2016 Hits and Misses: Biggest Surprise

Andrew Maclean: Alfa Romeo Giulia QV

Because it is ... well, actually very, very good. It looks great and, after a tyre-smoking preview at Fiat's Ballocco proving ground, it might just be the best driver's car in its class.

Stephen Ottley: Subaru Impreza

While it's not really surprise that Subaru has made a good car but the leap forward the next generation Impreza offers took me aback when I drove it in Japan.

The level of design, presentation and the quality of its fit and finish is a massive step up from the current car. It looks and feels like a premium car inside. The chassis felt well sorted too on my initial test, so good in fact it the overall package was somewhat let down by an underwhelming powertrain.

David McCowen: Holden Spark

The new Holden Spark is evidence General Motors knows how to build an excellent small car after all. GM has been responsible for some fairly average vehicles in recent years, but the new Spark is fun to drive, with excellent tech and strong value attributes that should put it on every city car buyer's shortlist.

Mark Short: Ram 2500

The American pick-ups are imported into Australia then converted to right-hand drive by ASV (American Special Vehicles) - a joint-venture between Ateco Automotive and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group. The conversion is second to none and factory backed by Ram. The truck pulls like a tractor but drives like a SUV.

Kez Casey: Lexus LC 500 Coupe

Lexus pulled back the covers on its production-ready LC coupe in March this year, and though the shape was familiar from the earlier LF-LC concept, the fact that the jaw-dropping two-door stayed true to its concept forebear surprised industry experts and the general public alike.

This most un-Lexus-like flagship coupe could be the brand's most convincing product since the V10-powered LFA and proves that Lexus is in no way prepared to sit quietly and allow more senior prestige competitors to steal the limelight.

Peter McKay: Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge

Expecting a big, lard-arsed trundler, tizzed-up superficially, instead I got a big, fastback coupe that weighed as much as an oversized SUV and yet went hard thanks to a 465kW 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12, and relished being punted around a racetrack.  The driver-focussed Wraith Black Label, the fastest and most powerful RR, is bolder and edgier and pitched at self-made movers and entrepreneurs who don't blink at a $745,000 price tag. Yes, reality did give perceptions a big heave.

Toby Hagon: Holden Spark and Audi A4

The new Spark was certainly a welcome surprise, although the Audi A4 more so. Compared with its fiercest rivals, the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series, the A4 had previously felt it was a step behind. But this latest model proved how much of a leap it's made.

Stephen Corby: Audi A8

It's coming, and it will drive itself (although probably not in Australia). Audi's announcement that the new A8, on sale in 2017, will offer full "hands-off, eyes-off" automation left many of us with our jaws resting on our shoelaces.

We knew the technology was out there, but Audi's determination to be first, and willingness to accept legal responsibility for any accidents that may happen while its software is in control, have shifted the playing field forever. The future isn't just coming, it's here.

Cameron McGavin: Ford Mustang

I was unlucky enough to log seat time in the last Mustang to be sold in Australia, an absolute train-wreck of a car, so wasn't in raptures about the return of the franchise. The new one has its rubbishy elements but its mix of wild looks, V8 go, half-decent driving and sharp value is quite likeable. Good, even.

David Morley: Lexus GS F

It should have been blancmange. At the very least, with its 5.0-litre V8, very fast blancmange. But it's not. It should be giving M3s and such a hard time. If only it were prettier.

Jonathan Hawley: Audi R8 Spyder?

It might sound a tad dismissive not to expect much from an R8 Spyder V10 on approach, but really? Do we really need an Audi clone of a Lamborghini Huracan, and one that's had a can opener taken to the roof for extra poseur value? Maybe not, but with mountains of speed and fury, a Tarzan-like grip on the tarmac, the option of convertible freedom and a ridiculously easygoing demeanor at lower speeds the R8 Spyder adds up to surprisingly good fun.

Daniela Intili: Ford Focus RS

I don't think you can appreciate just how good this car is until you take it for a spin on the track. It's like Clark Kent and superman. I have a new found admiration for this hot hatch.