VW Tiguan R-line
Just announced
Prices £24,000-£28,000 approx
On sale Autumn 2008
What’s different? Even though Volkswagen’s new, small Tiguan SUV
doesn’t even go on sale in the UK until February, its maker is already
looking at future variants. This one is the R-line, currently on display at
the Essen motor show. As the flagship, the R-line Tiguan will come with
bespoke bumpers, 19in alloys, a new grille and a flat-bottomed steering
wheel
Why should I care? VW will care because range-toppers such as this one
make it the most money. However, potential buyers will notice the Tiguan’s
shape has been given a much-needed sense of purpose, which means it should
appeal to those trading down from larger, more expensive SUVs
Consider also BMW X3 M Sport £33,185-£38,910, Land Rover Freelander 2
HSE £30,960-£34,095, Honda CRV EX £23,527-£24,717
In the showroom
Mazda RX-8 Anniversary
Price £24,595
On sale Now
What’s different? Allegedly to celebrate the 40th anniversary of
the launch of its first rotary-powered car – the Cosmo – Mazda is producing
a special, highly specified RX-8 model, of which just 400 will be sold in
the UK. The seats, steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake are covered in
black leather and there are unique numbered kickplates inside the doors. The
car also comes with sports suspension and a new rear spoiler but costs
£1,595 more than a standard 228bhp RX-8
Why should I care? The RX-8 is getting old now so it’s no surprise that
Mazda is offering an incentive such as this. That said, the car is still
great to look at and drive, and conspicuously cheap compared with its
closest rivals. The Anniversary package looks good value
Consider also Nissan 350Z £26,795, Audi TT TFSi 200 £24,900, BMW Z4
Coupé SE £32,100
