Latest And Greatest: Five Much-Loved Cars Get An Upgrade
Despite the turmoil, 2021 is proving to be a big year for the Australian motor industry, with a raft of exciting new-model releases being complemented by some fresh brands on the scene.
By Shell on Sep. 01, 2021
It's also a time of generational overhaul for some of the motoring world's biggest names. Here are five that are on sale now or coming soon.
Toyota LandCruiser, from $89,990 plus on-road costs
The much-anticipated new generation of Toyota's legendary off-roader has just been revealed ahead of a fourth-quarter Australian arrival. The new 300 Series swaps its predecessor's V8 turbodiesel engine/six-speed auto drivetrain for a more powerful twin-turbodiesel V6/10-speed auto combo that's also thriftier to boot. It's lighter, ramps up the safety/infotainment technology and is claimed to drive better and be the most capable Cruiser ever when the going gets tough. The line-up also includes a brand-new off-road optimised model, the GR Sport.
Volkswagen Golf, from $29,350 plus on-road costs
VW's evergreen small car has just moved into its eighth generation and, as always, it looks like... a Golf. But its all-new cabin ups the in-car tech ante with a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment combo, while its beefed-up safety includes a 'Travel Assist' feature claimed to deliver near-fully autonomous driving capabilities on the highway. Under the bonnet, the familiar 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol remains but now hooked up to a conventional automatic transmission. Sporty GTI models continue with VW's dual-clutch transmission and a sprightlier 2.0-litre turbo engine.
Isuzu MU-X, from $47,900 plus on-road costs
This seven-seat Isuzu has been a mainstay for families, off-roaders and Grey Nomads alike since 2013 and now an all-new model has just gone on sale.
The new MU-X is a more refined beast with a brand-new body, cabin and turbo-diesel drivetrain. It's also received a comprehensive technology update that includes auto-emergency braking, a unique centre-front airbag and all the latest infotainment toys.
Other changes include more towing capacity, a bigger fuel tank and new electronic driver aids to help it off the beaten track.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, pricing TBA
The latest generation of Benz's ever-popular mid-sized luxury sedan is a technological marvel that can communicate with smart home devices, allowing the driver to check if they turned the air-con on or ask it if someone is inside their house.
Other big news – no more six-cylinder or V8 engines, just fuel-sipping turbo petrol/diesel four-cylinders and petrol-electric hybrids, with the latter offering about 100km of electric-only driving. The first models are due in Australia in the fourth quarter.
Subaru WRX, pricing TBA
An all-new version of Subaru's rally-bred pocket rocket made its world debut on August 19 ahead of an early-2022 Australian release.
The new WRX will pack more mumbo via a new 2.4-litre turbo 'boxer' engine and get a more contemporary serve of driver-assist safety and in-car technology. Riding on the company's new Global Platform, it will be bigger and roomier.
While teaser images released so far have kept its fresh new look mostly hidden, it's expected to have more than a little in common with Subaru's aggressive-looking Viziv Performance concept car of 2017.