Eleven for Eleven
Eleven for Eleven
We are in for a bumper year of new car launches as manufacturers emerge from the GFC with new models to tempt buyers. We’ve searched through all the P.R. releases to come up with what we think are the eleven most important releases for 2011. See if you agree.
The Locals
- Holden Cruze
This is not, strictly, a new car launch, yet it is probably the most important development for the industry in 2011. The Cruze is already a top ten seller, but is made in Korea – at least for a few weeks longer. Then production for Australia will be transferred to Adelaide, where it will be the only compact locally made car. Later this year the wholly Australian designed hatchback version will join the sedan to project the Cruze further up the popularity ladder.
2. Holden Barina
A brand new Barina will join the Holden line up in September. GM’s world small car, the Aveo will come to Australia as the Barina. Sharply styled with a motor cycle inspired instrument cluster, loads of storage space and an audio package that includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, it is both longer and wider than the current model, but should still compete in the sub $20k category.
3. Ford Territory
A new Ford Territory, including a much needed diesel version will hit Australian roads in April. It looks different, has a new interior and rides better with new suspension and steering. This is the major new car initiative from Ford for 2011 although there will be a great deal of interest when it lunches the 2 litre turbo engine for the Falcon later in the year that boasts a frugal 8 litres/100kms fuel consumption.
The Europeans
4. Audi A6
An all new Audi A6 is expected late in the year. Continuing with the sleek, fast back tradition, it will be available as both a front wheel and all wheel drive petrol or diesel version featuring a range of luxury refinements. It will be slightly shorter and lower than the current model and will be easily identified by its LED daytime running lights curving around the all-new headlight design. Surprisingly for some it will not feature a weight-saving alloy body. Prices for the new range have not been revealed but are expected to start in the mid $70k’s.
5. VW Passat
VW is the only European brand featured in the top ten selling cars in Australia in 2010, and is keen to preserve its premier position. Spearheading their charge is the popular Passat. It has cleaner, softer lines (VWphiles call it a mini Phaeton, due to its similarity in frontal appearance), up to 18% improvement in fuel economy and a wide range of variants including an estate version. Prices are expected to be similar to the existing range, starting below $50K.
6. Land Rover Evoque
Land Rover is now owned by the Indian Tata group, and they are investing heavily in new designs, though Land Rovers will continue to be made in the UK. The latest addition to the range will be the very stylish yet most affordable Evoque. The youth market targeted Evoque will be sold with both three nad five door body styles, front and all wheel drive and three engine choices. The entry price is expected to be around $60K.
7. Saab 9-5
Like Lazarus, Saab is rising from the dead. It faced extinction under GM in 2010, but was finally rescued by a Dutch based consortium. Plans had already been laid down for new models and the first to make its appearance will be the all new 9-5 sedan, which is due in April, and a wagon version will follow later in the year. These cars will be powered by either an eco 85 petrol engine or diesel. The 9-5 marks the strong brand resurgence with at least three more models due to be launched into the Australian market in the near future.
The Asians
8. Lexus CT200h
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand. Its new small car ‘entry level’ is called the CT200h, which doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. It’s due here in a couple of months, and is a hybrid priced under $50K. It’s powered by the same petrol/electric combination used in the Toyota Prius and will come in three style versions. But it looks smart and will suit those buyers who have a firm eye on ecology, but still like a little bit of luxury, and some exclusivity.
9. Proton Exora
Malaysian car maker Proton is introducing a significant new member into the ‘people mover’ market segment called ‘The Exora’. The mail players in the market are the Kia Carnival, Toyota Tarago and the Honda Odyssey but Proton plan to threaten their superiority by boasting a starting price of around $25K. Look out for the first of these seven seater people movers around Sept/Oct 2011
10. Suzuki Swift
One of the first completely new cars in 2011 will be the Suzuki Swift. We are told it’s going to be bigger, heavier, better-equipped and safer than its predecessor. Yet it gets a smaller( but supposedly much more efficient) 1.4 litre motor. Despite its extra size and weight it will be able to claim a class leading fuel efficiency of 5.5L/100kms. With all these claims we wonder how it compares in the performance stakes against the current model.
But there’s one left…..
That’s our top ten, but we said ‘eleven’. The final spot is saved for the most interesting advent of 2011- the Chinese. The Great Wall motor company pioneered the Chinese imports over the last two years and now two other small car makers will be joining them in 2011, the Chery and the Geely. They are bound to be very price competitive, but whether they will get huge customer acceptance remains to be seen.
We’ve mentioned just a few of the many new car releases scheduled for 2011. If you think we’ve missed one that is deserved of the top eleven then let us know.
Level 2, 9 Help Street
Slawomir Grenik says:
Do you know more about Suzuki Swift? When will be on Austarlian market?
Do you have more technical details about this car?
Manual/ auto? Diesel? etc.
Regards,
Slawomir Grenik
January 27th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Robert A'Court says:
Well, now! What about the new Ford Mondeo which I have been waiting on? My current 2008 Mondeo diesel is about the best car I have owned and when the new one comes out I could be quite interested.
January 27th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Abel East says:
do you know if the toyota hilux or the nissan navara will have a nw model this year???
January 27th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Evelyn Kelly says:
Am considering purchasing an LPG feuled car. What are your recommendations for those?
Evelyn
January 28th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
JH Buckley says:
The new Ford Focus
January 28th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
morgan says:
i am in the market to buy a new car .
how can you help?
morgan.
January 30th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
j. johnson says:
I am interested in whether the diesel Honda CRV will be making its way to our shores.
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Richard says:
Let’s answer some of the queries for you:-
Slawomir – the new Suzuki Swift boasts a 1.2 litre Dual- VVT petrol engine with 70Kw and 118 Nm, with much better fuel consumption (around 5l/100km) than the supeceded model. A ‘Sport’ version with a larger engine and modified suspension is expected towards the end of this year.
Robert – yes, the Mondeo is a great car, and work is currently underway with the new model, featuring a stunning all newbody style. But it won’t be available until later on next year.
Abel – we have no news on any impending model change for the Nissan Navara as it’s a fairly new model right now, but a new model Toyota is expected to be announced in 2012, and it may be availablein Australia towards the end of next year.
J.Johnson – sadly we are pretty sure that a diesel Honda CRV is not on the cards- not for the current model at any rate.
February 9th, 2011 at 2:25 pm