2016 Tesla New Cars

Details of the new and updated Tesla models launching in Australia in 2015.

Tesla Model X – Q4

The first SUV from the electric car brand will commence local deliveries in the latter part of 2016.

The Tesla Model X has already been revealed internationally, and the start-up rightly claims this SUV will be the quickest car of its type on the planet, with the P90D model claiming a 0-100km/h time of as little as 3.4 seconds with the Ludicrous Mode upgrade.

It won’t be the only model offered, with a less performance-oriented version – the 90D – also set to be offered initially. Range for the 90D is set to be claimed at 470km for the most battery-efficient model.

Those model names are familiar from the Model S, and the X shares the same platform and battery/motor layout as that car. Aside from the SUV-style body, the Model X introduces the Falcon Wing doors and on the optioned-up Signature Edition models, 22-inch wheels are fitted.

Being an SUV there is extra practicality to call upon, with seven forward-facing seats offering room for “seven adults and all of their gear”.

Pricing isn’t yet confirmed for Australia, though it is likely to carry a premium over the Model S. Stay tuned for our launch review of the car in the third quarter of 2016.

2016 Toyota New Cars

Details of the new and updated Toyota models launching in Australia in 2016.

Prius — March

Industry top-seller Toyota updated a staggering 13 models in 2015. Thus, it has launched, replaced or renewed vehicles representing three-quarters of its sales volume.

Obviously, 2016 will not be quite so busy.

The early headliner is the fourth-generation Toyota Prius hybrid due in March. Read our quick review from Japan here. 

The new Prius is 4540mm long, 1760mm wide and 1470mm tall, making it 60mm longer than the third-generation hybrid hatch and 15mm wider. Although the new Prius is the first vehicle to use the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) component set, the new car’s wheelbase remains unchanged at 2700mm.

Toyota has confirmed that the fourth-gen Prius will continue with a nickel-metal hydride battery, albeit one that is “smaller, more energy-dense” than previous editions.

The company has also replaced the current car’s torsion beam rear suspension for a new double-wishbone system. Thanks to the smaller battery pack and new rear suspension, boot space is said to be improved.

Fuel economy, at least under EU testing, is said be improved by 18 percent. By our calculations that see the car’s EU consumption figure drop from 3.9L/100km to 3.2L/100km.

The new car’s interior will be available in either cool grey or black, and vision out the front, sides and back is reportedly improved.

Available safety tech will include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning with steering wheel alerts, and automatic high-beam control.

70-Series LandCruiser — October

The venerable Toyota 70-Series LandCruiser will get an update in late 2016 that is intended to bring the old workhorse, and fleet-favourite, up to five-star ANCAP standards. This ensures the old beast’s future for some time yet.

In addition to their currently standard driver and passenger front airbags, 70 Series single-cab variants will gain side curtain and driver’s knee airbags, taking the count to five.

All 70 Series body styles – single- and dual-cab, wagon and troop carrier – will also be equipped with electronic stability control, brake assist and cruise control.

Reflecting Australia’s position as one of the world’s dominant markets for the old 70, the global development program considers us it lead market. Engineering continues.

Extras

The production version of Toyota’s C-HR baby SUV concept will make its world premiere at the start of March in Geneva, giving Toyota a vital rival to the likes of the Mazda CX-3.

Toyota Australia understandably has its hand up for the car, and while nothing is concrete, the massive sales upside in what is a booming segment should ensure it arrives here. However, it might miss out on a 2016 launch and come around Q1, 2017 instead.

2016 Volvo New Cars

Details of the new and updated Volvo Cars models launching in Australia in 2016.

XC90 R-Design — Q1

The R-Design version of the very well-received all-new Volvo XC90 should finally get here at the end of Q1, 2016 — following the new version’s local launch in Inscription and Momentum spec levels in August, 2015.

The R-Design will be available across all three XC90 engine options — the 165kW/470Nm D5, the 235kW/400Nm T6 and the 300kW/640Nm T8 petrol-electric hybrid.

Local pricing is expected to be $97,950, $101,950 and $121,950 plus on-road costs respectively ($1000 higher than an inscription D5 or T6 variant).

