Most important new car models revealed for 2023

This year promises to be a bumper one for new-car buyers, as supply problems ease and a host of exciting new models are launched into Australia.

This year is shaping up as a big one for the car industry.

As supply issues continue to ease, we can expect a rush of exciting new models, from sports cars and utes to hybrids and electric vehicles.

Here are the 10 biggest new-car launches of 2023.

The world’s top-selling pick-up truck arrives Down Under this year. Picture: Supplied.

Ford F-150

The world’s top-selling ute, the F-150, makes its way Down Under in the middle of the year.

Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, matched to a 10-speed auto, the F-150 will appeal to grey nomads and equestrian types thanks to its 4.5-tonne towing capacity.

For those lamenting the demise of the sporty Focus and Fiesta ST hot hatches, there will be a new version of the Mustang by the end of the year.

The Amarok is likely to be Volkswagen’s biggest seller in 2023. Picture: Supplied.

Volkswagen Amarok

The Amarok should be Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle next year, after the arrival of the new model in April. It shares underpinnings with the widely lauded Ford Ranger but Melbourne-based VW engineers have worked hard to differentiate their ute. The interior has a VW look and feel, while the German brand will offer different engine options. The Amarok will share the Ranger’s 3.0-litre diesel V6, as well as offering a 2.3-litre petrol turbo four-cylinder.

Toyota’s first electric vehicle is hotly anticipated. Picture: Supplied.

Toyota bZ4X

Australia’s most popular brand is late to the EV party but that will be remedied in the middle of next year when the bZ4X arrives.

Roughly the size of a mid-size SUV, the bZ4X will be available in front-drive and all-wheel drive guises and will produce 150kW and 264Nm. A 71.4kWh battery will deliver up to 500km of range and accept up to 150kW of charge via a DC charger.

For the petrolheads, a red-hot GR version of the Corolla will also debut this year.

The Subaru Crosstrek replaces the XV in showrooms. Picture: Supplied.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek small SUV arrives early in the New Year as a replacement for the popular Subaru XV. It will be based on the same platform as the updated Impreza hatch, while its engines are likely to be mildly tweaked versions of the current 2.0-litre and hybrid four-cylinder motors.

The Japanese brand will also debut its first EV, the Solterra, which was co-developed with Toyota.

Nissan’s Qashqai will complete a big overhaul of the brand’s range in Australia. Picture: Supplied.

Nissan Qashqai

New versions of the X-Trail and Pathfinder landed late last year and an all-new Qashqai small SUV arrives this month.

The updated Qashqai is bigger and more luxurious than its predecessor and will eventually offer a hybrid option for the first time, allowing Nissan to take the fight to Toyota’s C-HR and Corolla Cross hybrids.

Prices start at $37,000 drive-away and rise to about $51,000 for the top-line models.

Mazda’s CX-60 will feature six-cylinder power and plug-in hybrid tech. Picture: Supplied.

Mazda CX-60

Mazda will roll the dice in June by launching an all-new, all-wheel-drive SUV powered by two six-cylinder engines and a plug-in hybrid.

The CX-60 is part of an ambitious plan to move the Japanese brand up-market and the most expensive model, the plug-in hybrid Azami, starts at $85,500 plus on-roads.

The cheapest model, which starts at a fraction less than $60,000 plus on-roads, will be powered by a 3.3-litre six-cylinder mild hybrid, while a 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel will cost $2000 more.

The next-generation Hyundai Kona will feature hybrid power for the first time. Picture: Supplied.

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai will add a hybrid version when it launches its new Kona small SUV in the middle of this year.

The new model is longer and wider than its predecessor and will be based on an “EV-derived” platform, which should liberate more cabin space.

It borrows styling cues from the award-winning Ioniq 5 EV, including dual 12.3-inch digital displays for the infotainment and instrument cluster. The brand will also debut its Ioniq 6 electric sedan in 2023.

The MG4 could take the crown of Australia’s most affordable electric vehicle. Picture: Supplied.

MG 4

The MG 4 electric hatchback is likely to be Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle when it arrives early in the year, undercutting the MG ZS EV SUV, which sells for $46,990 drive-away.

The MG 4 is available in two grades overseas: an entry level model with a 51kWh battery and a driving range of up to 350km and a more powerful, long-range version with a 64kWh battery and claimed range of 450km.

A dual-motor performance version has also been launched overseas.

The Type R has had a power bump and a price increase. Picture: Supplied.

Honda Civic Type R

Honda’s new Civic Type R will arrive in local showrooms in February priced at $72,600 drive-away, roughly $12,000 more than the model it replaces. The hot hatch will be powered by an updated version of its predecessor’s 2.0-litre turbo four putting out 235kW and 420Nm. Available only in front-drive with a six-speed manual transmission, the new Type-R will be longer and wider. Honda will also launch a new CR-V with hybrid power.

Kia’s EV9 large SUV will sit above the EV6. Picture: Supplied.

Kia EV9

Kia’s second EV, a large SUV, is scheduled to enter global production in April this year, which means it should reach our shores before the end of this year. The EV9 is bigger and boxier than the EV6 and is tipped to have limited off-road credentials. Driving range will be a claimed 500 kilometres and it is likely to be powered by dual motors, one on each axle.

The performance-focused EV6 GT – capable of reaching 100km/h in a claimed 3.5 seconds – will arrive early this year.

Originally published as Most important new car models revealed for 2023