NEW registration, new style and a raft of new deals – that’s the treat for car fans this spring with the promise of a fabulous choice of models for all budgets. People really counting the cash along with those living for the city need look no further than a trio of upcoming mini marvels in the shape of the Volkswagen up!, SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo. The former, designed to make city life simpler, has three trim grades in take up! as the entry-level car, move up! the comfort-oriented model and high up! the top version. Skoda says the Citigo will offer impressive space, four seats and be launched in three-door and five-door versions, while the Mii aims to be a leader for innovative technology. Its City Safety Assist adds an extra dimension of safety in the city, while the SEAT Portable System brings together entertainment, navigation, phone and vehicle functions. Need a smidgeon more size and a new supermini charge is being led by Renault with its new Twingo model featuring the French brand’s new design identity. There's also a newcomer from Chevrolet in the shape of the next generation five-door Aveo, while those wanting a bit more punch will welcome the latest Suzuki Swift Sport, a 134bhp gem of a car at £13,500. Another Japanese company, Mazda, is also launching a spring onslaught with the arrival of compact crossover the CX-5, the first model to incorporate Mazda’s new ‘KODO – soul of motion’ design theme. It also heralds a new future in which every Mazda will be built under the SKYACTIV banner, which is all about lightweight, fuel efficient and fun to drive vehicles. Vauxhall is launching a twin-pronged assault on the March new registration courtesy of two completely different models. First up is the new seven-seat Zafira Tourer, bigger all round than the existing Zafira model and with prices from £21,000, and the company is also launching its quiet revolution with the arrival of electric car the Ampera. This futuristic-looking extended range electric vehicle, which will run for up to 50 miles on electric power before bringing in a petrol engine to generate more electricity, is completely silent in operation. Smarter style is also a feature of the latest wave of models, as even traditionally conservative offerings like the Honda Civic boast a sportier edge. The latest, ninth generation of a model that’s been around for 40 years, has a lower, more athletic stance with slicked back headlights and hidden rear door handles to give the Civic a wider, coupe-like profile. It comes with a choice of 1.4-litre 100ps or 1.8-litre 142ps petrol engines plus a super smooth 150ps 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel, four trim grades and prices from £16,495. Korean brand Hyundai is hoping to strike gold with its stylish new Veloster compact coupe with its unique 1+2 door configuration and prices from £17,995 while sister company Kia has just launched the family focused Optima model. Among numerous attractive customer offers up for grabs is the successful Just Add Fuel initiative from Peugeot, which the French brand says has brought down the average age of its new car buyers by 10 years. Newcomers from Peugeot include a revised 107 city car and the 3008 HYbrid4 - the world's first diesel hybrid. The JAF plan looks after the customer's comprehensive insurance, servicing and warranty, road tax and roadside assistance for one fixed monthly amount. Suzuki is also getting into top gear with incentives, which include the enhancement of its VAT free offer which now includes three of its small car models - Alto, Splash and Swift. And Toyota’s most popular car, the new generation Yaris launched last autumn, is available on finance with nil deposit and zero per cent APR across all grades and models. | 
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