By The CarBuyer Team

2009 LOOKS TO be a mixed bag for car manufacturers as the effects of the global economic slowdown takes hold. While some manufacturers like Honda have announced their plans to cut back on production, there are others like Audi who continue to surge ahead with bold new releases.

For most of us though, there’s Kia’s exciing new range to look forward to as well as new versions of popular cars like the Toyota Wish, Lexus RX and Mazda 3. Read on for the full story!

ALFA ROMEO

Model: MiTo

When: 1st Quarter

What’s new: The all-new MiTo rockets in to tempt a new generation of Alfisti with hot hatch performance and the sort of styling that only the Italians could pull off. The front wheel-drive MiTo gets a three-door body and pricing that undercuts the Mini One, giving you some idea of the upwardly-mobile, style-conscious customers it’s pitched at.

With 1.4-litre turbo power giving it 155bhp, it should be a blast to drive. It’s also got a five-star EuroNCAP crash score, and seven airbags as standard. And if it seems strangely familiar, that’s because the front-end styling was inspired by the 8C, Alfa’s Ferrari-rivalling one-off supercar.

How much: $80,000 with COE, plus-minus

AUDI

Model: S4

When: 2nd Quarter

What’s new: The hottest A4 blasts into town to take on the BMW 335i, with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 giving it 333bhp to play with, and effortless stomp from 440Nm of torque. A tricky sport differential helps it defeat understeer, and it has a double-clutch seven-speed semi-auto.

How much: just under $230,000 with COE is our guess

Model: S3 Sportback

When: 3rd Quarter

What’s new: Come July or so you’ll be able to have the in handsome, 265bhp S3 in ‘Sportback’ five-door form.

How much: $170,000 with COE or thereabouts

Model: A3 Cabriolet

When: 2nd Quarter

What’s new: This soft-topped A3 will sell on looks and cabin quality alone, but 1.8-litre turbo power gives it decent pace, too: 160bhp and 100km/h in 8.0 seconds. A surefire hit.

How much: $157,300 with COE

Model: A5 and S5 Cabriolet

When: August/September

What’s new: Take the gorgeous A5 and drop its top, and there’s a good chance the buyers will be queuing. The cloth roof disappears in 15 seconds and leaves a (relatively huge) 320 litres of boot space, while engine options encompass a 2.0-litre turbo (211bhp) and 3.2-litre V6 (265bhp). The S5 version (pictured) gets 333bhp from a supercharged 3.0-litre V6.

How much: Starting at a little over $200,000 with COE, and rising to perhaps $270,000 for the S5.

Model: Q5

When: March

What’s new: A small SUV (or Sports Utility Vehicle) to rival the BMW X3, the Q5 should deliver the usual Audi virtues of flawless cabin quality and agile handling. The ubiquitous 2.0TFSI engine provides 211bhp, so brisk performance is a given.

How much: Our guess? $165,000 with COE

Model: R8 V10

When: 4th Quarter

What’s new: Audi rounds off the year with a bang when the V10 version of the R8 gets its launch. Borrowing 5.2-litre direct injection Lambo power, the range-topping R8 will hit 315km/h, passing 100 in 3.9 seconds and 200km/h in another eight seconds or so. That’s serious, Ferrari-rivalling performance. Watch for a test drive report in CarBuyer 118.

Bigger brakes and styling tweaks mark out the V10, which will be the first model to herald a family of R8s. Expect a diesel R8 to appear somewhere, and more relevant to us, a topless Spyder model sometime in the future.

How much: It’ll be expensive: at least $650,000 by our reckoning.

Audi Story: Audi keeps the model pipeline gushing

COMING OFF THE BACK of a prodigiously packed 2008, Audi is still set for a busy 2009. There seems to be no end in sight for the company’s model onslaught, and even as it expands into ever more niches, it’s determined plump up its mainstream model range as well.

In fact, within the next few weeks the hugely-successful A4 family gets new power, courtesy of the 2.0TFSI engine first deployed in the Volkswagen GTI.

Tuned for 211bhp, the turbocharged, direct-injection four cylinder will be coupled with Audi’s Multitronic CVT (or Continuously Variable Transmission), driving all four wheels through the company’s quattro system. In the A4, quattro should be tuned for rearward-bias to make it handle and feel more like the rear-drive competition from BMW and Merc.

