New wheels on the block: 5 new cars you need to know about

Make a space on your bedroom wall because Ferrari has unveiled a brand new motor…

Ferrari 448 GTB

While this is a car that we’ll never own (unless Ferrari decides to ship us a free one *hint HINT*) it’s always worth taking a look at the new Ferraris, just in case we do end up winning the lotto. The new Ferrari is called the 488 GTB and the lads out in Italy assure us that the car “provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use”. Everyday use? You’d hardly drive the 488 GTB to pick up some milk and a newspaper. Having said that, we'd happily give it a try (see above Ferrari). Anyway, the 448 GTB uses a huge 3902cc V8 turbo that produces 670hp and can accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 3.0 seconds, while 0-200kmh (124.2mph) can be achieved in an astonishing 8.3 seconds. That’s seriously feckin’ fast.

Opel Corsa OPC

Opel have officially revealed some pics and specs of their new hot-hatch, the Corsa OPC (mainly because the images were leaked recently). OPC stands for Opel Performance Centre, and if those three little letters feature after an Opel’s badge, then you know it’s a seriously powerful motor. The new Corsa OPC will feature a 1.6 litre turbo charged engine that pumps out a whopping 207hp. To put that into perspective, the standard 1.2L esngine featured in the new Corsa only produces 70hp. No word on a price yet, but we’ll find out more about the car when it’s officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford Focus RS

The latest edition to Ford’s high-performance line up is the absolutely badass looking Focus RS (the RS stands for Ridiculously Sexy*). This Ridiculously Sexy Focus comes equipped with a special 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine engineered to produce, what Ford says is, "well in excess of 320hp". Whatever that means? Is it 329hp or 5000hp? Both are well in excess of 320hp, in fairness... Moving on... the all-new Focus RS is the first ever RS model that will be sold around the world and will be produced for all markets at Ford’s Saarlouis manufacturing plant in Germany beginning late this year. That means this bhheast is definitely coming to Ireland, but there’s been no official word on when and at what price. *RS actually stands for Rallye Sport, in case you didn't know.

Mazda2

The all-new Mazda2 is now on sale in Ireland with first customer deliveries expected to be made in March 2015 with pricing for the all-new model starting from €15,995. Not bad for a brand spanking new motor. With CO2 emissions from 89g/km the Mazda2 sits in Tax Band A2 (€180 p.a.) and it will be available in three engine derivatives (petrol: 75hp or 90hp and diesel: 105hp) with a four level specification grade structure. We have to say, the new Mazda2 really does look great for a small-hatch.

Renault Kadjar

Renault recently teased its new C-segment crossover (not quite a hatch back, not quite a 4x4) called the Kadjar that’s set to rival Nissan’s hugely popular Quashqai. Renault’s latest family car will be officially unveiled fully at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the public on 5th March 2015. While there has been no word on pricing just yet, but the Kadjar is expected to land in Ireland sometime in the summer.