By Derryn Wong

THE OTHERS CAN talk about exotics and hybrids all they want but at the end of the day what any person wants is a real, proper car that they can drive – and we’re not speaking million-dollar, limited-edition supercars either. So here’s our pick of the most exciting production models unveiled at Frankfurt that will be coming soon to Singapore.

Audi A5/S5 Sportback

When: Q1 2010

Audi inflames the latest niche-splitting wars with the A5 Sportback, essentially a liftback version of its good-looking A5 coupe with a little more space. Expect the same run of engines as found in the regular A5: a 2.0-litre turbo and 3.2-litre V6. The S5 version gets a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 like in the cabriolet, not the V8 in the S5 coupe, with 333bhp instead of 350bhp. Audi Singapore says to expect the car sometime in the first quarter of 2010.

BMW X1

When: 2010

This is BMW’s latest crossover, after the X3 and X5 but unlike its bigger brothers, aspirations of off-roading fall completely by the wayside. It’s a little larger than the 1 Series upon which it’s based, but smaller than the X3 – wheelbase is 2,760mm, about 100mm more than the 1 Series five-door. Currently the only gasoline variant is the xDrive28i, with a 2,996cc in-line six engine good for 258bhp, and a 0-100 time of 6.8 seconds. CarBuyer estimates this will arrive here in 2010.

BMW 5 Series GT

When: TBC

GT stands for ‘Gran Turismo’, and this car comes in above the 5 Series Touring for those who want even more space and comfort. It actually rides on a 7 Series platform and has the same wheelbase. Initial reports from the floor say the car looks better in the flesh and if it’s a true BMW it should drive well too, which is all we can say until we actually try it out. A 535i with 306bhp and 550i with 407bhp have been announced, it’s still unclear when, or if, the car will get here.

Citroën DS3

When: 2010

The Citroën DS3 is the first of its new ‘DS’ line, aimed at customers who put premium on style and personalisation. The DS3 is a C3-sized two-door compact hatch, the major difference of course being the super-cool design. Three gasoline engines have been announced, most likely we’ll get the 150bhp turbocharged and 120bhp naturally aspirated variants. Although it’s unconfirmed exactly what will be available when the car arrives next year, a high level of customisation is one of the main selling points of the car.

Hyundai Tucson ix35

When: Very soon!

In Europe the new Hyundai Tucson will be called the ix35, but the great thing about being closer to Korea (this doesn’t work for Japan though) is we’ll be getting the new Tucson as soon as this month, according to dealer Komoco Motors. The new car is larger in all respects than the old car and gets a new 2.0-litre Theta II engine, making 166bhp along with a six-speed auto ‘box. It loses all-wheel drive capability, but the sleek styling complements the new car’s on-road bias much better.

Opel Astra

When? Mid 2010

With GM’s troubles behind it and the saga of ownership almost done, Opel has a bright future ahead of it and it begins with the new Astra small hatchback. Four gasoline engines have been revealed, a 1.4 and 1.6 in normal and turbocharged formats, which make 100bhp, 115bhp, 140bhp and 180bhp respectively. Overall it’s only a little larger than it’s predecessor, but if the Chevrolet Cruze (which shares the Astra’s Delta II platform) is anything to go by, the new Astra will be very impressive.

Peugeot RCZ

When? 2011

We can’t recall being this excited about a Peugeot (other than the outgoing 207 GTi) in recent history: the new RCZ is a long overdue foray into sports car territory for the French maker. Shown here is the full production model, which will arrive here in late 2010 or early 2011, with the super-cool ‘double-bubble’ roof as seen on the concept car. A 1.6-litre turbo engine in 156bhp or, a 200bhp tune which sprints to 100km/h in only 7.6 seconds.

Saab 9-5

When? Mid 2010

Better late than never rings true, with Saab, now under the Koeniggsegg Group releasing its long overdue 9-5 sedan at last to the world. It should mark a healthy return to form for the Swedish carmaker, whose reputation for cool, left-of-the-centre cars suffered under US ownership somewhat. Three gas engines, a 1.6, 2.0 and 2.8, all turbocharged, will feature in the car, which is based on GM’s Epsilon II platform. Griffin fans should expect it here mid-next year.

Volkswagen Golf R

When? Q1 2010

Well if a GTI isn’t enough for you (there’s no pleasing some people) then there’s good news because Volkswagen has announced the replacement for the Golf R32 – making much more sense is the new Golf R which uses a 270bhp version of the Mk5’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (likely the same as the Audi S3) or 60bhp more than a normal GTI. 19-inch wheels, adaptive chassis control will be standard along with a $15-20k premium over the regular car.