You don't need a glass ball: the SUVBoom will continue in the coming year. The spectrum ranges from thick ships like the VW Touareg to mini models like the Suzuki Ignis, from luxury crossovers like the Porsche Cayenne to budget offers like the Dacia Duster. But the manufacturers also have numerous new products in the other car classes.
Audi:
For Audi, the car year starts early: right from the start, the technically widely related models Q5 and A5 Sportback come onto the market. Both the SUV and the hatchback sedan remain faithful to the style of their predecessors, but present themselves extensively modernized under the sheet. In addition to smarter assistants such as a traffic jam pilot, lower weight and more economical engines, there is also a more modern infotainment system, which also includes the spectacular Virtual Cockpit, in which high-resolution screens replace the analog instruments. In spring, the A5 Cabrio joined Audi's mid-range family. A new era in Ingolstadt does not begin until summer, when the fourth generation of the A8 presents itself - the first model by the new designer Mark Lichte, which is supposed to silence criticism of the increasingly uniform Audi style. The upper-class sedan is also to make a technical leap and to be at the top of the premium field in autonomous driving - including an autopilot that can be used at speeds of up to 130 km / h.
Alfa Romeo:
Alfa Romeo has been announcing its first SUV since 2012, and the Stelvio is finally coming in 2017. In the aggressive design style of the Giulietta limousine, with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and a powerful V6 engine, it will then dig up BMW X3 and Co. italophile customers.
BMW:
From big to small: after the new edition of the 7-seater sedan this year, it’s 2017 in 5. In February he took over numerous design elements and a lot of high-tech from his big brother. Among other things, there is a lane guidance assistant that works up to 210 km / h and, in combination with the distance control, makes the BMW a quasi-autonomous vehicle, at least on the motorway. At the start of the market, the engine range consisted of two petrol and two diesel engines, one of which was a four- and a six-cylinder, each with an output of up to 250 kW / 340 hp, followed by a plug-in hybrid with 45 kilometers of electrical range. The prices start at 45.200 euros. In the course of the year, BMW will also add SUVs. The X2 is a much sleeker coupé version of the compact X1, while the X3 relies on the generic box design of the predecessor, but is technically more advanced and, for the first time, also comes with an electric motor. The latter, however, probably not in the coming year.
Citroen:
The French want to go back to the avant-garde. In January, the extroverted C3 compact car shows what this looks like in terms of design, taking over the body planks from the compact crossover C4 Cactus and offering numerous other customization options in terms of color and accessories as well as technical gadgets (such as a selfie camera on the interior mirror) , Then, however, significantly more money is due than for the 12.000 euro basic version, with which the price-sensitive customers should not be compromised. In the second half of the year, the presentation of the new mid-range model C5 is due
Dacia:
Everything new - except the price. Also in the second edition, the Dacia Duster remains the cheapest SUV in Germany with a starting price of around 11.000 euros. The new one grows to around 4,50 meters and thus offers space for an optional third row of seats. The design is more modern and dynamic compared to the rather angular predecessor.
Ford:
The Ford Fiesta celebrates its 2016th birthday in 40, and the eighth generation of the small car starts in mid-2017. In terms of dimensions and appearance, the Cologne-based company is moving closer to the compact Focus. The exterior design becomes a little sportier and more mature, inside Ford promises a significant upgrade. The range of assistance systems is also increasing - and so is the price. Under the high class average of 14.000 euros, the five-door will probably no longer exist. From the beginning of 2017, the new Ka +, which is based on the old Fiesta platform and clearly outperforms the superseded small car Ka, is expected to intercept demand in the price segment below. When it comes to everyday use, the five-door hatchback has more to offer than the narrow micro-car.
Sling:
The Japanese are playing it safe with the new Civic in the first half of the year. The design of the tenth generation is significantly more suitable for mass than the two futuristic predecessors. The five-door is also visually lower on the street, although it is only two centimeters flatter. In contrast, it has grown in length, which should provide more space in the rear. Honda does not use the cinema folding seats of the predecessor. This time the Civic should score especially with good safety equipment in the compact class. A collision warning system, an automatic lane departure warning system and a blind spot radar are included as standard. The all-inclusive package also includes a reversing camera for safe parking and traffic sign recognition. Prices are not yet known.
Hyundai:
Even in the current generation, the Hyundai i30 successfully measures itself against Europe's compact car elite. In the new edition expected for the beginning of 2017, the Korean is more closely oriented towards the top of the class VW Golf in terms of design and appearance. Inside and out, the i30 looks more serious and adult, technically it also follows up. In addition to full LED headlights and modern infotainment, modern assistance systems should also be available. In addition to the familiar diesels and petrol engines, there will also be a sports engine and possibly a hybrid for the drive. The manufacturer does not yet list prices.
