If you've started shopping for a new Motability Scheme car and want to know which new models could be joining the scheme soon, you're not alone. It's natural to want to know about the latest vehicles to make sure you don't miss out. In 2023, you'll be able to choose from a great range of electric and hybrid vehicles, affordable automatic cars and spacious and practical seven-seat SUV models that will arrive on the Motability Scheme car list for the first time. Find out which vehicles we think will be joining the Motability Scheme by reading our 2023 new car roundup.
How long is a piece of string? Car manufacturers are still struggling to catch up after being closed down in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the semiconductor shortages and the serious economic problems that followed. Some industry insiders think that normal supply levels could return by mid-2023, which would be great news for the thousands of Motability customers who have been patiently waiting for the delivery of their new car.
Here we've taken a look at some of the new models that could join the Motability car list in 2023, including vehicles from manufacturers who have temporarily paused their participation in the supply part of the scheme (like Abarth, BMW and Volvo) who should re-join once car delivery times get back to normal.
Fiat’s performance division, Abarth, is launching its own electric hatch based on the Fiat 500e. Though the firm is yet to officially announce the electric Abarth 500e (or whatever name Abarth ends up choosing), the Italian carmaker has previously said that by 2024 the brand will switch to electric-only powertrains.
This hot hatch Abarth 500e will be the brands first-ever EV, and its first all-new model since the Abarth 124 Spider in 2016.
Expected Abarth 500e Motability launch date: TBC
The new BMW 2 Series coupe looks very different to any other current 2 Series model, and it's the only car in the 2 Series range to feature a rear-wheel drive setup. The engine range is shared with the current 1 Series range, as is the interior design. Inside, drivers will find the front sports seats mounted low in front of the satisfyingly thick M Sport steering wheel and a driver-focused dashboard.
The first generation BMW 2 Series Coupe was available to lease through the Motability Scheme, so there's a good chance that this second generation version will too.
Expected BMW 2 Series Coupe Motability launch date: TBC
The next generation of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is built on a new platform (that will also underpin the new X1 and X2) but it keeps the MPV look of its predecessor.
The updated engine line-up includes new plug-in hybrids and BMW's second-generation 48V mild hybrid technology, while the option of 7 seats (previously known as the 'Grand Tourer') won't be available with this model (which will improve the interior and the overall boot space). It also comes with BMW's new iDrive 8 operating system and seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Expected BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Motability launch date: TBC
Will the Citroen Ami join the Motability Scheme? Who knows, but we think it'd be great if it did! Technically not a car, the 2-seat Ami is classed as an electric quadricycle, which means you can't take it on a motorway and Euro NCAP won’t crash test it.
At just 2.4 metres long and 1.4 metres wide, it's not the most practical vehicle but it'd be perfect to drive down narrow streets and for squeezing into the tight parking spaces found in busy city centres. The Ami is limited to a top speed of 28 mph and has an advertised maximum driving range of just 46 miles.
Yes, it won't be right for everyone, but for some it could be a very affordable alternative to the other electric vehicles currently available to lease through the Motability Scheme and would allow customers to keep a significant portion of their weekly Mobility Allowance.
Expected Citroen Ami Motability launch date: TBC
Citroen will launch the new C3 and C3 Aircross in 2023, with both models sharing the e-CMP platform from parent company Stellanis. This means the new models are likely to utilise the 50kWh unit already used by the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka-e, so they should be capable of travelling around 200+ miles on a single charge. Petrol versions of both models with hybrid technology should also be available.
The recently announced Citroen e-C4 X is a new coupe-styled electric SUV that Citroen will be pitching as an alternative to competitor vehicles like the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and the forthcoming Peugeot e-408.
This model shares the same front-end design as its C4 and e-C4 siblings, but towards the back it features a heavily inclined roofline and a redesigned fastback-style rear end. It's also longer than the regular C4, which means a larger boot and more room for the rear passengers.
Built at parent company Stellantis’ Villaverde plant in Madrid, the new e-C4 X will be fitted with an electric motor producing 134bhp that should be good for a WLTP electric range of up to 224 miles.
Expected Citroen e-C4 X Motability launch date: TBC
Romanian brand Dacia could enter the UK electric car market for the first time in 2023. Already on sale in Europe, the Spring EV is a rebadged version of the Renault K-ZE which is built and already on sale in China. When it (hopefully) arrives in the UK it is expected to be one of the cheapest electric vehicles around. Size wise, this car is around 3.73 metres long, which puts it somewhere between the Volkswagen up! and the MINI hatchback – although the Dacia gets more of a SUV-style look.
It uses a small 26.8kWh battery and a 44bhp electric motor, giving the Dacia Spring a WLTP range of around 140 miles. If it does get the go-ahead, the retail price in the UK is expected to be around £10,500.