The R-Design’s styling changes including a revised grille, new-look front spoiler, “silk metal” window trim surround, dual tail-pipes, silver look roof rails and side-mirror caps in matte silver. Wheels will be 20-inch wheels as standard,

The interior is said to feature sports seats and a steering wheel trimmed in Nubuck perforated leather, while “special R-Design details” including a unique shift knob, floor mats and illuminated tread plates are also offered. The key to the car is also different to the standard models, finished in “exclusive R-Design leather”.

A tablet-style touchscreen media unit and 12.3-inch digital driver display are offered as standard on the R-Design, too.

XC90 T8 — Q2/Q3

The Volvo XC90 range will grow to include the T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid variant around July, exclusively in R-Design guise and priced at $122,95 plus on-road costs.

The T8 ‘Twin Engine’ powertrain combines the car’s twin-charged T6 petrol engine with a 60kW electric motor for peak outputs of around 300kW and 640Nm.

Volvo claims average CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometre. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle should fall around 2.5L/100km. At the push of a button the driver can switch to silent and zero emission driving on pure electric power, where the range will be around 40km under careful driving.

A series of battery cells runs along the car’s Scalable Product Architecture — Volvo’s platform that premieres under the XC90 and will be modulated to fit other future models over the coming years.

V40/V40 Cross Country update — Q4

The Volvo V40 small hatch and its Cross Country crossover spinoff (current model pictured) will get an update around August, to tide it over until a brand new one based on the company’s CMA modular Scalable Architecture premieres as early as 2017.

This update to Volvo’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and GLA models is likely to see the addition of some equipment. It will come less than a year after the company added a pair of new entry-level engines and enhanced specification across the range.

Thanks to strong campaign pricing over the past few month, sale of the V40 have spiked. They’re up almost 25 per cent this year to 1083, making it Volvo’s second top-seller after the XC60 (1624).

Its volume is about half the BMW 1 Series, one-third of the A-Class and around one-fifth that of the Audi A3 segment leader. Meantime the V40 Cross Country has managed a smaller 362 units YTD.

S90 — Q4

The final piece in the Volvo puzzle for 2016 will be the gorgeous S90 sedan, set for launch here around the fourth quarter (though Volvo Cars Australia has previously said it could come here as early as August).

The S90 follows in the wheel tracks of the XC90, which marked the beginning of Volvo’s rebirth as a top-shelf on the back of a $15 billion dollar investment from its new parent company, China’s Geely.

The same minimalist Scandinavian styling dominates inside and out, while underneath lies the Swedish carmaker’s new Scaleable Platform Architecture. Buyers will find the same powertrains and eight-speed automatic transmission that motivate the XC90, led by the T8 PHEV.

The S90 will also feature Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology, designed to keep the vehicle inside its lane at speeds up to 130km/h. A new day/night extension of Volvo’s City Safety collision avoidance system is also featured. In Australia, as a recent announcement revealed, this will include kangaroos.

The interior will be a familiar space for buyers that have already experienced the XC90, with the exterior’s minimalist themes continuing into the cabin.

It is expected that Volvo will position the new sedan as a rival to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2016 Suzuki New Cars

Details of the new and updated Suzuki models launching in Australia in 2016.

Vitara Turbo — April

Suzuki’s sales in Australia have bounced back in 2015, up 11 per cent. 2016 is shaping up even better. 

April will see the Japanese company launch a new version of its most interesting new model, the reborn Vitara, with a new turbocharged engine. 

Marketed in Europe as the Vitara S, the Vitara Turbo’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 103kW/220Nm — a 17kW/64Nm advantage over the current 1.6-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol.

Suzuki Australia says the Vitara Turbo will be available in front- and all-wheel drive, and will become the flagship in the line-up, replacing the RT-X.

Suzuki hasn’t confirmed final pricing and specifications for the Vitara Turbo at this stage. The outgoing 1.6 RT-X is available exclusively with AWD from $31,990 plus on-road costs.

The Vitara RT-S with the existing 1.6-litre engine will continue as the entry point to the range, retaining its $22,990 drive-away pricing.

Additionally, all Vitara models will come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from January, increasing the value further.

Baleno — potentially Q3

The reborn Suzuki Baleno could come to Australia around September 2016, expanding the company’s light car line-up — playing to its strengths.

Suzuki Australia is currently working through the business case for our market. Given it will come out of India, the odds of sharp pricing seem good.

Revealed in Frankfurt last September, the five-seat Baleno is 3995mm long, about 150mm (half a foot) longer than aSwift. But boot space is rated at 355 litres with the rear seats up, more than 50 per cent greater.

