It is now that time of the year when we can produce a list of the biggest and best launches of new and refreshed cars coming in 2015 and beyond. So, If you looking for a new Alfa to a new Super quick Zenos, we have all the details here, with our own take on the cars, but be warned it is a rather long list, but enjoy anyway.
4C Spider – spring 2015
Giulia – late 2015
Giulia – late 2015
Detroit motor show reveal planned for the open-top version of Alfa’s compact sports car, the 4C has already made waves throughout the world, and this new Spider will surely give it another boost, while we await Alfa’s BMW 3-series fighter which ushers in a new era for famous Italian firm with new platform, engines, styling and tech, and it does not stop there, expect at least a dozen derivatives or new cars over the coming few years, all aimed at putting Alfa back on top again, hopefully the plan and the billions will work.
D4 cabriolet – quarter one 2015
Alpina has fast become the brand of choice for super fast BM's, yes the M3 or M5 are cars that have an aura of speed and grandeur but it is the Alpina brand that takes it one step further, and here the BMW 4-series line-up, with the diesel-powered Alpina D4 coupe will added too with the new convertible.
“A new car” – tbc
With the Ariel Atom, you have a very fast and very agile small car, and with an all new car, which are led to believe to be the new Nomad, a 2.4 Litre Honda powered offroader, it has the skeletal looks of the Atom, with large chunky wheels, 700kg weight and a price that's bound to be somewhere around £30k, the new Ariel will surely find enough homes to make this car a true super fast offroader..
Vantage GT3 – summer 2015
Lagonda Taraf – tbc
Lagonda Taraf – tbc
The latest Aston Vantage GTS will be revealed at the Geneva Show this year, ready for Summer sales to begin, and the new stuff does not end there, the all new Taraf, the super saloon, which was originally due to be sold in the Middle East only, is now looking like it will be available globally, if not globally then definitely the UK, a decision that has made a few people happy, its not as Angular as the Town's original, but it has amazing street presence and will give Aston another niche to sell in, expect news towards the year end of the all new SUV.
A1 face lift – January 2015
Q3 face lift – quarter one 2015
TT roadster - March 2015
RS3 – quarter two 2015
Q7 – summer 2015
A4 – summer 2015
A6 - 2017
R8 – early 2016
Q3 face lift – quarter one 2015
TT roadster - March 2015
RS3 – quarter two 2015
Q7 – summer 2015
A4 – summer 2015
A6 - 2017
R8 – early 2016
The premium brand of Volkswagen Group is having a huge year starting with a re-freshed A1 Super mini, the A1 has become a great seller for the German brand, so expect it to have a fresh look, although not too much, as to alienate its core buyers, new technology and revised and more economical engines, Expect the same for the Q3, which also gets a midlife nip and tuck, and features the new front grill design, tweaked engines with more power, lower emissions and more MPG are expected too.
At the back end of Q1 the TT Roadster will be making its appearance, this, the third generation loses its roof and gains a soft top that folds down to make a decent looking convertible, also expect news at some point in the year on what car will be positioned to expand the TT range, our choice is the stunning four door TT that starred at Paris last year.
AUDI is not scared to put really potent engines in their cars, and they have done just that with the new RS3, the turbocharged 2.5 Litre five pot will take the fight to Mercedes and the A45 AMG and the BMW 1M, at the furthest end the all new Q7 has already been debuted around the globe, but will appear in Detroit next week, there is a significant weight saving of 300kg, as well as a far better look to the car, after all it has been around for a long time, and was in dire need of changing.
One of the bread and butter cars to be launched this year is the new A4, expect Saloon, Avant (Estate) and Convertible, as well as RS, S-Line and quattro versions, Audi wont do anything too outrageous or make the car too different, the loss of sales would be a massive hit to the brand, but it does have to be said, they are becoming so afraid of losing sales, they are loosing the plot, can you really tell the difference between the saloon A3, A4 A6 and A8, No, well not many can, Audi, amongst others need to start getting some style back into their cars, if the TT Four Door is anything to go by, they can do it, but will they ?
Looking into the future we have the A6 in 2017, this car should have the "new" design language, as yet unseen, but expected to be quite radical, I will believe it when i see it, but it will be far removed from today's offering, and that's a good thing, lastly, Audi's super car, the R8 gets a face lift, better interiors, more tech and the usual V8, V10 and e-tron drive trains, it is expected to be seen in September, so Paris maybe, and the sales from 2016, Audi has a lot to do, and they are spending a whole lot of money doing it, hopefully the sales will continue, and with it, some great looking, handling and technologically advanced cars.
