Top 10s: Most anticipated new models for 2014

Story by John LeBlanc With the global auto industry’s non-stop, new model introduction schedule, it seems like Christmas every day for new car buyers. Here we are, only half way through the 2013, and there are plenty of new 2014 vehicles that have been previewed or have already gone on sale. Of the bunch, here are my most anticipated: German premium compact sedans While we already have a few, so-called “premium” compact sedans like the Buick Verano and Acura ILX, the segment will grow this year with the addition of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA small sedans. Both of these German-brand compacts are aimed at younger, less affluent urban-dwellers (and not necessarily driving enthusiasts), as both will be available with front-wheel-drive, small four-cylinder engines and no manual transmissions. 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C is a big deal. After abandoning the North American market in the mid-1990s, the Lotus Elise-like mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat sports car will mark the famed Italian brand’s return to our shores. After making its debut at this year’s Geneva auto show, the 4C is rumoured to be priced around US $86,000, and come with a 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making around 240 hp and mated exclusively to a twin-clutch automatic transmission. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The new seventh-generation 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray I recently drove may be the most significant 2014 debut, and for good reason. Not only does the new 'Vette introduce an all-new body, name (the return of the Stingray for the base models) and upscale cabin, it also gets a new, 6.2-litre V8 that makes 455 horsepower, allowing for a claimed under-four-second zero-to-96 km/h time and GM boasting the new 'Vette is “the most fuel-efficient sports car on the market.” 2014 General Motors’ full-sized pickups While the Corvette may get folks into GM showrooms, the majority drive away with either a Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra full-sized pickup — the U.S. automaker’s two most popular vehicles. There’s a lot riding on GM’s first new trucks since 2007. While the styling is conservative, the Silverado/Sierra get all all-new engines that GM says will improve fuel economy by 10 % — a key priority with new truck buyers. 2014 Infiniti Q50 & Lexus IS In anther attempt to make some kind of headway against the top-selling German brands, both Infiniti and Lexus have all new, entry-level sports sedans for 2014. A successor to the outgoing G four-door, the new Q50 is the first tangible hardware from the reborn Infiniti. And like the new the Q50, the new Lexus IS is counting on aggressive exterior styling to lure away existing German sports sedan buyers. 2014 Lexus NX Complementing the booming premium compact sedan market is a slew of small, luxurious crossovers. Almost every premium brand has one or is planning one. Toyota’s Lexus brand wants to jump on that bandwagon with the new 2014 Lexus NX, a crossover smaller than its best-selling, mid-sized RX. While nothing is confirmed, expect the compact Lexus crossover to debut in concept form at this fall’s Tokyo auto show, and then in production guise the next spring in Geneva. 2014 Mini Cooper Mark your calendar: an all-new Mini Cooper hatchback will debut on November 18 this year — the birthday of Sir Alec Issigonis, the original Mini's anointed father. This will be the first all-new Mini since the modern version debuted in 2002. Slightly larger under its familiar skin, the 2014 Mini will use a new platform from parent BMW that will also underpin a gaggle of small, front- and all-wheel-drive Bimmers, the first of which will be the BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo four-door hatchback, due in 2014 as well. 2014 Porsche Macan In the quest to add even more sales volume, Germany’s Porsche is jumping into the small luxury crossover segment with the 2014 Macan, set to debut at this November’s Los Angeles auto show and go on sale next year. Heavily based on the Audi Q5, reports say the Macan will be offered with four- and six-cylinder diesel and gas engines ranging from 187 to 288 horsepower, a six-speed manual and a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic. 2014 Subaru WRX/WRX STi For fans of Subaru’s WRX and WRX STi sports compacts, it’s been a long two years since the new base Impreza arrived. But after the debut of the WRX Concept at this year’s New York auto show, we’re expecting the production version to appear at this fall’s Tokyo event. While the compact Impreza will still be the base, we’re expecting Subaru to take more liberties with the higher-performing WRX/WRX STi’s looks. 2014 Toyota Corolla Toyota is taking some bold steps with its new 2014 Toyota Corolla compact sedan to keep it relevant in a segment chock-a-block with competition from rival top-sellers like the Mazda3, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. In an about-face from the reliable-but-boring Corolla we’ve known for decades, the 2014 edition gets edgy styling, a roomier, feature-filled interior and is expected to be more fun-to-drive.

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