NEW YEAR EVOLUTION
The new-car market nosedived in 2019 but new arrivals are poised to spark a revival
After a tough 2019, car makers are looking to bounce back with a bumper crop of new arrivals into Australian showrooms.
There will be plenty to like for families as SUVs land in all shapes, sizes and — most importantly — budgets.
Tradies and weekend warriors will also have something to cheer about as a pair of top-notch dual-cabs roars into dealerships.
For the conventional buyer, two well-loved hatchbacks will arrive, as well as a couple of hot hatches to get the blood pumping.
FORD FOCUS ST, FIESTA ST
The Blue Oval will look to build on the success of the Mustang by unleashing two fire-breathing hot hatches, the Focus ST and Fiesta ST.
Both are expected to land in showrooms in the first quarter bringing fresh tech, feisty performance and more space.
The Focus ST has a beefy turbo fourcylinder making 206kW/420Nm matched to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto driving the front wheels. Prices start at $44,690 (before on-road costs).
The Fiesta ST has ditched the three-door layout for a more practical five-door set-up. It scores a punchy three-cylinder turbo engine that is good for 147kW and 290Nm. Prices start at $31,990.
ISUZU D-MAX
The Isuzu D-Max dual-cab flies under the radar but it has become one of the best selling utes in the country.
A heavily revised version is likely to arrive in the second half of the year with a thoroughly modernised cabin, a well overdue technology update and an upgraded version of its 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
The engine gets a power boost from 130kW/430Nm to 140kW/450Nm, making it more competitve against the market leaders.
The new model also promises to be more capable off-road, thanks to a rear differential and an increased wading depth.
JEEP GLADIATOR
The fun doesn’t stop there for ute fan-boys, as the Jeep Gladiator will arrive in the second quarter.
The 5.5-metre workhorse brings Jeep’s tough go-anywhere ability to Australia’s ute segment.
The Gladiator shares its underpinnings with the new Wrangler and comes with removable doors and roof, as well as a folding front windscreen.
Prices haven’t been confirmed but expect the entry point to be about $55,000 and move all the way up to about $80,000.
Initially it will be available only with a 3.6litre V6 petrol engine (209kW/353Nm) but a diesel version is tipped to arrive at a later date.
KIA SORENTO
It has been a big end to the year for Kia with record sales and the launch of the new compact Seltos SUV. The brand will follow up this year with a new version of its Sorento SUV.
Kia hasn’t provided much information on its new flagship family-hauler, but the seven-seater
is pencilled in to arrive in the second quarter.
The Sorento is expected to take on the brand’s new styling seen on the Seltos.
Expect a choice of the same petrol and diesel engines that debuted in the Hyundai Santa Fe recently, along with two- and all-wheel drive layouts. There should be big advancements in safety tech and infotainment.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The legend is reborn. Designed in the shadows of World War Two, the Defender has remained mostly unchanged for 71 years.
The second-generation Defender is wildly different from the original, mixing its legendary off-road prowess with modern styling, advanced technology, hybrid power, air suspension and over-the-air updates.
Initially there will be a five-door version with a three-door and a larger five-door model to follow. Prices will start at $69,990 (before onroad costs) and rise to more than $135,000.
MAZDA CX-30
The stylish CX-30 will fill the gap between the pint-sized CX-3 and the best selling CX-5.
The CX-30 aims to blend the best of both worlds, providing ample space within compact city-friendly dimensions.
Power comes from either a 2.0- or 2.5-litre petrol engine making 114kW/200Nm and 135kW/252Nm.
Prices will start at $29,990 and rise to $43,490 with sales starting in February.
Expect a quality cabin and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance tech.
NISSAN JUKE
The original Juke didn’t make much of an impact, but the all-new model looks a different prospect, bringing head-turning styling and customisation options to draw in young buyers.
Due to arrive mid-year the Juke should be priced close to similar rivals such as the Mazda
CX-3, which kick off at about $25,000 before on-road costs.
Power will come from a 1.0-litre threecylinder turbo (86kW/180Nm), with a boost function that adds 20Nm of torque for up to 25 seconds under full acceleration.
SUBARU OUTBACK
The all-new Outback was revealed at the New York motor show early last year but don’t expect it to arrive until the very end of 2020.
Under the bonnet, there is an overhauled version of the current 2.5-litre petrol engine making 134kW/239Nm and a turbo fourcylinder with about 195kW and 375Nm.
Inside, a big 11.6-inch tablet-style centre touchscreen dominates the dash and controls all the infotainment, aircon and off-road modes. Tiles on the screen can be moved about in a similar way to smartphones. Expect a quieter cabin, higher quality materials and more advanced driver assistance technology.
TOYOTA YARIS
The Toyota Yaris is the second best-selling little hatch in the country after the cut-price Hyundai Getz.
The next-gen model arrives in Australia mid-year, bringing important tech and safety changes for the brand’s most affordable car.
Toyota is set to continue its focus on hybrids, bringing a ultra fuel-efficient version that could be the country’s cheapest petrolelectric model.
Prices should start at $19,000 drive-away and rise to about $25,000 for the hybrid.
Toyota has also confirmed an all-wheel drive hot-hatch version that will wear the GR (Gazoo Racing) badge.
Powered by a 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine making 185kW/350Nm, it should take the fight to the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the Fiesta ST.
A new version of the Kluger family SUV has already debuted in the US, but Toyota remains tight-lipped about when it will arrive here.