JANUARY
AUDI
The A3 Sportback gets some variants in the 1.4-litre TFSI S-tronic and 2.0-litre TFSI quattro S-tronic.
Audi Australia is also finalising timing for the TT 2.0 TDI but it will definitely be a starter in '09.
FORD
Already garnering rave reviews abroad for its style and safety, the Fiesta could be Ford Australia's small car star.
The price is spot on, starting at $15,750 for the CL and topping out at $22,490 for the Zetec automatic.
Buyers have a choice of 1.4 or 1.6-litre four cylinder engines driving the front wheels.
HOLDEN
With fuel economy on most people's minds, Holden's new high-tech Active Fuel Management V8-powered Commodore, Ute, Sportwagon, Statesman and Caprice will be welcome.
AFM enables automatic V8s to operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions, until power is needed, saving up to 1.0litre/100km.
KIA
The budget Cerato sedan represent a styling leap from the Korean brand.
With a new corporate `H’ grille to its wedge-shape design the Cerato is sure to attract a new class of buyer.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre four cylinder driving the front wheels.
Prices should be close to the current car but with more equipment, quality and safety.
FEBRUARY
AUDI
Expect minor facelifts of the A6 sedan and Allroad.
Performance sedan fans will appreciate the arrival of the V10 RS6 sedan to sit beside the hot family oriented RS6 Avant.
CITROEN
The French have something for everyone, even shop-owners and delivery folk.
They will appreciate the arrival of the new Berlingo, which will be available in two versions, the L1 and L2.
Both models share a common 2728mm wheelbase but the L2 is 248mm longer than the L1.
Buyers can expect either a 1.6-litre petrol or HDi turbo-diesel front drive four cylinder powerplant.
LEXUS
The next-generation RX350 V6 has grown up.
Arriving in time for the Melbourne Motor Show, the petrol V6 gets some new technology, safety and more space.
Powered by the same V6 that propels the Aurion, Kluger and other Toyotas, in the RX it should develop about 205kW and have a six-speed automatic with active torque control.
By mid-year the RX450h hybrid gets a 3.5-litre V6 with a combined petrol/electric power of about 220kW, 20kW more than the current model.
Visually, the RX450h has distinct styling cues like a curved grille, a front bumper with an extra cooling slot, a blue-trimmed hybrid logo, blue-tinted tail-lights and LED headlights.
NISSAN
The Murano gets more muscle. The V6 soft-roader has speed-sensitive power steering, the new-generation Xtronic-CVT with manual mode and new multi-link rear suspension.
Xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys and comprehensive safety kit. Expect prices to start around $50,000 for the entry model.
VW
The sleek Passat CC four-door "coupe" joins the Mercedes-Benz CLS but with cheaper prices.
The CC will be available with either a 2.0-litre TDI diesel producing 125kW/350Nm or direct injection 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine producing 220kW/350Nm.
Both engines come paired with six-speed DSG transmissions, which feed the power to either the front wheels in the TDI or or VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive in the V6.
Prices should start from $60,000.
MARCH
CADILLAC
ARGUABLY the most important launch next year.
GM-Holden didn't particularly want it but the luxury Cadillac brand is making a bold return.
The CTS sedan is the comeback car, which has been acclaimed overseas for its handling, design and quality.
Expect high equipment levels and a 3.6-litre direct injection V6.
The V6 develops 227kW/370Nm and is mated to a six-speed automatic.
Prices should be around $70,000.
Once the sedan beds in, a Sport Wagon should follow.
The company has also previewed the SRX crossover, which goes into production in 2010 and this is likely for Australia too.
CITROEN
A refresh for the C4 hatch and coupe to keep it contemporary.
Styling changes at the front bring the C4 into line with its larger C5 sibling.
The new bonnet is more rounded and curvier, while the grille gets integrated chevrons, Citroen's signature look.
The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol and economical HDi turbo-diesel engines will carry over.
FORD
The refreshed Focus hatch and sedan arrive, taking the styling cues from the recently updated XR5.
The big news will be a new six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.
HONDA
Honda's Jazz gets a sedan brother, the City.
