Car buyers spoilt for choice in 2015

Alfa Romeo

The Italian brand will begin the year, with its updated Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Giulietta QV hot hatch going on sale in January. The long-awaited Alfa Romeo 4C is expected to arrive in February, and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is due in October. 

Aston Martin

As the name suggests, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, which will arrive in the first quarter, takes the 422-kilowatt, V12-powered Vantage S and chops the roof off. 

Audi

The third-generation Audi TT will arrive in February to kick off a big year for the German brand. In April, the Audi A6/A7 will be updated, before the high-performance RS6 and RS7 variants arrive in May. Also arriving in May will be the Audi A3 e-tron, the brand's first push into the hybrid market, and the overhauled Audi A1 city car range.

The Audi TT Roadster should arrive in the third quarter, along with the updated Q3 and RSQ3 compact sports utility vehicles.

The Audi RS3 hot hatch is due in showrooms in the final few months of the year, and the all-new Q7 full-sized SUV is expected in December.

Bentley

For those who want over-the-top luxury and over-the-top performance, the Bentley Mulsanne Speed could be just what they're after. The opulent four-door is powered by an uprated version of the company's twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 that is now good for 395 kilowatts and 1100 newton metres. 

BMW

The German luxury brand's ever-expanding range will add the BMW 2-Series Cabriolet in the first quarter of the year, while the updated BMW 6-Series and M6 models will be introduced in the second quarter. 

In May, the BMW X5M and X6M performance SUVs will arrive locally to join the rest of the updated SUV range, and the BMW 1-Series hatch will receive a mid-life update halfway through the year.

In the second half of the year, the BMW 3-Series will get a mid-life upgrade, and the new BMW X5 e-Drive hybrid SUV is due to arrive.

In the fourth quarter of the year, the BMW X4 M40i will join mid-sized SUV-coupe range that landed in 2014 as its new performance hero model.

Chery

The Chinese brand hasn't announced any new models for 2015.

Chrysler

The United States brand will update the Chrysler 300/300C range plus the SRT8 sports sedans in the second quarter of the year. The updated model brings new front and rear styling tweaks, more standard equipment and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Citroen

After a successful launch of the seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso, the French brand will add the five-seat C4 Picasso in February. Despite the similar names and design, the five-seater sits on a shorter wheelbase and is a more compact car than the seven-seat people mover.

Also a possible addition to the range will be the Citroen C4 Cactus, the quirky crossover member of the C4 line-up. The Cactus, which features a bench front seat and Airbumps on the doors to defend against bumps and scrapes, could arrive in December.

Ferrari

The Italian supercar brand will add the Ferrari 458 Speciale A in February. It follows the same formula as the 458 Speciale, a 4.5-litre V8 that unleashes 445kW at an ear-piercing 9000rpm, but takes the roof off.

It will be the final sendoff for the screaming V8, with the new Ferrari 458 M expected to arrive in December. As is the modern trend, the new model adds turbochargers to the V8 to achieve lower emissions and more performance.

Fiat

After a slow start, Fiat will finish the year with a rush, with the Abarth 695 Biposto landing in the third quarter. The hardcore, two-seat version of the tiny Italian city car will arrive in strictly limited numbers.

In the final quarter, the Italian brand will launch the Fiat 500 facelift and the Fiat 500X SUV. The 500X shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade, but will be offered in two-wheel-drive, unlike its US cousin.

Ford

It will be a big year for the blue oval as it pushes its future as a fully imported brand. The first part of that plan is the Ford Mondeo, which will arrive in April to do battle with the likes of the Toyota Camry and Mazda6.

In May, the new Ford Focus ST will lead the charge of the updated small car. The hot hatch is sourced from Europe, so it will arrive ahead of the rest of the range.

The entire facelifted Focus range, built in Thailand, will be on sale by mid-year and features new looks and new engines.

The updated Ford Ranger, with its new look and upgrade to the brand's Sync2 infotainment system, will be launched in the third quarter.

The Ranger will be joined in the fourth quarter by its sibling, the new Ford Everest SUV. The locally designed but overseas-built seven-seat off-roader will compete against the likes of the Toyota Prado, as well as Ford's Territory.

