Best New Cars for Under £40,000 That Feel a Lot More Expensive

10-08-2023
Best New Cars for Under £40,000 That Feel a Lot More Expensive
In the automotive world of 2023, a handful of brand-new car models have emerged as exceptional value, offering a driving experience and luxury typically associated with much higher price tags. These cars not only boast cutting-edge technology and performance but also exude an air of sophistication and premium craftsmanship. Drivers are left with the feeling that they have made a truly upscale purchase.

We asked our in-house experts to nominate a 2023 model that exudes greater luxury than the price tag suggests, focusing on brand new cars under 40k in the UK.

Advantages of Buying a Car Under £40,000 

 Cars under £40,000 offer real bang for your money. They don't lose their value as quickly as pricier models, so you know you're making a smart buy. You'll also save on insurance, get better fuel efficiency, and not break the bank on maintenance. And guess what? These cars are packed with the same cool tech features you find in luxury cars. With the new tax on cars over £40,000, there's even more reason to consider this price range..




The Mazda 3 2.0 E-skyactiv X Mhev

Retail Price: £27,444
Motorfinity Price: £23,995
Savings: £3,449
Nominated by: Oliver Bentley 

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The Mazda 3 is a stylish and sophisticated compact car that stands out with its premium design and driving dynamics. Mazda has a reputation for creating vehicles that prioritise the joy of driving and the Mazda 3 is no exception.

From the outside, the Mazda 3 boasts a sleek and elegant design, featuring Mazda's signature Kodo design language, which gives it a sense of luxury and maturity beyond its price range.

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The interior of the Mazda 3 is equally impressive, with a well-crafted cabin using high-quality materials and attention to detail. The minimalist and driver-centric layout adds to the premium feel, and the intuitive infotainment system contributes to a modern and upscale driving experience.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the Mazda 3 offers responsive handling and a refined ride, making it enjoyable on winding roads or in city traffic. Its fuel-efficient yet punchy engines strike a great balance between performance and practicality.

Mazda's commitment to engineering excellence shines through in the Mazda 3's refined chassis and quiet cabin, providing a more premium feel than one would expect from a compact car in this price range.

The Mazda 3 comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, earning it high marks for safety and adding to its overall value proposition.


Oly Bentley
Oli Bentley Recommends
Mazda 3 Variant: The Mazda 3, 2.0 E-skyactiv X Mhev [186] Homura 5dr
Specifications Oly Likes:
  • Exterior: Platinum quartz
  • Interior: Premium black cloth trim with heated front seats


The Volkswagen Golf R-Line 1.5 TSI 150PS

Retail Price starts from: £30,624
Motorfinity Price starts from: £25,248
Savings: £5,376
Motorfinity Leasing price: £330.76
Nominated by: Ben Bilton

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The Volkswagen Golf R-Line brings a sporty and upscale vibe to the popular Golf line-up. This hatchback features distinctive R-Line styling cues, including sportier bumpers, side skirts, and larger alloy wheels, giving it a more dynamic and premium look.

The interior of the Golf R-Line is adorned with quality materials and modern tech features, making the driving experience feel more refined and enjoyable.

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As a versatile hatchback, the Golf R-Line provides practicality and comfort for daily commuting while maintaining the fun-to-drive factor with its responsive handling and peppy turbocharged engines. 


The Golf R-Line offers a desirable blend of performance and sophistication, making it a strong contender among cars under £40,000 that feel more expensive.


Ben Bilton
Ben Bilton Recommends
Recommended Variant: Golf R-Line 1.5 eTSI 150PS 7-speed DSG 5 Door
Specifications Ben Likes:
  • harman kardon sound system
  • head up display
  • high beam assist
  • keyless entry
  • anthacite interior


The Cupra Forementor V2

Retail Price starts from: £35,015
Motorfinity Price starts from: £30,451
Savings: £4,564
Motorfinity Leasing Price: £384.27
Nominated by: Jed Wilton

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The Cupra Forementor V2 is a remarkable crossover SUV that oozes sportiness and style. Its exterior design incorporates sharp lines, aggressive accents, and sleek LED lighting, reminiscent of high-end sports cars.

The interior is equally impressive, featuring high-quality materials, plush leather upholstery, and refined detailing.


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With a dynamic driving experience, a powerful turbocharged engine, and advanced technological features like a digital cockpit and an intuitive infotainment system, the Cupra Formentor V2 provides an unmistakably premium feel at a surprisingly affordable price.


Jed Witon
Jed Wilton Recommends
Recommended Variant: Cupra Formentor Estate 1.5 TSI 150 V2 5dr DSG
Favourite Specifications:
  • Black Leather with Copper Stitching
  • Favourite Colour: Midnight Black


Audi A3 Sportback S line 40 TFSI e 204 PS

Retail Price starts from: £31,411
Motorfinity Price starts from: £28,580
Savings: £2,834
Motorfinity Leasing Price starts from: £382.63
Nominated by: Faye

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The Audi A3 TFSI E represents amazing value for money. Audi has long been associated with luxury, and the A3 TFSI E maintains that reputation while being accessible to a broader audience.

