Affordable British Cars

There are few things in this world that are more British than a good quality car. From the slick, fast Jaguar F-Type, to the luxurious Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the Brits know how to make cars that offer a bit of soul and character. But not everyone can afford to drop $29,900 on a new Aston Martin or $44,900 on a brand-new McLaren F1. Thankfully, there are still some great affordable options for those who want a true British sports car experience, whether they’re just starting out in the market or looking to add a little luxury to their daily commute.

We analyzed sales figures to find starting on-the-road prices for the UK’s most popular small cars, medium cars and smaller SUVs. These prices include delivery charges, number plates, road tax (which depends on the car’s emissions), and the first government registration fee.

Nissan is the best-selling manufacturer of new British cars, with over half a million vehicles sold in 2012 alone. It’s also one of the few to have a plant in Britain, in Sunderland, where it builds the Juke and Qashqui. The Nissan factory employs around 6000 people.

MG has had a tough time of it over the last couple of decades, but is making a comeback with a range of models including the revived MG6 and Z4. The firm has even branched out into electric vehicles with its new MG EV model.

In the 1970s, BLMC’s Morris Marina and Austin Allegro family cars were popular in Britain, but not so much on export markets. The company’s attempt to modernise – with unattractive new designs and a continuing focus on legacy marques and models – was hindered by internal rivalries, supply problems, labour disputes and cost pressures.

The Triumph Dolomite Sprint, designed by Alec Issigonis, was another popular British-designed car during this period. Its sales rose to over a million in the early 1980s, but it only made a total of 350,000 from 1981 to 1984 as it was replaced by GM’s front-wheel drive Astra hatchback and estate ranges.

General Motors’ Vauxhall-badged cars – the Chevette and the Cavalier – were also sold in high numbers during this period. The company’s new Astra and Zastava-badged Opel models grew in popularity as they were brought into the UK from the European market, but their success waned with the arrival of more modern competitors such as the Ford Focus.

Now that Tata owns Jaguar, the company continues to produce a wide range of British-designed and built cars, from the charismatic F-Type Coupe and top-line F-type Convertible to the stylish grand tourer XF and upper-medium executive saloon XJ. It’s worth noting that, despite being sold by an Indian company, Jaguar remains a distinctly British brand with design and engineering teams based in the country. This is a great example of ‘behind the scenes’ British innovation at work.