Car makes and models
With so many makes and models to choose from, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a car. As well as the upfront costs, it’s also wise to think about the running costs including how much it might cost to insure. Take a look at our guide to the UK’s favourite makes and models.
What are car makes and models?
The make or marque is the name of the manufacturer of the vehicle – like Ford or Nissan. The model is the name given by the car maker to a particular type of car in the range like a (Ford) Fiesta or (Nissan) Qashqai. The model name might even be a number like a (Porsche) 911 or a mix of letters and numbers like an (Audi) A1 or a (Hyundai) i10.
The model may then be further categorised. So, a manufacturer might distinguish between petrol and diesel models, engine or type of trim. For example, the Hyundai i10 has SE Connect, Premium and N Line options.
The model shouldn’t be confused with car type, such as SUV, hatchback, 4x4, cabriolet or coupe. This is typically used to describe a car’s body shape or body style and purpose.
How do I find out my car’s make and model?
Your car’s make and model will be on your vehicle’s V5C Registration Certificate, issued by the DVLA. You should get this when you register your car. It’s also sometimes known as your car’s log book. Look in the vehicle details section for make and model.
Can’t find your V5C? See how to replace a lost log book.
How does my car make and model affect car insurance?
The make and model of your car will be one of the key factors that helps decide your premium. All cars are put into an insurance group from 1-50 that reflects the risk they represent to an insurance provider. Considerations include:
| Cost | Engine and performance | Repairs | Safety and security |
| The more expensive a car is, the more it would cost to replace. | Speedier vehicles can present more of a risk of claims. | Parts are more expensive for some vehicles and repairs more complex. | How safe and secure your vehicle is will impact the cost of claims. |
Other factors will also affect your individual premium, such as your driving history, where you live, your job and how you use your car as well as any insurance extras you choose to add on.
Does my car’s trim affect car insurance?
Yes, it could do. For example, a particular paint finish may be harder to match or a more powerful engine might increase the risk of accidents, making your car riskier – and more expensive – to insure.
On the other hand, some features could make your car safer, such as improved braking, lane keeping and parking sensors.
Start a car insurance quoteA-Z of car manufacturers
Choosing a car can be a challenge, with many options to choose from.
So, to get the wheels rolling, we’ve put together these handy guides covering different car manufacturers, so you can weigh up the pros and cons and choose wisely.
Some favourite makes:
A
Alfa Romeo insurance – stylish and Italian, what more could you want?
Audi insurance – with a reputation for high-end technology and many models to choose from, such as the popular A3, the cheaper A1 and the trend-setting TT, there’s an Audi out there for everyone.
B
BMW insurance – one of the largest luxury car manufacturers in the world, read up about getting your own piece of luxury with the BMW 1 series. Or for choice of engine size and styling, how about the BMW 3 series, BMW 5 series or the BMW Z series instead?
C
Chevrolet insurance – the all-American car. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy a brand new one, but you can still pick them up second-hand.
Citroen insurance – affordability combined with French flair, the dinky Citroen C1, the quirky Citroen Ami and the funky Citroen C3 are also perfectly proportioned for city driving (and more importantly, parking).
CUPRA insurance – the challenger brand in the Volkswagen group aims to prove that electric cars don’t have to be boring and functional.
D
Dacia insurance – known for value-for-money, especially at entry level. But there’s more to like than just the price. That’s why its popularity is growing rapidly among motorists.
DS insurance – Citroën’s luxury marque, the DS is unashamedly French, stylish and elegant. You could even buy a luxury travel bag to go in your vehicle when you’re off on a road trip.
F
Ferrari insurance – driving one of these will make you feel like a titan, but you’ll still need insurance like the rest of us mortals.
Fiat insurance – established in 1899, Fiat is Italy’s largest car maker. With a range of models, including the well-loved Fiat 500 and the Fiat Panda, there’s almost certainly a Fiat to suit you.
Ford insurance – good old Ford. There’s probably at least one in your street, from the smallest Ford family member, the KA, to big brothers, Fiesta and Focus – they’re the backbone of British roads. There are also workhorses like the newer Ranger pick-up truck with its choice of cab sizes.
H
Honda insurance – named the most reliable car manufacturer for nine successive years, the Civic was launched in 1973, and more than 40 years later it’s still going strong.
Hyundai insurance – you’ll certainly get your money’s worth as all Hyundai cars come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, including the popular city car the i10 and the supermini the i20.
