According to official new-car sales results from the Federal Chamber of Automobile Industries (FCAI), 98,544 vehicles were registered in December for a cumulative total of 1,216,780 vehicles in 2023 – beating the previous annual record of 1,189,166 cars in 2017.
Top-selling brand Toyota sold 19,281 vehicles in December, followed by Ford (9826) and Mazda (6765) in second and third place.
The Ford Ranger took first place with 7767 units – an all-time monthly sales record for the nameplate – providing the ammunition to end the Toyota HiLux’s seven-year run as Australia’s top-selling vehicle.
In 2023, 63,356 examples of the Ford Ranger were sold in Australia, compared to 61,111 Toyota HiLuxes.
New South Wales registered the most vehicles with 28,675 sales, ahead of Victoria and Queensland with 27,508 and 21,188 sales, respectively.
Western Australia (9850), South Australia (7135), Tasmania (2105), the ACT (1340), and the Northern Territory (743) followed.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said the record-breaking environment reflected the competitive nature of Australia’s new-car market.
“This extraordinary result is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of both industry players and consumers alike. Despite the supply chain disruptions faced in recent times, consumers now have greater access to a broad range of choices, fostering increased accessibility in the market,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.
“This is a tremendously exciting time for the industry. Consumers have a wide choice of vehicles available to meet their work, recreation and family needs that come equipped with the latest advancements in engine technology, safety features and advanced driving, navigation and entertainment aids.
“As we celebrate this historic achievement, we recognise that the automotive sector will face challenges in the coming months. Cost-of-living pressures and increased interest rates will impact the market, and we anticipate a challenging 2024.”
The FCAI said it is is “optimistic” that the Federal Government will introduce its promised Fuel Efficiency Standard in 2024 to assist in reducing emissions.
However, it warned that the standard needs to maintain “availability and affordability of products across all market segments” in order for it to be successful.
“For more than a decade, the FCAI has been encouraging Governments to introduce a Fuel Efficiency Standard. Now we have the process underway it’s critical that the Federal government takes time the to get it right. That is essential for environmental outcomes and for consumers,” said Mr Weber.
“The FCAI will continue its work with governments and other industry stakeholders during 2024 to manage a broad range of issues ranging from emissions standards, environmental impacts, logistics and supply chains, taxation, vehicle safety, data use and recharging infrastructure.”
In first place, the Ranger recorded 7767 sales – up 67% from December 2022 – with the Toyota HiLux following with 5143 units, up 20% from last year.
The Isuzu D-Max took third with 2833 sales followed by the soon-to-be-replaced Toyota LandCruiser Prado in fourth place (2475).
The RAV4 placed fifth (2192), followed by the Corolla (1888), Mitsubishi Outlander (1882), and Kia Sportage (1546)
Toyota recorded 19,281 sales (▲ from 19,281 in December 2022). In 2023, the Japanese brand sold 215,240 vehicles (down 7% from 2022), representing 17.7% of the market.
Ford finished second with 9826 sales (▲ from 6165) due to strong Ranger and Everest demand, while Mazda trailed behind in third place with 6765 sales (▼ from 8500).
Kia, in fourth, recorded 5583 sales in December (▼ from 5630), while Mitsubishi placed fifth with 5134 sales (▲ from 4927).
Hyundai followed in sixth with 4887 sales (▲ from 4434), while Isuzu Ute placed seventh with 3987 sales (▲ from 2505) and GWM-Haval, in eighth, recorded 3862 sales (▲ from 3295)
MG placed ninth with 3834 sales (▼ from 5194), and Subaru, in tenth, sold 3623 vehicles (▼ from 4071).
Ford’s ute trailed its arch-rival by just 379 units by the end of November and a massive 7767 registrations in December ensured it comfortably overtook the HiLux, which had 5143 registrations last month.
Ranger sales totalled 63,356 for 2023 versus 61,111 for the HiLux, making the ute the first Ford sales champion in Australia since the Falcon in 1995.
Successive record months for the Ranger helped, with December’s tally beating November’s 6301 units by nearly 1500.
Ranger sales grew exactly by a third (33%) year on year. In contrast, the HiLux’s annual sales slipped by five per cent compared with 2022.
“There are so many people who play a role in the success of a vehicle,” said Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic.
“For Ranger, that’s our team of designers, engineers and everyone at Ford who pours their passion into making the vehicle what it is, our dealers who are passionate about serving their customers and communities, and ultimately our Ranger customers whose passion for their vehicle is what gets us up in the morning.
“This number one spot is thanks to the combined passion of all these people. Without any one of them, Ranger wouldn’t be where it is today.”
The Ranger’s success came in a record year for Australia new-car sales, which surpassed 1.2 million units for the first time thanks to supply starting to catch up with demand after major chip shortages.
The locally designed and developed Ranger did have the advantage of being the much newer vehicle, having launched in the second half of 2022 in latest-generation form.
The current HiLux has been around since 2015, albeit with significant updates over the years, including new variants such as the GR Sport (pictured above), with a new-generation HiLux not expected until 2025.
The HiLux became the first commercial vehicle to be the nation’s favourite car in 2016. The Ranger has been the sales bridesmaid since 2017, and ran the HiLux close in 2021 before being thrashed in 2022.
“Ranger is an excellent vehicle and Ford is a strong competitor. There’s no doubt in the world that we would have liked to have made it eight years in a row as the number one vehicle, but it wasn’t to be and we never take anything for granted in the most competitive market in the world,” said Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley.
“On behalf of Toyota, I extend our congratulations to Ford and their dealers on a great result.”
Hanley also pointed out that while the Ranger is Australia’s top-selling vehicle overall, the HiLux still leads in certain parts of the nation.
“It’s now been the top seller in the Northern Territory for the past 23 years, in Queensland for 17 years straight, in Western Australia, 16 years in a row and in South Australia, each of the past three years – quite incredible when you look at that vehicle and its lifecycle timing,” he said.
“These figures highlight the unbreakable connection Australians have with HiLux. It’s quite incredible and we do wish to extend our thanks to the very loyal HiLux customers for their commitment to our brand and ongoing loyalty.”
BYD has overtaken Tesla in electric vehicle sales for the first time in a quarter, closing the gap to the world’s leading EV producer.
