Clickety click, 66. That is the number that will feature on current UK car licence plates starting from this September and up until the end of February 2017. Every number plate change in the UK car market prompts an upsurge in car sales as many motorists seek the freshest ID to benefit the long-term value of the vehicle they acquire.
With the switch to the 66 plate less than a month away, now seems a good time to reflect on which exciting, upcoming cars will be launched in Britain boasting the 66 plate right from the off.
Having the latest plate will no doubt give these cars extra appeal, as they’ll not only be all-new but also boast what will be the most coveted licence plate. So here’s our rundown of the most interesting cars set to launch here with the 66 plate.
Fiat 124 Spider
This MX-5-based roadster is an exciting new addition to Fiat’s product range since it shares parts with what’s already a highly-rated sports car. But it boasts some of its own quirks and characteristics too.
Let’s not forget the Abarth version of the 124 Spider as well, which will boast the newest number plate and a more powerful version of the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that’s under the bonnet. The Series 1 Alfa Romeo Spider, which this Fiat is inspired by, started production back in 1966, so a 66 will be rather fitting.
Watch our first drive review of the Fiat 124 Spider:
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa’s newest compact executive saloon, the much-hyped Giulia, will be avilable to UK motorists before the end of this year.
The XE and 3 Series rival will deliver not only Alfa’s famous elegant styling, but customers will also no doubt enjoy the fact they’ll have the latest number plate if they’re picking up one of the first delivered cars.
Watch our first drive review of the Alfa Romeo Giulia:
Porsche 718 Cayman
The new-generation Cayman is, like the Boxster, adding ‘718’ to its name as a nod to Porsche’s classic 718 racing car from the fifties and sixties.
Using similar engines to the latest Boxster, including a 295bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 345bhp 2.4-litre motor, the 718 Cayman coupe arrives towards the end of this year.
Honda NSX
The new Honda NSX feels like a car we and many others have been talking about for a very long time. But the Japanese supercar will finally be delivered to customers across Europe before the year is over.
Featuring a V6 petrol-electric powertrain, the new NSX is arguably one of the most important supercars in years.
Aston Martin DB11
As one indicator of how long the Aston Martin DB9 was on sale for, the very first DB9 models delivered to customers adorned the 04 number plate (assuming you didn’t get a customised number plate of course).
Now that the DB9’s glorious story is over, the reign of the DB11 and its tasty V12 engine shall commence shortly. Just how many different plate numbers will the DB11 go through before its production run ends?
Audi Q2
Audi already has a vast range of crossovers and later this year the German premium brand is adding its most niche example yet with the compact Q2.
The Q2 will face plenty of competition including the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and Range Rover Evoque.
SEAT Ateca
The SEAT Ateca is already available in some European countries, but UK motorists are having to wait a little longer for SEAT’s first ever SUV.
When it does arrive here, the Ateca is bound to become a popular sight on local roads if the popularity of models like the Ibiza and Leon are any indicator.
Read our review of the SEAT Ateca
Volvo S90
Volvo’s new executive saloon will challenge the likes of the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. It’s no easy task but the Volvo’s sleek exterior styling, elegant interior and plentiful equipment list makes this an intriguing new entry.
The Volvo S90 is set to launch early next year, and both saloon and estate variants are coming.
Tesla Model X
First UK deliveries of the Tesla Model X, a technologically advanced, fully-electric family crossover, will reportedly take place before the year is out.
It follows on from the Model S saloon and the Elon Musk-led Tesla brand will also bring out the Model 3 compact saloon at some point during 2017.