Mulsanne Speed – January
Grand Convertible – late 2015
SUV – early 2016
Grand Convertible – late 2015
SUV – early 2016
Bentley, the grand old man of the motoring world, only equalled by Rolls Royce, and under Volkswagen's tenure, we have seen the brand expanded, with a number of stunning cars, its production facilities are some of the best in the world and with it the uber luxurious Mulsanne Speed arrives, with better handling, sharper chassis set up and a temperament that makes you want to drive the car rather than be driven
We then have at the back end of the year, the all new grand convertible, a Mulsanne without a roof, it looks stunning and apes the once revered Azure, of days gone by, no doubt this car will be seen in Monaco, the French Riviera and similar places, with the roof down, this will be one stunning car, and lastly into next year, we will have the all new SUV, a totally new niche for the brand, it has undergone some radical changes from the concept car, which was, um, not the prettiest, it now looks far better with the "corporate" look, and will no doubt be a huge seller in the Middle East and to our seriously over paid footballers.
1-series face lift – early 2015
2-series convertible – February 2015
X5 M, X6 M – spring 2015
3-series face lift – summer 2015
6-series face lift – summer 2015
2-series Active Tourer seven-seat – September 2015
X1 – autumn 2015
7-series – late 2015
2-series convertible – February 2015
X5 M, X6 M – spring 2015
3-series face lift – summer 2015
6-series face lift – summer 2015
2-series Active Tourer seven-seat – September 2015
X1 – autumn 2015
7-series – late 2015
2015 is the year of the face lift at BMW, with the uber ugly 1-Series getting a 2-Series look to the front end, which should make it more palatable for the buyer, and with that face lift to make it look like a 2-Series we have the new 2-Series convertible, a smaller car that mimics the 4-Series convertible, BMW seems to want to fill ever single niche going at present, and they are already well on the way.
The hugely popular X5 M gets a new look, and with it the X6 M has one too, none of the SUV's are in favour here, as they really are not that special, the X4 and X6 really need to be removed from the world, they are bang on ugly, without a shadow of doubt, there are not many cars being made today that can beat these two on the ugly front
Along with tweaked looks inside and out the 3-Series will get a series of 3-Cylinder engines, this will assist in getting the corporate CO2 levels down, which keep creeping up when ever a new high performance model is launched, the 6-Series and M6 will get revisions, as we have already seen at Detroit, so nothing further to mention there, the 2-Series Active Tourer, a car that some say is against what BMW stands for, gets an extra row of seats, to a seven seater will assist in getting families around better, and at a price that more can afford, or a model you can get if an SUV is not your cup of tea.
The baby SUV, the X1 will have the biggest change, moving it from the Bm fans favourite rear wheel drive to front wheel drive with its second generation, this will come with a better look, improved interiors and more Eco friendly power plants, at the far end of the range, the 7-Series gets replaced towards the year end, it will get a far lighter chassis set up, higher tech engine derivatives and comfortable techie feel to the cabin, the 7-Series along with the 5 and 3, remains the cars of choice, and are the foundations of which the rest of the ranges sit upon.
Project Pinnacle – mid-2015
Bristol returns with an brand new model, along with a new London showroom, 2015 is looking like the rebirth should be off to a good start, but how many times does Bristol need to make it right, the cars are old, based on old tech, built the old way, using old style materials, can a new Bristol actually survive in to days, tech savvy, uber advanced electronically controlled cars, well, they think so, a hi-tech hybrid is also in the works. I cant wait to see what they offer us, I just hope its not the same old car with a ZX Spectrum inside.
2015 will be a significant year for Caterham, the ill fated Formula One branding didn't work, so, how has that effected the road going car side of the business, looking at the three new cars that Caterham want to launch this year, its looking like there is no issues to worry about, but again, like Bristol, you get the same thing time and again with Caterham.
Along with the entry level 160 and range topping 620R, the new ones will make five Caterham Sevens, do you really need five of the same thing, how abut doing something new, I am sure Colin Chapman would never have thought all those decades ago, his Lotus would STILL be doing the rounds in the 21st century.
Along with the entry level 160 and range topping 620R, the new ones will make five Caterham Sevens, do you really need five of the same thing, how abut doing something new, I am sure Colin Chapman would never have thought all those decades ago, his Lotus would STILL be doing the rounds in the 21st century.
300 face lift – summer 2015
When you "need a man to sort something out", you expect a rather large man with a few tattoo's and a gruff voice to ask in a Cockney accent, "ew do ya want doin' ova mate", and years ago, he would have arrived in a Jag, or Merc, today however, your Gangsta' of choice drives the chunky Chrysler 300C, and why not, this car is just so underrated, it has an over all look of a 1960's Rover P5b with the modern touches only a villains car need, huge wheels, blacked out windows and huge V8.
