The second-generation Mazda CX-9 large SUV arrives in Australia mid-2016, bringing a new version of the 2.5-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder engine used across the Mazda range.

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Ford's ballistic and much anticipated Focus RS arrives in the middle of 2016, powered by Ford's 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. It will provide stiff competition for such rivals as the Volkswagen Golf R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru WRX STI.

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The tenth generation of Mercedes-Benz's mercurial E-Class is set to land in Oz towards the end of 2016. It will be sold in a number of different variants and will compete with the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.

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Jaguar will make its first foray into the SUV market when it releases the F-Pace in July. It will be offered with two petrol and two diesel powertrains, and will start from $74,340 plus on-roads. Size-wise, it will sit somewhere in between the mid-size and large luxury SUV segment.

read more about the Jaguar F-Pace