The outgoing XC90 is not a bad car at all and to expect the replacement to be staggeringly 
better would be to miss the point. As is the modern way with building cars, Volvo have designed and engineered a modular platform for a host of new vehicles to be based on. The benefits are weight loss, improved rigidity and cost savings. Where Volvo have made changes is in the engines and aerodynamics. They have followed
the modern trend to smaller, efficient petrol engines with a four cylinder petrol being the base model. But, as Mazda has shown with their efficient petrol units, the running costs are not a long way apart from a diesel. In the UK, where petrol is averagely 12% cheaper and the sale price is lower, the whole of life cost for petrol cars has led to a growth in popularity. During the year, expect a V6 diesel and a hybrid.
Citroen has unusually run the present model C4 Picasso for a year longer than their normal replacement cycle. You can see this as being a popularity thing or an economic decision, you choose. But the new C4 is due in January 2014 in five and seven seat versions. Citroen have stated that no hybrid or electric versions will be launched. 
