There’s no question that 2021 was a year of ups and downs for the automotive industry, with a global chip shortage coupled with the pandemic contributing to a difficult 12 months. But it did bring us some fantastic new vehicles on the road, from the stylish Audi Q5 to the eco-SUV Volkswagen ID.4.

As we now head into a brand new year, it’s time for a new batch of cars and vans to hit your company vehicle lists. Here are our top 10 models to get excited about in 2022.

 

1. The retro van – Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo

The ID. Buzz Cargo was first revealed in 2018 at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Conference in Hannover, but it’s only this year that we are expecting to see it out and about.

With a nod to the retro Volkswagen Bus of time gone by, the all-electric van is expected to achieve ranges of around 330 to 500 kilometres (dependent on battery size and model), with a solar roof helping to extend driving range by up to 15km per day. The 48kWh battery is also capable of being 80 per cent charged in just 15 minutes.

VW have really thought about what CV drivers need from their vans with the Buzz Cargo, offering motorists a large interior and payload of 800kg. The middle seat can be transformed into a workplace with an integrated laptop and when in VW’s autonomous driving mode, drivers can also work on the go with a rotatable seat.

The ID. Buzz is also expected to boast a number of high-tech features and equipment. According to Volkswagen, ‘the steering dispenses with the traditional spoked wheel in favour of a multi-functional touchpad’, while mirrors are replaced with cameras and screens. We can’t wait!

 

2. The techie – Cupra Born

Taking its name from the El Born district of Barcelona, the Born is a hatchback from Seat’s EV and high-performance sub-brand, Cupra.

There are four different versions of the Born at launch, with drivers being offered the ‘e-Boost performance pack’ with two of the models. Using the e-Boost with the 77kWh battery, motorists will be able to drive up to a range of 548km and travel 0-100Km/h in 7.3 seconds.

It seems like Cupra has packed the Born with the latest technology to help improve driver safety. There’s a top view camera to give the driver a 360-degree view of their surroundings, advanced sensors to tighten seatbelts and close windows on impact of a collision, and a warning sound should you open a door when traffic is oncoming. An augmented head-up display will also display on the windscreen so it is in the driver’s line of sight.

 

3. The luxury – Range Rover

The fifth-generation of the full-sized Range Rover is already available to order in petrol and diesel, however hybrid variants of the visually stunning top-end vehicle are on their way in early 2022.

The P440e has a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that works with a 105kW electric motor and 38.2kWh battery to produce 434bhp. The second model, the P510e, has a more powerful engine with an output of 503bhp, resulting in the car reaching 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The shift to electric is a flagship moment for the brand, with a fully-electric version expected in 2024.

 

4. The newcomer – Arrival Van

British company Arrival – who describe themselves as a ‘global technology company’ – are new to the automotive market but they look to make an impact over the next 12 months.

Their electric van has a slightly unusual boxy look using composite body panels, making for a vehicle that is light and damage-resistant – ideal for avoiding downtime from repairs. Replacement panels are also produced in just 24 minutes and attached with structural adhesive, meaning there is often no need to go to a specialist centre for repairs.

Arrival say their van is ideal for those doing last-mile deliveries, with wider doors, a lower floor and fewer steps. The version with the smallest battery offers a maximum payload of 1,975kg, while the biggest battery offers a maximum driving range of 340km.

 

5. The crossover – Citroen C5X

Available as in hybrid or petrol, the C5X is a combination of an SUV, a saloon and an estate.

It might sound odd but its unique look actually works, with the car manufacturer hoping to break into the large car market with this unconventional vehicle.

According to Citroen, the company’s Advanced Comfort programme means the C5X offers a ride like ‘a flying carpet’ while the interior is ‘designed to deliver a lounge-like feel’.

The car is also filled with technology, such as a 12-inch touchscreen and a head-up display to ensure the driver doesn’t take their eyes off the road.

 

6. The family car – Dacia Jogger

This low-cost seven-seater is perfect as a family car, with a raised height, fold-up tables and integrated roof bars.

Even with seven seats, the car has a 213-litre boot and a 712-litre boot when the third row of seats are removed.

The car’s 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol turbo unit produces 108bhp, while a hybrid car with a 1.6 litre engine and a dual-electric motor will be available later on down the line.

 

7. The upgrade – Renault Megane E-Tech Electric

A new version of the Megane is coming in September 2022 – and it’s rather different to the current model.

Renault has made the new Megane fully-electric, giving drivers the option of two battery sizes with claimed driving ranges of 300km and 470km.

The exterior has had an upgrade too, with an SUV-like front and a compact saloon body, along with retractable door handles and new signature front lighting. On the inside, there’s two Google-powered infotainment screens, new sound technology to reduce road noise and almost 50 different ways to have your interior lighting. Very smart!

Another key feature is the vehicle’s completely flat floor, giving the Megane a spacious feel with plenty of storage space.

 

8. The compact – Ora Cat 01

A newbie on the European bloc, the Ora Cat is a cute-looking, low-cost electric hatchback that looks perfect for zipping around town.

The Cat has been available in its native China for around a year, offering drivers a maximum range of 420km with a 63kWh battery and an 80 per cent charge in just 50 minutes.

Its low price doesn’t mean the brand has scrimped on features either. The vehicle has a 10.25 inch touchscreen, a 360-degree camera and facial recognition technology which can tell when a driver is fatigued or distracted.

 

9. The SUV – Polestar 3

The 3 will be EV-brand Polestar’s first SUV model, with the brand aiming for a battery range of 500km.

Although it shares its battery and chassis with its sister brand Volvo’s upcoming XC90 vehicle, the 3 is likely to have a different design. Polestar’s Design Director also claimed the 3 ‘will be a high-performance SUV’, so it is likely a dual-electric motor will be used to make it more powerful.

The Android infotainment technology in Polestar’s previous vehicles will also be given an upgrade in the 3, making for a much speedier and more responsive performance.

 

10. The saloon – Mercedes EQE

With a claimed range of 660km, this all-electric saloon from the German automotive brand is one to be excited about.

The car will initially be sold with a 288bhp motor and 90kWh battery, with a 170kW fast charger able to boost the car’s range by 249km in just 15 minutes.

When it comes to the interior, drivers can add on Mercedes’ Hyperscreen option which is comprised of three screens, one of which is a huge 17.7 inch central touchscreen. The front passenger also has their own screen should they want to watch videos or access the internet.