Coming soon: the best cars of 2019

The crop of new models could be the most memorable for years, despite turmoil in the industry. Ed Wiseman selects his magnificent seven

The crises that face the car industry continue to grow. What might once have been described as challenges have, over the past few years, evolved into existential threats and there’s a real risk that not all manufacturers will survive the next wave of regulatory and consumer hurdles. You would forgive them for battening down the hatches, shrinking their ambitions and preparing for the worst.

But they aren’t – 2018 was one of the most exciting years for new cars that I can remember, and this year promises to be even better. Amid the usual mix of lookalike SUVs and humdrum family hatchbacks in the mainstream, the industry looks set to unleash some truly interesting designs.

For proof, look no further than the seven cars we’ve featured this week.