1998 in motoring

United Kingdom

1998 has seen the launch of two important new cars for the British market.

The fourth generation Vauxhall Astra went on sale in May, with an all-new design as well as range of updated and new engines. Lotus Cars has been employed to tune the new Astra's chassis, giving excellent ride and handling which are big improvement on its predecessor's. Entry-level engine is a 1.6 8-valve unit carried over from the previous Astra. There are also 16-valve units with 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litres, as well as 1.7 and 2.0 diesels. Three- and five-door hatchbacks will be the mainstay of the range, along with the five-door estate and four-door saloon. There will coupe and cabriolet versions in two years.

Ford has produced the winner of this year's European Car of the Year award in the shape of its Focus - a radically-designed range of family hatchbacks, saloons and estatest to succeed the Escort. But the Escort is remaining on sale for another two years for buyers who prefer a less dramatic-looking form of transport. The Focus has superb ride and handling as well as competitive pricing and good equipment levels. Power comes from impressive 16-valve 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec petrol engines as well as a not-so-impressive 1.8 turbo-diesel.

Jaguar has expanded its range to include a smaller, more competitively priced model - the S-Type. Designed as a competitor for the likes of the BMW 5 Series, the S Type is a traditionally styled four-door saloon with a design that harks back to the classic 1960s saloons. It is powered by smooth 3.0 V6, 3.2 V8 and 4.0 V8 engines which offer strong performance combined with impressive handling.

Rover has called time on 600 and 800 Series production for the launch of an all-new car. The Rover 75 is a retro-styled four-door saloon which is aimed directly at BMW 3 Series drivers, but offering a more competitive asking price. Rover had promised buyers that the 75 would be the best-handling front-wheel drive car in the world. Few drivers would agree with that, but it's certainly one of the most comfortable front-wheel drive cars in the world, even if its interior space is not overly generous.

Germany

Audi has re-entered the coupe market with its dramatic-looking TT 2+2 coupe and two-seater roadster. It is almost identical to the wild-looking show car which debuted back in 1994 as a concept vehicle. Quattro four-wheel drive comes as standard on all models, giving excellent roadholding. The turbocharged 1.8 20-valve entry-level engine produces 180bhp and propels the car to well over 130mph, while the twin-turbo 225bhp version offers superb performance and can touch 150mph. It is quite impossible to believe that this car shares its running gear with the humble likes of the Skoda Octavia.

With interest in retro-styled cars booming worldwide, Volkswagen has hit out by launching an entirely new version of its classic Volkswagen Beetle. The original 1937 version will be continuing in Mexico for a few years yet, but the new Golf-based version has already generated a massive waiting list. Powered by 2.0 petrol and 1.9 turbo-diesel engines, it has the look of the its legendary predecessor but is a far more expensive and accomplished machine. UK sales are set to begin next year, though right-hand drive versions are not due until the year 2000. The engine range is expected to be widened in the future, as well as open top versions being added.

For buyers wanting something more practical, Volkswagen has launched a saloon version of its fourth generation Golf. The Volkswagen Bora is a stylish four-door saloon which is more of a car in its own right, and is visually similar to the slightly larger Passat. It is also more competitively-priced than a Passat, and is only marginally more expensive than the Golf itself. UK sales begin in March 1999, with 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 four-cylinder and 2.3 V5 petrol engines available as well as a 1.9 turbo-diesel.

At the luxury car end of the market, Mercedes-Benz has launched a sleek, all-new S Class which sets standards in its sector for refinement, luxury and specification. The new car is quickly drawing praise from all around the world thanks to its irresistible qualities.

France

Peugeot has finally pulled the plug on 205 production after several years of gradually phasing out its hugely popular supermini which first saw the light of day in 1983. Its successor, the 206, is one of the largest cars in its sector, but its chances of sales success have been bolstered by the fact that it is also one of the most stylish and entertaining to drive superminis on sale in Europe. Its 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines and particularly the 1.9 diesel offer good levels of performance and refinement, but the car's chassis offers handling which is almost unsurpassed in this size of car. Going against the appeal are an interior full of hard, grainy plastics, and an awkward driving position.

The original 1990 Renault Clio was a huge sales success all over Europe, setting new standards in just about every area for the supermini sector. Its successor capitalises on a spacious and comfortable interior as well as competitive pricing and generous equipment levels. The only models on sale for now are the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol units as well as the economical 1.9 diesel, but two high performance versions are due soon. For hot hatchback fans there will be the renaultsport Clio 172 - which has a 2.0 engine with 172bhp and a top speed of around 140mph. For those wanting even more power and speed, there is the mid-engined renaultsport Clio V6, which will be powered by a 3.0 V6 engine and have a top speed of 155mph. Both cars are not expected before 2000.

Italy

Alfa Romeo 164 production has finally ceased after 11 years. Its successor is the 166, a svelte-looking saloon which competes directly with the BMW 5 Series. It promises to be a class-leading executive car in terms of style and driver appeal, though whether its quality is up to class standards is another matter. But with the confidence that Alfa Romeo is building better quality cars, the Italians could finally have a match for their German counterparts.

ee also

*1997 in motoring - the previous year
*1999 in motoring - the next year