Volkswagen has just revealed its new T-Roc crossover ahead of its official Frankfurt Motor Show reveal. Late to the Qashqai party, the T-Roc shares the MQB platform and engine range with the latest Golf family hatch.
The T-Roc is just one of many cars due next year that we’re excited about. Scroll on to discover 34 more… and be sure to check out our guide to the September 2017 new car offers if you simply can’t wait that long!
Audi A1
Having been on sale since 2010, and with the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo already using the new MQB A0 platform, a revised A1 in 2018 is guaranteed. Expect styling to be a gentle evolution of the existing car, blending hints of Q2 both inside and out. Engine choices will be shared with VW and Seat, including the impressive 1.5-litre petrol unit. Audi has already confirmed the new upmarket supermini will be built in Spain, rather than Belgium where the current car is manufactured.
Vauxhall Corsa
The current Corsa was little more than reskinned version of the previous generation car, meaning a more thorough overhaul is urgently needed in the competitive supermini sector. The latest Astra should provide direction on looks, while the purchase of Vauxhall/Opel by PSA Peugeot Citroen should result in technology sharing from the French marques. Pricing should remain consistent with the current car, with entry-level offerings pegged at £10,000.
Ford Fiesta ST
The Blue Oval is forcing us to wait, impatiently, until early 2018 to get our hands on the hot ST version of the latest Fiesta. We can’t really complain, as it took five years into the life of the last Fiesta for an ST to emerge. The new car drops a cylinder to become an inline turbocharged-triple, but has more power than the outgoing model with 197hp. There’ll be Sport and Track settings to play with, but no Focus RS-style drift mode. Bank on prices starting at around £19,000, and you’ve still got time to start saving for that deposit.
Hyundai i30 N
Hyundai is taking the hot hatch segment seriously, and the i30 N has spent several thousand miles pounding the fearsome Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Hyundai even went so far as to enter the car in a recent 24-hour race at the German circuit. With 247hp as standard, upped to 271hp with an optional performance pack, the i30 N has the power to back up the sporting looks. Hopefully all that time spent on track will translate into a genuinely entertaining front-wheel drive machine.
Renault Megane Renault Sport
Renault is building up the suspense to the release of the hottest fourth-generation Megane, with numerous teasers and camouflaged test cars. Styling is expected to be less dramatic than rivals such as the Civic Type R, but four-wheel steering and a rumoured power output in excess of 300hp should keep things interesting. Sit tight for the finished article to be unveiled in Frankfurt next month.
Suzuki Swift Sport
Long seen as the last bastion of the rev-happy, naturally aspirated, junior hot hatch, even the Swift Sport has had to concede defeat against forced induction. The 140hp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Vitara S is the expected power plant of choice. Combined with a kerb weight below 900kg, this should make the new Swift Sport just as raucous as the outgoing car. Final details will follow at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with customers receiving the first cars in the middle of 2018.
Volkswagen Up! GTI
The Swift Sport won’t be the only contender in the miniature hot hatch market, with Volkswagen finally letting a GTI version of the Up! city car loose on the world. Comparisons in terms of size and weight have naturally been made to the Mk1 Golf GTI, whilst a power output of 113hp from a three-cylinder turbo is also on par with the 1976 original. Although tagged as a concept, the car shown at this year’s Wörthersee festival was virtually production ready, with deliveries primed for next year.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
It might be just five-years old, but Mercedes-Benz is already preparing a brand-new version of the A-Class hatchback. The new fourth-generation A-Class will be longer and wider than the present car, whilst a new high-performance AMG version could see up to 400hp. Final details at Frankfurt next month.
Hyundai i30 Fastback
Slightly less exciting than the performance i30 N, the Fastback version of Hyundai’s C-segment hatch will make an official arrival in early 2018. Adding a third bodystyle alongside hatchback and estate models, the Fastback is billed as offering coupe-like styling. With a lower roofline and a ride height dropped by 30mm, the Fastback certainly looks slightly sportier, although five doors and more boot space mean it retains practicality.
BMW X2
If you’re familiar with BMW nomenclature, you’ll be well aware that even-numbered ‘X’ cars are sportier versions of the brand’s crossover offerings. This means the X2 will share a platform with the X1, but get coupe-like styling influenced by the concept shown at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. BMW has already taken to the streets with this camouflaged version, ahead of a full reveal at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The first customers should receive their cars in mid-2018.
Nissan Leaf
It’s one of the biggest selling plug-in electric cars ever, which means getting the second-generation Leaf right is a big deal for Nissan. With undisguised cars already snapped testing, Nissan is keeping things quiet until the official unveiling next month. Expect more power, up to a rumoured 148hp, with an all-out range of potentially 340 miles – double the current car. Semi-autonomous technology will also play a major part, whilst the styling is aimed at being more conventional than the first-generation machine.
