Top 5 cars of 2013

With the year coming to a close, it’s time to reflect on the last 12 months and consider all the motoring marvels we’ve seen throughout 2013.

It’s been a bumper year for new vehicles, concepts and designs, and the major festivals once again pulled out all the stops to bring some of the world’s best vehicles together in one place.

Next year is expected to bring with it a number of exciting releases, which car enthusiasts will be eagerly waiting for.

However, what were the cars that captured the hearts and imaginations of drivers this year?

Ford Mustang

Okay, okay we know it hasn’t yet been officially released in the UK just yet, but who can deny the release of the new Ford Mustang on our fair island hasn’t got the country’s petrol heads foaming at the mouth?

By that reckoning, the car will probably find itself included on next year’s list too!

The UK presence of Mustang is truly exciting. It is one of the most iconic, recognisable and downright sexy models on the planet and the latest model truly captures all, while including a new engine, advanced technology and a price tag with pound signs on.

Porsche Boxster

What more can be said about Porsche? The manufacturer just delivers great car, after great car and the all new Boxster wasn’t ever likely to buck that trend.

The latest Boxster is much more spacious than its predecessor, and although it has been made longer thanks to a new wheelbase, it still comes in lighter than the previous model.

While it might not be a huge amount faster than any previous incarnations, it still handles like a dream and delivers that all important sports car experience.

 BMW 3-Series Sedan

In individual segments, there might be other cars that are better than the 3-series. In fact, there isn’t an awful lot different in terms of what the 3-series is all about in the latest model.

However, regardless of that, it is one of the best all-round cars on the current market, with two turbocharged engines delivering excellent fuel economy while still being classy, powerful and quick.

Furthermore, as this is essentially the preview to a more exciting release of the M-series next year, the 3-series marks an excellent, accessible appetiser for the delicious main that we will soon be greeted with.

Alfa Romeo 4C

Some described this car as a return to form for Alfa Romeo – that’s if you can say they really have ever had any form, based on the manufacturers erratic history.

The car has picked up the title of FHM Magazines Car of the Year, killing off competition from more elaborate and expensive models.

It completely justifies the accolade too, delivering unparalleled performance, thrilling drive capabilities and a incredibly pretty frame.

Mazda3

Another fantastic model from Mazda has given us all a number of reasons to see the manufacturer as one of the top brands in the major consumer market.

The innovative Mazda3 comes with the latest the company’s SKYACTIV technology, helping to limit emissions while still keeping performance high.

Scoring five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests certainly hasn’t done the car any harm either. The car has proved to be so good that it has even made its way onto the shortlist for European ‘Car of the Year’.

What cars do you think should have been included on the list?