Top 10: New cars due in 2014

2014 promises to be another busy year for new car launches in the UK. Here are ten of the most significant models that are going to be introduced this year.

1. Peugeot 308	Launch date: January
	Customer deliveries of the Peugeot 308 actually began today. A 2014 European Car of the Year finalist, this compact hatchback is a cornerstone of Peugeot’s aspiration to become a more premium brand. Interestingly, the 308 bucks a trend set by many of its rivals by being slightly shorter and considerably lighter than its predecessor.
2. Mazda 3	Launch date: January
	Another Car of the Year nominee is the Mazda 3, which will be a distinctive-looking competitor for the Peugeot 308 as well as the ever-popular Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. The cabin design isn’t as bold as the exterior styling, but at least a longer wheelbase should mean more passenger space versus the old model.
3. Nissan Qashqai	Launch date: February
	Judging by registration volumes, the Qashqai is the UK’s most popular crossover by quite some margin. Therefore the arrival of an all-new second generation version is an important event. Length and width have grown a tad, but the Qashqai is slightly lower than before. Those revised dimensions plus stronger styling should give it greater presence on the road.
4. BMW 2 Series Coupé	Launch date: March
	The first ever 2 Series is noticeably longer and wider than the two-door 1 Series, the car it replaces. It’ll be initially available in 220i, 218d, 220d and 225d guises with buyers able to choose from SE, Sport, Modern and M Sport trim grades. Topping the range is the M235i Coupé which features a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, upgraded suspension and a stronger braking system.
5. Jaguar F-Type Coupé	Launch date: March
	One of the major car launches of 2013 was the Jaguar F-Type Convertible. This year sees the arrival of the Coupé, which was unveiled simultaneously at the Los Angeles and Tokyo motor shows last November. Not only does the addition of a roof make the F-Type more practical - beneath the rear tailgate there’s room for two sets of golf clubs - but it also results in the most torsionally rigid production Jaguar ever.
6. Mini Hatch	Launch date: March
	Eventually revealed after a protracted sequence of unauthorised and official spy shots, the new Mini Hatch didn’t get a universally positive reception thanks to its bulbous looks and increased size. ‘Mini’ it isn’t, but final judgement should be reserved until the car has been seen in the metal and driven. Despite being bigger, the Cooper and Cooper D will both use three-cylinder turbocharged engines for the first time.
7. Porsche Macan	Launch date: April
	Resembling a shrunken Cayenne, the Macan SUV is expected to add an additional 50,000 units to Porsche’s annual global sales figures. The range comprises S, S Diesel and Turbo variants, all of which feature a V6 engine, active all-wheel drive and a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Drivers who prefer a manual gearbox are going to be disappointed though, as one isn’t being offered.
8. Jeep Cherokee	Launch date: April
	The 2014 Cherokee has been on sale in North America for quite a while. After some delays, this spring will at last see it arrive in UK dealers, but final specifications and prices have yet to be confirmed. In the USA, the engine line-up consists of 2.4 litre four-cylinder and 3.2 litre V6 petrol engines that come connected to nine-speed transmissions. A diesel option is expected for Europe.
9. Lamborghini Huracán	Launch date: April
	It’s hard to believe that the Lamborghini Gallardo is over ten years old. Nevertheless, that’s considered ancient in automotive terms, so the appearance of the Huracán to replace it hasn’t come as a surprise. Built predominantly from aluminium and carbon fibre, it’ll be offered only in LP 610-4 form to begin with. The spec includes a 5.2 litre V10 engine, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
10. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon	Launch date: June
	With its deeply scalloped sides, tapered rear end and massive front grille, the latest C-Class represents a daring change in design direction for a model that’s formerly been elegant yet understated. Although longer and wider than the previous version (primarily to give more rear-seat and boot space), the 2014 model manages to be lighter thanks to the partial use of aluminium.