J
Jaguar insurance – if you fancy a drive on the wild side, the feisty feline is back with some new and improved models.
Jeep insurance – as to be expected, this American brand’s vehicles are hardy and versatile. Tough and muscular looking, their 4x4s are ready for any challenge.
K
Kia insurance – Hyundai’s little sister is making a name for herself and is determined not to be outdone. Furthermore, Kia cars come with an impressive seven-year warranty, including on the all-rounder the Picanto and the entry-level Rio.
L
Lamborghini insurance – it might well be the car of dreams, but you’ll still need to do earthly things like sort the insurance out.
Land Rover insurance – if you’re looking for something utilitarian and old-school cool. The Defender is durable and functional, ready for every environment – off road or in the city. Range Rover models such as the Sport combine luxury and practicality.
Lexus insurance – offering comfort and luxury, the Lexus is Toyota’s posher older cousin.
Lotus insurance – for speed freaks and racing fans. Just be sure to check out the cost of insurance beforehand.
M
Mazda insurance – this Japanese manufacturer caught attention with the sporty RX-8 – still popular with drivers although discontinued since 2012. Or you could opt for the award-winning Mazda 2 or the RX-8 replacement the MX-5 roadster.
Mercedes-Benz insurance – luxury, style and German efficiency all in one package, there’s nothing not to love about a Merc, and the ever-popular C-Class is proof of just that. The sporty A-class brings comfort and safety to the hatchback.
MG insurance – an icon of ‘Britishness’ MG is now owned by SAIC, China’s largest car maker. But design duties still remain at Longbridge in the UK. The focus is now not just sports cars – there are hatchbacks and SUVs, too.
MINI insurance – still made in the UK, you may find it hard to choose between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S. Find out if the MINI’s insurance is as mini as its boot space.
Mitsubishi insurance – makers of the Shogun and Outlander, they also manufacture air conditioning units, so at least you can keep your cool off road.
N
Nissan insurance – you definitely can with a Nissan because there’s one to suit everybody, starting with the Micra,something bigger like reliable crossover, the Qashqai or compact hybrid SUV the Juke.
P
Peugeot insurance – with a wide range of models, there’s plenty to choose from. Love for older models like the 107 and the 206 hasn’t gone away although you’ll now only find used models. The 206’s replacement the 208 was Europe’s best-selling car in 2022.
Porsche insurance – gorgeous sports cars – need we say more?
R
Renault insurance – with their ‘je ne sais quoi’ and ‘va-va-voom’, there’s bound to be a Renault for you. Why not start with the Clio, the Megane or the Scenic, depending on how big a car you want?
S
Saab insurance – if you’re after a bit of Scandinavian cool, then you might want to find out how to insure it.
Seat insurance – no, not ‘seat’ like for sitting, but ‘say-at’. It’s Spanish as the names of its models like the Ibiza remind us.
Skoda insurance – the practical Czech car of choice, now part of the Volkswagen family, is affordable and practical.
Smart insurance – the teeny tiny car that’s the motoring world’s answer to a contortionist – you can park it anywhere.
Subaru insurance – the Japanese manufacturer specialises in the tough all-wheel drive and affordable sports car markets.
Suzuki insurance – well known for their motorbikes, they also manufacture some speedy cars, including the aptly named Suzuki Swift.
T
Tesla insurance – is a leading name in the electric car market, its fully electric Model 3 has an 374 miles of estimated range. And it claims its vehicles “are engineered to be the safest in the world”.
Toyota insurance – forward-thinking and innovative, runabout city car Aygo had pedestrian detection and cross-over hybrid the Yaris will even monitor road signs ahead.
V
Vauxhall insurance – manufactured in Britain, Vauxhall’s been going since the early 1900s with the Astra being an 80s favourite. Super minis Adam and the Corsa make for nippy city driving. While the seven-seater Zafira MPV is a used favourite for those with larger families.
Volkswagen insurance – Volkswagen are so popular their cars don’t even go by their full name anymore. The Golf, Polo and Passat are like the car equivalents of Madonna or Kylie – why have two names when one will do?
Volvo insurance – nothing says safety like a Volvo, does it?
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Remember – regardless of which make and model of car you decide is right for you, you’ll need to find the right car insurance. Compare the Market can help with that. Why not compare quotes with us today?
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