2011's Best New Cars

Many of the best new cars for 2011 have advanced safety features that keep you and your passengers more secure as well as making your insurance agent happy. Keep in mind when considering a new car the potential cost of your cover insurance, and seek an online car insurance quote to help you make the final purchase decision.

Electric

The Tesla Roadster for 2011 is the gold-standard for electric vehicles, with a price to match at £86950. Manufactured at the Lotus plant in Hethel, England, the 2011 Roadster can travel up to 386 km on a single charge - compared to the electric Nissan Leaf, which has a range of 161 km. Performance-wise, this revolutionary electric car goes from 0-96.5 km/h in 3.7 seconds. However, the manufacturer announced in January 2011 that Roadster production will be suspended until 2013, so this is the year to snap up your Tesla Roadster, available by order.

Hybrid

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is the long-awaited electric/petrol hybrid that has been heralded as the most fuel-efficient vehicle available on the world market. Named Car of the Year for 2011 by Motor Trend magazine, the Volt can travel up to 65 km on an electric charge, at which point the petrol-powered generator kicks in to assist the electric engine. While the manufacturer is not due to release the Volt in Europe and the UK until November of 2011, carmagazine.com speculates the MSRP will be near £25,500. The Opal/Vauxhall Amper, the European spec version of the same automobile, will sell for £28,995 after deducting a £5000 government subsidy.

Family Category

Subaru Outback, Motor Trend's SUV of the year, ranks high in the family category for 2011 with a roomier interior than the 2010 version, combining superior all-wheel-drive performance with a family-friendly ride. The manufacturer introduced its new turbo Boxer diesel Outback in 2011, with a 2.0-litre, 1,998cc engine. This updated diesel engine boasts reduced carbon emissions and improved fuel efficiency, and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Dual-stage deployment airbags and a reinforced body structure provide a safe family environment, and you will notice the difference in online car insurance quotes. The base price for the Outback 2.0D is £27995.

Luxury Sport Category

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is made in Stuttgart, Germany. A rear-wheel drive, performance vehicle that races from 0-96.5 km/h in 5 seconds (Model E500), the Cabriolet nevertheless delivers solid handling even on curving, slick roadways. The luxurious interior has heated seats, burl walnut wood trim on premium models and a DVD-based navigation system. A Pre-Safe sensory system anticipates potential danger by adjusting seats and positioning headrests for an anticipated impact. Featuring a retractable all-weather soft-top, the Cabriolet is outfitted for luxurious travel. The base price for the E200 sport model is £36755.