The latest model to join the burgeoning Mini range is the Roadster. Based on the still-pretty-new Coupe, the Roadster takes the obvious step of lopping off the roof and adding a dinky fabric roof for drop-top fun. Just like the Coupe, it is a 2+2 take on the familiar theme but with an even greater focus on driving pleasure and fun.
The more practical five-door Mini Countryman is the largest model in the Mini range and comes in variety of flavours and drivetrains, including four-wheel drive for the first time on a Mini model.
The Clubman model has improved practicality over the regular hatchback and a suitably classic look, with a single additional rear ‘suicide door’ for rear passenger access.
Like the rest of the range, the Mini Convertible has benefitted from a range of changes and improvements in recent months and is now available in basic Mini One Convertible specification.
Across the models the engine choice ranges from an economical 1.6-litre petrol to turbocharged 1.6 petrols, 1.6-litre turbodiesels and a powerful new 2.0-litre turbodiesel in Cooper SD cars.
One, Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S, convertibles, limited editions and high performance John Cooper Works models plus an enormous range of options means Mini can continue to claim that no two models are ever alike.
Range: Mini hatchback, Mini Clubman, Mini Convertible, Mini Countryman, Mini Coupe, Mini Roadster.
One to watch: Mini Roadster is great to drive and a pleasure to own.
Mitsubishi
The all-new Outlander crossover takes pride of place at the front of the Mitsubishi line up, bringing an elegant design and a better-quality cabin to the mix.
The smaller ASX offers saloon-like handling, an SUV-inspired driving position and practicality, and a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel engine options as well as two- or four-wheel drive should mean there is a version to suit all needs.
Small cars come in the shape of the i-Miev, a fully electric version of the iCar with niche appeal, and the excellent Colt supermini with stop-start and high performance derivatives.
The largest vehicle in the range is the full-size SUV Shogun, improved with a new automatic transmission and a more economical version of the 3.2-litre diesel engine. Hugely capable off-road, it’s a great workhorse as well as a luxurious family vehicle.
Range: ASX, Colt, i-Miev, Lancer, Lancer Sportback, Lancer Evolution X, Outlander, Shogun.
One to watch: New Outlander is a quality crossover.
Nissan
The electric Leaf has been making headlines and the British-built rechargeable family car is the big news from Japanese manufacturer Nissan.
Buyers looking for something less radical will find the latest Micra an ideal proposition. The clever DIG-S model uses a small, supercharged petrol engine to deliver diesel-like economy and emissions but with the free-revving nature of a petrol.
The distinctive Juke crossover offers up supermini proportions and masses of character, with a wide choice of engines and strong economy on many models.
The diminutive Pixo and neatly proportioned Note round out one of the best small car ranges from any manufacturer.
Slightly larger, the model that kicked off the current crossover trend has been revised and refreshed. Both the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 feature bold new exterior styling and a more mature design, as well as improved ride and handling.
Both are as attractive a proposition now as when first unveiled.
The Nissan range is not short of performance models either, with the 370Z and convertible 370Z Roadster variant offering a great blend of style, performance and affordability. The revised 2012 GT-R blows considerably more expensive performance cars out of the water with its speed and tractability, with a Track Pack version now available for even greater sharpness.
The X-Trail may have been around for some time but shows no signs of fading and has recently seen exterior revisions to keep it looking up-to-date. Meanwhile the Pathfinder continues to forge a path as a chunky and versatile off-road family vehicle.
Range: GT-R, Juke, Leaf, Micra, Murano, Note, Pathfinder, Pixo, Qashqai, Qashqai+2, X-Trail, 370Z, 370Z Roadster.
One to watch: GT-R is the ultimate bargain supercar.
Perodua
Perodua’s one-model range offers some of the cheapest motoring available in the UK, with a version of the Myvi for the smallest of budgets.
Six different trim levels are available, including a version with an automatic gearbox. However, all versions use the same 1.3-litre engine and so have similar performance and economy figures.
All versions have air conditioning, central locking and an immobiliser as standard, while the Myvi SE adds alloy wheels and leather trim to the standard specification. The Myvi Sport brings an attractive bodykit, alloy wheels and exhaust finishers.
Range: Myvi.
One to watch: Myvi special editions add greater choice.