Expect similar expect similar equipment levels and pricing, with the added bonus of a huge boot that can carry 506 litres, about four golf bags.
Moving up a model, the chic-Euro styled five-door Civic hatch finally joins the family, as well as the new Odyssey.
HYUNDAI
After the success of the i30 hatch, Hyundai plans to add the i30 CW.
CW is Hyundai-speak for Cross Wagon.
Like the hatch it will be available in both 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre CRD turbo-diesel models, with an expected slight price premium above the hatch.
KIA
Soul is Kia's way of becoming hip. The chunky five-door wagon will be available with a wide array of accessories.
It will also get both a petrol and turbo-diesel and should drive more people into showrooms with its off-road looks and versatility.
Expect prices to start in the low-$20,000s.
MAZDA
The refreshed MX-5 takes on the styling cues from the Mazda6 and new Mazda3.
That means a big, gaping mouth and wheel-arch blisters but the mechanicals remain the same.
That means a peaky 118kW/188Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, driving through a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic.
Inside the trim has been upgraded but everything remains largely the same, which is good.
RENAULT
A Laguna wagon finally arrives, in both 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel guises.
A $41,990 diesel six-speed manual hatch will also become the Laguna price leader.
VW
The heavily reskinned Golf VI is destined to arrive in time for the Melbourne Motor Show and will be on sale soon after.
With new engines and transmissions, including a 7-speed DSG gearbox, the Golf takes an evolutionary path with its design.
Visually it is sharper than the old car but dimensions remain largely the same. Interior quality has taken a step up though.
VOLVO
The XC60 has car-like handling backed up with a solid load-lugging capabilities.
Buyers will have a choice of a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine producing 210kW/400Nm, or with its 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder turbodiesel producing 136kW/400Nm.
The XC60 uses a high-tech instant traction system while Hill Descent Control is part of the car's off-road armoury. Prices from around $60,000.
APRIL
BMW
The new 7 Series has evolved into a contemporary, less-polarising look than the previous model.
The petrol models arrive first with the 730d landing in July.
Pricing starts at $203,000 for the 740i while the 750i is $274.000.
Long wheelbase versions add $15,000 and $17,000. The 730d is expected to cost around $200,000.
FORD
It has been four years since the Ford Territory went on sale and now its time for a facelift.
The Territory series two arrives with a new interior and some exterior cosmetic tweaks.
Buyers can expect the FG Falcon dashboard to find its way into the car, along with some minor suspension and engine updates.
JEEP
The slow-selling battleship Commander off-roader gets a spruce up and the refreshed Compass and Patriot arrive the following month.
NISSAN
If you haven't heard about it yet the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 GT-R finally arrives in April.
But if you have not already got your order in then you'll have to be patient as the first batch has been quickly snapped up.
Nissan has already taken more than 130 orders. Price? From $148,000 for the tarmac burning all-wheel drive sportscar.
SKODA
The Czech carmaker is slowly building some momentum.
This year the Octavia gets a nip-and-tuck and some new engines.
The freshen-up gives the car a bolder grille and simpler tail-end treatment. Interior quality and trim levels are also improved.
VW's seven-speed DSG gearbox is expected to be available in some models.
MAY
AUDI
The Q5 is Audi's answer to the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.
Styling echoes the smooth shapes of the Q7 so the mid-size Q5 is sure to attract fans.
Three models are available, a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and two diesels, a 2.0-litre four cylinder TDI and 3.0-litre V6 TDI.
The TFSI develops 155kW/35Nm while the 2.0-litre TDI develops 125kW/350Nm and the V6 176kW/500Nm.
Expect pricing to start around $60,000.
HOLDEN
The Cruze is the replacement for the slow-selling Viva.
With the sleek new shape comes improved equipment levels, safety and driving experience.
There will be a choice of 1.6-litre or 1.8-litre petrol four cylinder engines and perhaps a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.
NISSAN
The new, more sharply styled 370Z should start around $64,000 while the Roadster will be about $75,000.
Although the ingredients stay much the same, but the V6 engine gets more power and torque _ 245kW/366Nm.
Visually, it is sharply styled with a shorter wheelbase and more emphasis on its sporty heritage. Inside the cabin gets more quality.