China’s BYD – for Build Your Dreams – registered 526,000 battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the last three months of 2023, pushing it clear of Tesla’s 484,500 units for the same period.
The majority of BYD’s sales remain in China where it is the number one car maker, though its exports grew by 334 percent in 2023 – to 242,765 units, spread across 70 countries including Australia.
BYD sold more than three million vehicles globally last year, though almost half of that total – 1.4 million – comprises plug-in hybrid vehicles.
With about 1.6 million BEV sales, it wasn’t enough to ursurp Tesla, which registered 1.84m sales in 2023 to maintain its status as the global king of EV sales.
That fell short of the 2m figure Tesla CEO Elon Musk had suggested was possible in late 2022.
Tesla had kept pricing low for its two primary offerings, the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV (pictured above) – and was especially active with incentives in the US ahead of an end for federal tax credits for EVs.
BYD’s aggressive international growth push could hit a hurdle in Europe, where the European Commission has initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese imports.
BYD has emerged as Tesla’s biggest rival in Australia, though sales were still about a quarter of the US brand’s total up to November 2023.
The BYD Seal sedan – a cheaper direct rival to the Model 3 – was only released right at the end of 2023, joining the Atto 3 SUV and Dolphin hatch.
Available in the same four grades – S, Sport, Sport+, and GT-Line – pricing for the updated Sorento has increased by up to $3580, with additional standard equipment and a more premium cabin design to offset the price hike.
The latest Sorento features a new front design inspired by the larger EV9 and Telluride models with redesigned vertical headlights, a revised grille, a new lower rear bumper, updated tail-lights, and ‘signature star map’ daytime running lamps.
Two new exterior colours, cityscape grey and volcanic sand brown, are now available in Australia.
Changes inside the car are more extensive, with a curved, single-piece ‘panoramic’ display for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, replacing the current hooded cluster.
The infotainment system runs the Hyundai-Kia Group’s latest CCNC software, which adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air software updates for all variants.
Kia Connect connected-car technology is now available in the Sorento in Australia, and unlike base versions of the Seltos and Niro, it is available on the Sorento S without built-in satellite navigation.
Kia has redesigned the Sorento’s dashboard to accommodate the curved display unit, with slimmer, horizontal air-conditioning vents and a touch panel for the climate and audio controls, borrowed from Sportage and EV6.
The Sorento S now features a larger 12.3-inch CCNC curved infotainment system, a shift-by-wire gear selector, paddle shifters, front USB-C ports, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display with digitised speed/tachometer, and keyless entry with push-button start.
Sport variants and above add Highway Driving Assist lane-centring to keep the vehicle within its lane when travelling on motorways and freeways, including when driving through a curve.
The GT-Line comes with LED projector-beam matrix headlights, a digital rear-view mirror, side parking sensors, a more advanced safe exit assist system, black suede headlining, and new 20-inch alloy wheels over last year’s model.
The 2024 Kia Sorento is available in petrol V6 FWD and four-cylinder diesel AWD form as pure-combustion versions, with two hybrid variants in the form of a conventional petrol-electric and a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid.
“HEV and PHEV variants will be arriving during the first half of 2024, with specification details and pricing announced in due course,” said Kia Australia, confirming the electrified variants will remain limited to the top-of-the-range GT-Line.
Prices exclude on-road costs.
| 2024 Kia Sorento S features | |
|---|---|
| 12.3-inch CCNC curved infotainment system (new) | 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Kia Connect service (new) | Wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Over-the-air software updates (new) | DAB+ digital radio |
| Built-in voice recognition (new) | Manual air conditioning |
| Seven-speaker audio system (up from six) | Front and rear parking sensors |
| Shift-by-wire gear selector (new) | LED reflector-beam headlights and LED daytime running lights |
| Front USB-C ports (new) | Black cloth upholstery |
| 4.2-inch instrument cluster display with digitised speed/tachometer (new) | Six-way manual driveru2019s seat |
| Keyless entry and push-button start (new) | One-touch flat-folding second-row seats |
| Body-coloured door handles with satin accents (new) | Auto-folding side mirrors |
| Paddle shifters (new) | Full-size alloy spare wheel |
| Tyre pressure monitoring (new) | |
| In addition to S | |
|---|---|
| Highway driving assist (new) | Third-row fan control and air vents |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Auto-dimming rear-view mirror |
| Connected satellite navigation | Rear privacy glass |
| Dual-zone climate control | Sliding front passenger sunvisor |
| 10-way power-adjustable driveru2019s seat with two-way lumbar support | |
| In addition to Sport | |
|---|---|
| 19-inch alloy wheels | Heated door mirrors |
| Second- and third-row USB ports (now USB-C) | Hands-free electric tailgate |
| 12-speaker Bose audio system | Gloss-black centre console trim |
| Black leather upholstery | Rear privacy glass |
| Heated front seats | Illuminated front exterior door handles |
| Heated steering wheel | Aero-blade front wipers |
| LED tail-lights | Auto up/down for all windows |
| Built-in second-row sunshade blind | Alloy door scruff panels |
| In addition to Sport+ | |
|---|---|
| LED projector-beam matrix headlights (new) | Electronic child safety lock |
| Digital rear-view mirror (new) | 14-way power-adjustable driveru2019s seat with four-way lumbar support, cushion extension, and two-position memory |
| Side parking sensors (new) | 10-way power-adjustable passenger seatu00a0 |
| Safe exit assist (new) | Ventilated front seats |
| Black suede headlining (new) | Heated outer second-row seats |
| 20-inch alloy wheels (new design) | Opening panoramic sunroof |
| 12.3-inch full-digital instrument cluster | Alloy sports pedals |
| Black quilted Nappa leather upholstery | Remote smart parking assist |
| Colour head-up display | In-car passenger intercom |
| 64-colour configurable interior ambient lighting | Side mirrors with auto-dipping on reverse function |
| 360-degree camera system | LED overhead cabin lighting |
| Reverse autonomous emergency braking | Luggage net |
| Blind-spot view monitor | |
| Clear white | Snow white pearl |
| Aurora black pearl | Steel grey |
| Silky silver | Gravity blue |
| Mineral blue | Volcanic sand brown (new) |
| Cityscape green (new) | |
| * Metallic paint, $695 |
Each grade comes with a choice of two powertrains: the 200kW/332Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol with front-wheel-drive and the 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel with all-wheel-drive.
