Nissan will re-enter the mid-size segment with the launch of the Altima in the second half of 2013. Already a strong seller in the US, the Altima will come with a choice of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6 engine. It will also hit the track as the newest entrant in V8 Supercar racing, powered by a Nissan V8, but don’t expect this version to be available in showrooms.

read more about the Nissan Altima

Porsche’s Panamera range gets an update in late 2013, but the controversial styling will remain largely unchanged. The update will mainly be related to powertrains, with a new plug-in hybrid version on the cards and an upgraded V6. Fuel consumption for the Hybrid Porsche is a respectable 3.5 litres per 100km, compared to 7.1L/100km for the current hybrid model.

read more about the Porsche Panamera

The big Jaguar XJR gets a power boost up to 404kW over the XJ-S’ 375kW. Mighty supercharged V8 (lifted from the XFR-S) and weight saving aluminium construction are expected to contribute to a sub five-second zero to 100km/h figure.

read more about the Jaguar XJ

The first new car to emerge from Rolls Royce in four years and powered by the same 6.6-litre V12 found in the Rolls Royce Ghost. An output of 465kW makes the two-door coupe the British car maker’s most powerful model. First arrivals are expected to omit some of the satellite navigation technology found in the European versions.

read more about the Rolls-Royce Wraith

Renault’s RS Clio hot hatch will be a five-door only proposition and will come exclusively with a turbocharged engine when it arrives in Australia in early 2014. Expect improved performance from the 149kW 1.6-litre turbo that will be mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

read more about the Renault Clio

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva motor show in March, Hyundai’s heavily upgraded ix35 brings the promise of improved ride and handling for Australia, and, potentially, more power and economy with an all-new 2.0-litre ‘Nu’ four-cylinder petrol engine set to replace the ‘Theta II’ version in the current model. Diesel engine improvements are also in the mix, plus a new ‘flex steer’ system tweaked (along with the suspension) specifically for our market.

read more about the Hyundai ix35

Skoda has announced its new Octavia will be larger and more upmarket than its predecessor, giving the Czech company the scope to better compete with mid-size kings like the Ford Mondeo. The introduction of the smaller Rapid means the next model, based on the brand new VW MQB platform from the Golf, will no longer have to 'straddle' the small and mid-sized passenger segments.

read more about the Skoda Octavia

Australia is on track to become the world’s first market to offer a sporty SR version of the Accent, following its 2012 preview at the Sydney motor show. Joining the larger i30 SR, which launched in August 2013, the Accent has had significant local input and will offer performance and dynamic improvements over the regular range. Expect pricing around $21K and power around the 100kW mark.

read more about the Hyundai Accent