MARK THE CALENDAR
There are some tasty arrivals in the next few weeks
RENAULT KADJAR
Renault is bringing some French flair to Australia’s small SUV market. The Kadjar blurs the lines between the small and medium segments as it slots in above the pint-size Captur and below family-size Koleos in the brand’s local line-up. Renault’s three-tier model range starts at $29,990 before on-road costs. Power comes from a 1.3-litre turbo (117kW/260Nm), matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All models score autonomous emergency braking and front and rear parking sensors. The top two versions get side parking sensors, lane-departure warning and blind-spot warning. Expect the Kadjar to arrive in showrooms early next month.
KIA SELTOS
The new Seltos compact SUV, one of the year’s keenly anticipated arrivals, is due next month. The brand is late to the baby SUV party but an overseas drive suggests it will be worth the wait. It is at the larger end of the scale, closer to a Mitsubishi ASX than a Mazda CX-3. Kia is aiming for about 8000 sales a year and, with prices expected to start at about $26,000 driveaway, that target may be moved upwards. There is plenty of room inside and generous standard equipment and driver aids. The cabin is dominated by a large touchscreen and a combination of soft-touch and hard plastic surfaces. Engine options include a 2.0-litre (110kW/180Nm), paired with a continuously variable transmission for low-spec front-drivers, and a 1.6-litre turbo (130kW/265Nm) with dualclutch auto for higher-spec all-wheel drives.
AUDI A1
Audi is preparing to launch its secondgeneration A1 city car this month. The new hatch will be much larger than the previous version because it now shares underpinnings with the likes of the VW Golf and Audi Q3 SUV. This means the A1’s wheelbase is now almost 100mm longer, endowing a far roomier cabin. However, the A1 is only 56mm longer in total, so it should still appeal to city-minded folks who need to squeeze into tight parking spaces. In the big cabin upgrade, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment screen join forces. Efficient turbocharged petrol engines include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder (85kW/200Nm), 1.5-litre four (110kW/250Nm) and brawny 2.0-litre (147kW/320Nm). Prices are expected to start at about $30,000 and top out about $42,000 before on-road costs.