There are two engines globally, headlined by a new unit called the 1.0-litre Boosterjet. This three-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine develops 82kW/170Nm and can be paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The Baleno will also be available with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder motor that makes 66kW of power and 120Nm of torque, and can be had with either a five-speed manual or CVT.

Beneath the Baleno’s “liquid flow” skin, the city hatch is based on a new Suzuki platform that’s said to increase rigidity by 10 percent and reduce weight by 15 percent compared to the company’s current offerings.

Features available on the new Baleno include xenon headlights, LED driving lights and tail-lights, climate control air-conditioning, radar-guided adaptive cruise control, driver adjustable speed limiter, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Suzuki Ignis — Q4

The return of Suzuki nameplates from the 1990s (Sierra, Vitara, Baleno…) could continue in the final quarter of 2016 with the potential launch of the new Ignis.

Based on the Suzuki iM-4 concept revealed at the 2015 Geneva motor show, the all-new Ignis debuts cool styling that follows the trend set by the newly launched Vitara.

At 3693 millimetres long, the little Ignis is barely larger than a Celerio, while its tallboy design is somewhat reminiscent of the original Sierras.

Expect the 1.0-litre directly-injected turbocharged petrol Boosterjet engine to appear in the Ignis.

The interior images show a new design trend for Suzuki with a Mercedes-Benz-esque floating screen atop the dashboard and Vitara-style changeable colour panels for the dashboard.

The Australian Ignis business case is being worked through alongside the Baleno, though the Ignis looks set to be imported from Japan.

Should both of these cars arrive, Suzuki will have four models in the Micro/Light segment, and three in the small SUV market.

Extras

Suzuki Kizashi stocks are understood to be sufficient to see the company through to about the middle of 2016, but beyond that its future is in some doubt. The cpmpany has only sold 119 this year — giving it just 0.3 per cent market share.

2016 Volkswagen New Cars

Details of the new and updated Volkswagen models launching in Australia in 2016.

Passat Alltrack — Q1

The rugged B8 Passat wagon-based Alltrack crossover will arrive in Australia by March, complementing the smaller Golf Alltrack and giving VW a rather unique crossover SUV offering.

The second-generation version of the all-wheel-drive Passat Alltrack wagon follows a familiar theme, with off-road-inspired body cladding, heavy duty bashplates on the bumpers, and suspension that’s raised by 27.5mm.

It’s expected that our market’s version will initially, at least, receive only the 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel from the regular Passat. Expect it to command a few grand premium over the regular Passat wagon, pointing to a price in the high $40Ks.

Tiguan — Q4

A massively important launch for the company is the new-generation Tiguan compact SUV, which looks to mark a big step up over the aged current model.

For starters, the new an more ruggedly design model is 60mm longer and 30mm wider than the current car, making it more closely aligned to top-sellers such as the Mazda CX-5.  It also gets a much larger boot, at 521L.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB component matrix for transverse engine, front- and all-wheel cars, the Tiguan is nevertheless said to weigh around 50 kilograms less than before.

Volkswagen has already been open about its hope that the new Tiguan will double the sales of the current car. Read all the details on the MY16/17 Tiguan here.

Amarok update — Q4

The updated 2017 Amarok ute range is expected late in the year, bringing with it some welcome cabin updates such as new infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Details are a little sketchy at present, we’ll keep you posted. (Current Amarok pictured.)

2016 Peugeot New Cars

Details of the new and updated Peugeot models launching in Australia in 2016.

Peugeot 308 GTi – Q1

The hottest Peugeot 308 to date, the 2016 Peugeot 308 GTi, will launch locally in the first quarter of the year.

There will be two versions of the French hot hatch sold in Australia, but both will come powered by a pumped-up 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox only.

The range will open with the Peugeot 308 GTi 250 (that number is a reference to the metric horsepower output – we’ll call it 184kW and 330Nm) at $44,990, while the more powerful 308 GTi 270 (200kW/330Nm) is a $49,990 proposition.

The 308 GTi 270 is set apart from its sibling by the addition of a Torsen limited-slip front differential, along with larger 380/268mm brake discs, 38mm/41mm four-piston callipers, 19-inch ‘Carbone’ wheels and 235/35 Michelin Super Sport.

