Rough, tough, and new for 2015...
Rough, tough, and new for 2015...
Choosing to buy a brand-new car is a big decision. As well as obvious matters like budget and finance, there are other, equally significant practical considerations. Fuel economy, ergonomics, storage space - there are so many factors that can directly affect the quality of your drive. After your home, your car is probably one of the largest purchases you can make, so it’s no bad thing to take your time deliberating over it. And if thoughts of a completely blank odometer, pristine petrol tank and un-caressed handbrake seem more daunting than delightful, here’s a rundown of some of the best new cars available, which might just drive you to the right decision.
Hyundai cars have always boasted excellent city-runaround credentials, and the new i20 is staking a claim alongside the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and the Ford Fiesta in the ultra-competitive hatchback market. Available in a three or five door model, the i20 can also be bought with either a 1.2 litre or 1.4 litre engine, running on petrol or diesel. Fuel economy is superb; Hyundai give an indicative 76.3mpg for their diesel edition, and a still-very-appealing 57.6mpg in the petrol model, based on running a 1.2 litre engine. Insurance and road tax are equally easy on the allowance. Combine such cheap running costs with the starting price tag of just £10,695, and you might find yourself with a bargain that keeps on giving.
Unashamedly bulky and brash, the bold new Jeep Renegade is something of an attention-seeker, both by way of its striking looks and its fierce functionality. Then again, to bite off a chunk of the compact crossover market, aggression is an advantage. It also has a few party tricks hidden under its chunky chassis, including the ability to auto-switch between two- and four-wheel-drive when required, and a choice between two Multi-Air petrol engines, and four Multi-Air diesel variants. Fuel economy is surprisingly great for a 4x4 – achieving a 55.4mpg which defies its rough-and-ready, retro-petrol-can aesthetic. Those who do want to take it off-road will find a willing workhorse which is biddable even on the toughest terrain.
Q: What happens if you cross a sporty coupe with a four-wheel-drive? A: An all-singing, all-dancing, X-drive with panther-like power and poise. This new, low-riding SUV from BMW comes with a choice of three diesel engine sizes; the four-cylinder 20d, the six-cylinder 30d and the twin-turbo six-cylinder 35d. An eight-speed automatic gearbox offers fluid, responsive control of its considerable power. Cool features, like Variable Sports Steering enhance the X4 driving experience, drawing back for slower city prowls and then adding weight to the steering for a more secure motorway sprint. The premium feel is enhanced by the X4’s plush cabin, with heated leather seats and a broad spectrum of features, including sat nav and digital radio, as standard.
Effortlessly light, economical and generally joyful to drive, the new Mazda2 is a cost-effective option in the supermini category, and a viable option as a compact family car. Buyers can choose between a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, and a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol in a range of variants. Much attention has been given to safety; not only does the Mazda2 feature an unintrusive Active Driving Display, it also offers lane assist and blind-spot monitoring for peace of mind. Opt for the SE-L trim to benefit from rear-electric windows, split-fold rear seats and integrated Bluetooth, or for the Sport Nav for some exciting bells and whistles, like rear parking sensors, sat nav and keyless entry.
With five doors, a lush interior and its ever-lovable retro credentials, MINI’s new hatchback has introduced a welcome update which will be popular with both affiliates and newbies to the brand. A softened suspension and improved fuel economy have made longer motorway journeys entirely feasible, and there’s a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, manual and automatic transmission. As well as the expectedly characterful stylings there is also a range of enjoyable features, including a push-button starter, pedestrian protection and DAB digital radio. Look outside, and body-coloured bumper, cute grille and its range of glorious finishes offer a rainbow of opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
