1995 in motoring

United Kingdom

Under the ownership of BMW, 1995 has been a very busy year for the Rover Group. The 200 Series has been re-launched in a smaller hatchback format. It is larger than superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, but is designed as an upmarket competitor for the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra, justified by impressive equipment levels and comfort, which influence the inevitably higher prices. As the first in-house Rover design since the 1984 Montego, it is a very classy looking car which is only lacking in interior space when it comes to class-leading credentials.

The new 400 Series is now an entirely different car to the 200 Series, whereas before it was a saloon version of the hatchback. This time it is a five-door hatchback or four-door saloon, with the hatchback being a rebodied version of the new British-built Honda Civic. The 400 Series, however, uses its own K-Series 16-valve engines which were very impressive on the original 1989 models and are still up with the best today. As with the new 200 Series, the 400 Series is fighting a size above its weight thanks to its high levels of equipment and comfort as well as its premium price tag.

The biggest news at Rover this year is the launch of the new MGF sports car, which signals the "real" rebirth of the MG marque since the closure of the Abingdon factory and end of MGB production in 1980. The MG badge was used on high performance Metro, Maestro and Montego models during the 1980s, but few enthusiasts recognised these cars as real MGs. Even the 1992 launch of the MGB-based MG RV8 was not enough to fuel many enthusiasts' hopes of mass MG production ever resuming. But the MGF is here - with its mid-mounted 1.8 16-valve engine and appealing looks, it is the long-awaited British answer to the Mazda MX5 that kicked off the roadster renaissance six years ago. By the end of the year, demand for the desirable yet affordable new MG was outstripping supply and giving every impression that the revival of one of the world's most historic and famous marques was going to be a success.

Vauxhall has done away with the Cavalier nameplate after 20 years and adopted the name Vectra for its all-new large family car. It is a smoothly-styled range of hatchbacks and saloons which will be joined by an estate bodystyle next year. Power comes from 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 16-valve petrol engines as well as a 2.0 turbo-diesel. There will also be a 2.5 V6 unit capable of almost 150mph at a later date. The Vectra received some negative feedback in reference to its unremarkable ride and handling, but demand for the new car remained high.

Ford has given its six-year-old Fiesta a significant facelift to keep it on even terms with the ever-growing number of new rivals. The interior has also been given a major reworking to bring it up to class-leading standards, though space remains at a premium. The real big news, however, is the substantial re-tuning of the chassis which gives it class-leading ride and handling, and the introduction of new 1.25 and 1.4 Zetec petrol engines. The long-running 1.3 Endura E petrol engine remains for the entry-level models, while the economical but sluggish 1.0 and 1.1 HCS (High Compression Swirl) units have been shelved. The pre-facelift Fiesta remains on sale until next year as a budget choice, and will then be replaced by an all-new city car which is designed to compete with the likes of the Fiat Cinquecento.

France

Peugeot has revitalised its entry in the large family car sector with the launch of its all-new Pininfarina-styled 406 saloon, replacement for the long-running and hugely popular 405. The new car sets class-leading standards for style, ride comfort, handling and refinement, with its 2.1 turbo-diesel engine being a particularly impressive powerhouse. The 1.8 and 2.0 petrol units offer decent performance, but the forthcoming 3.0 V6 will be a far more impressive choice. 405 estate production continues until 1997, when the 406 estate goes on sale.

Renault has ended R19 production after seven years, but most of the cars mechanicals have been carried over to the new Megane range. Like its predecessor, the Megane is available as a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon. But there will also be coupe and cabriolet bodystyles, as well as an estate car (for which there are no plans for British sales). It is a stylish, comfortable and spacious car which offers a good ride quality as well as an impressive 1.9 turbo-diesel unit with class-leading refinement.

Italy

European Car of the Year for the 1996 model year is the Fiat Brava and Bravo. The Brava is a five-door "fastback", and the "Bravo" is a three-door hatchback. Both replace the long-running and successful Tipo, and have the most distinctive styling currently seen on any European family car. Power comes from 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines, though only the Bravo gets the 2.0 engine in powerful HGT V5 form - making it a swift competitor for a Golf GTI. Equipment and safety levels are also very good, with a competitive price tag to match. The Brava and Bravo will form the basis of the forthcoming Marea saloon and estate, which will give Fiat a much-needed new competitor for the Ford Mondeo.

Alfa Romeo has revived two of its most historic names for its re-entry into the sports car market. GTV was last seen in 1987 on an aerodynamic coupe, and it is now making its re-appearance on an extremely stylish 2.0 engined 2+2 coupe which offers brilliant handling but could do with a bit more power as well as more space in the tiny rear seats. Spider was the historic nameplate worn by a classic two-seater roadster between 1966 and 1993, and is now making its re-appearance on the open top version of the GTV. The Spider is identically styled to the GTV, but has no rear seats and is marginally more expensive.

Holland

Volvo has finally moved away from its decades-old tradition of boxy styling with the launch of its new S40 saloon and V40 estate ranges which give it an up-to-date competitor for the Ford Mondeo. Power comes from four-cylinder 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 petrol engines, all of which give good performance matched to a smooth-riding chassis. Traditionally, it is a very safe car, as well as being well-equipped, stylish and comfortable. The new "S" and "V" initials denote a new branding method for the Volvo range, showing the difference between saloon and estate bodystyles. The 850 nameplate will soon be given this treatment in a forthcoming facelift, which is expected to spawn a coupe version bearing the "C" initial.

Germany

Mercedes-Benz has launched an all-new E-Class with distinctive bug-eyed front headlights which have come as a shock to many observers and potential customers. Though very different from its long-running predecessor, the new E-Class maintains the strong Mercedes traditions of quality, comfort, refinement and luxury - but at a slight premium over rival products.

Volkswagen and Ford have gone into a joint venture to produce a new people carrier. Ford's version is badged as the Galaxy, while the Volkswagen equivalent is the unusually-named Sharan. Both vehicles share the same exterior design, chassis and engines, and third car based on this design is due next year wearing SEAT badges.

ee also

*1994 in motoring - the previous year
*1996 in motoring - the next year