Renault’s Megane E-Tech crossover, built on the company’s CMF-EV platform, arrives powered by a single electric motor with FWD for a 454km range. Renault says the 110mm thick 60kWh battery is the slimmest on the market, lowering the centre of gravity for dynamic driving gains.

All 100 examples were sold within an hour of being made available to order. However, the hi-po, nine-speed auto-only Z-car is “dream worthy” with special equipment, body and track enhancements, and more power from its twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 rated at 313kW and 531Nm.

Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Coupe costs more than the wagon variant and is slightly larger than its predecessor. It runs a 190kW/400Nm twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance, all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus is due to launch its LM ‘Luxury Mover’ seven-seat family hauler in December with three trim grades. Petrol and hybrid two- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, all are said to offer levels of comfort and amenity usually associated with business class air travel.

Three Kona petrol-electric HEV variants join petrol-only models with a battery electric (BEV) coming soon. Powered by a 104kW/265Nm petrol-electric combo driving the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the HEV returns a claimed 3.9L/100km.

Hyundai’s recently arrived and subsequently upgraded Ioniq 6 now includes a cheaper entry model with tax benefits. It has a smaller capacity battery, less standard equipment, and lower powered motor on the rear axle. Other variants score powertrain, battery and tech upgrades.

A lower priced Ioniq 5 is now in its customer delivery phase, bringing an upgraded range for an improved price. The variant features a 58kWh battery pack and 125kW rear motor delivering 384km range. It neatly undercuts the most-affordable Tesla Model Y with solid tax benefits

Jeep Wrangler size and competitor the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid finally makes it into dealerships; the five-seat SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol/electric combination driving through a nine-speed automatic transmission with selectable four-wheel drive and tough ladder-frame chassis.

Penultimate Everest finally makes it into dealerships in top adventure trim with exclusive exterior and interior detailing. The limited-edition model is powered by a 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive.

Sixth generation Impreza is a higher priced and significantly updated hatch-only model with carryover underpinnings. It features a familiar driveline with no hybrid or electrification offered locally. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and CVT combination it outputs 115kW/196Nm.