This year looks set to be a fantastic year for the motoring world. Of course, there’s the ever-growing rise of electrification and autonomous technology — which are wonderful in their own right — but alongside those, there’s a ton of great looking and great driving cars on the horizon.
We take a look at 10 cars we can’t wait to get behind the wheel of in 2018.
Suzuki Swift Sport
The first two generations of the Suzuki Swift Sport became widely loved for providing an old-school hot hatch experience — low weight, just enough power and tons of fun on the road.
For 2018, the previously naturally-aspirated hatch has gained a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine — although that shouldn’t spoil the experience, as the car weighs even less than before at a mere 970kg.
Its arrival is imminent, and we can’t wait get behind the wheel of the little tearabout.
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford’s last Fiesta ST was hailed as the best hot hatch of its time — if not of all time. It combined the already-great driving dynamics of the Fiesta with a punchy, powerful engine that resulted in one of the best driving experiences money could buy.
It’s back for 2018 — this time bringing along a jump in power and an optional limited-slip differential that almost guarantees it’s going to be a riot on the roads. Colour us excited!
Mercedes A-Class
As 2018 sees a whole new Mercedes A-Class come to market, it looks set to be a great one.
The premium hatchback has gained bucketloads of new tech, like its impressive dual 10.25-inch display stretching across its dashboard that creates an immersive user experience.
It’s also got a whole new look that brings it in-line with the rest of Mercedes’ latest creations — and we think it’s for the better.
Peugeot 508
The Peugeot 508 arrives in its second generation in 2018, and it has made quite a statement.
It’s a seriously good looking machine — perhaps the best so far of Peugeot’s latest design language — and doesn’t look too far from a concept car. Plus, it comes with a range of efficient engines and smooth gearboxes, meaning it should be as good to drive as it is to look at.
Volkswagen Polo GTI
The Volkswagen Polo launched in its sixth-generation at the tail-end of 2017 — and its high-performance GTI is here in the UK for 2018.
It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with plenty of poke — 197bhp in fact — making it a real contender in the hot hatch segment. It also manages to blend the sharp looks of the new Polo with an understated hint of aggression that makes GTI models so appealing.
Kia Ceed
Since its introduction back in 2006, this hatchback has become Kia’s best-selling model across the continent and the latest generation is looking to improve its standing in the family hatchback segment.
The 2018 Ceed has dropped the apostrophe from previous editions, and also comes with loads of new tech to make it more appealing to safety-conscious customers - including level two autonomy and driver assistance systems.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
After Alfa Romeo unveiled its first ever SUV, it wasn’t going to take too long before the Italian brand souped it up with its Quadrifoglio treatment.
Fitted with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6, this is currently the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring thanks to a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 176mph. It also looks superb with its more dynamic body kit and comes with loads of mod-cons for a great overall experience.
Ford Focus
Now in it’s fourth generation, the Focus revolutionised the family hatchback market and dominated all seen before it in the segment - due to its excellent dynamics and practicality.
This latest version incorporates the firm’s current design and an all-new Active model - which takes inspiration from the crossover market that is becoming more popular with the model’s target market. It’s on sale now and will be on the road in September.
BMW 8 Series
As the upcoming flagship model for the BMW range, the 8 Series is still being tested before its market release later this year.
Despite it still being camouflaged during the process, you can tell that this top-end coupe will have sleek lines and potentially have high-end performance. An M-modified model is also on the way after its concept was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show.
Jaguar I-Pace
As the current market trends lead customers towards more efficient models and crossovers, the Jaguar I-Pace combines the two superbly in an attractive package.
The I-Pace is kickstarting a trend of premium manufacturers making all-electric SUVs, but with this model you get 300 miles of range, plenty of great technology and lots of practicality. Combine that with Jaguar’s usually good driving dynamics and the British brand could be on to a winner.