Jaguar I-Pace
It may have only be shown as a concept at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, but Jaguar has been racing at full speed to get the I-Pace ready for a 2018 launch. The Ian Callum-styled concept version has already been pounding the streets of London, testing out the 90kWh battery that offers a claimed 300-mile range. Impressive for a 4WD machine that can hit 62mph in 4 seconds, and recharge to 80% full in just 90 minutes. Form an orderly queue for sales to start in the second-half of 2018.
Jaguar E-Pace
Intent on making 2018 all about Jaguar crossovers whatever the power source, customers will also take delivery of the baby E-Pace early next year. European buyers will be taking delivery of cars built at the Magna Steyr factory in Austria, with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options. Prices begin at £28,500, and you can already create the E-Pace of your dreams using Jaguar’s configurator website.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
With the mid-size crossover market showing no signs of cooling down, Mitsubishi has brought back a name previously applied to four generations of turbocharged coupe. Sliding into the range between the ASX and Outlander, the stylish Eclipse Cross will be pushed hard in competition against the dominant Nissan Qashqai. Engine choices will consist of either a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, or 2.2-litre diesel, with higher specification version gaining a CVT gearbox and AWD system.
Nissan Juke
The current Nissan Juke may still be rolling off the Sunderland production line in droves, but after seven years a full refresh is needed to keep the compact crossover on trend. Styling elements are will be borrowed from the pictured Gripz Concept, although obviously toned down for public consumption. The finished product should be on show at the Tokyo Motor Show in late October, along with confirmation of engine options. A hybrid version seems almost guaranteed, however.
Volvo XC40
Buoyed by the unprecedented success of the XC90, and smaller XC60, Volvo will add a new small crossover to its range in 2018. Targeted at other premium offerings like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the XC40 will borrow design language from the 2016 Concept 40.1. In keeping with Volvo’s electrification strategy a hybrid version will feature, alongside regular petrol and diesel offerings. Volvo will show off the completed XC40 at an event later in the year, with cars delivered in 2018.
BMW 3 Series
It used to be that German manufacturers would upgrade their compact executive saloons only once in decade. However, the pace of technological advancements means a new 3 Series now seems to come along as frequently as a new iPhone. Gesture and voice control from the bigger 5 Series will upgrade the interior, whilst exterior styling will be a subtle development of the current car. Lightweight construction will boost efficiency, with a second plug-in hybrid model expected to join the range below the 330e.
Audi Q8
If an Audi Q7 doesn’t quite have enough road presence for you, Audi has a solution with the forthcoming Q8. Billed as a coupe SUV, the giant Q8 is ready to intimidate BMW X6 drivers out of the way. A 3.0-litre V6 petrol-hybrid is expected as the entry-level version, whilst quattro four-wheel drive will of course be standard. A faster SQ8 version is also anticipated to join the range later in the lifecycle. Predicted to land in showrooms during the middle of 2018, pricing should be commensurate with the Range Rover Velar.
Audi e-tron SUV
Although less guaranteed to debut in 2018 than the Q8, Audi is also expected to reveal a finished version of the all-electric e-tron SUV. First shown as a concept in 2015, heavily disguised versions have been spotted testing this summer. As a natural competitor to the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, Audi has intensified efforts to get the e-tron SUV on the market as soon as possible.
BMW X7
BMW confirmed plans to create a flagship SUV as far back as 2014, but the range-topping X7 will finally make a debut in 2018. Effectively a high-riding 7 Series, the X7 will share the carbon fibre architecture and engine options with the big saloon. Rumours abound of a potential twin-turbo V12 variant, but that may be too extreme even for BMW. Although BMW is keen to point out the X7 will look different to the X5, we would naturally expect a degree of brand familiarity between the two.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The SUV formerly known as the M-Class, until being rebranded as the GLE in 2015, comes up for renewal late next year. Expected to use the MHA platform derived from the E-Class – which the GLE is equivalent to in Mercedes-Benz model hierarchy – this will be an all-new machine. Semi-autonomous technology is on the cards, whilst a hot GLE 63 AMG version has been spotted undergoing testing. Sharper headlights and a larger front grille will be new, but the trademark reverse-raked C-pillar should stay.
Range Rover Evoque
It might have just celebrated its sixth birthday, but the Range Rover Evoque still somehow looks boxfresh. Yet it’s now the oldest model in the entire Land Rover portfolio and, with the pace of competition in the luxury crossover sector, it needs to stay on top of the game. A revised Evoque is predicted to publicly debut late in 2018, meaning customers might not receive cars until early 2019. Talk has also centred on a more practical seven-seater version being offered, too.
