NEW CARS 2022

Awesome New Cars Coming to Australia in 2022

Filed under Information Centre

It’s that time of year again (the end) and that means a look toward the future. Here’s a look at some fresh metal in the form of amazing new cars headed for Australian roads in 2022.

A new year means a new chapter for many of us and if that means you're due for a car upgrade or a first car, or just a new car, it’s worth checking out these gems.

Tesla Model Y

Due: first half of 2022

The Model Y is considered a “CUV” - compact crossover utility vehicle, and is the brand’s second SUV-style vehicle after the Model X, a mid-size SUV. Unlike the Model X, the Model Y doesn’t have falcon-wing doors, the top-hinged ones that open upwards.

The Model Y is more similar to the Model 3 with a reported 75% of its parts shared, for example, the interior is noticeably similar.

Tesla says that the Model Y is urban friendly, with flexible storage and

The Model Y completes Elon Musk’s series;

Model S
Model 3
Model X
Model Y

(yes, it’s intentional!).

The Model Y, available in RWD and AWD, comes with a 62.28kWh battery pack or 82.8kWh battery for the Long Range variant.

Other variants include the Standard Range (62.28kWh) and Performance (82.8kWh).

Here are the driving range estimates for the Model Y;

  • Standard Range 480 km
  • Long Range 505 km
  • Performance 480 km

These figures are estimates only.

What about the Cybertruck?

Tesla’s much anticipated ute (or pickup truck) is rumoured NOT to be coming to Australia. Although unconfirmed, it seems we’ll have to wait for more clarity.

Hopefully it does come because it’d be a sight to see. The Cybertruck measures around 5.85 meters in length and just over 2 meters in width. A HiLux dual cab is half a meter shorter and around 20 cm narrower.

Ford Ranger

Due: Q2

It’s hard to avoid the hype around the new Ford Ranger - one of Australia’s favorite and best selling utes. The new one was largely designed and engineered in Australia over the last 5 years or so and underwent extensive testing in Australia.

The styling has hallmarks of the North American F-Series trucks that the blue oval is so well known for in other countries. The new Ranger comes with engine choices including; 3L V6, 2L 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel and 2L 4-cylinder single-turbo diesel.

Like predecessors (and competition), the new Ford Ranger has a considerable amount of tradie-friendly equipment. For example, a load box step in the rear bumper, the tailgate doubles as a workbench with clamp pockets and zone lighting around vehicle for improved vision

There’s also a hybrid rumoured but we’ll have to wait for that.

The 2022 Ranger lineup also includes a rough ‘n’ tumble off-road variant (no surprises there) and a luxury option.

Nissan 400Z

Due: early 2022

When Nissan launches a new “Zed” car, people look and listen. Since 1969, enthusiasts have fallen in love with the reliable, good looking, sporty “Z”. The first was the 240Z which featured a 2.0L straight-6 engine delivering 130 hp (97 kW).

The new car, the 400Z, is powered by a new 298kW 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with prices pegged below its competition, primarily the Toyota Supra. The 400Z replaces the 370Z which finished its production run in 2020.

Nissan has stuck to its gun with the design of the 400Z, that’s a good thing, for example, the rear-side view shows clear homage to the original variants. The headlights, although heavily modernised, are also reminiscent of earlier models.

According to Nissan, “The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile.”

It’s great to see manufacturers paying homage to loved cars of the past.

What does “early'' mean for its release?

We’ll have to wait and see but production might be delayed, like all new cars, due to COVID disruptions and chip shortages.

Lexus LX

Due: first half of 2022

This is the Lexus version of the new 300 Series LandCruiser, meaning a high-end large SUV built on a high-end large SUV.

The LandCruiser version is an Aussie favourite and, although the Lexus-badged versions haven’t kept up with the “LC” sales, the LX is sure to be popular with the vehicle’s all-new design.

The LX is powered by the same 3.3L twin-turbocharged diesel V6 as in its cousin, the LandCruiser, but will feature new and different styling and added luxuries. Being targeted at luxury transport rather than hauling families over rough terrain, the LX might prove a confident off-roader despite advertising imagery.

Early preview images suggest four-, five- and seven-seat configurations. Yes, four. The four seater appears to be a VIP option suited for high-profile chauffeuring.

