3 exciting new cars for moderate pockets in 2017

Just because you don’t have the pockets to be on the waiting list for the new Aston-Martin DB11, it doesn’t mean that 2017 doesn’t have a lot of excitement in store for you. Here we take a look at some moderately priced cars on their way this year that we are looking forward to.

• 2017 Suzuki Swift

  Unveiled in Japan at the end of last year, the Suzuki Swift is in a similar size and class to the classic mini but with exciting extras thrown in. What may not be the most striking looking car of the year comes available in two mild hybrid 48v versions, featuring either 1 litre or 1.2 litre engines which are both capable of holding their own. Suzuki has made safety a central theme for the Swift, inserting an automatic braking system and (we hope) the choice of two or four-wheel drive.

• 2017 Mazda CX-5

  Bucking the trend for large SUVs being gas-guzzling smoke-belchers, the Mazda CX-5 has perhaps the best mpg and lowest CO2 readings of its class. The CX-5 is large, huge in fact, ideal for people and families who rely on plenty of room and boot space. The car handles and grips like a dream with more in common with a hatchback than an SUV. However, the hard suspension might not be to everyone’s taste. While the 148bhp 2.2 diesel version is unexpectedly fierce, the 2.0-litre petrol offering is somewhat lacklustre, which is a shame.

• 2017 Skoda Octavia

  The first impression is that the Octavia looks like it has been spending a lot of time at the gym. Its new muscled look isn’t all that is new though, the on-board three system infotainment systems look as cutting edge as anything else to be found in its class, while the automatic emergency braking (that detects pedestrians) and parking assistant are all wonderful additional features. The 1.6-litre diesel engine remains unchanged, meaning that although the power is unlikely to blow you away, the comfortable ride and controlled handling more than compensates. Skoda has a reputation for being competitively priced, meaning there is going to be a lot of bang for your buck.