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CompleteCar.ie have come up with a list of the top ten new cars due to arrive in 2016 that are worth waiting for. Ranging from estates to SUVs we preview some of the more realistic models to put on your shopping list this year.
1 - Renault Mégane
It used to be difficult to get too excited about the Renault Mégane, but this summer an all-new model is set to arrive and it’s a big improvement. Looks-wise it is every bit as sharp as its rivals and inside there’s a cool portrait layout tablet display available. The engine line-up sees some modest improvements too. Keener drivers will like the GT version that, in addition to a sportier look, includes a trick all-wheel steering system to boost agility.
2 - Volvo S90
There’s always been something cool about Swedish car maker Volvo, but its new S90 saloon is sub-zero! If you’ve already seen the current XC90 then some of the detail will be familiar. Inside and out it showcases the best of Scandinavian design with space to rival the likes of the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. The new S90 will be packed with advanced safety systems including semi-autonomous drive, while a plug-in hybrid drivetrain will also be available.
3 - Fiat Tipo
Some of you might remember the Fiat Tipo name from the past, but it is now being revived for Fiat’s new range. In Europe this new, small and affordable model will be available in saloon, hatchback and estate forms. With both petrol and diesel versions Fiat is planning on offering value for money.
4 - Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Alfa’s new flagship saloon will make its debut this year first in high performance guise called the Giulia Quadrifoglio. This is powered by a 505hp twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, with a six-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive. There will of course be more regular versions including diesel engines, but these won’t be seen until much later in the year. Even so, many petrolheads are excited about the prospect of a real return from Alfa Romeo.
5 - Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The baby Range Rover has proven to be so successful that the company has decided to make a convertible version of it. We’re not quite sure if anyone actually ever asked for it but it’s being made anyway. Like all traditional convertibles it will feature a fabric roof and being a Range Rover it will still be capable of wading through rivers and across muddy terrains. Perfect for that impromptu safari adventure down in your local park.
6 - Ford Edge
The Blue Oval is launching its new mid-size SUV this year and it's called the Edge. Looking a lot more American than the smaller EcoSport and Kuga, the Edge fills a hole in the Ford range. There will be just one manual and one automatic version offered for sale, both of which are all-wheel drive. Inside there’s only room for five but it is spacious, while up front there is Ford’s latest voice-controlled SYNC 2 infotainment system.
7 - Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport
In 2016 the Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 40 and to help mark the anniversary Volkswagen has created the Clubsport. It occupies the middle ground between the Golf GTI and the more powerful Golf R. There’s a larger roof spoiler, more aggressively-styled bumpers and side skirts along with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that is tuned to deliver 265hp and up to 290hp on overboost. If you want one you’ll need to be quick though as Volkswagen is only going to produce this model for a very limited time.
8 - Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Just like the larger S-Class, the all-new E-Class is set to come loaded with a host of new technology including some level of autonomous driving. Following on from the impressive C-Class, the new 5 Series rival will be a very good looking saloon. Expect refinement levels that you would normally find in a car costing much more as well as a range of efficient engines. In time there will be hybrid and estate versions too.
9 - BMW 5 Series
BMW isn’t going to let Mercedes-Benz have the executive saloon segment all to itself. The new 5 Series is due to make its public debut later this year and although it is expected to retain the same size and shape expect a slightly more spacious interior. It’s also likely that some of the cool technology from the larger 7 Series will trickle down in this model. Popular models such as the 520d will remain in the range and - like the E-Class - new hybrid versions are also expected to appear down the line.
10 - Kia Optima Estate
Mention large, good looking estate cars and you might not instantly think of Kia, but the Korean brand has revamped its Optima saloon and later this year will introduce an estate version based on the seriously cool Sportspace concept from 2015. It’s the first time Kia has offered an estate version of the Optima and if the concept is anything to go by this will be one of the more desirable options in the sector.
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