Want a ‘26’ plate? Here are five new car deals you’ll love

In the UK, number plates change twice a year: March and September. With the ‘26’ March plate change just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get a new set of wheels. From tempting lease offers to big savings on brand-new models, here are five great deals on Carwow to consider for the ‘26’ plate change.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can lease a car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Save £7,250 on a new Volvo XC90*

My first pick is a stylish seven-seater SUV with a stylish, tech-packed cabin. I’m talking about the Volvo XC90, so good that it won the Adventurer’s Choice category at the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

It’s perfect for families who love a bit of adventure. All seven seats are usable, so no one ends up squeezed in the back. The boot is impressively roomy too, giving you enough space for a weekly shop even when the car is full. Fold down the third or middle row, and you’ve got loads of room for luggage or a big flat-pack trip.

The XC90 is stylish and practical, though it’s not the sportiest SUV to drive. It’s comfortable, but not quite as smooth as an Audi Q7 or as dynamic as a BMW X5. Engine choices are simple: a 2.0-litre mild hybrid petrol or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The PHEV is worth considering for lower running costs, even though it costs a bit more upfront.

The Volvo XC90 has a RRP range of £62,775 to £87,560, but you can currently save up to £7,250 on PCP when you buy during the Volvo New Car Event, which is valid until 11 March 2026. This deal is on the Core plug-in hybrid version, which has an RRP of £74,760. It has 455hp, four-wheel drive, and comes with load of standard features, including:

• Heated leather seats
• Mood lighting
• Volvo’s Pilot Assist for easy motorway driving
• Air purifying system
• 11.2-inch centre console touchscreen

Lease a Peugeot 208 from £205 per month*

One car worth leasing is the Peugeot 208. It’s one of the most stylish small cars around, with a surprisingly premium feel for its size. It catches the eye with lion-claw LED lights, a sleek grille, and a retro-inspired side profile, while the cabin feels modern, with a wraparound dashboard, a crisp 10.0-inch touchscreen, and soft-touch materials throughout. The small, low-set steering wheel adds a sporty, agile feel, though taller drivers may need a little time to get used to it.

Space is a bit tight, with a 311-litre boot and snug rear seats, so it’s best for couples or small families. The engines are smooth and efficient, but the hybrid models really stand out, offering extra punch and a relaxed automatic drive. While alternatives may edge it on practicality or sporty driving, the 208 is more stylish, comfortable, and has a premium feel that makes city driving genuinely enjoyable.

You can lease a GT Premium version of the Peugeot 208 from £205.46 per month (initial payment: £2,764.53) on a 48-month, 5,000-mile-per-year deal through Carwow. This version comes with a 145hp 1.2-litre petrol engine, and the following features as standard:

• Keyless entry and start
• Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Heated seats
• Adaptive cruise control
• 10.0-inch touchscreen
• 17-inch alloy wheels

Snap up a new Range Rover Evoque with up to £5,750 off*</h2?>

I’d recommend the Range Rover Evoque because it combines style, prestige, and practicality in a compact SUV. It looks sharp, feels premium, and offers a plug-in hybrid option for efficiency.

The interior is functional but a bit plain, with a slow infotainment and some cheap-feeling materials. Space is also mixed – you get a good-sized boot of up to 472-litres, but the PHEV version loses extra room for its battery.

Where the Evoque really shines is on road and off it. It’s comfortable and refined in town and on the motorway, with a tight turning circle and excellent visibility, yet it can tackle country trails with confidence. Overall, it’s a stylish, capable all-rounder, though it comes with a high price.

The Range Rover Evoque usually starts at £44,380, but you can get one through Carwow from £41,373. The biggest saving is on the Autobiography version, which has £5,750 off at the time of writing. This is a good deal because it comes with a 204hp 2.0-litre diesel engine that we think is punchy and fairly frugal. You also get the following features:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Four-zone climate control
• Four-way heated and cooled seats
• 360-degree camera
  Meridian stereo

Fancy leasing a BMW 1 Series from £215 per month?*

You should leave a BMW 1 Series because it blends sport driving with premium style. The sleek exterior and high-quality interior, including soft-touch materials and dual screens, make it feel upscale, while the front seats offer plenty of space.

It’s also a lot of fun to drive, especially on twisty roads, thanks to its light steering and sharp handling. The automatic gearbox keeps city driving easy too, though the firm suspension can make it feel bouncy around town. Overall, the 1 Series is versatile and stylish and is practical enough for everyday use. That said, we did find it could do with more space in the back and boot.

You can lease a Sport version of the BMW 1 Series from £215.98 per month (initial payment: £2,961.71) on a 48-month, 5,000-mile-per-year deal through Carwow. This version comes with a 156hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, and the following features as standard:

• Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Front sport seats
• Launch control
• Dark chrome exhaust pipe
• 17-inch alloy wheels

Snag a new Renault Austral with over £4,500 off*

The Renault Austral is worth considering because it brings a premium feel to the mid-sized SUV class at a reasonable price. Its bold exterior, sporty rear diffuser, and stylish interior with a portrait touchscreen and cockpit-like layout make it stand out among alternatives such as the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Google-based infotainment system is fast, intuitive, and integrates apps like Maps and music seamlessly. Interior space is average, though – the rear seats are tight unless slid forward, and the 430-litre boot is smaller than alternatives.

The 1.2-litre petrol hybrid delivers smooth, fuel-efficient driving, though it can feel clunky under hard acceleration. Steering is precise and long trips are comfortable, but firm suspension makes low-speed bumps more noticeable. Overall, the Austral offers style, tech, and efficiency with a few space and performance compromises.

The Renault Austral usually starts at £34,695, but you can get one through Carwow from £30,435. The biggest saving is on the Iconic Esprit Alpine version, which has £4,582 off at the time of writing. This is a good deal because it gives you a 200hp 1.2-litre hybrid engine, and you get the following features as standard:

• Harman Kardon sound system
• 360-degree parking camera
• Four-wheel steering
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging pad
• 20-inch alloy wheels

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.