A lower priced Ioniq 5 is now in its customer delivery phase, bringing an upgraded range for an improved price. The variant features a 58kWh battery pack and 125kW rear motor delivering 384km range. It neatly undercuts the most-affordable Tesla Model Y with solid tax benefits

Three variants of all electric sedan to undercut Tesla Model 3. RWD single- and AWD dual-motor powertrains available, all powered by Blade battery pack. Extensive features list across range; flagship to offer impressive 390kW/670Nm output and claimed 3.8sec 0-100km/h time.

Penultimate Everest finally makes it into dealerships in top adventure trim with exclusive exterior and interior detailing. The limited-edition model is powered by a 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive.

Jeep Wrangler size and competitor the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid finally makes it into dealerships; the five-seat SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol/electric combination driving through a nine-speed automatic transmission with selectable four-wheel drive and tough ladder-frame chassis.

Sixth generation Impreza is a higher priced and significantly updated hatch-only model with carryover underpinnings. It features a familiar driveline with no hybrid or electrification offered locally. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and CVT combination it outputs 115kW/196Nm.

Hyundai’s recently arrived and subsequently upgraded Ioniq 6 now includes a cheaper entry model with tax benefits. It has a smaller capacity battery, less standard equipment, and lower powered motor on the rear axle. Other variants score powertrain, battery and tech upgrades.

Three Kona petrol-electric HEV variants join petrol-only models with a battery electric (BEV) coming soon. Powered by a 104kW/265Nm petrol-electric combo driving the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the HEV returns a claimed 3.9L/100km.

Lexus is due to launch its LM ‘Luxury Mover’ seven-seat family hauler in December with three trim grades. Petrol and hybrid two- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, all are said to offer levels of comfort and amenity usually associated with business class air travel.

Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe costs more than the wagon variant and is slightly larger than its predecessor. It runs a 190kW/400Nm twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance, all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

All 100 examples were sold within an hour of being made available to order. However, the hi-po, nine-speed auto-only Z-car is “dream worthy” with special equipment, body and track enhancements, and more power from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 rated at 313kW and 531Nm.

Renault’s Megane E-Tech crossover, built on the company’s CMF-EV platform, arrives powered by a single electric motor with FWD for a 454km range. Renault says the 110mm thick 60kWh battery is the slimmest on the market, lowering the centre of gravity for dynamic driving gains.

Top tier Palisade Calligraphy scores familiar 3.8-litre V6 petrol FWD and 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel AWD powertrain choices with extensive tech and luxury kit. Only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai’s 2024 i30 Sedan range features a revised line-up adding a petrol-electric driveline for the first time in addition to refreshed styling and additional connectivity features. All variants of the more expensive line up now have automatic transmission.

Tiny-tot Fiat 500 is updated reduced to single-variant, Dolcevita. Has more standard equipment, offers arguably better value after two price hikes in a year. Cheaper entry-grade 500 Lounge axed. Stand by for exey electric model, and last Abarth petrol, the 695 Competizione.

Chery’s five-seat Tiggo 7 Pro SUV arrives in the Medium SUV segment offered in three trim grades – Urban, Elite and Ultimate. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and with the availability of front- and all-wheel drive and extensive equipment levels.

New 5 Series introduces a raft of changes including one mild hybrid and two all-electric powertrains. Entry 520i runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo petrol engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Single and dual motor EVs available.

Mid-size Sonata arrives higher priced with “futuristically sculpted styling” adding a suite of new tech and updated interior. Features include a 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and eight-speed dual clutch transmission driving the front wheels. Bluelink connectivity standard.

Tiny Kia light hatch here with a new design and advanced technologies (incl. OTA updated) in base line and GT Line grades. Turbo 74kW/172Nm 1.0-litre is dropped leaving 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engines with five-speed manual or auto transmissions that maximise efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

Later than expected, GLE-Class coupe and wagon large SUVs (and GLS Upper Large wagon) feature electrified engines across the board, a swag of new technology, revised interiors and more equipment to go with the tweaked exterior styling.

