The cars of 2017

Alfa Romeo

This is a crucial year for the Italian brand with the launch of its first 'mainstream' model in its renewed attempt to take on the established luxury brands.

The all-new Giulia QV, which acts as the brand's new hero model, arrives in February to take on the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. It will be priced from $143,900 (plus on-road costs) and is packing a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 capable of producing 375kW of power.

While it will attract plenty of attention the mainstream Giulia will arrive at the same time, powered by the choice of either a four-cylinder petrol and diesel engine, and available in three trim levels - Giulia, Super and Veloce.

Alpine

While still unconfirmed at this stage there is a chance that the revived Renault sports car brand could return to Australia in 2017. The French firm is planning on taking on the Porsche 718 Cayman and Alfa Romeo 4C with a new compact, mid-engined, two-seater.

Aston Martin

The new generation of the British brand has begun arriving, with the DB11 hitting showrooms this January.

Replacing the aging DB9 there's new modular underpinnings and a new twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 that ushers in a new era. 

The convertible version, the DB11 Volante, is due to be unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show and will make it to Australia by the end of the year.

The same is true of the all-new Vantage, which will be powered by the Mercedes-AMG V8, with a reveal set for 2017.

What is due to hit showrooms in this year is the updated Vanquish S flagship, which broke cover late last year.

Audi

It will be a big year for the four-ringed brand with several important models on the way.

February will see the arrival of both the new pint-sized Q2 SUV and the S4 sports sedan.

Also due in the first half of the year is the A5 Coupe, which will be joined in the second half of 2017 by its five-door equivalent, the A5 Sportback. Both models are based on the new A4 that arrived in 2016.

Performance car fans will be happy to see the arrival of the TT-RS in the second quarter, the new RS3 sedan mid-year and the R8 Spyder in the second half of the year.

But the most important model for the brand is the all-new Q5. The mid-size SUV, that rivals the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, arrives in the latter part of the year and brings new technology, updated engines and fresh style.

Bentley

The luxury brand will add the diesel-powered variant of its Bentayga SUV in the first half of 2017.

BMW

The big news comes early for the Bavarian brand with the all-new 5-Series hitting showrooms in March which will be loaded with the latest technology.

That range will include the Prius-beating 530e plug-in hybrid, although this model won't arrive until mid-year.

The first three months of the year will also see the arrival of the sportiest variant of the luxurious 7-Series yet. The M760Li has a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 under the bonnet that is good for 448kW and 800Nm.

Updates to both the 4-Series and M2 are also reportedly set to arrive later in the year.

Citroen

The French brand will return to the small car market in 2017 with the all-new C3. Borrowing some of the quirky and clever design touches from the C4 Cactus - including the revolutionary Airbumps - the new C3 will bring a fresh take to the segment.

The brand's other new metal this year is the update to the C4 Picasso five-seater and seven-seat grand C4 Picasso.

Ferrari

Good news for those who want a luxurious, four-seat sports coupe but don't need the outright grunt of a V12. The Italian brand will introduce the new GTC4Lusso T in the second half of 2017, the V8 version of its range-topping grand tourer.

The new model uses the same 442kW 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 as the California T, giving the brand a new space in the market to play in. 

Ford

It's another big year for the blue oval with more new models on the way as part of its overhaul as a fully-imported brand.

The new Escape (previously known as Kuga) has just gone on sale, bringing a fresh look and an overhauled model range, along with the new badge.

Late March should see the arrival of the new Transit commercial van.

April will herald the updated Everest range, which was already expanded in 2016 with the addition of the rear-wheel drive variant. There will also be a model year update to Ranger, as well as a limited edition Ranger in February.

In the final months of the year the EcoSport city-sized SUV will get a much-needed update to try and improve its chances against its new rivals, including the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

Another rumoured arrival is the Focus RS500, a 272kW variant of the hot hatch, which could lob in by the end of 2017.

Those looking for a replacement for the Territory will have to wait until the all-new Edge hits showrooms in 2018.?

Haval

The Chinese SUV maker will extend its range with the new H7, filling the gap between the compact H2 and larger H8, arriving in September.

The H7 is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine as its siblings and will compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4.

Holden

It's the end of the line for the Australian-made Commodore in 2017, but it will go out with a bang.

Holden will offer three limited-edition models; the Director (based on the Calais V), Magnum (based on the SS Ute) and the Motorsport edition (based on the SS-V Redline). All are likely to be highly collectable, with strictly limited numbers produced.

The Motorsport and Director get the advanced Magnetic Ride Control suspension, staggered wheels, new seats and adjustable drive modes. The Magnum gets SS-V Redline specifications.

