The Top 10 New Cars Of 2012
Mon, 19 Dec 2011
2012 shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to new cars being launched. If anything there are more new models than ever due to be launched in the next 12 months with plenty of exciting and interesting new stuff on the horizon. Here (in no particular order!) we highlight what we think are the most important new cars coming soon.
BMW 3 Series
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It may not be the most exciting new car for 2012 but it's certainly one of the most important. The 'compact executive saloon' market as it's known, is very competitive and is dominated by three brands, namely BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. So there are big expectations for this new 3 Series. It may not look that different from the outside but it is completely new with more interior space than before, especially in the back. The engines have been improved too with all models now more efficient with lower CO2 and better economy.
Ford Focus ST
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It's fair to say there was a mixed reception to the look of the new Ford Focus, but there's no denying that the performance ST model looks great with it's large gaping grille, big alloys and - of course - a large rear spoiler. The big news is that the old 2.5-litre five-cyinder engine that was fitted to the previous Focus ST has been replaced by a far more efficient and more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that develops 250PS. Ford says it will be just as characterful as the outgoing ST plus there's also going to be an estate version.
Volkswagen Up
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The funky little Up couldn't have come at a better with more people looking for small cars that are cheap to run, affordable yet still stylish. The Up ticks all those boxes and it's well built too with a neatly designed interior. It's incredibly efficient with the BlueMotion version standing out thanks to average claimed economy of 68.9mpg and emissions of just 96g/km. Alongside the Up there will also the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo - essentially the same car but with slightly different styling.
Hyundai Veloster
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Hyundai is a brand that's come a very long way in a very short space of time. And with each new model launched, the quality of its cars has improved significantly. One thing it has been missing is a model with a bit of style. But that will change with the launch of the Veloster. It's a distinctive coupe that actually has three-doors (as well as the tailgate) with an extra rear door on the passenger side, a bit like the MINI Clubman. It's powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 140PS and is also available with a new dual clutch DCT automatic.
Audi A1 Sportback
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When it comes to desirability, the Audi brand is certainly up there with the best. So it's no surprise the compact and funky A1 has been such a success. And alongside the three-door hatchback, Audi is now introducing a five-door model, badged Sportback. It's not just extra doors though, this A1 is also more spacious with better head and shoulder room inside while crucially it comes with three seats in the back rather than just the two of the standard A1.
Citroen DS5
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Big cars from France rarely seem to be popular, but Citroen is hoping to change that with the new DS5. It's certainly unconventional in terms of styling and has a high quality and impressively finished interior with plenty of passenger space. However, what really makes the headlines is the launch of a diesel hybrid engine - the first on the market. Called Hybrid4 it develops 200PS and comes with four-wheel drive, yet thanks to the electric motor, has claimed fuel economy of 74mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.
Honda Civic
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The last Civic was such a huge departure for Honda in terms of style that it was always going to be tricky when the time came to replace it. So Honda has gone for the old 'evolution not revolution' approach with this Civic. The main changes have come under the skin with big improvements to the ride quality, which is now much smoother, while the plastics used inside are now noticeably better. The new Civic also gets Honda's latest 2.2 i-DTEC diesel while a more efficient 1.6-litre diesel will be introduced later in 2012.
Fiat Panda
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When Fiat reinvented the Panda in 2004 it proved a big turning point for the Italian brand. The Panda shows what Fiat does best - make small cars that are enjoyable to drive and cheap to run. The replacement comes in 2012 and continues with a similar, albeit slightly more rounded look. There are big changes inside though with an all-new interior plus the Panda will come with more economical engines including the impressive TwinAir unit that's already used in the 500.
Porsche 911
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While it may not exactly look radically different from the current 911 - or any of the models before that - the latest incarnation of Porsche's famous model is in fact completely new. There are plenty of changes underneath including a wider front track to further improve handling, a different rear axle and a new electro-mechanical power steering system. The engines have been improved and the standard Carrera is now cleaner with CO2 emissions of 194g/km, making it the first Porsche sports car to emit less than 200g/km.
Peugeot 208
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Peugeot has gone for a radical new look with the 208, taking inspiration from the larger 508, with the French brand promising a big improvement in interior quality and style. It certainly looks better from the few pictures we've seen and top models will come with a large touchscreen 'infotainment' system. The 208 will come with a choice of engines including new three-cylinder petrols and e-HDi models. Impressively no model in the line-up emits more than 99g/km of CO2.