The new engine will add an A4 2.0TFSI to the pricelist, along with an Avant station wagon model and a coupe A5 version. These sit about 1.8-litre turbo versions of the A4, and will go head-to-head against BMW’s 325i in its various forms.

With these variants out of the way, Audi will get down to launching new models that see it entering everything from compact SUV turf to Ferrari’s hallowed ground. Whatever it case, the ambitious firm from Ingolstadt definitely gets the Busy Beaver Award for 2009.

BMW

Model: 7 Series

When: 1st Quarter

What’s new: The all-new 7 Series is the embodiment of how BMW has given its flagship a sporty rethink. It’s packed with advanced chassis tech to make it ride and handle beautifully, like active dampers, and variable steering ratio system that works on all four wheels, both of which boost low-speed agility and aid high-speed stability.

Aggressive styling banishes the controversial looks of the last model, and the cabin architecture is now more straightforward and conventional. 3.0-litre and 4.5-litre twin turbos in long wheelbase bodies are slated for launch here first (as 740Li and 750Li models). A based model (most likely to be a 730Li) only hits Singapore in 2010.

How much: Over $300,000 with COE for the 740Li is our guess. Add $100,000 for the 750Li.

Model: Z4

When: Around June

What’s new: The Z4 moves steadily upmarket. It’s bigger and heavier than the car it replaces, but offers refinements like a roomier cabin and a folding hard-top. BMW says it has worked hard to improve ride quality, too, with an active damper system supposed to be especially pliant.

No word on what model gets here first, but the range kicks off with sDrive23i (2.5-litre, 204bhp) and sDrive30i (3.0-litre, 258bhp) versions either in six-speed manual or auto form. The sDrive35i (3.0-litre twin turbo, 306bhp) has a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch semi-auto which hits 100km/h in 5.1 seconds. All have straight-six engines.

How much: over $200,000 with COE for the sDrive23i, rising to the quarter-million mark for the sDrive35i.

CHANA

Model: Benni automatic

When: 2nd quarter

What’s new: The typical cheap and cheerful city car that the Chinese seem to do best are usually handicapped by the lack of an automatic gearbox, but Chana address this with an auto for the Benni, which should help find buyers for the well-specced and reasonably roomy hatch.

How much: either side of $35,000 with COE

CHERY

Model: A3 2.0

When: 2nd Quarter

What’s new: China’s most ambitious and prolific carmaker kicks off its year with the A3, a compact car that will be launched in four-door and five-door (pictured) variants here. Expect 1.6-litre versions to join the range at some point, but at launched it will be offered with Chery’s in-house 2.0-litre Acteco engine.

The 130bhp, Pininfarnia-styled machine looks like China’s most complete effort so far, and the arrival of the genuinely stylish A3 should give Toyota Vios buyers who want more poke an additional choice to ponder.

How much: $40,000 with COE is our guess, with generous spec to sweeten the deal.

Model: Fulwin II/Storm

When: 3rd Quarter

What’s new: Another compact sedan form Chery looks to be a recession-buster for family car buyers. Interestingly, the car’s name has yet to be finalised for our market, and right now ‘Storm’ is being favoured over ‘Fulwin II’.

It’s most likely a replacement for the outdated but super-cheap A168, with similar sizing but far more modern looks and engineering. Four-speed auto and five-speed manual transmissions will be paired with a 1.5-litre from Chery’s Acteco family of engines, which was jointly engineered by the Chinese with Austrian consultants.

How much: $35,000 with COE or thereabouts should make it the perfect car for the times.

CHEVROLET

Model: Epica

When: February

What’s new: A minor facelift keeps things fresh for Chevy’s Camry-buster, but the big news is the introduction of a new six-speed automatic for both 2.0 and 2.5-litre models. It improves both acceleration and fuel economy, making the Epica even bigger on the value-for-money front.

How much: $67,000 with COE for the 2.0, $73,000 for the 2.5.

Model: Captiva Diesel

When: March

What’s new: Diesel power has yet to catch on here, but perhaps the Captiva will change that. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel coming in March actually outperforms its 2.4-litre petrol sibling, with more power (148bhp against 136bhp), gobs more torque (320Nm versus 220Nm) and, at 11.5km per litre of fuel economy, lower fuel consumption.