The petrol V6 is matched to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, while the diesel features an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Meanwhile, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains linked to a 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine have now joined the range, with outputs of 169kW/350Nm for the regular hybrid, and 195kW/350 for the PHEV
The Kia Sorento AWD diesel and FWD petrol are rated to tow 2000kg braked with a 200kg maximum tow ball weight.
It scored 82 per cent for adult occupant protection, 85 per cent for child occupant protection, 63 per cent for vulnerable road-user protection score, and 89 per cent for safety assist.
The Sorento is fitted with seven airbags, including a centre airbag that sits between two front occupants. Its curtain airbags extend to the second row but do not provide full coverage to third-row passengers.
| 2024 Kia Sorento active safety features | |
|---|---|
| Autonomous emergency braking (vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, junction-turning) | Intelligent speed limit assist |
| Lane-keep assist | Safe exit warning |
| Lane departure alert | Driver attention alert |
| Blind-spot warning with braking | High-beam assist |
| Rear cross-traffic alert with braking | Adaptive cruise control |
| Multi-collision braking | Rear occupant alert |
Low-speed reverse AEB, a 360-degree camera, a blind-spot view monitor, and a more-advanced side exit assist are limited to the range-topping GT-Line.
The Kia Sorento measures 4815 millimetres long, 1900mm wide and 1700mm tall, with a 2815mm wheelbase.
The Kia Sorento has a 179-litre boot with all seven seats in place, rising to 608 litres with five seats up and 1996L with both the third and second rows folded.
Service costs and schedules differ depending on the powertrain you choose, but all are covered by seven years of capped-price servicing.
The turbo-diesel and petrol V6 Sorentos require servicing every 12 months/15,000km.
But as we get excited about all the new vehicles heading our way, it’s also time to shed a tear for models that were given the chop, or phased-out, in 2023.
Victims included Tesla’s breakthrough model, the Model S, the last pure-combustion Lamborghini, Kia’s brand-image-lifting Stinger sports sedan, an Audi design icon, and a couple of highly popular Mazda family SUVs.
We’ve focused on entire make-models rather than specific variants – such as the Hyundai Kona N and Kia Picanto GT that have also headed to the automotive graveyard. We’ve also exluded outgoing generational models that will be replaced – such as the sixth-generation Ford Mustang.
Here’s our quick guide to the fallen. Or, for those who want to read more, click on the links to our regular Wheels Driven To Extinction series articles that cover many of the vehicle departures in more detail.
It was the sensational-looking mid-1990s concept car that became production reality in the late ’90s – with that Bauerhaus-inspired, domed original shape arguably never bettered in successive generations. While it could never hold a candle to the Porsche Cayman, the TT still always had style as part of its persuasive appeal. In late 2023, an aptly named Final Edition went on sale as the last hurrah for an automotive icon.
In English, you might call this the V8 Tribute – the last of the line for Maranello’s legendary eight-cylinder lineage. The Tributo borrowed the turbocharged V8 from the 488 Pista for a racy 530kW and a claimed 0-100km/h time of under three seconds (though it still didn’t sound as epic as the normally aspirated V8 in the earlier 458). The next chapter is started by the 296 GTB and its electrified V6.
M for Modificata heralded a more focused version of Ferrari’s 2018-launched convertible that replaced the California T. Boosting power of the twin-turbo V8 from 441kW to 456kW for a quoted 0-100km/h run of 3.45 seconds – or less than 10 seconds to reach 200km/h. The drop-top Ferrari option is now the Roma Spider, arriving in the first half of 2024 with a half-mil-plus price tag that carries a $110K premium over the Roma coupe already on sale.
A slow-seller yet it was still a surprise when Ford Australia announced it was exiting our market’s biggest vehicle segment. Offered in FWD and AWD petrol forms, as well as a flagship plug-in hybrid, the Escape struggled against dominant rivals that included the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester. It was a mixed bag, with one of the better interiors seen lately from Ford of Europe, yet also surprised with dynamics that, in a rarity for the company, weren’t fully resolved.
The Rio city car had been a staple of Kia dealerships for more than two decades, since mid 2000. But with a new-generation model to be produced in left-hand drive only, it ends the Rio’s long run in Australia. That leaves the Picanto as buyers’ affordable-Kia option in Australia, or a budget stretch to the Cerato small car.
Australians prefer their Cherokees to be Grand, though the smaller, midsized Jeep SUV was at least offered at its best in the latter, KL model – if requiring modifications to a glitchy nine-speed auto and later a facelift to correct a polarising front-end design. A successor has yet to be annoucned.
Never estimate how much good this sporty sedan did for the Korean brand’s image, which arrived with serendipitous timing – just as the homegrown Falcon and Commodore were heading for the exit. If not perfect in the ride-and-handling department, it was still a convincing cut-price alternative to an Audi S5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, and the V6 version was respectably and enjoyably quick.
The last of the V10-powered Huracans – a model that’s been around a decade since it replaced the Gallardo – was given a send off with variants that included the off-road-centric Sterrato. Orders for the last pure-combustion Lamborghini stopped being taken in mid 2023, with the Huracan’s replacement due to be revealed later this year.
Stock will still be available in the first quarter of 2024, but beyond that the CX-8 is essentially no more. Introduced in 2018, the seven-seater that could be viewed as a long-wheelbase CX-5 proved to be popular in Australia – priced below the larger CX-9 (see next model). Its replacement will be the yet-to-be-revealed CX-80, though pricing isn’t expected to be as affordable.
The CX-9 was noticeably bigger than the CX-8 and presented as the more premium seven-seater (or six-seater) in other ways including powertrain. It particularly impressed in second-generation form, when it was acclaimed the 2017 Wheels Car of the Year. Its effective replacement is already here – the CX-90 that has taken the luxury up another notch (along with prices).
This quirky electric or hybrid compact SUV had much to like about it yet there were also comprises – such as the EV model’s relatively short range. Outsold comprehensively by Mazda’s CX-30 small SUV, the MX-30’s lifespan ended up being limited to just two years, having launched only in 2021.