This compact executive car boasts an elegant and minimalist design, with a focus on attention to detail throughout the cabin.

audi a3 tfsi s motorfinity


The interior is furnished with top-notch materials and offers an abundance of cutting-edge tech, including Audi's Virtual Cockpit, advanced driver assistance systems, and seamless connectivity features.

The smooth and responsive performance, combined with the quiet and refined ride, make the Audi A3 TFSI E a compelling choice for those seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank.


Faye
Faye Recommends
Recommended Variant: Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI S Line 5dr S Tronic
Favourite Specifications:
  • Black Leather Seats
  • Dual-zone electronic climate control


Seat Leon Hatchback

Retail Price starts from: £30,505
Motorfinity Price starts from: £30,505
Savings: £4,593
Motorfinity Leasing Price: £357.29
Nominated by: Chris Marren

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The Seat Leon Hatch FR Sport 1.5 eTSI FR DSG epitomises the idea of a car that feels much more expensive than its actual cost. With its attention-grabbing design, luxurious interior.

Advanced technology, and engaging performance, it offers exceptional value for drivers seeking a premium driving experience without breaking the bank.

Seat Leon Hatchback

Whether navigating city streets or embarking on open highways, this model delivers a level of refinement and sophistication that belies its affordable price point, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a budget-friendly yet upscale driving option.


chris marren
Chris Recommends
Recommended Variant: Seat Leon Hatchback 1.5 eTSI 150 FR 5dr DSG
Favourite Specifications:
  • Digital Cockpit
  • Tiredness Recognition System


Skoda's Enyaq EV

Retail Price starts from: £38,970 (the specific trim is not available at the moment)
Motorfinity Price starts from: £36,570
Savings: £2,400
Motorfinity Leasing Price: £404.73
Nominated by: Daniel Briggs; (Skoda Enya

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Skoda's Enyaq is an all-electric SUV that combines eco-friendliness with a high-end driving experience.


The exterior design is sleek and modern, while the interior is a masterclass in functional elegance, boasting soft-touch surfaces, ambient lighting, and advanced infotainment systems.

As an electric vehicle, the Enyaq provides instant torque, smooth acceleration, and whisper-quiet operation, making every journey feel luxurious and futuristic.
Skoda Enyaq Iv Estate Motorfinity


It’s impressive range and quick-charging capabilities make it a practical and cost-effective choice for environmentally conscious drivers seeking a premium EV experience.


Daniel Briggs
Daniel Recommends
Recommended Variant: Skoda Enyaq iv 60-62 kwh 179 PS Single Speed
Favourite Specifications:
  • Remote App
  • Virtual Cockpits

Skoda Superb SE L

Retail Price starts from: £31,325  (*the specific trim is not available at the moment)
Motorfinity Price starts from: £26,668
Savings: £4,657
Motorfinity Leasing Price: £418.13
Nominated by: Josh Holt
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The Skoda Superb SE L is a standout choice for those looking for a spacious and well-equipped vehicle with a touch of luxury.

Skoda has come a long way in recent years, and the Superb exemplifies their commitment to quality and refinement.


Skoda Superb Hatchback SE L



The SE L trim level brings a host of premium features, including comfortable leather upholstery, advanced infotainment system with smartphone integration, and a variety of driver-assistance technologies.

The Superb's interior is generously spacious, offering plenty of legroom and cargo capacity, making it an excellent choice for families or frequent travellers.

4Despite its competitive pricing, the Skoda Superb SE L doesn't compromise on style or comfort, providing a premium feel without the hefty price tag.


Josh Holt
Josh Recommends
Recommended Variant:Skoda Superb Hatchback 1.5 TSI SE L 5dr DSG
Favourite Specifications:
  • Full Matrix LED Headlights
  • DSG Gearbox
  • Huge amount of room in back and boot


The 2023 models highlighted here, redefine the notion of value for money in the automotive market. These cars offer a delightful blend of style, performance, advanced technology, and premium features that typically accompany a much higher price tag. They allow drivers to experience a level of luxury and refinement that is unmatched in their respective price brackets, making them stand out as exceptional choices for those seeking affordable luxury on the road.


This article presents a curated list of vehicle models that our experts at Motorfinity believe offer exceptional value, considering both their price and functionality. The selections are driven solely by the personal opinions of our seasoned professionals and are made without any bias towards a specific technology. Thus, whether it's a mild hybrid, plug-in hybrids,  full hybrid , fuel-based, or an electric vehicle, our comprehensive list encompasses them all.   


Motorfinity 

At Motorfinity we provide exclusive car discount on new cars to UK key forces, you can enjoy up to 32% discounts on all makes and models. 

Are you eligible?

Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.



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