Land Rover
It would take something significant to knock the new Range Rover off the top spot of news from Land Rover, but that’s exactly what the new Sport does. Like its larger sibling, the Range Rover Sport has been on a drastic weight loss programme to shed more than 400 kg over its predecessor. It shows in the far greater agility and better drive of the new Sport and its much-improved economy and emissions figures.
The full-scale Range Rover is bigger, lighter, stronger plus more capable and luxurious than ever, so it’s destined to be the brand’s figurehead for some time to come. Contrasting the Range Rover’s clean sheet design, the popular Freelander has been given a subtle freshen up to maintain its competitiveness with a more efficient diesel engine.
Don’t forget the rest of the range, though. The Discovery continues to be a superlative all-rounder. Part people carrier and family wagon yet still capable of scaling mountains without breaking a sweat, it’s the affordable and accessible side of the brand.
Lots of glamour comes in the shape of the Range Rover Evoque, while the Defender has its own sort of chic style thanks to its down-to-earth all-weather ability.
Range: Defender, Discovery 4, Evoque, Freelander 2, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport.
One to watch: Range Rover does it again with the brilliant new Sport.
Lotus
Lotus’ latest way to offer supercar performance at almost attainable prices is the Exige S Roadster. It forgoes the coupe model’s large rear wing and prominent front spoiler in favour of a more subtle look, yet it still offers 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and a 170mph top speed thanks to its 345bhp supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine.
The ever-young Elise can be had with a supercharged version of its 1.8-litre engine which, predictably, delivers Porsche-baiting levels of performance and mile-wide smiles. For a more sophisticated experience, the Evora mixes much of the Exige’s performance in more rounded, everyday usable package that even offers four seats.
Range: Evora, Elise, Exige, Exige S.
One to watch: Exige S offers supercar pace for sports car money.
Mini
Big news from the small car brand is that Mini has added the option of All4 four-wheel drive to the Cooper versions of the Paceman and Countryman models. Both models have a 122bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox or an optional auto ’box.
The rest of the Countryman and Paceman ranges continue, as do the Coupe, Roadster and Clubman models. There are high performance John Cooper Works versions of every Mini model, plus there’s the hatch-based John Cooper Works GP limited edition. Only 2,000 GPs will be made and each has a 218bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine for 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds and a 150mph top speed.
Range: Mini hatchback, Mini Clubman, Mini Convertible, Mini Countryman, Mini Coupe, Mini Roadster, Mini Paceman.
One to watch: Paceman adds a new flavour of Mini to the mix.
Perodua
Perodua is famed for its low-cost cars, and the Myvi is a simple but worthy machine that will suit those on a limited budget. It’s a handsome small car and is ideally suited to urban traffic, and is impressively equipped for a car with such a low price tag.
Range: Myvi.
One to watch: Myvi is a very affordable and should be easy on running costs too.
Proton
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. It’s also available in ecoLogic form with petrol and LPG power.
Range: Savvy, Satria Neo, Gen-2, EcoLogic.
One to watch: Savvy is a good example of low-cost motoring.
Mitsubishi
The latest addition in the Mitsubishi range is the Mirage small car. It’s keenly priced and offers a decent amount of interior space for its size.
The Outlander crossover brings elegant design and a quality cabin with it to show Mitsubishi can get it right.
Choose the smaller ASX for 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.
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.
It’s particularly good for towing caravans and trailers with its torquey engine.
Another good car for working types is the L200, with its enviable reputation for image, toughness and reliability among pick-ups.
Range: Mirage, ASX, i-Miev, Outlander, Shogun, L200.
One to watch: New Outlander is a competent crossover contender.
Nissan
Big news for Nissan comes in small packages right now with the all-new Note and revised Micra both on sale. The Note now sits between the Micra and Juke, and is less of a small MPV but more of a crossover, though it’s still a very handy small family car.
The Micra now enjoys much crisper exterior styling and a more handsome, stylish dash. It’s also better to drive and regains some of the appeal of its predecessor. The Pixo still fills the spot below the Micra in Nissan’s range.
Certainly not lacking in appeal are Nissan’s new Nismo models for the Juke and 370Z that feature improved performance, handling and styling. The GT-R supercar has also been tweaked to deliver even greater speed thanks to power swelling to 552bhp.
At the other end of the scale, the Leaf electric car has been revised. It now has revised styling, but more important are changes to make the car more efficient and extend its real-world battery range in normal conditions.
Both the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 have 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. New technology like the Around View Monitor bird’s-eye view parking camera system gives more appeal than ever.
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, Navara, Note, NV200 Combi, Pathfinder, Pixo, Qashqai, Qashqai+2, X-Trail, 370Z, 370Z Roadster.
One to watch: Qashqai represents superb value for money.
