Just announced

Mazda RX-8

Price £23,000 approx

On sale This summer

What’s different? Not much visually, unless you happen to spot the new front bumper, front and rear lights and larger-diameter exhausts and the fresh set of wheels. Inside is a new instrument panel and some seat modifications. While the 231bhp rotary engine remains unchanged, substantial modifications have been made to the chassis to increase its stiffness, while the rear suspension and final drive ratio have also been altered to improve response

Why should I care? The RX-8 is four years old now and this is a minor refresh, but its looks are still captivating and its four-door design unique. The driving pleasure it affords is difficult to beat, even at what is expected to be a slightly inflated price when it goes on sale this summer

Consider also Nissan 350Z £26,795-£29,295, Audi TT 2.0 TSFI £25,200, Porsche Cayman Coupé 2.7 £36,220

In the showroom

Fiat 500

Prices £7,900-£10,700

On sale Tomorrow

What’s different? Small, stylish city cars such as this are what Fiat does best and it looks like the firm has struck gold again. This cute and funky design is inspired by the great small Fiats of the past yet has its eyes set firmly on the future. You can choose between 1.2 and 1.4 litre petrol engines and an outstanding, frugal 1.3 litre diesel

Why should I care? Not least because the most expensive 500 is substantially cheaper than the cheapest Mini. If you want to drive a style statement on wheels while owning what appears to be a quite exceptional bargain, it would seem you have come to the right place. You’re also buying into a heritage that goes back past Dante Giacosa’s legendary 1957 Nuova 500 all the way to the car that started it all: the 1937 Topolino

Consider also Citroën C1 £7,195-£9,025, Smart ForTwo coupé £6,900-£9,020, Volkswagen Fox £6,590-£8,040