Alfa Romeo to Citroen here
Dodge to Kia 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
Dodge to Kia here
Subaru to Volvo here
>>> LAND ROVER
Range Rover Vogue TDV8
What is it? Premium SUV
When? First Quarter
The diesel deluge continues with the debut of the TDV8 version of the ultra-opulent Range Rover Vogue. The engine in question is a new 3.6-litre turbodiesel V8 with handy outputs of 200kW and 640Nm. Developed by Land Rover in partnership with PSA (aka Peugeot-Citroen), the powerplant is claimed to be the most refined high-output diesel to date offered in an off-roader. Pricing will start from $141,900 -- with the luxury pack version considerably more at $169,000.
Worth waiting for? A Rangie that doesn't burn fuel like a FA-18... Too good to be true?
Range Rover Sport TDV8
What is it? Premium SUV
When? Second Quarter
When you've got a whizzbang new diesel engine, why not throw it in everything you've got? Sure enough, the smaller (slightly) Range Rover Sport scores the 200kW/640Nm turbodiesel V8 described in detail above. The shoehorning of the oil-burner into the stylish and capable Sport will only add to its appeal.
Worth waiting for? See above...
Land Rover Freelander 2
What is it? Premium compact/mid-size SUV
When? Second or third quarter
The original Freelander was a big hit in Europe but it bombed in Oz. Blame its high price, underwhelming engines and total lack of quality control. However, the Freelander 2 supposedly addresses all the original model's ills. Land Rover is boasting of increased interior room, stronger and more economical performance, more refinement, better build quality and improved on and offroad capabilities. Freelander 2 will offer a choice of two engines: a Ford-sourced 118kW/400Nm 2.2-litre TD4 diesel, and a Volvo-sourced 171kW/317Nm 3.2-litre inline-six petrol. Both will be paired with a six-speed auto. The bad news is that pricing will rise sharply as it's being pitched against the BMW X3.
Worth waiting for? The first in a bevy of premium softroaders, it could also be one of the best.
Land Rover Defender
What is it? Heavy-duty offroader
When? Third quarter
There's still life in the old dog yet. The latest upgrades include a new 2.4-litre common rail turbodiesel engine that's said to deliver improved driveability, refinement and pulling power. There's also a new six-speed gearbox featuring a wide ratio spread for better off-road and cruising abilities. Interior updates include a new "fully-integrated fascia" that brings the Defender's ergonomics into the 21st century and there's more comfortable seating with a forward-facing third-row seat option. That said, the old-as-the-hills Defender architecture is retained, with 90, 110 and 130-inch wheelbase versions supporting a range of bespoke derivatives.
Worth waiting for? A highly capable offroader but it'll take more than a new engine and dash to bring it up to date
>>> LEXUS
Lexus LS460/LS600hL
What is it? Premium luxury sedan
When? June/July
Lexus takes its premium luxo sedan offensive to a new level with the arrival of the LS460, the fourth generation of its flagship model. The latest LS breaks new ground in many areas, including its use of the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission. Power in the LS460 comes from a 284kW/470Nm 4.6-litre V8, while the long-wheelbase LS600hL combines a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine with high-output electric motors and a new large-capacity battery pack. Lexus claims the hybrid will deliver peak power of more than 320kW, which will be combined with a new all-wheel drive system and dual-stage electronic continuously variable-transmission similar to the GS450h. The 'L-Finesse' styling of the newcomer is a distinct improvement over the staid LS430.
Worth waiting for? Shaping as an interesting alternative to S-Class and 7 Series.
>>> MASERATI
Maserati Quattroporte
What is it? Premium luxury sedan
When? March
Maserati's suave Quattroporte has won kudos for its unique sense of Italian style and melodious V8 engine, but similar praise hasn't been heaped upon the six-speed DuoSelect sequential gearbox -- the only transmission currently available. Well, that's about to change, because Maserati is on the verge of launching a Quattroporte equipped with a conventional six-speed auto; the transmission in question is the excellent ZF unit, which delivers seamless shifts, unlike the somewhat lurchy DuoSelect.
Worth waiting for? Should be the icing on the cake for a polished package.
>>> MAZDA
Mazda 2
What is it? Entry-level hatchback
When? Fourth quarter
Mazda isn't giving anything away about this one, but it's believed an all-new 2 line-up will debut in the fourth quarter, replacing the existing range, which launched here in 2002. Spy pics of the new model in prototype form indicate the next-gen car has a more Euro-inspired look than the existing 2, and it seems the new model is also slightly larger.
It will share its underpinnings with the next-generation Ford Fiesta, as well as other Blue Oval products, including mini-SUVs and mini-MPVs.
Worth waiting for? Absolutely. Mazda's new baby car could become the segment benchmark.
>>> MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes CL coupe
What is it? Premium large coupe
When? February
Essentially a two-door S-Class, the new-generation CL uber-coupe gains all the bells and whistles offered in the flagship sedan. Larger than its forerunner in every dimension, the latest CL is said to improve space and comfort for all four occupants, while boot space increases 40 litres to 490. Distronic active cruise control will be standard, as will 'Integral' seats that incorporate all seatbelt systems, a new generation of M-B's Active Body Control suspension system, the five-function Intelligent Lighting System and the latest pre-emptive PreSafe safety system. The line-up will initially comprise the CL500 (285kW/530Nm 5.5-litre V8) and CL600 (380kW/830Nm 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12). The AMG variants will come later.
