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Get ready, because 2024 is going to be a big year for small cars. Specifically, small SUVs and crossovers.
Expect another bumper year of launches, and this time it's a mix of all-new nameplates, and returning models.
The good news is that there's a strong mix of more affordable offerings from mainstream brands (Toyota) and emerging brands (Chery), to high-end fare from established marques as well.
Toyota is the undisputed hybrid leader in Australia, so much so that the company is going hybrid-only on all non-GR and frame models.
One of those is the second-generation C-HR compact crossover. The C-HR made its local launch in March and is available now.
The styling has evolved, and the new model was designed and will be built in Europe, marking a change from Japanese sourcing.
If you thought the UX was the smallest model that Lexus would offer, think again!
The Akio Toyoda-inspired LBX is a totally new nameplate for the Japanese brand, and it shares a fair bit in common with the Toyota Yaris Cross, including a platform.
The LBX is a hybrid-only offering facing rivals like the Audi Q2, BMW X2 and Mini Countryman.
Throw your LV into an LBX! 2023 Lexus LBX hybrid SUV revealed as Toyota Yaris Cross' fancy cousin
Chery's return to the Australian market has been quite successful, with the Omoda 5 small SUV selling like hot cakes - although it's not without its issues.
It's a no brainer then that Chery would decide to bring in a full EV version of its popular model.
Details are scarce, but reports suggest it could have a driving range of around 450km, and it will compete with the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV.
This is one Mini that's not so mini.
The new-generation Countryman made its debut at the Munich motor show, and it has grown in every single dimension over its predecessor. That's so the Aceman crossover can slide into the line-up.
The redesigned Countryman will launch in Australia with petrol variants in Q1 ahead of their electric counterpart's arrival in Q3.
BMW's iX1 is its smallest EV but it's also one of its most popular.
No surprise then that the company has added an entry grade eDrive20 to the line-up for 2024.
Priced from a touch under $80,000, the new iX1 grade will become the most affordable BMW EV yet.
Following on from the successful launch of the Omoda 5 small SUV, Chery will lob a GT grade with a different powertrain.
While the entry-level grade has a 115kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the GT sports a 1.6-litre unit with 145kW and 290Nm.
Whether it's enough to wrangle people out of a Hyundai Kona remains to be seen, but it should give Chery a further boost Down Under.
It's been a slow pace for Ford's EV rollout, but things are about kick up a gear. Following the Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit, the all-electric Puma crossover is coming Down Under soon.
Not much has been revealed yet, but it's likely to be part of a facelift for the rest of the Puma range.
Pricing is unclear but you can expect it will be pricier than the likes of the MG4.
Ford sets its sights on MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric with 2024 Puma electric car
The Megane used to be an affordable French small car range that sold well in Australia, but now it has transformed into an EV.
Called the Megane E-Tech, the new small hatchback-cum-crossover will rival the likes of the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro and more.
Priced from just under $65,000, it has a 60kWh battery powering a 160kW/300Nm electric motor for a driving range of 454km.
Renault Megane E-Tech 2024 review
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The Peugeot e-2008 has just arrived in Australia, but the facelifted version of the small SUV has already been revealed overseas.
The electric 2008 will get an uprated powertrain, with 116kW now available, while the petrol version gains mild hybrid power.
Design tweaks to ensure it's more in line with the upcoming new-gen 3008 elevate the already handsome design.
Polestar is on a hot streak at the moment, with the success of its Polestar 2 EV, and huge interest in the upcoming Polestar 3 SUV.
There's also the Polestar 4 on the horizon. It's a cross between a sedan, liftback and SUV - so crossover is the perfect term.
Unlike those other two models, the 4 uses a new SEA platform developed by parent company, Geely.
Sexier than a Tesla Model Y? 2024 Polestar 4 pricing and specifications for Australia revealed
The 'other' Korean brand, SsangYong, has had a global name change (KG Mobility) after ownership dramas, but the product pipeline is full.
Next up is the Korando-based Torres that adopts a much more butch and boxy design than the car it's based on.
As well as a massive amount of cargo space (703L), it will come with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine found in the Korando, uprated to 125kW and 280Nm.
Suzuki disappointed a few people when it dropped the cheap and cheerful Indian-sourced Baleno hatch earlier this year.
But fear not, as it's set to be replaced by the awkwardly named Fronx crossover!
Aside from being confirmed for Australia, local details are scarce, but expect some familiar powertrains and competitive pricing when it lands.
Suzuki Fronx SUV setback: MG ZS, Toyota Yaris Cross, GWM Haval Jolion rival delayed for Australia
Volvo shocked the industry when it announced the sharp $59,990 starting price for its latest model, the EX30 EV.
Given the appealing styling, city-friendly dimensions and healthy features list, it could well upset a few premium and mainstream brands when it arrives.
The entry-grade Single Motor Extended Plus has a range of 480km, while the top-spec model gains a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, outputting a massive 315kW of power and 543Nm of torque.
The Skoda Kamiq has been another hit for the Czech brand, with the VW T-Cross cousin opening up Skoda to a new generation of buyers.
This update is a mid-life facelift for what has become Skoda Australia's best-selling car.
Light visual tweaks include more slimline headlights, while inside it gains a digital instrument cluster, and there's more safety gear too.
2024 Skoda Kamiq SUV and Scala hatch updated with tweaked looks and fresh tech
Benz's two quite successful smaller electric SUVs, the mechanically related EQA and EQB, are getting an early refresh.
A new blacked-out, one-piece grille from larger Benz EVs debuts, and they both gain new wheel designs and colour choices.
A bump in driving range comes courtesy of high rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic tweaks, and it's up to 560km (WLTP) for the all-wheel-drive EQA.
BMW has made big changes to its baby coupe-style SUV, the X2, for its second generation.
Adopting a bolder design with a more sharply sloping tailgate, the X2 is differentiated from its more sedate twin under the skin, the X1.
Headlining the X2 range will be the all-electric iX2, which has a 230kW and 494Nm powertrain ensuring a driving range of up to 449km and a 0-100km/h dash time of 5.6sec.
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The T-Cross has been a hit for Volkswagen both globally and here in Australia and now it's time for the Honda HR-V rival to get its first facelift.
Visual changes include redesigned LED head and tail-lights, as well as new bumpers that stretch the car by 27mm over the outgoing version.
It's going digital only inside as well, adopting an 8.0-inch digital dash and 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, which can be upgraded to a 10-inch digital dash and 9.2-inch multimedia screen depending on the grade.
Nissan has just revealed its new compact Qashqai SUV in Europe with an Australian arrival tipped for the end of 2024.
Mechanically, Nissan’s small SUV remains unchanged with the offer of a compact turbo-petrol engine or e-Power hybrid system.
It has had a dramatic styling overhaul, though. one is the petite V-Motion grille in favour of a more geometric look accented by comma-shaped LED daytime running lights. Buyers can expect fresh alloy wheels and more in-car tech.
Australia will get both an updated version of the existing Jolion and a new-look model known as the Jolion Pro overseas.
The carryover will be petrol only and the fresh coupe-styled model a hybrid developing 140kW/370Nm is confirmed.
The refreshed Nissan Juke is due to arrive in local showrooms towards the end of this year.
The engine line-up stays the same and for Australia that means a continuation of the 84kW/180Nm three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and front-wheel drive.
The interior of the Juke has been upgraded with a larger 12.3-inch landscape media screen which has better functionality.
This is complemented by a fully digital driver's display, too.
Want to know what other new models are due in 2024? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2024
-Â Best sports cars arriving in 2024
- Best electric cars arriving in 2024
-Â The best new cars coming in 2024
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