With the shocking news that, according to the road safety charity Tyresafe, nearly half (46.2%) of the tyres on the road in Bristol (a city I rather enjoy visiting) are illegal – the highest in the UK – I needed something positive to look forward to, so started researching new car models for 2017.

One of the prettiest premium SUV’s we’ve ever seen on our roads
The SUV market is strong in 2017. MG are expanding their range with the ZS, which has a shorter wheelbase than the GS (a review of which will be coming soon in The Local Answer) and will rival cars like the Nissan Juke. The new MG is likely to have a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which is the sort of power plant that revs out quite nicely. Also, look out for a new Alfa Romeo in 2017 called the “Stelvio”, which will be one of the prettiest premium SUV’s we have ever seen on our roads.

In the Hot Hatch market, Ford will be releasing their Focus RS500 and Honda will be updating their Civic Type R, which is built in Swindon. Mini have a new John Cooper Works Clubman with 4-wheel drive, and Kia look like they will finally bring their GT sports car to market. However, I am looking forward to the Hyundai i30N, which will complement their World Rally Championship successes beautifully.

The Italian brand is really on the up
For saloon cars it does not come much better than the Alfa Romeo Giulia, technically released at the end of last year and already winning many awards. The 2.2-litre is likely to lead sales, while the 503bhp Quadrifoglio will rival the BMW M3. All cars get an eight-speed auto box and will give the German brands a run for their money. It’s a good strategy as the BMW 3-series was the most searched for car on Auto Trader in 2016. There is also talk of a rival to the BMW 5-series being produced by Alfa. The Italian brand is really on the up.

2017 will be a year for the small and electric-based car. In the small car market for 2017, there is the new Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf and Polo, the brilliant Citroen C3, Seat Ibiza and also a very different looking Nissan Micra.

Over 373,000 orders worldwide just from motor show exposure
Tesla, a big name in the electric car world, will be releasing their Model 3, which has already had over 373,000 orders around the world just from motor show exposure. It’s the same size as a BMW 3-series and is fully electric. It will cost around £30,000 after the Government plug-in grant is taken off and have a minimum driving range of 215 miles. It will also be quick, which is starting to become a legend around Tesla’s now. The refreshed Renault Zoe I mentioned last month will also be a good seller this year, and the Smart range from Mercedes will join the electric car market.

2017 also marks the year Renault will return its Alpine car brand, which is so iconic among car lovers, and Ferrari has a big celebration with a worldwide tour. It’s going to be a fantastic year!