Production of these special editions will begin in June before the final Aussie Commodore rolls off the line in October.

As part of the shutdown there will be revisions to the rest of the range, including the deletion of the SS-V designation, as the SS gets all the extra goodies.

But there is more than Commodore for Holden in 2017. A minor update to the Trax compact SUV arrives in February, bringing a new interior, new look front end and mechanical upgrades to the engine and suspension.

April will see the arrival of the new Astra sedan, which (despite what the name suggests) will be a rebadged version of the Cruze sedan. While it is an American-focused model it will be tuned for local conditions, as per Holden's recent trend for its imported models.

The ageing Captiva will be replaced in November by the US-sourced Equinox.

Holden Special Vehicles

No official confirmation yet but expect a spectacular send-off for the final Aussie Commodore-based HSV range. As previously reported by Drive a return of the iconic GTS-R nameplate powered by the Chevrolet LS9 supercharged V8 from the Corvette ZR1 is expected.

Honda

After the arrival of the new Civic sedan in 2016 this year brings the hatchback, that should help give it a major sales boost. Although final pricing and specification hasn't been confirmed yet, it is expected to offer the same 1.5-litre turbocharged and 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines.

It is a critical car for the brand in its attempt to become a top seller again and will arrive in the second quarter of the year.

And it is also an important car for the brand's image, with the highly-anticipated Civic Type R due to land in the third quarter of the year.

Underlining what an important year '17 is to Honda, the Japanese firm will also launch the the new CR-V in the third quarter. The brand is optimistic that the new model will be one of the best-sellers in the class, in part thanks to an updated engine line-up that will include the Civic's 1.5-litre turbo.

Hyundai

The South Korean brand is also in for a big year in 2017 with the arrival of its new i30 small car.

Due to hit showrooms in late April the new model continues the European design themes.

It will also form the bases for the brand's inaugural N Performance model, the long-awaited i30 N. Not one, but two N variants are due to arrive in Australia late in 2017, a rival to the likes of Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST and a second that will be a more track-focused version; similar to the VW Golf GTI Performance.

A new city-sized SUV is also set to arrive in the third quarter of the year. While little is known about the car at this stage it will be pitched as a rival to the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

Another potential new addition to Hyundai's line-up is the Toyota Prius-rivaling Ioniq hybrid. While Hyundai Australia has expressed an interest in the car the final sign-off to bring it down under reportedly hasn't been given.

A facelift for the Sonata medium sedan is set to arrive in the second quarter.

Hyundai will also launch its Genesis sub-brand in Australia in 2017. The current large sedan known as the Hyundai Genesis will be renamed the Genesis G80 when a facelifted model arrives mid-year.

The third quarter will bring the smaller G70 model, which is expected to be similar in size to the BMW 3-Series.

Infiniti

Nissan's luxury arm will add its sportiest model yet, the Q60 Red Sport. The sleek coupe will get a new 298kW turbocharged V6 engine in March to brings some pizazz to the Infiniti line-up.

Jaguar

After several busy years - launching the F-Type, XF, XE and F-Pace - it will be a quieter year for the leaping cat.

December will herald the arrival of the 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the wagon variant of the large luxury sedan. It is the first time Australia has had the XF Sportbrake available at local dealerships after the previous generation model wasn't offered here. 

Jeep

The American brand will start the year with the introduction of the 2017 model Grand Cherokee range, hitting dealers in the first quarter. That facelifted range brings the all-new Trailhawk model, the most off-road capable Grand Cherokee yet.

At the other end of the year (fourth quarter) Jeep will add the all-new compact Compass. Replacing both the previous Compass and the Patriot, the new model slots between the Renegade and Cherokee.

Kia

The South Korean brand has two important small car launches in 2017. First up is the new Rio city car in January followed by the sub-city Picanto in May.

But while those two little cars will help grow the brand's sales, the all-new Stinger sports sedan could change the way many people look at the brand. Unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January it could hit showrooms before the end of the year.

It is Kia's first rear-wheel drive sedan to make it to Australia, and will be powered by either a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine or a twin-turbo V6 in the GT Stinger.

Lamborghini

Good news if you think the Italian brand's V12-powered Aventador supercar is too tame. The uprated Aventador S is due to arrive in 2017.

Land Rover

The big news for the British off-road builder is the arrival of the all-new Discovery 5 in July.

Beneath the new styling is a lighter, more luxurious off-roader than ever before that continues to blur the line between Land Rover and its luxury arm, Range Rover.

