The flagship Volkswagen Touareg R headlines a facelifted range with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 250kW V6 petrol engine and 100kW electric motor offer a combined 340kW/700Nm – a VW power record. Extensive standard inclusions are now available.

A medium-large off-roader in two variants, the Tank 500 has seven seats and is dimensionally larger than Prado while also featuring body-on-frame construction. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with hybrid assistance (255kW/648Nm) through a nine-speed auto.

Incoming 1.9-litre turbo-diesel MU-X offers Isuzu buyers more choice and more range, with the MY24 MU-X line-up now encompassing nine variants and two engine offerings: the new 1.9-litre joining the carryover 3.0-litre turbo-diesel to mirror that offered in the D-Max ute.

It’s farewell petrol V6 hello 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder for the Jeep Wrangler that also scores a price drop along with technology and safety equipment upgrades. The four pot is more efficient and torquier than its V6 predecessor. Wrangler’s most significant update in six years.

Nine-year-old MX-5 ND series is upgraded with a focus on track driving and increased connectivity. Changes to external lighting are evident, while the manual gearbox scores a DSC-Track mode optimised for circuit driving in concert with a newly developed limited slip diff.

Another upgrade to the venerable Pajero Sport before a new-gen model appears. Mild engine mods yield more power, but the transmission becomes the previously offered six-speed auto. 2WD and 4WD options remain, while idle-stop, VGT turbo, and exterior tweaks are introduced.

Deliveries of the 408 GT Fastback plug-in hybrid (PHEV) have commenced ahead of schedule, but supply is fully allocated. Demonstrator vehicles are now available for customer test drives. The fastback PHEV “stands out from the crowd,” says Peugeot.

Comprehensively overhauled, more powerful, and more stylish in both petrol and plug-in hybrid configurations. The MY24 Panamera is expected to be the final model to offer petrol and petrol-electric power with an all-electric model due in showrooms before the end of the decade.

Yaris hatch range is now hybrid-only available in three grades with Toyota’s latest multimedia and Safety Sense systems alongside minor styling tweaks. Mechanically, the range remains available with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid and CVT combination.

Yaris Cross scores a mild makeover for ‘24, gifting the model with updated technologies and the latest suite of Toyota Safety Sense systems – and removing petrol-powered models from the range – which in now all-hybrid. It gains a facelifted look inside and out, and a modest price rise.

The JAC T9 Hunter one-tonne 4x4 dual-cab ute is scheduled for a mid-March arrival. It competes with GWM and LDV offerings at expected comparable pricing and runs a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic, selectable four-wheel drive, and four-wheel discs.

Lexus’ smallest SUV offering yet is here in March. Based on Toyota Yaris Cross underpinnings, it boasts “premium levels of sophistication and refined quality previously unseen in a car this size.” Power comes from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid and single electric motor. Front and all-wheel drive variants are available.

Replacing two-door C and E-Class Coupe and Convertible models, the CLE Coupe is scheduled this month, with the Convertible to come later. AMG variants are included, the CLE-Class leveraging new Mercedes-Benz styling and powertrains, but likely only six-cylinder turbo petrol format for Oz.

After a few false starts, the electrified Qashqai e-Power Ti is now confirmed for arrival this month. Using Nissan’s petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, like the X-Trail e-Power, the Qashqai features a three-cylinder petrol-electric arrangement outputting 140kW/330Nm. Claimed combined range is listed at 1058km.

Euro-designed and built second-gen C-HR is almost here, the three-variant range combining Toyota’s fifth-gen hybrid driveline with 1.8- or 2.0-litre options. Front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, all running continuously variable transmissions. Flagship model outputs 145kW.

Mild MY24 facelift for Toyota’s strong selling HiLux includes 48-volt mild hybrid system dubbed V-Active Technology on selected dual-cab variants. Pricing is up slightly, the wider range adding new looks and technology, additional features, and in some cases the introduction of Multi-Terrain Select – a HiLux first.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N didn’t make it here in January, but will land this month rocking a 448kW/770Nm dual-motor powertrain and a full array of go-fast bits including rear eLSD, drift mode, boost mode, special tyres, a reinforced chassis, 400mm brakes, and race-car-style interior.

