Best British Car Brands

Did you know many of the well-known car brands in the world were actually established right here in the UK? What‘s more, some of the best British car brands are also some of the most luxurious! From Aston Martin and Bentley to MINI and MG, there’s a British-made car for everyone! We’ll delve into the history of some of the best car brands in the UK and explore some of the most popular models.

What car brands are British?

MINI

Probably one of the most recognisable UK car brands is MINI. MINI has been making cars in the UK for over 100 years, and they are still highly popular today! MINI specialises in small, sporty hatchback cars which are affordable and luxurious. The classic MINI Cooper comes from a racing background, which still today gives them that energetic and sprightly driving experience. They’ve long been known for their fuel-efficient engines, iconic body styles and ‘go-kart’ feel.

MG Motors.

MG Motors originated in the UK in 1924 and it’s one of those British Brands which keep on popping back up. Whilst MG Motors is currently owned by SAIC Motor Corporation, a Chinese automotive brand, it still deserves recognition as one of the best British brands! It has UK roots and there’s still a big engineering and design presence here in the UK. The market went quiet for many years but the MG6 came out with a bang in 2011. This was the first new UK model for 16 years and it was designed a as family friendly hatchback. However, MG cars were originally designed as sports cars, but more recent models have turned them into affordable, great value for money, practical cars!

Land Rover.

Iconic, rugged and capable? It’s got to be Land Rover! One of the top UK car brands is the Land Rover and it’s been around since 1948. The first Land Rover wanted to be a strong 4×4, specifically designed with the UK in mind. Basing its underpinnings on British roads, weather and terrain, the Land Rover became one of the best off roaders you can buy! Tata Motors, an Indian automotive company, bought Land Rover and Jaguar in 2008 but there are still many models which are manufactured today in the UK. Land Rover has a smaller line up than other UK car brands, but this ensures Land Rover delivers every model with the highest level of performance and sophistication.

Jaguar.

Another British car brand now under Tata Motors is Jaguar. Whilst they were acquired by the Indian automotive company in 2008, Jaguar is still a British legend. Just like Land Rover, it’s a premium brand that focuses on luxury and modern technology. Jaguar was initially called Swallow Sidecars when it was founded in 1922, but finally became its more commonly known name in 1945. Whilst Jaguar is well-renowned for extravagance, it is also a leader in modern new car technology and advancements.

Aston Martin.

One highly luxurious UK car brand is Aston Martin. It was founded all the way back in 1913 and is most commonly known for being the car that 007 himself drives. Over the years, many different Aston Martin models have featured in some of the biggest James Bond movies. They’re superfast sports cars which are usually kitted out with all the latest tech and kit. Aston Martin still remains a British car brand and has its main production site here in the UK, but it is primarily owned by a Canadian billionaire called Lawrence Stroll.

Bentley.

Bentley was founded in London in 1919, and it’s long been a classic British brand that everyone knows. Many of us may one day dream of owning a car like a Bentley, and it’s easy to see why! Granted, they’re expensive, but they’re also amazing to drive and quite exclusive. Bentleys are still produced in the UK, but they were purchased by the German manufacturer, Volkswagen, in 1998. Bentleys were originally designed with three things in mind: ‘a fast car, a good car, the best in its class’, and that’s exactly what they still are today!

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