The full list of new car models to be launched in 2021
Last year was a quiet one for new model arrivals in the car industry, as launches were delayed due to COVID. But this year should be an exciting one.
Last year was a year like no other for the car industry, as dealerships were shuttered and factories fell silent.
New model launches were pushed back and some cars due to arrive last year never made it.
But 2021 promises to be a busy year for new metal, as the pipelines return to full volume.
Here are the big arrivals for each of the major brands this year.
Alfa Romeo
An updated version of the Stelvio SUV will arrive in the first quarter, then later in the year there will be a farewell version of the 4C sports car, which has been discontinued globally.
Aston Martin
Manual and drop-top versions of the Vantage will arrive in the first quarter of this year, priced at $278,900 and $315,000 respectively.
Audi
New versions of the family-friendly Q5 and city-focused Q2 SUVs will arrive this year. The Q5 will be available in both wagon and sleeker Sportback body styles and there will be a diesel-powered SQ5 version of each variant. There will also be a sportier S version of the e-Tron EV and a new A3 hatchback. The e-Tron GT sports car could also make it Down Under this year.
BMW
BMW’s new year will be one of extremes. At one end, the fire-breathing M3 sedan and M4 coupe should get enthusiasts hot under the collar with their twin-turbo sixes and in-your-face styling. At the other end, the brand will showcase its environmental credentials with the iX3 electric SUV and a new version of the i3 hatchback.
Ford
The Blue Oval had a busy 2020, boosting its SUV line-up with the new Escape and Puma SUVs, as well as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST. This year will be quieter, although the hi-performance Mach-1 version of the Mustang will arrive in the second quarter and the Escape plug-in hybrid should squeeze in at the end of the year.
Genesis
Hyundai’s luxury offshoot will expand its range to four vehicles with the arrival of arguably the most important model, the GV70 mid-size SUV, which is a rival for BMW’s X3, Audi’s Q5 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLC.
Great Wall
The Chinese ute maker is likely to introduce cheaper 2WD cab chassis versions of the updated Steed to complement the recent arrival of the 4WD crew cab.
Haval
A busy year should see the arrival of the all-new RAV4 rival, the H6, while the smaller H2 will also be updated. The brand is also looking at more hardcore off-roaders to challenge the likes of the Toyota Prado and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Tank will be bigger and more hardcore, based on a ladder and frame chassis, while the Big Dog will be more refined.
Honda
It’s another quiet year for the maker as it continues to downsize its dealer network but the Civic Type R Limited Edition will add some pizzazz to the brand. Only 20 vehicles will make it here.
Hyundai
A new Tucson mid-size SUV is the most important new arrival for the brand, although it will also launch its electric vehicle sub-brand, Ioniq, cementing its place as the EV leader. The Ioniq 5, a sporty looking crossover based on the brand’s new E-GMP EV platform, will debut in the middle of the year.
Isuzu
The wagon version of the D-Max ute, the MU-X, will arrive sometime during the year, bringing with it all the tech and safety updates that debuted in the new D-Max this year. Prices are likely to rise in line with the new equipment levels.
Jaguar
Mid-cycle updates for the F-Pace SUV and XF sedan.
Jeep
The big news is the arrival of the first new Grand Cherokee in a decade. The big SUV is the backbone of the brand in Australia and expect the new one to up the ante on interior space, tech and comfort. Tipped to be based on an Alfa Romeo rear-drive platform, it should be more competent on the road while not losing any of its off-road nous. It will arrive in the fourth quarter.
Kia
A new Carnival arrived at the end of last year and expect the city-focused Stonic baby SUV to arrive in dealerships late this month or early February. A plug-in hybrid version of the Sorento should arrive in the first half of the year, before the e-Niro SUV lobs mid-year. A new Sportage will touch down before the end of the year.
Land Rover
The shorter, three-door version of the Defender, the 90, is the main attraction for the luxury SUV specialist, although there will also be a midlife update for the Discovery.
Mazda
The big arrival for Mazda will be the new MX-30, available initially as a hybrid in the first half of the year, then a fully electric offering from the middle of the year.
McLaren
The brand’s hybrid supercar, the Artura, is due to launch in the first half of the year.
Mercedes-Benz
The all-new S-Class will arrive in May, debuting the brand’s latest cutting edge technology. It will be joined the same month by the potent AMG GT Black Series.
MG
A plug-in hybrid version of the mid-sized HS SUV will debut in the first half of the year.
Mitsubishi
After a quiet 2020, Mitsubishi will be pinning its hopes on the next-generation Outlander mid-size softroader, due in the second half of the year.
Nissan
A new Navara is due in late February, early March with new styling and upgraded tech. Expect it to feature the brand’s latest active safety aids, as well as an increased payload capacity.
Peugeot
Plug-in hybrid versions of the 3008 SUV and 508 sedan will appear towards the end of the year.
Porsche
The Taycan has been on the road in Europe for some time, but Australian customers will finally take delivery of the brand’s first EV from the end of February. For the purists, the 911 GT3 is due in the second half of the year.
Renault
The French brand will get a much-needed boost in the first quarter of the year when the new version of the city-friendly Captur SUV joins the ranks.
Skoda
The Czech brand will look continue its recent momentum with the arrival of the Scala hatchback and the larger Octavia, which is likely to be available in liftback and wagon variants.
SsangYong
A new Rexton SUV is due in the first quarter and the brand is also considering importing the E100 EV version of the Korando.
Subaru
It’s a busy year for Subaru, starting with the launch of an all-new Outback in March. Things get exciting towards the end of the year with the arrival of the BRZ in the third quarter, while an all-new version of the legendary WRX hot hatch could sneak in before the end of the year.
Suzuki
No new models planned for this year.
Toyota
The market leader had another big year in 2020 despite the pandemic but next year looks quieter. The main attraction will be an all-new Kluger seven-seater due in the first half of the year that will feature a hybrid four-cylinder model for the first time. The maker is not saying anything about the next generation 86 sports car but given Subaru’s BRZ is slated to arrive this year, it’s short odds to make an appearance.
Volkswagen
The Golf was delayed last year due to COVID but it will finally go on sale in May. In a sign of the times, though, VW’s biggest new-car launch will be the new Tiguan mid-size SUV, on sale from quarter two. With a new design, new engines and more tech, the Tiguan will be VW’s biggest seller.
Volvo
The Swedish maker will take the plunge into electric vehicles in June or July when the Volvo XC40 Recharge pure electric goes on sale.
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