Ford's Fiesta-based sub-$25,000 crossover will have the looks of a baby Territory and feature two Ford Australia firsts: the first to be sourced from the sub-continent and the first to be powered by the company’s all-new 90kW/170Nm 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol engine.

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Lexus has confirmed that it will bring its ES mid-size range back to Australia after killing off the second generation Camry-based sedan in late 2005. The front drive ES will slot between the smaller IS and larger GS ranges and is based on the American-inspired Toyota Avalon.

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The fourth-generation Pathfinder, which reverts to a car-like monocoque platform instead of the previous Navara body-on-frame architecture. The more svelte seven-seat 4x4 wagon – unveiled in concept form at the 2012 Detroit show – will be imported into Australia from Nissan’s US plant in Tennessee. A smaller V6 petrol engine and CVT transmission promise to increase efficiency.

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All aluminium construction results in a 420kg weight saving over the previous model and accounts for performance and efficiency improvements. The new Sport will be the first Range Rover to be available with a seven-seat option. A diesel hybrid version will follow in 2014.

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A raft of new safety and comfort technologies will appear in the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class that is scheduled for Australian showrooms in late 2013. World-first technology will include a braking airbag under the nose to reduce impact speed, airbags in the rear seatbelts and ‘intelligent’ suspension that can scan road surfaces ahead and adjust accordingly.

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When BMW’s third-generation X5 line-up launches in late 2014, it could include an entry-level two-wheel drive variant, bringing it into line with a number of other SUVs. Larger than the outgoing model, the 2013 X5 features sharper, more aggressive styling, a redesigned interior and a suite of new or revised powerplants.

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The oddball Nissan Juke crossover SUV has finally been confirmed for the Australian market. Drive for the quirky car is either exclusively to the front wheels or all four via a part-time 4x4 system. Engine choices include two 1.6-litre petrol units and a Renault-sourced 1.5-litre turbo-diesel.

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