The 250 gets 18-inch ‘Diamant’ wheels and 225/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rubber.

Read our review of the Peugeot 308 GTi.

2016 Nissan New Cars

Nissan Australia’s communications team says there are “no new or updated models currently scheduled for release” in 2016.

That doesn’t mean that the new year is going to be barren for the Japanese manufacturer, however, and could indeed be quite the opposite if things go its way.

While the timing is still to be finalised, the long-awaited Nismo sub-division appears likely to launch in Australia during 2016. Nissan Australia has already confirmed it plans to offer the GT-R Nismo, 370Z Nismo and Juke Nismo RS to local customers, but which model we get first and when is anyone’s guess.

CarAdvice’s spy photographers also snapped lightly camouflaged images of a facelifted version of the Pathfinder SUV in December, suggesting an update is just around the corner. The local team says it doesn’t have any information about this update, though it too would appear a chance to reach our shores before the end of the year.

2016 Porsche New Cars

Details of the new and updated Porsche models launching in Australia in 2016.

Macan GTS – January

Deliveries of the Macan GTS will commence early in the year, with the sporty, gap-filling model in the brand’s smallest SUV line offering buyers a more aggressive look to the rest of the range.

There’s plenty of black highlights on the outside, including quad exhausts, and it’s not just appearance that differs for the GTS – the car features a modified chassis with lowered suspension, and the GTS’s 21-inch wheels help fill the arches. Inside, there’s a new media system with Apple CarPlay, too.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol with 265kW and 500Nm, which is 11kW and 40Nm more than the entry-level petrol S.

Priced at $109,500 plus on-road costs it’s $22,800 more than the Macan S petrol and $12,900 less than the flagship Macan Turbo.

Read our review here.

911 Carrera – March

The all-turbocharged updated 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S will arrive in Australia sporting a revised look and new gear in March.

That’s right – this isn’t the 911 Turbo, but it is the 911 turbo. The move to forced-induction engines is driven by emissions regulations, with the brilliant 3.6-litre flat six replaced by a 3.0-litre turbo flat-six, with 272kW of power for the Carrera and 309kW for the Carrera S – up 15kW and 60Nm over the old versions.

Fuel consumption savings are also promised, with the PDK-equipped Carrera now listing 7.4 L/100km on the NEDC test cycle and the Carrera S listing 7.7L/100km. Those figures represent 0.8L/100km and 1.0L/100km improvements respectively.

Apple CarPlay will be offered standard, as will front parking sensors and a reverse-view camera.

As has been the case for eons, the 911 Carrera will be offered with a manual gearbox (seven-speed) or Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch seven-speeder. And it will be offered as a Coupe or Cabriolet.

Read our review of the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera here.

2016 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S pricing (plus on-road costs):
911 Carrera coupe manual – $217,800
911 Carrera coupe PDK – $223,750
911 Carrera S coupe manual – $252,800
911 Carrera S coupe PDK – $258,750
911 Carrera Cabriolet manual – $239,300
911 Carrera Cabriolet PDK – $245,250
911 Carrera S Cabriolet manual – $274,300
911 Carrera S Cabriolet PDK – $280,250

911 Carrera 4 and 911 Carrera 4S – Q2

The 911 range expands to include all-wheel drive in the second quarter of the year when the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4Smodels arrive.

These all-wheel-drive models bring the same turbocharged six-cylinder engines as are also fitted to the regular Carrera and Carrera S models, but they’re faster due to the additional traction on offer (0-100km/h for the Carrera 4 is 4.1 seconds – 0.1sec faster than the rear-drive; 4S is 3.8sec, also 0.1sec quicker).

The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S models adopt wider wheel arches, and can be had as a coupe or Convertible.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S pricing (plus on-road costs):
911 Carrera 4 Coupe – $233,900
911 Carrera 4S Coupe – $269,000
911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet – $255,400
911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet – $290,500

911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S – Q2

Porsche’s other ‘regular’ 911 variant, the Targa, will join the 4 and 4S models before the middle of 2016.

The shell-back convertible model features a semi-hardtop lid, with the rear glass section lifting up to stow the roof behind the rear seats. It takes 19 seconds to do its thing, and yeah, it’s a bit complicated, but it harks back to the Targa model of old.

The Targa is only available with all-wheel-drive, and also debuts the new turbo engines offered in the other 911 models.

