2016 looks set to be an exciting year in the motor trade, with innovative new designs and updated old favourites from major manufacturers and new contenders. Whether you’re looking for a car that’s family, wallet or insurance policy friendly, or simply fun, there should be something in the line-up to tempt you.
The market for more environmentally friendly cars continues to expand, with improved technology and a wider choice of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Trendsetter Toyota has a new Prius, with revised styling and a rear mounted electric motor for better grip in the wet, which should help them hang on to their share of the market.
Tesla takes electrical power to the SUV with its sleek Model X, while Kia enters the eco arena with a brand new hybrid.
More surprising contenders for green credentials are Peugeot’s 308 R Hybrid, combining sporty performance with low emissions, and Honda’s NSX, which adds the power of three electric motors to its petrol engine for fuel economy coupled with impressive handling.
Drivers who are focused purely on the sports credentials of their prospective car might look to the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, with its V10 engine and four wheel drive. Fancy an entry level McLaren? The 540C is more laid back than the 507S but still delivers a sporty ride.
The hot hatch sector is served by new entrants like Nissan’s good looking and competitively priced Pulsar Nismo, while the Fiat 500 based Abarth gets a beefier body and engine in the 500X.
The luxury manufacturers are showing that they’re not afraid to move in new directions, while providing more traditional offerings too. Bentley’s Bentayga is part of a new breed of SUVs, along with Jaguar’s F-Pace and the distinctively styled Maserati Levante.
For those who want to combine practical passenger and storage space with a touch of luxury. The Mercedes E-Class combines modern styling with the latest driving and entertainment technology, for a safe and comfortable ride.
The scene stealer of the luxury class, though, is likely to be the Aston Martin DB11, when it arrives later in the year.
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If you want to go off road, there are plenty of options from the expected marques. Land Rover’s Discovery 5 is an all new, seven seat vehicle, boasting more storage space and greater fuel economy than previous editions.
Range Rover’s convertible Evoque offers a touch of elegance, with an electric roof and new Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Not to be left out, Mitsubishi is updating the venerable Shogun.
The market for family SUVs is expanding, with increased demand for vehicles that can transport children, pets, and all their equipment and accessories that go with them.
Dacia is bringing the UK a version of the Duster that has a cleaner appearance and better fuel economy, while Skoda offers an as yet unnamed seven seater at a budget price.
Not every family needs an SUV, however, and there are plenty of options to prove that a practical, everyday car needn’t be dull, like Renault’s updated Megane, with its characterful appearance and large touchscreen.
2016 also sees a rise in crossovers combining the practicality of a smaller car with the styling and robustness of an SUV, like MG’s stylish and attractive priced GS, and Ford’s spacious Edge.
With so many models on trade plates to choose from, and many drivers tempted to trade in or trade up, 2016 should be a good year for sales of both new and used cars.