The droopily styled, frameless-doored CLS certainly turned more heads than the regular E-Class it was based on when it launched in 2004 – and it started the whole four-door-coupe trend (which has since moved into the SUV world). But after three generations, just the CLS53 AMG was offered in 2023 locally before production ended its showroom involvement full stop. There is an electric spiritual successor, however, in the form of the EQE.
A slight exception to our ‘no variants’ approach as the RS was the only Megane offered in Australia in recent times – and the successor is a different beast: the Megane E-Tech is an electric SUV. While production of the Megane RS has stopped, we’re told there is some dealer stock left – so be quick if you want to own one of the last petrol-powered hot-hatches.
The Roadster first brought Tesla to the world’s attention but it was the Model S large sedan that put the electric car maker on the world map. It remains on sale in many left-hand-drive markets, including a latest, ultra-rapid variant called the Plaid, though right-hand-drive production stopped in 2023 – and that mean ta-ta to Australia, along with the X large SUV.
Here’s what’s due in the year ahead…
If you’ve been living under a rock, you can catch up with our massive, regularly updated New Car Calendar to keep track of everything coming in.
Audi hopes to secure stronger volumes of the Q4 E-Tron in both Sportback and wagon body styles than the trickle of Q8 E-Trons (neé E-Tron SUV) that have arrived locally.
The Q4 E-Tron range, consisting of four models, kicks off at $88,300 for the 45 grade (available in Sportback or wagon body styles) featuring a 77kWh battery, a single 210kW electric motor, a power tailgate, and LED headlights.
The flagship Q4 E-Tron Sportback 55, priced at $109,500 before on-road costs, boasts twin motors with a 250kW total system output, S Line exterior styling, matrix LED headlights, and other additional features.
It competes with the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC, as well as high-end variants of the Tesla Model Y and related Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5.
| Due | Later in 2024, or 2025 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $120,000 (estimated) |
Underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s ground-up Premium Platform Electric (PPE), shared with the forthcoming Porsche Macan EV, the Q6 E-Tron rides on an identical 2928mm wheelbase to the existing Q8 E-Tron.
Audi has confirmed it will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with the Q6 E-Tron 55 accelerating from 0-100km/h in around six seconds, while the high-performance S flagship cuts it to 4.5 seconds.
Inside, the Q6 E-Tron will debut a new look for Audi, with an all-new 14.5-inch central touchscreen with 11.9-inch driver instruments, joined by a curved panel running its new ‘E3 electronics architecture’.
A separate 10.9-inch front passenger display is optional to control audio, view videos and more – but includes a privacy layer to prevent distracting the driver.
| Due | Late 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $55,000 (estimated) |
Due to follow the E-Transit, Mustang Mach E and E-Transit Custom EVs later in 2024, the Puma EV hasn’t even debuted in Europe yet – but we know it’ll be underpinned by an evolved version of the Ford’s existing Global-B architecture.
It’s believed the light crossover is being produced in tandem with Europe’s forthcoming small Ford Transit Courier van. Battery and powertrain details will be made public closer to its reveal.
| Due | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $71,000 drive-away (estimated) |
As the name may imply, it’s focused on rugged SUVs and launched here with the Tank 300 mid-size off-roader in 2023.
Another model is on the cards for Australia: The larger, more distinguished Tank 500.
The Tank 500 looks to fill the LandCruiser and Prado-sized gaps in GWM’s growing portfolio, with variants ranging in specification and luxury, with converted pricing suggesting between $71k and $84k.
All are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for a 260kW and 500Nm total system output. Entry-level variants of the Tank 500 overseas gain access to the Tank 300’s smaller 2.0-litre turbo-four, but Australian-spec 500s will likely only be sold with the hybrid V6.
| Due | Q1 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $111,000 before on-road costs |
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N packs 478kW and can rocket from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds – putting it in the same league as a Porsche Taycan 4S for power and performance.
The electric powerhouse is due in early 2024 and will cost $111,000 before on-road costs.
That pricing makes the Ioniq 5 N around $11,000 more expensive than the similarly powerful, but less track-focused Kia EV6 GT – and a whopping $170,000 less than a Porsche Taycan Turbo, which offers similar performance and was benchmarked by Hyundai during the N’s development.
Hyundai is also keen to note that unlike the first year of sales for the regular Ioniq 5, orders for the N model “will remain open for the foreseeable future”. The brand will no longer pause sales on any Ioniq 5 variant, including the N.
| Due | Late 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $100,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
While the EV9 is due in Australia imminently, the Ioniq 7 is still in development, with a local arrival expected later in 2024.
The seven-seater was previewed by Hyundai’s Seven concept in 2021, and is likely to share powertrains, batteries and a capacious wheelbase with the EV9.
| Due | H1 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $55,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
Due in Australia in the first half of 2024, the all-new Santa Fe retains familiar underpinnings from the outgoing model – but receives a boxy new look/
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid will be fitted at launch in Australia, while a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol is expected to follow later. The 2.2-litre diesel won’t carry over, with the new model a petrol-only affair globally.
With increased dimensions, Hyundai has focused on maximising interior space, claiming best-in-class third-row legroom. It has a radical new dashboard with twin 12.3-inch curved screens similar to that seen in the latest Sonata and Kona.
| Due | Q1 2024 (Sportage), H1 2024 (Tucson) |
|---|---|
| Price | From $45,000 (estimated) |
That’ll change in the first months of 2024. Both Hyundai and Kia have confirmed hybrid versions of the Tucson and Sportage are en route to Australia, sharing the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine from the larger Santa Fe and Sorento.
At least two variants are expected for both vehicles, likely centred around existing mid- and top-spec grades and priced above or around the flagship diesel AWD models.
| Due | H2 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $55,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
Due in the second half of the year, the Avenger will rival the Hyundai Kona Electric, Volvo EX30, and Renault Megane E-Tech, with pricing likely to start at no less than $55,000 plus on-road costs.
It is related mechanically to the Peugeot E-2008 and the Fiat 600e, with a claimed range of up to 400 kilometres on the combined WLTP test cycle.
While it is exclusively front-wheel drive and not designed for off-roading, Jeep’s first pure EV offers 200mm of ground clearance, a skid plate and the requisite plastic body cladding.