Jaguar:
A station wagon is obviously always a good deal in Europe's business class. Jaguar is therefore apparently releasing a spacious Sportbrake variant in the current generation of the XF. As with the sedan, a lot of aluminum should ensure low weight, gasoline and diesel from the Ingenium family are responsible for adequate driving performance. Jaguar's electric SUV is scheduled to come onto the market at the end of the year. The British have already shown what it could look like with the I-Pace study. The 294 kW / 400 hp four-wheel drive sports a range of 500 kilometers.
Jeep:
The American off-road brand starts the attack on the VW Tiguan again in autumn with the new edition of the Compass. Visually, the 4,40-meter-long new car distinguishes itself from its rustic predecessors and is based more on the SUV style of Renegade and Cherokee than on bulky off-road vehicles. Round, car-like shapes also prevail in the interior. So it's only logical that four-wheel drive is not a compulsory program for the Compass. Every engine can also be ordered with front-wheel drive. The engine program for Germany is not as certain as the prices.
Kia:
Every fifth Kia sold worldwide is a Rio. In Germany, on the other hand, the small car in polo format has lost a bit of ground - something that will change with the new edition in spring. Generation three with its flatter body looks sportier and at the same time more mature than before. The occupants enjoy more freedom of movement, the luggage compartment now holds 325 liters and thus 26 liters more. Under the hood there are two three-cylinder turbo petrol engines, two naturally aspirated engines with four cylinders and two turbodiesels to choose from. The scope of performance ranges from 62 kW / 84 PS to 88 kW / 120 PS. The starting price could be just below the 11.000 euro limit.
Land Rover
The current Discovery has been in the Land Rover program for 12 years, so it's time for a new model. That comes to the market in spring, growing significantly. The SUV then measures almost five meters, and the space available has increased even more thanks to some construction tricks. Even if the new is optically smoother than the angular predecessor, it remains with high off-road mobility. The customer has the choice between two all-wheel drive techniques - one for easy terrain and one for real wilderness. New is the contemporary arsenal of assistance systems such as collision avoidance, distance cruise control, parking assistant, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition or high beam assistant.
Mazda:
In February Mazda makes its roadster classic MX-5 dirt-proof. Then the new “RF” variant with a foldable hardtop comes onto the market in Germany. As with a Targa convertible, the middle section of the roof can be lowered electrically, while the B-pillars remain in place and provide an unusual silhouette. In Germany, the MX-5 RF is only available in combination with the more powerful of the roadster's two petrol engines. The 2,0-liter engine develops 118 kW / 160 hp and is coupled to a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. Unlike the Roadster, there is also an alternative to a six-speed automatic. A price is not yet known. Not completely new, but largely revised, the Mazda CX-5 starts at the end of May. The compact SUV comes with a sharpened exterior design and upgraded interior. One of the most important technical changes is the G-Vectoring Control, already familiar from the Mazda6. The system reduces the torque very briefly when cornering fast, which puts more load on the front wheels and keeps the car on track better. The adaptive cruise control system has also been improved: As part of MRCC (Mazda Radar Cruise Control), the CX-5 can now drive automatically in a traffic jam. Prices should continue to start at around € 25.000.
Mercedes:
In the new year, the Stuttgart company will initially focus on completing the E-Class range. The all-terrain off-road variant of the station wagon, called “All-Terrain”, will start in spring. In addition to a robust look, the slightly higher station wagon offers air suspension with off-road mode and always all-wheel drive. Prices should start just below 60.000 euros. The E-Class Coupé then comes in the middle of the year.Unlike its predecessor, it dispenses with technology borrowings from the C-Class and also evolves more in the direction of the S-Class two-door in terms of appearance and design - including more space and a chic interior. The E-Class Cabrio will follow on the same basis at the end of the year. Those who like to be robust can look forward to the new edition of the G-Class, which will receive a major update after 35 years of construction. The off-road vehicle becomes more spacious, lighter and more comfortable on asphalt. The program of assistants will also be increased. Leg-hard off-road technology and an angular body still exist. 2017 also brings news in drive technology: Mercedes is launching a small-scale production of a fuel cell variant of the GLC mid-size SUV. The F-Cell model with a range of around 500 kilometers can not only be filled with hydrogen, but can also be recharged directly from the socket. The number of pieces should initially be limited to just under 1.000 cars.
