Ford Fiesta
Image Credit: Copyright 2015 Ford of Europe GmbH and PRISM International GmbH
Although the current Fiesta is nearing the end of its life, the current Fiesta is allegedly the benchmark for driving fun in the supermini class, possibly at the expense of ride comfort. The new model will feature better infotainment systems, to keep up with rivals such as the Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20. Power will come from a range of small and frugal petrol engines, including an updated version of the 1.0-litre Ecoboost.
Kia Rio
Image Credit: © 2016 Copyright Kia Media Website
The new Kia Rio is five-door only and will arrive in UK showrooms before the end of this year. Prices are still to be confirmed, but the current Rio is one of the cheapest small cars you can buy and this is unlikely to change, despite it having a classier and more spacious interior. Kia is also promising much improved driving dynamics, a new turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine and a higher level of standard equipment.
Nissan Micra
Image Credit: Newsroom Nissan Europe
The new Nissan Micra has - fortunately, given the disappointment of the current car - been revised from top to bottom. The exterior styling is inspired by the “Sway” concept, shown by Nissan at the 2015 Geneva motor show. Inside, you get a new touchscreen infotainment system and some trim from the much pricier Qashqai.
Mini Countryman Mk. 2
Image Credit: © Copyright BMW AG, München, Deutschland
The more development that is applied to the original Mini concept, the uglier it appears to get. This one is no exception although, apparently, buyers “flocked” to showrooms when it first appeared in 2010. The new model is based on the BMW 2 Series Tourer, with vague references to the original car by way of the radiator grille and roof line. As an original Morris Mini owner, I feel very sad.
Mitsubishi ASX
Image Credit: © The Colt Car Company Limited
A new rival to the Nissan Qashqai, the ASX is an important model for Mitsubishi, not only because this is such a lucrative and competitive sector, but also because the manufacturer aims to be the market leader in plug-in hybrid technology. As yet, this feature is missing from the small SUV class, so by definition the first to launch will be the market leader. A plug-in hybrid ASX will allegedly be available after launch. Could it be any other way?
Peugeot 3008
Image Credit: Peugeot Motor Company PLC
The new 3008 has much more of an SUV appearance than its predecessor, taking on an aggressive and muscular look, whereas the old flat-sided model looked about three times as high as it was wide. It’s about the same size as rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Renault Kadjar. Thanks to clever packaging, the new model offers more knee room and boot space than do those machines. It even features a sliding floor to make loading easier. By all accounts, it also has a very innovative dashboard and infotainment centre. Engines start with a 1.2 litre turbo petrol up to a 2.0 litre smoker. A hybrid version will be available - after launch.
Suzuki Ignis
Image Credit: © 2016 Suzuki GB PLC Newspress Limited
Suzuki has beefed-up the Ignis, moving it up from hatchback to small SUV status. It has funky styling and a high driving position and (yes, you’ve guessed it) a new infotainment system. The interior will be similar to that of the Celerio city car.
Audi Q5
Image Credit: © 2016 by AUDI AG
Although the new Q5’s styling is more evolution than revolution, bigger changes lie beneath. More space and less weight improves efficiency and, as well as 4 and 6 cylinder petrol and diesel engines, there will be a plug-in hybrid variant with an all-electric range of 31 miles.
Mazda CX-5
Image Credit: © Copyright Mazda Public Relations
The second-generation CX-5 looks sleeker and, according to Mazda, features new suspension settings to deliver a more comfortable drive. Interior quality and connectivity options have also been improved. Not exactly what you’d call a quantum leap.
Mercedes E-class All Terrain
Image Credit: © Copyright Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes is looking to take on the Audi A6 Allroad with this high-riding, four-wheel-drive estate. Apparently, the All Terrain is for people who don't want an SUV but do want SUV “benefits” such as tough looks, masses of space inside and the ability to go off-road. Ever seen an SUV bouncing across a national park? Thought not.
Volvo V90 Cross-country
Image Credit: Copyright © 2016 Volvo Car Corporation (or its affiliates or licensors).
Another rival to the A6 Allroad, the V90 Cross Country is said to offer 'genuine (as opposed to pavement-cracking) off-road ability'. I had a tractor like that once. It will be available only with diesel engines and has four switchable driving modes: Rough, Comfort, Eco and Dynamic. Expect it to cost from around £40,000.
Audi A8
Image Credit: © 2016 by AUDI AG
Audi claims that the new A8 will be the first fully autonomous car to go on sale. However, the autonomous function (Traffic Jam Assist) will only operate up to about 37mph and will fully control the car without any input or monitoring from the driver. It will apparently feature a new Artificial Intelligence system that will be able to learn and predict owners’ behaviour. I thought the idea of autonomous cars was to get away from the habits of bad drivers, but there you go.
VW Golf
Image Credit: Volkswagen AG
An update of the current car rather than an all-new model, the 2017 Golf will nonetheless feature refreshed looks and a thoroughly revised interior. There will be a new hybrid model, for which Volkswagen is apparently targeting real-world fuel economy of 60mpg (haven’t we heard that before?) and highly competitive pricing.
Jaguar I-Pace
Image Credit: newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com
The I-Pace is Jaguar's first electric car, taking the form of a small SUV. With an ability to travel more than 310 miles on a single charge, it surpasses the range of the world’s only other all-electric SUV, the Tesla Model X. What's more, its two motors give it four-wheel drive, 395 bhp and acceleration from 0-60mph in around four seconds. Sounds good but probably very expensive.