But I jest, the 300C is an amazing car, it might not be the best looking, the best designed or best put together, it could do with some decent interiors and maybe a bit less US blandness, and more Euro luxury, but when you have one of these you know what your getting, a great car that everyone looks at, and makes wild and occasional inaccurate assumptions on who you are, or whether your there to "do em ova guv
But I jest, the 300C is an amazing car, it might not be the best looking, the best designed or best put together, it could do with some decent interiors and maybe a bit less US blandness, and more Euro luxury, but when you have one of these you know what your getting, a great car that everyone looks at, and makes wild and occasional inaccurate assumptions on who you are, or whether your there to "do em ova guv
C4 face lift – early 2015
DS5 face lift – spring 2015
DS4 face lift – spring 2015
DS5 face lift – spring 2015
DS4 face lift – spring 2015
I unfortunately have had dealings with Citroen of late, so if this part of the post seems a little strained forgive me.
2014 was a good year for the French giant, they launched the Cactus to huge plaudits around the globe, so much so i ordered one, MONTHS AGO, and still I haven't got it, grrr, but 2015 is looking like a quiet one, which is a real shame, Citroen need to be doing some work on their cars as some are getting very long in the tooth, especially the DS range, and considering the DS3 is the oldest it is not having anything done this year, why ever not, its your best seller, you need to be keeping it fresh.
The C4 and DS4, both share a look, underpinnings and engines, it is the interiors and minor exterior bits that are different, on current models, i hope they see fit to make these two further distanced from each other, otherwise people will go for the cheaper option, if they see two cars the same, but i fear that in this situation they only get minor face lifts, that look as though little to noting has been done, the DS5 however does get a minor face lift, as it remains the slow seller in the range.
Personally i feel that Citroen needs to completely face lift the C3 and DS3, the Picasso's are fine, the C4 needs to have more "citroenesque" aura about it, the C5 should get a major face lift and if i were to make a wish, i would like it to ape the DS of the 60's, with the suspensions set up it has become famous for, the DS range needs to be keep entire separate, so nothing looks like a Citroen model they are based on, oh yes and the C-Elysee needs to come to Europe now.
Detroit Electric
2014 was a good year for the French giant, they launched the Cactus to huge plaudits around the globe, so much so i ordered one, MONTHS AGO, and still I haven't got it, grrr, but 2015 is looking like a quiet one, which is a real shame, Citroen need to be doing some work on their cars as some are getting very long in the tooth, especially the DS range, and considering the DS3 is the oldest it is not having anything done this year, why ever not, its your best seller, you need to be keeping it fresh.
The C4 and DS4, both share a look, underpinnings and engines, it is the interiors and minor exterior bits that are different, on current models, i hope they see fit to make these two further distanced from each other, otherwise people will go for the cheaper option, if they see two cars the same, but i fear that in this situation they only get minor face lifts, that look as though little to noting has been done, the DS5 however does get a minor face lift, as it remains the slow seller in the range.
Personally i feel that Citroen needs to completely face lift the C3 and DS3, the Picasso's are fine, the C4 needs to have more "citroenesque" aura about it, the C5 should get a major face lift and if i were to make a wish, i would like it to ape the DS of the 60's, with the suspensions set up it has become famous for, the DS range needs to be keep entire separate, so nothing looks like a Citroen model they are based on, oh yes and the C-Elysee needs to come to Europe now.
Detroit Electric
SP:01 – spring 2015
Would you like to do 155mph in an electric car, that's designed in the UK, sold via a US company, and based on a UK car, which in its self is getting past it's sell by date, you would, well, yippee doo, i have one for you, it the Detroit Electric (Doesn't that roll of the tongue) SP:01, a Lotus Elise lookie likey, with a mild rear end restyle, and running on electric power.
that about all i have to say on the matter, i would prefer the Chrysler 300C please.
Elemental
that about all i have to say on the matter, i would prefer the Chrysler 300C please.
Elemental
RP1 – summer 2015
NOW, doesn't that look the dogs doodahs, a strikingly gorgeous BRITISH sports car, it is a mid engined roadster, lightweight and runs 500bhp per tonne, so goes like stink too, it runs a 2.0 litre Ford engine, like a lot of the British sports car makers used too, and weighs in at about 450kg.
Built with the capability to drive on track and on road, the Elemental RP1 looks beautiful, and as long as they can keep costs under control, and price the car well, there should be no reason why this car can not do very well, maybe even a one make race series similar to the Ginetta in the BTCC UK race series.
Built with the capability to drive on track and on road, the Elemental RP1 looks beautiful, and as long as they can keep costs under control, and price the car well, there should be no reason why this car can not do very well, maybe even a one make race series similar to the Ginetta in the BTCC UK race series.