How much: under $90,000 with COE

Model: Cruze

When: 4th Quarter, or possibly 2010

What’s new: Sharp styling, classier cabin materials and frugal drivetrains are all promised by the Chevrolet Cruze, which is targeted for launch by the end of the year, but might end up kicking off Chevy’s 2010 instead.

The Toyota Corolla rival replaces the Optra Magnum in Chevy’s lineup, and will arrive with 1.6-litre (112bhp) and 1.8-litre (140bhp) engine options, with a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions, the latter allowing Chevy to leapfrog Japanese rivals still stuck with four-speeders.

How much: Prices should start at just over $50,000 with COE.

CITROEN

Model: C4

When: Q2

What’s new: Citroen’s mid-sized hatchback gets a mild makeover for 2009, with new front-end styling that echoes the C5’s. The lower grille is now much larger and it’s flanked by redesigned fog lamp housings.

The old 1.6-litre powerplant has been replaced by a new, more efficient one co-developed by BMW and Peugeot-Citroen. Also a 1.6, the engine available in 120bhp (naturally aspirated) and 140bhp (turbocharged) models. The latter will also be available in both five- and seven-seat versions of the C4 Picasso MPV.

How much: $66,988 for the 120bhp C4 five-door hatchback, other variants TBA.

Model: C5

When: February

What’s new: The new C5 was soft-launched in Singapore late last year and will make its official premiere next month. It ditches its predecessor’s hatchback body style in favour of a more upmarket four-door saloon shape, making it Citroen’s most direct challenger yet to the established German compact executive brigade. A roomy station wagon is also available.

Buyers can choose between 143bhp 2.0 four-cylinder and 215bhp 3.0 V6 engines. All versions are fitted with Citroen’s trademark hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension as standard.

How much: Prices start at just over $100,000 for the entry-level 2.0 saloon.

FERRARI

Model: California

When: H2

What’s new: This is the first Ferrari in many years that doesn’t directly replace an older model. The California is designed to appeal to a wide range of customers, some of whom might find the brand’s other models too overtly sporty. Other Ferrari firsts on the car include direct fuel injection, a twin-clutch gearbox and a retractable hardtop.

Don’t for a moment think that the California is a boulevard cruiser, though. Its 4.3-litre V8 pumps out 460bhp, enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of under four seconds, and high-performance ceramic brakes are standard. Local pricing has not been announced, but expect the car to cost slightly more than the F430.

How much: Like they say, if you need to ask… well all right, probably around $800,000-$850,000.

FIAT

Model: Bravo Multijet

When: January

What’s new: This is the second diesel-powered Fiat passenger car to be sold here, arriving several months after the 1.3-litre Punto Multijet. The Bravo Multijet has a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with an impressive 120bhp on tap, plus an impressive 300Nm of torque available at just 1500rpm.

The car accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds and has a 195km/h top speed, yet manages to record a fuel consumption figure of 20.4km/litre in the combined cycle. A six-speed semi-automatic transmission is standard.

How much: $90,900 with COE

FORD

Model: Fiesta

When: Q2

What’s new: The new Fiesta is a real fresh breath of air in the compact hatchback segment. Ford may have gone conservative with the styling of the latest Focus and Mondeo, but the Fiesta shows it still has the guts to be bold. It’s built on the same platform which underpins the excellent Mazda 2, which should give it fine road manners too.

The cabin is as adventurously styled as the exterior and it feels nicely upmarket, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and solid switchgear. Power comes from a 96bhp 1.4-litre engine, mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Both the three- and five-door models will be offered here and Ford promises very attractive pricing.

How much: Likely to be around $60,000 with COE

Model: Kuga

When: Q3

What’s new: Ford may be late to the compact SUV party but it has at least arrived in some style. The Kuga looks striking, with a bold front end and deep creases along the flanks giving it real presence on the road. It’s based on the Focus, so expect a fine ride/handling balance. A four-wheel drive system is standard, with power going predominantly to the front wheels in normal driving conditions.

If there’s one thing that may stand between the Kuga and sales success in Singapore, it’s the car’s engine. The Volvo-sourced 2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder with 200bhp is a wonderfully charismatic unit, but some buyers might baulk at the higher road tax and fuel bills.

