Inflation shock: 12 new cars that are much more expensive

Constantly moving upwards

Everyone seems to think new cars are more expensive than ever. To find out the truth, we compared what a selection of cars cost when new in 2015 with the prices of equivalent models in 2025.

Given the prevalence of buying cars on finance, or through lease deals, list prices are perhaps less important for many buyers today. However, they still act as a reminder of how expensive cars have become during the last decade.

Today’s cars do, admittedly, contain more technology than ever before, and they must meet stringent rules on everything from exhaust emissions to safety equipment – all of which has an impact on prices.

Crunching the numbers

Overall Inflation increase from 2015 to 2025: +35.5%

We have used the Bank of England’s online calculator to compare whether cars have seen price rises above or below the rate of inflation. Overall, between 2015 and 2025, the cost of goods and services has increased by 35.55 percent.

Given the speed of development in the automotive world, few cars are still the same as they were a decade ago. It means this is not an exact science, but we have tried to compare as closely as possible when it comes to powertrains and trim levels.

Join us for a look at 12 cars that have increased in cost above inflation, and two that have actually become more affordable over time. One in particular may really surprise you.

2015 Suzuki Swift SZ2: £9,499

Our look at cars from 2015 begins with a reminder that, just 10 years ago, a new supermini like the Suzuki Swift could be yours for less than £10,000.

Those days are long gone, but we have chosen the entry-level £9,499 Swift SZ2 in five-door form to make the comparison to the latest model as close as possible.

Opting for the cheapest Swift in 2015 did mean some compromises, though, such as living without air conditioning. Its 94hp engine was capable of 56.5mpg.

2025 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Motion: £19,199

Price increase: +102%

The latest, fourth-generation Suzuki Swift was launched in 2023, and demonstrates a substantial amount of progress during the last decade.

Compared to the 2015 prices, the cheapest new Suzuki Swift now starts at more than £19,000 – an incredible 102 percent increase.

The latest entry-level Motion trim level includes adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, a reversing camera and heated front seats. Its mild-hybrid 1.2-litre engine offers 82hp and the ability to average 64.2mpg.

2015 Dacia Sandero Ambiance: £7,595

The Dacia Sandero has long been a true bargain in the new car market. When the Sandero first went on sale in the UK in 2012, the ultra-basic Access model was priced from just £5,995.

Dacia does not sell a bare-bones Access model today so, for our car from 2015, we have chosen the Sandero Ambiance with a 900cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.

A price tag of just £7,595 made even this version of the Dacia Sandero ultra-cheap for 2015, yet it still came with niceties such as wheel trims, body coloured bumpers and remote central locking.

2025 Dacia Sandero Essential: £14,200

Price increase: +87%

Today, Essential trim acts as the starting point for the third-generation Dacia Sandero.

Features such as body coloured bumpers, wheel trims and remote central locking are all still present. But air conditioning, LED headlights and a wealth of safety equipment are also included. With a 1.0-litre TCe 90 petrol engine, this £14,200 model is the cheapest way to drive a new Dacia.

It represents an 87 percent price increase in 10 years, when simple inflation – not factoring in the extra equipment – would have seen the cost rise to £10,295.17 in comparison.

2015 Vauxhall Corsa Design: £11,845

In 2015, a new Vauxhall Corsa was on sale, and the perennially popular supermini became the second best-selling car of the year. Only the Ford Fiesta sold more units, but as the Fiesta has been discontinued, the Corsa is the car we are comparing.

In 2015, Design trim was a mid-range offering, sitting above budget versions such as the Sting special edition. Paying £11,845 would grant you access to a five-door Corsa Design with a 90hp 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, and a USB connection for an iPod (remember them?) were all part of the deal.

2025 Vauxhall Corsa Design: £20,860

Price increase: +76%

Vauxhall has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, leaving General Motors to become part of the Stellantis automotive empire, and leading the charge towards electrification.

The newest Corsa shares a platform with the Peugeot 208, and comes with a choice of petrol engines or electric power. Design trim still remains, though, and we have gone with the 100hp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Today’s Corsa price tag of £20,860 represents a 76 percent increase in ten years, or more than twice the rate of UK inflation. An electric version would set you back £28,320…

2015 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT: £32,995

Ten years ago, Ford finally relented and brought the Mustang sports car to the UK in official, right-hand-drive form. This was a big deal, with enthusiasts able to buy a modern muscle car directly from their local Ford dealership.

Although the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine was available, the 5.0-litre V8 GT was the Mustang people really wanted to own. With more than 400hp, and an incredible soundtrack, it ensured the Mustang lived up to the expectations of its famous badge.

Prices from £32,995 ensured the Mustang 5.0 was an affordable blue-collar hero, especially when compared to coupes from the premium German brands.

2025 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT: £55,725

Price increase: +69%

In 2025, the Ford Mustang is the only V8-powered muscle car left standing. All of its competitors have disappeared, or switched to electric power.

We perhaps should be thankful that we can still buy a Mustang with a 5.0-litre V8 today, engine especially one with 440hp and chassis tuned to compete with European sports cars.

