Exciting future in the power underneath our cars

IT’S always an exciting time when we put together our round-up of the hottest new cars that are on the way to showrooms in the next 12 months and beyond. But this guide, which starts on Page 39, feels that little bit more special.

It’s bigger, for starters; 12 months ago we downloaded 109 vehicles from our journalists’ notepads and interview transcripts. This time, we’ve had to cram in 125. They’re not all SUVS, either (thank goodness) – a sign that buyers of conventional hatchbacks and saloons are going to have plenty of new metal to choose from in the months ahead, too.

But it’s the variety of the powertrains underneath the 125 cars that’s most interesting – because it proves how good the car industry is at reinventing itself and adapting to changes in tastes.

You’ll see plenty of mentions of hybrids, 48-volt tech and full battery-electric systems. So there’s no doubt we’re heading into a period of fast-moving change in the cars we all buy and drive – and that in 18 months’ time, there should be an unprecedented number of potential solutions available to us all.

In the simplest terms, this proliferation of engine and fuel options is exciting. But at the same time, it’s likely to make the buying process more complex and confusing.

You can be sure, of course, that the reviews in Auto Express will evolve as required, to deliver the right verdicts on cars, regardless of how much electricity is flowing beneath their bodywork.

But there’s also a responsibility for car makers to follow up their exciting new metal by ensuring that the sales staff in their showrooms are up to the job of helping every customer to choose the best option for them.