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Subaru XV, from $27,990 Looks can be deceptive and in the case of the 2017 XV, here in a couple of weeks, they are. The wagon-styled SUV has a new chassis and revised drivetrain, even though it looks the same and the spec sheet still says 2.0-litre engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. Essentially a high-riding Impreza with some plastic cladding, the XV uses a more powerful and fuel efficient version of the flat-four engine. The CVT has seven preset “gears” in manual mode (a genuine manual isn’t available). All but the base model pick up Subaru’s active driving aids, though only the $35,240 S variant gets blindspot and lane departure warnings and rear cross-traffic assist. Android/Apple phone mirroring is standard across the range. The XV has 220mm of ground clearance, an off-road driving mode and electronic parking brake. Service intervals are 12 months/12,500km and Subaru says service costs over three years have been reduced from $2125 to $1298.
Lexus LC500, from $190,000 (est) As the successor to the LFA supercar, the LC500 assumes the mantle of performance flagship for the prestige Japanese brand. The V8 coupe is said to hit 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and, given only 100 cars have been allocated for Australia, it is expected to sell out fast. The more expensive hybrid LC500h marks Lexus’s first use of a lithium-ion battery pack, giving the car a packaging and power advantage over the nickel-metal hydride batteries used until now. Its petrol V6 (220kW/248Nm) is abetted by electric output of 132kW/ 300Nm. Add $15,000 for the enhancement pack” and bolster the LC with all-wheel steering, variable ratio steering rack, carbon-fibre roof and scuff plates, powered front sports seats and leather upholstery. A limited-slip diff is standard on the LC500 but part of the pack for the 500h. Pricing has yet to be announced but the LC500 is tipped to start about $190,000 before on-roads.
Holden Astra sedan, $21,490 (est) The four-door Astra is in dealerships mid-month. Pricing hasn’t been announced but Holden is expected to match its rivals and charge similar pricing for the sedan and hatch versions, translating to a circa $21,490 starting price. Given the hatch is seen as the sportier variant, the sedan may even be marginally cheaper. The Korean-built sedan will sell in three trim levels. Top-spec cars will have forward collision warning and blind-spot alert, though none will have autonomous emergency braking. Its 1.4-litre turbo engine will be paired with a sixspeed manual or an optional six-speed auto in the base LS; higher-spec models will exclusively use the auto. Default gear includes reversing camera, parking sensors, six airbags and Android/Apple phone mirroring. Holden has tweaked the steering, suspension and stability control software to handle local roads and early reports indicate the Astra will comfortably handle most conditions.