The Ultimate Italian Car Brands List for 2023

What can you expect from our countdown? While Italian manufacturers love track-inspired supercars, they’ve also mastered the art of compact vehicles that are perfect for zipping along the cobbled streets you’ll see in cities like Rome and Florence. You’ll also see luxe saloons that seem purpose-built for cruising around the Tuscan countryside. And of course, Italy hasn’t dropped the ball when it comes to all-electric vehicles.

So, what Italian-made cars have caught our attention in 2023? Read on for our cherry-picked Italian car brands list.

Italian car brands list – the top choices

Ferrari

When it comes to iconic Italian cars, it’s hard to beat Ferrari. The legendary prancing horse logo is instantly recognisable and graces the bonnets of models like the Roma, Portofino and F40. The Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was founded by Grand Prix enthusiast Enzo Ferrari in 1939 and quickly gained a reputation for its sleek designs and sexy silhouettes. When you’re behind the wheel of a Ferrari, heads are guaranteed to turn.

The name is synonymous with Formula 1 racing, making Ferrari the brand of choice for motorists that love to go fast. In fact, Ferrari is the only brand to have raced in every F1 season since the championship started in 1946. Now that’s a claim to fame.

Fiat

From the beloved FIAT Panda to the ultra-compact FIAT 500, Brits can’t get enough of this Italian car manufacturer. For city drivers, the pocket-sized designs are perfect for navigating narrow urban streets and squeezing into tiny parallel parking spots. If you’ve ever tried to park in London, you’ll know what we’re talking about.

In true Italian style, FIAT has included a model with a fold-down sunroof. This is a perfect choice if you’re planning a weekend away in the Lake District or a sun-drenched summer getaway to Cornwall. 

As well as manufacturing best-sellers like the Panda, FIAT has well and truly embraced the all-electric movement. The All-Electric 500 features the same cute styling we all know and love, but with a battery-powered engine under the hood. This commitment to a net-zero future has helped crystalise FIAT’s place on our best Italian car brands list.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini is up there with Ferrari when it comes to the ultimate Italian cars. The brand is a thoroughbred of the auto world and will set you back a pretty penny to say the least. Base prices start at around £170,000 for models like the Lamborghini Urus, which means you won’t see them parked on the average British street. Upgrade to models like the breathtaking Lamborghini Huracán and prices start to climb. But the allure of Lamborghini is impossible to deny, which is why it’s featured on our Italian car brands list.

Alfa Romeo

There’s something evocative about Alfa Romeo, another Italian luxury car manufacturer that’s made quite a name for itself in the UK. The company was founded in Milan in 1910 and embodies the essence of Italian style and sophistication. The brand has a proud racing heritage and will get your pulse racing with superlative power and performance. However, unlike other companies featured in our Italian car brands list, Alfa Romeo is also geared towards everyday motorists. Its sports-inspired saloon cars aren’t just sexy. They’re spacious, practical and amazingly comfortable.

Even better, models like the best-selling Giulia Saloon start at around £40,000. If you’re looking for something smaller, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback will set you back just under £23,000. Don’t get us wrong, an Alpha Romeo is still a big investment. But if you’ve got your heart set on an Italian-made luxury car, Alpha Romeos offer fantastic value for money.

Abarth

Italian racing enthusiast Carlo Abarth is the mastermind behind this iconic brand. Like FIAT, Abarth has won hearts with its zippy and compact designs that don’t compromise on performance. It’s this commitment to design and performance that’s won Abarth a place on our top Italian car brands list.

In 2023, we’re holding our breath for the exciting new Abarth 500e Scorpionissima, the company’s first all-electric sports car. Less than 2000 units will be produced, giving the model an air of exclusivity. Of course, you don’t need to splurge on a 500e Scorpionissima to get behind the wheel of an Abarth.

Models like the 695 Turismo are readily available. Thrills are guaranteed thanks to the powerful 180HP engine. Luxe features like black leather seats, Xenon headlights and a sleek badge echo the brand’s Italian roots.

Car financing for Italian vehicles

With iconic driving routes like the Stelvio Pass and the Grande Strada della Dolomiti to explore, it’s no wonder the Italians are so passionate about cars. Don’t even get us started on routes on the sparkling Amalfi Coast or impossibly beautiful Lake Garda.

Has our Italian car brands list got you dreaming of a new set of wheels? Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly FIAT, an all-electric Abarth or a supercharged sports car that literally purrs when you put your foot on the accelerator, car finance can get you into the driver’s seat faster.

The first step is to get a car loan quote. Our car loan calculator makes it easy with an algorithm that uses your loan amount, preferred repayment terms and credit rating to crunch the numbers in just seconds. You’ll get an instant breakdown of your expected monthly payments, as well as the typical total payable amount. When you’re ready to apply, we’ll kickstart the process with a soft search that won’t impact your credit rating. Hey presto! It’s as simple as that!