Expected Dacia Spring EV Motability launch date: TBC
Dacia first previewed a concept for the new Bigster back in January 2021, and this new large SUV from the Romanian brand could make its debut in 2023. We don't know much about it yet, but the firm has confirmed that the Bigster will measure 4.6 metres in length, which means it'll be roughly the same size as a Skoda Kodiaq, a Volkswagen Tiguan and a Nissan X-Trail.
At that size, it might even be available to order with seven seats.
Expected Dacia Bigster Motability launch date: TBC
Fiat is planning a series of new vehicles thought to be based on the 2019 'Centoventi' concept (pictured). The new Panda will be one of these models, and it's understood that the Italian brand is working on a crossover version to sit alongside the regular 5 door hatchback.
A small petrol engine model is expected to kick off the range in early 2023, with hybrids and probably a full EV version to follow.
Expected Fiat Panda Motability launch date: TBC
Fiat will launch the new, fully electric e-Doblo MPV in 2023, which will essentially be a rebadged version of other similar Stellantis models, namely the Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Rifter and the Vauxhall Combo-e Life.
Like its siblings, the practical e-Doblo MPV is fitted with an electric motor producing 134bhp and a 50 kWh battery, giving the vehicle a 174 mile range. The top speed is electronically limited to 81 mph.
Expected Fiat e-Doblo MPV Motability Launch Date: TBC
Kia unveiled a production-ready version of the all-new Kia Niro at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show, and vehicles have now started to arrive here in the UK. The previous Kia Niro was an incredibly popular car with Motability drivers, and we see no reason why that won’t continue in 2023. This second-generation version builds on the original car's versatility by also being offered with a full suite of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, giving potential customers a wide choice of engine options. Significant efficiency and performance boosts have also been delivered across the range.
Expected Kia Niro Motability launch date: TBC
MG have revealed a brand new all-electric 5 door hatchback, the MG 4 EV. At around 4.3 meters in length, the MG 4 will be roughly the same size as the current Volkswagen Golf and available here in the UK with either a 51kWh battery (with an estimated 218 mile range) or a larger 64kWh unit (up to 281 mile range).
This new model will utilise MG’s innovative new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), which is set to underpin the next generation of MG models.
Expected MG 4 EV launch date: TBC
Here we have the next-generation Nissan X-Trail, which the Japanese firm revealed at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. When it arrives in the UK, it'll be one of the largest SUVs you can order through the Motability Scheme, competing with other large seven-seat SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq, the Seat Tarraco and the Peugeot 5008.
Like the new Nissan Qashqai, it will come with a smart new hybrid drive system to improve efficiency.
Expected Nissan X-Trail Motability launch date: TBC
The Peugeot 408 is a brand new model for the French brand that's based on the smaller 308 hatchback. It's a coupe-styled SUV with a sporty-looking exterior and an interior that's unsurprisingly very similar to that of the 308. Petrol, plug-in hybrid and full electric powertrains will all be available to order.
Expected Peugeot 408 Motability launch date: TBC
Peugeot has now confirmed that the new 308 will soon be available as an electric e-308 model, alongside the existing petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. We think there'll be a range of around 250 miles and a 154bhp electric powertrain.
Customers will be able to order the new e-308 in hatchback and estate variants.
Expected Peugeot e-308 Motability launch date: TBC
Renault will launch an all-new SUV called the Austral in 2023 to replace their popular Kadjar model. The new vehicle will sit on the same CMF-C platform as the Nissan Qashqai and is expected to be slightly larger than the outgoing Kadjar. At launch the Austral will be powered by an upgraded version of the French firm’s 1.3 TCe turbo petrol engine. Expect electrified powertrains to be introduced at a later date.
Expected Renault Austral Motability launch date: TBC
Renault has revealed the new fifth generation version of its popular Megane family car. Called the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, the new model is an all-electric five-door that's the first of Renault’s new ‘Generation 2.0’ electric vehicles.
The new Megane is built on the new Renault-Nissan CMF-EV platform that's been specifically designed for battery-powered vehicles. The car will be available with a choice of either a 40kWh or 60kWh battery, with a maximum range of 186 and 292 miles respectively.
Despite sharing the name, this new EV doesn't look like the current Megane. Instead, the new Megane E-Tech adopts more of a crossover-style shape and looks set to compete with existing electric models like the Volkswagen ID.3, the Vauxhall Mokka-e and the Citroen E-C4.
Expected Renault Megane E-Tech Electric Motability launch date: TBC
The electric e-Motion version of the Ssangyong Korando looks pretty similar to the petrol and diesel-powered models, with only a few slight design tweaks. It's powered by a single electric motor and a 61.5kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of around 210 miles.
Expected Ssangyong Korando e-Motion EV Motability launch date: TBC
In June 2022 Ssangyong revealed the new electric Torres SUV, which the company hopes will be a rival for the likes of the Skoda Enyaq and Nissan Ariya.
At the time of writing no pricing information has been released for the UK market, but the Torres is expected to fit somewhere between the Korando and Rexton in the Ssangyong line-up, which means it could be eligible for the Motability Scheme.
