Are you thinking of buying a new car in 2026? From sleek coupés to electric SUVs and practical compact cars, 2026 is shaping up to be a bumper year for new cars in Ireland.
In no particular order, here are 11 new cars coming in 2026 that are definitely worth waiting for!
1. Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé
Mercedes’ compact four-door coupé is getting its biggest makeover yet with the arrival of a new generation of the popular CLA Coupé and Shooting Brake variant in 2026. Both are set to launch in the spring and will be available as a petrol mild hybrid or a full battery electric for the very first time. With excellent aerodynamics, the electric CLA will offer a range up to nearly 800km.
11 cars worth waiting for in 2026 – starting with this gorgeous Mercedes-Benz CLA2. Nissan Leaf
It’s been a long time coming but 2026 will see the launch in Ireland of the new generation Nissan Leaf, which has been completely reinvented in its biggest glow-up yet. It sits on a new platform and now takes the shape of a trendy coupe crossover that will slot into the Nissan range below the Ariya and offer up to 604km of range.
The Nissan Leaf returns in 2026 as a stylish coupé crossover3. Mazda CX-5
Mazda will replace the ageing CX-5 in 2026 with an all-new version of the popular SUV. It features the brand’s strong evolution of Kodo design, with many premium touches to the cabin that will take it into a new era. It will initially be available with a mild hybrid petrol engine, but a full hybrid is likely to be on the way later. 2026 will also see the arrival of the Japanese car brand’s Mazda 6e electric saloon to rival the Tesla Model 3.
The new Mazda CX-5 will refresh one of the brand’s Irish favourites4. BMW IX3
BMW will welcome an all-new iX3 to Ireland in March. It’s the first of the brand’s Neue Klasse models, built on an all-new platform with pared back design that uses light to highlight the brand’s iconic kidney grille, improved efficiency, 800 volt charging and range up to 800km.
The new BMW iX3 can travel up to 800km on a single battery charge5. Fiat Grande Panda
The Panda is one of Fiat’s most iconic models and will make a return in 2026 as a practical, budget-friendly small SUV. It will offer great choice to buyers with everything from a simple petrol or hybrid engine, to a fully electric Panda with up to 320km of range. Its fun design is sure to bring some colour to Irish roads in 2026.
The Fiat Grande Panda is a budget-friendly, practical small SUV6. Jeep Compass
Jeep has been quietly renewing its line-up with the brilliant Jeep Avenger putting the brand in the right direction again. Now it’s the return of the all-new Jeep Compass, the brand’s larger five-seat family SUV that’s been brought up to date with a stylish new design and more efficient powertrains, including a full electric Compass for the very first time.
The Jeep Compass gets a stylish new look and efficient powertrains in a massive revamp7. BYD Atto 2
BYD has been building its presence in Ireland with a slew of new models and the momentum is set to continue in 2026 with the arrival of the Atto 2. It’s a compact SUV that slots into the range below the Atto 3, with chunky styling and some exciting powertrains. The first to launch will be a plug-in hybrid that uses the brand’s ‘Super Hybrid’ technology for efficient driving.
The BYD Atto 2 is on the way to Ireland in 2026 with ‘Super Hybrid’ technology8. Volkswagen ID.Polo
Volkswagen looks set to revitalise its small car line-up with the arrival of an all-new ID.Polo, which takes the classic design cues of the brand’s famous small hatchback and adds electric underpinnings for the very first time. It’s hoped it will come to market at a competitive price and offer buyers a practical and affordable small electric hatchback.
The Volkswagen ID.Polo – still in camouflage for now but an important car of 20269. Peugeot E-208 GTi
Peugeot will relaunch its iconic GTi badge next summer for the first time on an electric car. It’s a big moment for the French car brand, but the E-208 GTi has been designed by the Peugeot Sport team and is likely to be very good with its powerful electric motor, limited slip differential and numerous technical upgrades.
The Peugeot 208 GTi will return as a small electric hot hatch10. Renault Twingo
Not strictly confirmed yet for the Irish market, but if the new electric Twingo arrives it could seriously upset the small car electric market with its combination of iconic cute looks, heritage and fun interior.
The Renault Twingo could make a return to Ireland as an electric city car11. Toyota C-HR+
Toyota is set to have a big year in 2026 with new arrivals like the much-loved new generation RAV4, Aygo X Hybrid, updated BZ and this – the new Toyota C-HR+. It will sit alongside the highly popular C-HR Hybrid, but offers buyers a fully electric option with range tipping 600km. It looks smart and futuristic, and features a brand new interior design.
The new Toyota C-HR+ will strengthen the brand’s electric offering_______________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year