Alfa Romeo to Citroen here
Dodge to Kia here
Land Rover to Renault 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
Land Rover to Renault here
>>> SUBARU
Subaru Impreza WRX tuned by STI
What is it? High-performance all-wheel drive sedan
When? January
The Impreza is getting long in the tooth, but Subaru aims to maintain its appeal with the 'WRX tuned by STi' -- a fettled version of its popular AWD turbo tear-away. Mechanical specs and kit levels are yet to be announced, but it's likely the limited-edition model will score goodies such as drilled alloy pedals, bespoke seats and various other interior and exterior cosmetic upgrades. There's also like to be a few fiddles in the engine/suspension departments to lift performance over the already rapid standard model.
Worth waiting for? Subie aficionados will already be salivating.
Subaru Impreza (MY08)
What is it? Mid-size sedan
When? Third quarter
Another one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of 2007, the next-generation Impreza will borrow its basic underpinnings from its larger Liberty sibling. It's expected to retain the same wheelbase as the Liberty (which means added interior space), but shorter front and rear overhangs will mean the new Impreza won't grow in terms of overall length. The new model will feature the aircraft-shaped grille of the current car, but its proportions and design language and wheel-at-each-corner stance are expected to draw inspiration from the B5-TPH concept that debuted at the 2005 Tokyo show. The MY08 Impreza will gain the latest-gen AWD hardware and new boxer engines -- including (eventually) a diesel.
Worth waiting for? The Impreza has a cult following thanks to the halo effect of WRX, but even the standard car will be a hit.
>>> SUZUKI
Suzuki SX4
What is it? Mini crossover/SUV
When? February
The SX4 is a baby crossover SUV jointly developed by Suzuki and Fiat, and it's offered in some markets in a choice of front-drive or four-wheel-drive configurations. The all-paw models use an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system that offers front-drive, on-demand 4WD and 50:50 split permanent 4WD modes. Engine choices include the 1.5-litre unit that powers the Swift and the new 79kW 1.6 VVT unit seen in the Grand Vitara. Dimensionally, it's larger than a Swift, but smaller than a Grand Vitara, which means it occupies the same niche as the defunct Daihatsu Terios.
Worth waiting for? Want a crossover without the associated fuel bills? This might be the one.
>>> TOYOTA
Toyota Tarago V6
What is it? Large peoplemover
When? February
The Tarago has been a strong seller for Toyota over the past two decades, but what it really needs in order to keep the Kia Carnival and Chrysler Grand Voyager at bay is a V6 engine, and so it shall be. The full-size peoplemover is on the verge of scoring a 3.5-litre V6 with 195kW/332Nm; outputs that put it in the same ballpark as the 3.8-litre Kia Grand Carnival.
Worth waiting for? Certainly... If you own got a chain of hotels.
Toyota Aurion TRD
What is it? High-performance sedan
When? March
The forced-induction go-faster variant of Toyota's large sedan was previewed by the Aurion Sports Concept at the Sydney motor show in October, and the production model is expected to break cover at March's Melbourne motor show. Toyota top brass say the (Prodrive-run) Toyota Racing Development fettled front-driver won't be pitched against HSV and FPV, but expect a decent turn of speed, thanks to a blown V6 (turbo or supercharged -- still up in the air) with 240kW-plus. And it'll have the styling to match if the Aurion Sports Concept is any indication.
Worth waiting for? Given the engineering might of Prodrive and Toyota, the TRD Aurion may well be a bottler.
Toyota Corolla
What is it? Compact hatchback
When? April
Previewed by the Auris Space concept that debuted at September's Paris motor show, the new-generation Corolla has some rather large boots to fill as the successor to the hot-selling current model. No surprise, then, that the design is distinctly evolutionary. It gains the bulbous nose previewed by the current Yaris and has grown slightly to yield added interior space. No mechanical specs have been released at this stage, but don't expect dramatic deviations from the existing formula. The hatchback will be known as the Auris in Europe, but Toyota Australia is sticking with the well-entrenched Corolla moniker.
Worth waiting for? Tens of thousands of buyers are undoubtedly waiting without even knowing it...
Toyota Kluger
What is it? Mid-size SUV
When? July
The Kluger Mark II is expected to pick up where the existing model leaves off, but there's one major difference -- it'll be offered in both all-wheel-drive and front-drive configurations ( a la Territory). The new Kluger retains Camry-based underpinnings, but the styling promises to be significantly bolder than the somewhat staid looking SUV that currently wears the badge. Power will come from a 3.5-litre V6, and it's possible a petrol-electric hybrid will join the range in due course.
Worth waiting for? Always competent, sexier styling is something to look forward to.
Toyota RAV4 V6
What is it? Compact SUV
When? August
The RAV4 has a devoted fan base, and the addition of a powerful V6 variant can only add to its popularity. The 3.5-litre engine has outputs of 200kW/332Nm, which should add up to sprightly performance. It may even be a match for Mazda's new turbocharged CX-7. Power is channeled to the wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. There's also the possibility of a seven-seat version further down the track.