Peugeot
Peugeot has joined the compact SUV set with its new 2008 crossover. It comes with front-wheel drive only but has a clever traction control system to maintain grip in slippery conditions. The engine range includes an e-HDI diesel with stop-start and electronically controlled semi-auto gearbox.
The 208 GTI finally gives Peugeot a the hot hatch the public was crying out for. The turbo 1.6-litre petrol engine is punchy and also frugal, which makes the 208 GTI a thoroughly modern, able and likeable hot hatch. The remainder of the 208 range offers everything from economy models to the luxury of the XY version.
A facelift for the 308 keeps it in the hunt in the small hatch class. There are improvements to the trim quality, economy and emissions.
The 107 carries on as a low-cost way to enjoy a city car, while the 207 also remains in SW and CC guises for the time being. Further up the chain is the 3008 crossover with its hybrid offering that also provides four-wheel drive, while the 508 remains in saloon and estate formats, as well as the SUV-lite RXH hybrid model.
The iOn, Tepee and Bipper are unchanged, but the RCZ coupe now comes with mildly reshaped front and rear and lights, while a more potent model is on the horizon.
Range: 107, 207, 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 407, 407 RXH, 5008, RCZ, Bipper, Tepee, iOn.
One to watch: 208 GTI is a welcome return to hot hatch form for Peugeot.
Porsche
Porsche is never one to let its rivals hog the limelight for long and so it proves again with the arrival of not one, but two new extreme versions of the 911.
The GT3 is for those who want to take track driving more seriously than just the occasional foray, so it has near race suspension, brakes, performance and a twin-clutch gearbox as standard.
A new Turbo model is always a treat and the latest 911 Turbo is no exception thanks to 520bhp that gives 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a 195mph top speed. If that’s just not enough, the Turbo S ups this to 560bhp, 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds and 197mph.
The rest of the 911 range remains the same, other than a limited edition model to celebrate 50 years of this everyday supercar.
Porsche has left the Boxster and Cayman models alone for the time being so soon after their recent launches. However, the Panamera is now offered with hybrid power, though that doesn’t mean sacrificing performance as it has 416bhp and dishes out 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 167mph. It also just happens to be capable of 91.1mpg and 71g/km CO2 emissions.
Cayenne buyers are treated to the arrival of the Turbo S in all its 550bhp glory. That’s enough to see this super SUV from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to 175mph.
Range: Boxster, Cayman, 911, Cayenne, Panamera.
One to watch: 911 GT3 mixes extreme performance and everyday refinement.
Renault
Renault goes further in its desire to offer electric cars with the arrival of the Zoe, which is an affordable and, arguably, the most attractive electric vehicle to date. It has a range of around 100 miles and its neat supermini styling and handling make it a car to want on looks alone, never mind the low running costs.
Another new small car for Renault is the Captur, which is based on the Clio but has raised suspension to give that SUV-crossover stance. It’s roomy inside and has a large boot, and it’s good to drive. There’s a choice of 0.9- and 1.2-litre petrol motors and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel, which is the pick of the bunch.
Also exuding an off-road feel is the XMOD, which is based on the revised Scenic range. The XMOD has added traction control features to make it a bit more capable in the rough, as well as a higher ride height. Inside, it’s every bit as versatile and able as the updated Scenic range.
Another Clio-based model to arrive is the latest Renaultsport Clio 200 Turbo. It has a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine giving 197bhp and zesty performance, though Renault has replaced its six-speed manual in favour of a twin-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters. The Clio RS is also only available as a five-door for the first time in its history.
The Twizy, Twingo, Clio and Clio in Coupe, hatch and Sport Tourer forms continue as before, while the Megane Renaultsport and Fluence Z.E carry on appealing to their respective niches.
Range: Twingo, Clio, Megane, Fluence Z.E, Scenic, Grand Scenic, XMOD, Captur, Zoe.
One to watch: Zoe electric supermini has the looks and green-ness to appeal to many.
Seat
Salsa-ing in right after the Leon hatch is the Leon SC, a three-door version of the VW Golf-based hatch that has more coupe-like styling. With the same engine range as the hatch, the three-door SC is every bit as able but with a sufficiently different appearance to broaden the Leon’s customer base. A hot Cupra version of the Leon is on the way, as well as a spacious and practical ST estate.
The Mii city car can now be had in five-door form and with an automatic gearbox. 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. There is also an updated Ibiza Cupra with improved suspension for better handling.
The Altea and Altea XL all continue, while the Exeo executive saloon aims for another positive year of sales.
At the large end of the range the award-winning Alhambra MPV should be big enough for anyone.
Range: Ibiza, Leon, Leon SC, Altea, Altea XL, Exeo, Alhambra.
One to watch: New Leon in hatch and SC forms is a great- looking, great value car.