It's expected that the performance will match the Korando E-Motion EV, which would mean an EV range of around 200 miles.
Expected Ssangyong Torres launch date: TBC
The new Toyota Yaris Cross is the Japanese brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. Almost a decade after Toyota discontinued its last small SUV (remember the Urban Cruiser?), the new Yaris Cross is, as its name suggests, based on the Yaris hatchback, but it gets a rugged and distinct look all of its own.
All models come with hybrid technology, featuring a 1.5 litre petrol engine working in conjunction with an electric motor and a CVT automatic gearbox.
When added to the scheme list the Yaris Cross will be up against other small SUVs - like the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, the Vauxhall Mokka and the Ford Puma - for the attention of Motability customers.
Expected Toyota Yaris Cross Motability launch date: TBC
Toyota has revealed a new SUV version of their popular Corolla, called the Corolla Cross, that we think will go on sale here in the UK in 2023. This new vehicle will sit somewhere between the C-HR and RAV4 in Toyota's SUV line-up, and unsurprisingly the new model shares most of its interior and engine tech with the rest of the Corolla range, which means it'll benefit from Toyota’s impressive fifth-generation hybrid powertrain.
Expected Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Motability launch date: TBC
Toyota will be updating the bestselling Corolla with a raft of specification, design and engine improvements - including the introduction of its latest generation petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.
The Corolla will continue to be offered with a choice of 1.8- and 2.0-litre hybrid powertrains, but both have been enhanced to bring improved power alongside reduced emissions.
Inside, the updated Corolla range will include a new infotainment system running through a larger central touchscreen. There's also a choice of new exterior colours and interior trims.
Expected Toyota Corolla Facelift Motability launch date: TBC
Like the Peugeot e-308, when released the all-electric Vauxhall Astra-e will be available to order in either hatchback or Sports Tourer estate guise. Built on the same eVMP platform that the e-308 and other Stellantis group electric vehicles are sat on, the Vauxhall Astra-e will likely boast a 154bhp electric motor and over 250 miles of EV range between charges.
If the Vauxhall Astra-e model follows the same design formula as the electric Corsa-e and Mokka-e, expect few differences between the way it and its combustion engined siblings look.
Expected Vauxhall Astra-e Motability launch date: TBC
Rumours of a Volvo XC20 (or whatever name Volvo ends up choosing) have been doing the rounds since 2017, and it looks like a small electric SUV to sit below the XC40 Recharge is back on the agenda after Volvo announced that they are planning to build six new electric vehicles. Volvo hopes that this new 'baby SUV' will play a major role in increasing the firms’ worldwide sales from around 800,000 units a year to 1.2 million by 2025.
Details are scarce, but this car will the cheapest model in Volvo’s EV line-up when it hopefully arrives toward the end of 2023.
Expected Volvo XC20 Motability launch date: TBC
Right now, new car availability and long waiting times are a huge issue for the Motability Scheme and its customers, with motor industry bosses warning that the worldwide semiconductor (or ‘chip') shortage and the ongoing war in Ukraine is likely to affect new car production well into 2023. This may mean that some brand new vehicles won't join the Motability Scheme car list as quickly as they would normally.
Over 600,000 people with a disability currently enjoy the independence that the Motability Scheme brings. If you are eligible for the scheme, simply contact a Motability dealership to book an appointment with a Motability Specialist who will be able to explain the scheme in full, take you out on a test drive in a vehicle you like and guide you through the whole process from start to finish.
The Motability lease package includes comprehensive insurance (for up to 3 named drivers), annual servicing and maintenance, RAC breakdown cover, annual road tax, tyre cover and the cost of many specialist adaptations (like pedal extensions, steering aids, wheelchair hoists etc) if they are required.
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This article is regularly updated with the latest new car information.
A writer, marketeer and business owner with a degree in Politics, James has worked in the Motor Industry for over 20 years, specialising in customer service and automotive marketing. He was previously the Marketing Director at Pentagon Motor Group, where they won several Autotrader and other key industry awards. He was also a part of the team named National Group of the Year at the Motability Scheme Dealer Awards in 2017 and 2018. Car reviews are written in conjunction with Motoring Journalist Jonathan Crouch.
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Motability’s all-inclusive 3 year / 60,000 mile car lease package includes:
Insurance cover for 3 named drivers is included.
The cost of servicing and maintaining your car is included.
Full breakdown cover provided by RAC Motability Assist is included.
Tyre and windscreen repair and replacement cover is included.
Motability will automatically tax the vehicle every year.
Many helpful adaptations are available at no extra cost.
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Motability applications must be received and accepted by Motability by 30 September 2022. To qualify for the Motability scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment. Prices and vehicles shown may vary or be withdrawn at any time by manufacturers or Motability retailers and are subject to availability. Vehicles can be ordered at participating Motability retailers only. Motability Advance Payment figures shown may not be accurate on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October for 3-4 days as Motability prices are updated quarterly.
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