Look Out 2010
Prepare to be spoiled for choice - will be a multitude of small and light cars for sale
in 2010, including several new Toyotas, Alfa Romeos, a Citroën, a few
Volkswagens, a handful of protons, plus much more.
Toyota Rukus
A new boxy addition to the Toyota family, the Toyota Rukus car
has been re-branded for the Australian Market from the Scion xB in the US. Has lots
of potential when this small car officially launches in June 2010. It’s a strange
and somewhat idiosyncratic car with a lot of charm under a unique Rukus Design.
As much as it makes a statement when on the road there’s much to talk about the
car interior of this
one of a kind vehicle. But it’s not all about looks there’s a lot of other variables
that weigh into the argument that this is a great car, in particular the Toyota Rukus price
is compelling and within the budget of many style conscious customers.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
New AlfaRomeo Giulietta will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2010. Replacing the
decade-old 147 will be slightly larger than its predecessor and will offer a
range of engines: two 1.4-liter MultiAir versions, one offering 88kW and 125kW
with a sportier model. Pricing has not been confirmed, although Juliet is
expected to start at about $ 40,000.
Also available will be a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel 77kW and 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with
125kW. Top pops Quadrofoglio Verde (aka Cloverleaf - probably a substitute for
the GTA) will boast a healthy 173kW.
Toyota Hybrid Camry
The introduction of the Camry Hybrid provides buying public a hybrid car that demands
no sacrifices. The Hybrid Camry is positioned in the market as of one the best hybrid family sedans
available. It is a comfortable cruiser, has more than adequate power, includes a top-notch
interior, has lots of amenities and plenty of room for five. All of this is acheived while
maintaining the Hybrid Camry price
at a level that is affordable.
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Following the recent update to theCorolla hatch, we can expect an updated sedan in early 2010. Limousines are
expected to get an updated look, as well as safety features like stability
control and Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard. This is a great small
car.
Toyota Rukus
A new boxy addition to the Toyota
family, the Toyota Rukus has been
re-branded for the Australian Market from the Scion xB in the US. Has lots of
potential when this small car officially launches in June 2010.
CHERY A1
Chinese cars will continue attacks in 2010, the carmaker Chery expected to release a
new small car. 1.3-liter A1 (not to be confused with Audi's upcoming
A1), was curiously described by the Chinese manufacturer as a "powerful,
such as fast attacking cheetah.
CITROEN C3
French automaker Citroen will bring its new large-windscreened C3 small car range in
Australia, which will be similar to the current lineup and will arrive in the
third quarter of 2010.
Current C3 still a best seller for Citroen, having sold more than two million copies
worldwide since it debuted in 2002.The all-new C3 is an attractive look,
lighter body and more spacious interior with better technology and fuel figures
should elicit little auto buyers. New C3 should start at the same price
as the outgoing model - $ 23,990.
CITROEN DS3
Also from Citroen will DS3, Mini French rival who cashes the current trend in
fashion small luxury cars. C3 is based DS3 is likely to have a choice of
several engines, with the first two engines designed for our coast from the
third quarter of 2010. Variants are likely to include a 1.6-liter turbo diesel
capable of 82kW and the 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine offering 110kW. Both automatic
and manual versions of the passenger cars should make their way here.
Price-wise, DS3 should be placed in the same range as the Mini, starting at
around $ 33,000.
FIAT PUNTO EVO
Fiat Punto Here - do not let that
confuse you Evo tag: this is not a nod to the rally-bred Mitsubishi Lancer. In
contrast, Evo called to break into developing the small car. In this case,
Punto, the name of the game is efficiency. The Punto Here it should be in Australia by the third quarter, and it uses the new
Fiat 'multi-air' petrol and diesel JTD, which means increased fuel consumption
and decrease carbon dioxide emissions.
FORD FIESTA
The popular Fiesta small car will besourced from Thailand in the third quarter of 2010. Change in the Asia-sourced
Fiestas will bring new models, and must include delivery Fiesta sedan.
The Fiesta range is likely to look the same, but the move to Asian production will mean lower prices for customers, as well as inclusion of dual airbags and stability
control as standard.
GEELY MK / GEELY PANDA
There are still rumors about this Chinese manufacturer to enter the market. Word of the potential importer, John
Hughes Group in Western Australia, is that they are hoping to play in the first
quarter of 2010.
The most likely models to make it to Australia's Geely MK, a small 1.5-liter four-door
sedan, a cute Geely Panda, 1.0-liter 4-cylinder micro-car.
GREAT WALL MOTORS
The 2010 Great Wall Motors will offer asmall passenger car in Australia - the first Chinese-made light vehicles to make
it to our shores. On sale in the middle, the exact details of that Great Wall
cars will be is still unknown. We just have to wait and see.
Holden Cruze
Holden will produce your very own Australian made small car based on the Cruze, which
is likely to sit next to (or perhaps on the site) to Cruz. The car is
said to have a lot of changes, according to Holden she will have an Australian
feel to it. Expected late 2010.
For those who have seen the new Opel Astra, and are hoping for the return of German
small cars, there is some bad news. Holden has confirmed that Astra will
not install because it does not currently make economic sense. Holden did say, however, that are open to all
possibilities.
Holden SPARK
Another source predicts the arrival of a new Holden Spark. There is no confirmation of
delivery yet, but according to Holden spark could make its way to Australia in
the future. Maybe not in 2010, though.
HONDA CIVIC
Honda Civic is popular will also be the beneficiary of the mid-model update in the first half of the year. Watch for
cosmetic changes and specifications.
HYUNDAI i20
Hyundai i20 cars will turn off the light in 2010. The exact time is uncertain for
the Mazda 2 contestants, but the hype around the i20 in the European market
should make for an interesting debut. Expect competitive prices, will
likely be around $ 17,000.
HYUNDAI i10
Hyundai i10 car is still in talks between Australia, Hyundai and its Korean
headquarters. Hyundai told us that they are currently assessing the
feasibility of i10 in the Australian market.
KIA CERATO HATCH
Kia Cerato is a chain will join the 5-door hatch in the last three months of this year. The 5-door Cerato will
probably offer the same 2.0-liter engine and 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission. Prices for Cerato
hatch is likely to be close to $ 18,990 retail price of its sedan sibling.