Speaking of luxury, Range Rover will introduce an updated version of the Sport in late February feature a new engine variant and updated infotainment system.

At the same time the Range Rover will get the same infotainment upgrade as well as the addition of a new model - the SVAutobiography Dynamic.

LDV

The Chinese brand will become the latest to enter the popular ute segment when its new T60 arrives in the fourth quarter of 2017.

While facing stiff competition from the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, LDV claims the T60 will be its first five-star crash rated vehicle. It will be available in single and double cab with two different sized trays, as well as diesel and petrol engine options.

An SUV based on the T60, similar to the Ford Ranger/Everest, remains a possibility to arrive very late in the year.

Lexus

Toyota's luxury brand gets a new halo model this year with the addition of the LC 500 and 500h coupe.

It will arrive in May to do battle with the likes of the BMW 6-Series and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, powered by a 5.0-litre V8 in the LC 500 or a 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid in the 500h.

The all-new LS luxury sedan unveiled at the Detroit motor show won't hit showrooms until early 2018.

Maserati

Expectations are high for the Italian brand with its first-ever SUV arriving on Australian roads. The all-new Levante has just arrived and the company's bosses quickly expect it to becomes its best-selling model.

It is based on the same underpinnings as the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans, to give it a dynamic edge, the Levante is powered exclusively by the brand's 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6.

Mazda

The Japanese brand shows no signs of slowing down in 2017. Despite a busy 2016 there are a several key new models coming this year.

First up is the MX-5 RF (or Retractable Fastback) in January that will keep interest in the compact sports car bubbling over.

But the most important model will be the new CX-5, Australia's favourite SUV, which is set to hit our shores in February.

While more an evolution, rather than revolution, of the current model it features fresh styling and improved refinement, according to the company.

The first quarter will also see minor model year updates for the Mazda2 city car and CX-3 baby SUV.

McLaren

The British brand will reveal its first second-generation model in 2017, the replacement for the Super Series range - the 650S and 675LT Coupe and Spider.

Due to arrive late in the year the new Super Series line-up will be based around a upgrade of McLaren's carbon fibre 'Monocell' - the central tub that forms the backbone of the car.

Details are light at the moment but McLaren is due to officially unveil the new model in March, debuting it at the Geneva motor show.

Mercedes-Benz

The German luxury giant is set for another busy year with several important new models coming our way.

First up is the new E-Class hybrid, the E350e which hits showrooms in February. Another E-Class variant, the E220d All-Terrain - a rival to the Audi A6 Allroad - will arrive around the middle of the year.

And to top the E-Class range the all-new AMG E63 S will also arrive mid-year, boasting a 450kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and an all-wheel drive system for the first time.

But that's not all for the E-Class with the new Coupe set to lob in the second half of the year.

AMG will also expand its SUV range with the long-awaited GLC63 - in both the standard model and the coupe variant. It is expected to have the same 4.0-litre V8 as the C63 but with all-wheel drive traction.

And that isn't the biggest news from AMG. July will see the arrival of the AMG GT R, the brand's hotted up version of its front-engined supercar. Built as a rival to the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the new GT R features active aerodynamics, more power and improved handling.

The second half of the year will also see AMG introduce the GT Roadster, which will sit alongside the coupe.

A mid-cycle update to the range-topping S-Class is also due in 2017.

MG

The formerly British now Chinese brand will continue its re-entry into the Australian market with a new compact SUV. The MG ZS will arrive in the second half of the year to join the MG3 and MG6 that hit showrooms in 2016.

The ZS will compete against the likes of the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara in the city-sized SUV market.

A slightly larger SUV, the GS, is also likely to arrive sometime in 2017.

MINI

The BMW-owned British brand continues to refresh its range with new models. In 2017 that means the all-new Countryman SUV, which is set to arrive in Australia in March.

Around the same time the new John Cooper Works Clubman will also hit showrooms. It will be powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo as the the JCW hatch but gets all-wheel drive, a first for the brand's hot hatch range.

Mitsubishi

The Japanese brand has a quiet year on the horizon. An update to the Outlander PHEV in April is the only product news.

Nissan

The big news for the Japanese brand is the long-awaited arrival of its Nismo performance brand. After years of talk and planning the new Nismo GT-R will launch in February, boasting even more power and handling prowess than the existing supercar.

While that will add a halo to the brand, more important new models are coming. A mid-life upgrade to the Pathfinder SUV will arrive in the second quarter of the year. It gets fresh looks and an upgraded engine.

Around the same time the X-Trail will also get a mid-life refresh with revised looks, although details around its specifications won't be revealed until closer to launch.