Peugeot
The 208 is most important new Peugeot for decades. Previous generations of the French supermini were among its biggest sellers. The new 208 has a sharp new design, a quite radical cabin layout and a broader engine range, including a 1.0-litre petrol that punches well above its weight.
The new 508, available in saloon and SW guises, majors on comfort, refinement and quality, and the hybrid RXH model offers impressive efficiency.
Peugeot is one of the few manufacturers to offer an all-electric vehicle – the iOn. A government grant makes it an enticing prospect for city dwellers.
Still one of the hottest coupes on the market, the RCZ’s range has been expanded to include an automatic model and the high-output THP 200 version, which has performance to match the car’s stunning looks.
On the practical front the award-winning 3008 compact crossover and the larger 5008 people carrier both take a fresh approach to carrying passengers and luggage while still offering driving pleasure. The popular 308 has been given a makeover with improved specification in an updated exterior.
Decent equipment levels and strong diesel performance continue to make Peugeot’s first SUV, the 4007, a smart choice, while the 407 line-up delivers on the road for cost-conscious company car drivers.
And if practicality is your main focus, this comes in the shape of the capacious and hardy Partner Tepee.
Range: 107, iOn, 207, 207CC, 207SW, 308, 308CC, 308SW, 508, 508 SW, 3008, 4007, 5008, Partner Tepee, RCZ.
One to watch: 508 RXH is a large and capable hybrid.
Porsche
The headline news for Porsche fans is that the new ‘991’ 911 has arrived in Carrera and Carrera S form, in both coupe and cabriolet body styles. The other 911 models continue, including four-wheel-drive and turbocharged models, but are for now based on the previous ‘997’ generation of the car.
A more aggressive version of the four-door Panamera has been released, called the GTS. Based on the Panamera 4S it features a host of internal and external upgrades to make it more engaging and exciting. It’s the ninth variant of the model alongside rear-wheel-drive, diesel and hybrid models.
The Cayman, including its R and S variants, continues as before, with the addition of a Cayman S Black Edition, of which only 500 have been made.
The Boxster has seen more significant changes and is now faster and more efficient.
The Cayenne SUV has not had any major changes, but continues with its recently refreshed styling.
Range: Boxster, Cayman, 911, Cayenne, Panamera.
One to watch: 911 Carrera is a new flagship for the brand.
Proton
Proton’s low budget means few innovations from the company this year, but there is a new Ecologic dual-fuel model on sale. It runs on unleaded and LPG, and makes a convincing case for itself at its asking price.
The Savvy city car is unchanged, available in one trim and engine combination with either manual or automatic gearboxes. It’s cheap to insure and to run, with a very reasonable list price and an impressive collection of equipment.
The Satria Neo is the most sporting of Proton’s models with a zesty 1.6-litre petrol engine. As well as handling fettled by Lotus, it’s excellent value with a kit list that includes rear parking sensors, climate control, alloy wheels, front fog lamps and sports seats.
A more sedate model is the largest in the range. The Gen-2, built in hatchback and saloon guises, is a family car that prioritises essential equipment, style and value.
Range: Savvy, Satria Neo, Gen-2, Ecologic.
One to watch: Satria Neo is great to drive.
Renault
The latest model to emerge from Renault is the updated Megane range, in hatchback, Sport Tourer and Coupe-Cabriolet guise. Cabin detail changes, improved equipment and a super-frugal new engine help it remain competitive in a fierce market segment.
Its electric model range has increased further with the introduction of the Twizy, a brand-new take on an urban zero-emission vehicle that sits somewhere between a bike and a full-sized car. It joins the Fluence ZE, a mid-sized family car that offers near-silent motoring and a relaxed demeanour.
Elsewhere the Twingo is a cheeky and charming sub-supermini car with frugal engines, with a hot Renaultsport model in the mix. The Scenic and Grand Scenic have also benefitted from the company’s latest engine options, and with a cleaner exterior look remain two of the best compact MPVs available.
Range: Twingo, Clio, Megane, Fluence ZE, Scenic, Grand Scenic.
One to watch: Twizy could be an underground electric hit.
Seat
A new addition to the range beneath the Ibiza supermini is the Mii city car, available only as a three-door to begin with. Its small proportions and frugal engines make it an ideal urban runaround.
