Will 2015 be another record year for new-car sales like 2014? Time will tell, but what is clear is that there is no shortage of intriguing new metal coming our way in the next 12 months. Here, we preview some of the hottest new models landing in New Zealand for 2015.
SUVS, CROSSOVERS
The sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment continues to grow in New Zealand, accounting for 29 per cent of all new vehicle sales last year. Little wonder that there's an army of new SUVs on our way in 2015, in every possible size and shape.
City SUVs are hot news at the moment. Stay tuned for the Mazda CX-3, a stylish high-rider based on the Mazda2 supermini, and the Honda HR-V, which borrows its platform from the Jazz. We'll also see a new Suzuki Vitara, which is not to be confused with the current Grand Vitara: this new model is smaller and more urban-oriented rather than a hard-core off-roader.
Not that pint-sized SUVs need fear the rough stuff completely. Jeep is expected to launch its Renegade, an ultra-compact wagon that will retain the off-road performance the brand is famous for. The Renegade is based on a shared platform with the Fiat 500X.
The X1 is now one of the oldest models in BMW's line-up. But not for long: there will be an all-new model launched this year.
Ford Everest
Further up the ladder there's Land Rover's Discovery Sport, with new chassis technology and a seven-seat option - a real step up from the Freelander.
This will be a hot segment in 2015: Mercedes-Benz is aiming for serious volume with its forthcoming GLK crossover, which will finally give it a rival for the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
Kia will launch an all-new Sorento, while Ford will go the tough route with the Australian-designed Everest, a modified version of the Ranger ute that's been transformed into an outdoorsy family wagon.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The renewal of the Lexus model range will continue with a new RX - as-yet unseen but set to pick up some styling cues from the dramatic-looking NX.
But little is expected to top the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe for striking styling: it takes a leaf out of the BMW X6's book to create a four-door coupe from an SUV base.
Audi's new Q7
Audi's new Q7 will hardly be recognisable compared with the current model: it's picked up design cues from the maker's sports models, including bulging wheel arches, and has shed over 300kg thanks to aluminium construction. An e-tron plug-in electric version is also on the cards.
An eagerly awaited premium SUV must be the Volvo XC90. It's been over a decade since the outgoing model's launch. This new one brings the design and technology of the big Volvo bang up to date - including a Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.
Volvo XC90
One of 2015's most exclusive SUVs will be the Maserati Levante - much talked-aboutand finally making its debut.
One of the idiosyncrasies of the Volkswagen Group is that Skoda usually gets first dibs on new supermini technology, ahead of its parent brand. So it is with the about-to-launched Fabia, which leapfrogs its VW Polo sibling with a version of the Group's new MQB platform.
Holden is drawing on the General Motors Opel division to launch a range of niche models rebadged with the Aussie lion in 2015. Its small-car offering will be the Astra GTC, a snappy-looking three-door with a 1.6-litre turbo engine. We'll also see a convertible version of the same car called Cascada.
There'll be yet another Mini body shape this year: a new version of the Clubman. Expect vastly improved passenger and cargo space, as this one will be based on the latest Mini five-door.
FAMILY CARS
Ford New Zealand is on the brink of introducing the latest Mondeo. It's been a long wait, with the outgoing car now nine years old and the new model available in the United States since 2013 (as the Fusion).
There will be a facelift for the Toyota Camry early this year that constitutes a "big minor change" (Toyota's terminology) for the model. A fleet and rental favourite, Camry will gain new styling all round and more comprehensive safety features, although the basic petrol and hybrid powertrains remain unchanged.
VW's new Passat has moved dramatically upmarket in appearance and equipment - which could be good news for buyers, as the brand's local distributor will no doubt be looking to continue with its aggressively pricing policy that aims more at mainstream rivals than the premium brands.
This should also be the year that we finally see Alfa Romeo's all-new replacement for the 159 sedan, which will be called Giulia.
LUXURY CARS
Hyundai Genesis. Photo / Ted Baghurst
Hyundai has launched its Genesis (see page 6): a bold move into the luxury segment by the Korean brand, which will rival the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It's already been named the safest car crash-tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
Hot on the heels of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class last year, BMW will launch a new version of its ultimate sedan, the 7 Series.Jaguar will finally enter the compact-executive market with the XE this year. A new model built around aluminium architecture and introducing Jaguar's fresh range of Ingenium diesel engines, it'll take on the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.
Those who like their sports cars small and perfectly formed are in for a treat with the launch of an all-new Mazda MX-5 this year. It was widely publicised last year, although nobody outside Mazda has actually driven it yet. In some ways it's all change: the roadster embraces Mazda's SkyActiv technology and nothing is carried over. But the essentials are the same: light weight, rear-drive and a focus on the driver.
We'll also see the stunning Alfa Romeo 4C: faster and more upmarket than the little Mazda, but embracing the same ethos of light weight and maximum involvement.
Expect a pair of hot cars from Opel under the Holden umbrella. There will be a go-fast version of the Astra with a 2.0-litre turbo engine and the mid-size Insignia VXR, with a turbo-V6 and all-wheel drive.
Ford Mustang
Ford's new-generation Mustang, the first to be factory built in right-hand drive, has been a talking point for a long time now. It'll land here in both V8 and (here's the controversial bit) EcoBoost four-cylinder versions.
Audi's TT has grown up with each successive generation and the latest is no exception: the all-new model arriving in 2015 is sharper-looking and more technologically advanced than ever before.
You'll hear this one coming: Mercedes-AMG has the outrageous AMG GT coupe on the way, not to mention the C 63 AMG sedan - the first high-performance version of the acclaimed C-Class to appear.
UTES
Nissan Navara.
Toyota will be looking to reclaim glory in the utility segment with a brand new Hilux - perhaps not this year, as the model isn't likely to launch until later in 2015. But certainly in 2016, when the Japanese brand will look to topple the Ford Ranger from the number one spot it took in 2014. Details are scarce at this stage - but rest assured Hilux will be one of the most important launches of the year.
Another established utility star starting fresh this year is the Nissan Navara. The Thai-built truck is larger than the outgoing model but lighter, to take advantage of a downsized turbo-diesel engine range that's up to 25 per cent more efficient than the previous unit.