California T – quarter one 2015
458 Italia replacement – summer 2015
LaFerrari FXX K – Early 2015
458 Italia replacement – summer 2015
LaFerrari FXX K – Early 2015
Ferrari will be in the news this year for all the wrong reasons, FCA, Ferrari's parent company has decided to sell it off, and that will be huge news for the motor industry this year, it matter none that we get a California T, a 458 Italia replacement and the LaFerrari FXX K, three amazing cars that deserve to hog the headlines.
The California will be sharpened up to give a better more driver focused driving experience, it will also have a turbo power as part of the mid cycle changes, all of which will give the California a better over all driving experience, the new 458, like the California will take turbo power for the first time, as well as a new look to bring the car up to date, there may well be the possibility of a new name for the new car, we will find that out later in the year.
The LaFerrari gets the XX wand waved over it, which means over 1020bhp, race inspired styling, and sharper more focused handling, the halo car of the range has little to live up to, so making it better will be a task to achieve, but Ferrari always seems to be able to pull that rabbit out of the top hat and drop a bomb shell just at the right time, and with all the sell off news doing the rounds, a car like this should go some way to bringing it back to cars and not shares.
Fiat
The California will be sharpened up to give a better more driver focused driving experience, it will also have a turbo power as part of the mid cycle changes, all of which will give the California a better over all driving experience, the new 458, like the California will take turbo power for the first time, as well as a new look to bring the car up to date, there may well be the possibility of a new name for the new car, we will find that out later in the year.
The LaFerrari gets the XX wand waved over it, which means over 1020bhp, race inspired styling, and sharper more focused handling, the halo car of the range has little to live up to, so making it better will be a task to achieve, but Ferrari always seems to be able to pull that rabbit out of the top hat and drop a bomb shell just at the right time, and with all the sell off news doing the rounds, a car like this should go some way to bringing it back to cars and not shares.
Fiat
500X – quarter two 2015
Compact saloon – early 2016
Roadster – early 2016
Compact saloon – early 2016
Roadster – early 2016
FIAT can not be blamed for not milking a product dry, yet another 500, the 500X comes to the UK shortly, and that should then be it, maybe, possibly, or until they can find another niche to fill, The 500 X will not be used to go off road, they have left that to the Jeep Renegade, but it will be offered with both front and four wheel drive, is it a car too far, no, not really, after all, FIAT are in it to make money, and if by expanding a range of cars does this, then go for it, but MINI has found out the hard way, that expansion can come at a cost.
The UK really needs to have a Punto replacement, and sooner rather than later, yes FIAT UK sales are very buoyant, up in 2014, but as the 500 range ages, they will drop like a stone, so they need to further models to shore up older ones, and here they are doing this, whether the Viaggio (please change that name for the UK) is the car, or not, we will soon find out, but it will be saloon, hatchback and SUV.
So they are pushing hard in this country to keep sales flying high, and to further assist that the final car in the lineup for launch is the FIAT Roadster, it has been rather a long while since we had a car like this, the FIAT Coupe and Barchetta the last two, this one, again having a mild 500 look to it, will wear Abarth badges, and should be the halo car of the range.
The UK really needs to have a Punto replacement, and sooner rather than later, yes FIAT UK sales are very buoyant, up in 2014, but as the 500 range ages, they will drop like a stone, so they need to further models to shore up older ones, and here they are doing this, whether the Viaggio (please change that name for the UK) is the car, or not, we will soon find out, but it will be saloon, hatchback and SUV.
So they are pushing hard in this country to keep sales flying high, and to further assist that the final car in the lineup for launch is the FIAT Roadster, it has been rather a long while since we had a car like this, the FIAT Coupe and Barchetta the last two, this one, again having a mild 500 look to it, will wear Abarth badges, and should be the halo car of the range.
Ford
Mondeo – April 2015
S-Max – summer 2015
C-Max/Grand C-Max face lift – summer 2015
Mustang – autumn 2015
Focus ST face lift – March 2015
Ka – late 2015
Edge – late 2015
EcoSport refresh – 2016
Galaxy – 2016
S-Max – summer 2015
C-Max/Grand C-Max face lift – summer 2015
Mustang – autumn 2015
Focus ST face lift – March 2015
Ka – late 2015
Edge – late 2015
EcoSport refresh – 2016
Galaxy – 2016
Ford can not be called lazy, well, not with production, maybe in design, but 2015 is going to be an almighty massive year for the blue oval, first off we have the long overdue Mondeo, why it has taken us years to get the car is beyond me, the Fusion (US Version) has been around for ages, in fact they are about to get a mild refresh, as we get the car for the first time, I do have to ask though, is it just me, or does the Mondeo name seem wrong for this car, it just does not seem to sit right, maybe they should have changed the name with the new model, but this car will come with the new 1.0 Litre Ecoboost engine, three models, hybrid and better petrol and diesel engines.