Local pricing and features details will be announced closer to its launch.
The first Chinese-built Kia will also face the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the hotly-contested segment.
Three powertrain configurations are offered: a 64kWh standard range with a front-mounted 160kW motor, an 88kWh long range model with the same motor, and a 230kW all-wheel-drive version.
The initial models will be followed by a high-performance EV5 GT, likely developing nearly 400kW from two motors.
| Due | H1 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $115,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
It is the first all-new GX in 14 years, with the vehicle heavily related to the forthcoming 2024 Toyota Prado due in Australia at a similar time.
Lexus Australia has confirmed the GX will be “initially” offered with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 – likely with a price tag slotting between the $86,000 RX and $150,000 LX.
A 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid is expected in Australia later, while it is currently unclear if the GX will offer a diesel option.
Highlights include full-time all-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case, an off-road-focused Overtrail variant, and a modern look inside and out with a 14-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
| Due | H1 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $65,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
As an extended-wheelbase, three-row version of the CX-60, expect plenty of familiarity – in a larger package.
The CX-60’s powertrains are likely: A plug-in hybrid 241kW/500Nm 2.5-litre, and 3.3-litre inline-six petrol and diesel powerplants teamed with a rear-biased AWD system.
The turbocharged 3.3-litre petrol straight-six engine features 48-volt mild-hybrid technology making 209kW/450Nm, while the turbo-diesel engine with the same 3.3-litre displacement produces 187kW and 550Nm.
Multiple trim levels and six- or seven-seat options will likely be offered in Australia with prices starting around $65,000 and topping out near or above $100,000 for the flagship plug-in hybrid.
| Due | H2 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $70,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
The Nissan Ariya midsize electric SUV was confirmed for our market back in 2021, but last year, the brand said its launch is held up by demand and Australia’s relaxed fuel efficiency regulations.
Globally, the Ariya offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and two different battery sizes, resulting in four different power outputs, ranging from 160kW to 290kW.
The top-rung Ariya E-Force Performance hits 100km/h in just over five seconds, while the most efficient will nudge 500km of range on a full charge.
| Due | Late 2024 onwards |
|---|---|
| Price | From $100,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
Previewed by the upscale Infiniti QX80 Monograph, the production Patrol will likely resemble the concept with minor tweaks such as more conventional door frames, side mirrors, and smaller alloy wheels.
A production-ready Patrol prototype shown to US dealers was described as “Range Rover-like” with a more-rugged appearance, including new headlights and tail-lights, and an “all-new”, modernised interior.
It is reported the 2025 Nissan Patrol will swap its naturally aspirated V8 for a downsized 316kW twin-turbo petrol V6 matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The new Patrol, which could adopt the ‘Y63’ codename, will also sport larger screens, updated active safety features, and additional features above the current model launched in 2010.
Local timing is unclear, but it could arrive here at the tail-end of 2024 given the Patrol’s significance in our market.
| Due | Mid-2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $132,900 before on-road costs |
The Polestar 3 is a crossover SUV with a sculpted design, aiming to compete with Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Porsche Taycan Cross.
Available in two variants in Australia, the 360kW/840Nm Launch Edition long-range and 380kW/910Nm Performance Option, both with a 600-kilometre WLTP range.
The ride quality is expected to be absorbent, with dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive damper set-up. Available locally by mid-2024, it is priced from $132,900 before on-road costs.
| Due | July 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $80,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
The local line-up will feature wagon and coupe bodies and be offered in at least two variants: A long-range rear-drive Sportline and the sportier AWD RS. A ‘Laurin & Klement’ luxury version is also expected to be offered as a range-topping launch edition.
The car we’ll be getting has been treated to a recently-unveiled mid-life update, with a new ‘Enyaq 85’ base model with new motors providing 210kW and a 576km driving range (Coupe, WLTP).
Headlining the Australian range will be the 250kW RS capable of a 5.5-second 0-100km/h sprint time.
Skoda expects the more aerodynamic Enyaq coupe (with a drag coefficient of just 0.234) to be the most popular body style once it goes on sale in Australia.
| Due | Late 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $55,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
Bigger and sleeker than the version that came before it, the new Kodiaq will drop into Australia late in 2024 with a single variant from launch, a 150kW petrol-powered AWD seven-seater.
This variant will rely on the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Skoda Australia says it will focus on this single variant at launch and will “evaluate further opportunities” to add to the range. This could include the 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, a first for the Czech brand.
| Due | February 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $70,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
Based on the same E-TNGA underpinnings, the Japanese brands have collaborated to develop the Toyota BZ4x and Subaru Solterra mid-size SUVs.
The Solterra is due in Australia imminently, while Toyota is waiting for a mild update unveiled recently in Japan, with first examples due here in February 2024 – pending further delays.
A front-drive variant will offer a 150kW/337Nm peak output, while all-wheel drive variants have 160kW.
Charging is capped at 6.6kW on AC chargers or 150kW at DC public infrastructure. The BZ4x, with 211 millimetres of ground clearance, also offers Subaru’s ‘X-Mode’ off-road drive mode.
Toyota will need to provide a tempting spec starting at between $65,000 and $75,000 to compete with the popular Tesla Model Y and other mid-size electric SUVs, like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
| Due | Mid-2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $75,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
The latest ‘250 Series’ Prado is related to the new Lexus GX due in Australia next year, and closer than ever to the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series with an identical wheelbase.
A 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the current four-cylinder diesel will be offered in Australia with an identical 150kW and 500Nm.
It will be matched to a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic, full-time four-wheel-drive, and a starter motor-generator for “improved actual fuel economy” and a “quiet engine startup and smooth initial take-off”.
Under the skin, the Prado rides on Toyota’s latest TNGA-F body-on-frame platform shared with the LandCruiser 300, Lexus GX and LX, and the Tacoma and Tundra utes.
The stories below will give you a guide to everything we learned about the new Prado when it was unveiled. All fresh stories published since then will be found on our Toyota Prado model page here.
| Due | Mid-2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $65,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
At around 4.6 metres long, the ID.4 and ID.5 are bang on the class standard for a mid-size SUV.