The Ibiza is Seat’s most successful car and has been updated visually and with new engines. It’s now more efficient than ever and features Ecomotive models that escape road tax payments and the London congestion charge.
The Leon, Altea and Altea XL all continue, while the Exeo executive saloon aims for another positive year of sales. The Alhambra people-carrier is to continue as well.
Range: Ibiza, Leon, Altea, Altea XL, Exeo, Alhambra.
One to watch: The new Ibiza is set for a record year.
Skoda
Skoda’s smallest car, the Citigo, is awaiting eager buyers at showrooms across the country. Designed to excel in urban surroundings, it will be easy to park and to manoeuvre in traffic while returning excellent efficiency figures.
The Octavia remains a brilliant all-rounder with generous cabin space, good refinement and represents excellent value for money.
The Fabia also continues largely unchanged, complete with its efficient Greenline variant being one of the most economical cars on sale.
The Yeti has enjoyed hugely positive publicity since its launch and continues to do well, going towards 2013 with no major changes.
Likewise, Skoda has not seen any need to update the Superb or Roomster models – yet.
Range: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster, Yeti, Octavia, Superb.
One to watch: Citigo represents a new peak in value for money.
Smart
The front end styling of the evergreen Smart Fortwo has been updated for 2012, with a slightly different grille and lighting layout. Various special editions have been built over the past year but most have sold out.
A range of engines is still available for the two-seater city car, including a 0.8-litre diesel and a 1.0-litre petrol in several power outputs. The two sportier Brabus models will continue and the existing trim levels are also set to stay.
Fuel economy is as high as 67.3mpg for the petrol Smarts, while the diesel claims 85.6mpg on average. Despite its age the Fortwo still ranks among the cheapest cars to run.
Range: Fortwo, Fortwo Cabriolet.
One to watch: Super-economical diesel Fortwo is very cheap to run.
Ssangyong
The big news for SsangYong is the arrival of the Korando compact SUV. It marks a big leap forward for the company in the European market with a car styled more to European tastes. The company hopes to make inroads with highly competitive finance and warranty packages.
The Kyron has now been discontinued, leaving the seven-seat Rexton and Rodius models, which aren’t the most advanced but are tough, using certain proven old Mercedes parts. They also deliver high specifications for relatively little money.
Range: Korando, Rexton, Rodius.
One to watch: Korando should suit UK buyers well.
Subaru
The newest Subaru is the XV premium crossover, combining the driving
dynamics and feel of a saloon or hatchback with the raised driving position of an SUV, but without the old height or weight penalties.
Another new model is the BRZ, a rear-wheel-drive sports car that heralds a new era of sports cars for a brand that is most famous for its fast four-wheel-drives – if you can find one, because dealers have been swamped with orders.
The Impreza name has been separated from the WRX STi badge, and the WRX STi benefits from a ‘320R’ pack that includes boosts to power and torque, and a sat-nav. The power upgrade can be retro-fitted to other current-generation WRX STi cars at any main dealer.
The Legacy, Forester and Outback have all been very important models for Subaru in the UK, and they are all retained with minor changes.
Range: Impreza, WRX STi, XV, BRZ, Legacy, Forester, Outback.
One to watch: BRZ will capture hearts and minds.
Suzuki
A replacement Swift Sport and the all-new Kizashi are the chief items of news for Suzuki. The Swift Sport is keenly priced and a hoot to drive, building on the success of the first version that accrued a loyal following.
The Kizashi is a medium-sized executive saloon, aimed squarely at the company car market but with plenty of appeal for families as well. Its drivetrain is focused on ease of use and fuss-free performance, with selectable four-wheel-drive to cope with low-traction scenarios.
Suzuki’s existing range of small cars and 4x4s is unchanged, with the smart Splash and Alto impressing in the city, and the Jimny and Grand Vitara handling off road duties with gusto.
Range: Alto, Splash, Swift, SX4, Kizashi, Jimny, Grand Vitara.
One to watch: Swift Sport offers big fun for its price.
Toyota
Toyota has been very busy of late, readying an all-new Yaris supermini, the Yaris Hybrid, the GT 86 sports car and a new Prius.