The biggest arrival for Ford in 2015, in terms of headlines at least, will be the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, which will arrive in showrooms in December. The US-made, two-door coupe and convertible will become the brand's new performance hero, as the Falcon XR8 heads for extinction.

Another possible blue oval performance car that could arrive late in the year is the new Ford Focus RS, which has been confirmed for production, but local timing remains unconfirmed.

Foton

No new models have been announced for 2015.

Great Wall

No new models have been announced for 2015.

Haval

The latest Chinese brand to try its hand at the Australian market is planning a three-pronged SUV attack. The Ford Territory-sized Haval H8 is set to arrive in the first half of the year, before the smaller H2 and larger H9 come in the second half.

Holden

The Holden Cruze will get an update in February, but the local arm is keeping the specifications remain under wraps. In the US, the new model features new looks, a redesigned interior and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

However, the Cruze won't be the only small car the brand launches in 2015, with the Opel-built Astra returning to the line-up. The Holden Astra GTC and VXR hot hatches will arrive in local showrooms in April.

In May, the Opel-built Insignia VXR sports sedan and Cascada convertible will add some European flair to the Lion's range. The Opel Zafira people compact people mover is also been tipped to join the Holden range. The company hasn't confirmed its addition, but test vehicles have been spotted in Melbourne.

Honda

The big news for the Japanese brand is its entry into the city-sized SUV market with the Jazz-based Honda HR-V. It will arrive in February to compete against the likes of the Holden Trax and Ford Ecosport.

The Honda Civic will get an update in the second quarter of the year with styling tweaks inside and out and some technology improvements, including the availability of autonomous emergency braking.

Another model due for updating is the Honda CR-V, expected to arrive in the second half of the year. The upgrades include revised styling, a multi-angle reversing camera and a new infotainment system.

The new Honda Jazz Hybrid, arriving in the second half of the year, will combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to sip as little as three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

To tie in with the brand's return to formula one in 2015, the all-new Honda Civic Type R is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW.

Hyundai

Hyundai starts the year with a rival to the Toyota Camry in its new Sonata, which will effectively replace the i45. Arriving in February, it will have a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that should add spice to the range.

An update to the Hyundai i30 will follow in March, alongside similar treatment to the i40 that should help them keep pace with their competitors.

The Hyundai Veloster is also in line for an update that is rumoured to include more power and an extra dash of driver appeal.

An all-new ix35 in the third quarter will feature Hyundai's latest fluidic sculpture styling treatment, along with new technology in the cabin and under the bonnet that should make it a compelling rival to the Mazda CX-5.

Hyundai's iMax and iLoad vans are set for minor upgrades in the fourth quarter of the year.

Infiniti

Nissan's luxury brand is set to update its Q70 sedan update mid-year, bringing a new look to the four-door machine. Power outputs will remain unchanged, with the range-topping Q70 V6 hybrid continuing to produce 268kW, ahead of less-powerful versions that feature either a 235kW naturally aspirated V6 or 175kW 3.0-litre turbo diesel.

Isuzu

Isuzu won't confirm its plans, but it is expected to release a special edition of the seven-seat MU-X, taking cues from limited models, such as the D-Max X-Runner.

Jaguar

Jaguar's F-Type sports car will benefit from a mid-life update in June, including all-wheel-drive and manual transmission options that add a new dimension to its performance, but the big news at Jaguar is the new XE sedan, a rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class that promises to be the brand's bestselling model. The XE will arrive in August with a choice of four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, along with a 250kW V6 model capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

The big cat's third model for 2015 involves an update of the full-sized XJ limousine, aimed at keeping pace with rival luxury flagships.

Jeep

Jeep's Grand Cherokee flagship will gain an updated interior in the first quarter as part of an update of family-friendly four-wheel-drives, the brand will save its best for last, with the new Jeep Renegade compact SUV arriving at the end of the year, giving the US brand a shot against emerging models such as the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

Kia

Kia starts the year with an updated Rio hatchback, with entry-level models arriving in January ahead of Si and Si Premium versions in April.

An all-new Grand Carnival people-mover will arrive in February with eight seats and an improved suite of safety features that now includes full-length curtain airbags.

The highly regarded Kia Sorento will be replaced by a new model in April with updated technology inside and out, along with dramatic styling on a longer body.

