Hits and misses: the cars of 2022 in review

This year was an eventful one for the car industry, which was hampered by post-Covid supply issues. We look at the new models that hit the mark, and those that didn’t.

Our team of motoring writers puts dozens of cars to the test each year. Most are good and some are great, but more than a handful miss the mark. These are the highlights and lowlights from a year on the road.

THE HITS

Tesla Model Y

There is much to love about Tesla’s latest model. It’s brisk, efficient, and has the best stereo and infotainment system in any sub-$100,000 car.

The Model Y is seriously clever – with best-in-class packaging, record-setting safety scores and an app that sets the standard for smartphone connectivity on the road today.

While it’s not exciting to look at, the Tesla Model Y is an extraordinary machine and the 2022 News Corp Australia Car of the Year.

The Model Y was a worthy winner of Car of the Year. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

Ford Ranger Raptor

The new Ford Ranger takes the dual-cab ute category to new heights, with a blend of tech and refinement no rival can match.

The range-topping Raptor is particularly impressive, with sophisticated suspension that ramps up offroad ability while improving everyday ride comfort.

It also looks tougher than a $2 steak and has motorsport success to support its style. Factor in a twin-turbo engine with almost double the power of popular alternatives, accompanied by a fruity exhaust note and snappy 10-speed auto, and the Raptor is a recipe for success.

Ford created a new genre with the Ranger Raptor: the performance ute. Picture: Supplied.

BYD Atto 3

China’s “Build Your Dreams” Atto 3 was the surprise package of the year.

The company’s first offering in Australia is a charming and attractive hatchback with features, range and performance that shame established machines such as the Nissan Leaf. BYD has room for improvement in build quality and customer support but early signs are impressive.

The BYD Atto surprised the industry. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ

More power, sharper handling and muscular looks lift the appeal of the Toyota/Subaru sports car twins. Beautifully balanced, the coupes are engaging on road and track and simply delightful to drive whether you’re popping down to the shops or tackling your favourite roads at sunrise. Forget the fun-sapping automatic model (and its myriad safety features), grab the manual version and treasure it for years to come. Few cars are a rock-solid modern classic. This is one of them.

Toyota’s GR86 and Subaru’s BRZ won plenty of hearts. Picture: Supplied.

Honourable mentions

Kia’s EV6 adds a sportier edge to the impressive Hyundai Ioniq 5, Mercedes’ C-Class brings limo tech to compact sedans, Chevrolet’s Corvette is like a mid-engine Ferrari at a fraction of the price and VW’s Golf R pushes usable hot hatches into new (but expensive) territory.

THE MISSES

Subaru WRX

Like (some of) the folks who pinned posters of the Subaru to their bedroom wall, the WRX has grown older, less athletic and more family-focused. It’s not particularly rapid, the CVT automatic disappoints and it has none of the attitude found in Hyundai and Toyota rivals.

It’s worth noting, though, that our older and less athletic motoring editor disagrees with this assessment.

The Subaru WRX isn’t as wild as it once was. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Nissan Z

Retro looks, a powerful engine and traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamics should make the Nissan Z a winner for enthusiasts. The ingredients are there but it lacks polish.

The twin-turbo V6 sounds flat and has a spiky power delivery that doesn’t gel with ordinary Bridgestones and jerky traction control, manual versions have a tricky action that grinds gears if you shift quickly and the soft suspension doesn’t have a sports mode.

The Nissan Z looks the part but fails to deliver. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

VW Polo

The updated Volkswagen Polo is a great car. It might even be the best car in the compact hatchback class. But it is really expensive – the range starts from about $29,000 drive-away with a five-speed manual transmission, or about $32,500 with an auto – almost double the $16,990 asking price for a new Polo in 2017.

Some dealers are charging even more, a trend VW head office says is “not acceptable and not necessary”.

The new Volkswagen Polo is a great car but it’s too expensive. Picture: Supplied.

LDV eT60

Speaking of cars that cost too much, Australia’s first electric ute is an eye-watering proposition.

Based on the diesel LDV T60 ute – offered from $38,990 drive-away – the LDV eT60 asks customers to part with $92,990 to drive away in a battery-powered pick-up. Worse still, it only tows one tonne (as opposed to three in the standard car), misses out on all-wheel-drive traction and only has 330 kilometres of claimed range.

LDV’s electric ute missed the mark by a considerable distance. Picture: Supplied.

Dishonourable mentions

Jeep’s Compass disappoints, the Kia Niro and Honda’s hybrid Civic and Honda HR-V are too expensive, Haval’s H6 GT looks great but doesn’t deliver a memorable drive and Ford broke our hearts by deleting the Fiesta ST.

Originally published as Hits and misses: the cars of 2022 in review