Highly anticipated LandCruiser 70 Series with 1GD-series four-cylinder from Hilux, HiAce and Fortuner and six-speed auto only. Not cheap by any stretch but matches V8 for power, beats it for torque. Styling tweaked including LED headlights along with safety and convenience upgrades.

Ssangyong’s SUV and ute offerings have been updated, re-priced and reconfigured with a mid-tier model added to both line-ups. Still at drive away pricing, the South Korean duo offer an old school ladder chassis and proper selectable 4WD along with host of added kit.

MG has pulled forward the availability of its hi-po MG 4 X Power. Capable of a 3.8 second 0-100km/h sprint from dual electric motors 320kW/600Nm (combined) the five-door hatch has all the go-fast fruit including race spec’ brakes and tyres.

Updated Lexus UX300e electric small SUV has finally lobbed. Buyers score LCT and FBT benefits. Larger 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery may give 560kM range. Interior tech upgrades and free three-year Lexus Connected Services.

Plug-in Tonale joins two mild-hybrid variants with more powerful 208kW kick and all-wheel drive configuration. Available in top-spec Veloce trim only, it covers the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 6.2 seconds and offers up to 60km of fully-electric driving range.

The new flagship of the German brand’s EV portfolio is said to deliver an optimised drive, improved aerodynamics, higher charging performance and expanded battery capacity when viewed against the formidable predecessor. A Launch Edition is available for a limited time only.

The most powerful all-electric BMW to launch in Australia is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds despite 2000kg+ weight. An imposing luxury sedan it has dual electric motors, 485kW of power, and features a 106kWh battery delivering up to 560km range.

For order now in two, dual-cab grades, and in long- or short wheelbase form, the locally-converted F-150 range is powered by a 298kW twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine paired with a 10-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It tows up to 4500kg (braked).

Revised BEV model line-up with cheaper entry model arrives from $64,500 plus on-road costs. The new standard range variant has 58kWh battery pack and 125kW rear motor delivering a 384km range. Model-wide upgrades and spec’ changes include a dual-motor, AWD option.

The Kona hybrids use a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor, integrated six-speed DCT, and 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is 104kW and official combined fuel consumption 3.9L/100km. The Kona BEV follows in November.

Anticipated big, boxy, fully electric SUV from Kia offered with 76.1kWh rear-wheel drive and 99.8kWh all-wheel drive options, each with the latest ADAS safety technologies, OTA software upgrades and riding on Kia’s new E-GMP platform with self-levelling rear dampers.

Mercedes-Benz’s EQE SUV is a fully electric, three-variant, family-size vehicle complete with available high-performance AMG version. It blends luxury, comfort, performance, and safety, and uses a technologically advanced all-electric drivetrain with up to 539km driving range.

Modified by Premcar, the Patrol Warrior sports black 18-inch wheels, Yokohama A/T tyres, wider flares and a side-exit bi-modal exhaust. It also scores uprated 4x4 suspension and protection elements, blacked-out body trim, Alcantara upholstery, and Nissan’s 298kW petrol V8.

Wagon and four-door coupe duo replace previous models with more power and features. The price is up, so is power, with 48V mild-hybrid assistance joining a 463kW 4.0-litre turbo-petrol V8. All-wheel drive is standard, as are many high-end accoutrements.

BYD Dolphin is one of the cheapest EVs available at sub-$40K not including rebates. Base model Dynamic rocks a 44.9kWh battery and 70kW/180Nm electric motor giving a range of 340km (WLTP). Dolphin Premium scores a larger battery, more power and longer range, costs more. Stand by for a Sport model.

The penultimate 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel Ranger, Wildtrak X has a serious off-road focus boasting special Bilstein dampers, 30mm wider track, 26mm more ground clearance Ford’s Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist tech is fitted, A/T tyres, distinctive grille, matrix LED headlights and B&O audio.

Available in a seven-variant petrol-only range with drive away pricing includes a range topping hybrid e:HEV RS model with dual electric motors and a petrol mill. More tech, safety and style than before and a choice of five- and seven-seat config’ plus option of two- or all-wheel drive.

