For 2018, the Jeep Cherokee has been treated to a host of upgrades including new infotainment options, advanced driver assistance systems and a significant exterior restyling. Four variants will be available locally, powered by either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder or a 3.2-litre Pentastar V6.

The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla small car will arrive in Australian showrooms in August, offering a segment-leading suite of advanced driver-assist technologies as standard.

Mercedes-Benz Australia will this year bring a mildly updated S-Class Coupe, which sees revised model grades and new technology to put it in line with its S-Class sedan sibling.

Mazda Australia is expected to launch a lightly refreshed version of its CX-3 small SUV in August that swaps out the current 1.5-litre turbo-diesel for a 1.8-litre unit.

Hyundai's best selling SUV, the Tucson, will be updated with i30-inspired styling and technology when it goes on sale in August.

Honda's facelifted HR-V small SUV will usher in standard low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a sporty RS grade.

The fourth-generation Mercedes A-Class hatch is set to land in the third quarter, wearing a greatly revised face and interior. It will also score big upgrades to active safety technology, mirroring that in the S-Class.

The American-built Chevrolet Silverado pick-up will be imported to Australia in 2500HD WT, 2500HD LTZ, 2500HD LTZ Midnight, 2500 HD LTZ Custom Sport and 3500HD LTZ guises and converted to right-hand drive locally. The Silverado line-up is expected to be sold from May onwards.

Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) will this year release the performance version of its all-new sixth-generation Polo light car, which was revealed at an event in Berlin in 2017.

Volkswagen has stretched its mid-size Tiguan SUV to accommodate a third row for the new Allspace variant that will compete against the likes of the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander seven seaters.

Ford's Australian-developed Everest off-roader gains styling tweaks, an uptick in standard gear and safety equipment and the option of the new 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel from the Ranger Raptor.