AUDI

It's going to be yet another busy year for Audi with a replacement for its highly regarded A4.

Using the same basic platform as the A5 Coupe the saloon A4 arrives in the spring with the Avant (estate) scheduled for September.

Entering a new segment will be the summer arrival of the Q5 - a baby four by four to join the Q7 which will go head to head with the likes of the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander 2.

The other big news is a soft-top cabriolet version for the A3 in March (with the choice of four engines), which also debuts a new look for the whole A3 range. Also on the way is the powerful RS6 Avant Another Audi rag-top, this time for the A5, is likely to be seen in preview form only ahead of a 2009 launch.

BMW

One of BMW's major players of 2008 has already been seen by the British press corps - the M3 Convertible.

Unveiled at the same time as the 3 series Convertible, this model will soak up a lot of the brand's soft-top sales when it gets here in time for the better weather in March.

It arrives at the same time as the saloon version of the iconic M3 while sunshine will also be the main optional extra for the 1 Series convertible, which is an April addition.

But perhaps the most important new BMW of 20087 will be the X6 a cross-over SUV/Coupe, which promises dramatic looks with tenacious grip and performance. Right hand drive versions with four engine options could be on the road in June with prices opening at £41,955.

CADILLAC

The America brand's slow development continues this year with a replacement for the CTS while the BLS saloon is joined by a Saab 9-3-based estate called the Wagon. Both models feature the huge family egg box grille and prominent corner lights while the BLS Wagon will be competitively priced to counter the appeal of rival brands.

CHEVROLET

It's going to be a busy first half of the year at Chevrolet dealers with the already well previewed, sharply-styled supermini Aveo coming in to replace the Kalos around March. It will be quickly followed by a new version of the Matiz based on the funky Chevrolet Beat concept car, a new Mondeo- sized model called the Epica before the year is rounded-off with the Lacetti replacement.

CHRYSLER

First delivery of the New Year from Chrysler is a more up-market version of the world's best selling minivan - the Grand Voyager MPV. UK customers are expected to go for the 2.8 CRD powered version, which costs £32,995 when it gets here next month Arriving around the same time is the new 300C, while we are going to have to wait a little longer for the convertible version of the Sebring saloon.

CITROEN

Hoping to break-out from the anonymity of its predecessor is the new C5. First impressions show a cleaner look, if one still lacking individuality. The new model has taut flowing lines, fixed-centred steering wheel controls, Hydractive 3 Plus self-levelling suspension and lots of technology.

Also from the French marque is a revised Berlingo Multispace which goes on sale in the second half of the year.

DODGE

After its box-styled Nitro, Dodge lets loose something more conventional in summer 2008 with the addition of the seven seat 4x4 crossover Journey, which is based on a saloon platform and will have the choice of 2.4 petrol and 2 litre diesel engines.

FERRARI

Already basking in the glory of its magnificent new 599, Ferrari adds to the prancing horse stable with a new, smaller model called the F149, which will be priced around £150,000. Order books will open next year while they are already closed for the track day targeted 430 Scuderia - the 200 allocated to the UK at £175,000 a time are already sold out.

FORD

Ford continues its product replacement programme this year with two models in the spotlight. The autumn addition is the new Fiesta, Britain's best selling small car, which has been previewed in general form as the Verve concept car seen last year - the final production version is due to be seen at the Geneva Motorshow in March. It's been a long wait, but a replacement for the Ka should just squeeze in before the end of 2008. Underneath is much of the running gear which drives the current European Car of the Year, the Fiat 500. Perhaps the most significant addition to the Ford fleet this year is the Kuga, their first venture into the compact SUV category. Using running gear from the Focus it has a provisional March on sale date. Also look out for a promised hot RS version of the Focus.

HONDA

It's going to be something of a low-key year for Honda with the main focus of attention being the new Accord, which should be on the road for the summer. Bigger than before with a striking Tourer in the mix, the Accord will also feature a new diesel engine from Honda.

