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Combining the high-riding appeal of an SUV with the nimbleness of a hatchback, is it any wonder that crossovers are one of the quickest growing segments in automotive?
Such a flood of crossovers have landed in Australia recently, that the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has seen fit to split the segment into light and small SUVs depending on size.
Regardless of where each model falls though, its clear that the crossover isn’t going away anytime soon, and here are the vehicles you should keep your eyes on in 2021.
Having touched down on local soil in early 2017, Audi’s youth-orientated Q2 crossover got its first facelift in May.
A new exterior design keeps it fresh amongst a sea of competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, but it’s the tech-laden interior with larger touchscreen that will keep occupants happy.
The performance-honed SQ2 with a 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic has also finally entered Australian showrooms.
Love or hate the styling, the Kona has more than proven its worth to Hyundai as its third most popular model thanks to its plucky personality and tech-stuffed interior.
The facelifted Kona, due in early 2021, won’t mess with the recipe too much, but the small SUV line-up will be bolstered by the arrival of the sporty N Line that turns up the aggression and, hopefully, performance.
Other updates include a digital instrument cluster and Hyundai’s the latest multimedia system, while exterior styling is tweaked slightly to keep the Kona fresh.
At first glance, the Kadjar-replacing Arkana looks like a coupe-styled SUV from a German brand, but in reality, the latest Renault is closer to a high-riding, jacked-up sedan.
With promises of the practicality and engaging dynamics, as well as a tech-loaded interior with 9.3-inch multimedia system and 10.0-inch digital instrumentation, the Arkana could be a crossover dark horse.
Engine wise, there is a 90kW/155Nm 1.6-litre and 112kW/255Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol on offer overseas, but full Australian specification and pricing will be revealed closer to its launch in the second half of 2021.
In a sign of the times, Renault has decided to ditch its Clio light hatchback and focus its efforts on the Captur crossover, which is due to land its latest iteration in early 2021.
Three variants will be on offer – Life, Zen and Intens – with all powered by a 114kW/270Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
Pricing is still to confirmed, but equipment will include an up-to-9.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, keyless entry, wireless smartphone charger and advanced safety features to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Venue and Ford Puma.
Mazda will bolster its crossover line-up with the new MX-30 arriving in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2021, with both the mild-hybrid and full-electric powertrains arriving.
The petrol-powered version uses a 2.0-litre engine and 24-volt system to keep fuel economy down to 6.4 litres per 100km, while also delivering 114kW/200Nm to the front axle.
The interior is also kitted out in sustainable materials such as cork, recycled plastics and synthetic leather, but full pricing and specs are to be confirmed.
An updated version of Jaguar’s baby crossover landed in early 2021, distinguished by new looks, reshuffled pricing and a reduced line-up.
Only four variants are available, though, down from 12, with all diesel versions being axed.
The existing E-Pace grades are headlined by a mild-hybrid 300 Sport, which outputs 221kW/400Nm to all four wheels.
Replacing the Haval H2 as the new entry to the Chinese SUV brand's range, the Jolion steps up in size and sophistication, but also pricing (from $25,490 driveaway).
Features include four driving modes, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control, as well as advanced safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Launched in May, the Jolion is powered by a 110kW/210Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Want to know what other new models are arriving in 2021? Check out our rolling coverage below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2021
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2021
- Best crossovers arriving in 2021
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2021
- Best sedans arriving in 2021
Want to know what new models are due in 2022? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2022
- Best crossovers arriving in 2022
- Best electric cars arriving in 2022
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2022
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2022
- Best sedans arriving in 2022
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