COMING ATTRACTIONS
It’s been a bleak year for new-car buyers thanks to stock shortages but these new arrivals should bring some cheer
It’s been a tough year for new-car buyers. Limited supply has meant that deals are thin on the ground and buyers are being asked to wait months for some models to be delivered. The good news is there’s still plenty of action to come before Santa arrives to deliver some much needed cheer. Here are the standouts that will arrive in coming months.
TOYOTA LANDCRUISER
There are tweaks to RAV4 and Prado, but it’s the LandCruiser so many are waiting on. The new 300 Series ditches the V8 and picks up a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel. First shipments have already arrived and early deliveries are expected in October, although Toyota is shutting the factory down for a month in September due to microchip shortages, so waiting lines could lengthen. The most affordable seven-seater is priced from $112,000.
HYUNDAI STARIA
Hyundai’s EV push steps up a gear with the arrival of the Ioniq 5 late this yea but before that will be the Staria people-mover, the longawaited replacement for the iMax van. The futuristic looking family van will be available as a front-drive V6 or an all-wheel drive diesel, with prices sneaking above $50,000. There’s also plenty of action on the hot-hatch front, as Hyundai launches the smaller i20 N hatch to complement an updated i30 N. The sub-brand’s first SUV, the Kona N, will also arrive.
MAZDA3
There will be tweaks to existing models, including the CX-3, CX-30 and CX-9, but the bigger news involves the Mazda3. The mild hybrid engine in the MX-30 will be available in the Mazda3, matched to an automatic transmission. Mazda is also expected to broaden the BT-50 model range.
KIA SPORTAGE
An all-new Sportage mid-sized SUV (main picture) will launch with petrol, diesel and potentially hybrid models. Kia will also usher in a plug-in hybrid version of its larger Sorento SUV, although the more affordable regular hybrid has been pushed back to early next year, as has the all-electric EV6 crossover.
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS
In a line-up bulging with SUVs, the oncepopular C-Class sometimes gets overlooked but an all-new model should put it back on the radar of traditionally-minded business execs. There will be no wagon this time and fourcylinder engines only, starting with the C200 and C300. A plug-in hybrid C350e backs them up in 2022.
HONDA CIVIC HATCH
The Japanese brand is still bedding in its new sales model – where customers buy online or from a Honda agent with no haggling – but will welcome the latest iteration of the Civic hatch late in the year. The 1.8-litre engine disappears for the hatch-only line-up, with a more powerful version of the 1.5-litre turbo the sole engine. A hybrid joins the range in 2022.
VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON
The new Caddy small van and people mover is about to roll into dealerships, but later in the year Volkswagen will usher in the new generation of the sleek Arteon. Bringing space and pace to a market segment once dominated by luxury brands, the Arteon will initially be offered as a liftback, with a “shooting brake” wagon version in the new year.
SUBARU BRZ
A mild update to the Forester arrives next month but it’s the second-generation BRZ sports car that has enthusiasts salivating. Sharing its DNA and upgraded 2.4-litre engine with the Toyota GR 86 (its arrival is yet to be confirmed), the new rear-drive two-door should sneak into the country in December.
NISSAN PATROL
Nissan’s gearing up for a big 2022 with the new Qashqai, Pathfinder and X-Trail in the wings, but for the remainder of this year it’s a minor cosmetic update to the mighty Patrol as well as a new version of the flagship of the Navara range, the Warrior.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
An all-new version of Mitsubishi’s mid-sized SUV will arrive in November. The nextgeneration car will have a new 2.5-litre engine riding on a new platform with sharper styling. A longer equipment list will include more active safety features. Prices start from $34,490.