How much: Probably around the $110,000 mark

HONDA

Model: Freed

When: Third quarter 2009

What’s new: The Freed is Honda’s all new multi-purpose vehicle based on the current Jazz platform that’s been stretched with a 240mm increase in wheelbase to 2740mm. Already released in Japan on May 2008, the Freed is available in either five, seven or eight seat configurations with numerous trim options too. Pictured here is the eight-seater Aero trim version.

It’s too early to say exactly which of these will be offered, but there is only one engine variant – the 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit as found in the Jazz. Japanese models also have CVT gearboxes but we’ll have to make do with the regular five-speed automatic transmission. Judging from the clever packaging and sales of the latest Jazz, it’s likely to be a hit.

How much: Expect it to fall into the mid-$60,000 price range.

KIA

Model: Koup (seen in picture in concept car form)

When: Third quarter 2009

What’s new: Now this car has the power to surprise – Kia’s very first sports coupe, the Koup, debuted in concept form earlier this year, designed by Kia Motors America Design Center. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged version of the Theta II engine, with quoted figures standing at 290bhp and 391Nm of torque. 4WD ensures all this power isn’t wasted on wheelspin and should give the car serious pace, that is if weight is kept down.

The most amazing thing is, according to local Kia representatives, the production car will closely match the concept and land here by the third quarter of 2009. We’re keeping our fingers crossed, but if it’s true then this is will be a huge step forward for not just Kia, but Korean brands in general.

How much: Assuming the Koup survives the concept-to-production process intact as claimed, then it’ll be a strong competitor for the Subaru WRX hatchback and cost around $70,000 to $80,000.

Model: Soul

When: April 2009

What’s new: The Soul Concept which Kia showed back in 2006 has finally hit production and will be on sale in 2009. It’ll be Kia’s all-new take on a funky, small hatchback, offering an alternative to the more staid Cerato sedan. Competition will be thus be Japanese and likely to be less costly than the Nissan Latio but more expensive than the similar-looking Daihatsu Materia.

Kia has mentioned two international variants, the 121bhp 1.6-litre (as will probably be found in the new Cerato Forte) and a 145bhp 2.0-litre engine as found in the current Kia Carens, but only the 1.6-litre version will be offered here. It’ll come with the option of Kia’s standard five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

How much: The Soul has the looks to be marketed as a premium small hatch so depending on the specification so expect prices to be in the $50,000 to $60,000 range.

Model: Cerato Forte

When: February 2009

What’s new: The Cerato Forte is Kia’s new small sedan model. Known as just the Forte in Korea, it’s actually a completely new model that’ll replace the current Cerato and not a derivative or facelift. It will be available here with a 1.6-litre engine and choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions.

Kia’s new design language also debuts on this car. While the interior is still an unknown at this point, it looks to be a huge improvement over the current Cerato and has the potential to worry competitors like the Proton Persona or Suzuki SX4.

How much: It should cost as much or a little bit more than the current Cerato, in the range of $50,000.

Model: Sorento

When: 3rd Quarter 2009

What’s new: This sport utility vehicle is making a comeback to local shores, receiving a facelift in the process. Previously only a 3.5-litre engine option was available but sales were sluggish. The new inline four-cylinder 2.4-litre engine should make buyers considering the Hyundai Santa Fe to sit up and take notice.

How much: It should be priced to offer more bang for your back than rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and the Santa Fe so expect it to cost less than $80,000.

LAMBORGHINI

Model: Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

When: March 2009

What’s new: Hot on the heels of the LP 560-4 coupe comes the Spyder version for those with drop-top fantasies. The convertible gets the same dynamic increases as the coupe: a 40bhp power bump to 560bhp, a 20kg weight reduction to 1550kg, and 0-100 time of four seconds flat along with improvements to emissions and fuel efficiency thanks to direct-injection technology. Open-top motoring features include a soft-top that takes 20 seconds to deploy and safety bars which take just 250 milliseconds to activate.

How much: The current LP 560-4 costs $898,000, and the Spyder should command a $30,000 premium over that.

LEXUS

Model: RX range

When: RX350 first quarter, RX450h first half

What’s new: The uber-popular RX sport utility vehicle range all get a makeover, mostly the front end where the new standout feature is IS-esque angular headlamps. Other new features are a double-wishbone rear suspension, revised MacPherson fronts and new iDrive-style controller system called Lexus Remote Touch.

