F of new cars
From the storming new Ferrari Enzo to the brilliant Ford Fiesta facelift, here are the best new cars for 2013 beginning with F
Ferrari Enzo replacement On sale: March 2013Price: From £800,000 (est.)
The replacement for the Enzo will represent everything Ferrari knows about supercars. Technology for the carbon tub is derived from F1, the styling will be even wilder than the Enzo’s and the 7.3-litre V12 will work with an electric motor to deliver 900bhp-plus. The car will take the fight to the Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1.
Fiat 500L On sale: Spring 2013Price: £15,000 (est.)
A Fiat 500 with room for your luggage? That’ll be the 500L. It’s longer and wider than the standard car, and thanks to a stretched version of the Punto’s platform, has 400 litres of boot space. Practicality is also boosted by an adjustable boot floor and 60:40 split rear seat. The bigger footprint and extra weight mean more powerful engines than in the 500. The line-up kicks off with a 93bhp 1.4-litre petrol, and there’s also a 104bhp two-cylinder TwinAir and an 84bhp 1.3-litre diesel, which promises to be the most fuel-efficient, delivering 68.9mpg.
Driven it: Luke Madden“The 500L will be perfect for people who’ve outgrown a 500, as it combines the same retro-inspired styling and light, easy drive with a dose of practicality.”
Fiat 500X On sale: Late 2013Price: From £14,000 (est.)
Here's Fiat’s MINI Countryman rival. In essence, the 500X is a 500L people carrier with four-wheel drive, increased the ground clearance and some additional grey cladding for a tough off-road image. But the quirky styling cues of the 500 remain in a package that should offer over 400 litres of luggage space.
Fiat Panda 4x4 On sale: Late 2012Price: From £13,500 (est.)
This unique Panda blends the simplicity of a supermini with the rugged ability of an off-roader. This is the third generation of the Panda 4x4, and it will be offered with a choice of an 84bhp 900cc TwinAir turbo and a 74bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel. A low-range first gear helps the Fiat tackle tough terrain.
Fisker Atlantic On sale: Late 2013Price: From £45,000 (est.)
The Atlantic will slot into the Fisker range below the flagship Karma, as a rival to the BMW 5 Series. The four-seater range extender’s electric battery will be charged by a four-cylinder engine sourced from the German company. Rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive versions will be offered.
Fisker Karma RHD On sale: 2014Price: From £81,500 (est.)
You’ll soon be able to buy a Fisker Karma through a UK dealer, but the steering wheel will remain on the wrong side – until right-hand-drive models potentially become available in 2014. Fisker plans to expand its operation in Europe after some US sales success, helped by actor Leonardo di Caprio switching his Toyota Prius for a Karma.
Fisker Karma Surf On sale: 2013Price: From £100,000 (est.)
Fisker's stylish five-metre-long estate has been plagued by rumours of delayed production, but it’s set to launch next year. With a battery pack recharged by a 2.0-litre petrol engine, it will have a 50-mile electric-only range and a 250-mile overall range. The driveline eats into interior space, though, so the Surf is a strict four-seater.
Ford Fiesta ST and Fiesta facelift On sale: NowPrice: From £10,000 (est.)
Britain’s best-selling car has a new look and Ford’s fantastic three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine under its bonnet. There are updated headlights with LED daytime running lamps and a larger trapezoidal grille in the style of the forthcoming Mondeo. The Fiesta also has Ford’s ‘MyKey’ tech, which lets owners pre-programme a maximum speed and stereo volume into the key, if they lend the car to a child or friend. The new Fiesta is on sale now, but the one we’re really waiting for is the 178bhp ST model, which arrives early next year to take on the Peugeot 208 GTi.
Ford Kuga On sale: January 2013Price: From £22,000 (est.)
The new Ford Kuga is bigger than before, with the design hiding the extra length well. It’s more practical as a result, with 573 litres’ more boot space than the MkI, at 1,928 litres. Access to this is easier, with the tailgate opening automatically when you swing your foot under the back of the car. Inside is Ford’s hi-tech SYNC connectivity.
Ford Mondeo and Estate On sale: Late 2013Price: From £20,000 (est.)
The all-new Mondeo will feature a more stylish look than the current car, and under the bonnet will be the option of Ford’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which will emit less than 130g/km of CO2. There will also be new 1.5 and 2.0-litre diesels, 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and six-speed manual or automatic boxes. An all-wheel-drive diesel version will be offered for the first time, as will a hybrid – sold exclusively as a four-door saloon. Other engines will be available in five-door hatch and estate bodystyles. The Mondeo will feature SYNC, which streams music and apps from your smartphone and incorporates Web access. Safety kit will include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and active park assist.
Driven it: Juergen Zoellter“The new Mondeo is based on a platform that’s 10 per cent stiffer than before, and body roll is well suppressed, there’s loads of grip and the steering feels responsive.”
