Cars coming soon
Our comprehensive guide to the new cars arriving in showrooms over the next 12 months
April 2013
Kia Pro_cee’d
The five-door Kia Cee’d arrived last year, but we’ve yet to have a go in the sporty three-door Pro_cee’d. It’ll get a choice of 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesel engines, and a hot GT version is also in the pipeline.
Vauxhall Cascada
Vauxhall has set its sights high with the all-new Cascada. The carmaker is pitching its forthcoming drop-top against cars like the Audi A5, but with prices starting from £23,995.
Porsche 911 GT3
The latest Porsche 911 arrived in early 2012, but until now it has only been available as a Carrera or Carrera S with two or four-wheel drive. However, this is set to change with the introduction of a track-focused GT3, boasting a lightweight body and 450bhp.
Mercedes GL
Mercedes’ flagship SUV, the GL, has been given a mid-life facelift. As if it wasn’t big enough already, the Germans have added an extra 21mm to is length for more interior space. However, it’s 15 per cent more efficient and more generously equipped, too.
Maserati GranCabrio MC
An all-new Maserati GranCabrio MC debuted at the Paris Motor Show last year. The range-topping cabriolet's suspension has been overhauled, and there's an aggressive new bodykit, too. Prices should start from around £115,000.
Audi A3 Sportback
As with the previous-generation Audi A3, the recently revised three-door model will shortly be joined by a more practical five-door A3 Sportback. Interior quality is still top notch, while the longer wheelbase means more space both in the rear and in the boot.
Renaultsport Clio
Renault continues the theme for updated flagships in April with an all-new Renaultsport Clio. Available as a five-door only for the first time, the 200bhp hot hatch uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine in place of the old car’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit. It’ll come with a range of driving modes and offer a 25 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
Nissan Leaf
The all-electric Nissan Leaf will get a series of updates in April, including a smaller powertrain and a longer range. It’ll be joined by a new entry-level model that's aimed at making electric car ownership more affordable.
Jaguar XFR-S
Jaguar has joined the super-saloon horsepower race with the XFR-S. Power from the standard car’s 5.0-litre V8 has been upped from 503bhp to 542bhp, allowing the XFR-S to sprint from 0 to 62mph in only 4.6 seconds. Prices start at just under £80,000.
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford has long been a fan of the affordable pocket rocket – you need look no further than the current Focus ST. However, the blue oval has now fitted its 1.6-litre EcoBoost to the Fiesta, meaning hardcore hot hatch thrills will start at just £17,500 when it goes on sale in April.
Audi S1
The pint-sized Audi A1 gets the hot hatch treatment this spring. Power from the 220bhp engine will be channeled via all four wheels, helping it to hit 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds. It’ll get a beefief bodykit, quad exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels, too.
