Honda has high hopes for the British-built diesel version of its CR-V when it arrives in late 2013. The Japanese carmaker expects a jump in sales of the popular compact SUV with more people looking at diesel powertrains in the SUV market. Expect a starting price around $40,000.

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Volvo’s new V40 hatch will spawn a high-riding Cross Country version in the second half of 2013. The jacked up Cross Country will be 40mm higher than the standard V40 hatch and will have similar crossover visual clues as its XC70 stable-mate, such as black lower body cladding and silver scuff plates, providing a premium alternative to Subaru’s popular XV.

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The roll-out of Mercedes’ updated E-Class range will culminate in the arrival of the super hot E63 AMG in September. The 2013 iteration will have a far more aggressive look than its predecessor and will be available with a new range-topping S-Model that will pump out 430kW from its 5.5-litre bi-turbo engine and sprint to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

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Expect some styling changes and an update to powertrains when the 5 Series mid-size sedan range receives a mid-life update in the third quarter of 2013.

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Mercedes-Benz will enter the hot hatch market for the first time with a fire-breathing all-wheel drive version of the all-new A-Class. The A45 AMG will most likely be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, capable of producing around 245kW and go head to head with the BMW M135i, RenaultSport Megane RS265 and the Audi S3. Expect an $80,000 price tag.

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