Best fresh cars for 2015, Two, Auto Express
Best fresh cars for 2015
Lexus GS F
Price: £75,000 (est)
On sale: late 2015
Lexus has already wowed us with the RC F coupe, and the manufacturer will add another F-badged spectacle car to its ranks this year in the form of the GS F. Up until now, the GS range has majored on being sensible, but the GS F adds some major spice to proceedings. Lexus has shoehorned the RC F’s Five.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, which pumps out 471bhp, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. More aggressive bodywork, 19-inch alloys and torque vectoring all feature.
Mazda CX-3
This will join the successful CX-5 in Mazda’s SUV line-up when it goes on sale in June. Powered by a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with front or all-wheel drive, it’s designed to cash in on the boom in petite crossovers. The CX-3 will be available in SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim, while Mazda is playing a total suit of safety cards, with all models boasting a host of airbags, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring and dynamic stability control. Top-spec cars also get a lane departure warning system and autonomous emergency braking. Prices kick off at £17,595 for a front-drive petrol SE, and rise to £24,695 for the 104bhp SkyActiv-D diesel Sport Nav with 4WD. Mazda promises emissions as low as 105g/km in two-wheel-drive diesel models, making the CX-3 one of the most affordable puny SUVs to run.
Mazda MX-5
Price: £19,000 (est)
Mazda’s MX-5 is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world, having debuted in 1989. This latest fourth-generation model is 100kg lighter than the car it substitutes, and comes back the concentrate to dynamics and back-to-basics driver joy. Weighing in at only 1,000kg, it feels nippy and agile, with an antsy engine that revs to 7,500rpm. The 1.Five and Two.0-litre petrols suggest 129bhp and 155bhp respectively. Both come with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes C-Class Coupe/Cabriolet
Price: £30,000 (est)
On sale: October (est)
The fresh Mercedes C-Class saloon went on sale last year, but those looking for the updated Coupe and Convertible have had to wait a little longer. Later this year, the company’s response to the BMW four Series, the C-Class Coupe, will hit showrooms, with a choice of turbo petrol and diesel drivetrains – as well as a BlueTEC hybrid for the very first time. As our spy shot shows, the front end is unmistakably C-Class, while at the back, it takes cues from the S-Class Coupe.
Mercedes S-Class Convertible
Price: £110,000 (est)
The S-Class Coupe is one of the best-looking cars on sale, so how do you make it even more eye-catching? Chop off the roof, of course! While details on Mercedes’ fresh S-Class Convertible are still fairly scarce, our spies have already caught it testing on a number of occasions. It’ll get a fabric spandex hood – as opposed to the current SL’s folding hard-top – and is likely to share its engines with the rest of the S-Class range.
Mercedes GLC
Price: £30,000 (est)
On sale: late 2015
Mercedes is ultimately bringing its BMW X3 and Audi Q5 rival to the UK. The old GLK – sold in left-hand-drive markets – was never engineered for right-hand drive, but the fresh GLC will be. Based on the current C-Class and boasting a similar front end, spied here, the GLC adds a practical but curvy rear and raised suspension. As with the GLA, it’ll sit closer to the ground than SUVs usually do. Also expect the GLC to use the C-Class’s range of petrol turbos and a selection of Two.1-litre diesels.
Mercedes GLE
Price: £53,000 (est)
The GLE is a BMW X5-rivalling version of Mercedes large SUV. The five-seater cabin is predictably luxurious, with premium forest, metals and leathers. Engines will be six-cylinder only; entry-level three hundred fifty models get a 254bhp diesel, while there’ll also be a 364bhp twin-turbo V6 four hundred fifty petrol and range-topping 585bhp AMG GLE 63.
On sale: mid 2015
MINI JCW
Price: £22,865 (est)
The John Cooper Works hatchback has always been the most focused MINI on sale – and that trend is set to proceed with this latest model. Exposed at January’s Detroit Motor Showcase, the fresh JCW gets 228bhp and is the most potent production MINI ever. It produces ten per cent more power and twenty three per cent more torque than the car it substitutes, and is sure to be even more joy to drive.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, while a Steptronic auto is available as an option. The latter improves the car’s 0-62mph sprint time, cutting it to 6.1 seconds – compared to 6.Three seconds for the manual model. Fuel economy and emissions for the manual version stand at 42.2mpg and 155g/km, with the auto claiming 49.5mpg and 133g/km.
