This time next week, the doors will have swung open to the Frankfurt Motor Show – the biggest in the world – and the world’s press, followed by eager European car buyers, will be poring over the biggest and best new releases.
Leading the way (and in many cases leading the world) is a host of new British cars we have every right to feel very proud of.
Cars like the new Rolls-Royce Dawn (above). Britain does luxury better than anyone else on the planet, and the exquisite design and finish of the Dawn is proof of that.
I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the Dawn some months ago at Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood HQ, where the expertise of the workers reinforces the unique skills and work ethic the UK has to offer.
It’s a similar story in Crewe, where millions have been spent getting ready for the new Bentayga SUV, also revealed this week. Bentley claims it’s the fastest, most luxurious SUV in the world and from what we’ve seen so far, we’d have to agree.
It’s not all about luxury cars, though. Frankfurt sees the debut of the new MINI Clubman, this time with all its doors in the right place and a decent amount of space, too. It’s another must-have MINI.
Nissan’s Leaf is edging ever closer to electric car acceptability with a new, longer-range version that’ll be unveiled in Germany. And the latest British-built Toyota Auris will also be there.
And although the new Astra will wear Opel badges in Frankfurt, it’s built in Cheshire and much of the engineering work has been done in the UK.
That’s not all – in next week’s magazine we’ll bring you full details, at long last, of the new Jaguar F-Pace. There’s no doubt British cars will be hogging the headlines at the Frankfurt show.