A-Z guide to what's coming in 2007: Alfa Romeo to Citroen

Dodge to Kia here
Land Rover to Renault here
Subaru to Volvo here

2006 saw an almost unprecedented number of new cars launched onto the Australian market. Major local manufacturers' launches and facelifts, new models and expanded ranges from economy and luxury brands alike -- even new (or at least, returning) marques.

Does that mean things are going to slow down in 2007? Hardly... As fashions and fads shift faster than ever, so car model lives are contracting -- and this trend is accelerating as manufacturing and design and development techniques shorten model lead times and car companies strive to establish unique selling propositions and win market share from others.

2007 will see all the major marques launch important new models and debut them Down Under. We'll be here to bring you all the information and full drive impressions as soon as practicable along the way. 

>>> ALFA ROMEO

Alfa Romeo 159 (auto/diesel)
What is it?   Midsize prestige sedan/wagon
When?   January-April
Alfa’s new-age 159 sedan and wagon have already landed here, but the line-up will be bolstered in January by the addition of an automatic 2.4 JTD (turbodiesel) variant; this engine is currently offered only with a manual. Also due in January are a cheaper 1.9 JTD turbodiesel and a Selespeed (sequential manual) equipped 2.2 JTS. These variants will be followed in March/April by an automatic version of the 3.2-litre Q4 flagship (currently available only with a manual).
Worth waiting for?   If you like Alfa brio, but can't be bothered changing gears, then the answer is self-evident.

Alfa Romeo Brera auto
What is it?  Midsize prestige coupe
When?  April/May
The slinky Brera coupe landed here in 2006 and has won rave reviews for its seductive looks, but some potential buyers may have been put off by the lack of an automatic transmission. Well, that's about to change, because the 3.2-litre Q4 flagship will be offered from April/May with a smooth-shifting six-speed auto that's enable your left leg to go on early retirement. This is bound to be a welcome addition in a segment where few buyers opt for manuals.
Worth waiting for?   See above

>>> ASTON MARTIN

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
What is it?  Premium sports convertible
When?  September
Aston's V8 Vantage Coupe made people go weak at the knees when it debuted here in 2006, but another even more voluptuous instalment is in store -- specifically, the drop-dead gorgeous V8 Vantage Roadster. The drop-top features the same 283kW 4.3-litre V8 as its hardtop sibling and Aston says performance is barely diminished, even though it weighs slightly more. It'll be offered with a conventional manual gearbox, as well as Aston Martin's new automated manual transmission. The three-layer fabric hood stows beneath the rear tonneau cover and deploys or disappears in 18 seconds at the press of a button located on the centre console. It can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Worth waiting for?  Only if your bank balance has lots of zeros in it...

>>> AUDI

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI
What is?  Prestige compact wagon
When?  March
Audi's diesel proliferation continues with the March launch of the A4 Avant 2.0 TDI. The A4-derived Avant is no stranger to Oz, as it's currently offered here with 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines. However, the addition of the 2.0 TDI (which puts out 103kW and a fat 320Nm) should boost the compact wagon's appeal. Apart from its torque-rich characteristics, the 2.0-litre diesel offers excellent fuel economy -- expect to burn something around 7.0lt/100km.
Worth waiting for?  If you've got a load (or dog) to haul and hate spending money at the servo this one's for you...
 
Audi Allroad 3.0 TDI
What is it?  Luxury high-ride wagon
When?  May
The existing Allroad has been around for more than five years, but an all-new version debuts in May, and it promises more space, better performance and more sophisticated all-round dynamics -- both on-road and off-road. Derived from the A6 Avant, the Allroad measures nearly 5m in length and offers up to 1660 litres of luggage space. The standard adaptive air suspension offers five modes, including two settings for offroad driving. Audi says the ESP stability-control system was tailored for the Allroad to provide added traction off the beaten track. The excellent 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine (165kW/450Nm) has already been sampled locally in the A6. It offers masses of torque and good refinement.
Worth waiting for? Yes, if you want some all-terrain ability, but without the bulk of a dedicated SUV.

Audi S3
What is it?  Ultra-hot hatch
When?  June
If you quite like the VW Golf GTI, but feel its performance is slightly tame for your tastes, then this is the solution. The new S3 starts off with some of the same basic hardware as the Veedub (they share platforms and a 2.0-litre turbo engine) but the Audi turns up the wick via a massive power upgrade, quattro all-wheel drive and hardcore suspension. A host of engine tweaks boost power and torque to 195kW and 350Nm, enabling the S3 to bolt to 100km/h in a rapid 5.7sec. Best of all, there's no torque-steer, thanks to the AWD hardware. It looks the part too, courtesy of an aggressive body kit, 18-inch alloys and a bespoke interior.
Worth waiting for?  A GTI on steroids? Yes please...

Audi TT Roadster
What is it?  Prestige sports convertible
When?  June
The TT Coupe has already launched here to generally positive reviews, but yet to arrive is the drop-top variant, which will enable you to bask in the sunshine and pose more effectively (people can obviously see you more easily in a roofless car). The new-generation Roadster carries over the same basic theme as its predecessor, which means there's a canvas roof rather than a folding hardtop. It looks great in the images, and performance should be lively, be it with the 147kW 2.0-litre turbo, or 184kW 3.2 V6. Audi's S tronic sequential manual will be available with both engines.
Worth waiting for?  Form an orderly queue...

