Subaru will launch its sixth-generation Forester SUV from this month in seven highly specified variants. The range offers 220mm of ground clearance, standard X-Mode all-wheel drive, enhanced suspension tuning, and new dual-pinion steering for improved precision and response. Strong Hybrid and petrol power is available across the line-up.

A significant refresh of the Golf R sees the sporty hatch receive a power hike to 245kW, improved dynamics, uprated tech, and additional comfort and amenity features. The five-door model wears a modest price increase and will be joined later this year by the optional Black Pack and Warmenau Pack, the latter adding a saucy Akrapovic exhaust and forged alloy wheels.

Skoda’s fourth generation Superb Large passenger segment sedan and wagon arrives in Sportline trim and with all-wheel drive as standard. Rides on VW Group’s enhanced MQB Evo platform while power comes from an updated turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offering 195kW/400Nm.

Front-wheel drive, seven-seat, Medium segment SUV from Peugeot in two grades now offers a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol with an integrated electric traction motor and six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

LDV’s new one tonne turbodiesel Terron 9 ute arrives this month driveaway priced for ABN holders in two grades from sub $50k complete with eight-speed auto, 4WD, 2.5-litre engine with 163kW/520Nm and 3500kg towing capacity.

Kia has updated its petrol, diesel, and hybrid Sportage mid-sized SUV range adding enhancements that include the range-wide adoption of an eight-speed automatic transmission, refreshed looks both inside and out, and additional comfort, convenience, technology, and safety features.

Kia’s long awaited one-tonne ute arrives this month in dual-cab format. Both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations use the same turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 154/440Nm of output. Delivery is via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, while braked towing capacity is listed at 3500kg.

The Actyon is a medium-sized, five-seat, coupe-style SUV in highly specified K50 and K60 grades. It is the first fully developed and designed vehicle by KGM (formerly SsangYong) and boasts a flashy interior with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon-fibre garnishing. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 120kW/280Nm.

The Jaecoo J8 is a generously equipped mid-sized SUV with “features and technologies typically reserved for premium vehicles”. It draws power from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 183kW/385Nm.Both front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, each with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Top tier Tank 500 Vanta joins the range, adding luxury kit and black theming of the vehicle’s badging, headlight internals, front bumper inserts, taillight surrounds, spare wheel cover, tailgate, rear diffuser, door handles, roof rails, window framing, door scuff plates, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Genesis Electrified GV70 is an updated version of the fully electric medium SUV now with a larger battery delivering claimed 462km of range. It maintains the same overall design as before with new two-line micro lens array headlights, an updated BEV-specific grille, and freshly styled 20-inch alloy wheels.

Revised Upper Large segment electric offering from Genesis aims at the premium end of town, undercutting the Germans on price while going big on luxury. New AWD single Signature model is LWB only and features upgrades including screen-centric dash. Luxury kit is laid on, while driving range is listed at a claimed 570km.

Incoming Terramar Medium segment SUV will be available in mild-hybrid electric and turbo-petrol variants with a PHEV down the track. Initially offered in S and VZ grades, it will be joined by V and VZe later. All are well equipped with Spanish brand’s luxurious appointments, technology, and safety kit.

Plug-in electrified petrol versions of Chery’s medium and large size SUVs, each offering a claimed combined driving range distance of up to 1200km. Both run a turbo 1.5 ICE with integrated electric motor to the front wheels. High equipment levels and extensive safety technologies offered across the range.

Chery adds hybrid propulsion to its Tiggo 4 small SUV in two trim grades – Urban and Ultimate – each powered by a series-parallel hybrid driveline combining a 71kW/118Nm naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor to deliver 150kW/310Nm to the front wheels.

In what is essentially a name change for the Omoda 5, the C5 will be offered in two grades – Urban and Ultimate – with much the same level of specification as before. The C5 introduces several mechanical upgrades including a six-speed DCT and range-wide multi-link rear suspension.