The RX350 petrol-engined mainstay gets an improved 3.5-litre V6 engine that now produces 275bhp (3bhp more), linked to a new, six-speed slushbox.

The RX450h, an evolution of the old RX400h hybrid, also gets a 3.5-litre V6 but with an all-new Atkinson cycle design for increased efficiency. Lexus quotes a combined (with electric motor) power of 295bhp. An exhaust heat recovery system means the engine can be used less of the time, while a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, also helps to improve fuel economy.

How much: The new RX350 will retail for $165,000 with COE. While pricing for the RX450h has yet to be confirmed expect it to cost slightly more than the current $161,000 for the RX400h because of all the new tech.

LOTUS

Model: Evora

When: April 2009

What’s new: The first brand-new model from Lotus since the Elise debuted in 1995, the Evora is aimed at widening the company’s mass-market appeal by combining classic Lotus philosophy (light weight and razor-sharp performance) but with more refinement, usability and luxury.

The four-seater (2+2) coupe will use a Toyota engine: a mid-mounted 280bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine found in the Lexus GS450h hybrid. Lotus claims a prototype weight of 1350kg, less than most cars but more than the sub-tonne Exige and Elise models. Interior concessions include a multi-media touchscreen system, electric mirrors and the ability to accommodate adults of 1.9-metres in height.

How much: A direct competitor to the Porsche Cayman S and Mercedes-Benz SLK, expect it to cost around $300,000.

MASERATI

Model: Quattroporte Sport GT S

When: Q1

What’s new: Meet the highest-performance variant of the Quattroporte yet. The Sport GT S makes its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show next week and is scheduled to arrive in Singapore just two months later. Modifications to the 4.7-litre V8’s electronic control unit push the power output up by 8bhp to 438bhp, while the gearbox has been programmed for quicker shifts.

Visually, the car differs from the current Quattroporte S by having black instead of chrome trim around the doors, metallic-finished headlamps, a black grille with red accents and black twin oval exhaust pipes. It also sits slightly lower to the road.

How much: Not confirmed, but set aside around $520,000 to be safe

MAZDA

Model: 3

When: 2nd half of 2009

What’s new: The totally redesigned Mazda 3 is expected to go on sale in Singapore in the later half of 2009, and to keep it on the top of its game in the highly competitive small sedan segment it has grown in size. Mazda claims that it will be one of the longest cars in its class, with major upgrades to its build quality and driving dynamics.

How much: $60,000 or so

Model: MX-5 facelift

When: 1st quarter 2009

What’s new: The MX-5 gets a few mechanical tweaks and some cosmetic updates to keep it fresh. What we do know for sure is that it’ll still be a fun number to drive.

How much: It’s likely to cost the same as the current one.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Model: E-Class

When: 2nd half of 2009

What’s new: Scheduled for worldwide launch in the middle of 2009, but pictures leaked onto the internet in late 2008 gave many their first glance of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The car continues the design language first established with the current C-Class, dropping the rounded, curved surfaces for sharper, more angular lines.

What we do know is that the new E-Class is going to be 70mm longer than its predecessor, and the higher specification cars will have LED daytime running lights. Features like the lane departure warning system are likely to be available for the car as well. The most powerful of the regular E-Classes to be launched will be the 5.5-litre engined V8, though the E 63 AMG will be the ultimate in E-Class performance.

An E-Class coupe will also be launched next year, replacing the aging CLK.

How much: From $200,000 for a basic E 200

MINI

Model: Cabriolet

When:1st quarter of 2009

What’s new: Essentially a roofless version of the current Mini, the Cabriolet will feature an automatically retractable canvas roof that is designed to fold away in just 15 seconds. Like its hard topped sibling, a regular Cooper and performance oriented Cooper S version will be made.

A feature unique to the Mini Cabriolet is the Openometer, a dial that records the amount of time the car is driven with the top open.

How much: Expect it to start from the low $110,000 range

MITSUBISHI

Model: Lancer EX Ralliart

When: March/April 2009

What’s new: It was expected to be launched by the end of 2008, but has been delayed until early 2009. The Lancer EX Ralliart is a replacement for the old Lancer Turbo, and will feature some bits from the Lancer Evolution X, including the twin-clutch SST transmission. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developing 240bhp.

Official sources say that both a sedan and sportback version of the Lancer EX Ralliart will be made available here.

