Which? reveals the UK’s best value new cars: two EVs make the list
Which? research has revealed its first Great Value electric cars, with more expected to follow in 2026.
The average asking price for cars has increased sharply in recent years. Supply chain issues and the cost of materials have contributed to what appear to be mid-range cars now costing more than £40,000, and often without many fancy extras to show for it.
To help you find the models that offer efficient, safe and comfortable everyday motoring while also being cheaper than their peers, twice a year we produce a list of the best value cars you can buy.
October 2025 marks the second update to our list of Great Value cars and it now includes a pair of EVs. With a number of recently launched cheap EVs set to be lab tested in the coming months, we expect to see more Great Value EVs next year.
Best cheap cars: see the new and used models that aced our lab tests
Five Great Value new cars to consider
We've based our Great Value calculations on the cost of buying new but - as always - you'll find cheaper options for each one on the second-hand market – see our guides on how to buy the best used car and where to buy a car for more.
Below, we've picked five cars from different classes to show the breadth of the models that can achieve Great Value status.
Citroen e-C4
- Electric
- Average lowest price: £25,879
Among our first ever Great Value electric cars, the Citroen is cheaper than average for a medium-sized car and delivers classic Citroen perks, including superb ride comfort and plenty of kit on even the cheapest models.
Read our full Citroen e-C4 review
Skoda Kamiq
- Petrol
- Average lowest price: £23,351
The Kamiq is a practical value choice. It’s huge inside for such a compact car, while also being reasonably comfortable, easy to drive and safe.
Read our full Skoda Kamiq review
Mazda 3
- Petrol/diesel
- Average lowest price: £23,481
The Mazda 3 feels high quality inside and out and looks unlike anything else in its class. It handles with gusto and is a safe choice that’s good for families. It’s also packed with lots of features as standard, which means the cheapest spec will probably be good enough for most people.
Read our full Mazda 3 review
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Renault Clio E-Tech
- Full hybrid
- Average lowest price: £19,716
If you're looking for a small car that's frugal with fuel, the full hybrid Clio E-Tech is one to consider. There isn't much space for passengers or luggage, but it's a great urban runabout.
Read our full Renault Clio E-Tech review
Seat Leon Estate
- Petrol/diesel
- Average lowest price: £21,860
If SUVs aren't your thing but you want lots of space, the Seat Leon is perhaps the best-value estate around. It's fun to drive and the inside is capacious, although its build quality could be better.
Read our full Seat Leon Estate review
Full list of current Great Value cars
We've currently got 22 Great Value cars across a range of classes. You can see the full list below.
Which? members can log in now to unlock the full list of Great Value cars and read our full reviews for each of them. Alternatively, join Which? today to get instant access.
| Model | Class | Average lowest price |
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableDigital £8.99 per month, cancel any time. Already a member? Log in | Small car | £19,596 |
| Small car | £19,716 | |
| Medium car | £20,388 | |
| Medium car | £21,716 | |
| Medium estate | £21,861 | |
| Compact/Small SUV | £23,351 | |
| Medium car | £23,481 | |
| Compact/Small SUV | £24,693 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £25,076 | |
| Medium car | £25,622 | |
| Medium car | £25,880 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £26,031 | |
| Medium car | £26,470 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £26,487 | |
| Sports car | £27,258 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £28,577 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £29,073 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £29,200 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £29,327 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £30,180 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £30,210 | |
| Medium/Large SUV | £30,964 |
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How we calculate Great Value
Using our unique pricing data – collected via a mix of secret shopping and price list analysis – we've calculated an average lowest price over the past six months for each car we test. This is the price of the lowest trim level available, taking into account any dealer discounts, manufacturer contributions or government grants that buyers are likely to encounter while buying.
We then compare these prices against the average price for all cars we’ve tested in the same class (small cars, small SUVs etc). If a car’s average price is significantly lower (this figure is a percentage that varies by class) than the average for its class, it’s considered for Great Value status.
However, Great Value isn’t just about price; it’s about quality too. For a car to be Great Value, it must score at least 65% in Which? tests, have a Euro NCAP score of at least three stars (if it has been crash tested) and at least three stars out of five for reliability in the latest Which? car survey (if we have a large enough number of survey respondents for that car).
We update our list of Great Value cars every six months. If a car’s average price rises above its class average in those six months, it will lose its Great Value status the next time we update the list.
If we test a car in this period and it meets the threshold for Great Value, it will immediately be assigned that status until the end of the current Great Value period, at which point it will be checked again.
To see the current cut-off prices for Great Value, head to our guide on how we test cars.
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