JANUARY

Volkswagen Golf GTI

THE latest Golf GTI is a genuinely sporty car with much of the charisma of the earliest versions. Powered by a 200bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre FSI engine, the GTI is offered in three-door and five-door variants and is far more fun to drive than third and fourth-generation predecessors. Expect strong residuals from this petrol model, and a similar desire for the 160bhp diesel to follow.

Chevrolet Kalos

PERHAPS not the first vehicle you would think of when asked to imagine a Chevrolet, but it’s all-change for the Daewoo line-up from January 1. It means existing Daewoos will be wearing Chevrolet badges as part of the brand’s global roll-out, but they retain much of the hassle-free appeal of the Korean-badge predecessors. The Kalos will remain a competent supermini, with excellent aftersales back-up.