The New Abarth 500X

An increasing number of carmakers are spicing the suv formula up with performance models, and the Abarth 500X is one such car. It’s based on the Fiat 500X mini SUV, but the performance specialists at Abarth have fitted it with bigger brakes, sportier alloy wheels and an assertive bodykit. There’s no official word on figures yet, but we expect the Abarth 500X to use a version of Fiat’s 1.4-litre petrol engine, tuned to produce as much as 200bhp. It’s likely to cost around £25,000 when it goes on sale in mid-2017.

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Mercedes-Maybach S550 / S600 Price: $192,225

This sumptuous limo is not just a stretched S-class with a Maybach badge—it’s far more lavish than that. The S550's 449-hp 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 and the S600's 523-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 provide effortless motivation while passengers enjoy hot-stone-style massaging leather recliners. With a tranquil cabin and a Burmester audio system, it’s a rolling concert hall, too. And forget that new-car smell: the air-filtration system infuses the cabin with the Maybach’s own signature fragrance.

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Scion tC

Along with the rest of the Scion brand, the Scion tC model was discontinued in 2016. Under the hood, you’ll find a 179-hp 2.5-liter four; it powers the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Handling is confident and body motions are well controlled, but its rivals easily outperform it. However, the tC offers a roomy cabin, top-notch build quality, and a good reliability record.

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Scion iA

Starting with the 2017 model, the iA lost the badge of the now-defunct Scion brand and became the Toyota Yaris iA. Basically a Mazda 2 underneath the sheetmetal, the iA’s 106-hp 1.5-liter four teams with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A low-speed pre-collision safety system, Bluetooth connectivity, and 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment make the iA a well-equipped choice.

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Scion FR-S

When the Scion brand ended, the FR-S became the Toyota 86. Regardless, the FR-S offers excellent driving dynamics. Only one engine was available: a 200-hp 2.0-liter flat-four. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic were the transmission choices. The manual shifts with a solid, no-nonsense feel, while the paddle-shift automatic is quick and responsive. The cabin is cramped and plasticky, but the FR-S is very agile, which endears it to enthusiasts.

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