We then get the Focus ST, we are all well aware of the new Focus and how indifferent it is to the old one, but the ST should counter that with a more aggressive stance, it even comes with a diesel engine option, hopefully a more powerful version to mimic the old Cossie could be a model to come later in the life cycle, now that would be an awesome car to try, by summer the Ford factories are at full pet with the new Mustang, Face lifted C-Max & Grand C-Max, S-Max All New Edge SUV, KA and more news on the new Vignale range.
The Second-generation S-Max gets Mondeo-inspired looks and a plush new cabin, but again, it is a model that's well, not really needed, it sits bang in the middle of the Grand C-Max and Galaxy, which is due for replacement in 2016, so why is there an S-Max ? especially as the C-Max pair are getting a fresh new look, better interiors, changes in specifications to mimic the Focus, and better power plants.
The biggest surprise of all was when Ford of Detroit decided that we were going to get the Mustang, for the first time, proper officially sold pony cars can be bought at your local dealership, with right hand drive and a 5.0 Litre V8 too, as well as the 2.3 litre Eco Boost engine, but why would you want a weedy engine when you can have a Mustang with a V8, after all that is the point of the car, isn't it ?
We then get the Focus ST, we are all well aware of the new Focus and how indifferent it is to the old one, but the ST should counter that with a more aggressive stance, it even comes with a diesel engine option, hopefully a more powerful version to mimic the old Cossie could be a model to come later in the life cycle, now that would be an awesome car to try, by summer the Ford factories are at full pet with the new Mustang, Face lifted C-Max & Grand C-Max, S-Max All New Edge SUV, KA and more news on the new Vignale range.
The Second-generation S-Max gets Mondeo-inspired looks and a plush new cabin, but again, it is a model that's well, not really needed, it sits bang in the middle of the Grand C-Max and Galaxy, which is due for replacement in 2016, so why is there an S-Max ? especially as the C-Max pair are getting a fresh new look, better interiors, changes in specifications to mimic the Focus, and better power plants.
The biggest surprise of all was when Ford of Detroit decided that we were going to get the Mustang, for the first time, proper officially sold pony cars can be bought at your local dealership, with right hand drive and a 5.0 Litre V8 too, as well as the 2.3 litre Eco Boost engine, but why would you want a weedy engine when you can have a Mustang with a V8, after all that is the point of the car, isn't it ?
This current generation KA has not really been the success that the original one was, it lost its cheap and cheerfulness, the quirky looks, the odd stance, and weird interiors, but people loved them, they sold like hot cakes, so Ford in the infinite wisdom changed all that for a car that is just a small Fiesta, and is not that cheap, hence why the next gen version should be made cheaply and positioned as such, Ford needs a car to compete with the Dacia brand, and other cheap brands that are appearing around the globe.
The Ford Edge is a US SUV which arrives in the UK and Europe for the first time as part of the One Ford policy, a one car fits all policy that just might work for Ford, they have some great products out there, as long as they can keep them good, this new range of world cars will save millions, and earn millions, thus gaining Ford the best of both worlds, however, doe we really need a huge SUV, the slow sales of cars like the Range Rover, Shogun and Land Cruiser shows that the UK is still not ready for a raft of new huge off roaders, maybe one day, but now, i don't think so.
The Ford Edge is a US SUV which arrives in the UK and Europe for the first time as part of the One Ford policy, a one car fits all policy that just might work for Ford, they have some great products out there, as long as they can keep them good, this new range of world cars will save millions, and earn millions, thus gaining Ford the best of both worlds, however, doe we really need a huge SUV, the slow sales of cars like the Range Rover, Shogun and Land Cruiser shows that the UK is still not ready for a raft of new huge off roaders, maybe one day, but now, i don't think so.
Ford made a huge mistake with the EcoSport, firstly they decided to build it in India, then they decided to make it cheaply, with hard plastics, dodgy equipment and weird handling, a side opening rear door with a wheel hanging off of it also gave it an odd look, it is a thin high vehicle, whose dimensions show it to look odd, but Ford are making changes, not until 2016, as they will need to be tried and tested before launching the car again, but the rear wheel goes, suspension sorted, better trim materials and a better over all product.
Lastly we have the all new Galaxy, again not launched until 2016, it will ape the C-Max with the look and feel of the car, but as the world moves away from large MPV vehicles, and into SUV;s is this Galaxy the last one, only time will tell, but maybe a new one really is not the right move, especially as they are bringing in the Edge large SUV, whatever happens, there is no doubt that Ford will have a very very busy year this coming 12 months, an at the end of it we can see how successful they have really been.