The sexy Lexus coupe and convertible receive mild upgrades with suite of Connected Services technology on every model in conjunction with the latest Lexus multimedia system and additional safety features. Prices go up but mechanicals stay the same.

Mazda’s eight-year-old CX-3 light SUV is undergoes a “comprehensive update” with tweaked styling and a simplified model range to five. Boasts additional safety features and standard equipment as well as “signature Mazda technology”. FWD only, 2.0-litre petrol only, auto only.

This is the second fully electric EQS variant into Australian promising outstanding comfort, space and luxury coupled with desirable design and future-focused tech, the model features a dual motor driveline with all-wheel drive Torque Shift and a combined 450kW and 800Nm output.

PEUGEOT’s well equipped all electric e-2008 small SUV arrives with constrained availability and is equipped with a 50kWh battery and 100kW/260Nm electric motor with a range of 328km (WLTP). Recharge from 10 to 80 per cent may take 30 mins on a 100kW DC appliance, more on domestic power.

Hugely anticipated HiLux on ‘roids, the GR Sport tops the N80-series range with a raft of mechanical and visual upgrades introducing the most powerful Hilux diesel ever, a 2.8-litre four-cylinder unit retuned to deliver 165kW/550Nm in front of a six-speed auto transmission.

Penultimate Ora Ultra joins the current line-up, adding more kit including heated front massaging seats, a panoramic roof and a powered tailgate. BEV power is still rated at 126kW/250Nm with 420km range from its 63kWh battery.

Hyundai’s keenly anticipated and better-equipped small SUV arrives with petrol power and new styling, as well as a significant uptick in price over the outgoing range. All-electric models will arrive later this year.

The larger, more modern CX-90 replaces the CX-9 large SUV. It is offered in three grades, all with seven seats, and a choice of petrol or diesel six-cylinder MHEV engines, all backed by an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive.

Peugeot’s BEV small van is same dimensionally as ICE model with 100kW/260Nm electric motor driving the front wheels through a 50kWh battery. Claimed 258km range, priced 33 per cent more than ICE.

Additional to the local RAM V8 line-up, the ‘Sport’ grade gains interior and exterior upgrades and enhancements including colour-coded bumpers, grille and mirrors and new 20-inch alloy wheels.

Amarok dual-cab one-tonne ute is twin under the skin with Ford Ranger and source out of a South African factory, with lower-spec Core and Life models arriving this month powered by four-cylinder diesels.  

Smokin’ three-pot, two-seat GR Corolla with additional track-oriented kit and a $15K-plus premium over the GTS variant. Only 25 available, gains 30Nm (to 400Nm) but same power as GTS at 221kW.

Tops out Koleos range in 2WD and AWD with 400 available to Australia. Has extra kit over Koleos Intens. Runs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 126kW/226Nm and CVT automatic.

An affordable two-variant front-drive petrol sedan similar in size to Honda Civic. “Sharp” dynamics and two 1.5-litre engines, one with turbo with CVT or seven speed dual-clutch auto respectively.

All-electric, four model rear-wheel drive hatch range includes a price-leading Excite 51 model joining 64 and 77 (kWh battery) variants with up to 530km range. Full suite of ADAS fitted.

As GWM’s flagship, off-road-biased diesel dual-cab one-tonner, the XSR has selectable 4x4 (in H and L-range) front and rear diff locks, Crawl Mode and Turn Assist. Diesel engine outputs 120kW/400Nm.

GWM’s new petrol Tank 300 five-seater 4x4 costs from $9K less than hybrid models. Offers genuine off-road capability with low range gearing and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four developing 162kW/380Nm.

A special edition seven-seat Everest in top adventure trim. Runs a 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 with a 10-speed automatic and full-time AWD. Tows 3500kg.

All-wheel drive Stelvio SUV features similar tech, equipment and styling upgrades to Giulia and same  turbo-petrol four as Giulia Ti. Luxury kit includes leather upholstery. Focus on driving dynamics.

Updated Giulia sedan has revised grille, lights, body hardware and highlights and more “cutting edge” cabin tech. Power is from a 206kW turbo-petrol four with MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve actuation.