All fresh MINI JCWs get upgraded suspension, steering and brakes, as well as a multiplicity of styling tweaks to set them apart from the standard Cooper S. There are larger air intakes at the front, a JCW-specific spoiler at the rear and unique 17-inch alloys. On the inwards is a set of fresh bucket seats and stainless steel pedals, as well as redesigned instrument displays specifically for the range-topper.
It looks as tho’ the car will be competitively priced, too. It’s set to cost £2,035 less than an Audi S1, at £22,865, with very first deliveries from late April.
MINI Convertible
Price: £17,000 (est)
On sale: November
Following the release of MINI’s three and five-door hatches, MINI is preparing another fresh model – the ever-popular Convertible. The soft-top gets the same range of petrol and diesel turbos as its stablemates. As our spy shot shows, it retains the familiar fabric roof, and from the windows down seems identical to its fixed-roof sibling. We also expect MINI to suggest a hot 228bhp Two.0-litre JCW version, capable of 0-62mph in 6.Five seconds.
MG GTS
Price: £17,000 (est)
On sale: late 2015
Sales of the fresh MG GTS are set to kick off in China in May, while UK buyers have to wait until the end of the year. The family sized SUV is aimed directly at the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, and will be made available in Two.0-litre petrol or 1.8-litre diesel guises when it goes to the UK. Like its rivals, the GTS will come with a choice of front or four-wheel drive, channelled via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Styling, meantime, takes cues from the brand’s familiar MG3 and MG6 models.
Peugeot 208
Price: £10,000 (est)
Albeit the exterior tweaks are subtle on the refreshed Peugeot 208, the sharper front bumper design, broader grille and fresh LED light signature undoubtedly lift the car’s looks.Peugeot has moved the interior more upmarket, too, with upgraded soft-touch materials and an easier-to-use seven-inch touchscreen. Under the skin, the switches are even thicker – every diesel’s CO2 emissions have been brought down below 95g/km, while the big hitter is the 100bhp BlueHDi diesel, which offers a class-leading 94mpg and 79g/km of CO2. There’s also a fresh three-cylinder 110bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol, plus the limited-edition GTi 30th Anniversary model will become a permanent fixture.
Porsche nine hundred eleven GT3 RS
An evolution of the already-impressive GT3, the RS gets 493bhp from an enlarged Four.0-litre six-cylinder engine, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated nine hundred eleven ever. Its revisions and additions have made it quicker around Germany’s Nurburgring race track than Porsche’s old Carrera GT hypercar. Alongside the fresh engine, the GT3 RS gets a special PDK twin-clutch box. Add weight savings, and it does 0-62mph in Three.Trio seconds. Setting it apart from the GT3 is a broader stance, borrowed from the nine hundred eleven Turbo, plus a racy front splitter, enlarged air vents and ample adjustable rear wing, which also enhance aerodynamics. The stripped-out cabin features carbon sports seats from the 918, with six-point harnesses, a roll cell and a fire extinguisher as standard.
Range Rover Evoque
Price: £30,000 (est)
Land Rover’s most style-conscious SUV has been given a series of updates to keep it fresh and competitive with its German challengers – namely the facelifted Audi Q3 and next-generation BMW X1. Albeit exterior switches show up light, there are full-LED adaptive headlamps for the very first time, plus a muscular fresh front bumper and grille design.
It’s testament to the original’s radical looks that only minor tweaks are required to keep the Evoque stylish. Inwards, there are improved materials and a fresh, more convenient seat design, as well as more advanced technology including Jaguar Land Rover’s fresh InControl touchscreen interface. The latest generation of active safety kit also features.
The fattest news is that the Evoque has become Land Rover’s most frugal car to date, with the fresh Ingenium diesel claiming up to 68mpg and 109g/km of CO2. Petrol fans can still choose the 237bhp Two.0 turbo, while engineers have retuned the suspension to supply improved treating and refinement.