Mini:
The BMW subsidiary will continue to renew the model range with the Countryman in the spring. Like the small Clubman station wagon, the small SUV grows by half a class and thus gains in practical values. In the course of the year, the new Mini will also be the first Mini ever to be equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive consisting of a three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor for the rear axle, which should be content with 2,1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and 40 kilometers purely electrically per battery charge moves. First of all, there are conventional drives with at least 100 kW / 136 hp, the base price of EUR 26.500 is correspondingly juicy.
Mitsubishi:
The Japanese are continuing to expand their SUV range: In autumn, the Outlander Sport, a large compact SUV, will be positioned between the ASX and Outlander models. The new four-wheel drive is the first model of the brand to carry the new, more distinctive design style, under the hood there will be a hybrid drive in addition to diesel and petrol engines.
Nissan:
No more world car: The new Nissan Micra wants to meet the European taste again from March. If the predecessor, with its world car design smoothed to the flavors of Asians, Americans and Europeans almost to the point of lack of character, was lost in the local street scene, the fifth version will really stand out again. Its sweeping lines are already known from Qashqai and Co., but here they are carried to the extreme over a length of around four meters. A 0,9-liter turbo gasoline engine with three cylinders and 66 kW / 90 hp and an equally powerful 1,5-liter diesel are available to drive the Micra, both of which are already known from the Clio. As a base engine, a 1,0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 55 kW / 73 hp was added shortly after market launch. Prices are not yet known. There are also few details about the facelift of the Nissan Qashqai, which is expected for spring. Among other things, there should be new assistance systems with semi-autonomous functions.
Opel:
Opel plans to launch seven new models in 2017. The most important thing is probably the Insignia, which starts in spring. The mid-size sedan with hatchback and the station wagon then squint in terms of size and appearance towards the business segment, but should continue to measure up in terms of price more to volume vehicles such as Ford Mondeo and Co. The bugs of the previous generation are said to have been fixed: progress will be made above all in terms of weight and space. There are also new petrol engines and a contemporary eight-speed automatic. The new electric model Ampera-e, which can travel up to 500 kilometers per battery, is said to be even ahead of its time. Technically, the Opel is based on the US model Chevrolet Bolt, from which the crossover body is also adopted. The prices should start at 35.000 euros. At the end of the year, two more crossovers will come onto the market: the Crossland X replaces the Mini-Van Meriva as an inexpensive family car, an as yet unnamed compact SUV closes the gap in the model range above the Mokka X. Both models were developed together with the French PSA Corporation.
Porsche:
After the last focus was on the Panamera, Porsche renewed its Cash Cow Cayenne at the end of the year. Just like the technically related Touareg, the luxury SUV is supposed to slim down significantly, making it more agile and economical. The interior is then more oriented towards the Panamera.
Peugeot:
For a long time, the French were poorly positioned in the compact SUV segment. Now there are two new models: In addition to the 2016 launched at the end of 3008, its big brother 5008, which is less chic, but more practical thanks to seven seats and a more angular cut, is also starting in March. Both models dispense with all-wheel drive, prices for the 5008 are not yet known. While the two SUVs will also drive up the brand's sales in Germany, the new edition of the 508 should primarily target the important Chinese market. The mid-size sedan presented in the course of the year grows again compared to the already massive predecessor and thus follows in the footsteps of the former flagship 607. At least in Europe there will probably also be a station wagon. However, the most important model in the PSA subsidiary's offer remains the compact car 308, which receives a slight optical lift over the course of the year. New assistants could also move into the golf competitors, and it is also conceivable to adopt the digital cockpit from the SUV models.
Renault:
At the beginning of 2016, Renault presented the first near-series study of the new Alpine after a whole series of show cars. The finished sports car comes in 2017 and should be the starting signal for an entire model family under the revived traditional brand. The Alaskan, a medium-sized pick-up based on the Navara from alliance partner Nissan, is several sizes larger. Unlike the Mercedes X-Class announced on the same platform, the basic model is only slightly modified in terms of appearance and comfort; the main market is South America.
Seat:
The Ibiza rushes ahead of the Polo: the new generation of the Spanish small car, like its northern German counterpart, is based on the VW Group's new MQB platform, grows slightly in length and increases in space. The well-known three- and four-cylinder engines are available. The Leon compact car has been based on the MQB architecture since 2012, and a technical lift is due in 2017. While the outer skin is hardly changed, Seat increases the range of assistants. A traffic jam pilot is then available, which automatically follows the vehicle in front when traffic is slow. Or an emergency braking function for city traffic, the sensors of which now also recognize pedestrians. In addition, there are traffic sign recognition, semi-automatic parking even in transverse gaps or improved performance of the camera and navigation system.