There’s also a sport-themed F Sport model but buyers may have to wait as the new 300 Series is in such high demand.

Toyota Corolla Cross

Due: late 2022

The new Corolla Cross can, in a way, thank the head of Toyota for its existence.

“No more boring cars”.

In 2017, Toyota Motor Corporation president, Akio Toyoda, issued the above decree - and he meant it.

The decree has spawned the Yaris GR, Supra and GR86, the high(er) performance version of the 86, and other “exciting” vehicles from the brand.

The new Corolla Cross, a hatchbated-styled SUV equipped with a 1.8L non-turbo petrol engine also available with a hybrid system. There’s also a GR version, likely thanks to Akio Toyoda’s demands.

The Corolla Cross appears to slot in under the Rav4 in terms of size, coming in at 4460mm in length. A Rav4 is 4,600mm in length.

However, the Corolla Cross is more comparable to its smaller cousin, the Yaris Cross. The Corolla version has the familiar black plastic on the guards and front grille.

What’s GR?

Gazoo Racing. A motorsport/performance brand under the Toyota banner founded in 2007. The GR name has racing in its blood as the then smallish team competed in the 24 Hours Nürburgring race.

Amazingly, Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, has actually driven in some races himself. To disguise the fact that an automaker president / billionaire was driving in one of the world’s most challenging amateur races, he entered under the moniker; “Morizo”.

Subaru WRX

Due: mid 2022

The famed WRX continues with the release of what Subaru confirms will have a sportswagon in the lineup.

The sportswagon is badged as the Levorg in some overseas markets but it appears Australia will get the WRX badged version in 2022.

The new WRX will include other variants too like a mid-spec RS version and top-dog STI-tuned version. Keeping fans happy (there are a lot of them) is the engine: a 2.4L turbocharged boxer.

It’s likely to be a high seller for its segment. This year (2021), Subaru celebrated its 50,000th WRX sale in Australia.

The WRX was born from the world of rally and became a huge success resulting in numerous variants including the legendary 22B, a unicorn-rare batch of 424. Built in 1998, the 22B variant is at the top of the WRX pyramid, one mint condition example sold in the UK in 2020 for the equivalent of over half a million Australian dollars.

The WRX’s old arch rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, ceased production in 2016 after first appealing in 1992 - as did the WRX. Mitsubishi indicated that the company is not pursuing petrol powered high-performance vehicles and rather targeting greener options.

Mercedes-Benz EQB

Due: late 2022

The electric EQB crossover SUV is another example of the German automaker’s huge push for electrification - the brand announced electrified versions of all its models by 2022.

There are many examples of Mercedes-Benz petrol-powered vehicles receiving the EV treatment.

The EQB delivers 420km of range and a 7-seat configuration and AWD options. Although based on the petrol GLB, the EQB has received styling changes, mainly smoother ones to improve aerodynamic drag and range.

The new EQB 300 4Matic is powered by two electric motors totalling 165kW and the EQB 350 4Matic gets 210kW. Both are fed by a 66.5kWh battery.

Signalling electrification is the front end’s closed off grille with heavy LED use. Although this definitely isn’t a new phenomenon in the EV world, it looks modern and fitting.

Kia EV6

Due: first half of 2022

The name should spell out what this offer from Kia is all about (electric vehicle), but it’s much more than that.

The EV6 is a fast-charging (less than 4.5 mins to 100km) compact crossover SUV, but don’t let “compact” deceive you as it’s only around 31 centimeters shorter than a Toyota Kluger.

Nonetheless, the EV6 is a (sort of) new kid on the block from Kia being the first of the “EV” series released. There are a reported EV1 to EV9 in the lineup set for future launch.

The EV6’s tech is a standout. It comes with an AR head-up display and digital gauge cluster, remote control parking and charges from 10% to 80% is a lightening 18 minutes - or less. Various interior materials are made of recycled materials, including vegan leather or suede.

There’s a GT model too which is the high performance option, it punches 0-100km in 3.5 seconds.

Get into a new car

There’s nothing quite like the experience of a new car, especially when it symbolises the start of a new year and next chapter.

With a Positive quick quote, it happens quickly. The Positive team gets more people into new, used, dealer and private sale vehicles when and how they need.

Keep a lookout for the amazing new cars coming out in 2022 as we’ve only covered a fraction of the models and technology that’s coming out next year.

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