Audi R8
What is it?  Premium sports coupe
When?  September
Audi had attendees at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show gobsmacked with its stunning Le Mans concept, and now comes the production reality, dubbed the R8. Based in part on the Lamborghini Gallardo (Lambo and Audi are both part of the Volkswagen Group), the R8 promises genuine supercar performance along with traffic-stopping styling. Power will come from a mid-mounted 309kW/430Nm 4.2-litre V8, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. This combo has already been sampled in the RS4 sedan, and we can confirm that it's absolutely dynamite. Audi isn't talking about pricing, but expect the R8 to undercut its Italian counterparts -- aimed four square at the 911.
Worth waiting for?  Absolutely. Watch out, Porsche...

Audi Q7 4.2 TDI
What is it? Large premium SUV
When? October
The Q7 has landed in Oz, but yet to come is a high-performance diesel version. That's the where the 4.2 TDI steps in. The new addition will derive propulsion from the brilliant 4.2-litre turbodiesel that's already debuted locally in the A8. This unit pumps out 240kW and a brawny 650Nm, yet doesn't burn through the same quanity of fuel required to put the space shuttle in orbit. Consumption shouldn't be too much worse than 10lt/100km, which isn't be too shabby for a large, luxury-lined seven-seat SUV.
Worth waiting for? Diesel fans will think so.

>>> BMW

BMW 3 Series Convertible
What is it?  Prestige coupe/convertible
When?  March/April
The new 3 Series Convertible represents a milestone for BMW as it's the first car offered by the Bavarian marque with a folding steel roof. The advantages are obvious -- it promises greater security and refinement than a ragtop, as well as added torsional rigidity (with the roof up). Practicality isn't too bad, as you can stash 350 litres in the boot when the lid is lid erected, and 210 litres with the roof down. The local engine line-up is yet to be confirmed, but it's believed the initial range will comprise the 325i and 335i, powered by a 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre twin-turbo sixes respectively.
Worth waiting for? A first for BMW, but we're suckers for the (cheaper) coupe...

BMW X5
What is it?  Large premium SUV
When?  April/May
The new X5 has some seriously large boots to fill as the existing model has been acknowledged as the premium SUV benchmark, and its local sales continue to reflect that. The new E70 model doesn’t look dramatically different, but rest assured it's a complete overhaul. The newcomer has grown appreciably, liberating enough space for a third row of seats (optional), putting it on par with the Audi Q7. There's a host of new gizmos, including a Head-up Display and BMW's controversial iDrive. Even more controversial is the decision to equip the new X5 with run-flat tyres! A space-saver spare will be available in five-seat versions. Engine choices will initially include 3.0 six and 4.8-litre V8 petrol units, and there's more safety-related acronyms than you can poke a stick at.
Worth waiting for?  Better jump in the queue now or you'll be waiting a while.

BMW M3
What is it?  High-performance coupe
When?  Fourth quarter
It's probably not an exaggeration to suggest the new-generation M3 is one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of 2007. After all, past M3s have been synonymous with cars that are equally at home on the racetrack as they are trundling down to the local shops. BMW is officially revealing nothing about the E92 M3, but the widely held view is that the uber-coupe will ditch six-cylinder power for a 4.0-litre V8 with 300kW-plus. Expect the engine to be backed by a choice of manual and latest-gen SMG transmissions. And it's also safe to expect 50:50 weight distribution and overall capabilities that should give Porsche's 911 and the hottest Audis a decent fright.
Worth waiting for? Got any other dumb questions..?

>>> CHRYSLER

Chrysler Sebring
What is it?  Mid-size sedan
When?  Mid-year
The affordable (starting price in the mid-$30K bracket) mid-size sedan category will be diversified with the mid-year arrival of Chrysler's new Sebring. The initial launch line-up will comprise a 126kW 2.4-litre petrol version and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with a 2.7-litre petrol V6 scheduled to arrive later. What's the Sebring got that the Honda Accord and Mazda6 don't? Well, it's got its own sense of style, for starters. The fastback roofline and truncated tail are distinctive, as is the face, which features a big, bold grille reminiscent of the 300C. What remains to be seen is whether the Sebring can match the dynamics and quality feel of the Mazda6 and Co.
Worth waiting for?  More info required. But watch this space...

Chrysler Sebring convertible
What is it?  Four-seater convertible
When?  Fourth quarter
The Sebring convertible is shaping up as an interesting addition to the drop-top category. With a starting price below $57K, the canvas-roofed Sebring will slot in well below the likes of Saab and Volvo's four-place convertibles. Power will come from a 147kW 2.7-litre V6 with drive channeled to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The Sebring should offer reasonable space, unlike many other convertibles. Don't expect a sporty drive, though. We're tipping the Sebring ragtop is more cruiser than bruiser.
Worth waiting for?  Could prove a surprise packet and sales success...

>>> CITROEN

Citroen C4 Picasso
What is it?  Seven-seat MPV
When?  February
The C4 Picasso debuted at September's Paris motor show, where it impressed onlookers with its handsome proportions. The C4-based MPV measures just under 4.6m long and offers seating for seven or, alternatively, a vast load area. Citroen says the second and third-row of seats fold flat without the risk of giving yourself a hernia or breaking a nail, yielding the aforesaid massive cargo bay. Engine choices are expected to comprise a 2.0-litre petrol and diesel, with transmission choices including a conventional auto and a new six-speed sequential manual.
Worth waiting for? If you've got a horde of kids in tow and fancy a dash of gallic style...