VW’s approach here is to offer this fully electric model with up to 512km of EV range, the coupe-style ID.5 model as a sportier alternative, and the updated and re-bodied Tiguan as a petrol-powered option for those who aren’t ready for EV life just yet.
It offers a decent 543 litres of cargo capacity, and Australian examples are expected to come with a big touchscreen media system, three-zone climate control, LED lighting and big alloy wheels.
VW Australia is likely to offer a choice of a single-motor rear-wheel drive version with 210kW/545Nm, while a sportier ID.5 GTX model with all-wheel drive and 250kW is also expected.
Inside, it offers a bigger cabin, more boot space and a rethought dashboard design, while there’s a more rounded-edge exterior design.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain is offered in Europe and other markets, but Australia will stick with a couple of traditional turbo-petrol engines.
You won’t see a new-gen Tiguan Allspace, with that seven-seater to be replaced by a new model – the Tayron expected in 2025 – when the current model finishes its run.
| Due | Late 2024 |
|---|---|
| Price | From $130,000 before on-road costs (estimated) |
The Volvo EX90 is due in Australia in 2024 as a zero-emissions alternative to the XC90 large SUV.
The EX90 has a rear-biased dual-motor set-up, a 111kWh battery, and a WLTP range of around 600km. It also offers bi-directional charging for external devices or energy back into homes.
The safety features include LiDAR (light detection and ranging) as a standard feature and a SAE Level 3 driver-assist system.
The car will monitor the driver using cameras and scan the cabin to avoid accidental lock-ins. The interior has premium materials and an elegant design, with a 15-inch central display running VolvoCars.OS, which offers faster upgrades via over-the-air updates.
And in 2024 there will be even more options for buyers with bigger wallets as new-generation and updated versions of established models are also joined by more than 10 nameplates making their debut in Australia.
From Alfa Romeo to Volvo, here’s Wheels’ comprehensive guide to all the posh sports utility vehicles heading Down Under…
Milano is Alfa’s twin to the Jeep Avenger and will become its first electric model to be offered, though a hybrid powertrain will also be part of the mix.
The Milano will expand Alfa’s line-up of SUVs to three, joining the Tonale and larger Stelvio.
With details so scarce at this stage, it’s unknown whether the Milano will reach Australia before 2024 is out.
The local arm has locked in pricing for its Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC40 Pure Electric rival – from $88,300 to $109,500 in a four-model range.
Sitting on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Q4 is offered with a choice between traditional SUV and Sportback body types, and with either single or dual motors providing, respectively, 210kW and 250kW.
Although the exterior has yet to be revealed yet for the five-seater luxury SUV, Audi did showcase the cabin at the 2023 Munich motor show.
This also confirmed plenty of technological commonality with the Porsche that also shares a new PPE battery platform.
This includes multiple digital dash displays, including optional front-passenger screen, and an optional augmented-reality head-up dispay.
As the model name suggests, the Q6 will slot into the Audi line-up above the aforementioned Q4 E-Tron and Q8.
Larger than its predecessor, the X2 adds significantly more technology – including BMW’s ninth-generation iDrive system – but also adds weight and cost.
That sees more than a $10k jump for the entry-level xDrive 20i, which is now standard with all-wheel drive, while there’s a larger (570L) cargo area.
The fastest model is again the X2 M35i.
No surprises in that the iX2 uses the same 230kW/494Nm electric motors and 65kWh battery pack as the iX1, with its130kW DC charging capability providing up to 80 per cent of its 449km WLTP range – nine more than the iX1 – in 30 minutes.
Priced at $85k, the higher equipped eDrive 30 will arrive ahead of the xDrive20 later in 2024 at $83k – $4000 above the entry level iX1.
Spied frequently testing in Europe during the past 18 months or so, the X3 is expected to grow in size again and, based on prototypes photographed, will share more styling commonality with the latest X1 than the larger X5.
There will also be two platforms, with petrol, diesel and PHEV variants utilising an update of the current CLAR architecture, while a next-generation iX3 will switch to the German brand’s new Neue Klasse electric modular platform.
It’s unclear at this stage whether the fourth-generation BMW X3 will go on sale in Australia in 2024 or arrive for early 2025.
With elegant styling and attention to detail inside and out, the Lyriq is the brand’s first foray into the luxury EV SUV segment globally.
It rides on General Motors’ Ultium scalable architecture which allows batteries from 50kWh to 200kWh capacity – the Lyriq uses a 102kWh version.
While the local line-up is yet to be finalised, the Lyriq is offered in three trim levels in the US, starting with the Tech, then mid-spec Luxury and range-topping Sport.
The Tech uses rear-wheel drive and a single-motor powertrain in the US.
The Sport shown to Wheels in November 2023 wore a ‘600e4’ designation, for 610Nm, electric and dual-motor four-wheel drive.
Cadillac claims a 505km range for the Lyriq rear-wheel drive, and 10km less for the all-wheel drive.
The GV80 Coupe gives an answer to the BMW X6, with its own front-end styling touches including a larger air intake and Active Air Flap, with Coupe-specific alloys up to 22-inches.
The Coupe’s has its own rear styling treatment and Berling Blue as an exclusive colour, with three new colours across the GV80 line-up.
Both present an opulent cabin with a continuous 27-inch OLED display stretched across the dash combining instruments and infotainment, while there’s no word on cargo capacity between the SUV and Coupe body styles.
Pricing is expected to be $120-130k, with Genesis expected to confirm the same 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6, which in the Coupe sees an electric supercharger bump to 305kW/549Nm.
Using a modified version of the Toyota Yaris Cross GA-B architecture, the LBX is shorter, narrower but marginally taller than the larger Lexus UX. It uses the Yaris’ 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, teamed with a more powerful electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery for a total output of 100kW/185Nm.
A twin-model range comprises a front-wheel-drive Luxury and an all-wheel-drive Sports Luxury. In addition to an extra (rear) electric motor, the more expensive variant also features a more sophisticated multilink rear suspension and a higher equipment level that includes a Mark Levinson audio system.
Pricing is yet to be announced, though expect a starting price in the mid-$40K region.
The first time the nameplate has been offered in Australia, the three-row GX sits between the RX – which no longer offers seven seats – and the LX in the Lexus line-up and will be priced accordingly.