Worth waiting for? How fat is your wallet?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What is it? Prestige compact sedan
When? Third or fourth quarter
Mercedes will take the fight to BMW's E90 3 Series with the mid-year overseas launch of its revamped C-Class. Spy pics indicate the new model draws its styling inspiration from the S-Class, which means the conservative sheetmetal of the current car make way for a more dynamic design. There will also be a revamped interior, featuring an updated Comand system (incorporating a centre controller similar to BMW's iDrive) and a raft of new safety gear as well as more involving chassis dynamics. Engine choices are likely to include 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5-litre V6s, mated to a 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto. The mandatory AMG head-kicker will arrive later in the year, as will the C-Class Estate.
Worth waiting for? Yes... The battle with its BeeEm archrival will be much watched.
>>> MINI
MINI Cooper and Cooper S
What is it? Premium small hatchback
When? March/April
It's almost a case of spot the difference with the 'all-new' R56 MINI, but rest assured that save for the roof hardly a body panel has been carried over from its predecessor. The newcomer is slightly longer (by 60mm) to help it meet strict impending pedestrian-safety regulations, and the headlights are now part of the front sub-assembly rather than the bonnet (the old set-up was very expensive to manufacture). The suspension architecture is much the same, but its stubby snout conceals an all-new 1.6-litre four-banger jointly developed by BMW and PSA. In 'atmo' trim (ie: Cooper), it produces 88kW and 160Nm, while in turbo form (Cooper S) it pumps out 128kW and 240Nm.
Worth waiting for? Same-again styling, but it'll still put a smile on your dial.
>>> MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi Lancer
What is it? Compact sedan
When? June
Mitsubishi's existing Lancer is a bit ho-hum, but the all-new model, which debuts at this week's Detroit motor show, indicates the tri-diamond brand is determined to fight back in style. The new Lancer's Alfa Romeo-esque profile, shark nose and "deep-set eyes" represent a welcome departure from the bland current model. The latest generation is also wider and has a longer wheelbase than before, so interior space should benefit accordingly. Only the 'cooking' models (likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre four) will land initially, so you'll have to wait until 2008 for the two-pronged performance Lancer debut -- the Ralliart and Evo X all-wheel-drive rockets.
Worth waiting for? Affirmative, but it's the Evo X we're really hankering after.
>>> PEUGEOT
Peugeot 207
What is it? Small hatchback
When? March
Peugeot's enduring 206 continues to soldier on, but it will be joined in March by the new-generation 207, which is bigger in every dimension. Of course, the 207 will feature Peugeot' now-trademark smiley face. The new three and five-door hatchback will supplement (rather than replace) the eight-year-old 206, which will live on for at least another 12 to 18 months. The 207 is backed by a five-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating and offers more space, refinement and features than the 206. The initial model line-up will include (for the first time) a 1.6-litre HDi (turbodiesel) with 80kW/240Nm. There's also a 1.6-litre turbo petrol GT model with 110kW/240Nm, but you'll have to wait until mid-year for the range-topping 128kW/260Nm GTi.
Worth waiting for? Yes, but it's about time...
Peugeot 207CC
What is it? Small coupe-cabrio
When? Mid-year
The 206CC was the first car to offer a folding steel roof at an affordable price and it sold its socks off around the world. Its 207CC replacement retains the same basic formula, but it's discernibly larger, and its roof mechanism was designed and built in-house (French supplier Heuliez was responsible for the 206CC's roof). Importantly, the 207CC's all-new electric folding roof dispenses with the 206's manual release handles. All you do is push a button, and the 207CC opens or closes all four windows and its folding roof in about 25sec. Engine choices will comprise a 90kW 1.6-litre four-pot, and there's also a 110kW turbo version of the former.
Worth waiting for? Yes, if you like going topless, but also quite fancy a hard hat.
>>> PORSCHE
Porsche Cayenne
What is it? Premium SUV
When? March
Porsche's Cayenne is an incredibly capable vehicle, but not everyone loves its confronting looks. Salvation may be in store with the heavily facelifted model, which lands here in March. Porsche's stylists have reworked the beak appreciably, which features sleeker headlights, a new bonnet and revised tail-lights. But the big news is the addition of a 213kW/385Nm 3.6-litre V6, which drops entry pricing to $94,700. Meanwhile, the Cayenne S scores a direct-injection 4.8-litre V8 that ups outputs to 283kW/500Nm. The Turbo also benefits in a big way, as evidenced by brawny outputs of 368kW and 700Nm. Optional on all models is Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) -- a system that limits body roll.
Worth waiting for? Still no oil painting, but its all-round abilities should be peerless.
>>> RENAULT
Renault Megane/Scenic
What is it? Compact hatchback
When? First quarter
Renault will supplement its Megane line-up with diesel variants of the Megane Phase II hatch and the Scenic Phase II peoplemover -- both due in early part of 2007. The engine in question is believed to be a 96kW/300Nm 1.9-litre version of the same dCi common-rail four-cylinder turbodiesel. In Europe, the diesel is mated to either a six-speed manual or Renault's Proactive robotised four-speed sequential clutchless-manual gearbox. The addition of the diesel variants will enable Renault to compete with VW, which has been selling up a storm with its frugal diesel-powered Golfs.
Worth waiting for? Sure, given where fuel prices are at these days.
Renault Clio III
What is it? Small hatchback
When? Third quarter
Long delayed in Oz due to pricing issues, the Clio III will take up where the existing model leaves off. Renault Australia hasn't confirmed pricing, but it's believed the next-gen Clio may start around $22K (compared with $19K currently), as it's grown in size and comes better equipped. The Oz line-up is expected to comprise 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines, with transmission choices including a new robotised 'quick-shift' gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle controls. The eagerly anticipated Clio 197 hot-hatch (due later in the year) features a 147kW 2.0-litre unit. The Clio III is packed with active and passive safety features and has recorded a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating.
Worth waiting for? Yes, the Gallic hatchback is one of the better offerings in its class.
Alfa Romeo to Citroen here
Dodge to Kia here
Subaru to Volvo here