Lastly we have the all new Galaxy, again not launched until 2016, it will ape the C-Max with the look and feel of the car, but as the world moves away from large MPV vehicles, and into SUV;s is this Galaxy the last one, only time will tell, but maybe a new one really is not the right move, especially as they are bringing in the Edge large SUV, whatever happens, there is no doubt that Ford will have a very very busy year this coming 12 months, an at the end of it we can see how successful they have really been.
Honda
Civic face lift – spring 2015
Civic Type R – spring 2015
Jazz – summer 2015
CR-V face lift – spring 2015
HR-V – summer 2015
NSX – late 2015
Civic Type R – spring 2015
Jazz – summer 2015
CR-V face lift – spring 2015
HR-V – summer 2015
NSX – late 2015
Not only are we treated to a face lifted Civic (and it needs it) we get the new Type R with it, and that's a model that has been so long in development, that we have nearly forgotten how good the last generation Type R really was, this one lapped the Nurburgring in the fastest time ever for a front wheel drive car, something that Honda will no doubt plug to death, there will also be a cheaper Type R, called Sport, and will look like the R, but without the power, in the same vein as the old Type S used to be.
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The Jazz has been a while in the waiting too, and the wait has been worth it, this new model has better looks, and the interior looks to be up with the best too, as long as the pricing and specs are good, Honda will have another hit on their hands, and they need it, they were one of very very few brands that dropped sales last year, and one of the biggest, The HR-V and CR-V will both provide Honda with cars that people will actually want to buy, and its been a while since that happened.
Lastly and more importantly, we get a new NSX, YAY, and about time too, how many years have we been waiting for a new NSX, hundreds i think, and the first look of this new car is being branded Acura in the USA, as we don't get Acura here, fortunately, the Uber fast super car, will be branded Honda NSX and will be coming to these shores, and about bloody time too.
The Jazz has been a while in the waiting too, and the wait has been worth it, this new model has better looks, and the interior looks to be up with the best too, as long as the pricing and specs are good, Honda will have another hit on their hands, and they need it, they were one of very very few brands that dropped sales last year, and one of the biggest, The HR-V and CR-V will both provide Honda with cars that people will actually want to buy, and its been a while since that happened.
Lastly and more importantly, we get a new NSX, YAY, and about time too, how many years have we been waiting for a new NSX, hundreds i think, and the first look of this new car is being branded Acura in the USA, as we don't get Acura here, fortunately, the Uber fast super car, will be branded Honda NSX and will be coming to these shores, and about bloody time too.
Hyundai
i20 – 5dr mid-January, 3dr March
i20 coupé - early 2015
i30 face lift and i30 Turbo – March
i40 face lift – March
Veloster face lift – March
ix35 – July
Santa Fe refresh – late 2015
i20 coupé - early 2015
i30 face lift and i30 Turbo – March
i40 face lift – March
Veloster face lift – March
ix35 – July
Santa Fe refresh – late 2015
The all new i20 has just been released, and with upgraded looks, better interior quality materials along with a sporty three door model due in March, the new i20 range is bound to carry on where the existing one finished, and that's a significantly well appointed car hat sold really well for Hyundai, but it does not end there for the i20, there will be a coupe version arriving, with unconfirmed dates ranging from early 2015 to Spring next year, a confirmed date has yet to be agreed, either way, the all new car will really give a huge boost to the i20 range.
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The other big seller for Hyundai in the UK is, apart from the huge selling i10, is the i30, the car is going to go through a mid-life nip and tuck, with a few styling upgrades to bring it into line with the rest of the range, but the i30 wont just stop at the bread and butter range of cars it does now, they are shoehorning in a 183bhp turbo engine under the bonnet to give them a true hot hatch, and one that will no doubt be a big seller.
The other big seller for Hyundai in the UK is, apart from the huge selling i10, is the i30, the car is going to go through a mid-life nip and tuck, with a few styling upgrades to bring it into line with the rest of the range, but the i30 wont just stop at the bread and butter range of cars it does now, they are shoehorning in a 183bhp turbo engine under the bonnet to give them a true hot hatch, and one that will no doubt be a big seller.
The i40 has not been a massive hit, if you look around as your driving along, you really don't see that many, well, not without the battenburg colour scheme and a set of blue lights on the roof, Hyundai is doing well with our boys in blue, and there application to continue selling cars to the services came up, it was granted without issue, but needless to say the i40 will be treated to upgraded handling, tweaks to the styling and a few new engine upgrades, to make them more responsive and efficient, and with the new Mondeo now available, most manufacturers will now find it a lot harder to sell cars in this class, and it will be interesting to see if any pull out.
