10 new cars we’re excited about in 2020
When planning to buy a new car, it pays to have options.
And while the Australian car market currently offers more than enough to keep you browsing for weeks on end – there's more to come over the next 12 months.
At Drive, we spend most of our days eagerly anticipating the new cars we've been writing about since they were merely concepts, renders or rumours.
Although the first quarter of 2020 proved more tumultuous than any of us could have anticipated, there's still plenty to look forward to.
Below are the upcoming model arrivals (and one you can hop into right now) we think are worth marking in your calendar and adding to your wishlist. Happy window shopping.
Audi RS Q8
The lowdown: If you think a large SUV can't double as a supercar, you're wrong. Phenomenal performance, married to a dynamic package that's hard to comprehend in a vehicle this size, the RS Q8's greatest feat is its ability to seamlessly transform into a daily driver – comfortable, spacious, benign.
Current due date: Third quarter 2020
Price: Unconfirmed, but likely from $250,000
Chevrolet C8 Corvette
The lowdown: We were supposed to be driving the all-new eighth-generation Corvette in California in March, but Holden's closure put that on hold. There's still hope we'll get the first ever factory-built right-hand-drive Corvette in Australia soon, though.
While it's yet to be formally announced, there are plans to rebrand Holden's Special Vehicles to General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV).
If the GMSV deal goes ahead, it's likely the new-generation Chevrolet Corvette will come to Australia in 2021 to sell alongside a range of Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups converted to right-hand-drive in Melbourne by the outfit formally known as Holden Special Vehicles.
Current due date: 2021
Price: Unconfirmed, but likely in excess of $100,000
Ford Fiesta ST
The lowdown: Ford's pint-sized hot hatch is finally back in Australian showrooms after an absence of more than a year. The Ford Fiesta ST now has a three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, but it has more power than the four-cylinder it replaces.
It's also loaded with the latest technology and safety aids, however the price has gone up by $4500 to $31,990 plus on-road costs, or about $35,000 drive-away.
Current due date: Arriving in showrooms now.
Price: From $31,990 plus on-road costs
Genesis G80
The lowdown: The original Genesis was vaguely impressive as a first go, and the mid-size Genesis G70 showed plenty of promise too, but the all-new Genesis G80 limousine looks to have pushed the brand's design and luxury qualifications to a new level.
Obviously we won't know how luxurious it truly is until we get to slide into the cabin, but it certainly looks the part.
Current due date: Late 2020
Price: TBC
Genesis GV80
The lowdown: Genesis's almost non-existent dealer network and minimal brand recognition could mean its GV80 SUV may remain a firmly niche player.
Still, the huge step up in design, technology and luxury from Hyundai's prestige arm shows the Korean giant is as serious as Lexus was 30 years ago at making an impact on the premium space... and this is the car with which to launch that assault.
Current due date: Mid-2020
Price: TBC
Jeep Gladiator
The lowdown: Decent payload, massive wheelbase and infinitely modifiable: the new Gladiator plonks Jeep right at the high end of the ute market and makes lots of sense in Australia. We're hanging out for the unconfirmed V6 diesel.
Current due date: May 2020
Price: From $75,450 before on-road costs
Land Rover Defender
The lowdown: The prodigal son returns, but now he's got a new haircut and a fancy university degree. The new Defender is still capable and practical, but has arguably the biggest automotive boots to fill. Our initial investigations suggest it's nailed the brief.
Current due date: May 2020
Price: From $69,990 plus on-road costs
Peugeot 208
The lowdown: While a light car wouldn't usually stir too much excitement, Peugeot's recent form with adding premium touches to otherwise mainstream market segments makes the new 208 a tantalising prospect.
Its stylish design puts it ahead of rivals from the get-go and the potential to add the electric e-208 down the track could boost the profile of Australia's fledgling EV market, incrementally.
Current due date: Sometime this year
Price: TBC
Porsche Taycan
The lowdown: Porsche's first electric model promises to take the German marque into its next chapter without sacrificing its famed performance credentials, with the flagship boasting a 0-100km/h sprint time to rival the Bugatti Chiron.
Early reviews suggest it's hard to fault, with CarAdvice's Josh Dowling declaring: "Few cars in the world hit the bullseye on debut, but the Porsche Taycan is one of them."
Current due date: Late 2020
Price: Unconfirmed, but expected to start from around $200,000
Toyota GR Yaris
The lowdown: Toyota's turbo all-wheel-drive GR Yaris will have what is believed to be the world's most powerful three-cylinder engine. It will also be the first Toyota hot hatch sold in Australia since the Corolla Sportivo left in 2006.
The Yaris badge is where the GR's similarities with its city-car cousin end – with its 192kW/360Nm output and sub-1300kg weight, the GR Yaris has pure rally car blood.
Current due date: Late 2020
Price: TBC
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8
The lowdown: Given the regular XC40 was a top performer in the sales stakes for Volvo in 2019, it’s likely the XC40 Recharge P8 – Volvo’s first all-electric car – will be similarly well-received.
Boasting (in our opinion) seriously good looks, an output of 300kW, a range of more than 400km (WLTP), a front trunk (or 'frunk') and an all-new infotainment system, it will hopefully paint an exciting portrait of what Volvo is capable of achieving in the electric vehicle space.
Current due date: Late 2020
Price: TBC