This year was a quiet one for new cars, as makers struggled with factory shutdowns and supply shortages. Next year will be different.
It was a relatively slow year for new-car releases in 2021 as makers struggled with lockdowns and semiconductor supply issues. That should change in 2022 as a bumper crop of shiny new metal is due to arrive. Here are some of the highlights.
FORD RANGER
The new Ranger is a big deal for Ford. It has been challenging the Toyota HiLux for the title of Australia’s most popular vehicle in recent years and a new model should close the gap further.
The new machine has been designed, engineered and developed in Australia. It comes with a tough new exterior design, a digital instrument display and a giant tablet-style screen in the centre of the dash.
There’s also a power boost for some models, courtesy of a beefy new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine likely to make 190kW and 600Nm. Expect to see the new Ranger in showrooms in the middle of next year.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
The big family SUV will be available as a plug-in hybrid for the first time when it arrives in the first half of the year. The hybrid will combine a petrol engine with electric motors for outputs of 280kW and 637Nm. A small battery will allow it to be driven for up to 40km on electric power alone. Old-school fans will likely gravitate to the 266kW/529Nm V8 version, though.
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS
Buyers can’t get enough of SUVs and market leader Toyota will oblige with the Corolla Cross, which will slide between the edgy C-HR and immensely popular RAV4. Buyers can choose between petrol and hybrid power, plus two- or all-wheel drive.
It’s likely to have all the latest safety and infotainment tech included as standard. It’s due to arrive locally in the second half of the year.
Toyota is also launching the bZ4X, its first electric car.
The SUV was co-developed with Subaru. Expect it late in the year.
SUBARU WRX
The new Subaru WRX is almost here after numerous delays. It scores a new 2.4-litre turbo engine, but power is only up 5kW to 202kW/350Nm.
The cult favourite will have a more modern interior and reworked suspension that should make for a sharper drive. It’s due in the second quarter of the year.
The new BRZ hits Aussie roads in January. Prices start at $38,990 (before on-road costs) for the sports car, which shares its underpinnings with the Toyota 86. It has a bigger, more powerful engine, but still no turbo power.
TESLA MODEL Y
The Model Y was a no-show in 2021 after Tesla pulled the pin on a local launch at the last minute. It’s likely to arrive some time next year, but Tesla, which is notoriously evasive, won’t confirm when – or even if – it will land. Based on the ultra popular Model 3 sedan, the high-riding machine combines a long driving range, super fast charging, loads of power and SUV practicality.
HONDA HR-V
A new version of Honda’s little HR-V SUV is due to arrive in the first half of the year. It is expected to have the choice of petrol or hybrid power, coupled with bold new styling and plenty of fresh tech features.
KIA EV6
Kia will debut its new fully-loaded Tesla fighter in 2022.
The electric hatch will make its debut at the Australian Open in January. It shares its underpinnings with the widely acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq 5 but has a sportier bent.
Supply will be limited and prospective buyers will need to be prepared to dig deep into their pockets, as drive-away prices are expected to nudge $80,000.
NISSAN X-TRAIL
After a quiet year, Nissan has a big 2022 planned.
A new version of the small Qashqai SUV should arrive first, followed by the latest generation of its Z sports car.
The new X-Trail, which now shares a platform with the recently released Mitsubishi Outlander, should arrive later in the year with an upgraded engine, a more modern interior and fresh panels.
A new version of the full-size Pathfinder SUV will top off a busy year.
MAZDA CX-60
The Japanese brand has confirmed its new mid-size CX-60 will arrive in Australia next year.
To be sold alongside the popular CX-5, the new CX-60 brings a mix of petrol and diesel in-line six-cylinder engines. It also has the potential to go hybrid eventually.
GMSV CORVETTE
The American muscle car is almost here. The Corvette offers supercar beating performance at a fraction of the price.
Starting at about $150,000, the Corvette has a beefy 6.2-litre V8 making 370kW and 637Nm. It can hit 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 312km/h.
TOP END OF TOWN
Luxury brands will continue to switch their focus to electric vehicles in 2022, although expect a flurry of activity in the SUV market as well.
Lexus will kick off proceedings in January with a new version of its popular NX mid-size SUV, which will be available as a plug-in hybrid for the first time.
Audi debuts a new A3 hatchback but the headline attractions will be the e-tron S and e-tron GT electric vehicles, which should arrive in the first and third quarters respectively.
Mercedes-Benz will launch its new flagship EQS electric vehicle in the second quarter of the year, along with the new EQB compact electric SUV.
BMW is getting in on the act with its new i4 electric sedan due in the first three months of the year. Volvo is bringing its C40 Recharge, the brand’s first car to go leather-free.
Range Rover will debut a new version of its luxury-packed flagship SUV in July.
Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury offshoot, plans to launch its first electric vehicle, the GV60. It will have facial recognition technology to lock and unlock doors.
Originally published as Cars of 2022 – next year’s most anticipated new models
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