It's that time of year again when our favourite publications are full of the annual lists and countdowns that help us fathom what was hot – and indeed what was not – over the last 12 months.
And no industry is subject to more scrutiny when new developments are announced than the automotive sector. Every year, manufacturers, retailers, media commentators and – most importantly – customers all have their own opinions, and boy were there some in 2014.
Here we are going to focus on the new car models that were unveiled over the last year and have a real good go at sorting the wheat from the chaff. If you took the plunge and purchased a new car during the last 12 months, then scroll down to see how your model fared. Or maybe you're thinking of ringing in 2015 and getting over the January blues by treating yourself to a new motor. Either way, the following guide is a rundown based on expert opinion and in-depth analysis of the car industry in 2014.
Vauxhall's 4th generation Corsa
This year saw an automotive behemoth bring out the fourth installment of one of the most popular hatchbacks of our time, the Vauxhall Corsa. This proved to be one of the top choices for younger drivers who had just passed their test – at least for the lucky ones who can fork out the near £9,000, or have parents wealthy enough to do so.
Regardless of the price, however, this was always going to be a safe bet in 2014, offering reliability, a sleek look and the kind of handling to suit any level of driver ability.
Mercedes GLA
Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, Mercedes came out with a new model that it modestly described as an SUV version of its infamous A-Class model.
The result was a new car that does indeed come with a more rugged and durable exterior, but one that could hardly be put in the same class of SUV as those already on the market courtesy of some of the German company's closest competitors.
The Porsche Macan
One of the competitors we are talking about probably stuck a knife in the heart of Mercedes when it announced the unveiling of its Macan SUV earlier this year. Porsche has long been seen as having one of the most heated rivalries in the industry with its fellow German nationals – and this time around, it has to be said that they came out on top.
For a firm that is traditionally associated with luxury sports cars, it is actually quite refreshing to see it put in the necessary research and come back with a larger model that has to take the title of best SUV of 2014.
Volkswagen Golf R
Another of this year's best-selling hatchbacks was the latest version of Volkswagen's Golf series. This hatchback is more of an accessorised update of its predecessor than the Corsa.
While it is still a great choice for new drivers, there are some added extras that have also proved a welcome arrival for more experienced motorists. This versatile vehicle also comes with four-wheel drive, setting it up as an ideal option to take out for a leisurely spin or get adventurous with some off-road action.
Jaguar F-type Coupe
Time to rev it up a bit, with a model that proved to be one of the most exhilarating new additions around in 2014. The Jaguar F-type has long been one of the most sought after series on the market for those with the cash to throw around, but the announcement of the Coupe version brought with it a whole new dimension. This a Coupe with a 5-litre V8 engine. In other words, it has some serious power between it.
So there you have it, these are just some of the movers and shakers that caught the imaginations of petrol heads up and down the country over the last 12 months. Next year will no doubt bring with it a whole new crop of exciting developments, but for now simply kick back and look over the year that was.