What Is Coming In September? Part Four. M-N

September 2012 sees the New Registration plates arrive in the showrooms around the country, and with the British economy still in the doldrums despite us being distracted by the London 2012 games, what will be out there for the consumer to spend their ‘hard-earned’ money on?

In the FOURTH PART of this posting we take a look at Car Manufacturers from M – N.

MAZDA

So what have Mazda got for us this September to tempt us to part with the readies?

To start off, new to their range, is the CX-5 SUV, the first car to showcase SkyActiv technology. Mazda are hoping that its focus on high-efficiency petrol and diesel engines will give them the edge when it comes to consumers looking for an eco-conscious purchase – and they promise that there is more to come in that vein.

The Mazda 3 has always been amongst the most popular hatchbacks out there and its been tidied up a little, and features improved aerodynamics and reduced fuel consumption.

They’ve recently refreshed their MPV entry, the Mazda 5, by adding twin sliding rear doors, and updating the engine too.

A strong range of petrol and diesel engines is standard across the Mazda line-up, including the CX-7 crossover model and the Mazda 6 saloon and estate.

For the more extravagant driver there will always be the iconic MX-5, (and anyone who has been lucky enough to drive this roadster will know what I am talking about) available with folding hard and soft-tops as well as a choice of engines and a manual or automatic transmission.

MERCEDES-BENZ

It’s been as busy busy busy at Mercedes-Benz as they churn out a raft of new models with the promise of more to come.

First up is the all-new A-Class which is due to appear later in 2012 if you want to save September’s money for later. Aimed squarely at premium hatchback buyers, it promises a genuine small-car Mercedes feel, a better driving experience and a high quality cabin.

Then, joining the desirable SLK range is the new SLK55 AMG with a V8 engine, plenty of what could be very easily called ‘character’ and a licence to perform and thrill.

Finally, in amongst the new boys, last but by no means least, is the SL sports car. Built with a lightweight aluminium body and improved powerplants – especially in the superb high-performance SL63 AMG – you don’t really want to be missing out on one, if that’s your bag!

It goes without saying that the current badge wearers are classy cars.

The C-Class saloon range is available in saloon, coupe and estate versions to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

The E-Class range, including Coupe, Cabriolet and saloon, has now been bolstered by the introduction of the E300 Bluetec Hybird model.

The stunning SLS supercar has also been joined by a Roadster version which has swopped the famous ‘gullwing’ doors for an open roof. R-Class have had a small tweak whilst M-Class welcomes an new AMG model..

And the executive models remain a Mercedes-Benz forte.

MINI

Let’s be honest – it’s an icon whichever one you buy, and if the number on the road around Manchester and Stockport is any guide, it’s growing in popularity.

They’ve now added the Mini Roadster with a fabric top to make it even more of a beauty.

Even when it comes to the bigger versions it’s still a Mini, and the more practical five-door Mini Countryman as the largest model in the Mini range is still a must-have, especially now it has four-wheel drive for the first time on a Mini model.

Add in The Clubman, the Mini Convertible, One, Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S, convertibles, limited editions and high performance John Cooper Works and all that means that Mini can continue to claim that no two models are ever alike.

MITSUBISHI

Just the one new addition to the Mitsubishi range in the shape of the all-new Outlander crossover which takes pride of place at the front of the Mitsubishi line up, even ahead of the largest vehicle in the range; the full-size SUV Shogun. For those thrillseekers with a family consciousness, it is hugely capable off-road, yet a great workhorse as well as a luxurious family vehicle.

Getting a little smaller, the ASX is an SUV that offers car-like handling from am SUV driving position, and a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel engine options as well as two or four-wheel drive. Should be something there to suit your needs if you want.

Down at the bottom, but only in size, is the iMiev, a fully electric version of the iCar, and the excellent Colt supermini with stop-start  technology.

NISSAN

These days, when you think Nissan, you think Nissan Leaf, the electric little beauty built in Britain that has been making headlines for all the right reasons. Nissan have very high hopes for her, but then she is pretty electric.

But if you are looking for something a little more to what you are used to, there’s the latest Micra, the DIG-S, whose petrol engine is comparable in fuel economy to a diesel engine.

And staying small and beautiful and city-like, you can add in the distinctive Juke crossover, the diminutive Pixo and the neatly proportioned Note.

Thank the Lord for Nissan if you want a small car.

Moving up a size, both the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 have both been updated…

And then there is Daddy Bear too! The X-Trail may have been around for some time but show no signs of fading and has recently seen exterior revisions to keep it looking up-to-date, while the Pathfinder continues to forge a path both on and off-road.

Part Five on Monday