Refreshed second-gen medium SUV offers more space, mild hybrid power and freshened interior décor along with revised exterior and more standard kit.  

The soft top 2+2 roadster has more luxury, technology, safety and style than ever underpinned by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 cranking 430kW/800Nm to all four wheels in SL63 4Matic guise. 

Ageing light-segment hatch and sedan line-up gets a price uptick, new paint finishes and styling tweaks but carries over 1.5-litre petrol engine and remains largely the same underneath. 

Mahindra’s new-from-the-ground-up medium SUV will arrive with two front-wheel drive seven-seat variants, both using a 149kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and six-speed automatic.

Upgraded two-variant all-electric compact SUV sneaks under Luxury Car Tax. Major technology upgrade extends battery range to 560km (NEDC) from larger 72.8kWh battery.

Second-generation Kona will run petrol (initially), hybrid and BEV powertrains. Larger and with a longer wheelbase yields greater interior room. Robocop frontal styling like Staria, fully connected.

More equipment and Genesis Connected Services upgrades mark this revamp to two-variant GV60 luxury electric SUV range just a year after launch. Includes over-the-air update capability.  

Updated and generously equipped C5 adds more French flair to medium SUV market. Lobs with an upgraded 1.6 turbo-petrol engine and eight-speed transmission combination.

A large SUV with AWD and a V8 twin-turbo petrol-electric hybrid powerplant cranking out 480kW/800Nm in total. “A bold interpretation of the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV),” says BMW.

The first M3 Touring is a hot rod AWD family station wagon that runs 375kW of turbo six power, Competition spec underpinnings and will get you to the kiddie’s cricket or netball stat.

BMW’s 1710kg M2 Coupe has a 3.0-litre turbo six shoehorned under the bonnet with 338kW and 550Nm, manual and auto available, sharper than ever, one model only. Many options available.

Compact SUV arrives in two trim grades with mild hybrids first to arrive followed later by a PHEV. A new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with integrated 48V electric motor drives through a seven-speed DCT.

A mid-grade addition to the Tesla SUV range, the Model Y Long Range is priced from $81,900 +ORCs. It features dual motors and AWD rated, with output rated at a combined 378kW, or a bit less than the Model Y Performance with which the Long Range shares the same 82kWh battery. WTLP range is listed at 533km while the 0-100km/h dash is dispatched in five seconds flat.

The Spanish are flying into the market with their cut-price Cupra Leon V hatch, priced from $43,990 +ORCs, or $47,990 drive-away. Well-equipped, and with a Volkswagen-sourced EA888-series 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine cranking 140kW/320Nm, it is offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual (wet) clutch transmission.

Ford Australia is countering Volkswagen’s closely related Amarok with the addition of a rear-wheel drive four-cylinder version of the Ranger ute. Updated for mid-2023, the line-up now sees XLT and Sport variants receive an integrated trailer brake controller as standard and XL cab-chassis variants a rear-view camera kit. Pricing increases by up to $1300, now from $36,180 +ORCs.

Ford has updated its Everest large SUV for mid-2023 with pricing from $62,790 + ORCs. The freshened Everest retains its generous 3500kg braked towing capacity, the Sport variant available exclusively with Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine and seven-seat interior layout.

A hard-core version of Urus SUV, the Performante is priced from $465,876 +ORCs. Headlined by a 47kg reduction in overall weight, lower and firmer suspension with steel springing, and enhanced acoustics for the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 it shares with the Urus S – the flagship model produces 490kW at 6000rpm and 850Nm from 2300-4500rpm.

Lexus’ newest mid-sized all-electric SUV is available in two variants and is priced from $123,000 +ORCs. It is the first Lexus battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to be built on the brand’s e-TNGA dedicated EV platform and boasts 230kW total system power from dual electric motors and a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

This is the Lotus Emira First Edition which features a bespoke version of Mercedes-AMG’s M139-series 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine. The model is priced from $177,990 +ORCs and performance is said to be nothing short of sensational.