Skoda
The new Skoda Octavia is every bit as good as expected and offers masses of cabin space and quality in a stylish hatch and estate body. A new vRS hot version adds to the Octavia’s appeal and gives performance fans with a family something affordable and spacious.
The still-fresh Citigo can be had with five doors and an automatic gearbox. Designed to excel in urban surroundings, it will be easy to park and to manoeuvre in traffic while returning excellent efficiency figures.
The Fabia also continues largely unchanged, complete with its efficient Greenline variant, while the Yeti has enjoyed hugely positive publicity since its launch and continues to do well.
Likewise, Skoda has not seen any need to update the Roomster. However, the Superb range has had a mid-life refresh with improved looks and finessed economy and emissions.
Range: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster, Yeti, Octavia, Superb.
One to watch: Octavia estate is as able as it is stylish.
Vauxhall
Now that Vauxhall has launched its Adam as a rival to the Fiat 500 and Mini, it’s concentrating on its core model: the Insignia. It’s restyled now and comes with a range of new engines that offer better economy and emissions. There is also a new Country Tourer with all-wheel drive, raised ride height and added body protection to take on the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.
The Adam carries on from where it was launched, and so does the Mokka compact crossover, which benefits from some UK-specific suspension improvements to give a more comfortable ride on bumpy roads.
Vauxhall will offer the new engines seen in the Insignia in the Astra, Zafira and Zafira Tourer models, all three of which will also receive the new six-speed manual gearbox that Vauxhall promises gives a much improved shift quality.
The Astra GTC reaps these rewards too, while the Cascada drop-top already has the new 1.6-litre petrol engine in 170bhp form.
The Ampera is now established with equally attractive looks and clever range-extender technology that allows substantial distances to be covered on electric power alone. Around town, the Agila upright supermini and Meriva mini-MPV offer small, good value transport and the ever-popular Corsa continues unchanged after another successful year.
The Antara continues to offer a mid-size SUV with a Vauxhall badge, while the VXR division has expanded its range with the arrival of the 6.2-litre V8-powered VXR8 GTS that thunders along thanks to a supercharged 576bhp.
Range: Agila, Adam, Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Zafira, Insignia, Ampera, Mokka, Antara, VXR8 GTS.
One to watch: Heavily revised Insignia should remain a fleet favourite.
Volkswagen
It’s all about the Golf over at Volkswagen at the moment, and why not, when it’s such an appealing car to begin with? For hot hatch fans, there’s the double whammy of the new 208bhp GTI, which can also be ordered with a power upgrade to 217bhp if you want an even sharper drive. For those seeking performance with more economy, the GTD is the car for you as it has the GTI’s suspension but also a frugal 182bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel. On an even more practical note, the Golf Estate provides plenty of cargo space and room for five inside its well-made cabin.
The Up is as cleverly-packaged as ever in three and five-door forms, even bringing with it advanced technologies to prevent accidents in the city.
The new Beetle is a quantum leap forwards from the old car, with much more advanced mechanicals and updated styling, while the new Cabriolet version adds fresh air fun to the mix.
Many Volkswagen stalwarts like the Polo and Eos are unchanged, while the previous generation Golf Cabriolet continues with the addition of the high-performance R model to boost its appeal.
Still popular models like the Touran and Sharan have all had styling updates to fit in with the Volkswagen family look, but are otherwise largely unchanged.
It’s the same story for the Tiguan and Touareg. The low-volume Phaeton executive super-saloon is also still available, alongside the Golf Plus and Jetta. The Sharan offers seven-seat people carrying capability and the Scirocco is a sleek coupe contender.
Range: Up, Polo, Golf, Golf Cabriolet, Golf Plus, Beetle, Jetta, Eos, Scirocco, Passat, CC, Touran, Sharan, Tiguan, Touareg, Phaeton.
One to watch: New Golf GTI hits the hot hatch spot perfectly.
Volvo
In one sweep, Volvo has facelifted most of its line-up with a new corporate look. This includes the S60, V60, V70, XC70, S80 and XC60, which all receive a more prominent nose and full width lower grille. They also have new headlights that wrap around the front of the car for a sleeker look. Underneath the skin, there are small improvements to economy and emissions for these revised models.
The V40 and its V40 Cross Country cousin continue as before, while the V60 Plug-In hybrid is now on sale and offers fuel economy of up to 155mpg combined and 48g/km CO2 emissions with 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds for excellent performance. It also has four-wheel drive and a decent load bay.
The XC60 continues to enjoy success in the premium SUV sector, while the XC90 has been updated recently with new styling and a simplified line-up.
Range: C30, S40, V50, V60, S60, S80, C70, V70, XC60, XC70, XC90.
One to watch: V60 plug-in hybrid is swift and efficient to offer best of both worlds.
