maximum range of 335 miles in the top-of-the-line versions.

4. Ferrari 296GTB

Ferrari’s new six-cylinder plug-in hybrid model arriving in mid-2022 is drop-dead gorgeous and features a twin-turbo V6 engine coupled with two electric motors to develop a grand total of 819bhp.

That plug-in hybrid set-up is geared towards performance rather than economy though, with only 16 miles or so of electric-only range available.

There’ll be a track-focused version — the Assetto Fiorano — coming down the line, too.

Technically, this will be the first six-cylinder Ferrari as all previous sixes were sold under the Dino sub-brand.

5. Fiat Panda

The current Fiat Panda is long overdue a replacement. That’s likely coming in 2022 with the launch of a new model based on the much-admired Fiat Centoventi concept from 2019.

Expect a cheap, stylish, no-nonsense supermini sharing underpinnings with Stellantis stablemates such as the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208. On that basis, a pure-electric model is possible at some point too.

6. Hyundai Ioniq 6

One of the reasons that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is so impressive is that its out-there styling is little changed from the concept that Hyundai first presented. If, as Hyundai says, the swoopy Ioniq 6 saloon takes its cues from the stunning Prophecy concept, it’ll have repeated the trick.

While the powertrain set-up is thought to be broadly similar to the Ioniq 5’s, the battery is expected to be slightly bigger, at 77.4kWh, giving it a maximum range of around 330 miles.

The Ioniq 6 will form the second part of Hyundai’s new all-electric Ioniq sub-brand with a large SUV, the Ioniq 7, expected in the next couple of years.

7. Maserati Gran Turismo

A new Maserati coupé is always an exciting prospect, as is the fact that it’ll receive either the new Nettuno V6 engine as seen in the MC20 supercar or the Ferrari-derived V8 seen in the Quattroporte.

Even more compelling, however, will be the fact that it’ll also, at some point, receive a pure-electric powertrain, though details on this set-up are sparse.

Judging by versions of the MC20, one can expect three motors, all-wheel drive, 300kW charging capability, around 680bhp and 300 miles or so of range.

8. Mercedes-Benz EQE

The Mercedes EQE will be to the E-Class what the EQS is to the S-Class — a high-tech, aerodynamic electric equivalent with a class-leading battery range.

A large 90kWh battery should give the EQE a range of over 400 miles between charges. Along with its approximate price-point of £60,000 will make it a strong and direct rival for the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.

9. Polestar 3

Polestar’s launch of new models continues, and 2022 will see the release of the company’s latest electric crossover, the Polestar 3.

Thus far, there’s little information about the Polestar 3, though it may use a similar set-up to the current Polestar 2, which features a 78kWh battery pack and a choice of single or twin electric motors.

The Polestar is set to be built in the United States alongside the next-gen Volvo XC90 with which it will share some underpinnings.

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