The Veloster is a weird car, it just does not sit right, it has not been a big hit in the sales dept, but it is sufficiently different to not be a copy cat for anything else on the market, currently the Veloster is not for sale, or at the very least it is not on Hyundai's UK website, so whether this new car gets to our shores, only time will tell, we don't have long to wait, if it comes then expect a styling upgrade, and some work on the ride and handling to make it more sporty, our thoughts are that if we are getting the i20 Coupe, why do we need this ?.
It can be said that Hyundai has had some big success with the SUV/Crossovers, the ix35 and Santa Fe will both be different from what is currently on sale, with the second generation ix35 expected to be launched at Geneva, with an on sale date not long after, the Santa Fe however, will, like other models will just be treated to some mild cosmetic nips and tucks just to keep it fresh, this will be available at the year end, by which time, the best seller i10 will be the oldest car within the range, and that's not been out that long, so for 2015, Hyundai is really fighting back, and with all that hard work, they hope big sales will follow..
Infiniti
Q70 face lift – January 2015
Q30 – autumn 2015
Q30 – autumn 2015
The Nissan Luxury arm is very slowly gaining a foothold in the UK, with saloons and Crossovers the brand is ideally suited to expand its portfolio greatly, however, it does have to be said, the looks of the cars are subjective, the fail in the svelte good looking stakes that the current crop of new Merc saloons or Jags have, and they have that in spades, but by buying one of these cars you will know at least that your getting a very well screwed together car, and one that will last.
The Q70 gets a tweak here and there, mainly on the exterior, it also gains a new derivative, a China only Long Wheel base car, which is something that the Chinese seem to want, and that's more room in the back, and why not, after all, doesn't anyone want to be comfortable ?
The big news from Infiniti is that they are entering a definitely hard class to succeed in, and that's the hatchback market, to be able to compete, and do so successfully they will not only have to beat the Golf, but cars from Mercedes and BMW too, as well as every other car that it will battle with, will the Q30 succeed, its going to be really difficult.
Pricing will have to be a consideration, but they are a premium brand, so that limits the market, and within the premium end, you've got the A-Class, A1, 2-Series Active Tourer, Golf, Focus and to a less extent the 308, a Lexus and a raft of other well made Asian cars to beat, only time will tell, but the Q30 is going to have a tough time.
The Q70 gets a tweak here and there, mainly on the exterior, it also gains a new derivative, a China only Long Wheel base car, which is something that the Chinese seem to want, and that's more room in the back, and why not, after all, doesn't anyone want to be comfortable ?
The big news from Infiniti is that they are entering a definitely hard class to succeed in, and that's the hatchback market, to be able to compete, and do so successfully they will not only have to beat the Golf, but cars from Mercedes and BMW too, as well as every other car that it will battle with, will the Q30 succeed, its going to be really difficult.
Pricing will have to be a consideration, but they are a premium brand, so that limits the market, and within the premium end, you've got the A-Class, A1, 2-Series Active Tourer, Golf, Focus and to a less extent the 308, a Lexus and a raft of other well made Asian cars to beat, only time will tell, but the Q30 is going to have a tough time.
Jaguar
F-type AWD and manual – spring 2015
XJ face lift – spring 2015
XE – May 2015
XF – summer 2015
XJ face lift – spring 2015
XE – May 2015
XF – summer 2015
Jaguar has just completed the best year in a decade for sales, and it can only go higher, much much higher, we have already seen the new AWD versions of the XF and XJ, and now the F-Type joins the Frey with its own four wheel drive set up, it now opens the car up to a whole new market where the nee for four wheel drive is necessary, and Jaguar are quick to get these issues sorted and out on the road in double quick time, so as not to lose any sales.
The current XJ was a car that split the opinion, some loved it, some thought it was not a proper Jag, whilst others were just not sure, well, now, after a six years on sale the flagship saloon gets a nip and tuck, but not a significant one, apparently Jag has advised that the car is as near to perfection as it could be, so it only needs a few little tweaks, I am not so sure, the front looks a little odd in proportions, and that black panel between the rear side window and rear windscreen, just looks weird on light coloured cars, as well as melting in the sun, LOL.
Whether these few adjustments will be enough to see it through to an all new model in a few years remains to be seen, but Jaguar will need to make a Massive change next time around, like they did from the classy looking XJ to today's current version, and I really hope that they don't leave it too long before that all new comes on stream.
The current XJ was a car that split the opinion, some loved it, some thought it was not a proper Jag, whilst others were just not sure, well, now, after a six years on sale the flagship saloon gets a nip and tuck, but not a significant one, apparently Jag has advised that the car is as near to perfection as it could be, so it only needs a few little tweaks, I am not so sure, the front looks a little odd in proportions, and that black panel between the rear side window and rear windscreen, just looks weird on light coloured cars, as well as melting in the sun, LOL.