How much: Expected to be in the $85,000 to $95,000 region

Model: Lancer Sportback

When: August 2009

What’s new: Essentially a hatchback version of the current Lancer EX, the Lancer Sportback will first be launched here with a 1.8-litre, 143bhp engine.

Model: Outlander G-line

When: January 2009

What’s new: A fully kitted out version of the Outlander, the new G-line gets 18-inch RAYS alloy wheels, full leather upholstery and aerodynamic body kit as standard.

How much: Around $110,000

Model: iMIEV

When: Fourth quarter 2009

What’s new: An exciting new electric vehicle that will be brought in for tests here, the iMIEV can be charged from a 100v or 200v power source. You probably won’t be able to buy it yet, but it shows the potential for electric plug-and-play cars here.

How much: We don’t know yet!

NISSAN

Model: 370Z

When: 2nd half of 2009

What’s new: The 370Z will replace the 350Z when it arrives here. Powered by a 3.7-litre, 332bhp engine, it’s immediately obvious that it’s going to be Nissan’s most powerful Z car to date. It will retain the traditional rear wheel-drive layout of the Z car, and while it looks very similar to the 350Z it replaces, it will use a lighter and shorter chassis, which should make for even more bang-for-buck performance.

How much: Estimated to be around $170,000

Model: Cube

When: 2nd half of 2009

What’s new: Funky is the best way to describe the Nissan Cube. A hatchback featuring the circles within squares theme throughout, the boxy car’s standout feature is the asymmetric rear window which wraps around one side of the car. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre engine.

How much: Expect it to cost around $70,000

Model: GT-R

When: 1st half of 2009

What’s new: While local roads are already flooded with parallel imported versions, we’re still waiting for local Nissan distributor Tan Chong Motor to start selling the GT-R here. Much has been said about the car that eats Porsche 911s for breakfast, and its 3.8-litre, twin-turbo engine mated to the six-speed dual clutch semi-automatc gearbox is a masterpiece of Japanese engineering.

How much: Likely to start from around $350,000 with COE

OPEL

Model: Insignia

When: 3rd quarter of 2009

What’s new: The Opel Insignia takes the place of the Vectra in the brand’s product catalog, and the muscular, fluidly styled executive car has been designed to compete with the likes of the Ford Mondeo back in Europe. It marks a new design direction for the Opel brand, with the shield-like front grille taking centrestage on the face of the car. Local release details have yet to be confirmed, but expect it to come with a 2.0-litre engine.

How much: We guess around the $125,000 region.

PERODUA

Model: Myvi

When: 1st quarter of 2009

What’s new: One of the best-selling cars from across the Causeway will soon be available at the local Perodua showroom. The facelifted Perodua Myvi is expected to be launched here by April, and while the engine remains as the same Daihatsu-sourced 1.3-litre unit from the pre-facelift car, the Myvi’s exterior gets a makeover with new bumpers and a reshaped bonnet.

How much: From $45,000

PEUGEOT

Model: 308 CC

When: 3rd quarter of 2009

What’s new: The 308 CC will be joining the Peugeot range here before the end of 2009. Essentially a coupe-cabriolet version of the 308 hatchback, the 308 CC can also be viewed as the larger sibling to the 307 CC. It will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, with the ability to seat four adults comfortably. The automatic roof takes 20 seconds to deploy.

How much: Expect it to start from the low $110,000 range

Model: 308 SW

When: 3rd quarter of 2009

What’s new: Peugeot’s new 308 SW continues with the 307 SW’s clever MPV within a station wagon idea. It looks like a regular wagon from the outside, but a third row of seats can be deployed to turn it into a full seven-seater. It will share the same engines with the current 308 hatchback, which is the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre and 1.6-litre turbo.

How much: We’re estimating $90,000

PORSCHE

Model: Cayman

When:2009

What’s new: Porsche fans can now rejoice as the German sportscar maker fits its new dual clutch semi-automatic gearbox to the Cayman for 2009. Called the PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), the new gearbox replaces the fully automatic Tiptronic S transmission currently in use.

The car also gets a new 2.9-litre, 255bhp boxer engine that’s 20bhp more powerful than the current 2.7-litre engine. The sportier Cayman S will have its power output upped by 25bhp to 320bhp through the use of direct fuel injection.