Ora is GWM’s all-electric five-door hatch, probably available now from $44,490 drive-away. It undercuts the MG ZS EV by $500 to take the title of Australia’s most-affordable battery electric vehicle (BEV). Two battery options are available: a 48kWh unit with 310km driving range or a 63kWh unit with 420km (WLTP).

GWM’s new entry point to its hybridised Haval Jolion SUV range in the form of the base-grade Lux which hits dealerships priced from $36,900 drive-away, taking the number of variants now available within the range to six. Powered by a familiar 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine with 139kW and 375Nm.

Ford Australia has announced the Everest Sport RWD, available exclusively with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel powertrain. The 2023.50MY Everest range also comes with various product and pricing updates. The rear-wheel drive Everest Sport is priced from $62,790 + ORC.

Ford has fast tracked the E Transit here and it is due to lob this month in unknown numbers – and at an unknown price. The van features next-generation battery technology to enable a targeted range of 380km and 124kW fast charging ability.

The updated fourth generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which is locally engineered and converted, will arrive this month adding new technology, a new-look dashboard and an off-road-focused ZR2 variant to the range. Pricing starts at $128,000 + ORC for the Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium.

Audi Australia has secured a handful of the five-cylinder turbocharged RSQ3 Edition 10 Years SUVs with 294kW/480Nm output priced from $103K + ORC. The limited-run special features exclusive equipment and sporty details on the exterior and interior. Just 555 examples of the variant will be available worldwide.

Electric powertrain assistance has arrived at BMW’s performance M division in the form of the new XM hybrid V8 SUV – Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance – that is a possible starter this month. It is priced from $297,900 plus on-road costs.

This is BMW’s hot rod family wagon exclusively in Competition spec’ locally, and with a blistering 375kW/650Nm turbocharged six under the bonnet. The M3 Touring can clock the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds and hit 200km/h in just 12.9 seconds. Top whack is listed at 280km/h. Fast Saturday morning transport to the cricket and netball indeed.

Due to make an appearance this month is Alfa’s Tonale SUV priced from $49,900 + ORC. The Tonale maintains classic Alfa Romeo styling cues – including the V-shaped Scudetto grille and five-hole wheels – but with a brand-first 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 48V mild hybrid system.

Recently relaunched Chinese brand Chery has announced pricing of its initial, two-variant, Omoda 5 small SUV line-up, possibly available from this month with the base grade pitched at $29,900 plus on-road costs and the higher-spec’ Omoda  5 EX at $32,900 + ORC. Both run a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and CVT.

Ioniq 6 is Hyundai’s second Ioniq model and is priced from $74,000 + ORC. The streamlined model range, delayed from last month, will rival the highly popular – and less expensive – Tesla Model 3 with a choice of three variants offering up to 239kW of power, 614km of driving range, and the availability of two- or all-wheel drive. Purchase is available online.

Volkswagen’s new-generation Amarok dual-cab ute is due April (hopefully) with a kick off point of $50,990 + ORC for the 2.0 four-cylinder diesel Core with six-speed manual gearbox, rising to $79,990 + ORC for the Aventura with 3.0 V6 turbo-diesel or 2.3 four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines and 10-speed auto. Line up offers eight models in five trim levels, three engines.

Priced from $46,700 plus on-road costs ($1310 more than the GTS) and available with manual or automatic transmissions, just 86 examples of the commemorative sports coupe will be offered, arriving in local showrooms from this month. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Club members were offered first dibs.

Suzuki is cashing in on the incredible popularity of the Jimny with a limited edition Jimny Heritage, a nod to the tiddler-sized fourbie’s 53-year history, priced from $33,490 plus on-road costs. Only 300 will be available in manual transmission only.

Crosstrek replaces Subaru’s XV small SUV and will compete against Kia Seltos, Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross. Priced from $34,990 plus on-road costs, the Crosstrek range includes 2.0L, 2.0R and 2.0S petrol variants, and Hybrid L and S grades. All feature the latest infotainment and safety technologies.

