The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N didn’t make it here in January, but will land this month rocking a 448kW/770Nm dual-motor powertrain and a full array of go-fast bits including rear eLSD, drift mode, boost mode, special tyres, a reinforced chassis, 400mm brakes, and race-car-style interior.

The JAC T9 Hunter one-tonne 4x4 dual-cab ute is scheduled for a mid-March arrival. It competes with GWM and LDV offerings at expected comparable pricing and runs a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic, selectable four-wheel drive, and four-wheel discs.

Lexus’ smallest SUV offering yet is here in March. Based on Toyota Yaris Cross underpinnings, it boasts “premium levels of sophistication and refined quality previously unseen in a car this size.” Power comes from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid and single electric motor. Front and all-wheel drive variants are available.

Replacing two-door C and E-Class Coupe and Convertible models, the CLE Coupe is scheduled this month, with the Convertible to come later. AMG variants are included, the CLE-Class leveraging new Mercedes-Benz styling and powertrains, but likely only six-cylinder turbo petrol format for Oz.

After a few false starts, the electrified Qashqai e-Power Ti is now confirmed for arrival this month. Using Nissan’s petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, like the X-Trail e-Power, the Qashqai features a three-cylinder petrol-electric arrangement outputting 140kW/330Nm. Claimed combined range is listed at 1058km.

Euro-designed and built second-gen C-HR is almost here, the three-variant range combining Toyota’s fifth-gen hybrid driveline with 1.8- or 2.0-litre options. Front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, all running continuously variable transmissions. Flagship model outputs 145kW.

Mild MY24 facelift for Toyota’s strong selling HiLux includes 48-volt mild hybrid system dubbed V-Active Technology on selected dual-cab variants. Pricing is up slightly, the wider range adding new looks and technology, additional features, and in some cases the introduction of Multi-Terrain Select – a HiLux first.