Star cars of 2008 - part 2 - Family cars and compact executives

Audi A4
Price £22,590-£30,290
On sale February
What's new? Improved interior and chassis

A bumper year for new compact executives kicks off in February with the new A4, a car that in previous incarnations has scooped many What Car? awards.

Bigger and roomier than the outgoing A4, the replacement model uses a new chassis that also underpins the A5 coupe.

Audi is sticking to its familiar formula of clothing the new A4 in restrained-looking sheet metal that will remain a modern image for many years, even if it lacks excitement.

The interior is all new, and features the driver-focused dashboard that first appeared in the A6.

The plastics and trim materials are top drawer, just as you'd expect from Audi, although the busy dashboard layout can be confusing. There's a useful range of seat adjustment and good visibility.

Previous A4s have always been a bit of a squeeze in the rear cabin, but the new model is much bigger and also features good rear headroom. Its class-leading boot will be an important draw for buyers.

Audi is pushing the A4's sporting credentials and the new car is better than the outgoing model, but the BMW 3 Series remains the class best for handling. Refinement is good, however.

At launch only SE models will be available, but there will be a choice of five engines. The three diesels comprise a 141bhp 2.0-litre, a 187bhp 2.7-litre V6 and a 237bhp 3.0-litre V6. Two petrols - a 120bhp 1.8 and 261bhp 3.2 V6 - complete the line-up.

Three gearbox options, a six-speed manual, Multitronic CVT and dual-clutch S-Tronic, appear on the price list, although they aren't all available with all engines.

During the year and into early 2009, a further five engines will appear, including the 208bhp 2.0T, which the A4 shares with fellow VW stablemate, the Golf GTi. Prices will range from £22,590 to £30,290.

BMW 3 Series
Price From £21,000
On sale Late 2008
What's new? Update of current design

A mid-life tweak is planned for BMW's best-seller this year, thought to be late autumn after a rumoured Paris show debut in September.

BMW rarely embarks on radical face-lifts and the revised 3 Series is no exception. New headlights will feature ring-shaped bulbs, like the 5 Series, and the front bumper will become more shapely. Expect a slight tweak to the rear lights, too.

Minor design changes will also improve the interior to battle with the A4 and Mercedes C-Class.

Engine revisions are likely, too, including the new 201bhp twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel unit, likely to be badged as a 323d.

BMW's six-cylinder engines are unlikely to be fitted with the stop-start feature of its 'Efficient Dynamics' technology for several years, thanks to the complication of making this work with an automatic gearbox.


Cadillac BLS Estate
Price £20,000
On sale January
What's new? First estate car from Cadillac

Cadillac's BLS Wagon is unique for the US luxury car-maker - the company's first-ever estate model.

Created solely for the European market, it has a huge job to do - to raise awareness of Caddy's compact executive model in a year when there's also a new Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

Based on the Saab 9-3 and built in Sweden, the BLS offers a more European version of Caddy's edgy 'Art and Science' styling. It also has the advantage of Saab's 150bhp and 180bhp diesel engines.

The BLS wagon isn't a huge load-lugger, though, it's more of a lifestyle estate with 419/1285 litres seats-up/seats-down. That's less than the new Skoda Fabia estate and well behind the new Merc C-Class with 485/1500 litres of boot space.

Getting hold of a BLS could present a few problems because dealers are few and far between, and if you do get one and enjoy three years' of ownership, don't expect to get much for it, because resale values will be poor.


Chevrolet Epica
Price £14,000
On sale March
What's new? A car that's value for money

Chevy will hope to make waves in March with the launch of the 'value for money' Epica saloon.

Offering a high standard specification and more space than a Mondeo, the Epica is likely to be launched with a price more comparable to a family hatch like a Focus, possibly under £14,000.

If Chevy can do so, the Epica will be the UK's cheapest six-cylinder car, power coming from a 130bhp straight-six engine.

Also in the range will be a 150bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, borrowed from the Captiva 4x4, at a price of around £14,000.


