2014 is winding down to a close and what a fantastic year its been.This year has seen a tremendous amount of vehicles launched, both locally and internationally, and there’s been some outstanding models to grace the Cars.co.za motoring news pages.

This year I will have driven 105 new models. Of those, I will have written 56 reviews and photographed 90 of them. Here are some of the highlights and disappointments. Sure, I would happily put theFerrari 458 and Lamborghini Huracan in this list, but these are high-end supercars and not consumer products, which is what the majority can afford.

I hope you’ve had a great year. Hit me up on Twitter @DaveTheCarGuyif you’d like to chat cars. I wish you a safe and prosperous 2015.

Highlights

Citroen C4 Picasso

This French MPV for me has to be one of the best cars. Not only does it combine futuristic technology like automatic parking, but there’s also a super economical diesel engine in there. The best part has to be the price. Now, if only Citroen couldsort its reputation and brand image in SA…

Audi S3 Sedan

I fell in love with little super sedan. With the same 2.0-litre turbo motor and S Tronic gearbox, performance is just ballistic. Thanks tosome clever driving modes, the S3 sedan can be become frugal and docile too, making it a superb daily driver.

Megane 1.2 GT-Line

With 97 kW and 205 Nm from a 1.2 turbocharged engine, the facelifted Renault Megane is a decent performer. It’s light on fuel and comes with a brilliant TomTom HD infotainment system. The coupe version happens to look quite pretty too.

Subaru WRX

It’s good to see Subaru keep pace with its performance rivals. The new WRX is a good performer and features excellent handling and space. It’s priced well and was nominated as a Car of the Year finalist. It’s unfortunate that its marginally faster and more extreme STI brother is just simply not good enough to compete against its German rivals.

Renault Sandero

If there was an award for the best improvement, the Sandero would get it. The first generation Sandero was average at best, but this new model is excellent. Loaded to the hilt with technologyand safety features, the Sandero makes a great case for itself as a consumer champion in the budget segment.

Disappointments

Datsun Go

I find it shameful that a car company can release a car in 2014 that has absolutely no safety features whatsoever. I can appreciate said company’s efforts of trying to tackle the challenge of cheap and affordable motoring, but at the sacrifice of safety? That’s not on. It’s a pity though, as the Datsun Go isn’t the worst offering in its segment.

Suzuki Splash

I will admit that I’m a fan of the Suzuki range, but I’m a little disappointed in the Splash. Why would you buy this over a 1.2 Swift which is a brilliant little car? It just doesn’t make sense.

Toyota Etios Cross

What an odd-looking thing! It’s meant to be a crossover, but it doesn’t have any ability to go offroad. That plastic cladding and bodykit also looks dreadful. I can’t fault the build quality though…