HYUNDAI

The Korean company continues its new naming sequence with the addition of its micro mini sized i10 in the first half of the year and the slightly larger i20 to join the existing i30. A rear drive 2 litre turbocharged coupe called the i40 is also on the drawing board.

JAGUAR

The most important car of the year in terms of car production in the UK is the new XF from the big cat brand. Already heaped with prise by all those who have driven it, the S-TYPE replacement becomes a serious challenger for the established German marques in the executive sector. Using suspension from the XK sports coupe and engines from the XJ series the XF combines great looks with the promise of dynamic handling - first deliveries are due in the next few weeks.

JEEP

Cherokee brought the Jeep name back to the UK 14 years ago and for 2008 a new version spearheads the brand. Reverting to its more traditional looks after the current generation's rounded headlight assembly, that hasn't proved popular, it looks more rugged and sophisticated. Priced from £25,000 it lands here in May.

KIA

The next model in the Kia family is set to go on sale here this month with the arrival of the three-door configuration - it is called the Pro-ceed with prices starting from £11,500. A new small 4x4 is also on the drawing board to join the Sportage, which is revised this month along with the latest Picanto.

LANCIA

The famous Italian brand makes a welcome return to the UK market. First in the showrooms is expected to be the Lancia Delta HPE.

LAND ROVER

After a busy couple of years Land Rover will have its mind firmly fixed on its new owners, so new models will be thin on the ground. The only significant addition to the modern range will be the limited edition Defender 60th Anniversary model.

LEXUS

Concept becomes reality when the Lexus IS-F finally makes it to the road. The cleanly cut sporting saloon ups the stakes and moves into £50,000 territory thanks to a 5 litre V8 engine.

MAZDA

Big news from the always active Japanese brand is the next generation Mazda6, one of the marques best sellers. Bigger than before, it has sharper styling and promises better fixtures and fittings while most of the engines will be familiar - look out for it in the first half of the year. There is also a facelift for the RX-8 due in September just in time for the 58 registration and before that in March first deliveries of the diesel powered Mazda2 priced at £9,499 and a new facelifted Mazda5 compact MPV featuring new power sliding rear doors.

MINI

After the excitement of last year's Clubman, the MINI marque has a quiet year consolidating its position as the most fashionable car to own... it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Fiat 500.

MITSUBISHI

The tenth generation of the Evolution leads the way for the latest Lancer line-up which goes on sale here in February with the promise of sharper handling, better safety features and cutting edge technology. Sales start with the saloon priced from £12,499 before the estate version is added later in the year. The Evolution X comes in three trim and three output alternatives starting at £27,499.

MERCEDES-BENZ

The estate version of the new C-Class starts a year of face-lifts for the German brand. The stretched C-Class offers more carrying capacity than before - from 485 up to 1,500 litres at prices from £25,000. Also in the C-Class line-up is the flagship 155 mile an hour C63 AMG which will retail for over £50,000 when it become available in the spring. This will be followed in quick succession by make-overs for the baby A-Class and the B-Class with summer sightings of a refreshed CLS, extra punch for the SLK which has a new face (in April) and a boost for the SL.

MORGAN

The Malvern car crafter puts a lid on its Aero 8 to create the Aeromax Coupe which has already made its racing debut and attracted a lot of interest from Morgan fans. Priced at £70,000 first deliveries begin this year.

NISSAN

The famed GT-R badge returns to the Nissan fold this year with the next generation promising more power and equipment than ever before. Already seen in the US, the second version of Nissan's luxury end Murano gets to grips with the European market.

PEUGEOT

Already well received, the 308 line-up grows during 2008 with a three-door version on its way this month to be followed by the estate SW derivative in late spring.

PORSCHE

No new models but plenty going on at Porsche this year with makeovers, engine tweaks (including a new unit for the Cayenne GTS) and most importantly a major revision for the 911 Turbo.

