New small family cars for 2013

* New small family cars due in 2013 * Includes Mercedes-Benz CLA and new Peugeot 308 * Insider info and exclusive images...

New small family cars for 2013

Peugeot 308
What is it? Boxier, lighter replacement for current car
Price from 16,000 (est)
On sale Winter

The new Peugeot 308 is expected to follow a similar pattern to the Peugeot 208, with a lower kerbweight than the model it replaces. It's also likely to get versions of the 208's three-cylinder petrol engines.

Spy shots indicate a more boxy profile, while rumours suggest the hatchback will be offered in five-door layout only. A replacement for the current SW estate model also expected.

The 308 is unlikely to get the Hybrid4 diesel-electric powertrain first seen in the 3008. Instead, it could get a new petrol-electric hybrid system being developed for the Chinese market.

New Peugeot 308 is likely to get three-cylinder engines for the first time

Nissan Leaf
What is it? Electric hatchback now made in the UK
Price from 23,000 (est) including grant
On sale April

The Nissan Leaf will become more affordable when the new European version goes on sale in early 2013.

No mechanical or cosmetic changes are expected, but manufacturing moves to Nissan's Sunderland plant, so transport costs and fluctuating exchange rates will no longer affect prices.

There'll also be greater flexibility in the production schedule, which will mean a choice of trim levels for the first time in the UK. This is likely to herald the introduction of a new entry-level model with more basic kit and a lower price tag.

Mercedes-Benz CLA
What is it? Swoopy small saloon, based on new A-Class
Price from 22,000 (est)
On sale Autumn


Mercedes-Benz CLA will borrow heavily from Concept Style Coupe show car, but expect a more toned-down look

The new Mercedes CLA will expand its family of compact cars when it arrives next autumn.

Spy shots indicate the CLA's styling is expected to stay reasonably faithful to that of the Concept Style Coupe, which was first seen at the 2012 Beijing motor show, although the production car will have a less swoopy front end and larger headlights.

The CLA is a four-door saloon with sleek coupe-like looks, very much in the same mould as the larger CLS. Underneath, it will use the same underpinnings as the new A-Class and B-Class models, so there'll be a choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Most models will have front-wheel drive, but the range-topper is expected to get a version of the powertrain used in the forthcoming A45 AMG, with four-wheel drive and a petrol engine capable of producing around 325bhp.

Much of the cabin trim is likely to be familiar from the A-Class, but the CLA is expected to have only four seats.

Skoda Rapid Spaceback
What is it? Shorter, sportier style of new Rapid
Price from 13,000 (est)
On sale Autumn


The Skoda Rapid Spaceback will have a sportier look than the standard Rapid; likely to be heavily influenced by the Vision D concept car

Insider sources suggest a second version of the Skoda Rapid is due next year, which will provide competition for cars such as the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed.

Like the standard Rapid which has just gone on sale the new model is a hatchback. However, it will have an entirely different rear end, with a much shorter overhang and more upright styling that give it a sportier, more youthful look.

Inspiration will come from Skoda's Vision D concept, which features a distinctive rear doorframe treatment similar to that used for the new Skoda Octavia.

Although most mechanical parts, and engines, will be shared with the regular Rapid, we'd expect the Spaceback to be offered with sportier trim options. A hot hatch vRS has yet to be confirmed.

Aggressive pricing is likely to be key to the Spaceback's appeal entry-level cars should start from around 13,000.

New Superminis for 2013

New 4x4s for 2013

New SUVs for 2013

New MPVs for 2013