2018 may only be a couple of months away, but that doesn’t mean we have to wait to see what motoring delights will be coming to the road.
With the return of a French sports car manufacturer as one of the highlights, we will also be seeing some innovative new models and reworks of some truly iconic cars.
Here are our favourites models that will be coming out in 2018…
Alpine A110
French manufacturer Alpine is making its long-awaited comeback after being out of the market for over 20 years. The A110 harks back to some of the brand’s iconic models with the stylish dual-headlights and retro-style bodywork. After seeing a concept in 2016, the full production version was shown off at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and wowed the crowds. Here’s to hoping that the lightweight sports car powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine will be as exciting as Alpine’s classic models.
Audi Q8
Replacing the Q7 as Audi’s largest SUV, the Q8 is going to be five-metres long and come with a V6-hybrid system similar to that found in the A8 saloon. Originally known as the Q8 Sport concept, this model has a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and a quoted top speed of 170mph, and with the help of a 48-volt electrical system it can have the efficiency of a vehicle with less cylinders. Expect it to come with the full complement of Audi’s safety technologies and innovative interior features that make the brand’s models so desirable.
BMW i8 Roadster
The BMW i8 hybrid sports car was the starting gun for other companies to look into keeping the sports car exciting even with alternative power options. Now BMW will be releasing the most recent version of i8 with a folding roof. It looks like something from the future and it sure is quick, so what’s not to like? Although official pictures or stats haven’t been released yet, the i8 Roadster is sure to be one of the most exciting models to be unveiled next year.
Ford Fiesta ST
The most recent Fiesta ST was a triumph. It was exciting, happy to rev and was excellent to drive. So, with Ford announcing the latest version, it has a tough act to follow. But the American brand has the expertise and experience to improve the Fiesta ST, so even though it may not look as exciting as the previous edition, it could certainly be better to drive, which is what every hot hatch fan is hoping for.
Hyundai FCEV
The first of the Hyundais on this list is the FCEV. Now, it may not look the most enticing model or be made by one of the world’s most exciting brands, but the FCEV is looking to make the use of a hydrogen fuel cell more common. With Hyundai already trying to make this idea more widespread with the ix35 Fuel Cell, this purpose-built model could really break the mould for alternatively-fuelled vehicles. Official details for the model will be released in January, so keep an eye out for this.
Hyundai i30 N
The South Korean brand’s first leap into the hot hatch market is expected to be an excellent one, as the i30 N has already wowed us in our review, which you can read here. Yes, we have driven it already, and yes, it is already in production, but UK drivers won’t get their mitts on it until next year. This could be one of the cars of 2018 and as an alternative to the Fords, Volkswagens and Hondas of the hot hatch market, it is worth thinking about this. With a standard and Performance version, it is worth going that extra mile for the top spec model.
Jaguar I-PACE
The brand’s first all-electric model is quite a looker, and with the angular bodywork and sporty stance, the I-PACE is as enticing as it is intriguing. Jaguar says the I-PACE can get from 0-60mph in just over four seconds and has a quoted range of 310 miles, so represents a more practical electric car option. Coming with all-wheel drive, the I-PACE has a lot of interior space with the lack of an internal combustion engine at the front and a quality finish for a premium feel.
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept
With design cues from the AMG GT, the GT Concept from earlier this year is likely to be coming into production by the time 2018 is over. Extending the GT to accommodate four people, the model is likely to have a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet paired with a high-performance electric motor for hybrid capabilities and savage performance. Mercedes says this car could get from 0-60mph in under three seconds, which for a saloon-sized coupe is absolutely bonkers.
VW up! GTI
Now the up! may not be the most exciting car in the world, but imagine this – it’s the same size as the original Golf GTI from 40 years ago. Now also imagine that this version of the up! would come with the same power as that original Golf – 114bhp – and this now starts to make a whole lot of sense. Expected early next year, the up! GTI should garner plenty of interest and could become one of the best superminis on the market very quickly.
Volvo XC40
Volvo’s smallest SUV is one that looks the part when compared to the rest of the market and offers Swedish quality and comfort. Going up against the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi, this Volvo certainly has a tough task of getting to the top of the market. But with the sales success of the XC60 and XC90 models, this could be Volvo’s most popular vehicle, and with excellent levels of safety and technological features, the XC40 may be a smart option in the crossover/small SUV segment.
