In 2016 the British new car market will welcome several very interesting debutants aimed predominantly at family motorists. Some established and popular family car names will introduce a new-generation car.
In addition, certain major brands will be bringing all-new names to Britain’s family car segment, some of which may have already been on sale in certain markets outside the UK.
Here’s our rundown of five of the most exciting family cars due to arrive over the course of 2016.
Renault Megane
The next-generation Megane hatchback made its public debut during the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in early 2016.
To make it a worthy rival for the likes of the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, the new Megane sports much more radical styling than before. The unconventional C-shaped headlights and wide LED taillights are bound to help make the new Megane stand out on the road.
The family hatchback also has a sportier stance and the GT version appears to be heavily inspired by the Renaultsport hot hatches. None of that means the Megane is sacrificing practicality, however. In fact the new Megane is expected to have a more upmarket interior with new gadgets like a large touchscreen for the centre console.
Engines will reportedly include a selection of frugal petrols and diesels with power ranging between about 90bhp and 130bhp. The GT, however, will come with a much more potent 205bhp petrol engine.
Realistically, Renault needed to do something drastic to allow the Megane to keep up with the tough competition within the family hatchback market. This new model already looks like it could be a promising step forward indeed.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
During 2016, Alfa Romeo will finally launch a much-anticipated new executive saloon to rival the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Jaguar XE. Named the Giulia, the new Alfa’s design and decent practicality has the potential to attract both company car drivers and family motorists looking for an upmarket motor.
So far, the only version of the Giulia saloon which we know about in detail (and have seen in public) is the range-topping Quadrifoglio Verde, which will use a stunning 503bhp V6 engine.
Realistically, executive car buyers thinking about transporting a family won’t go for the QV spec, but the Alfa will offer other engines which will be far cheaper and more practical for such intentions. Other engines reportedly set to join the Giulia include a 2.2-litre diesel with outputs of 150, 180 or 210bhp.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is set to arrive to the UK market in early 2016, and it will be the largest SUV model Ford will offer in this country – sitting above the EcoSport and Kuga.
Ever since the Ford Explorer was pulled from Britain over ten years ago, Ford has been absent from the large SUV sector but is now ready to return in style. The Edge will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Nissan X-Trail.
A four-wheel drive powertrain, referred to as ‘Intelligent AWD’, will be available from launch. Engines will include a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 178 or 207bhp.
The Edge’s humungous interior will feature Ford’s SYNC 2 voice-control system, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A Front Split view camera that gives you a 180-degree view of what’s in front will also be included from launch.
Volkswagen Tiguan
It already feels like the Volkswagen Tiguan has been with us for an incredibly long time, yet the new one coming in 2016 will only be the second-generation of the small SUV.
Based on the same MQB underpinnings found in the Golf, the new VW Tiguan is over 50kg lighter than the previous model, but the boot has grown to 615 litres of space behind the rear seats.
The new Tiguan is 60mm longer overall, allowing for more space between the front and rear wheels. Passengers benefit from extra leg space as well as more room to place their luggage.
Engines are set to include 1.6 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels and 1.4 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol units, the latter option can be linked with front or four-wheel drive.
Kia Sportage
The third-generation Kia Sportage has proven to be a huge hit in the UK market, so there’s bound to be plenty of anticipation surrounding the new model launching during 2016.
The styling for the new Sportage is radically different this time round. It appears Kia has been inspired by the likes of the Nissan Juke in creating a look which, frankly, may split opinion, but is unarguably distinctive.
Featuring a longer wheelbase, longer front overhangs and a shorter rear overhang, expect the Sportage to offer greater practicality than ever before. The body is also 39 per cent stiffer than before, benefiting handling and especially safety.
Engines for the new Sportage will include a couple of diesels and 1.6-litre petrol units, all of which should prove more efficient than engines for its predecessor.