Citroen C5
Price £15,000
On sale February
What's new? Stunning look for Citroen C5

Today's Citroen C5 is the oldest and dullest model in the range, but the new version looks like being a handsome replacement.

With swooping and sporty styling, the new C5 is set to be Citroen's best-looking model when it hits dealers early in the year.

Another break with Citroen tradition is the C5's switch to saloon and estate bodystyles, the previous model having offered hatchback and estate models.

That will pitch the C5 more into the mainstream, particularly with fleet drivers, an ambition matched by the unusual choice of two different suspension types.

So as well as Citroen's traditional, 'magic carpet ride', pneumatic set-up, the C5 will also be available with more conventional coil springs. Cheaper to make and maintain, the conventionally sprung C5 is bound to be a popular seller.

Another step forward for the C5 is a much higher quality interior, which features plenty of chrome trim. Citroen's clever fixed-hub steering wheel also features.

Diesel engines will dominate the range, with a 110bhp 1.6, 138bhp 2.0, 173bhp twin-turbo 2.2 and 208bhp V6.

Petrols will be a 127bhp 1.8 and 143bhp 2.2. The range-topping 215bhp 3.0 V6 is unlikely to be imported to the UK.

An open-top concept version of the C5, called the Airscape, was on display at the Frankfurt motor show earlier this year, but Citroen says it is not planning a production model.


Honda Accord
Price £17,000
On sale Summer
What's new? Bigger, wider, curvy bodyshell

Honda gave us a glimpse of its new Accord at the Frankfurt motor show last year, and next month we'll get to see the production model for the first time.

Bigger, wider and featuring a curvy body like the Tourer concept at Frankfurt, the new Accord loses the boxy-look synonymous with today's model.

A significant technical development is the new iDTEC diesel, which is so clean it passes EU exhaust rules three years ahead of time.

The 2.2-litre iDTEC on offer will produce either 155 or 180bhp. In top-trim form it's good for 0-60 in 9 secs, a top speed of 130 mph, and also 51 mpg and 145 g/km.

Sales for the Accord will start in the summer.


Hyundai i40
Price £17,000 (est)
On sale Mid 2008
What's new? Dash and name get reworking

There's plenty of new model action at Hyundai this year, including the face-lifted and re-named Sonata, now called i40.

There are a few exterior styling tweaks, but the main change is a new interior and fascia, which introduces a more European flavour in place of the company's favoured Americanised style of today's car.


Infiniti G35
Price £28,000-£35,000
On sale December
What's new? Nissan's classy US brand

Infiniti launched the G35 in America earlier this year, and it is one of models that will form part of the company's assault on the UK in 2008.

The Infiniti badge is well established in America and the G35 is based on a lengthened version of the Nissan 350Z.

With that sort of platform, you might expect decent performance from this four-door saloon, and you won't be disappointed. Only one engine is offered at the moment - a 3.5-litre V6 - but it's pretty pokey.

The G35 will get from 0-60mph in around six seconds and, although it's a capable performer, it needs to be revved hard.

That's all fine for the driver who wants a bit of fun, but Infiniti really must have a strong diesel contender in its line-up if it wants to shift the G35 in high volumes.

It's not quite as svelte as, say, a BMW 335, but it's no barge. The flowing lines, wide chrome grille and smooth light clusters point to an inoffensive design that appeal to, well, the American market.

It's classy inside, as well as spacious. Interior materials of are high quality and it all appears to be well screwed together.

In fact, the G35 is exactly what you might expect from a Japanese make: a well-built, reliable car, but this one also looks good.


Mazda 6
Price £15,100-£22,000
On sale January (hatch, saloon); March (estate)
What's new? Styling plus revamped diesel

The car that rescued Mazda becomes a new model this year. Despite borrowing the old car's chassis platform, the new Mazda 6's wheelbase is 50mm longer to boost interior space and improve ride quality.

