New car release dates for the second half of 2019

An almost-exhaustive list of the upcoming car releases between July and December 2019

We say ‘almost’ as manufacturers tend to chop and change when it comes to release dates. Despite that, we’ve done our best to pull together all the models that we’re due to get a first look at or see on the forecourts in the next six months.

There’s a mix of realistic upgrades for the average driver and outrageously-priced cars that are just great to look at. 

So, you can browse for your next family run-around whilst also getting a neb at the sort of motors that are less ‘ferrying the kids to school’ and more ‘bombing down the Autobahn at 200mph’.

July

July’s line-up is dominated by the German brands, with ten models between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The new BMW 3 Series featured in our online review series, The Shortcut

We’re expecting the first electric variant of Beemer’s new 3 Series, in the form of the 330e hybrid, and also the latest-gen Audi RS 6 Avant – the firm’s beyond-mad sporty estate.

Closer to home, British carmaker Aston Martin is also getting a fair whack of attention. The Warwickshire-based brand is undergoing a bit of a renaissance at the moment, with a number of recent and upcoming models reminding us just how good Aston Martin can be.

Their clever lot have followed on from the superb DBS Superleggera with a convertible version of their flagship grand tourer, the DBS Superleggera Volante.

It's powered by the same 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, peaking at 715bhp and capable of 0-62mph in only 3.6 seconds. We'd quite like to try it. 

July's releases

August

Some big motors this August, in both excitement and size. One that falls under the latter of those is the Bentley Bentayga Speed.

The Bentley Bentayga Speed, now the world's fastest SUV

Recently crowned the world’s fastest SUV, pipping the Lamborghini Urus by just 0.5mph to 190mph, the Bentayga Speed offers supercar pace in something the size of a three-bed semidetached.

Another we’ve got our eye on is the new Ford Focus ST, with a more dynamic-looking shape than its predecessor and driven by the current (and madder) Focus RS’ 2.3-litre engine.

Power isn’t on par with the RS, but is about 30bhp higher than the last ST. Another we need to try.

August is also a good month for the smaller, more economic motors. The Renault Zoe electric vehicle (EV) features along with the new-shape Vauxhall Corsa that’s generated a fair bit of interest, mostly through the electric e-Corsa that’s launching next year.

August's releases

September

It’s no surprise there are a few models knocking about around September, considering this is when the 69 reg plates go live.

The Audi e-tron Sportback has a coupe-like shape, similar to the Q8

Highlights include the Audi e-tron Sportback, a coupe-styled version of the Audi e-tron, and the McLaren Senna GTR.

Following on from the widely-praised, non-GTR Senna, the new model will likely feature even more power and a few pounds shed. It's a track-only edition, but one that had to get a mention. Expect the GTR to reach new levels.

We’re also monitoring the new Renault Clio, SEAT Leon and the Nissan Juke in particular. As one of the Japanese manufacturer’s best sellers, we wonder whether the firm will play it safe or mix it up.

September's releases

October

There’s plenty to pick from in October – Audi’s reworked A3 makes the list, as well as the new Astra. The Volkswagen T-Roc gets go-fast treatment too, with the T-Roc R.

Kia's first lot of e-Niros sold out in weeks. Image from www.kia.com

Sporting a more aggressive bodykit and the 296bhp engine from the Golf R, it’s aimed at drivers wanting the top-spec Golf’s speed in a bulkier form.

Five EVs make October’s list, including the hybrid version of the Bentayga and two apiece from Peugeot and Kia.

The South Korean carmaker is launching a hybrid version of the Ceed hatchback and delivering the first batch of its fully-electric e-Niro, which claimed the ‘overall winner’ and ‘electric car’ titles in the WhatCar? Car of the Year 2019 awards.

As a more affordable EV option with a real-world range of about 250 miles and Kia’s renowned seven-year warranty, we’re looking forward to testing it on The Shortcut.

October's releases

November

Yet another month featuring a new Aston Martin. This time, the Rapide E – AM’s first all-electric car.

The Rapide E all-electric saloon. Image from www.astonmartin.com

The super saloon has more than 600bhp, helping it from 0-60mph in less than four seconds and onto a top seed of 155mph. But it’s also capable of a 200-plus mile range, the new benchmark for EVs.

Also expected around the yearend is the Peugeot 208, built on the same platform as the new Corsa. Like Vauxhall’s supermini, the 208 also gets an electric version that’s expected to have an equally impressive range of more than 200 miles.

Another exciting mention is the updated Mercedes-AMG A 45. Leapfrogging the A 35 to the top of the A-Class pile, it’ll have the world’s most potent 2.0-litre engine, producing a ridiculous 415bhp in the ‘S’ version.

November's releases

December

Although a quiet period in the car market, there are a few exciting models in the mix for December.

The reborn Land Rover Defender. Image from www.landrover.co.uk

The Grandland X plug-in hybrid, that’s joining the e-Corsa at the forefront of Vauxhall’s electric push, features alongside battery-powered models from Honda, Kia, MINI and Tesla. 

There’s also the next-gen Golf and the reborn Land Rover Defender. Considering the prototype’s testing took place on a Kenyan conservation mission, we reckon it’s going to be just as rock as the iconic original.

Another I’ve spied is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, a four-door alternative to the existing two-door shape. It’s expected to be officially launched at the end of the year before a release in early 2020, slotting in as a direct rival to the Audi A3 Saloon and Merc CLA.

I’m hoping it’s followed by a four-door version of the M2 – the top-spec, insanely quick version of the 2 Series.

After ragging a track-modified M2 Competition around a circuit on the Lookers Track Day 2019, I can say without doubt it’s one of the best cars I’ve driven.

December's releases

If battery-powered driving isn’t for you just yet, there’s no need to fret.

Although the UK’s interest in electric motoring is growing all the time, the petrol and diesel alternatives aren’t on their way out anytime soon.

Towards the end of the year we’ll be listing the next batch of new cars in a guide to the upcoming releases for the first half of 2020. 

For more on the what’s what in motoring, bookmark the Lookers Blog on your browser to get easy access to our posts, including a monthly news roundup in The Steer and our online car review series, The Shortcut.