RENAULT

Already heavily promoted (and in some cases driven by the media) are the estate version of the new Laguna, a revised Modus and longer wheelbase Grand Modus and a refreshed version of the multipurpose 2,300 litre capacity Kangoo. Also coming this way from Renault is the Clio Sport Tourer (a stretched semi-estate version) based on concept cars that did the rounds last year. And even more dramatic, a coupe model for the Laguna, which if it appears anything like the first image will be a real stunner. Renaultsport sells more cars in the UK than anywhere else, so the breathed-on Twingo version should find a few buyers.

ROLL-ROYCE

Having created plenty of interest with the soft-top, Drophead version of its Phantom, Goodwood based Rolls Royce adds a striking Coupe this summer - and it's at the bargain price of £224,000.

SAAB

First promoted when it launched the 9-3 line-up, which has had a facelift, Saab moves into four-wheel drive this year with the Saab XWD - cross wheel drive' which is exclusive to Saab 9-3 Aero Sport Saloon and SportWagon models. Making its debut in the limiteed edition Turbo X, Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary.

SEAT

The arrival in the middle of the year of a new Ibiza should herald the start of a new design theme at SEAT. Carrying a lengthy list of components from the VW family parts bin its appeal should be universal. Before that the current Ibiza gets the addition of an ultra-low emissions Ecomotive version (£10,995) which produces less than 100g/km of emissions and returns more than 74 miles to the gallon from its 1.4 litre turbo diesel engine.

SKODA

A lengthened Fabia allows the addition of an estate version this spring with a 1,460 litre load compartment, which should widen the Skoda appeal. It has an opening price of £9,360 and is on sale from February. Mid-year it's the turn of the rarely seen Superb to finally move up a generation bringing with it much from the current VW Passat.

SUBARU

The fresh Impreza family finally gets the fully Monte WRX version in a few weeks time as well as the STi version (deliveries in March) which at £24,995 costs £1,600 less than the model it replaces. Also being announced is the latest version of Subaru's Forester cross-over SUV. Bigger all round with a new 2 litre diesel engine, it should get here for the end of the year as its being promoted as the 2009 model.

SUZUKI

Suzuki makes a splash this year with its Splash, a replacement for the unloved Wagon-R that uses components borrowed from the more appreciated Swift. It will be competitively priced (starting at £7,000) and should run using economical engines capable of 40 miles to the gallon.

TOYOTA

Toyota has a reputation for putting many of its concept cars into production and this should be the case later this year for the iQ a three-seat baby city car that will go up against the smart. At the opposite end of the scale, Toyota begins the year with a bolder and bigger version of its go anywhere Land Cruiser - but at close on £50,000 it wont be cheap.

VAUXHALL

Disappearing from the showrooms this year will be the Vectra name - to be replaced by the Insignia badge as General Motors aims to give its mainstream model a fresh impetus. Many of the design cues are likely to come from the GTC Concept previewed last year - but the proof will come in the autumn when it finally goes into full scale production. Ahead of this (April) Vauxhall dealers get their hands on their version of the Suzuki Splash, retaining the name Agila for the smallest member of the family it boasts fuel efficient engines and an on the road price of £7,595.

VOLKSWAGEN

Names new and old make it an active year for the Volkswagen marque starting with something very new - the compact 4x4 Tiguan, which arrives, priced at under £20,000 when it gets here next month. Also from the four-wheel drive selection will be a V10 TDI version of the Touareg. Moving the Passat model upmarket will be a CLS version as well as go-faster R36 variant. But the news everyone is waiting for it's the appearance of a finished version of a sporting coupe based on the Golf, which revives the Scirocco name. We have already seen early indications of what it will look like in the form of the IRoc concept car.

VOLVO

The XC60 Concept, which has been seen on the other side of the Atlantic, is as close to the production version as you are likely to get. The compact 4x4 is an autumn addition here and could surprise with a sub £30,000 price tag. Engine upgrades, especially diesels are also on the way from Volvo.