Now we’ve left the strange, tumultuous nightmare of 2016 behind us, it’s time to fully embrace 2017, and by that, obviously I mean the cars of 2017 that I’m itching to drive, or at least stroke on a stand at this summer’s Festival of Speed.
Kia GT
Alright, this list is in a particular order, and this is right at the top. Peter Schreyer and his team have made some very good-looking cars over the past five years, and surely their flagship sportscar will be the best yet, if the concept we saw at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, or the Stinger GT4 concept unveiled in 2014 at Detroit, are anything to go by. Rear-wheel-drive and 400bhp from a V6? Yes please.
Land Rover Discovery
We’ve sat in it, stroked it and will be driving it in February in Utah, up some mountains and down some canyons. Early reports suggest it’s at least as technically capable as the outgoing model.
Alpine sportscar
After much, much waiting, Renault’s performance sub-division lifts the lid on its mid-engined sportscar, which we’ve seen testing in disguise. A marque to inspire much loyalty, and many memories, and just what Renault needs to pep it up.
BMW X2
Don’t ask me why, but I just think this little crossover looks the business, and I’d like to add an M-badged version to my stocking for next year already, please.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Another mini SUV, but I’m a sucker for anything with an Alfa badge on it, and this year should be the year the companies fortunes turn around, with better build quality and customer care. An even more attractive proposition with the V6 engine.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
We’ll be driving this next month. The perfect car for winter: capable, comfy, spacious with luxury trim. Pass me a large dose of hygge and a jumper with reindeer on it.
Infiniti QX50
A guilty pleasure, although since the Q30, there’s not much to feel embarrassed about…Nissan’s luxury arm has finally discovered how to build cars for Europeans.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The SUV we’ve all been waiting for. Not due until 2018 but we’ve already seen it under disguise; now I’m twitching for the wraps to be taken off so we can get a proper sense of those intimidating proportions.
Mazda MX-5 RF
Seen it, want to drive it; we’re behind the wheel next month. Used to own a Mk2 MX-5…what I wouldn’t give to rewind the clock and never have sold it.
Maserati Gran Turismo
A major facelift for this beautiful Italian GT. It’s been a while since I drove one, but you never forget the reassuringly heavy steering, compliant chassis and spirited growl of a car born in Modena.
Actual write up: https://www.goodwood.com/grrc/columnists/erin-baker/2017/1/erin-baker-top-10-cars-for-2017/