The means a GX price broadly between $100-$150K, with the LX range kicking off at $156k.
The GX can be had in five-, six- or seven-seat guise, with individual captain’s chairs offered in the second row.
An Overtrail variant is a five-seater with all-terrain tyres, black wheel arches, skid plate and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System from the 300 Series LandCruiser.
The GX will arrive with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 and 10-speed auto, ahead of a petrol hybrid expected to be added later on.
While it’s made in China, the Eletre – which means ‘coming to life’ in Hungarian (!) – uses the new Lotus-developed Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) and brings a convincing exterior and cabin finish.
Three variants – the $240k Eletre, $269k Eletre S and $315k Eletre R – use a 109kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with 450kW/710Nm in the entry level model bumped up to 675kW/985Nm for the Eletre R, which has a 0-100km/h claim of 2.95 seconds.
Eletre is uncharacteristically heavy for a Lotus, weighing up to 2640kg, but it also breaks with tradition with usable storage space in a 688-litre cargo area split between a boot and frunk (front-trunk).
The Grecale Folgore takes the Porsche Macan-sized SUV – Maserati’s most popular car here – and runs a quad-motor set-up (two on each axle) with 400V architecture and 105kWh battery for a suggested 400kW/800Nm output, with the final specs still to be confirmed.
On paper, that should give the all-wheel drive electric Grecale rapid pace and competitive driving range, with more recycled materials inside a car that will largely look similar to the existing petrol-powered versions already on sale.
There are eight driving modes as well as four regenerative braking choices and three ESP settings. There’s all-wheel steering, adjustable damping and active anti-roll bars.
Despite weighing 2310kg – 150 more than its predecessor – it reels of 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
Well balanced weight distribution makes it a lively handler, too – but it will come at a yet-to-be-confirmed price of more than $200,000.
The Nappa leather-laden cabin steps up Mercedes’ opulence by adding a Maybach mode that animates the digital instrument cluster, with the back seat serving up twin 11.6-inch touchscreens which allow passengers to modify the navigation, among other commands.
Maybach claims the all-wheel drive electric powertrain delivers 484kW/950Nm and approximate 600km range, with the price expected to be well above $400k – cheap for a Maybach, really…
The new Countryman follows the rest of the brand into the age of electrification and will not be offered with an internal combustion engine of any kind apart from the John Cooper Works (JCW) flagship.
As the most rugged Mini, the higher-riding five-door Countryman’s simplistic design is bolstered by more angular styling, scuff resistant body trims and unique pentagonal headlights.
Inside are wild textile finishes that can be customised – at extra cost – as well as the latest Mini Operating System 9 in the traditional circular centre display.
While previous models have used existing Volvo platforms, the Polestar 4 is the first to use parent company Geely’s all-new Sustainable Experience Architecture electric vehicle (SEA).
Sitting between the Polestar 2 sedan and forthcoming Polestar 3 (see below) in terms of size, it will have a footprint similar to the Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan – though its sleek roofline gives it a visual distinction to both those Germans.
It will also compete more directly against the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 on price.
Starting from $81,500 in Australia, the range kicks off with a single-motor version with 200kW/343Nm and claimed 600km range. Spending another $10K and a bit accesses a 400kW/686Nm twin-motor model said to be capable of reaching 100km/h from standstill in 3.8 seconds.
Offered in a single spec priced at $133K, the Polestar 3 uses a CATL 111kWh 400-volt lithium-ion battery pack providing energy to a dual-motor system – one motor at each axle providing all-wheel drive.
That brings an official 0-100km time of 4.7 seconds with 250kW DC charging topping up 80 per cent of charge in 30 minutes, or 11 hours for a full charge in a standard AC charger.
With a full battery, the 3 can cover 610km (WLTP) in Long Range form, which drops to 560km with the $9000 Performance Pack optioned – which increases power to 380kW/910Nm, 20kW and 70Nm.
Porsche hasn’t delivered a hybrid Macan yet, so the leap to the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) 800V architecture that the Macan E will share with Audi brings the car several steps forward.
It will also essentially replace the petrol-powered Macans, which will be dropped from sale in the third quarter of 2024.
The Macan E (its official name has yet to be confirmed) will use a 100kWh battery and is expected to use two electric motors across three spec levels – Macan E, Macan 4S and Macan Turbo – in the same format as the Taycan.
The handsome SUV has a core focus on handling – with passive four-wheel steering – and a sub-four-second 0-100km/h, with the 270kW rapid charging rate offering up to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes.
Full capacity even in the 477kW flagship Turbo is more than 500km.
It will be Land Rover’s first ever fully electric vehicle, though for now the battery-only Range Rover has been teased only ahead of a 2024 reveal.
There will be an 800-volt architecture to bring advantages including ultra-rapid charging, though otherwise patience is required for details on battery size, power, performance, and range.
Australian prospects, however, can already pop themselves onto a waiting list to be among the first to pre-order the electric Rangie.
These are likely to include revisions to the interior, which for the Model 3 featured a new steering wheel that swapped stalks for indicator buttons, and an upgrade to cabin materials.
We’d also anticipate subtle tweaks to the exterior design, notably new-look headlights and tail-lights.
The China-built EX30 brings a three-model range starting from $60,000 – a tad more than the petrol powered, slightly larger Volvo XC40, but $14,000 less than an electric XC40.
The EX30 will be offered two guises: the Single Motor RWD Extended Plus and range-topping Twin Motor Performance AWD Ultra version. It’s the hero EX30’s 0-100km/h claim of 3.6 seconds that sets a new performance benchmark for the car maker, but the Single Motor Extended Plus is also a strong performer.
Equipment levels see the Extended Plus equipped with Harmon Kardon audio, wireless phone charging and a digital key. The Ultra trim level brings features including Volvo’s Pilot Park Assist.
There’s a Cross Country version, too – but Volvo is yet to confirm if it will be sold in Australia.
It rides on the dedicated electric SPA2 architecture that enables a host of advances including bi-directional charging and a LIDAR scanner enabling full self-driving capability down the track.
Volvo says it has a 600km range but is yet to confirm charging rate – or performance figures, both expected to be similar to the Polestar 3’s – but its bi-directional charging means it could power your home for set periods.
Pricing is expected to be around $140k.
