The top 5 cars to watch out for in 2014
With the New Year comes the promise of a whole host of motoring marvels to greet us in the next 12 months.
There are a number of great cars to look forward to, with something to suit whatever budget and whatever driving pleasure.
We take a look at some of the models that we expect to be huge in 2014.
Peugeot 308
Despite not officially going on sale yet, the Peugeot 308 has already been shortlisted for the European Car of the Year award 2014. If that's not a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is!
The car is expected to redefine the family hatchback market and be a lot more than a vehicle that is just used for the school-run.
It comes with excellent driving dynamics, great economy and impressive levels of quality for a model that might usually slip under the radar.
It's quick too, achieving 62mph from standing in just 8.2 seconds, while a foot-to-the-floor top-speed of 132mph can be achieved.
However, just because it's quick doesn't mean it isn't safe, with the car taking the top five-star rating on the Euro NCAP safety tests.
Nissan Qashqai
This one caused quite a stir when it was first unveiled. Under a very secretive marketing campaign, Nissan released the Qashqai stating it was the most significant model in the crossover market for seven years.
Not only does it follow on from the bold design and quality performance that made the previous incarnation so popular, it also features a number of new technological additions - including the Park Assist system.
Drivers will no longer have to negotiate tricky parallel parks or tight squeezes in high-rise lots completely unassisted, with a 'helicopter view' camera and Around View Monitor helping to ease the car into the most difficult of spaces.
Honda Civic Tourer
Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier in 2013, the Tourer will be found in showrooms up and down the UK in 2014.
Coming with a smooth and classy exterior design and a spacious interior, the car is perfect for a growing family or anyone who likes to take an adventure now and again.
In a choice of two-engines and with a range of technologies, it really is a car for everyone. Besides, who wouldn't want a car that was built on home soil?
Hybrid Range Rover
Some said it couldn't possibly be done, but lo and behold, it happened!
In fact, the hybrid version of the Range Rover is so good, the manufacturer pushed it to its very limit on the Silk Trail from Solihull to Mumbai.
The car negotiated tough terrains like you'd expect any good Range Rover to do, but did so at a fraction of the emissions usage.
Hybrid technologies sees the car emit 26 per cent lower CO2 emissions than its predecessors, yet still delivers exceptional performance capabilities.
VW e-up!
Another entry in our top five that represents the electric vehicle market is the all-new Volkswagen e-up!.
It is the first ever all-electric car from the manufacturer and is expected to herald a new generation of efficient motors for VW.
In addition to being super efficient, the car is also extremely quiet. However, it is still able to cover distances of 150km on a single charge, with an 80 per cent recharge achieved in as little as 30 minutes.
Posted by Sebastian Turkenburg