7 new car models hitting our shores in 2023

From EVs, hybrids and hatchbacks to SUVs and big-name sports cars, 2023 will be an intense year for new car models hitting Australian shores. Despite the effects of a pandemic and supply-chain issues potentially lingering, and an inflationary crisis swirling, the new car stage in Australia is set for some landmark arrivals coming our way. Here are seven of the biggest models to watch.

Nissan is gunning for Toyota's top-selling RAV4 Hybrid with this new hybrid version of its X-Trail. Available in Ti or topline Ti-L trim, it pairs a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine with a twin electric-motor setup to use less fuel than standard-issue 2.5-litre petrol models do. It should have just arrived in showrooms as you read this.

Dual-cab utes are big business in Australia. In 2022 our nation's biggest seller was Toyota's HiLux and three other utes (Ford's Ranger, Mitsubishi's Triton and Isuzu's D-Max) also ranked among the top 10.

Which makes Volkswagen's new second-generation Amarok a big deal. While essentially a mechanical twin to the new Ranger, the VW gets its own Euro-cool exterior and cabin and some features of its own, including a 2.3-litre petrol engine not offered in the Ford.

This stylish premium Mazda SUV will have BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other Euro-SUV buyers in its sights when it arrives in showrooms soon. Built on a brand-new platform with fresh six-cylinder petrol/diesel engines, it will also debut a plug-in hybrid drivetrain – Mazda's first.

Hybrid pioneer Toyota finally jumps into the EV space with this edgy looker, which will also be sold by Subaru as the Solterra. While Toyota is yet to confirm local pricing and specifications of its rival to EV SUVs such as Tesla's Model Y – and its original early-2023 launch has been pushed back – it should be here before 2023 is out.

MG already sells one of Australia's cheapest EVs, the ZS EV SUV, and this small hatchback should lower the mark even further. This MG has been built from the ground up as an EV and will be offered in two battery capacities, with the 'Long Range' model touting up to 450km of driving range.

Ferrari has finally relented and built an SUV to compete with Lamborghini, Bentley and other top-end brands. The V12-powered Purosangue certainly looks like a Ferrari and goes like one, sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds. But with seating for four, a useable boot and all-road ability, it's not just something for two on sunny Sunday mornings.

The Ford Mustang has long been the yardstick for car lovers who crave a relatively affordable performance V8. Now a new ‘Stang’ is coming. Built on the same key underpinnings as the current car, the new Ford Mustang has a noticeably freshened exterior and a big tech upgrade, as well as a power boost for its turbo four-cylinder and V8 engines.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}