A new Kia Optima sedan is likely to arrive in the fourth quarter. While the brand has not confirmed that the pint-sized Picanto city car will make it to Australia, there is a strong possibility that the budget model could arrive before the end of the year.

Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Huracan sneaked into dealerships in late 2014, ahead of the model's widespread availability this year, so the Italian brand is not expected to offer any new models in 2015.

Land Rover

Land Rover's high-performance SVR brand will arrive in March thanks to the supercharged Range Rover Sport SVR. The brand will also offer hybrid options for its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models from April, before a new Land Rover Discovery Sport arrives in May. An updated Range Rover Evoque will round out the line-up in the third quarter of the year.

LDV

Leyland DAF Vans has been relaunched by a new Australian importer that will bring automatic models in from February. A people mover could follow before the end of 2015, followed by a utility in 2016 or beyond.

Lexus

Lexus is looking for strong sales from its new NX200t, a rival to compact SUVs such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Powered by Lexus' first turbocharged engine, the NX200t will arrive in February and promises to be a sportier drive than a hybrid model already on sale.

A V8-powered sports coupe should add a dash of excitement to the brand in the form of the 5.0-litre RC F that will take on the BMW M4 from February. That model could be followed by a four-door sports sedan in the Lexus GS F, which would line up against cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG towards the end of the year. 

Lotus

Lotus will add a dash of practicality to its 258kW Exige S by introducing a six-speed automatic transmission in the second quarter. The brand is rumoured to be introducing a successor to the Evora at the end of the year, after a debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Maserati

Maserati will have a fallow year in 2015, dividing a wealth of new product in 2014 and 2016. The full-sized Quattroporte could be in line to receive a high-output version of the twin-turbo V6 used in the smaller Ghibli sedan. The brand's Levante SUV is not likely to arrive until 2016.

Mazda

Mazda will be busy in 2015 with a raft of new models, starting with updates, including sharper styling and an upgraded interior, to the Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 in the first quarter.

The new Mazda CX-3 compact SUV will follow in the second quarter, promising to bring new customers to an emerging segment. Offering front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive propulsion, the CX-3 is also likely to have a choice of two engines in the form of 1.5-litre turbo diesel and 2.0-litre petrol units.

A facelifted Mazda BT-50 with less controversial styling than the current model will arrive in the middle of the year. Mazda's new MX-5 will arrive in the second half of 2015, giving sun-seekers something to covet in time for summer.

McLaren

McLaren's next model on sale will be the new Sport Series of cars, the first of which will be revealed in 2015. A more affordable alternative to the 650S, the baby McLaren promises plenty of punch through a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that could push it into showrooms before the end of the year.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz will debut a new flagship model in 2015 with the introduction of the S-Class Coupe from February. With a starting price of about $272,000 plus on-road costs, it will be the first series production car to feature an advanced tilt function capable of leaning into corners.

Also bound for showrooms during the first quarter of the year is the facelifted CLS-Class. Sporting new technology and a sharper appearance, both Coupe and Shooting Brake versions will be offered with a range of engines, including the flagship 410kW, 720Nm twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 found in the CLS63 AMG.

The facelifted B-Class will land in the first half of the year, sporting light cosmetic revisions and enhancements under the bonnet. 

At the top of the new car list for many Benz followers in 2015 is the all-new AMG C63, which will arrive in the second half of the year. Based on the regular C-Class, the flagship model promises a swag of tech and cosmetic revisions, plus the introduction of a 375kW twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, which replaces the long-running 6.2-litre naturally aspirated unit. 

The AMG GT is fitted with the same bent eight as the C63, and will be gunning for the sports car king, the Porsche 911, when it arrives in the second half of the year.

Another year, another class of new model spinoffs. Heading the list for Benz is the A-Class-based CLA Shooting Brake. The swoopy wagon will arrive in the second half of the year in several different tunes, including the flagship AMG CLA45, powered by a 265kW, 450Nm four-cylinder engine.

Speaking of bold haulers, Mercedes will enter the SUV coupe niche this year with its GLE Coupe. A natural competitor to the divisive BMW X6, the GLE Coupe will be available with three engine choices – one diesel, two petrol – and will send drive to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic. Also arriving in the second half of the year will be the more conventional GLE-Class (formerly M-Class), which shares the same drivelines, suspensions, electrical architecture and interior appointments.