Porsche 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S pricing (plus on-road costs):
911 Targa 4 – $255,400
911 Targa 4S – $290,500

911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S – early Q3

Originally we thought the new Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S would arrive in May, but that (er) may be pushed out to early in the third quarter of 2016.

The new Turbo (read: not the regular turbo) model is more powerful than before, with the 3.8-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder engine now pushing out 397kW, while the Turbo S churns out 427kW. That’s 15kW up on both models.

And so the 911 Turbo S Coupe sprints to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, down 0.2sec, while its top speed of 330km/h is 12 km/h higher than before. The 911 Turbo now reaches the 100km/h mark in 3.0sec (down 0.2sec) and its top speed is now 320km/h – five clicks faster.

Because going fast is just as fun topless, the Turbo and Turbo S models are again offered with coupe and Convertible body styles.

Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S pricing (plus on-road costs):
911 Turbo – $384,900
911 Turbo Cabriolet – $406,400
911 Turbo S – $456,500
911 Turbo S Cabriolet – $478,000

718 Boxster and 718 Cayman – Q4

The new-generation Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman will see numbers added to their names in 2016 following an expected debut at the 2016 Paris motor show. But the changes will be much more than just a name…

Following the lead of the larger 911, both the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will embrace turbocharging technology with the introduction of the 2016 update.

The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will trade their 2.7-litre flat six engines for equally powerful 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder turbos, doing away with the current divide that positions the Cayman above the Boxster in the power stakes.

Reflecting this – and again mirroring the 911 range structure – the 718 Cayman coupe will now assume the entry-level position beneath the 718 Boxster roadster in terms of pricing.

It’s been speculated that the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman’s new 2.0-litre turbo engine will produce roughly 178kW, which would be down from the current 2.7-litre engine’s 195kW output in the Boxster and 202kW in the Cayman.

The turbo motor will no doubt improve dramatically on the 280Nm and 290Nm currently produced by the Boxster and Cayman respectively, however. That extra torque should see both cars improve on their 0-100km/h times, currently pegged at 5.4 seconds for the hardtop and 5.5sec for the soft-top.

Stay tuned for more on the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman in 2016.

2016 Mitsubishi New Cars

Details of the new and updated Mitsubishi models launching in Australia in 2016.

Mirage update – Q1

Updated versions of the Mitsubishi Mirage hatch and sedan will arrive, potentially a few weeks apart, in the first quarter of 2016.

Mitsubishi smallest model, and one of the cheapest on the market, will get some minor stylistic enhancements broadly in line with the updated MY17 US-market model revealed last month.

There will also be some improvements to the cabin, with revised materials and trims. There is also a strong chance that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto will be offered on upper-level versions, as they will on the new rival Holden Spark due around the same time.

The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine is expected to carry over.

The current Mirage is still soldiering on as the top-seller in its segment, with 3616 finding home this year — almost double the tally of its closest saes rival, the two-door Fiat 500.

However, Mirage sales are also down 41.3 per cent, which is greater even that the micro car segment’s overall drop of 31.3 per cent. Buyers, it seems, are moving into light cars (up 3.9 per cent) or buying used.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV — mid-2016

The updated, market-unique plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s trusty Outlander medium SUV will lob around July 2016.

There’s been some minor delay in getting the car here. The vehicle is so popular in markets like the Netherlands, the UK and Russia, that Australia simply has to wait its turn.

As you can read from our international review here, the MY16/17 Outlander PHEV brings to the table revised styling, a more premium cabin design, extra sound-deadening, a stiffer chassis and refined suspension.

The signature drivetrain — a  2.0-litre petrol linked to the front wheels, able to serve as a generator, matched to a battery that can be charged externally, and electric motors.

Responsiveness improves courtesy of a re-calibration of the way the PHEV integrates, while claimed combined-cycle fuel use over 100km is now 1.8L/100km.

With current PHEV range is priced between $47,490 and $52,490 plus on-road costs. Expect Mitsubishi to carry this over more or less unchanged.

Extras

In addition to this, you might expect some running changes to ageing models such as the Lancer as the year progresses. This model just received MY16 updates, but MY16.5 is not unheard of.

Furthermore, MMAL is still weighing up whether it will launch the ASX update recently premiered in the US here, or push for one with different styling. It remains up in the air, as it did in November, though expect some activity around ASX later in the year.