Renault Twingo GT
Price: £13,000 (est)
On sale: summer 2015
Renault’s radical fresh rear-engined Twingo will soon become even more pleasant to drive thanks to imminent Renaultsport upgrades. Albeit it’s likely be badged ‘GT’ so it doesn’t dilute the pic of quicker cars in the Renaultsport range, we expect the Twingo to get at least 120bhp from a tuned version of its 0.9-litre petrol engine. Plus, chassis tweaks and styling upgrades inwards and out will ensure it feels racy enough to rival cars such as the Abarth 500.
Renaultsport Clio two hundred twenty Trophy
Price: £21,000 (est)
The Clio two hundred twenty takes the Trophy name from its xxx Megane brother, but is more civilised, with 217bhp. That’s 20bhp more than standard, due to a fatter turbo and uprated harass. For a sportier sound, the rev limit’s higher, at 6,800rpm. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts quicker, while treating has been improved with lowered, stiffer suspension and quicker steering.
Renault Kadjar
Price: £17,000 (est)
The Kadjar is Renault’s attempt at capitalising on the success of the Nissan Qashqai by becoming a serious contender in the lucrative mid-size crossover market.
It features a similar design to the Qashqai – which shares its platform – but features Renault’s bold family face to stand out. Buyers get a choice of three engines from launch: 110bhp 1.Five and 130bhp 1.6-litre dCi diesels, as well as a 130bhp 1.2-litre turbo TCe petrol unit. The smaller diesel is said to be capable of 74.3mpg, with emissions as low as 99g/km. Front-wheel drive will be standard, with four-wheel drive optional, and the cabin will get more upmarket materials and added practicality. It’ll also build up Renault’s latest technology, including the R-Link two multimedia and infotainment system and road sign recognition.
Skoda Superb
Designed for those wanting executive-style space and grace at a less premium price, the Superb features legroom to rival a limo, but will cost around a third of the price. Its classy yet restrained styling is a step away from the rather cumbersome previous model, and inwards is Skoda’s traditional high-quality look and feel.The brand promises a host of clever gizmos not found on the lesser Octavia, like Apple CarPlay and wireless smartphone charging. The engine range will be four-cylinder only.
SsangYong Tivoli
Price: £13,000 (est)
SsangYong’s first-ever supermini-SUV, the Tivoli, will go head-to-head with the likes of the Renault Captur, Peugeot two thousand eight and Mazda CX-3 when it hits showrooms in the summer. It rails on an all-new platform and comes with the choice of 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines. Four-wheel-drive models will uphold SsangYong’s reputation for developing rugged off-road cars, but the more efficient, front-wheel-drive version is likely to be the crowd-pleasing option. A six-speed manual gearbox will be fitted as standard, while the same CVT six-speed auto from the MINI is optional. The Tivoli is spacious, too, with a 423-litre boot only trumped by the Captur’s 450-litre space.
Subaru Levorg
Price: £25,000 (est)
The Levorg is presently on sale in Japan, and will squeeze into Subaru’s model range in the UK underneath the recently introduced Outback. While it may look like a replacement for the ageing Legacy, it has been designed as an all-new car aimed at a junior demographic. It’s shorter and lower than the fresh Outback, but it will still be available with the brand’s four-wheel-drive system for go-anywhere capability.
Toyota Mirai
On sale: late 2015
The Mirai is the world’s very first mass-produced hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. Under its radical bod is an identically futuristic powertrain that emits nothing more than water vapour from the tailpipe. The 153bhp hydrogen fuel-cell stack is capable of 111mph and a 300-mile range, and takes as long to refill as a conventional petrol or diesel car. Europe’s been allocated 50-100 models per year, each carrying a price tag of £63,104.
Secondly, if you do want one – and if you manage to work your way on to the waiting list in the very first place – you’ll have to stump up more than £60,000, as there are no electrified car-style subsidies presently in place despite the FCV’s zero tailpipe emissions.
The good news is that the funky-looking Toyota is likely to be one of the very first in a long line of clever fuel-cell vehicles – and while the technology is expensive, it’s well refined. So well refined, in fact, that the Mirai drives just like a normal car. We’re itching to attempt one on UK roads, and excitedly await the next step for hydrogen-fuelled cars.
