While the automotive industry continues to grapple with supply-chain issues and production shortages, many exciting fresh models are still on the way.
Some cars were meant to arrive in 2022 and had to be delayed, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on what's coming to local showrooms in 2023.
From a full-sized Ford pick-up to Mazda's first plug-in hybrid, here are the best new cars coming to Australia in 2023 (timing subject to change).
The best new cars coming in 2023
- 01. Mercedes-Benz GLC – July
- 02. Mazda CX-60 – July
- 03. Ford F-150 – Third quarter
- 04. Hyundai Ioniq 6 – March
- 05. Honda CR-V – 2023
- 06. BMW XM - July
- 07. SsangYong Torres - Late 2023
- 08. Chery Omoda 5 - March
- 09. MG4 - July
- 10. Nissan Qashqai e-Power - H2
- 11. Volvo EX30 - Late 2023
- 12. Other new models coming in 2023
01. Mercedes-Benz GLC – July
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To say the GLC mid-size SUV is crucial to the Mercedes-Benz brand is a bit of an understatement, as it often tops the charts as its most popular model.
That's right, more people are keen on a GLC SUV than even the traditional C-Class or even the more affordable GLA crossover.
Due to land in early 2023, the new-generation GLC might not look all that new from the outside, but a thoroughly revised interior and mild-hybrid engine line-up will keep it fresh against rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
Read more about the Mercedes GLC
Mercedes-AMG GLC43
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Mazda CX-60 – July
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Mazda has never been one to shy away from doing things differently from its competitors, and the CX-60 won't break tradition.
Designed to keep buyers in the Mazda family who might look to step up to something German, the CX-60 is built on a new platform and boasts new styling for the Japanese brand, and will enter local showrooms from the middle of 2023.
Under the long bonnet, you'll new six-cylinder engines (petrol and diesel), while the flagship version will house a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for Mazda.
Read more about the Mazda CX-60
03. Ford F-150 – Third quarter
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Not content to let the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado hog the limelight, Ford is bringing its own full-sized pick-up to market from the third quarter of 2023.
Fun fact: The Ford F-150 is the best-selling car in North America, but don't expect it to be as wildly popular here with its price tag surpassing $100,000.
And though the F-150 will be locally converted to right-hand drive to suit local conditions, it will still be backed by a full five-year/unlimited kilometre Ford factor warranty.
04. Hyundai Ioniq 6 – March
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If you just can't stand the thought of buying an SUV, or simply don't need the extra room they can sometimes afford, Hyundai has an alternative to its Ioniq 5 on the way.
Aptly named Ioniq 6, the swoopy sedan is Hyundai's next electric car to hit local showrooms from early 2023.
And if it can replicate the critical success of its Ioniq 5 sibling, it looks like Hyundai will have another sell-out success on its hands. Take that Tesla Model 3!
05. Honda CR-V – 2023
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Honda might have been a pioneer in the hybrid space, but it might have been far too ahead of its time with the Insight and Civic Hybrid.
Now that Toyota has proven the success of electrified powertrains in Australia, Honda is hoping to steal back the limelight with models like the new-generation CR-V.
We're only speculating, the fifth-generation mid-size SUV from Honda will arrive in 2023 however, as the local brand is remaining mum on timing, but given the car was shown off overseas in mid-2022, the timing does work.
Honda CR-V
06. BMW XM - July
The XM is hugely important to BMW for a number of reasons, but the most attention-grabbing fact is that it will be the first dedicated M model since 1978.
Another milestone for the XM is that it is a high-performance SUV (a sign of the times), while also being a plug-in hybrid electric car (another sign of the times!).
And if you think 'quick SUV' is a bit of an oxymoron, well the XM will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds thanks to the electrically assisted 4.4-litre petrol V8 lurking under the bonnet.
07. SsangYong Torres - Late 2023
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SsangYong has changed owners - and names to KG Mobility - but its future model plans remain. The next cab off the rank is the Torres SUV that arrives in late 2023 to battle the Toyota RAV4 and more.
It is bigger than the related Korando, and has a chunkier, more rugged design, but you can expect the Torres to be more expensive, likely starting in the high $30,000 to mid-$40,000 bracket.
08. Chery Omoda 5 - March
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A decade after Chery departed the Australian market following a failed attempt to break in, the Chinese make is back with the Omoda 5 small SUV to kickstart its rebirth.
A direct rival to the likes of the MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion and Mitsubishi ASX, the Omoda 5 is available with one powertrain - for now - and two model grades, kicking off just under $30,000 before on roads.
Chery Omoda5
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. MG4 - July
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MG is keen to re-write the electric vehicle rulebook, first with its ZS EV that was the long-running most affordable EV in Australia, and now with the MG4 that nearly carries on that mantle.
It's priced just $100 north of the BYD Dolphin, but the MG4 promises better drive engagement thanks to a rear-wheel-driving electric motor, as well as a circa-350km driving range thanks to its 51kWh battery.
The electric car tipping point is quickly approaching, and MG is doing its best to accelerate the change.
10. Nissan Qashqai e-Power - H2
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Toyota has had a stranglehold on the hybrid market for too long, and Nissan is looking to wrestle some control from the big T car company.
Nissan is using its unique e-Power hybrid technology, which supposedly drives like an EV as the electric motor is the only thing to drive the wheels.
First the X-Trail came to market in early 2023, but the smaller and more affordable Qashqai version is also expected to make a dent in Toyota's dominance.
11. Volvo EX30 - Late 2023
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Premium cars are expensive, and electric cars are too, so a luxury electric vehicle is out of reach of most buyers, right?
Not with the Volvo EX30, which is slated to land locally later this year, priced from an acceptable $59,990 before on-road costs.
And don't think that because it beats the Tesla Model Y and Kia Niro EV on price, it skimps on any equipment or safety that is not befitting the Volvo badge either.
12. Other new models coming in 2023
Want to know what other new models are due in 2023? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- Best sports cars arriving in 2023
- Best hatchbacks and sedans arriving in 2023
- Best small SUVs and crossovers arriving in 2023
- Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2023
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