Top 10: New cars due in 2013

Despite tough market conditions, 2013 is certainly going to be a very busy year for car launches, with manufacturers set to introduce new products that cover just about every sector and price point.

Choosing the ten most important isn’t an easy task, but these models can lay claim to being significant for a variety of different reasons.

1. Dacia Sandero

Launch date: January 2013

The Sandero is getting a lot of attention because, with a lead-in price tag of £5,995, it’s going to be the UK’s cheapest car.

For that amount, luxuries are sparse (neither a radio nor electric windows are part of the standard spec, for example) but the consensus seems to be that the basic Access version is the one to go for. While posher Sandero models offer more kit, they’re also costlier, which then opens them up to direct comparison against established, potentially more talented competitors.

2. Land Rover Range Rover

Launch date: January 2013

Arguably the current Range Rover remains the world’s finest luxury off-roader, so attempting to improve on it is a brave move. Nevertheless, the brand new L405 version has taken on the challenge and indeed it does address some of its predecessor’s shortfalls.

For instance, it’s much lighter thanks to the use of an all-aluminium monocoque construction, which in turn benefits fuel consumption. There’s also more room in the rear, meaning the new Range Rover should be more appealing to those who prefer to be driven around. On the downside the styling suffers from some overly fussy details (which seems to be a common Land Rover trait nowadays), but overall it’s a fairly handsome vehicle.

3. Vauxhall / Opel Adam

Launch date: January 2013

Style-conscious small car buyers have been flocking to the likes of the Fiat 500 and Mini in recent years. Now Vauxhall wants a slice of their business, hence the arrival of the Adam city car with its fresh design and plenty of personalisation options.

Unlike some of its chic rivals, the Adam can’t call on any retro associations to attract customers, but perhaps that’s no bad thing. Three trim levels will be available, with prices starting from £11,255.

4. Škoda Octavia

Launch date: March 2013

Coming so soon after the arrival of Volkswagen’s Golf Mk.7, the all-new Octavia could create some problems for its cousin. After all, the Škoda is based on the same MQB modular platform, but it’s a slightly larger car.

What’s more, the Octavia’s prices and specifications (which have still to be finalised) could threaten to make it a more appealing customer proposition than the Golf.

5. Jaguar F-Type

Launch date: May 2013

Jaguar’s E-Type was iconic because of its looks, style, performance and price. So deciding to use the F-Type name for a new two-seat roadster inevitably means that comparisons are going to be made against the Jaguar’s legendary forebear, as well as a host of very capable contemporary rivals.

From launch the line-up of V6 and V8 supercharged engines will only be available with an automatic transmission, which might mean that some enthusiasts delay placing their orders in anticipation of the rumoured six-speed manual alternative. Prices in the UK range from £58,500 to £79,950.

6. Alfa Romeo 4C

Launch date: Second half of 2013

This mid-engine sports car has already been seen in concept form and, if speculation is to be believed, the production version will make its debut at this March’s Geneva Motor Show. European sales are then expected to commence later in 2013, with a UK price of around £40,000.

That’ll be followed next year by what could be the 4C’s toughest task: spearheading the oft-delayed re-launch of the Alfa Romeo brand in North America.

7. Chevrolet Corvette C7

Launch date: Autumn 2013

The seventh-generation Corvette is due to be unveiled later this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Chevrolet has done a good job of keeping the C7 under wraps so far, but it has revealed that power is going to come from an improved LT1 V8 engine with a 6.2 litre capacity.

Featuring direct injection and variable valve timing, it will develop somewhere in the region of 450 bhp (335 kW / 456 PS) and 610 Nm (450 lb/ft) of torque, which should be enough for a sub-four second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint time.

8. BMW 4 Series

Launch date: Late 2013

Will a change in nameplate from 3 Series to 4 Series for BMW’s mid-size coupé harm sales? No, of course it won’t.

Not too much is known about the new model’s specifications yet, except to say it’s notably larger than its predecessor.

9. McLaren P1

Launch date: Late 2013

Almost fifteen years after production ended, the McLaren F1 is still considered one of the most accomplished supercars ever built, even by today’s standards. Now a successor, the P1, is being readied for launch following its unveiling at last September’s Paris Motor Show.

The P1 has been designed for outstanding circuit performance rather than maximum straight line speed, with exceptional levels of aerodynamic downforce and a high power to weight ratio contributing to a race-car feel. However, full technical details and pricing have yet to be revealed.

10. MG3

Launch date: Late 2013

MG’s resurrection has been slow-paced, partly because its only model - the MG6 - lacked a diesel engine. That omission has now been sorted, and the brand received some much-needed exposure following its participation in this year’s British Touring Car Championship.

The next stage in the firm’s revival is anticipated to be the UK-engineered MG3 supermini, which is already available in China. Whether final assembly of European-market cars will take place at Longbridge remains to be seen, though.