JUNE
AUDI
The new S4 sedan moves down in capacity but up in green credentials.
Gone is the 4.2-litre V8, to be replaced by a 3.0-litre turbo-charged V6 in both the S4 sedan and Avant.
The V6 delivers 245kW and a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.1 seconds but on average only uses 9.7 litres/100km.
Standard will be a host of performance upgrades, including quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
A seven-speed S tronic changes gears with lightning speed, and the new sport differential distributes torque as needed between the rear wheels.
HYUNDAI
The five-door i20 hatch is close to being signed off and should arrive mid-year.
In Europe it replaces the Getz but Hyundai is expected to position it locally above the Getz.
The hatch is available in Europe with a frugal 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine that produces 66kW/220Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox instead of the standard cars five-speed unit.
It sips fuel at a rate of 4.0l/100km and has a CO2 emission rating of of 99 grams per kilometre.
MAZDA
The new Mazda3 is the Hiroshima-based car company's most important local launch this year.
The volume-selling car gets a significant visual makeover but underneath the old car's superb chassis carries over, except for some modest tweaks to the suspension and steering.
Importantly cabin noise levels, a problem with the current car, have been lowered.
Expect a fresh new cabin, improved quality and the SP23 model to move up to the SP25, which means a 2.5-litre four cylinder with 125kW on tap.
The volume model will stick with a 2.0-litre four cylinder which develops 110kW/187Nm.
Price should remain close to the outgoing car, if exchange rates improve.
NISSAN
Cardigan wearers will appreciate the arrival of the new but more-of-the-same Maxima V6 mid-year, just in time for winter.
PEUGEOT
The 308CC joins the lineup, along with the facelifted 407 sedan and wagon.
But do not expect too much in the way of improvements to the 407.
Expect some mild cosmetic tweaks and improved interior trim levels but the overall shape remains the same.
TOYOTA
The Camry and Aurion will get a minor nip-and-tuck.
JULY
ALFA ROMEO
THE MiTo hatch is one of the most stylish Alfa's to come out of Italy in recent years.
Sitting below the current 147 five-door, the MiTo brings back memories of the Alfasud with its 1.4-litre engines, in either turbo charged petrol or diesel form.
The turbo petrol engine delivers 114kW at 5500 revs and 230Nm at 3000 revs while the JTDM diesel has 88kW at 3750 and 320Nm from 1750 revs.
Alfa also has a "power limited" 58kW/120Nm 1.4 petrol engine as well.
Expect prices around $30,000.
BMW
THE hot 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo-diesel from the 7 Series makes an appearance in the 330d sedan, making it one of the fastest 3 Series models available.
With 180kW/520Nm on tap, the 330d promises petrol engine performances with diesel economy of 6.8 litres/100km on the combined fuel cycle.
The car will hit 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
FERRARI
California is not only a place but also a thundering V8 from Ferrari. The 2+2 boasts a 4.3-litre V8 with 338kW on tap. Price? A comfortable six-figures around $450,000.
Joining the California is the 430 Scuderia inspired Scuderia Spider 16M. Roof off motoring for a select few.
FIAT
The baby Fiat 500 gets a performance injection with the hot Abarth with a direct-injection turbocharged 1.4-litre engine.
The light-weight hatch will hit 100km/h in less than 8 seconds and has a top speed of 205km/h.
The larger Punto also gets an Abarth makeover.
MERCEDES-BENZ
A GROWN up C-Class or a scaled down S-Class?
The new E-Class sedan and coupe borrow the best bits from both models.
There's a new face, with split headlights flanking the traditional grille.
Mercedes-Benz says the E-Class will be the safest car in its class.
A new E-Class coupe is destined to replace the CLK. It is bigger inside and takes on a bigger on-road stance.
Both the two door and four-door sedan will be available with a range of four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines.
SUZUKI
Cute as a button and also frugal, Suzuki has opted for the Alto over the Splash.
The five-door hatch is powered by a 50kW, 993cc three-cylinder petrol engine, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
Expect good equipment levels and pricing around $13,000.
AUGUST
SKODA
The Superb should help spread the message about the competent Czech brand.
