Automakers are in an odd place at the moment, still defining themselves through existing technology, racing pedigree or wild amounts of power and glory – much of it heavily retro, as if the last century is something for an industry now in shock to cling to. Although some of the upcoming models are unequivocally beautiful, you do wonder just how many footballers and newly minted Chinese millionaires there really are, and how long they will be comfortable to publicly indulge their appetite for gas-guzzlers.

But while we await the first generation of sexed-up purely electric vehicles to arrive, we can at least admire the varied class of 2010. The most striking newcomer promises to be Volkswagen’s L1. As much a supercar as anything else on our list, this diesel-hybrid may define the tipping point for a new revolution in pared-down motoring where Lilliputian outputs define the new bragging rights of an eco-conscious era. We hope so, if only for the health of an industry that is crying out for innovation and imagination.

ABARTH 695 TRIBUTO FERRARI

What: Limited edition Fiat 500 in go-faster stripes withextras like leather, and the mechanicals of the Abarth Esseesse, a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-charged engine producing 180bhp.
When: Early 2010
How much: Est. €30,000
Verdict: Abarth is Fiat’s tuning division reborn, and the resulting hot 500 is no push-over. It has rock-hard suspension, racetrack handling and a raucous, manic engine with a warbly exhaust note. The Ferrari tribute version is the same car with paint and leather for twice the money, yet it’s almost certain to be a future collectible. Hard not to want despite the crazy premium.

VOLKSWAGEN L1

What: Two-cylinder, 800cc diesel-hybrid ecocar that seats two longitudinally, emits just 39 grams of CO2 per km and has EU combined cycle economy of 180mpg or 1.56 litres per 100km.
When: Believed by insiders to be late 2010 but VW won’t say for sure
How much: No indications
Verdict: The most important car to be unveiled in the past year; this revolutionary craft is the ‘real world’ development of VW’s ‘one litre’ car (as in one litre of diesel consumed per 100km driven) of a decade ago. Suddenly, it’s no longer the future but today — and the L1 not only looks convincing, but beautiful. As long as the pricing isn’t intergalactic, we’d buy one in a heartbeat.

BENTLEY MULSANNE

What: Bentley’s replacement for the Arnage, although it’s a clean-sheet design and a credible Rolls-Royce Phantom competitor with a price to match.
When: 2010
How much: Est. €300,000
Verdict: Strangely, although the pinnacle of engineering, this car still engages the 50-year-old 6.75 litre V8 taken from the old Arnage, whereas we’d hoped for a completely new drivetrain including a diesel-hybrid option. Looks have so far divided opinion — especially the boss-eyed front and thick waistline. All in all, it’s a little bit too footballer/rap star for our sensitivities, even though it will be wonderful in a nostalgic, 20th-century way.

MINI COUPE

What: Two-door version of the hot hatch Mini, with a striking ‘floating roof’ look and the same, turbo-charged 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine as the John Cooper Works model.
When: Late 2010
How much: Est. €25,000
Verdict: The fastest, lightest Mini yet, but opinions are split between those who dislike the flat-top hairdo and others who love its squat racer looks.

JAGUAR XJ

What: Jaguar’s next big cat — and there’s already a waiting list for it.
When: Order now for early spring delivery.
How much: From €60,000
Verdict: Some consider the looks bland. Don’t buy the hogwash about it being sustainable because no car can claim that, least of all this luxo-barge. Unless you love paying for fuel all the time, get the six-cylinder diesel version instead of the fivelitre petrol one — you won’t notice the difference.

MASERATI GRANCABRIO

What: Cabriolet version of the GranTurismo, with the familiar, tuneful 433bhp, 4.7 litre V8.
When: Orders accepted from the New Year.
How much: Est. €100,000
Verdict: Stunning from all angles and even better looking than the fixed-head coupe. Fabric tops are back in fashion because they save weight; in this case it allows you to hear the magnificent engine as well, which is a major plus.

AUDI R8 SPYDER

What: Drop-top version of Audi’s desirable R8 supercar. It will come with a 518bhp, 5.2-litre V10 powerplant, four-wheel drive and an electrically folding fabric hood.
When: Expected to go on sale in the spring.
How much: Est. €110,000
Verdict: It’s the grey pinstripe foil for the VW Group’s Lamborghini sibling, the Gallardo Spyder, which has the same engine and 4x4 gear.

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST

What: Everything you ever wanted in the Phantom, in a more manageable and less expensive package, the Rolls-Royce Ghost rests on a modified BMW 7 Series platform and is powered by an opulent V12 churning out 563 bhp.
When: Order now for 2010 delivery.
How much: Est. €220,000
Verdict: Despite the hefty price tag, the Ghost still represents good value when you stop to consider the craftmanship that has gone into it; however, it is still likely to be prone to immense depreciation.

PORSCHE 911 SPORT CLASSIC

What: Classically styled Porsche 911 offering a double-bubble roof line and a ducktail rear spoiler echoing the rare and iconic 1973 RS 2.7, bespoke black wheels and a special cabin. Engine is a fettled version of the familiar, 3.8-litre flat six.
When: Early 2010
How much: Not less than €150,000
Verdict: Limited to 250 cars, this is instantly collectible, and no one is going fuss about the price, despite the fact that it’s double that of the not dissimilar Porsche 911 Carrera S. Not a retro-rip off as Porsche has never wavered from the original design, only improved it.

MERCEDES SLS AMG

What: The rebirth of the iconic, 1954 300SL with its signature gullwing doors. The 2010 version, also with gullwing doors, offers 0-100km in 3.8 seconds, and a 6.3-litre V8 serving up 555bhp.
When: Expected to go on sale in early 2010.
How much: €177,000
Verdict: The styling is controversial, especially from behind where it recalls the lame looks of the Lexus SC-430, and fuel consumption is appalling. Our money’s on the original not the repro.