Worth waiting for? Added poke should make the RAV4 V6 an entertaining package.
Toyota LandCruiser 200-Series
What is it? Large SUV
When? October
The ageing 100 Series LandCruiser finally bows out in October to make way for its all-new 200 Series replacement. We've already published spy pics of the new-generation off-roader, and they reveal a vehicle with bolder, brassier lines -- inspired partly by the US-focused Tundra and partly by the current RAV4. It retains a ladder-frame chassis and will be suspended by a live axle at the rear and an independent set-up at the front. But possibly the most exciting news is the prospect of a twin-turbo 4.5-litre V8 diesel engine with more than 200kW and 650Nm. There will also reportedly be a 5.0-litre petrol V8 with direct injection. Word has it both engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic.
Worth waiting for? LandCruiser is the quintessential off-roader, so we're keen to see how the new one compares…
>>> VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen Crafter
What is it? Light-commercial range
When? February
Volkswagen's LT series light commercials will be replaced by the futuristic looking Crafter, which will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Renault Master.
It will be offered in a choice of three wheelbases, four load compartment lengths and three roof heights. Mechanically, there's a six-speed manual gearbox and an automated manual and a full range of engines including a hi-tech 2.5-litre five-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel engine that will be available with outputs of 65kW, 80kW, 100kW and 120kW, depending on the application.
Worth waiting for? VW builds solid, well-designed light commercials -- this will be another cracker...
Volkswagen Eos
What is it? Hard-top convertible
When? March
The Eos coupe-convertible has garnered positive reviews from the Euro motoring press and is shaping as an interesting addition to the coupe-convertible ranks. Revealed at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show, the Eos is being billed as the world's first four-seater with a five-section steel folding roof... And a sliding glass sunroof. Although based on the same platform as the Golf, the Eos sits between the Golf and Passat in terms of dimensions. Two engine options will be available -- a 103kW 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel and a 147kW 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol unit, both of which are already offered here in the Golf.
Worth waiting for? Stylish and the early press reports have been favourable -- plenty of top-down fun beckons
Volkswagen Golf GT
What is it? Compact hatchback
When? May/June
The Golf GT is shaping as a particularly interesting entrant as it debuts Volkswagen's new Twincharger engine. As the name suggests, this system uses a double dose of force-feeding to deliver ample grunt across the rev range -- a supercharger to provide boost at low revs, and as revs rise, a turbocharger takes over. The result is remarkable -- 125kW and 240Nm from a 1.4-litre engine. To top it off, the 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI Twincharger as fitted to the Golf GT uses a meagre 7.2 lt/100km, according to the Euro fuel cycle. The rest of the package is familiar Golf -- damn good, in other words.
Worth waiting for? Hell, yes!
>>> VOLVO
Volvo S80
What is it? Prestige medium-large sedan
When? First quarter
The existing S80 has had a tough time of it against accomplished rivals such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, but salvation may be in store with the new-generation model, which brings fresh style and better all-round abilities. The initial engine line-up comprises a new and remarkably vocal Yamaha-sourced 235kW/440Nm 4.4-litre V8 and a 136kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel. An all-aluminium 175kW/320Nm 3.2-litre six arrives mid-year. And don't worry about torque steer in the V8 version, because it comes standard with all-wheel drive. The new S80 is the same length as the old model, but added width and height should mean added cabin room.
Worth waiting for? This could be the car that gives Volvo the cred to establish a presence in the segment.
Volvo S40/V50 D5
What is it? Prestige compact sedan
When? First quarter
Volvo is set to join the diesel brigade with oil-burning versions of its S40 sedan and V50 wagon. The engine in question is a 2.4-litre five-cylinder unit with outputs of 132kW and 350Nm. It's fair to assume the fat torque band and frugal fuel usage of these variants will add to the appeal of the compact Volvo sedan and wagon.
Worth waiting for? Given fuel prices, a definite yes.
Volvo C30 T5 and D5
What is it? Prestige compact hatchback
When? Second quarter
The funky looking C30 hatchback is possibly the most eagerly anticipated Volvo in the past two decades. Featuring styling that harks back to the 1970s P1800 ES, the sporty three-door encroaches onto VW Golf territory and will, consequently, be pitched at a much younger buyer set than the lawn-bowls brigade formerly associated with the brand. Engine choices will comprise a 132kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder and a stove-hot 162kW/320Nm 2.5-litre turbo petrol unit. The latter version could well pose a threat to Volkswagen's lauded Golf GTI. Both the D5 and T5 will be available with either six-speed manual or five-speed Geartronic sequential automatics.
Worth waiting for? Absolutely. The C30 is further proof that Volvos can be sexy.
Alfa Romeo to Citroen here
Dodge to Kia here
Land Rover to Renault here