New launches

July

Peugeot 107
Revised MINI range
Toyota Aygo
Toyota Avensis 2.2 D-4D
Vauxhall Zafira
Volvo D5 diesels

August

Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio

September

BMW 3-series Touring
Honda FR-V diesel
Jaguar XJ diesel
Jaguar X-type 2.2D
Mazda MX-5
Mercedes-Benz M-class
Renault Clio
Saab 9-3 SportWagon
SEAT Leon

Mazda MX-5

THE MX-5 is a legend. From its launch in 1989 it has offered driving fun clothed in a stylish, two-seater roadster format. The new version builds on that simple recipe, only with more aggressive styling and more power. On sale in September, the MX-5 will be available with 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol power – the latter offering 165bhp which should give the little Mazda the performance to match its looks.

Revised MINI range

IT’S a user-choosers’ favourite, and now the MINI range is improved. On sale this month, the range gets more equipment including a CD player and passenger airbag deactivation. The diesel-engined One D version also gets a 20% power hike to 88bhp and now meets Euro IV emissions requirements. Unfortunately, prices also rise across the range, with the One D up by 4.7% and the rest of the range by an average of 2%.