Due late in the year is the GLC-Class SUV. The smaller companion to the GLE-Class will face off with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the booming mid-size SUV segment, and is expected to mirror the mainstream C-Class range in terms of its engine line-up.

Rounding out the new list of models from the German brand will be the new V-Class van, due late in the year and replacing the Viano with a range of revised petrol and diesel engine choices.

Mini

Mini will look to build on its freshly conceived range of five door models with a new base derivative in 2015. The Mini Cooper One five-door is expected to sport a familiar 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine producing 75kW of power and 180Nm of torque. It will arrive in the first quarter.

The most powerful production Mini to date, the Cooper S JCW, will hit local showrooms mid-year fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 170kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

Rounding out the year at Mini will be an updated Clubman, due in the fourth quarter. Sporting larger proportions than previously, the updated model will likely be offered with a three-cylinder engine for the first time, in addition to a familiar four-pot petrol.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is set to debut a radical new styling theme with the introduction of an updated Outlander early in the year. The revised model is set to borrow styling cues from the Concept-S shown off by Mitsubishi at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, in addition to interior and engine enhancements.

The bigger news at Mitsubishi is the overhaul of its best seller, the Triton. Eight years in the making, the fifth-generation model promises better efficiency, more car-like handling, a more cavernous cabin layout and better overall refinement when it arrives in the second quarter.

Nissan

Nissan will launch its Pulsar SSS sedan mid-year, powered by the same 140kW, 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the existing SSS hatch.

A facelifted version of the pint-sized Juke SUV is also due to arrive before June, introducing cosmetic revisions and bigger proportions. 

The popular Micra city car will build on its recipe of cheap and cheerful thrills, when an updated version arrives mid-year. Cosmetic revisions are expected inside and out, plus minor improvements to the existing three-cylinder petrol engine.

The big mover and shaker at Nissan for 2015 will undoubtedly be its all-new Navara ute. Arriving before June, the new model is smaller and lighter than before, offered solely with a 140kW, 450Nm four-cylinder diesel, although it promises big improvements in refinement, efficiency and overall driveability. The Navara features a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a proven four-wheel-drive system.

Peugeot

It is shaping as a big year for the French brand, beginning with the arrival of the new Peugeot 308 GT in February.

The new model adds sportier touches, including a more responsive gearbox, steering and accelerator settings and 18-inch alloys as well as two new engines – a 150kW, 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 131kW, 2.0-litre turbo diesel.

A 110kW 1.6-litre turbo petrol will also be added to the range on the 308 Allure, Allure Premium and Touring models in March.

Also coming in March will be the updated Peugeot 508 and 3008 ranges. Both models will feature a new look, more technology and lightly updated powertrains.

Peugeot will add the 508 GT, with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel with 150kW and 450Nm, along with 19-inch alloys and other styling tweaks.

Porsche

Porsche will expand its second-generation Cayenne range in February with the entry-level Cayenne V6 and GTS models.

With 316kW and 440Nm, and the ability to notch up triple figures in a spritely four seconds flat, the 911 GTS hardly fits the bill as a mid-range car, but it will be exactly that when it arrives in February, squeezing neatly between the 911 Carerra and 911 GT3 for a princely $268,700 (plus on-road costs).  

From the fourth quarter, Porsche is set to make a good thing better again with the introduction of the Cayman GT4 – a circa 290kW, race-ready weapon signifying the closest thing this side of the iconic 911 Carrera.

Proton

Proton is set to introduce a budget city car to rival the new Suzuki Celerio. The Iriz is likely to arrive in the second half of the year as a more affordable alternative to cars such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz.    

Renault

A heavily updated version of Renault Australia's largest commercial offering, the Master, will arrive in January, sporting updated engines and added safety technology. Confirmed for local showrooms is a flagship twin-turbo 2.3-litre diesel, which produces 123kW of power and 360Nm of torque.

It will be followed February by the Captur SUV. The city-sized SUV will come fitted with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, sending drive to the front wheels via a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Rounding out a busy first half for Renault will be the arrival of the Trafic, due in May. The new model represents the first major replacement since 2001, and is poised to be offered solely with a 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine in Australia.

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is set to introduce a convertible version of its V12-powered Wraith coupe. The new Drophead is likely to go on show in the first half of the year, before arriving locally towards the end of 2015.