The last decade has seen prices rise by 69 percent, however, meaning the £55,725 Mustang GT feels much less of a bargain. Had it followed the rate of inflation, the same car would cost £44,725 today.

2015 Peugeot 208 Allure: £14,695

After the mild disappointment of the 207, Peugeot returned to the top of the supermini game when it launched the 208 in 2012. Chic looks, neat handling and affordable prices made for a convincing package.

A facelift in 2015 helped keep the 208 competitive with other superminis, and we have picked the mid-range Allure from the lineup. Although the 208 engine range was rich with diesel offerings, we opted for the 82hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine for a closer comparison.

Spending £14,695 ensured this Peugeot 208 came with automatic headlights and wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows and rear parking sensors.

2025 Peugeot 208 Allure: £23,935

Price increase: +63%

The Peugeot 208 of today is closely related to the Vauxhall Corsa. This means a shared platform, along with similar petrol and electric powertrain options.

Allure trim lives on, though, representing one of only two trim options for the contemporary 208. There is still a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, too – now with 100hp and a six-speed manual gearbox.

All of this now requires £23,935, or a substantial 63 percent increase in price compared to 2015’s Peugeot 208.

2015 Skoda Octavia vRS TSI: £24,380

The Skoda Octavia vRS has been offered performance and space at a reasonable price since it was first launched in 2001. By the time of the third-generation Octavia vRS, a 220hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine was the starting point.

With the modern Octavia vRS sold solely with a DSG dual-clutch gearbox, we have chosen the same for our 2015 model. Back then, a six-speed manual was the default transmission.

For 2015’s spacious five-door hatchback version, all this still cost less than £25,000.

2025 Skoda Octavia vRS TSI: £39,285

Price increase: +61%

The Skoda brand is rather different to the one of 10 years ago, with numerous SUVs in its range, along with plenty of electric models.

The current Octavia vRS has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine recently enhanced to deliver 265hp. As mentioned, a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is now the only gearbox available, sending power to the front wheels.

For a decade of progress, the fourth-generation Octavia vRS now starts at £39,285, or 61 percent more than in 2015.

2015 Kia Picanto 2: £9,945

Everyone’s favourite diminutive city car was in its second generation during 2015, having collected a slew of awards since its launch in 2011.

Prices at the start of 2015 still dipped below five figures for many Picanto models, with even the mid-range ‘2’ grade offering change from £10,000.

Buying that car meant choosing the rather gutless 69hp naturally aspirated 1.0-litre engine, though.

2025 Kia Picanto 2: £15,845

Price increase: +59%

Fast-forward to 2025 and the Kia Picanto 2 is now the entry-level model in the range. Kia launched the third-generation version of its city car in 2017, and has treated it to two facelifts since.

Today, a Picanto 2 will cost a minimum of £15,845, and comes with a 62hp 1.0-litre petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox. This equates to a price increase of 59 percent in 10 years – almost 14 percent ahead of inflation for the same period.

It is worth noting that the new Picanto 2 does come with cruise control, parking sensors, a reversing camera and lots of safety technology that wasn’t offered in 2015.

2015 Mazda MX-5 SE-L: £19,245

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the few cars still being produced in the same form today as it was 10 years ago. The fourth generation of this archetypal sports car hit the market in early 2015.

Prices for the then-new MX-5 started at less than £20,000, with this allowing you to get behind the wheel of an SE-L model powered by the 131hp 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Many will argue the smaller 1.5 engine offers a purer driving experience, which is perhaps why it has remained in the lineup virtually unaltered for 10 years.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Exclusive-Line: £30,015

Price increase: +56%

While the basic car is still the same as that launched in 2015, the Mazda MX-5 of 2025 has seen a decade of upgrades and evolution. New safety and emissions regulations have been complied with, while customer demand has led to improved infotainment.

It means today’s MX-5 with a 1.5-litre engine costs £30,015 in mid-range Exclusive-Line specification. This now includes leather upholstery and a Bose sound system.

Such add-ons might make the 56 percent price increase slightly easier to stomach. And the MX-5 remains just as fun to drive as it was in 2015, too.

2015 Audi S3 Sportback: £32,460

For many years, the Audi S3 was the only real premium option in the hot hatchback class. By 2015, though,  rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG A45 and BMW M135i were in the mix, putting pressure on the Quattro-equipped legend.

Having entered production in 2013, the third-generation Audi S3 looked rather subtle, being almost indistinguishable from ‘warm’ S Line models. Beneath its subtle styling was a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 300hp. That Quattro system allowed a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds when combined with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Audi offered a three-door version of S3 a decade ago. But for the sake of comparison, £32,460 would have bought a five-door Sportback with an S tronic gearbox.

2025 Audi S3 Sportback Black Edition: £47,550

Price increase: +35%

The fourth-generation Audi S3 received a comprehensive update during 2024, making it the best iteration of Ingolstadt’s premium hot hatchback to date.

Some 333hp has been extracted from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with suspension and differential changes adding extra playfulness to the S3’s character. There is also more interior tech, alongside distinctive exterior styling.

All of this comes at a starting price of £47,550, an increase of 46 percent. This looks steep against inflation of 35 percent, but the S3 has certainly improved as a hot hatchback.

