Here’s a summary of the latest SUV and 4WD model news from the 2012 Australian International Motorshow direct from Sydney (19-29 October)! More updates as we get more time with the various new models.
2013 Ford Kuga
The all new Ford Kuga will be released very shortly and although only checked it out at the show and haven’t driven it yet we think this model if the price is right will be a new benchmark! The build quality and materials are better than any of the existing compact SUVs and it gives you a great impression first off.
2013 Ford Ecosport
Looks good in real life and not all that small – slightly larger than the Fiesta. Blacked out windows…
2013 Honda CR-V
An all new Honda CR-V will finally be released in Nov this year. It’s a refinement of the name plate that we regard as a benchmark SUV. An all new 2.0 litre engine for the 2WD only versions at a competitive price of $27,490-42,290. The on demand AWD versions will have an updated and more powerful 2.4 litre engine. All models will have updated equipment and options!
2013 Holden Colorado 7
The Colorado 7 is the wagon version of the ute. It should be an interesting addition to the country. It looks hideous though.
2013 Isuzu MU (Mysterious Utility) or D-Max 7
The MU is the D-MAX based 7 seater SUV wagon. BTW it looks equally hideous as per the Colorado 7.
2013 Infiniti FX
The Infiniti FX is in the same class as the Lexus RX series. The aggressive curves in pictures don’t translate in real life and the FX is actually much more stylish and cohesive design! Arguably not as refined the RX it makes up for it in the power house engine options and lots of impressive buttons to look at.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
The new Santa Fe SUV is one of the better looking SUVs to be released next year. The interior is up to market standards and the exterior design while conservative is quite stylish. In fact they probably followed the Kia design themes rather than Hyundai’s slightly awkward curves. The biggest problem is pricing, the Santa Fe does not feel more expensive than the competitors. We think Hyundai has tickets it’s self like what they did with the extremely over priced i20.
2013 Land Rover Freelander
Updated version and price cuts for an under-rated and ordinary cheap looking SUV. It’s tagged a Land Rover as opposed to the luxury Ranger Rover brand… Nonetheless many would have expected a much more substantial update including us are very disappointed. Thankfully its cheaper $42,000 – 68,400 but the base model is a manual. Why bother selling it at all?
2013 Range Rover
The updated Ranger Rover looks and feels the part but borrowing the styling from the smaller Evoque. Only if you can afford it…
2013 Nissan Patrol
Finally the all new Nissan Luxury 4WD will be released with a $82,200 entry level price tag. It’s been sold for a few years now but hasn’t aged. It’s not over priced when compared to the 200 series Toyota LandCruiser. In fact it probably sits above the LandCruiser competing against the Lexus equivalent.
2013 Mazda CX-9
Mazda has revised the CX-9 for 2012 with a new corporate front end design which will take some time to get used to. It’s because at some angles it just doesn’t look right. Apart from that no changes – but expect high maintenance costs due to old V6 engine and 20 inch tyres!
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
There’s an all new model to be released in November 2012 as a 2013 model with revised model line up and a new smaller 2.0 litre engine for base models and 2WD and the usual 2.4 litre for the regular AWD models. It looks conservative overall except for the front which doesn’t work quite well. $28,990 – 45,490 price range. The interior design/materials are below Kia and Hyundai and even the smaller ASX. The new Outlander is a marketing and design mistake in our view.
2013 Nissan Duke
The best selling overseas and unique looking Duke will be released later in 2013. No price announcements or definite specifications. It’s a weird but brilliant looking small SUV. It looks much better in real life… Not displayed at the show though.
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Updated V8 power and sportier suspension – should be a hoot to drive but it is not aggressive just bloated. Not at the show though.