Skoda

Skoda's rival to the popular Subaru Outback, the Octavia Scout, will land in March amid bold sales aspirations. The Czech wagon will be offered with a choice of two diesel engines and one petrol engine.

Also on the agenda is the Fabia city car, which is due to appear in local showrooms from the third quarter. The Fabia will be available with two engine choices of varying tunes – both 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol units – with pricing to start from about $16,000.

Ssangyong

Ssangyong is likely to introduce a compact SUV about July or August. The five-seat Tivoli will feature a choice of petrol or diesel engines along with crisp new styling and an infotainment system to match established rivals such as the Ford EcoSport.

Subaru

Two of the more prominent items in Subaru's catalogue, the popular Liberty and Outback, will be replaced with all-new models from January.

The sixth-generation Liberty sedan promises to remedy well-publicised bugbears of its predecessor such as infotainment, perceived build quality issues and bland interiors. Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Outback is priced up to $10,000 cheaper than before, and comes fitted with a roomier, better thought-out interior, among other changes.

Subaru seems to have fixed another common criticism among its followers by finally sourcing an automatic version of its diesel Forester SUV. A manual variant of the same 2.0-litre diesel boxer engine has been available since 2010. In March, it will finally be joined by a Lineartronic CVT.

Suzuki

It's a big year for Suzuki with two key new models. The first to arrive will be the new Suzuki Celerio, arriving in February to replace the Alto city car. The new car will have more interior space, but Suzuki claims it will still be one of the most affordable new cars on the market.

The second important model is the all-new Suzuki Vitara, which will go on sale mid-year. The new Vitara will sit below the Grand Vitara and the company claims it will offer new levels of customisation in this class, including a two-tone paint scheme. It will also be available with Apple CarPlay, one of the first cars on sale with the technology.

Tata

Tata has no new models planned for 2015.

Tesla

The American electric car company will make a change at the top of its range with the addition of the Tesla Model S P85D in late August or early September. The new model will replace the P85+ as the flagship model, with its twin electric motors and all-wheel-drive providing 515kW of power and 460 kilometres of range.

The Model X SUV will go on sale in the US later this year, but won't arrive in Australia until 2016.

Toyota

Toyota will update its other hybrids in 2015. Both the Toyota Prius C and Prius V have been given a makeover, but remain mechanically unchanged. The Prius C city car is due in the first quarter, while the Prius V is set to hit our shores mid-year.

The big news for the Japanese brand is the arrival of the updated Toyota Camry. The final locally-built Camry, which goes on sale mid-year, has been given a major redesign with more aggressive looks externally, but Australians miss out on US-spec interior and technology upgrades.

The Camry's locally made sibling, the Toyota Aurion, is also due to be updated mid-year.

Volkswagen

It will be a busy year for the German brand, beginning in January with the arrival of the updated Volkswagen Jetta. The Golf's sedan sibling sports redesigned front and rear styling, interior upgrades and new engines.

Also expected in the first quarter is the updated Touareg, which also features tweaked styling to keep the big SUV fresh.

The second quarter will bring the new Polo GTI to headline the new Polo city car range that was launched in 2014. The new GTI has a new 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 141kW and 320Nm.

The Golf range will also expand in 2015 with the arrival of the Golf Alltrack in the third quarter. The high-riding wagon features more rugged looks and four-wheel-drive for more off-road capability.

Volkswagen Australia also hopes to add the Golf R wagon later in the year, but is still await final confirmation from Germany as to whether the hot hauler will be available Down Under.

The German brand also wants to appeal to luxury car buyers with the new Volkswagen Passat. The new mid-size sedan will arrive in the fourth quarter and the brand hopes its new, more advanced Passat will blur the lines between mainstream and luxury offerings.

In the fourth quarter, there will also be updates of the Caddy and Transporter.

Volvo

It will be an important year for the Swedish brand, with the launch of the all-new XC90 in the middle of the year. The new full-size SUV will debut the company's new underpinnings and design language and lay the foundation for its next generation of models.

The V60 Cross Country, which will add to its range of wagons and SUVs, is due to arrive in the second half of the year.

Contributors: Stephen Ottley, David McCowen, Sam Hall and Dominic Tripolone 

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