Land Rover Defender
If you’re still coming to terms with a Land Rover range that doesn’t include the Defender, your anguish might only last another twelve months. The DC100 concept vehicle is expected to lend styling direction, although a three-door version now seems unlikely. Lightweight aluminium architecture is set to be taken from the latest Discovery, whilst engine choices should be JLR’s own diesel Ingenium units. Given the level of expectations on Land Rover to get this right, don’t be surprised if the release date slips into 2019.
Lamborghini Urus
At the complete polar opposite to the Defender on the 4×4 scale, 2018 should mark the year in which we finally see a new Lamborghini off-roader. Unlike the mental LM002 from the 1980s, the Urus will be firmly planted in SUV territory, and was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring. Styling should remain faithful to the 2012 concept, but an Audi-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will take the place of a naturally aspirated V12. A plug-in hybrid may also be on the cards.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
If the idea of a Lamborghini SUV takes some adjusting to, then the notion of a high-riding Rolls-Royce is likely to be a somewhat controversial arrival in 2018. Rolls-Royce has admitted it is in development, and even released disguised photos, but has otherwise remained tight-lipped about the finer details of the Cullinan. Certain chassis elements are likely to be shared with the BMW X7, but be surprised if anything other than a twin-turbocharged V12 engine is beneath the lengthy bonnet.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Having made a debut just last month, we already know that the new Phantom will push automotive luxury to the limit. Aluminium construction helps save weight, whilst the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 generates 570hp and 664lb ft of torque for effortless acceleration. The biggest talking point is the customisable ‘gallery’ that runs the width of the dashboard, and allows owners to display unique artwork creations. Deliveries will begin in 2018, allowing sufficient time to develop your own gallery concept.
Audi A9
Audi has been playing with idea of a flagship coupe model since the Prologue concept car was first shown at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Having clearly influenced the design of the new A5, amongst other models, 2018 may be the year Audi finally goes big. If Ingolstadt does deliver on the promise of a large coupe, expect aluminium construction to be derived from the new A8 saloon, along with engines and multimedia technology.
BMW 8 Series
What makes the Audi A9 even more likely is the announcement by BMW that it will reveal a new version of the 8 Series, almost two decades after the first generation car finished production. The Concept 8 Series was shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza in May this year, with only minor changes expected for the production version, which could debut as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show. A soft-top cabriolet version is set to follow in 2019, while a high-performance M8 is also in development with eyes on competing in the GTE class at Le Mans.
BMW M5
BMW is set to have a busy 2018, with sales of the newly announced M5 super saloon also beginning in February next year. A standard xDrive 4WD system is the big news, which allows the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine to use all of the 600hp and 553lb ft to run 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds. Fortunately the 4WD system can be turned off, making the £89,640 M5 rear-wheel drive only for epic drifting action. Phew.
Jaguar XE SVR
Jaguar may have grabbed headlines with the dramatic Project 8 limited edition XE, but a tamer SVR version of the compact saloon is expected in 2018. Rivalling the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63, the XE SVR should make use of a 500hp supercharged 5.0-litre V8. The lairy wings and spoilers of the Project 8 machine will also make way for a subtler bodykit, and don’t expect a roll cage to make an appearance on the options list.
BMW i8 Roadster
Having teased the idea of an open-top i8 since before the coupe even began production, BMW has finally confirmed that a roadster variant will debut in 2018. The scissor doors from the hardtop will remain, but debate is ongoing as to the type of roof the i8 Roadster will use. Most sources expect a simple fabric roof, but a more complex folding metal version has not been ruled out. The Roadster is expected to feature alongside a mid-lifecycle update for the i8, with increased power and extended battery life all round.
BMW Z4
Wrapping up a packed 2018 for BMW will be the launch of the third-generation Z4. After suggestions that the previous two models have failed to capture the heart of enthusiasts, BMW is promising that the 2018 Z4 will be an “all-out driving machine” from the start. This Concept Z4 should demonstrate the finished product, bar minor details, whilst engines should consist of inline 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre turbo options. We just hope the neat steering wheel-mounted lap timer makes production…pictu
Toyota Supra
Not only is a new Toyota Supra a big deal for 2018, it will also be sharing a platform with the aforementioned BMW Z4. Whilst both will be rear-wheel drive, the Supra will use a Toyota V6, and be a fixed-top coupe opposed to the roadster Z4. The FT-1 Concept is set to provide design direction for the Supra, and disguised cars have been spotted pounding the Nürburgring. With the Concept Z4 now revealed, Toyota may well display the finished Supra at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Aston Martin Vantage
At twelve years old, the Aston Martin Vantage is now bordering on antique status in sports car terms. Thankfully, a new Vantage is on the way, and has recently been photographed sporting a distinctive camouflage livery. Behind the bright colours are hints that the 2018 Vantage will take cues from the DB10 concept car, used in the 2015 Spectre James Bond film. Mercedes-AMG will supply a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, and prices are expected to start at less than £100,000.