It packs the most sophisticated powertrains from the Volkswagen Group in a car that is bigger than an Audi A6 but is expected to be about $10,000 cheaper than an A4.
The probable price for the Superb will start about $40,000 with a 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine.
A 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre TDI unit is also tipped.
SEPTEMBER
AUDI
The sleek A5 and S5 Cabriolet join the Audi ranks just in time for summer.
With quick-folding fabric soft-tops, the cabrios also have plenty of luggage room left with the tops down.
BMW
Slightly bigger and more frugal, the Z4 has taken an evolutionary approach to styling such as the long bonnet and flat belt line, as well as rear-drive powertrain.
The low seating position just in front of the rear axle continues too but for the first time the Z4 will get an automatically retractable hardtop.
A range of three of BMW's silky in-line six-cylinder petrol engines will be available with power outputs ranging from 150kW to 225 kW.
KIA
WITH the Cerato sedan bedding in, Kia will unveil a stylish two-door version.
Based on the Koup concept shown at New York Motor Show last March, the two-door coupe is tipped to bring younger buyers to the brand with its hip styling and possible turbo-charged four cylinder engine.
The third-quarter will also see a facelifted Magentis and next-generation Sorento off-roader.
LEXUS
The 250C coupe-cabrio joins the IS lineup.
Initially available with the silky 2.5-litre six cylinder out of the IS250 sedan mated to six-speed automatic.
The three-part light-weight aluminium roof folds in 20 seconds and Lexus says the car is a true four-seater.
SUBARU
The Exiga wagon is slightly wider, longer and taller than an Outback but like all Subarus shares engines and suspensions.
The front suspension is from the Forester and rear sophisticated multi-link system from the Impreza.
Subaru Australia is still finalising details but expect a naturally-aspirated, 2.0-litre four-cylinder that delivers 108kW at 6000 revs and 191Nm at 3200 revs.
In Japan, Exiga goes head-to-head with the likes of the Mazda CX-7 and Toyota Kluger.
TOYOTA
The Prius gets a major makeover. New more aerodynamic body, more frugal engines and better performance.
Safety and interior packaging have also been improved.
Expect a 1.8-litre four-cylinder driving Toyota's hybrid drive system.
Prices should be cheaper than the current model.
Toyota will also update the Prado off-roader.
OCTOBER
Subaru
The next-generation Liberty and Outback arrive around October with new, bigger bodies and more technology.
Like the Forester and Impreza, the new Liberty and Outback will have more styling differentiation to separate the pair.
Expect new six-speed manuals as well as the 108kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.
The 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre "boxer" petrol engines will be tweaked for better fuel economy and the range-topper is expected to get the Tribeca's 3.6-litre boxer engine.
MITSUBISHI
The Triton-based Challenger will be available with either five or seven-seat capability.
Mitsubishi Australia is finalising specifications but expect 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common-rail turbodiesels well as a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.
NOVEMBER
VOLVO
The Swedes will expand its lineup with a range of fuel-efficient DRIVe models, including C30, S40 and V50 models.
Using a range of aerodynamic aids these models can achieve consumption and CO2 emissions figures as low as 4.4 litres/100km and 115g/km.
DECEMBER
HONDA
The Japanese carmaker launches its Insight petrol electric-hybrid and it is getting aggressive on pricing.
Expect it to be under $30,000.
The Insight will spearhead a range of hybrids, including a CR-Z two-seater and a small city car based on the Jazz.
HYUNDAI
The Korean carmaker's i10 micro hatch will sit below the i20.
In Europe, the i10 is available with a choice of two petrol and turbo-diesel engines.
Australia is expected to get the 58kW/118Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol but the 56kW/155Nm 1.1-litre turbo-diesel is also an option.
PEUGEOT
An off-roader from Peugeot? Yes. The 4007 will be the company's first foray into the lifestyle off-road segment.
Although still to be confirmed, the Peugeot Automobiles Australia is hopeful the 4007 will land before Christmas.
Based on the Mitsubishi Outlander, the 4007 shares much with its Japanese twin.
However, the ace up its sleeve is the 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre common rail turbo-diesel.
This engine should enhance the 4007's potential among rural buyers and snow bunnies looking for Euro chic on the slopes.
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