Fans of the original Satria GTi will have to wait until early 2009 for a successor to the hot-hatch that put Malaysia’s national car-maker on the automotive map in the late 1990s. Expect a four-cylinder engine offering more than 160kW, plus a host of other upgrades for the all-new Satria.

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The A4 based Q5 is Audi's direct response to BMW's 3 Series-based X3, mid-sized luxury SUV. Due to make its world premiere at the Geneva motor show, though it is not expected on sale here until mid 2009. The Q5 will be available here with both petrol and diesel power

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Hyundai's new i30 small/medium car range will grow further when a five-door wagon becomes the third bodystyle in the range in early 2009. Expect the Corolla and Lancer wagon rival to offer standard stability control, sharp pricing and crisp styling. It could be dubbed the i30 CW here, as in Europe.

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Citroen is expected to launch its facelifted C4 hatch range in the first quarter of 2009. The updated model will land here with a new-look grille, bumper, rear lamps and minor trim upgrades. A new range of petrol engines will also be introduced.

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The Porsche Boxster and Cayman have been given a makeover, with new engines, the acclaimed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and a host of minor improvements to keep the mid-engined pair fresh. The entry-level 987s gain a larger 2.9-litre flat six, while the Boxster S gets more powerful 3.4-litre flat-six.

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Mazda unveiled its facelifted MX-5 at the 2008 Paris motor show. Changes are minor, restricted to a new front bumper, a sleeker headlight design in the style of the current Mazda RX-8 and revised tail-lights. Australian sales are scheduled to commence in April 2009.

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