The Q5, smaller stablemate to Audi’s Q7 SUV, is set for a UK launch in late 2008. Lining up against established market players such as the BMW X5 and Land Rover Freelander, it is being marketed as a versatile combination of off-roader, family transport and sports coupe.

It is designed and equipped to tackle a degree of off-roading, with hill descent control provided as standard and ABS and stability control systems that detect and adapt to rough surfaces. Quattor intelligent four-wheel drive is fitted as standard.

Much effort has been invested in creating a sportier and leaner design – the Q5 Is 4.63 metres long and 1.65 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.81 metres. There is accommodation for five on board with a rear luggage space (with additional underfloor storage) that can be expanded from 560 to 1,560 litres.

Three engines will be available at launch. The 2.0 TFSI turbocharged direct injection petrol unit has been re-engineered to deliver 211hp and 350Nm of torque. This will be joined by the 170hp 2.0 TDI and the 240hp 3.0 TDI V6, which can deliver 500Nm of torque. The TFSI amd V6 engines will be available with Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic automatic transmission. Towing capacity is up to two tonnes. Engine emissions have not yet been declared, but the 2.0 TDI will return more than 42mpg. Audi quotes £30,000 as a guideline starting price for the range.

On Sale in the UK:	Late 2008
Price	From approx. £30,000
Engine sizes	2.0 turbocharged petrol, 2.0 and 3.0 diesel
Worth considering:	BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander, Volkswagen Tiguan

Peugeot will extend its new 308 range in June with the introduction of the new SW small estate model. Although it has the same wheelbase as the outgoing 307 SW, it is 72mm longer overall, giving more room inside for both passengers and luggage.

Customers will have a vast range to choose from with eight engines (five petrol and three diesel spanning a power spectrum from 90 to 175hp), four trim levels and manual and automatic transmissions.

The Sport and SE versions will come with a larger panoramic glass roof and removable rear seats; the other models take a steel roof and a rear bench seat format. Prices will start at £14,395, with standard features including six airbags, power steering, trip computer and air conditioning.

On Sale in the UK:	June 2008
Price:	From £14,395
Engine Sizes	1.4 and 1.6 petrol, 1.6 and 2.0 diesel
Worth Consideration:	Vauxhall Astra Estate, Renault Scenic, Volkswagen Golf Estate

First official pictures of the Insignia, Vauxhall’s replacement for the Vectra, reveal a dramatically styled car that opens up an entire new look for the brand. With its heavily sculpted bodywork, sweeping lines and low, coupe-like roofline, it is bold and distinctive. The interior promises an equally dynamic look, with which Vauxhall aims to rival the premium brands that have made such big market advances in the UK in the past two years.

The model will be offered with front-wheel drive and with the option of an intelligent four-wheel drive system that ~automatically divides torque between the axles to gain optimum grip. The new IDS-Plus active chassis has been designed to provide improved handling and driveability.

Five engines will be offered initially, all meeting Euro 5 emissions standards. These will include 140hp four-cylinder and 260hp V6 petrol units and two 2.0-litre direct injection diesels with 130 and 160hp An ultra- low emissions Ecoflex diesel will follow later.

The Insignia will be officially unveiled at the London motor show in July ahead of the hatchback and saloon versions going on sale in October.

On Sale in the UK:	October 2008
Price:	To be announced
Engine Sizes	2.0 and V6 petrol, 2.0 diesel, others to be announced
Worth Consideration:	Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Honda Accord

Alfa Romeo has revealed a new compact hatchback that is set to join the UK model line-up early in 2009 (European markets will be taking the car from this summer). Built on the same platform as the Fiat Grande Punto, the three-door Mito (the name is an abbreviation of Milano, where the vehicle was styled, and Torino, where it will be built) is expected to become a direct rival for the Mini. Measuring 4.06 metres long, it is slightly shorter than the current Alfa 147.

The car’s bold looks are heavily influenced by Alfa’s 8C Competizione supercar, particularly in the front end treatment and the rear lamp clusters. Engines will be shared with the Grande Punto, spanning a power range from about 90 to 155hp. More powerful units joining the line-up in line with Alfa’s sportier profile. All models will be equipped with a new stability control system; owners will also have the option of switchable modes for the steering, brakes and engine response to suit road conditions and driver preferences.

On Sale In The UK:	Early 2009
Price:	To be announced
Engine Sizes:	Petrol and diesel, outputs 90 to 155hp
Worth consideration:	Mini One, Volvo C30, Audi A3