Overall it grows by 65mm to 4.7m long, but it's still shorter than the huge Ford Mondeo or VW Passat.

There's also a new and more elegant body featuring RX-8 style front wheelarch bulges as well as a revised chassis, which sufficiently freshens and updates the 6 and also improves aerodynamics.

As before, there are three bodystyles - hatch, saloon and estate, the latter with a 30mm-longer rear overhang to boost carrying capacity.

Under the skin, the same suspension system is carried over, although it is retuned and tweaked for better steering feel and handling.

Although there's a new higher-quality fascia, the interior still lags behind Europe's best for quality.

Engines are carried over, too, and will feature 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrols, the latter a bigger capacity version of the old 2.3. A revised 2.0-litre diesel will make up the bulk of UK sales.

Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, emergency brake assist, daytime running lights, driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags, active head restraints and a Thatcham Category One alarm.

Prices start at £15,100 and diesel models go on sale in January, with nine estate models joining the range in March.

Buyers will have five trims to choose from - S, TS, TS2, Sport and SL - all with a variety of upgrades on offer.


Mercedes B-Class
Price From £17,500
On sale August
What's new? A few cosmetic tweaks

This is the year of Mercedes face-lifts and updates, and so the B-Class family car gets similar mild tweaks to the A-Class small family car.

Both are tipped as Leipzig show debutants this spring, with UK sales pencilled in for August.

As well as a few changes to the B-Class's appearance, expect specification updates and changes with new telematics and Bluetooth connectivity.


Mercedes C-Class Estate
Price £25,000-£38,000
On sale July
What's new? Estate version of the new C-Class saloon

The saloon version of Mercedes's new compact executive has already made a strong impression and the estate is expected to do the same when it hits dealers in July.

Mercedes says the interior of the C-Class Estate will be better than ever, with higher-quality materials and carpets that extend into the boot.

The luggage area will be bigger than that of the old car, and can carry 1500 litres of luggage with the rear seats down, up from 1384 litres. This makes it comfortably bigger than rivals such as the BMW 3 Series.

The driving experience is also said to be improved, offering more direct steering and reactive suspension that adapts to road conditions and driving styles.

Mercedes has extracted better fuel economy of up to 12%, and therefore lower emissions, from all the C-Class's engines, as well as increasing power.

Engines will mirror the saloon's, with six petrol models and three diesels - a 134bhp C200 CDi, a 168bhp C220 CDi and a 221bhp 320 CDi. Expect prices to range from £25,000 to £38,000.


Mitsubishi Lancer
Price £11,000 (est)
On sale February (saloon); March (Evo X); September (hatch)
What's new? Lancer grows up, but new engines will provide fun

Finally on sale in February is Mitsubishi's new Lancer saloon, a car previewed in so many concepts and design studies that it feels like it's already been on sale for a while.

The Lancer is based on a new chassis co-developed with Chrysler - also the basis for the Sebring - and has grown-up in size to sit between the Ford Focus and Mondeo.

Launch engines will be a 140bhp 2.0-litre DI, brought in from VW, as well as a 1.8-litre petrol, the latter with both manual and auto gearbox options.

In March, Mitsubishi will add sparkle to the range, launching the rally-derived 280bhp Evo X.

Strong on performance, grip and handling thanks to a multitude of electronic driving and stability aids, the Evo X will also feature an optional dual-clutch auto gearbox, called Super Sport Transmission (SST).

In September, the Lancer range expands with the vital five-door hatchback bodystyle, a design expected to be the best-seller.

The five-door will also introduce two new engines, an entry-level 1.5-litre petrol and a warm hatch 2.0-litre turbo.


Renault Laguna Sport Tourer
Price £17,000 (est)
On sale January
What's new? Another bodystyle for the range

The order books for the estate version of the new Renault Laguna have been open since last autumn, but the car will only enter showrooms in January.

With 508 litres of boot space, extendable to 1593 litres when the rear seats are folded away, the Sport Tourer is practical and quite roomy, but it's no match for bigger estates like the VW Passat.

