New 5 Series introduces a raft of changes including one mild hybrid and two all-electric powertrains. Entry 520i runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo petrol engine and 48-volt mild hybrid system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Single and dual motor EVs available.

Ssangyong’s SUV and ute offerings have been updated, re-priced and reconfigured with a mid-tier model added to both line-ups. Still at drive away pricing, the South Korean duo offer an old school ladder chassis and proper selectable 4WD along with host of added kit.

MG has pulled forward the availability of its hi-po MG 4 X Power. Capable of a 3.8 second 0-100km/h sprint from dual electric motors 320kW/600Nm (combined) the five-door hatch has all the go-fast fruit including race spec’ brakes and tyres.

Later than expected, GLE-Class coupe and wagon large SUVs (and GLS Upper Large wagon) feature electrified engines across the board, a swag of new technology, revised interiors and more equipment to go with the tweaked exterior styling.

Updated Lexus UX300e electric small SUV has finally lobbed. Buyers score LCT and FBT benefits. Larger 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery may give 560kM range. Interior tech upgrades and free three-year Lexus Connected Services.

Tiny Kia light hatch here with a new design and advanced technologies (incl. OTA updated) in base line and GT Line grades. Turbo 74kW/172Nm 1.0-litre is dropped leaving 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engines with five-speed manual or auto transmissions that maximise efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

Mid-size Sonata arrives higher priced with “futuristically sculpted styling” adding a suite of new tech and updated interior. Features include a 213kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and eight-speed dual clutch transmission driving the front wheels. Bluelink connectivity standard.

Top tier Palisade Calligraphy scores familiar 3.8-litre V6 petrol FWD and 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel AWD powertrain choices with extensive tech and luxury kit. Only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai’s 2024 i30 Sedan range features a revised line-up adding a petrol-electric driveline for the first time in addition to refreshed styling and additional connectivity features. All variants of the more expensive line up now have automatic transmission.

Tiny-tot Fiat 500 is updated reduced to single-variant, Dolcevita. Has more standard equipment, offers arguably better value after two price hikes in a year. Cheaper entry-grade 500 Lounge axed. Stand by for exey electric model, and last Abarth petrol, the 695 Competizione.

Chery’s five-seat Tiggo 7 Pro SUV arrives in the Medium SUV segment offered in three trim grades – Urban, Elite and Ultimate. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and with the availability of front- and all-wheel drive and extensive equipment levels.

Highly anticipated LandCruiser 70 Series with 1GD-series four-cylinder from Hilux, HiAce and Fortuner and six-speed auto only. Not cheap by any stretch but matches V8 for power, beats it for torque. Styling tweaked including LED headlights along with safety and convenience upgrades.