The British International Motor Show (that’s the London motor show to you and me) is shaping up to be the best yet. Show organisers claim they are hosting more than 20 global debuts – up from 13 two years ago – and we’ve compiled a list of the cars you simply cannot afford to miss.
Follow our simple A-Z below to check the show highlights. We’ve marked world debuts and advised you which stands you simply have to visit. And click here to see who isn’t going to be there…
Alfa Romeo
Slaver over the glorious 8C Spider – one of only 500 built – on Alfa’s stand. The new Brera S will be alongside, along with the new Mini-rivalling Mito.
CAR verdict: high drool rating
Bentley (world debut)
Remember the changes made to the Conti GT range in 2007? Well now they’ve made the same tweaks to its uglier brother, the Flying Spur saloon and new Flying Spur Speed.
CAR verdict: Faster Jeeves!
Citroen
Citroen will have two modified vehicles based on a C-Crosser and C6, apparently. The mind boggles. Plus the full current range and the intriguing C-Cactus eco concept car.
CAR verdict: Is quirky back in town?
Ferrari
No official stand (cheapskates), but Ferrari will bring the F430 Scuderia, a 599 GTB and a 612 Scaglietti for display in the supercar paddock.
CAR verdict: Why no California?
Ford (world debut)
World debut of new Focus RS – the red-hot hatch with a tuned 2.5-litre turbo and more than 276bhp. Plus new Fiesta’s UK debut and the Econetic version with just 99g/km of CO2. Neat.
CAR verdict: The people’s car gets serious
Honda
They’re ‘calling us back’. Lazy, heh? More details to follow…
CAR verdict: Up in the air…
Hyundai
There’s the full whack of current Hyundais: every flavour of i10, i30 (including a 113g/km version) and an i800. Plus the Genesis coupe rear-drive coupe that could come here and an i10 Ice-Cream Van. Seriously.
CAR verdict: These guys have a sense of humour!
Isuzu
Surprise version of the Rodeo, they say… Much snoring at CAR Towers, we say.
CAR verdict: We might be giving this one a miss
Jaguar
‘We’ll call you back.’ Er, they haven’t yet. More details to follow…
CAR verdict: First outing for Jag since Tata buy-up
Kia
More crazy names from the Koreans: keep an eye out for the new Soul small crossover, the sporty Kee coupe and the Exceed cabrio. Exciting times at Kia.
CAR verdict: Fascinating new designs from Kia. Worth a look
Land Rover
Lots of model-year changes, but make sure you check out the delectable LRX – it’s the new sub-Freelander 4×4 that’s Land Rover-tough and Golf-small. Plus diamond anniversary shenanigans.
CAR verdict: The LRX might just save the SUV maker
Lexus
Is this the longest gestation in motorville? The old LF-A supercar concept will come to London for the show, but we’re still waiting for the real thing.
CAR verdict: Ask the stand staff when you can buy the LF-A
Lotus (world debut)
Finally! After 12 years, Lotus launches a new car. Dubbed project Eagle, the 2+2 is mid-engined and mid-size. We can’t wait to see what it looks like shorn of disguise.
CAR verdict: A potential star of the show
Mazda
Check out the crazy Furai concept car and ponder its design. Plus it’s the first time you’ll see the facelifted RX-8 in the UK.
CAR verdict: Furai is one of the most bonkers cars in London
Mercedes Benz
Something for everyone on the Merc stand: you like supercars? How about the McMerc SLR? Ugly cars? Step towards the new CLC coupe. Plus C63 AMG, electric Smarts etc.
CAR verdict: A brand on a roll
Mini
First chance to see the new Cooper S Works, plus you can have a go at deciding if the Clubman is design genius or just plain weird.
CAR verdict: A lesson in marketing
Nissan
Still revved up by the Porsche-baiting skills of the 520bhp GTR? Come and see the UK’s first official cars at Excel. Plus UK debuts for the new Murano and Qashqai +2.
CAR verdict: Trust us. The GTR is s-p-e-c-i-a-l
Peugeot
‘We’re all at Le Mans. We’ll call you back.’ Ok then.
CAR verdict: Ummm
Renault (world debut)
First sight of a 230bhp run-out Megane hot hatch, full details to follow. Plus first UK outing for slick Laguna coupe concept and new Megane Coupe concept. But budget brand Dacia has been pulled
CAR verdict: Great concepts, shame no Dacia
Seat (world debut)
World debut alert! The spicy Ibizia SportCoupe bows in for the first time – and it’s the world’s first supermini to have a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
CAR verdict: Is the new Ibiza a Marmite car?
Subaru
It’s the first time Subaru has exhibited at Excel and it will display each model in its range. Not confirmed yet, but we hear it also has a surprise version of the Impreza STI up its sleeve… more details as we get them…
CAR verdict: Does Subaru have a head of design?
Suzuki
Suzuki, too, is attending for the first time. No details announced yet of show cars.
CAR verdict: We loved the Swift… give us more chic, Suzuki
Toyota
There’s a classic crazy concept car on the Toyota stand: the Aygo Crazy is a regular supermini with a 200bhp transplant. Mayhem ensues.
CAR verdict: The Japanese have humour!
Vauxhall (world debut)
GM will pull the wraps off the Vauxhall Insignia for the first time. Marries German style with Vauxhall prices. Trust us.
CAR verdict: Vectra clones BMW style. Seriously
