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As one decade ends, another one begins, which means a fresh crop of new metal is set for Australian showrooms.

And given Australia’s new-vehicle market remains in decline, there is no better time than now to get a brand-new set of wheels.

Don’t worry, we’re just as excited as you, which is why we’ve prepared this list of some of the best new models arriving in 2020.

01. Ford Escape – Third quarter

The new-generation Escape mid-size SUV is a big deal for Ford Australia. While any new model riding on a fresh platform is significant, the Escape is more so because it will be the first Ford sold in Australia with the option of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

Pairing a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine (running on the Atkinson cycle) with an electric motor, the PHEV has a solid combined power output of 165kW.

Needless to say, the Escape will be gunning for the award-winning Toyota RAV4 harder than ever when it arrives in the third quarter.

Read More: New Ford Escape 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Plug-in hybrid headlines redesigned Mazda CX-5 rival

Ford Escape

7.3/10
From
$21,010

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

02. Kia Carnival – Fourth quarter

The Kia Carnival was once again the king of people movers in 2019.
The Kia Carnival was once again the king of people movers in 2019.

Let’s face it, the Kia Carnival owns the people-mover segment, with a massive 54.8 per cent share in 2019.

And the dependable favourite will only grow stronger in the fourth quarter of 2020, when a new generation will arrive to bus families around.

No details have been released yet, but expect the Carnival to take another big step forward and therefore increases its sales monopoly.

Read More: New Kia Carnival 2021 spied testing in Australia

Kia Carnival

9.0/10
From
$38,390

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

03. Mercedes-Benz GLA – Third quarter

The most popular small premium SUV is going to be making moves in 2020, with its second generation set to arrive in the third quarter.

While shorter in overall length, the new GLA is bigger in all other key dimensions, especially height (+104mm), meaning more headroom for passengers.

The GLA will also lob with Mercedes-Benz’s most extensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems yet, ensuring its safety credentials are strong.

Read More: New Mercedes-Benz GLA 2020 detailed: BMW X1-rivalling small SUV steps up

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

From
$32,670

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

04. Subaru XV and Forester Hybrid – March

Yes, Subaru’s XV and Forester SUVs are hardly new, but in March, they will take a big step into the future by adding self-charging Hybrid variants.

Aptly dubbed e-Boxer, the new powertrain will make its way into two of Subaru’s most important models and formally kick off its electrification era.

With improved fuel efficiency promised, the XV and Forester Hybrid will inevitably provide a small taste of what Subaru’s future will like, so we’re more than intrigued.

Read More: New Subaru XV Hybrid 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Electric boost incoming for small SUV
Read More: Subaru XV 2020 review: Hybrid
Read More: New Subaru Forester Hybrid 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Popular SUV goes petrol-electric
Read More: Subaru Forester 2020 review: Hybrid S

Subaru XV

7.3/10
From
$9,240

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

05. Volkswagen T-Roc – August

After years of delays, Volkswagen Australia will finally enter the small-SUV game in 2020, with August to see the arrival of the Golf-based T-Roc.

Shaping as more than just a Golf on stilts, the T-Roc will launch with all-wheel drive and a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.

While that does sound like a higher-end offering, Volkswagen will also introduce the more affordable T-Cross small SUV in 2020.

Read More: Volkswagen T-Roc 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Critical new small SUV draws closer
Read More: VW T-Roc 2020 review: 140TSI Sport

Volkswagen T-ROC

8.1/10
From
$30,910

Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial
Justin’s dad chose to miss his birth because he wanted to watch Peter Brock hopefully win Bathurst, so it figures Justin grew up to have a car obsession, too – and don’t worry, his dad did turn up in time after some stern words from his mum. That said, despite loving cars and writing, Justin chose to pursue career paths that didn’t lend themselves to automotive journalism, before eventually ending up working as a computer technician. But that car itch just couldn’t be scratched by his chipped Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7), so he finally decided to give into the inevitable and study a Master of Journalism at the same time. And even with the long odds, Justin was lucky enough to land a full-time job as a motoring journalist soon after graduating and the rest, as they say, is history. These days, Justin happily finds himself working at CarsGuide during the biggest period of change yet for the automotive industry, which is perhaps the most exciting part of all. In case you’re wondering, Justin begrudgingly sold the Golf R (sans chip) and still has plans to buy his dream car, an E46 BMW M3 coupe (manual, of course), but he is in desperate need of a second car space – or maybe a third.
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