2015 Ford Focus Zetec: £19,795

The Ford Focus was the UK’s third best-selling car of 2015, demonstrating just how much things can change in a short space of time. Ford plans to kill off the Focus this year, which will leave the Mustang coupe as the only non-SUV left in its range.

Back at the start of 2015, a heavily updated version of the third-generation model was just hitting the market, with a wide range of trim options. Today’s Focus has a much condensed lineup, so we have stuck with Titanium trim for the sake of fairness.

With the 125hp version of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, a Ford Focus Titanium would have just crossed the £20,000 barrier.

2025 Ford Focus Titanium: £28,500

Price increase: +40%

With Ford running down its plans for the Focus in 2025, Titanium trim is now actually the starting point in the range. The 125hp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is still present and comes with mild-hybrid technology included.

To buy a new fourth-generation Focus in 2025, you will need to spend a minimum of £28,500 for this specification. That equates to just over 40 percent, or around five percent more than the rate of inflation.

This is still considerably cheaper than the electric Ford Explorer SUV, however, which starts from £39,875.

2015 Nissan Qashqai N-Tec: £21,700

The second-generation Nissan Qashqai was a big seller in 2015, with this new model having debuted the year before. In a record year for new car sales, the Qashqai finished fifth in the charts.

Part of the Qashqai’s appeal was its affordability, with prices for lower-spec Visia and Acenta models dipping beneath the £20,000 mark. Slightly higher up the range, and with a more comparable specification, was the N-Tec version.

A price of £21,700 was asked if you opted for the 115hp 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol engine with a manual gearbox.

2025 Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium: £30,135

Price increase: +39%

In common with many manufacturers, Nissan has ditched the budget trim levels from the Qashqai model range, leaving Acenta Premium as the current starting point.

On the plus side, this version does come loaded with parking sensors, a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and wireless smartphone connectivity. For £30,135, you will still be changing gears manually, and propelled by a 140hp turbocharged petrol engine.

This makes for a 39 percent price increase, running slightly ahead of inflation for the Sunderland-built SUV.

2015 Renault Clio Expression: £13,675

The Renault Clio has long been a staple of the supermini world. Launched in 2012, the fourth-generation model brought larger dimensions, plus the option of a five-door layout with hidden rear door handles.

Expression+ trim offered more niceties than the entry-level Clio Expression, including luxuries such as alloy wheels, air conditioning and an engine badge for the rear hatch.

The TCe 90 turbocharged three-cylinder engine gave the Clio just enough shove, and was priced at £13,675.

2025 Renault Clio Evolution: £18,595

Although Renault made a big show of the fact that the latest Clio comes equipped with a full-hybrid powertrain, the dependable TCe 90 petrol engine can still be found on the price list.

Evolution trim sits at the bottom of the range, making it broadly comparable to the Expression+ of 10 years ago, with 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.

All of this costs £18,595, a price increase of just under 36 percent since 2015. Applying the exact rate of inflation for the past ten years, the Clio is just £83 more expensive than it should be. Sacre bleu!

2015 Mini Cooper S Auto: £20,445

Along with looking at cars that have seen price increases above inflation, we have also included two that come in below, beginning with the Mini Cooper S.

In 2015, the Cooper S made use of a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 191hp and a top speed of 146mph. Although it had a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the current Cooper S is automatic only, so we have compared like with like.

Before the inevitable foray into the Mini options list, the auto-equipped Cooper S would have cost £20,445.

2025 Mini Cooper S Classic Auto: £27,670

Price increase: +35%

As with many of the new cars on this list Mini makes the Cooper S in both petrol and electric forms. However, it is the 2.0-litre turbocharged version we are comparing here, now with a 204hp output.

The latest Cooper S boasts a concept-car-like interior, and Mini has been a little more generous with the standard specification. List prices start at £27,670, or 35 percent more than the equivalent car in 2015.

As a result, the Cooper S just slides in below the 35.55 percent inflation barrier, leaving buyers £43 better off. Don’t spend it all at once, Mini fans.

2015 Range Rover Autobiography: £91,550

Could a luxurious Range Rover really be a way to beat inflation? You better believe it, even if this is not the cheapest route into SUV ownership.

Back in 2015, the fourth-generation Range Rover had become a truly premium SUV, offering more technology and greater comfort than its predecessors. Highlights of Autobiography trim included 21-inch wheels, four-zone climate control and a massage function for the front seats.

Engine options remained diesel-focused, with a 3.0-litre TDV6 the starting point in the range. Putting a price on all this luxury meant spending £91,550.

2025 Range Rover Autobiography: £123,705

Price increase: +35%

Prices for the commanding new fifth-generation Range Rover start north of £104,000. Autobiography trim remains as resplendent as ever, and there is even still a choice of diesel engines in the lineup. For comparison purposes, we’ve gone with the 3.0-litre D300 option.

Paying £123,705 for this privilege represents ‘only’ a 35.12 percent cost increase since 2015. It means the Range Rover beats inflation by £392 – enough for you to add Grand Black veneer wood trim from the options list.

If only everything in life was as affordable as a Range Rover…