Where are they? New models like the 2022 Nissan X-Trail and Toyota Corolla Cross that car makers are desperate to get into Australian dealerships

There are certain models that carmakers rely on to bring in high volumes to maintain sales and profitability.

Without these crucial models, sales fall and buyers look to other brands for alternatives.

Vehicle development can take years, and unexpected delays can push out launch timing. Things like a pandemic, natural disasters and even war don’t help.

There are a number of models that carmakers are desperate to launch in Australia, but they’ve been pushed back for one reason or another. Here are the models that brands are crying out for.

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan has experienced a new-product drought in the past few years, but that is finally changing. In a few weeks, the long-awaited new-generation Qashqai arrives and a new Z coupe and Pathfinder SUV are also on the cards.

But it’s the new X-Trail that’s desperately needed to boost Nissan’s fortunes in Australia. The fourth-generation model was revealed in mid-2020 and went on sale in the United States later that year as the Rogue. Nissan’s healthy market share, and its Tennessee manufacturing base, ensured the Rogue was prioritised for the American market.

Nissan Australia finally confirmed timing for the new X-Trail last month. The mid-size contender will land in local dealerships in late 2022. That’s still a way off, leaving buyers to either opt for the ageing third-gen model or look for an alternative.

The current model has been around since mid-2014, making it the equal oldest model in the medium SUV segment alongside the Jeep Cherokee.

X-Trail sales have dropped by 46.6 per cent so far this year and that could continue while it’s in runout. While the sales figures aren’t bad, it is now being outsold by the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage. It’s also being beaten by its mechanical cousin, the new Mitsubishi Outlander.

Given the medium SUV segment is currently Australia’s biggest vehicle category by volume, a new X-Trail could help Nissan’s overall sales bounce back. They are currently down by 32 per cent year on year.

The likely addition of an e-Power hybrid powertrain option could also help the X-Trail nab sales off the segment-leading RAV4.

Bring on the end of the year!

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Now this has been a long time coming. The current Grand Cherokee has been around in its current guise for 11 long years. A significant facelift arrived in 2013, and there’s been various line-up changes since.

At the height of the Grand Cherokee’s popularity – back in 2014 when Jeep sold more than 30,000 vehicles in Australia – Jeep found 16,582 homes for the large SUV. Last year, that had dipped to 3010 sales, ensuring it was outsold by virtually all of its mainstream competitors.

The new-generation Grand Cherokee feels like it has been in development for a long time. Jeep Australia must be very relieved that this crucial new model will finally hit local showrooms in the middle of the year.

However, things will be quite different this time around. The new model will be offered initially in seven-seat Grand Cherokee L guise, before the regular five-seat version arrives later in 2022.

Launching with the L has meant prices are much higher than the current five-seat only model. Pricing for the L ranges from $82,250 to $115,450 before on-road costs. That’s a fair bit more than the $60,450 starting price of the outgoing model.

The five seater will likely lower the entry price for a Grand Cherokee, and it’s going to be the first electrified Jeep offered in Australia. The 4xe plug-in hybrid offers 40km of electric driving range from the 17kWh battery and it will be sold alongside petrol variants.

Will Jeep’s premium play translate to higher sales? We will tell you in about six months.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Talk about delayed. The Tonale was supposed to arrive on the scene much earlier. But the Italian brand’s boss, Jean-Philippe Imparato, reportedly demanded better performance from the plug-in hybrid version, which significantly pushed out global launch timing.

But Alfa Romeo is clearly ready to talk up its new model, revealing it in full last month – three years after the debut of the concept version at the 2019 Geneva motor show.

The last full new model to launch in Australia was the Stelvio medium SUV in early 2018. Alfa now only sells two models – the Stelvio and related Giulia sedan – now that the Giulietta hatch and 4C sports car have been discontinued.

To say that Alfa Romeo needs the Tonale ASAP is an understatement.

Unfortunately, the Australian Alfisti will have to cool their jets for a while longer. The Tonale is not due in showrooms until next year. But, given the success of premium small SUVs like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and more, it could be Alfa’s best chance yet at sales success.

Based on the platform that underpins the Jeep Compass among other Stellantis products, the handsome Tonale will be offered with three powertrains, all with some level of electrification.

The PHEV pairs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 15.5kWh battery pack for a 205kW combined output, and an electric driving range of up to 80km. That’s almost double the range of the XC40 PHEV. Good thing Mr Imparato insisted on more work. Now hurry up and get here Tonale!

Toyota Corolla Cross

Ok so clearly Toyota does not need the Corolla Cross. As the most popular automotive brand in Australia by a seemingly unassailable margin, Toyota is doing pretty well thanks.

Also, the fact that it already has two compact SUVs in its stable suggests it is not desperately in need of more sales.

Despite this, the Corolla Cross will almost certainly be a hit for Brand T and increase its market share even further.

Currently the Yaris Cross services buyers in the light SUV category, and the C-HR is Toyota’s current offering in the small SUV segment. While the C-HR is a strong seller, at just over 6500 units last year, it is firmly in the middle of the pack and comfortably outsold by the MG ZS, Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Subaru XV and Kia Seltos.

It’s unlikely to ever be a top seller because of its polarising design and higher entry price (from $30,915 BOC).

The Corolla Cross, however, has a much more traditional small SUV shape and relatively conservative design that will hold wider appeal in Australia. The fact that it has ‘Corolla’ in its name can only help its cause.

Keen buyers will need to hold on just a little longer. The Corolla Cross isn’t expected until the second half of the year. And given the lengthy delays caused by parts and supply chain issues, there’s every chance that timing could blow out.

Providing Toyota can secure good supply, and it’s priced keenly, there’s no reason Toyota couldn’t take the lead in the small SUV segment.