New cars for 2012 - Part 2 - Small family cars: Skoda - Subaru

Skoda Mission L
What is it? New Focus rival, with hints of original Octavia
Price from £13,500 (est)
On sale Winter

Skoda plans significant expansion of its model range over the next few years, with the aim of doubling sales by 2020. This new VW Golf-sized model is crucial to those plans.

The new model will be a production version of the Mission L concept car revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2011. Externally, it’s expected to change very little, although it will have a new name. Felicia and Rapid both have been rumoured, but neither has been confirmed.

Although it looks like a saloon, the Mission L is actually a hatchback. It will fit in between the Fabia and Octavia – a move which will allow the next Octavia to increase in size.

On price, the Mission L is likely to undercut key rivals such as the Focus and Astra. The engine range has yet to be revealed, but you can expect familiar Volkswagen Group petrol and diesel units.

Subaru Impreza
What is it? Latest Impreza will still come with all-wheel drive
Price from £17,500 (est)
On sale Winter

Subaru’s next Impreza will follow a familiar formula, with standard four-wheel drive and four- or five-door bodystyles.

The Impreza forms the basis for the XV SUV, which arrives earlier in 2012. Most bodywork is shared with the Impreza 5dr, but the Impreza does without the XV’s SUV-style cladding and raised ride height.

Subaru hasn’t confirmed whether the next Impreza will be sold in the UK. If it does, it’s likely to arrive in the winter. UK cars should get a 1.6-litre petrol engine with either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox.