Alfa Romeo to Citroen 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? Hardly... 2007 will see all the major marques launch important new models and debut them Down Under. And we'll be here to bring you all the information and full drive impressions as soon as practicable along the way.
-- Follow links below to other models --
Alfa Romeo to Citroen here
Land Rover to Renault here
Subaru to Volvo here
>>> DODGE
Dodge Nitro
What is it? Mid-size SUV
When? Mid-year
The chunky looking Nitro is essentially Dodge's version of the Jeep Cherokee. The mid-size SUV will form another rung in the American brand's product ladder, joining the existing Caliber. The newcomer will be offered with a choice of engines (both of which have been sampled locally in the Jeep Cherokee). There's a 3.7-litre V6 with 155kW/312Nm and a 2.8-litre turbodiesel with 120kW/400Nm. Although the Nitro doesn't bring anything new to the table on the technology front, many buyers may be swayed by its butch, don't-argue looks. The novelty value alone might spark an initial sales frenzy.
Worth waiting for? Uncle Sam wants you, but do you feel the same way?
Dodge Avenger
What is it? Mid-size sedan
When? August/September
Dodge's 2007 product offensive will be rounded out by the arrival of the Avenger -- Dodge's play on Chrysler's Sebring. Pitched as a butch-looking rival to Toyota's hot-selling Camry prices will kick off in the low-$30,000s. The Avenger will be available with turbodiesel, 2.4-litre four-cylinder and 2.7-litre V6 power, with manual and auto transmissions. The Avenger's styling closely resembles that of the larger Dodge Charger with its trademark 'crosshair' grille. A distinctive looking car, but it remains to be seen whether its dynamics live up to the image.
Worth waiting for? We're curious...
>>> FIAT
Fiat Bravo
What is it? Golf-sized hatchback
When? July/August
Straight off the bat we should clarify that Fiat's new hatchback won't be referred to by its global Bravo moniker Down Under. Unfortunately for Fiat, Mazda already has dibs on this nameplate. Regardless of what badge it wears here, the hatchback is shaping as an enticing offering, thanks largely to its voluptuous 'baby Maserati' styling. Of course, what remains to been seen is whether the driving experience will be better than that offered by its Stilo predecessor, which received lukewarm reviews from the Euro media. Engine choices will comprise petrol and diesel power. Pricing from around $25K.
Worth waiting for? Could be an interesting alternative to Corolla/Mazda3/Golf crowd.
>>> FORD
Ford Ranger
What is it? One-tonne ute/LCV
When? January/February
The all-new Ranger replaces the long-serving Courier and brings fresh brassy styling along with claimed improvements in safety, refinement and performance. Power comes from a choice of 2.5-litre (105kW/330Nm) and 3.0-litre (115kW/380Nm) four-cylinder Duratorq turbodiesel engines. Ford is also boasting a stiffer frame, suspension and body as well as improved body, engine and transmission mounts which all contribute to reduced noise, vibration and harshness.
Worth waiting for? Tradies, sign up here...
Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet
What is it? Hard-top convertible
When? Third quarter
It's been a bystander in the convertible segment since the Capri was laid to rest, but Ford's set for a return via the Pininfarina-styled Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, which features a folding steel roof to ostensibly offer the best of both worlds. The Blue Oval claims the CC's dynamics are a match for its lauded hatchback/sedan siblings, thanks to the use high-strength steel in its structure. There's four seats (dunno about rear legroom though) and a huge 534-litre boot (which shrinks to 248 litres with the roof down). Power will come from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder.
Worth waiting for? Why not? It'll be just in time for the warmer weather.
>>> HONDA
Honda CR-V
What is it? Compact SUV
When? First quarter
Honda's ever-popular CR-V makes way for an all-new model that's said to be safer, roomier and more refined than its predecessor. As before, power comes from a 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine mated to a five-speed auto, but power is up marginally and Honda is also boasting better fuel efficiency. An increase in girth (it's 37mm wider than its forerunner ) means there's more shoulder room than before. NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) levels are also claimed to benefit from the latest noise absorption materials. There's a raft of safety gear, so this CR-V is said to be more crashworthy than ever before.
Worth waiting for? Yes... Bring on the RAV4 v CRV v Outlander battle
>>> HUMMER
Hummer H3
What is it? Large SUV
When? Mid-year
Holden plans to barge into the large SUV fray with the Hummer H3, which will be pitched against the regular suspects from Toyota, Nissan et al. It's powered by a 180kW/328Nm 3.7-litre five-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed auto, Drive is channeled to all four wheels via a permanent electronic AWD system. Stability control, traction control and side curtain airbags will be standard. Holden points out the H3 is shorter -- and has a tighter turning circle at 11.3m -- than Ford's Territory.
The H3 can ford 407mm of water at 32km/h or 610mm streams, tackle 407mm vertical steps and rocks, and make its way through deep sand and over sandy surfaces. And want to know the really scary thing? HSV and Co are already planning 'enhanced' versions.
Worth waiting for? Schwarzenegger fans and serious eco-terrorists will love it.
