By: Thomas Geiger
Berlin, Germany - Experts are predicting a surge in car sales in 2016 amid a raft of new models to choose from.
Here are some of the most important arrivals expected in 2016.
Aston Martin: The latest James Bond film, Spectre, gives a glimpse of the new DB11, which is expected to break cover at the Geneva Show (March 3-13). The replacement for the DB9 gets a turbocharged engine from Mercedes-Benz go-faster department AMG. The DB10 in the movie was a one-off - but what you see in the picture is the track-only, 590kW, seven-litre V12 Vulcan - of which just 24 will be made during 2016.
Audi: Wraps will come off the next A5 in 2016, along with an open Spyder version of the rorty R8. The SQ7 denotes the new uprated version of the brand's biggest off-roader. A chunky new A2 entry-level SUV is also planned. The remodelled flagship A8 limousine is pencilled in for late in the year; the picture shows the current A8.
BMW: Not to be outdone, the Munich maker is breathing on the M2 to extract 275kW. The rampaging rear-wheel-drive sportster is due in April. Plug-in hybrid versions of the 2 Series, evergreen 3 Series and the range-topping 7 Series are also in the pipeline.
Bugatti: The Chiron, a mighty successor to the venerable Veyron, will debut this year. Power output is around 1100kW if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it. Don’t expect much change from R40 million.
Citroen. The French marque seems to be taking it easy this year although there will be facelifts for the C3 and Picasso. A revised DS4 is also on the cards. Expect to see the Spacetourer, a Gallic rival to the VW bus.
Fiat: The Italians are reviving two famous names. The new small family runabout will be badged as a Tipo, while the handsome 124 Spider is sure to be a success - probably because it is based on the tried-and-tested Mazda MX-5 platform.
Ford: Serious drivers will welcome the third-generation Focus RS with up to 254kW. It is due in May or June. A new version of the Ferrari-eating GT supercar set to arrive later is rumoured to have a twin-turbocharged engine with 600 horsepower on tap.
Honda: The all-wheel-drive NSX supercar marks a return to sporting aspirations. It features a powerful petrol engine mated to triple electric motors and a nine-speed gearbox. The fuel-cell Clarity will also enter the fray but is hampered in Europe by a lack of hydrogen refuelling facilities. The bread-and-butter Civic gets a makeover too.
Jaguar: The F-Pace crossover is a first soft SUV from the revitalized British manufacturer, which is riding on the success of its mid-range XF executive saloon. Expect to see the F-Pace in April.
Lamborghini: The thundering Huracan(450kW) gets a soft-top sibling and towards the end of the year an SUV is set to enter the off-road fray. It is likely to bear a close resemblance to the Urus concept.
Maserati: Fans of the sporting marque will also be able to order a high-rider, the Levante, which is based on the Grand Cherokee platform from sibling brand Jeep.
Mercedes-Benz: The Stuttgart maker has plenty of new metal lined up for the new year. The new E Class is a key car for the brand. The SL and SLC roadsters both get makeovers. A drophead C Class is also new, along with a coupe version of the GLC.
Mini: The new Clubman is eagerly awaited and will be joined in March by a next-gen Mini convertible and a larger Countryman.
Opel: The new Astra is the one to watch. It comes with a vast range of engines, including a downsized three-cylinder unit. An Insignia replacement will probably not go on sale until 2017.
Porsche: The VW-owned company will be further refining the iconic 911 and the revised Boxster gets four-cylinder turbocharged engines also being lined up for the Cayman. Expect a second-gen Panamera to bow in by the spring.
Renault: The new Megane is based on Renault's Common Module Family (CMF) vehicle architecture and the French marque has high hopes for it. The dynamic styling may lure away many a fan of the VW Golf, which is the car to beat in this segment.
Rolls-Royce: The new Dawn cabriolet is the most elegant Rolls-Royce that money can buy. Basically a Wraith coupe under the skin, the elegant Dawn offers room for four adult passengers. Effortless motive power comes from a twin-turbo V12.
Skoda: The Czech arm of Volkswagen is promising a large SUV which is likely to have space for six or even seven seats. Teaser pictures show a sleek off-roader with the now trademark clamshell bonnet.
Toyota: All eyes will be on the new Prius which is said to be cleaner and safer than the model it replaces. Paris (October 1-16) will showcase the C-HR crossover, which squares up against the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke.
Volkswagen: After a terrible year marked by the diesel emissions-rigging scandal, Europe's biggest carmaker is putting on a brave face. The new Tiguan sets forth in the spring and both the Up minicar and Amarok pick-up are due for facelifts. Taking pride of place in Paris will be the eighth incarnation of the VW Golf, the company's key earner.
Volvo: The Swedish marque will be taking on the big German trio with its five-metre flagship, the S90. The car arrives with a four-cylinder engine and a plug-in version with a V prefix. The Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and new Mercedes E Class are the benchmarks here.
DPA
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