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All the most important new cars arriving in 2021

It has been a fairly quiet 18 months for car brands in Australia, but the rest of the year promises some blockbuster new additions.

It’s been a tough year for new-car buyers. Limited supply has meant that deals are thin on the ground and buyers are being asked to wait months for some models to be delivered. The good news is there’s still plenty of action to come before Santa arrives to deliver some much needed cheer. Here are the standouts that will arrive in coming months.

The all-new LandCruiser is one of the most hotly anticipated new car arrivals in some time.
The all-new LandCruiser is one of the most hotly anticipated new car arrivals in some time.

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER

There are tweaks to RAV4 and Prado, but it’s the LandCruiser so many are waiting on. The new 300 Series ditches the V8 and picks up a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel. First shipments have already arrived and early deliveries are expected in October, although Toyota is shutting the factory down for a month in September due to microchip shortages, so waiting lines could lengthen. The most affordable seven-seater is priced from $112,000.

It’s a busy end to the year for Hyundai with the arrival of several new models including the space age looking Staria people-mover.
It’s a busy end to the year for Hyundai with the arrival of several new models including the space age looking Staria people-mover.

HYUNDAI STARIA

Hyundai’s EV push steps up a gear with the arrival of the Ioniq 5 late this year but before that will be the Staria people-mover, the long-awaited replacement for the iMax van. The futuristic looking family van will be available as a front-drive V6 or an all-wheel drive diesel, with prices sneaking above $50,000. There’s also plenty of action on the hot-hatch front, as Hyundai launches the smaller i20 N hatch to complement an updated i30 N. The sub-brand’s first SUV, the Kona N, will also arrive.

MAZDA3

There will be tweaks to existing models, including the CX-3, CX-30 and CX-9, but the bigger news involves the Mazda3. The mild hybrid engine in the MX-30 will be available in the Mazda3, matched to an automatic transmission. Mazda is also expected to broaden the BT-50 model range.

Kia’s new Sportage is sure to excite growing families.
Kia’s new Sportage is sure to excite growing families.

KIA SPORTAGE

An all-new Sportage mid-sized SUV will launch with petrol, diesel and potentially hybrid models. Kia will also usher in a plug-in hybrid version of its larger Sorento SUV, although the more affordable regular hybrid has been pushed back to early next year, as has the all-electric EV6 crossover.

The new C-Class will only be powered by four-cylidner turbo engines.
The new C-Class will only be powered by four-cylidner turbo engines.

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

In a line-up bulging with SUVs, the once-popular C-Class sometimes gets overlooked but an all-new model should put it back on the radar of traditionally-minded business execs. There will be no wagon this time and four-cylinder engines only, starting with the C200 and C300. A plug-in hybrid C350e backs them up in 2022.

HONDA CIVIC HATCH

Honda’s new Civic hatch looks promising.
Honda’s new Civic hatch looks promising.

The Japanese brand is still bedding in its new sales model – where customers buy online or from a Honda agent with no haggling – but will welcome the latest iteration of the Civic hatch late in the year. The 1.8-litre engine disappears for the hatch-only line-up, with a more powerful version of the 1.5-litre turbo the sole engine. A hybrid joins the range in 2022.

VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON

A wagon version of the Arteon will arrive this year.
A wagon version of the Arteon will arrive this year.

The new Caddy small van and people mover is about to roll into dealerships, but later in the year Volkswagen will usher in the new generation of the sleek Arteon. Bringing space and pace to a market segment once dominated by luxury brands, the Arteon will initially be offered as a liftback, with a “shooting brake” wagon version in the new year.

SUBARU BRZ

Subaur has confirmed a second generation of its affordable and fun BRZ sports car.
Subaur has confirmed a second generation of its affordable and fun BRZ sports car.

A mild update to the Forester arrives next month but it’s the second-generation BRZ sports car that has enthusiasts salivating. Sharing its DNA and upgraded 2.4-litre engine with the Toyota GR 86 (its arrival is yet to be confirmed), the new rear-drive two-door should sneak into the country in December.

NISSAN PATROL

Nissan’s gearing up for a big 2022 with the new Qashqai, Pathfinder and X-Trail in the wings, but for the remainder of this year it’s a minor cosmetic update to the mighty Patrol as well as a new version of the flagship of the Navara range, the Warrior.

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

Mitsubishi is taking a big leap forward with its next-generation Outlander.
Mitsubishi is taking a big leap forward with its next-generation Outlander.

An all-new version of Mitsubishi’s mid-sized SUV will arrive in November. The next-generation car will have a new 2.5-litre
engine riding on a new platform with sharper styling. A longer equipment list will include more active safety features. Prices start from $34,490.

Originally published as All the most important new cars arriving in 2021

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/motoring/new-cars/all-the-most-important-new-cars-arriving-in-2021/news-story/97f628eb47add22a9fe8a93e93d422c5