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It's telling that the number of launches for hatchbacks, sedans in and people movers 2024 is not huge. But what's more telling is the sheer number of them that are for EVs or plug-in hybrids.
As electrified models continue to increase in popularity, some brands are rolling out EVs in smaller more affordable packages.
This is clear in 2024, with Fiat, Peugeot and more gearing up to lob small EV hatches, but there are some other quirky body styles to keep an eye on too.
Best hatchback, sedans and people movers arriving in 2024
- 01. Abarth 500e Turismo - March
- 02. Mini Cooper EV - Q3
- 03. Kia Carnival - May
- 04. Peugeot e-208 - Early 2024
- 05. Peugeot 408 PHEV - Early 2024
- 06. Peugeot 508 facelift - 2024
- 07. Suzuki Swift - 2024
- 08. Citroen C5 X PHEV - 2024
- 09. Skoda Scala - April
- 10. Volkswagen ID.Buzz - Late 2024
- 11. Volkswagen T7 Multivan - Late 2024
- 12. Mercedes-Benz E-Class- H1
- 13. Tesla Model 3 - Jan
- 14. Zeekr 009 - Late 2024
- 15. Other new models coming in 2024
01. Abarth 500e Turismo - March
Finally, a rival for the likes of the Cupra Born! The Abarth 500e is an all-electric hot hatch based on the new Fiat 500e EV.
Once the strictly limited 'Scorpionissima' grades run out, the sole variant will be the Turismo from $58,900 before on-roads.
Expect a circa-252km electric driving range and a 0-100km/h dash time of 7.0 seconds.
02. Mini Cooper EV - Q3
After the successful launch of the third-gen Mini Electric, the BMW-owned brand will lob an all-new version in 2024, co-developed with GWM and built in China.
It will ride on a new platform that both companies will use, while the petrol-powered Mini will continue to use a BMW/Mini platform.
Driving ranges are between 305km and 402km, depending on the model, and there will be a number of distinct grades including Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW.
03. Kia Carnival - May
The Kia Carnival is by far the most popular people mover in Australia, and the current gen model - launched in early 2021 - is still selling like hot cakes.
It will carry over the 3.5-litre petrol V6 or 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines, but a hybrid version will follow in the coming months. Hybrid power will only be available on the top-spec GT-Line grade.
Kia hasn't officially announced prices but expect it to rise by a few thousand dollars across the range.
04. Peugeot e-208 - Early 2024
Peugeot is seriously ramping up its electrified offerings in Australia and the next cab off the rank will be the electric version of its light hatch - the e-208.
This time there will be no petrol version - only EV. It has a WLTP-rated 400km driving range, and a new motor outputting 115kW/260Nm.
Expect it to carry a price premium over smaller Chinese electric hatchbacks like the MG 4 and GWM Ora.
05. Peugeot 408 PHEV - Early 2024
As its name suggests, the 408 sits somewhere between Peugeot's 308 small car and the 508 mid-sizer. It's a sleek, long liftback with more than a bit in common with the Citroen C5 X.
Rather than bothering with ICE versions, Peugeot is only going to sell the plug-in hybrid version in Australia.
Apart from the Citroen, other rivals could include the Renault Arkana and VW Arteon.
06. Peugeot 508 facelift - 2024
Another Peugeot model going plug-in hybrid only is the sleek 508 medium liftback and wagon.
Arriving in 2024, the updated Mazda6 rival produces 165kW/360Nm PHEV powertrain only.
The revised version gets even sleeker styling, but expect an uptick in pricing too.
Peugeot 508
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
07. Suzuki Swift - 2024
It's hard to believe the current Swift has been around since 2017 but that means it's time for a new-gen Suzuki hatch.
Little is known about the next Swift, but we understand the 2024 iteration will adopt a more chiseled look than the current model.
You can also expect more electrification in the form of mild hybrid, full hybrid and possibly even battery electric versions.
Suzuki Swift
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
08. Citroen C5 X PHEV - 2024
Citroen is back to its unique best with its gloriously weird and wonderful C5 X hatch/SUV/wagon.
In 2024 a plug-in hybrid version will land, finally giving the French brand an electrified option.
It is mechanically related to the Peugeot 408, but it's unclear which model will be more expensive.
Citroen C5 X
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. Skoda Scala - April
Skoda replaced the slow-selling Rapid hatch with the Scala hatch a few years back, and despite not having the visibility of the Kamiq SUV, it's still seen as an important model in the line-up.
As with the Kamiq, the Scala is getting a light makeover for the 2024 model year.
It includes refreshed exterior elements like headlights and numbers, more digital instrumentation inside and an uptick in safety and comfort gear.
Skoda Scala
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
10. Volkswagen ID.Buzz - Late 2024
This is the vehicle that will change the people mover and van categories for good in Australia.
The retro-tinged ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo will likely be very popular when they land in 2024.
The ID.Buzz pair ride on VW's MEB platform, with a rear-mounted 150kW electric motor powered by an 82kWh lithium-ion battery (with 77kWh of usable energy).
11. Volkswagen T7 Multivan - Late 2024
A sibling to the more commercial-focused VW Transporter, the Multivan people mover in new-gen T7 guise is finally getting an Australia debut.
Sporting a sharper design that references older Transporters and the ID.Buzz van, the Multivan is more glam than ever before.
In the spacious cabin, tech gets an upgrade with a 10.25-inch digital dashboard and 10.0-inch multimedia touchscreen featuring the latest VW software suite.
12. Mercedes-Benz E-Class- H1
The sleek new-generation E-Class will arrive to do battle with the equally sleek new-gen BMW 5 Series, as well as the Audi A6 and Genesis G80.
Internationally there are mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains but given Benz Australia's decision to drop PHEVs, expect mild hybrids, as well as performance models instead.
Sadly, the striking Estate (wagon) version won't be coming to Australia, leaving the sedan as the sole body style.
Mercedes-Benz E200
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
13. Tesla Model 3 - Jan
More than six years after it went on sale in the US, the top-selling EV in the world, the Tesla Model 3 sedan, has been given a significant facelift.
Wing-shaped headlights and integrated foglights help with aerodynamics, while new tail-lights wheel designs and body colours provide a fresh look for the ageing model.
Inside, there is a new steering wheel, and the ‘Smart Shift’ drive selector has been moved to the touchscreen while column stalks have been replaced with on-wheel controls including haptic switches and physical buttons.
Tesla Model 3
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
14. Zeekr 009 - Late 2024
The electric-only car brand is the latest Chinese carmaker to announce its arrival in Australia with the first vehicle due towards the end of the year.
Zeekr has confirmed the 009 people-mover for Australia. The bulky family-hauler is available in six- and seven-seat layouts.
It is fitted with either a 116kWh or 140kWh battery that delivers a driving range of 702km and 822km respectively.
Read more:
15. Other new models coming in 2024
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
- Best sports cars arriving in 2024
- Best small SUVs and crossover arriving in 2024
- The best new cars coming in 2024
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