The Yaris boasts new technology to give it extra appeal to the younger generation of people who use smartphones and other mobile internet devices. The hybrid brings even better fuel economy, quieter running in town and the availability of an all-electric mode for urban zero emission driving.
The GT 86 is Toyota’s first rear-wheel-drive sports car since the last MR2. Lightweight and with carefully managed power and grip levels, it’s set to reignite car enthusiasts’ desire for sporty Toyotas.
The new Prius shows new styling and more equipment than before, and now comes in ‘plug-in’ form for impressive range and 100+mpg capability. The Prius+ model gives MPV practicality with eco-consciousness.
The rest of Toyota’s highly comprehensive range has either had small tweaks or will remain unchanged for the new model year.
Range: Aygo, iQ, Urban Cruiser, Yaris, Prius, Verso, Verso-S, Auris, Avensis, GT 86, RAV4, Hilux, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser V8.
One to watch: Yaris supermini aims to lead the class.
Vauxhall
Gaining plaudits for Vauxhall recently has been the Astra GTC, a three-door hatch with coupé styling and excellent driving dynamics. Its pretty face and solid stance on the road have won many fans.
The Ampera is now available as well, with equally attractive looks and clever range-extender technology that allows substantial distances to be covered on electric power alone.
The convertible Tigra has been axed and not replaced. The VXR8 is still available in hardcore GTS guise.
Around town, the Agila upright supermini and Meriva mini-MPV offer small, good value transport. The ever-popular Corsa continues unchanged after another successful year. The Astra might be viewed as a little long in the tooth now, but may prove to be a bargain in the next six months.
The Insignia, a favourite with company car drivers in Britain, has been given no major updates for the start of 2012; its fresh styling and spread of talents are deemed enough to keep it going. The popular Zafira MPV and Antara compact SUV have also been left alone.
Range: Agila, Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Zafira, Insignia, Ampera, Antara, VXR8 GTS.
One to watch: Astra GTC is great fun with good engines.
Volkswagen
Up is a new model beneath the Polo that aims to make motoring more affordable without sacrificing people- or luggage-carrying capacity. The cleverly-packaged city car has room for four and looks fantastic. It even includes advanced technologies to help prevent accidents in the city.
The new Beetle is a quantum leap forwards from the old car, with more advanced mechanicals, updated styling and for the new registration a pair of new engine options. Many of Volkswagen’s stalwarts like the Polo, Golf and Eos are unchanged.
The Passat has been revised, though, with new looks and more efficient engines. For the first time a rugged ‘Alltrack’ version will be added to the range, giving a modicum of off-road ability to a model designed to rival the Volvo XC70 and even the Audi A4 Allroad.
However, the coupé version of the Passat has dropped that name and is now known only as the CC. It’s a sleeker, more upmarket proposition that will appeal to plenty of company car drivers.
Less glamorous but still popular models like the Golf Plus, Touran and Sharan have all had styling updates to fit in with the Volkswagen look, but are otherwise largely unchanged. The low-volume Phaeton executive super-saloon is also still available.
Range: Up, Polo, Golf, Golf Cabriolet, Golf Plus, Beetle, Jetta, Eos, Scirocco, Passat, CC, Touran, Sharan, Tiguan, Touareg, Phaeton.
One to watch: Tiny Up is set to have a big impact.
Volvo
The biggest news for Volvo is the new V40, which pushes the design theme to new levels while offering yet more safety, comfort and driving pleasure than before. The V60 plug-in hybrid is finally available to order, with a hefty price tag but a promise of exceptional practicality, running costs and driver enjoyment.
Across all Volvo’s cars the move to four-cylinder engines has begun. Current models still offer five- and six-cylinder options but the four-cylinder engines have large efficiency improvements for greater fuel economy and lower emissions.
The XC60 continues to enjoy success in the premium SUV sector and has been left unchanged for this year. The XC90 was updated for 2012, though, with new styling and a pared-down range that includes just one engine, which just happens to be the one almost everyone bought anyway.
Volvo is hoping for a good year in the fleet market with is DRIVe models, specifically the V50, S60 and V60 models, which each feature an efficient diesel engine.
Range: C30, V40, V50, V60, S60, S80, C70, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90.
One to watch: V40 is a significant step forward for the Swedish firm.