Carmakers are putting out a slew of exciting new models to buck the downturn. Here’s a selection of 20 models that will drive the new car market in the New Year
AUDI S3
What is it?Hot 296bhp version of Audi's sharp-suited new hatch.
When's it coming?Spring 2013.
Excited? With that power output? You betcha.
BMW 4 SERIES
What is it?Two-door coupe version of BMW's 3 Series.
When's it coming?Summer 2013.
Excited?With that shark-like styling, you'd be hard pressed not to be.
CITROEN C4 PICASSO
What is it?The all-new version of Citroen's popular people carrier.
When's it coming?May 2013
Excited?Not so much, but those with growing families will see the appeal.
DACIA SANDERO
What is it?We've already seen the super-cheap Duster SUV, but now here's the Sandero hatchback.
When's it coming?You can order a Sandero in time for the January sales.
Excited?Dacia's pricing structure will make these two very tempting, but poor EuroNCAP safety ratings are a worry.
FORD MONDEO
What is it?The all-new version of everyone's favourite big Ford.
When's it coming?Late 2013.
Excited?Yes, but Ford's European sales meltdown may delay it even further.
JAGUAR F-TYPE
What is it?Jaguar's first all-new compact sports car since... ever.
When's it coming?Spring 2013
Excited?Oh, yes.
KIA PRO-CEED
What is it?Three-door "coupe" version of sensible five-door hatch.
When's it coming?April 2013.
Excited?Yes, especially about the 200bhp GT version.
LAND ROVER RANGE
ROVER
What is it?The imperious-looking replacement for the current Rangie.
When's it coming?Any day now.
Excited?Most certainly, but that excitement is tempered by the heart-stopping prices.
LEXUS IS
What is it?Slinky-looking new Lexus sports saloon to take on the BMW 3 Series.
When's it coming?Autumn 2013
Excited?Yes, if it looks as good as the concept version.
MAZDA6
What is it?The all-new, all-light replacement for Mazda's popular family saloon.
When's it coming?February 2013.
Excited?Yes – it's a handsome, capable, frugal family car.
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
What is it?The new king of the hill, now with a fully intelligent crash-detecting system.
When's it coming?Late 2013.
Excited?Yes, as this model has repeatedly been the technology template for what we'll see in affordable cars in the near future.
MINI 5-DOOR
What is it?The first new Mini since 2000 – with five doors.
When's it coming?December 2013.
Excited?Intrigued to see how the new five-door will look, but it's hardly going to be a radical shift in styling.
MITSUBISHI COLT
What is it?Mitsubishi's new small car, designed to be as frugal and light as possible.
When's it coming?Early 2013.
Excited?Not an exciting car, but ultra-low emissions and consumption look good to us.
OPEL ADAM
What is it?Opel's stab at the lucrative premium hatchback market.
When's it coming?Spring 2013.
Excited?Fascinated to see if Opel can seriously challenge Mini on its own turf. Very unlikely, but fascinating nonetheless.
PEUGEOT 208 GTI
What is it?Peugeot's chance to reclaim its hot hatch crown.
When's it coming?Summer 2013.
Excited?Couldn't be more so.
RENAULT ZOE
What is it?Gorgeous compact hatch that just happens to be electric.
When's it coming?March 2013.
Excited? If the 200km touring range is genuine, then yes, we're excited.
SEAT LEON
What is it?Seat's five-door hatch (and now estate and three-door too).
When's it coming?January 2013.
Excited?Not exciting enough, sadly, but there will be keen deals to be had.
SUBARU FORESTER
What is it?An all-new version of Subaru's evergreen (excuse the pun) compact SUV.
When's it coming?May 2013
Excited?The rather dowdy styling has dampened our spirits a little, but the Forester's legendary longevity and ruggedness should keep us engaged.
TOYOTA RAV4
What is it?The fourth generation of the car that kicked off the compact SUV sales boom.
When's it coming?Summer 2013.
Excited?Yes, but only if it can recapture the spark of the early 1990s original.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI
What is it?The seventh coming of the almighty, if you will.
When's it coming?Spring 2013.
Excited?Yes – it's going to be a red-letter year for hot hatches.
