Best new cars due to arrive in the next month

As Australia inches closer to full lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19 car makers are still planning on launching some exciting new models in the next month. These are the best.

Audi is bringing in the new version of its big Q7 SUV.

As Australia goes into lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19 there are some exciting new cars due to land very soon.

Skoda is finally bringing its long-awaited Kodiaq RS performance SUV to Australia.

Skoda Kodiaq RS

The long-awaited sporty seven-seat SUV will finally go on sale in Australia. Previous versions were not imported because the maker deemed our weather was too hot but the company has now changed its view. The Kodiaq RS gets a lively 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel (176kW/500Nm) paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto turning all four wheels. Outputs are a sizeable jump over the current most powerful Kodiaq, the 132kW/320Nm petrol Sportline. The RS sprints from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds. Sporty kit on the RS includes 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, black side mirrors, roof rails and grille, plus RS badging and logos throughout. The RS is priced from about $71,990 drive-away. Safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and driver fatigue alert. In the fully digital cockpit, the 9.2-inch infotainment display supports smartphone mirroring and there is a wireless charging pad.

Audi’s stylish Q3 Sportback is just one of a pair of new high-riders arriving soon.

Audi Q3 Sportback and Q7

The first of Audi’s pair of SUVs is the Q3 Sportback, based on the regular Q3 SUV but more stylishly set apart with a pronounced sloping roofline. There will be two versions, starting with the 35 TFSI powered by a 1.4-litre turbo (110kW/250Nm) and priced from $49,900 before on-roads. All the essential standard safety gear is fitted and Audi’s digital cockpit and large infotainment screen add a touch of class to the cabin, as do leather appointed seats. The launch edition of the 35 adds cosmetic and luxury features as standard and is priced from $56,450. The 40 TFSI gets a 2.0-litre turbo (132kW/320Nm) — Audi has yet to reveal prices. The new seven-seat Q7 SUV comes in two versions, each with six-cylinder turbo diesel power — the 45 TDI makes 160kW/500Nm and the 50TDI 200kW/600Nm. The eight-speed auto drives all four wheels. Prices start at $95,813 and $103,544 plus on-roads respectively. The 45 has ample safety, tech and luxury equipment.

Ford’s little pocket-rocket promises to be a little ball of fun.

Ford Fiesta ST

The Blue Oval’s feisty hot hatch is due in showrooms shortly in a five-door version — Ford has ditched the previous three-door. Power comes from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo (147kW/290Nm), paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. The front-wheel drive hatch can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds helped by launch control tech. Other performance enhancements include a limited-slip differential and torque vectoring to enhance cornering. The ST comes stacked with active safety equipment including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition. Price is $31,990 before on-roads.