IF EARLY indications are anything to go by, 2007 is shaping up to be an exciting year for big name motoring releases. casts an eye over BMW, Audi, Honda Renault and Peugeot’s latest models.

JANUARY

Among the big hitters for January will be Audi’s much-vaunted S3. As the most high-spec model in the range, its 2litre, 262bhp injection engine is capable of 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. Its top speed is 157mph and its economy is 25.7mpg - far from frugal, yet it will turn plenty of heads. Priced from £27,000.

Another luxury contender is the Lexus LS460/600H. This fifth generation model boasts a 375bhp 4.6 V8 engine, with a hybrid 600H version to follow later in the year, priced £57,000. Volvo’s keenly-awaited C30 hatchback is also unleashed in both petrol and diesel variants, priced between £15,000 and £24,000.

FEBRUARY

One of the surprise stars of 2007 is likely to be the Kia Cee’d. Its sharp design is sure to prove a winner, its remarkable offer of a 100,000 mile warranty the best of any manufacturer. It will be available in 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol guise and a 1.6 litre diesel. There will also be an estate and with prices starting from £11,000, it’s an attractive proposition from the Korean marque.

Toyota’s bright new hope is the Auris. Priced between £12,000 and £16,000, it’s the replacement for the popular Corolla and takes its styling lead from the Yaris, available as a three or five door. The range-topping 2.2 litre turbo diesel has a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds and 45mpg fuel economy.

MARCH

All eyes will be on the new Honda Civic Type R. The outgoing version was a beast with lightning accleration and an almost impossibly sporty engine rumble to match. 2007’s model is in the mould of the latest generation Civic and promises sharper steering and stiffer body. Prices are expected to be around £17,500.

The first of BMW’s big new arrivals for the year will be the revamped X5, back with more flexible seating and with improved handling, it’s sure to pick up where its predecessor left off. Prices may be substantial at £38,000, but it won’t be short of takers.

Nissan’s new Qashqai 4x4 arrives as a serious rival to the German elite. Four petrol engines will be offered, from a 113 bhp petrol to a 2 litre diesel. And with prices between £14,000 and £21,000, there are many reasons why this is going to be well worth investigating. Mitsubishi’s new SUV, the Outlander is also unveiled, costing between £19,000 and £24,000 available in 2 litre turbodiesel or 2.4 litre petrol models.

Vauxhall launch a radically-restyled Corsa with a 200bhp turbocharged engine at £15,000 that’s destined to be a sure-fire success.

APRIL

Certain to be the biggest news for April will be BMW’s 3 series convertible. The saloon versions have sold by the truckload, so expect the same with this, available from £30,000.

German rival Audi is bringing out a 420bhp v8 engine R8 supercar capable of sub five-second 0-60 times and the tasty new TT roadster, priced between £27,000 and £31,000. For those with the means, Aston Martin is introducing its sleek V8 Vantage Roadster - a snip at £90,000.

MAY

A quiet launch month, but Peugeot brings out the 207CC, that is promising to be roomier and re-styled. It is expected to be available from around £14,500.

JUNE

This summer will be all about the new Ford Mondeo, or Bondeo as it should be known after its Casino Royale role. Available in three bodystyles (saloon, estate and hatch) it is anticipated to be light years ahead of its old incarnation. Expect 2.0 litre/2.5 litre petrol engines and desiels too. Priced from £16,500, it will be among the contenders for car of the year.

Citroen’s C-Crosser SUV 7 seater is unveiled from £20,000 and Vauxhall produce a sporty new Monaro VXR with a near 400bhp 6.0 litre V8 engine, priced from £32,000. An estate version of the BMW M5 is also on the market, priced £65,000 and its 1 series three-door hatcback receives a tweak, available at £15,000.

JULY/AUGUST

The handsome Vauxhall Antara 4X4 should do plenty of brisk business. Featuring a Korean-built, 2 litre turbodiesel engine, it is priced between £20,000-£24,000.

Mitsubishi revives its Lancer model with a range spanning a 1.5 litre petrol to a 2.0 litre diesel and will have some especially smart styling. Prices from £11,000.

The new Mercedes C-Class will be a little larger than the present model and receives some styling revamps. From £23.000. The Fiat Bravo is also re-designed for 2007 with a 1.9 diesel model and three petrol engines.

Hyundai’s five-door Ford Focus rival, the Arnejs, makes its entrance this summer. Priced at £12,000, it will be followed buy a coupe-cabriolet model. Jeep’s contrubtion comes in the form of the Patriot, based on traditional designs, available from £15,000.

SEPTEMBER

Renault’s stylish citycar, the Twingo revs into view, geared towards a young market. It is equipped with a 99bhp 16V engine, priced between £8,000-£11,000. Volvo’s XC70 also appears (from £26,000) though details have yet to be released.

Mazda is hoping to rival Toyota’s Rav with its distinctive new CX-7 (priced £25,000) that offers 258bhp from ra 2.3litre turbocharged powerplant. Meanwhile, Dodge is offering a challenge to the Mazda 6 market with its new Avenger. Engines include a 2.0 litre, 2.4 litre petorl and 2 litre turbodiesel, available from £15,000.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

This month sees Dodge unveil its Jeep variant, the Nitro with a V6 petrol engine and a 2.8 litre turbodiesel and is sure to attract attention weighing in at £19,000. BMW’s all-new M3 will be grabbing plenty of headlines with its next-generation computer control system, V8, 420bhp and seven-speed gearbox. It’s expected to retail around £55,000.

DECEMBER

Building on the award-winning success of the XK, Jaguar releases its new saloon, the XF . It features a 23Obhp 3 litre engine, 2.7twin-turbo diesel and a range-topping 350bhp 5.0litre V8. Expect prices around the £30,000 mark.