>>> HYUNDAI
Hyundai Tiburon
What is it? Affordable coupe
When? First quarter
It's midlife facelift time for Hyundai's Tiburon coupe, which gains a new nose with elongated headlights, a more aggressive letterbox-like grille and new foglights. Revised side air vents now incorporate the indicator repeater lights, while the re-shaped rear features a "more sculpted look" with integrated twin tailpipes and restyled rear light clusters. It carries over the existing 127kW/245Nm 2.7-litre V6 engine, mated to either six-speed manual or four-speed auto transmission.
Worth waiting for? The most affordable coupe on the market will continue to win friends.
Hyundai Elantra hatch
What is it? Compact hatchback
When? Third quarter
The new Elantra sedan is already here, but yet to come is the hatchback version, which will closely resemble the Arnejs concept that debuted at September's Paris motor show.
Hyundai claims the newcomer, codenamed FD (for Five-Door), will offer enough quality, affordability, style and technology to make it a hit in Europe's largest vehicle category, and to compete with Europe's top-selling C-segment models. It's a credible boast, given the progress Hyundai has made in recent years.
Worth waiting for? An interesting addition to high-volume hatchback segment.
>>> JAGUAR
Jaguar XJ6 turbodiesel
What is it? Premium large sedan
When? First quarter
The leaping cat recently dipped its toes into the diesel genre with an oil-burning S-Type, and now it's the turn of its larger XJ sibling to repeat the dose. Equipped with the same 153kW/435Nm 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 offered in the S-Type, the XJ6D may find a niche audience among Jag junkies who don't fancy frequent trips to the servo. Economy and mid-range torque will be a forte, but the XJ's dated styling remains a handicap.
Worth waiting for? Only if you're a die-hard Jag nut...
Jaguar XKR
What is it? Premium sports coupe
When? Mid year
Could this finally be the Jag that'll take the fight to the Porsche 911? The ingredients are all good (slinky styling, potent supercharged engine and a fat stance) but the reality is that the XKR is more grand tourer than hard-core point-and-squirt weapon. Propulsion comes from an updated blown 4.2-litre V8 with 313kW/560Nm, and thankfully the clumsy J-gate shifter makes way for steering wheel-mounted paddles. Visually, the new aluminium-bodied XK makes a strong impact, which is perhaps why there's a long waiting list for the recently launched XK8. The supercharged range-topper looks all the better, thanks to 20-inch rims and mesh grille.
Worth waiting for? New XKR embodies Jag's "grace, pace and space" motto... Er, except for the last bit.
>>> JEEP
Jeep Wrangler
What is it? ‘The' off-roader
When? First quarter
On paper, the new Wrangler is better than the last in every way -- there's supposedly more power, more interior room, better off-road capability and more on-road refinement. There's also a new three-piece modular top, but it retains rigid front and rear axles. Power comes from a 150kW/325Nm 3.8-litre V6 or a 110kW/360Nm 2.8-litre turbodiesel (it's the first time an oil burner is being offered in the Wrangler). New gizmos include an Active Sway Bar System (ASBS) -- an electronic-disconnecting front stabiliser bar that boosts off-road ability. Also new is the Wrangler Unlimited -- a four-door version of the utilitarian Jeep.
Worth waiting for? If it lives up to the hype, definitely...
Jeep Compass
What is it? Compact SUV
When? First quarter
Jeep's first front-wheel-drive (shock!) with fully-independent suspension, the Compass aims to attract non-traditional Jeep buyers by encroaching on Toyota RAV4/Honda CR-V territory. The Compass is about as 'soft' as any Jeep is likely to get, ditching the off-road ethos in favour of car-like dynamics and easy manoeuvrability. Power will come from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 126kW and 224Nm. Jeep claims the Compass will offer good fuel economy, thanks to the second-generation continuously variable transaxle (CVT2), claimed to reduce consumption by 6-8 per cent as compared with a four-speed auto.
Worth waiting for? Yes, if you're a softy, but still want a Jeep.
Jeep Patriot
What is it? Compact SUV
When? Third quarter
The Patriot shares its basic underpinnings with the Compass, even though it looks more rugged than the latter. It's not just about looks, though, as the Patriot wears Jeep's 'Trail Rated' badging, which means it was designed provide five key off-road attributes: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. That said, this all-wheel drive still leans towards the 'soft roader' side of the equation. As per the Compass, power comes from a 2.4-litre, mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Jeep boasts it combines the flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling and fuel economy of a compact car.
Worth waiting for? Is Jeep's model line-up starting to confuse you too?
>>> KIA
Kia Cerato/Cee'd
What is it? Compact hatchback
When? Third or fourth quarter
Kia unveiled its new-generation Corolla-size hatch (Cee'd) in 2006, and the production reality is expected here in late-2007 (possibly wearing Cerato badges). Kia conceived the car to challenge the established class leaders in Europe, namely the VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus. At 4200mm long, the Cee'd has a 2650mm wheelbase, and Kia claims it offers class-leading interior space, plus highly competitive levels of equipment and state-of-the-art active and passive safety features. Engine choices are likely to include 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol units. Visually the hatch makes a statement with its kicked-up rear window, high waistline and broad stance. The range will comprise three-door and five-door variants.
Worth waiting for? Definitely -- Kia is evolving fast and getting better with each generation.
Alfa Romeo to Citroen here
Land Rover to Renault here
Subaru to Volvo here