Rolls-Royce
Traditional British luxury can now be had in a new Rolls-Royce coupe in the shape of the Wraith. It’s a two-door model that shares its V12 engine and underpinnings with the Ghost. Inside, it’s a more sung car but has all the usual options to personalise it to customers’ tastes.
The Phantom and Ghost models are unchanged in recent times and continue to offer well-heeled buyers a level of luxury and bespoke customisation not on offer anywhere else.
Range: Ghost, Wraith, Phantom.
One to watch: Wraith has the looks and presence to impress anywhere.
Smart
Smart’s city-focussed Fortwo received an update last year with a refreshed face and smarter lights, but now the range benefits from a further fillip with the introduction of the Fortwo Electric Drive.
Eligible for the UK government’s plug-in car grant, the Fortwo Electric Drive is an able machine even outside of town and can still reach 78mph.
A range of conventional engines are still available, 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.
Range: Fortwo, Fortwo Cabriolet
One to watch: Electric Fortwo is ideal for city driving and short commutes.
Ssangyong
Expanding the Korando range is the Sports, which is a pick-up version that retains the five-seat cabin. The rest of the Korando range is unchanged and remains strong value, especially if you tow or need something with reasonable off-road ability. However, there is now an entry-level SE model that is very affordable for this size of SUV.
The Rexton may remain but the Rodius has been replaced by the more aesthetically pleasing but no less practical Turismo. While it might be a more streamlined model, the Turismo retains its predecessor’s spacious cabin, low purchase price and the option of all-wheel drive to compliment the single diesel engine option in the range.
Range: Korando, Korando Sports, Rexton, Turismo.
One to watch: Turismo is superb value for money.
Suzuki
Suzuki has added a new SX4 model to its range, replacing the old model with one with better looks and more crossover-style appeal. It’s much better to drive now, yet it still offers reasonable off-road ability, as you’d expect from Suzuki.
The Grand Vitara has a subtly enhanced exterior while the inside benefits from improved materials and a revised specification. Meanwhile, the Jimny adds a little extra style to its squared-off looks as well as smarter seat fabric and Isofix child seat mountings in the rear.
Elsewhere in the range, the Swift Sport is keenly priced and a hoot to drive, building on the success of the first version that accrued a loyal following. A new Swift 4x4 version with all-wheel drive has a raised ride height to give buyers the option of a supermini that can cut it in winter conditions and over rough tracks. There’s also a five-door version of the Sport now too.
The Kizashi medium-sized executive saloon, boasts a drivetrain 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 is unchanged, with the smart Splash and Alto impressing in the city.
Range: Alto, Splash, Swift, SX4, Kizashi, Jimny, Grand Vitara.
One to watch: Swift 4x4 will appeal to those who need a supermini with mountain goat tenacity in slippery conditions.
Subaru
The new Subaru Forester is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor to deliver more cabin space and a larger boot. It retains all-wheel drive and a range of ‘boxer’ engines, notably the fine diesel and a new 237bhp turbo petrol derivative. There’s also a new CVT auto gearbox to help bolster the car’s refined driving experience.
Subaru’s XV premium crossover combines the driving dynamics and feel of a saloon or hatchback with the raised driving position of an SUV.
The most exciting offering is the BRZ, a rear-wheel-drive sports car that offers a stripped-back purist driving experience. The Legacy and Outback all offer Subaru’s trademark four-wheel drive and ‘boxer’ engine configuration for impressive all-weather traction and practicality.
Range: Impreza, XV, BRZ, Legacy, Forester, Outback.
One to watch: Forester is now a serious rival for the Land Rover Freelander.
Toyota
Toyota has been busy expanding its Auris range with the arrival of the Touring Sports estate that offers good luggage room and the same range of engines as the hatch. This includes the clean and green Hybrid model that appeals to private and business customers.
Another hybrid is the Prius Plug-In that can be recharged by hooking it up to the mains to give it a longer battery-only range. The Prius+ offers seven-seat practicality, while the standard Prius carries on unchanged.
The Yaris is also offered with hybrid power in addition to its more usual petrol and diesel engines, while the Aygo and iQ round off Toyota’s small car offerings. Toyota’s revised Verso is a much improved car with a fine new diesel engine and plenty of space for people and cargo.
Polar opposites in appeal, the Avensis and GT-86 coupe remain as before and are sound bets for their respective markets. The Hilux, Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser V8 are also unchanged, but there is a brand new RAV4 with punchy engines, two- or four-wheel drive and more interior space coupled to Toyota’s usual high quality build and materials.
Range: Aygo, iQ, Yaris, Prius, Prius+, Prius Plug-In, Verso, Auris, Avensis, GT 86, RAV4, Hilux, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser V8.
One to watch: Auris Touring Sports estate is a handsome and capable load carrier.