As the New Year gets well and truly under way, a fresh set of new cars are set to roll of the production lines for 2015. So make sure you don’t head out to tour the showrooms without seeing our guide first!
Above all it’s a strong year for crossover models, with a Honda revival of its HR-V badge, while Jaguar XE and Vauxhall Astra also get upgrades.
All in all, there’s a great selection of models to choose from:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
Billed as a rival to the BMW 3 Series and new Jaguar XE, this rear-wheel drive Italian saloon is unwrapped in July and reaches showrooms ahead of the end of 2015.
- BMW 2 Series Convertible
This smart drop-top convertible has broadly the same engine range as companion car the 2 Series coupé, which has been on sale for a year.
Offered in top of the range M235i guise, it’s expected to give lots of fun, including 0-62mph in just over five seconds. DAB radio, Bluetooth and alloys come as standards, along with automatic air-con, sports seats and a multi-function steering wheel.
- The Fiat 500X
The newest addition to the Italian car maker’s 500 range comes with a variety of diesel and petrol engines on offer, in two and four-wheel drive, and has a new auto gearbox with nine speeds.
- The Ford S-Max
This seven-seat MPV has a fresh upmarket design to build on the success of previous models. Although the size hasn’t changed, new features include power-folding seats, self-parking technology and a hands-free tailgate. Choose from dual-clutch auto and manual boxes, and, for the first time, there’s the choice to have four-wheel drive.
- Honda Jazz
This model already has a solid reputation, now being built on with the Jazz MK3 supermini with 1.2 and 1.4 litre petrol engines, and a 400-litre boot capacity, along with flip-up cinema-style rear seats.
- Hyundai i20
With a new, swisher design and superb cabin space, this vehicle is now 40mm longer than before, with an additional 26mm width, making it highly practical. It also includes a camera for reversing and sat nav with a 7-inch touch screen.