The large seven-seat Scorpio-N might make it this month in possibly mid and high spec’ and will most likely be diesel only at a price TBA. 4x2 and 4x4 will be available, likely paired to a turbo-diesel 2.2-litre engine which delivers 128kW/400Nm through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mildly tweaked Paj’ Sport arrives priced from $44,940 + ORC with tyre pressure monitoring fitted as standard to two- and four-wheel drive GLS, Exceed and GSR grades, and new colour options. The popular Deluxe Package on GLS variants continues.

As the name suggests, this vehicle is MG Motor Australia’s Long Range variant of the ZS EV small electric SUV priced at $55,990 drive-away. The Chinese manufacturer fast-tracked the vehicle’s arrival here due to unprecedented demand for its current battery electric vehicle (BEV) offering.

A limited-edition of 250 units, the UX 250h F Sport Design special edition slots between the 200 F Sport and 250h Sport Luxury grades. The front-wheel drive variant is priced from $58,120 plus on-road costs and is due in showrooms from the middle of April.

The 2024 F-Type 75 coupe is priced from $183,200 + ORC with first Australian customer deliveries beginning this month – the model marks 75 years of Jaguar sports cars. Other variants will cost more.

Battery electric version of BMW’s new-gen X1 small SUV priced from $84,900 + ORC. Brings to 12 the number of electrified choices in BMW’s Australian portfolio. Two models offered: xLine and M Sport. The iX1 uses a dual motor system with a combined 230kW and 494Nm.

BMW’s sports car gets a freshen with tweaked exterior styling, three new metallic colours, different alloy wheel design, revised kidney grille and front apron plus an expanded standard equipment list. Pricing refreshingly unchanged, starting from $90,900 + ORC for the sDrive18i.

A snazzy looking small SUV relaunch vehicle for the Chinese manufacturer sporting 1.5-litre turbo four cylinder petrol engine priced sub $40k drive away (yet to be announced). Feature rich, vehicle is front wheel drive with CVT transmission for launch. Big block 1.6 following. 

Priced from $74,000 + ORC, the sleek Ioniq 6 electric sedan range will rival the highly popular – and less expensive – Tesla Model 3 with a choice of three variants offering up to 239kW of power, 614km of driving range, and the availability of two- or all-wheel drive. Sold online only.

Less expensive five-seat variants join the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L from $77,950 + ORC. Apart from a few spec differences it is the same vehicle underneath with 3.6-litre 210kW/344Nm petrol V6 driving through an eight-speed auto with variant-specific 4x4 systems.

Packed with additional standard features and priced from $51,240+ ORC, the Staria Load Premium, is designed to enhance the commercial model’s safety, style and convenience. Safest van available says Hyundai, and ANCAP agrees.

Upgraded tech, tweaked suspension and refreshed looks for petrol and diesel CX-8s in return for prices that rise by between $1520 and $2520, now starting from $42,060 + ORC.

A small battery electric hatchback and the first model based on a new modular scalable platform developed by MG parent company SAIC Motor. An unusually low-profile battery pack comes in 51kWh and 64kWh capacities and offers up to 450km of range. Pricing TBC.

Range-wide updates include 1500W vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability the PHEV, a new look and additional kit (grade dependent). Priced from $31,490 + ORC for petrol and $47,290 + ORC for PHEV.

Mildly revised Paj Sport is priced from $44,940 + ORC due late this month/early April with tyre pressure monitoring added to higher grades along with new colours and a popular GLS ‘Deluxe Package’ to continue on Triton-based SUV.

The fifth-generation Lexus RX SUV arrives in dealerships this month with a six-variant range priced up considerably on the outgoing model, starting from $87,500 + ORC and topped by the new RX500h F Sport Performance variant that combines a 2.4L turbo-petrol engine with dual electric motors.

Here this month with variant-dependent upgrades including, from base ES, auto high beam, auto rear braking, rear cross traffic alert. All variants have enhanced luxury and safety specification. Priced from $55,490 + ORC.

