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JULY 2008
Audi A3 cabrio
Audi's entry into the small soft-top segment, recently augmented by BMW's new 1 Series convertible, is the four-seat A3 cabriolet, which launches here with a choice of 1.6-litre and 1.8 and 2.0-litre TFSI engines in July. The soft top is claimed to fold into an especially tight space and can be had in semi-auto or full-auto form, whipping open in just nine seconds.

BMW X6
BMW goes from SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) to SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) with the new X6, which brings lifestyle all-wheel drive motoring a step closer to regular (large) hatchback proportions. The slick BMW is announced in July with the choice of twin-turbo petrol or diesel six-cylinder engines and a swag of luxury gear, priced between $111,500 and $117,000.

Holden Sportwagon
Holden takes an interesting approach to redefining the family wagon with its new Sportwagon to be introduced in July. The compact, swoopy five-door bridges the gap between a hatchback and a regular wagon, leaving the heavy-duty stuff to the likes of the 4WD Captiva. In terms of models, the Sportwagon virtually mirrors the sedan range, with Omega, Berlina and Calais variants, along with SV6, SS, SS-V and Calais-V and the choice of V6 or V8 power.

Mazda RX-8
No glaring revisions to the four-door rotary sports coupe from Mazda for 2008, but the front-end is definitely new, and a GT model adding a bit more spice takes the model count to three. The GT gets tuned sports suspension, 19-inch wheels and various other changes to sharpen things even further, while a six-speed auto transmission is optional.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
The arrival of the Lancer Evo X in July is good news for a company that's had its fair share of negatives lately. The Evo X spearheads Mitsubishi's role as a full importer and is a halo car that will help inspire confidence in the company's access to a wide range of truly exciting cars. It will come with 4B11 2.0-litre turbo engine, and the availability of a DSG-style dual-clutch transmission as well as all the refinement that came with the latest series Lancer in 2007.

Nissan X-Trail diesel
Nissan's slightly enlarged X-Trail gets not just one, but two turbodiesel options in July. Already favourites in other X-Trail markets, the new diesels come from a joint development with Renault and are reportedly a nice match with the Nissan SUV. Both displace 2.0 litres but the version in the base TS model produces 110kW and 320Nm while the performance variant in the premium TL winds out 127kW and 360Nm. A new six-speed auto and a six-speed manual transmission are on offer and prices span from $36,990 to $41,990.

Renault Clio III RenaultSport 197
More Brio for the cult Clio as Renault prepares to introduce the third generation range with the rorty RenaultSport micro hatch in early July. The sporty Clio, as before, sidesteps turbocharging with a throaty and meaningful 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine that really belongs in something bigger. The result is 145kW, along with a remarkable 215Nm of torque, all driving a new six-speed manual transmission to zero to 100km/h times of 6.9 seconds. It looks bigger and more macho than its much-loved predecessor, with 17-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and a functional, F1 style rear diffuser. Other Clio IIIs to follow? No word from Renault as yet, but let's hope so.

AUGUST 2008
Audi RS 6 Avant
Audi TTS Roadster
MINI JCW
Mercedes-Benz CLC coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLK

SEPTEMBER 2008
Dodge Journey
Hyundai Sonata
Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift 
Mercedes-Benz B-Class facelift 
Peugeot 308CC
Porsche Carrera 2 and Carrera 2 S
Saab 9-3
Subaru Impreza sedan

OCTOBER 2008
Alfa Romeo Junior
Audi Q5
Cadillac CTS
Citroen C4 sedan
Citroen C5
Fiat 500 Abarth
Fiat Punto Abarth
Fiat Punto upgrade
Ford Mondeo wagon
Land Rover Defender
Lexus IS-F
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Mercedes-Benz ML facelift 
Renault Koleos SUV
Renault Laguna estate
Volkswagen Passat CC
Volvo XC60

NOVEMBER 2008
Audi S3 3-door
Kia Picanto
Kia Magentis
Peugeot 107
Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S
Mercedes-Benz CL63

DECEMBER 2008
TBA

2009
Q1
Alfa 149   
Audi A1
Chery A1
Chery A5
Chery Tiggo
Nissan GT-R
Fiat SUV
Fiat 500 convertible

Q2
Alfa Romeo 149
Citroen C5 MkII
Ford Ka
Alfa Romeo 169

Q3
TBA

Q4
Citroen C3 MkII

2010
Mini Crossman
Audi TT Speedster
BMW City
Audi Q3
Fiat Ritmo Wagon
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL
Kia Cee'd

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