Externally, the Cayman gets redesigned headlight housings with integrated direction indicators reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

How much: From around $250,000 for the basic Cayman

Model: Boxster

When: 2009

What’s new: The Porsche Boxster gets a new 255bhp, 2.9-litre engine while the Boxster S gets its power output upped to 310bhp courtesy of a new 3.4-litre engine. PDK will be made available with the Boxster, and Porsche says that its quick shifting efficiency helps the Boxster cover 11.2km per litre on the combined cycle, an 11 percent improvement over the old automatic gearbox.

How much: Expect to fork out round $240,000 for the base model Boxster

RENAULT

Model: Laguna Coupe

When: First half of 2009

What’s new: The coupe version of the Laguna gets a much sleeker looking exterior design though it shares many of its hatchback brother’s styling cues. Local Renault distributor Wearnes Automotive has not finalised the engine variants that will be sold here yet but it is highly likely that the blown 170bhp 2.0-litre engine of the Laguna will be included in the lineup. For overseas markets, the range-topping variant gets a 240bhp 3.5-litre V6 but it is unlikely that it will be offered here given most Singaporean car buyers’ distaste for big capacity engines.

How much: Expect the Laguna Coupe to command a premium over its five-door hatchback brethren.

SAAB

Model: 9-3X

When: Unconfirmed but a source at local Saab distributor Trans Eurokars says the car will be launched within the year

What’s new: The Saab 9-3X is set to go head to to head with the Volvo XC70. There are no official details on the off-roading estate cross-over at the moment. But spyshots circulating on the internet show that the 9-3X like its Swedish compatriot will get a jacked-up suspension system and a more rugged looking exterior courtesy of unpainted plastic body cladding.

How much: It should be priced around the same $170k region as the XC70.

SKODA

Model: Superb

When: February 2009

What’s new: The flagship of the Skoda range spearheads the brand’s rejuvenation in Singapore. The brand’s local distributor Harvest Automobiles touts it as a Toyota Camry rival and promises that the car will be priced competitively. The motoring press overseas have already heaped praises on the Superb for its luxurious and spacious interior.

A major selling point is the Twindoor hatch, a unique and patented tailgate opening system. The bootlid can either be opened normally or by pressing a separate release the entire tailgate including the rear window lifts to make the luggage compartment more accessible. This feature effectively makes the Superb both a sedan and a hatchback. There are two engine options: a 158bhp turbocharged 1.8-litre in-line four mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 256bhp 3.6-litre V6 equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

How much: Based on the current Camry prices expect the 1.8-litre Superb to be priced close to $80,000 while the 3.6-litre variant could retail around the $100k to $120k region.

Model: Octavia facelift

When: Targeted end April 2009

What’s new: Skoda’s answer to the usual Japanese runabouts gets a new nose, bigger wing mirrors and a redesigned rear end. Inside, the Czech company claims the quality of materials used have been upgraded along with use of higher quality switchgear. It now comes with a 120bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre in-line four (shared with the Golf) mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission instead of the 100bhp 1.6-litre found in the outgoing model.

How much: Judging from the value card played by Skoda’s local distributor Harvest Automobiles expect the facelifted Octavia to be priced quite similarly to the outgoing model’s $60,000 plus asking price.

TOYOTA

Model: Prius

When: 1st half of 2009

What’s new: No official details have been released on the new Prius as yet. But in pictures that have been leaked onto the Internet (shown above) and which Toyota itself confirms is the new Prius, the exterior design looks very similar to the one on the outgoing model except that it has an even more streamlined profile and a wedgier front end. Rumours abound that this third generation model will get a more powerful engine, a bigger electric motor and even a plug-in function.

According to Toyota GM managing director Miguel Fonseca, the next generation Prius will keep its petrol hybrid concept but will be cleaner than the current model and sportier.

“It will be cleaner, with CO2 emissions below 100g/km,” he added.

“We could have gone lower, but instead we have chosen to give the Prius better performance.”

How much: Expect it to be priced around the same or marginally more than the outgoing model.

Model: Wish

When: 2nd half of 2009

What’s new: Toyota’s big selling medium sized Multi Purpose Vehicle undergoes a full model change. Although no official details have been released, we can assume that like its predecessor, it will be based on the underpinnings of the current Corolla Altis. What we can be sure of is that it will be a hot seller like its predecessor when it finally lands here.

