BMW’s X6 sports crossover gets a little brother in the shape of the X4 that is set to go into production in 2014. The X4 is the same length as the X3 but the sloping rear roof-line will surely have an impact on head-room. BMW is gunning for the Range Rover Evoque and Porsche’s forthcoming Macan with the X4.

read more about the BMW X4

The reborn Pulsar is selling well for Nissan in Australia and the car-maker has confirmed it will add a sedan version of its SSS performance hatch later in the year. It is expected to be powered by the same 140kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine matched with either a six-speed manual or a CVT as the hatch, but there is no word yet on pricing

read more about the Nissan Pulsar

Fiat’s micro-sized 500 will receive an update bringing more value to the range. Rumoured to receive a bump in standard equipment while retaining the same price, Fiat's funky 500 should become even more popular.

read more about the Fiat 500

The Abarth Essesse is set to receive a replacement in the form of the Abarth 595. Set to retain the same engine and performance as its outgoing cousin, it's rumoured to drop even price, representing even greater value.

read more about the Abarth 595

Sharper front-end styling and a suite of new petrol and diesel engines highlight the facelift for Volkswagen's Polo light-car range later this year. One of the new diesel powertrains is capable of sipping just 3.2L/100km on the Euro cycle, but it is not clear whether this is coming to Australia. Expect the GTI hot-hatch to arrive in 2015 with the option of a manual gearbox.

read more about the Volkswagen Polo

Nissan has swapped the Dualis name for the global Qashqai moniker for its second-gen compact crossover and with it comes a raft of improvements including new small-capacity turbocharged engines as well as completely redesigned cabin. Longer, wider and lower than the model it replaces, the Qashqai comes off the same platform as its larger X-Trail sibling.

read more about the Nissan Qashqai

Following the success of the F-Type Convertible, Jaguar will unleash a Coupe version of its latest sportscar in late 2014, with a 405kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8 ‘R’ variant set to headline the range. A pair of V6 engines will also be available, with all powertrains linked to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

read more about the Jaguar F-Type