Engines and specifications mirror the hatchback Laguna, and prices are about £950 higher.


Skoda Superb
Price £15,000
On sale July
What's new? Executive class space for family car price

Expect another surprising Skoda when a dramatic-looking new Superb is launched in July [Our pic courtesy of Schulte].

We'll know at March's Geneva Show if VW's Czech outpost has created the much sportier and sexier machine it says it has.

Skoda has gone it alone with the new car, too, which has an Octavia platform as its base, not the VW Passat chassis of the old car.

Riding on a longer wheelbase with a wider track, the new Superb jumps above the Passat to become an executive class-sized saloon.

One of the Superb's stand-out points is expected to be a higher-quality interior - to improve demand to such an extent that Skoda hopes to double Superb sales in '08/9.

A wider engine range ought to help, with the small-capacity turbocharged and supercharged TFSi and TSi petrol engines as well as common-rail diesel engines expected to make up the bulk of UK sales.

A higher-specification 3.2 V6 petrol will be the flagship engine, while the V6 diesel will be dropped.


Vauxhall Insignia
Price £15,000
On sale September
What's new? Replacement for the old Vectra

The star of July's London Motor Show will undoubtedly be the replacement for the Vauxhall Vectra, which gets its world debut in the capital.

Expect another surprise, too, because the car's new name is the Insignia (our picture shows the GT concept car).

Longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model, the new Vectra will have more interior space to challenge the class-leaders.

We've already had a glimpse of the front of the new Vectra and its interior with the GTC design concept.

Both exterior and interior are bold and the styling of Vauxhall's new flagship is expected to be a real strong point, featuring a swooping roofline and an aggressive nose.

The interior will look much like that in the GTC. Deep-set dials will be backlit in red and accompanied by a black trim for the centre console, as well as plenty of chrome detailing.

A hatchback, an estate and, eventually, a coupe are planned, too. The estate is said to be just as swoopy in its looks, which will be a progression from today's boxy styling.

Also new is the chassis, a heavily revised version of today's model, and also set to be the basis of the next Saab 9-5.

With that in mind, the new Vectra is tipped to have better handling and refinement than today's car.

Vauxhall says the steps-up in quality and ability with the new Vectra are bigger than those made when it recently replaced both the Corsa and Astra.

An extensive range of engines is also said to be part of the new Vectra plan, including a new five-cylinder diesel and a V6 diesel, although the latter is not due for launch until 2009.

Also on the technical menu is a four-wheel-drive system on the range-topping VXR. This will go with a petrol V6 to produce up to 300bhp.

Sales start in the autumn with prices expected to be not much higher than today's Vectra, suggesting a range of between £18,000 and £27,000.


VW Passat CLS
Price £19,500 (est)
On sale July
What's new? Front end and sporty styling

A sportier, coupe-style version of VW's Passat will be one of the stars at next month's Geneva motor show [picture courtesy of Schulte].

Aimed at filling the gap between the Passat saloon and the luxurious Phaeton, the new model will try to woo buyers who find the Passat a bit too straightforward.

The swoopy-looking Passat has also been dubbed 'CLS', a reference to Mercedes' re-bodied E-Class - yet if VW follows its usual logic, the model will get its own name.

Based on the Passat, the CLS has a 30mm longer rear overhang to accommodate the sloping rear window profile needed to make the CLS look sporty.

The back end is said to feature a clever tailgate arrangement that allows it to hinge like a conventional boot, while the glass hinges separately.

Also new is the front-end, designed to bring the car in line with a company-wide styling direction, also seen on 2008's other important VW, the Scirocco coupe.

The emphasis will be on the sportier engines in VW's line-up, including a 170bhp twincharger 1.4-litre unit, a 200bhp 2.0-litre TFSi and a 250bhp 3.2-litre V6, the latter featuring 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

New common-rail direct-injection diesels are on the way, too, including a 2.0-litre unit with either 140 or 170bhp.