It’s Toyota’s first BEV in Australia and will be available in two configurations: a 150kW/266Nm single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 160kW/337Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). Both run a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery with AC charging at 11kW and DC at 150kW.

Due late last year, the priced-up hatch-only new Impreza in L, R and S spec arrives this month with carry-over platform and underpinnings of its predecessor and a familiar driveline with no hybrid or electrification offered. Scores more kit, retains 2.0-litre boxer four cylinder and CVT.

New generation Mitsubishi one-tonne ute arrives with revamped 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and auto only. New body and interior, upgraded ADAS, more kit, improved towing capacity, 2WD and 4WD dual-cab versions available initially. Price rises to match competition.

Follows hot on the heels of i30 hybrid sedan and months ahead of the new gen’ i30 hatch. Rocks the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four as before, gains more standard kit, revamped dynamics and tech, radical new looks and available with six-speed manual or eight speed DCT.

Twin-under-the-skin with Toyota’s bZ4X and the first fully electric Subaru for Oz, the Solterra is also the most expensive model in the Subaru range. The AWD EV is powered by dual electric motors for a combined 160kW/337Nm output and 414km range. Two well-equipped variants are available.

Available to view since late last year, deliveries of the updated Tesla Model 3 are now due. The line-up features significant tweaks to the interior and exterior aimed at keeping it within striking distance of an ever-growing range of competitors. Upgraded suspension is part of the latest overhaul.

Subaru’s BRZ is updated for 2024 to include a new top of the range tS model with handling and braking improvements along with styling and interior tweaks and more features. It is the same under the bonnet, however, with a familiar 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol and 174kW/250Nm output.

Another possibility this month, the Qashqai e-Power uses Nissan’s clever petrol-electric hybrid powertrain with a three-cylinder ICE engine functioning solely as a generator. Total outputs are 140kW/330Nm to achieve a claimed 1058km range. It is available only in high spec Ti grade.

A possible arrive this month, and initially with six petrol-powered 1.5 or 2.0-litre variants, the new Countryman is bigger and available in front or all-wheel drive. New features include LED headlights and 18 to 20-inch alloy wheels, tech upgrades across the board, and vegan friendly cabin materials

Brutally powerful 2.0-litre four pot AWD hybrid sedan offers 500kW/1020Nm for a 3.4 second 0-100km/h sprint. High tech optimised handling and drive is aided by active rear-axle steering and selectable Drift Mode, and fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+.

A mild massage for the long-serving CX-5 sees the line-up comprise Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT SP and Akera variants. Power remains from 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol or 2.5-litre turbo petrol units in front- or all-wheel drive. Some new colours, features and technology is now available

Mazda’s tweaked CX-30 SUV has an efficiency boost with available hybrid powertrain. Advanced safety technology, interior and exterior styling enhancements, improved drive feel, and more customisation opportunities mark the new model that also scores additional equipment.

Scheduled for January, the eDeliver7 BEV boasts a claimed 300km-plus range in 77kWh form and 380km with the 88kWh battery. All variants run a front drive 150kW/330Nm electric motor. Short wheelbase low-roof, mid-wheelbase low-roof and mid-wheelbase mid-roof bodies available.

The updated Sorento boasts a new look inside and out, and new comfort and convenience features, updated technology, and revised safety kit. The line-up continues to offer the choice of four powertrains, including turbo petrol and diesel, hybrid (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) formats.

Readily available economical i30 Sedan Hybrid is drive-away priced to target the Toyota Corolla. Features a 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid driveline driving the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, it is good for 104kW/147Nm and claimed average of 3.9 litres per 100km.

A maybe for this month is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Eager punters are lining up for the 448kW/770Nm dual-motor BEV with Nurburgring validation. It scores a full array of go-fast bits including rear eLSD, drift mode, boost mode, special tyres, reinforced chassis, 400mm brakes, and race-car style interior.

More powerful turbocharged Omoda arrives as a step-up on the existing 1.5-litre model. With 137kW/275Nm and front- and all-wheel drive available, the model will sit atop the EX variant. It further features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and multi-link rear suspension.