One of the hottest hot hatches, the Civic Type R remains front-wheel drive and manual, cranking out 235kW from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four. Said to be a sharper tool than the outgoing model in all areas but up against serious AWD competition for similar money. Price jumps alarmingly to $72,600 drive-away

Revealed late last year now available from $55,990 drive-away featuring a rugged ladder chassis with selectable 4WD. Well-equipped Tank 300 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and electric motor combination together rated at 225kW and upwards of 500Nm, driving through a nine-speed automatic transmission

Kick-butt off road Dakar Rally inspired Lambo runs a raucous 5.2-litre V10 boasting 448kW and 560Nm paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It has an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system with mechanical self-locking rear diff’ and is capable of a 0-100km/h time of just 3.4 seconds. Pricing? Expected to be over $400,000 + ORC.

Slick Benz sedan and wagon powered by an 48V electrified version of Benz’s M139L (for longitudinally set) turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine kicking out 300kW at 6750rpm and 500Nm at 5000rpm, with a further 10kW available on overboost. Clocks a quickish 4.6 seconds for the 0-100km/h. Priced from circa $130,000 + ORC.

New X-Trail goes hybrid with 1.5-litre, three-pot petrol engine driving a motor generator to charge a small battery that directly feeds a pair of electric motors to provide what Nissan calls e-4orce AWD. Prices for e-Power models starts from $54,190 + ORC.  

Priced from $52,190 + ORC the Subaru Outback XT utilises a 183kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol flat-four engine. It has a CVT auto transmission, useful braked towing capacity of 2400kg and a generous level of standard equipment. Has two-mode X-Drive AWD system and a full-size spare.    

Possibly one of the most anticipated new models for 2023, the Corolla with 224kW, 1.6-litre turbo triple with AWD is a maybe in February as some are already in dealerships. No pricing details are available but based on overseas pricing, could kick off in the vicinity of $65,000.

Due last month but delayed until February. Priced from $49,790 + ORC, revised Kluger scores a multitude of improvements to safety, technology and performance for 2023. Now with a 198kW/420Nm, 2.4-litre turbo petrol four cylinder engine replacing the 3.5 V6 on all non-hybrid grades.

Relaunch of the Chery brand in Australia kicks off with a petrol-powered small SUV called the Omoda 5. Two grades will be offered, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol FWD, and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol AWD.  Has a five star Euro NCAP rating, which bodes well. Prices TBA.

Scores a new 198kW/420Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine to replace the petrol V6 on all non-hybrid models while gaining Toyota Connected Services and upgraded multimedia system across the board. Priced from $49,720 + ORC.

Likely arrival this month or next priced from $28,390 + ORC, a $400-$500 increase offset by new aero fixtures outside, badges, colour choices, wheels, antenna, upholsteries and luggage board in the boot on some models. Powered by the same 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine with seven-speed DCT. 

A bigger, safer, better-equipped new generation small SUV that shares underpinnings with  the larger X-Trail. Priced from $33,890 + ORC. Offers more power and torque and improved fuel economy from a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine and CVT.

A Porsche Macan rival from Italy, expected this month or next in Australia and launching with the GT AWD powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a belt-integrated starter-generator, 48-volt battery, e-Booster and a DC/DC converter. No pricing at the moment.

Wickedly quick AWD, dual-motor BEV with 430kW priced from $99,950 + ORC to make it the most expensive Kia yet. Accelerates from 0-100km in 3.5 seconds to a governed V-max of 260km/h. Locally fettled dynamics by suspension guru Graeme Gambold.

Production for the first Aussie allocation of Grenadier, priced from $84,500 + ORC started late last year with expected arrival this month. Runs 3.0-litre BMW six cylinder petrol or diesel engines complementing tough off-road credentials and a body resembling the old Land Rover Defender.

Minor specification upgrades to Hyundai’s popular tiddler-size SUV. No comment from Hyundai at the time of writing, suffice to say changes will probably focus on additional infotainment features inside. Currently priced from $21,740 + ORC.  

A sporty, rear-drive electric hatch from Spanish VW offshoot available now to order from $59,990 + ORC. Offering up to 511km of range and European-built on VW Group’s MEB architecture, the Born delivers a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds from a 170kW/310Nm electric motor and 82kWh battery.