Whether these few adjustments will be enough to see it through to an all new model in a few years remains to be seen, but Jaguar will need to make a Massive change next time around, like they did from the classy looking XJ to today's current version, and I really hope that they don't leave it too long before that all new comes on stream.
When JLR announced that it was going to build a new X-Type, we all greeted the news with some trepidation, the X was a good car, that's not in question, but it received a huge bashing at the hands of most press and hence the public got a bad reaction to the car, We had two, an early one and one of the last, both stunningly good cars, and even today, i really do miss my Jag, so when they also announced it would be built on a brand new platform, with brand new engines in a brand new factory, the worry just piled on.
Jaguar is not a mass player, yet, and to develop a car like this with everything all brand new was and is a huge gamble, we ordered one, the very first day they took orders, and had even paid our deposit 6 months before, we were so sure about this car that we even went to Paris where it was getting its world debut, and to say that we were so disappointed in the car, was a major understatement, in fact we were so upset at how bland the interior looked and how it felt "cheap" we cancelled our order the day we got back from Paris.
We are sure it will be a big success for Jaguar, and with the new Ingenium engine range, the new iQ,A1 aluminium platform and aluminium body panels to reduce weight and increase MPG along with lower CO2, the XE will sell well, they are expecting about 100,000 sales per year from 2016, a bit optimistic, but achievable.
Jaguar is not a mass player, yet, and to develop a car like this with everything all brand new was and is a huge gamble, we ordered one, the very first day they took orders, and had even paid our deposit 6 months before, we were so sure about this car that we even went to Paris where it was getting its world debut, and to say that we were so disappointed in the car, was a major understatement, in fact we were so upset at how bland the interior looked and how it felt "cheap" we cancelled our order the day we got back from Paris.
We are sure it will be a big success for Jaguar, and with the new Ingenium engine range, the new iQ,A1 aluminium platform and aluminium body panels to reduce weight and increase MPG along with lower CO2, the XE will sell well, they are expecting about 100,000 sales per year from 2016, a bit optimistic, but achievable.
This year will also see the Mark II XF appear, it will be lighter and bigger than the current car, and will take some of the ingenium engines, we hope it has some of the entertaining parts the current car has, like the rising gear knob and spinning air vents, it is these things that make the Jag more than a luxury car, it makes it unique and something that is so far removed from all other cars, the XF should be debuted at the New York Auto Show in a April.
It is also supposedly going to ape the XE in the looks dept, which to be honest is something i feel is not the way to go, the XF should remain a distinct model that's not just a bigger version of the XE, the German marques got so much bad press for this type of lazy design, that it is only now they are starting to creep away from it. Also expect to see this year more on the F-Pace (stupid name), and more news on classic Jags, with the building of new E-Types, there may well be some good news for classic Jag fans, so watch this space.
It is also supposedly going to ape the XE in the looks dept, which to be honest is something i feel is not the way to go, the XF should remain a distinct model that's not just a bigger version of the XE, the German marques got so much bad press for this type of lazy design, that it is only now they are starting to creep away from it. Also expect to see this year more on the F-Pace (stupid name), and more news on classic Jags, with the building of new E-Types, there may well be some good news for classic Jag fans, so watch this space.
Jeep
Renegade – January 2015
Grand Cherokee face lift – late 2015
Grand Cherokee face lift – late 2015
The Iconic American brand just cant do no wrong lately, sales are vastly higher than a year ago, and with the all new Renegade model about to be launched, this can only make sales fly higher still, the new entry level SUV will be fully off road capable and will be priced to be competitive too, a starting price of below £17,000 is expected, along with decent specs, the only real competition comes from Suzuki and FIAT with there own version of the Renegade, the 500X.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ has also announced that a revised version of the Grand Cherokee is due, clearly the best looking car in it's range, they must not take that away, Jeep also likes to produce some storming versions with one recently revealed the Red Vapour, and that really does look the part, the Grand Cherokee is expected to have a minor price increase, and revised line up of models, with differing specs, but it will still be one of the most capable off roaders you can buy outside of buying a Land Rover product.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ has also announced that a revised version of the Grand Cherokee is due, clearly the best looking car in it's range, they must not take that away, Jeep also likes to produce some storming versions with one recently revealed the Red Vapour, and that really does look the part, the Grand Cherokee is expected to have a minor price increase, and revised line up of models, with differing specs, but it will still be one of the most capable off roaders you can buy outside of buying a Land Rover product.
L to Z will be coming Soon, I hope you have enjoyed the first batch.
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