How much: Should be priced around the same as the outgoing model.

VOLKSWAGEN

Model: Passat CC

When: 1st quarter of 2009

What’s new: A stylish four-door coupe version of the Passat. This car follows the trend set by Mercedes-Benz with its four-door CLS coupe. It will most likely be available with two engine options, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit (shared with the Golf GTI) and a 300bhp 3.6-litre V6. Both should be equipped with six-speed dual-clutch gearboxes.

How much: Should command a premium over the standard Passat.

Model: Golf Mark VI

When: 2nd quarter of 2009

What’s new: More like a version 5.5 instead of the full six, this new Golf uses the same basic underpinnings as its predecessor but gets a sharper looking exterior design inspired by the upcoming Scirocco coupe. Our consulting editor Colin Yong has tested the car at its media launch in Reykjavik, Iceland and came away impressed. He praised the new Golf for its improved refinement, impressive fuel consumption and plush interior.

As there are no official details about engines and transmissions from the brand’s local distributor Volkswagen Group Singapore. CarBuyer can only make an educated guess that the Golf Mark VI should be sold here with two engine options, a 160bhp 1.4-litre twin-charged (twincharged means supercharged and turbocharged in Volkswagen parlance) engine and a 122bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged unit. Both are expected to get seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes as standard.

How much: Expect the new Golf to cost around the same or marginally more than the old model.

Model: Scirocco

When: 2nd quarter of 2009

What’s new: The new third generation Volkswagen Scirocco comes 16 years after the last one which ended production in 1992. The variant most likely to arrive here is the one with the 200bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine (shared with the Golf GTI) and this unit is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.2 seconds and the Scirocco goes on to a top speed of 235km/h. There is also a 1.4-litre TSI engine available with the car for some overseas markets but whether it will come to Singapore has yet to be confirmed.

How much: Should command a premium over the Golf GTI.

Model: Golf GTI Mark VI (seen in picture in concept car form)

When: 3rd quarter of 2009

What’s new: Details on this car are sketchy at the moment but it should look like the Golf GTI concept shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. We can assume that the information on engine and specifications released by Volkswagen on the GTI concept should probably be similar to one found on the production version.

The concept gets a 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 210bhp – a gain of 10bhp over the 200bhp produced by the fifth generation GTI. Performance wise, the GTI concept’s 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.2 seconds and its top speed is pegged at 238km/h.

Under the skin, the modified strut type front and multi link rear suspension are adopted from the Golf. The GTI concept also gets specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. For the first time on the GTI, it gets an optional Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings ranging from comfort to normal to sport, the ACC system is able to remap the car’s steering and throttle response.

How much: Should not be far off from the $120,000 to $140,000 (depending on COE premiums) price tag commanded by the outgoing GTI.

Model: Polo

When: 4th quarter of 2009

What’s new: Up till now, Volkswagen has not released any official information on its compact hatchback. But judging from the spyshots floating around cyberspace and discussions on car forums, the upcoming Polo should probably look like a shrunken version of the new Golf Mark VI. It will possibly get the same 75bhp 1.4-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission found on the outgoing car when it is launched.

How much: Expect it to cost around the same or slightly more than the outgoing model.

VOLVO

Model: C30 2.0

When: Target March 2009

What’s new: Volvo’s stylish but slow selling three-door hatchback has been given a new engine option. Besides the T5 variant with its 220bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, buyers considering the C30 can now buy it with a 145bhp 2.0-litre engine. This unit is mated to a six–speed automatic transmission. 0-100km/h is achieved in 9.7 seconds.

How much: Should be priced around the $120,000 to $130,000 region.

Model: V50 2.0

When: Target March 2009

What’s new: Volvo will broaden the appeal of its small size executive estate with a 145bhp 2.0-litre engine. This unit is also found in the upcoming 2.0-litre C30 and shares the small hatchback’s six–speed automatic transmission. The V50 has not had much mainstream appeal due to its 2.4-litre normally aspirated and 2.5-litre turbocharged engines, mostly being ignored by Singaporeans who do not like big capacity engines. It is also a timely move by Volvo as Audi is launching its 2.0-litre A4 Avant around the same time.

How much: Should be priced around the $100,000 to $110,000 region.