Skoda:
For almost the entire year 2016, Skoda stirred the advertising drum for the Kodiaq, in early 2017 the brand's first mid-range SUV finally started. The Tiguan's big brother relies on the typical brand virtues such as a large amount of space, fair prices and clever detailed solutions. The largest Skoda holds a maximum of 2.065 liters, thanks to the foldable front passenger seat, items up to 2,80 meters long can be stowed, a sliding rear seat allows you to vary between the rear knee room and the maximum loading volume. There is even a third row of seats on request. More than just gimmicks are the so-called sleep headrests or the door edge protection that was previously only available from Ford, which extends automatically when the door is opened. The base engine is the 1,4-liter petrol engine with 92 kW / 125 hp, prices start at 25.500 euros. While the Kodiaq still has to earn its spurs, the Octavia has long been indispensable in the Skoda range. The large compact model will therefore be carefully revised at the beginning of 2017. The most striking change is the new four-eye face with vertically divided headlights in the style of the old Mercedes E-Class. For the first time, they are also available with LED technology. The range of technical helpers is also being upgraded: there is now a trailer assistant that takes over the steering when maneuvering, as well as a rear radar for illuminating the blind spot and the cross traffic warning when reversing.
Suzuki:
Suzuki is opening a new SUV segment in January with the Ignis. The five-door hatchback measures just 3,70 meters in a chic, urban crossover trim, but unlike many larger competitors, it is also available with all-wheel drive. There are also up to five seats and a trunk with a capacity of up to 501 liters. Propulsion is provided by a 1,2-liter petrol engine with 66 kW / 90 hp and 120 Newton meters of torque, which will also be available in a hybrid variant. Prices are not yet known, but should be around 12.000 euros.
Ssangyong:
The Koreans are about to reissue their flagship Rexton. The large SUV classic cut is based on the study LIV-2 shown in Paris, for the drive Ssangyong announces not only a petrol engine but also a diesel with 133 kW / 181 PS, which can be combined with a seven-speed automatic from Mercedes. Prices are not yet known.
Volvo
The Swedes continue to work at full speed on the renewal of the model range. Next up is the new edition of the 60 series, which begins in 2017 with the mid-size SUV XC60. You can expect a design in the style of the 90s models, from which the operating concept and assistance programs are also adopted. The XC40, the brand's new compact SUV, presented at the end of the year shows how things will go in the near future. In 2018, the conversion of the portfolio should then be completed with the non-SUV variants S60 / V60 and V40. The S90 Executive will be launched in the course of the coming year. The top variant of the business sedan built in China is to compete with the Mercedes S-Class with its classy equipment and refurbished rear.
VW:
In troubled times you are looking for something familiar. The changes that VW made to the Golf VII during its first lifting were accordingly gentle. On the outside, the modifications only catch the eye of precise observers, on the inside they should be directly perceptible and visible. Among other things, the compact shines with a digital instrument cluster, the displays of which can be adapted to the driver's wishes. The 9,2-inch instead of 8-inch screen in the center console offers a higher-resolution image, and the entire front is now under glass. Conventional buttons and controls are no longer available; control is via the touchscreen, with so-called capacitive pushbuttons on the left edge, by voice or - for the first time in this class - by gesture: You can scroll through various menus by swiping in front of the screen. The new 1,5-liter turbo gasoline engine is celebrating its premiere and will replace the 1.4 TSI in all Group models. In the Golf, it initially had 110 kW / 150 PS, the standard consumption fell slightly to 4,9 liters compared to the predecessor. There are extensive updates for the other engine variants, the E-Golf, for example, with 300 kilometers per battery filling 100 kilometers further than before.
However, by far the most important model of the brand is not the only hope for 2017. Thanks to its length growth, the Polo will in future be the little brother of the Golf even more than before, and it will also emulate the quality of the interior. There should be more details of the premiere at the Geneva Salon in spring, where the new golf SUV, which is located below the recently significantly grown Tiguan, will also be celebrating its premiere. The VW CC will probably only be seen a little later. The sleek hatchback offshoot of the ordinary Passat becomes even more distinctive and elegant, and is also the first model to bear the new VW brand face. However, the flagship in the portfolio continues to be the large SUV Touareg, which again shares the platform with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Like these two, this VW also loses massive weight. A plug-in hybrid drive should also ensure a good CO2 balance. The cockpit, in which there will be a curved OLED screen for the first time, will be an eye-catcher. (Holger Holzer / SP-X)