New cars set to enter the new year without a valid ANCAP safety rating will include the popular Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen T-Roc, Kia Picanto, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, with their results due to expire on December 31, 2023.
It is the second round of results to expire after ANCAP first implemented its six-year rating validity limit on December 31, 2022, which saw most vehicles still on sale that were tested before 2017 become ‘unrated’, such as the Toyota LandCruiser Prado (2011), Mitsubishi ASX (2014), Nissan Navara (2015), Mazda CX-3 (2015) and Volkswagen Tiguan (2016).
The expiry of five-star ANCAP safety results for certain vehicles sold after January 1, 2024, could threaten their status for some fleets that require top marks – and could require an exemption to be used as an Uber ride-share vehicle, which mandates a five-star result for most vehicles.
Versions of affected vehicles sold before January 1, 2024, will still be covered by their original ratings, which are based on testing conducted in 2016 or 2017.
Confusingly, some ANCAP safety ratings released in 2017 – including the MG ZS, Hyundai i30 hatch, Kia Stonic and LDV T60 – are not due to expire until December 31, 2024, when the ratings for vehicles tested in 2018 will also expire.
“If a model is not replaced or re-assessed to ANCAP’s latest rating criteria within the six-year rating validity period, the rating for that model expires and the rating status of newly-built units changes to ‘unrated’,” said ANCAP.
“ANCAP encourages vehicle manufacturers to update the safety features and technologies fitted to their vehicles throughout their model life – particularly if they are to remain in the market for six years or longer – to ensure they continue to provide the best levels of safety for new car buyers.”
When the changes were announced in 2021, ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg said the six-year system was to eliminate confusion for buyers, providing clarity so consumers can compare star ratings more accurately.
“What we will end up with is that all ratings will have a six-year validity, so then you’ll be able to see very clearly whether or not the rating is valid or expired,” said Hoorweg.
“It gives you that ability to compare how long this rating has to run versus one that’s more recent – you know it’s going to be valid for longer, so you’ve got that five-star rated car with a valid rating that’s going to last until the end of the sixth-year life.
“I think that gives you a way of comparing, and going, ‘well, if I’m buying a vehicle that has five stars from 2017 versus a vehicle that has five stars from 2019, I know that the 2017 one is older and the rating is going to expire [sooner]’.”
This year was big in Australia, with brand-new metal – all-electric, petrol, diesel or hybrid – finally appearing in the local market.
The highlights included the all-new Volkswagen Amarok, new electric cars – like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Cupra Born, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, and three affordable sub-$40k hatches in the MG 4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora – and much-needed new ZR-V and CR-V SUVs for the struggling Honda brand.
Performance car fans were treated to the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R hot hatches, off-roaders had the Ineos Grenadier, GWM Tank 300 and a four-cylinder automatic LandCruiser 70 Series, and premium SUV buyers can now choose from a pair of Mazdas aimed at German rivals: the CX-60 and CX-90.
If you are struggling to keep up with all the vehicles that touched down in Australia this year, and when, our 2023 New Car Calendar has got you covered!
NOTE: A quarter refers to a three-month period of the year (i.e. January to March).
Real drivers don’t rate the Audi TT. That’s what we’re told, isn’t it? That if you’re serious about driving, a Porsche Cayman or a Lotus Evora or one of many other alternatives was preferable to the rather fey TT. Yet those same voices would parrot eulogies about the Volkswagen Golf GTI, a car that was mechanically similar to some TT variants. How curious.
Still, sales have been healthy enough to support the TT across a quarter of a century, Ingolstadt only now culling the current run with Final Edition versions in the UK. That’s quite an innings, divided between the Golf Mk IV based original 8N (1998-2006), the second-gen 8J that sat on Golf Mk5 bones (2006-2014) and the final 8S (2014-2023) on the Golf 7’s MQB platform.
It’s hard to underscore quite what an impact the TT had. People would stop and stare in the street when it was new. There were elements of the Bauhaus design philosophy in elements of its execution, but it can also be argued that nothing as explicitly and deliberately styled as the TT could ever be truly described as adhering to Bauhaus’ strict economy of means.
First seen at the 1995 Frankfurt Show, the TT Concept wasn’t launched for another three years due to difficulties in productionising the laser technology for the seamless body welds.
Its show-car styling was the main talking point until early adopters started crashing them at high speeds, Audi rushing a fix into place including a small rear spoiler, electronic stability control and remedial tweaks to the rear suspension.
Available in either front- or quattro all-wheel drive, coupe or roadster, four-pot or V6, the TT was also the very first right-hand-drive production car to be fitted with a dual-clutch transmission (2003).
Audi introduced a better but lower-key second generation TT in April 2006. Although the arcing roof profile remained, the details were toned down by Walter de’Silva’s design team to create a less extrovert but more technologically progressive vehicle on a far more capable chassis. The third-gen 8S refined what had gone before, with the excellent MQB chassis acting as the foundation.
As a result, the last TT RS versions were a hoot as all-weather driver’s cars. The brakes were massive, the power mighty, the soundtrack stirring and the sheer grip hugely reassuring. They’re mechanically tough too. No wonder they fared so well at Targa rallies.
There aren’t too many bargains around in the sports car market these days, but a well-looked-after third-gen TT RS offers huge bang for your buck. It’ll be missed.
Audi’s board member for technical development, Oliver Hoffman, is on record noting that, “We want to add some very emotional cars to our portfolio, but a direct follower for the TT is not the answer. We can’t just say we’ll do the TT in an electric way.”
In other words, expect the next TT to morph into an electric crossover, possibly built off the Activesphere concept, with some speculating that the TT and A5 Coupe lines will merge into one five-door lifestyle vehicle.
| Aussie sales | |
|---|---|
| 999 | 399 |
| 2000 | 435 |
| 2001 | 437 |
| 2002 | 309 |
| 2003 | 395 |
| 2004 | 242 |
| 2005 | 217 |
| 2006 | 168 |
| 2007 | 933 |
| 2008 | 942 |
| 2009 | 646 |
| 2010 | 455 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 293 |
| 2013 | 184 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 651 |
| 2016 | 545 |
| 2017 | 252 |
| 2018 | 187 |
| 2019 | 79 |
| 2020 | 58 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 41 |