Peugeot

The struggling French brand has two new arrivals set for this year.

First up is the facelifted 2008, which will get a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission when it arrives sometime in the first quarter.

Joining it will be another compact SUV, the 3008. Unlike its sibling this is a new model featuring major mechanical changes and boasting a range of petrol and diesel engines. It is set to arrive by the second quarter.

Porsche

The new 718 Cayman kicked off another big year for the famed sports car maker. The new four-cylinder turbocharged Cayman arrived in January, following in the wake of the 718 Boxster that debuted in 2016.

February will see the launch of the new generation Panamera, initially with the 4S and Turbo models. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid will arrive in May before the V6 petrol models hit showrooms in June, ending the first wave of the new range.

The Macan SUV will add a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine in March, creating a new entry-point into the brand.

As 2016 saw the launch of the new 991.2 generation of the iconic 911, inevitably there will be a steady stream of new variants. The second quarter will see the arrival of the new 911 GTS range, adding a new level of the 3.0-litre turbo flat-six.

Renault

Following the launch of the all-new Megane hatch in 2016 the French firm will add the sedan and wagon variants in the first half of the year.

The bigger news is the potential arrival of the brand's first dual-cab ute, the Alaskan. While not officially confirmed to arrive in Australia, Renault Australia's management has made no secret it wants the Nissan Navara-based one-tonner as part of its local line-up.

Rolls-Royce

The Wraith and Ghost Black Badge have begun arriving for those customers who want to add an edge to their luxurious wheels. Deliveries of the Phantom Zenith have also already begun.

Skoda

Volkswagen's little brother will have a busy year with two crucial new models. The updated Octavia range will arrive in the middle of the year, boasting a fresh look and the latest technology.

It will continue to be offered in both sedan and wagon variants as well as the sporty RS model. The new range will also include the Octavia Scout, the Czech brand's answer to the VW Golf Alltrack. Featuring a raised ride-height and some unique styling touches it will be billed as an SUV alternative when it arrives mid-year?

Speaking of SUVs though, Skoda will add its much-hyped Kodiaq in August. The brand's first large SUV utilises the latest VW tech and will be pitched against the likes of the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Subaru

Following the launch of the all-new Impreza at the very end of 2016 Subaru's next major event will be the launch of the equally all-new XV.

Set to arrive in June the new compact crossover will also be built on the same global platform that underpins the new Impreza, so expect the same level of new style and sophistication we experienced on the small car.

Suzuki

Things are already underway with the launch of the new Ignis in January. Blurring the lines between a city car and SUV the new Ignis brings a quirky sense of style and plenty of customisation to the baby car class.

The Ignis will sit alongside all-new Swift city car that is due to arrive late in the year. The new Swift was revealed earlier this year and features a bold new design and a new 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Tesla

Deliveries of the Model X are set to begin this year. The American brand's first SUV boasts unique Falcon-wing doors and an electric motor that is capable of sports car like performance.

Toyota

Australia's most popular brand will start the year entering the hottest segment of the market - city-sized SUVs.

The all-new C-HR is arriving in February to do battle with the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Suzuki Vitara and Honda HR-V. It is the most likely newcomer to upset the established order thanks to its blend of funky styling and Toyota reputation for dependability.

The mid-life makeover of the Kluger family SUV will also arrive in the early months of the year, giving the brand a fresher rival to Mazda's new CX-9.

The updated Corolla sedan went on sale in mid-January, too.

The new generation Camry, which will replace the Australian-made model, won't arrive until 2018.

Volkswagen

Things get under way early for the people's car maker with the arrival of the range-topping Tiguan 162TSI in January.

As the name implies its is packing the same 162kW four-cylinder turbo engine usually found in the Golf GTI, which should give the small SUV plenty of punch.

May will see the Amarok range expand with the four-cylinder engine range joining the V6 models that arrived in late 2016. VW will also expand the Amarok V6 range with the addition of a six-speed manual variant, complete with transfer case late in the year.

The middle of the year will see the launch of the subtly updated Golf, with its new engines and the latest VW Group technology.

The new range will include the GTI and R hot hatch variants.

VW's attempts to push into the premium market continues in 2017 with the arrival of the Arteon large sedan in the third quarter of the year.

The replacement for the CC, previously known as the Passat CC, continues the evolution from a Passat variant to a stand-alone premium four-door coupe.

Volvo

The Swedish brand will continue rolling out its 90 series with the addition of the V90 Cross Country. The high-riding wagon will do battle with the likes of the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E220d All-Terrain.