There’s a lot to look forward to in 2014 – not least for all for you motorists out there. This year offers some of the coolest, sexiest models yet and we can say with some certainty that some of these cars are on 2014 Christmas list. So let’s get down to it – here are eight reasons this year’s guaranteed to be a good one.
Jaguar F-type Coupé
On sale from: March
Price: £51,235
According to Jaguar, the F-type coupe will be the most ‘performance-focused’ Jaguar production car ever built. The F-type was just debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and we think it took a lot of advice from Astom Martin on its looks – not that we’re complaining! Less than a year after the convertible was released, we’re getting that warm fuzzy feeling again – this truly is a car to die for!
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé
On sale from: Summer
Price: Estimated £90,000
The S-Class Coupé was confirmed by Mercedes after the concept car emerged at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, with a spokesperson calling the concept a ‘concrete vision of the next model generation’. The production car will not be as extreme and aggressive as the concept pictured above, but we’ve been reassured that sleek rounded shape is likely to remain when it goes on sale this year.
Mini Cooper S
On sale from: Spring
Price: from £15,300
The latest Mini to join the family was unveiled on what would have been the 107th birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of the original Mini. The new Mini is something to get excited for as it’s based on a platform that will carry a whole range of FWD BMW models, and is a full 10cm longer than the current model. We’re hoping that’s for some extra stability when they add a turbocharger to that already perfectly enjoyable 1.6L engine – but nobody’s holding their breath!
Porsche Macan
On sale from: Available to order now, first deliveries from April
Price: £43,300
Looking like a sporty little brother to the already popular Cayenne (named after the Indonesian word for tiger), the Macan has got to be something worth waiting for. Underneath the car is based on a new platform which will also support the next Audi Q5 – powered by a twin-turbo 335bhp 3.0L V6 for the entry level Macan S, and a 394bhp 3.6L V6 for the Macan Turbo. Order now and wait only 3 months for delivery – that’s still quicker than Royal Mail!
Nissan Qashqia
On sale from: February
Price: £17,595
The all new Quashqai has big boots to fill, with the original Quashqai being such a big hit – but we think they might need to find bigger boots, because it’s definitely got one up on its big brother. The next-gen model is 20mm wider, 49mm longer ad 15mm lower, giving it a sporty new look – but the biggest news has to be the turbocharged 1.2L engine, which gives improved fuel economy and CO2 emmissions. And we’re sure it also gives off a mean growl when you over-rev it!
Audi A3 Cabriolet
On sale from: Available to order now, first deliveries from April
Price: £25,790
The new A3 Cabriolet has changed dramatically from the old hatchback shape, and the A3 is now extended back with a more saloon-like profile – and the performance model will come with a 1.8L turbocharged engine, pushing 178 horses right out of the back with 7-speed S-tronic twin-clutch transmission.
VW Golf Plus
On sale from: Autumn
Price: Estimated £19,000
VW revealed what will be the next Golf Plus at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in what they called the Golf Sportvan Concept. The name is not yet confirmed, but Volkswagon sources suggest it wont be Sportvan – and although it uses the VW group’s MQB platform, the Golf Plus will provide more interior room and over 200L more boot space than the hatchback (thanks to the 48mm longer wheelbase). Look out for it later this year!
BMW 2 Series
On sale from: March, convertible expected to be launched in summer
Price: £24,265
The 2-series comes as a replacement to the 1 series Coupé and retains the original’s RWD layout and is available with most the same engines, but the new 2 door model is longer wider, and features some re-shaped angry headlights and other little tweaks to its shape to give it a more sporty look. Not much change there, but you’ll still be jealous when the new model pulls up next to your 1-series!
If you’re interested in any of these models, take a quick look at our loan calculator to see if you could secure auto finance for your dream car.
