New cars arriving in 2011

With 2011 just a snap, crackle and a pop away, it's time to take a look at some of the new cars that will be coming our way next year.

The 147 is finally being replaced and having seen it in the flesh in Paris, we can confirm that the Giulietta is quite a looker.

Although it's been launched already, Audi's Mini-chasing A1 won't go on sale until early 2011. Like BMW's Mini, the tiny Audi will be highly customisable.

Based on the aforementioned A6, the A7 adds a hatchback, frameless windows and the suggestion of extra dollops of sportiness. Despite the large crowds that it drew in Paris, we're still not convinced that it's better looking than its sedan brother.

After giving the 4.2-litre V8 version of the A8 a thorough going-through and giving it a nine out of 10, we're fairly confident that the upcoming V6 petrol and diesel versions will more of the same, albeit with less equipment, cost and thirst.

The updated Continental GT features new subtly revised clothing, more power from its 12-cylinder engine and a nav system with Google Maps integration (at least in some countries).

A 250kW/450Nm 3-litre turbocharged six cylinder rockets the M Coupe towards to the horizon. For more sedate moments the iDrive system, 8.8-inch screen, fake suede trim and other goodies should keep you occupied.

If BMW forgot to pack leather seats, an entertainment system or, even, air conditioning into the new 6-Series we wouldn't mind, because the company's banished the hard-to-love looks for something more eye pleasing.

The original X3 was criticised for looking and feeling cheap, the new model hopes to set those wrongs right.

A bit less gangsta, but every bit as large and loud as the original.

For its second generation, the C4 loses much of its quirky appeal. Ditched along with the original's individual style is the fixed hub steering wheel.

Much of the C4's missing style quota has, not so mysteriously, reappeared on the DS4 that, also not surprisingly, costs just that little bit more.

The oldest car in Ferrari's line-up, the 612, is due for replacement some time in 2011.

It's been a long wait, but the sporty version of the petite 500 will finally land down under — maybe. Boasting a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, the 500 Abarth can reach a top speed in excess of 200km/h.

The new Focus is likely to be the first Australia-bound Ford to feature the company's MyTouch entertainment and navigation system.

Part way through the year Ford will give its Falcon large sedan a mild facelift. Under its reworked nose Ford will fit a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, in addition to the current straight-six and V8 petrol engines.

Designed in Australia, built in Thailand and sold around the world, the new Ranger is set to take on the might of Toyota's Hilux ute. If its styling is too butch for you, there's also a slightly rounder Mazda version.

Coinciding with its first big makeover, the new Territory can be had with a 2.7-litre turbo-diesel V6 that was once used in Jaguars and Land Rovers.

It probably won't be a technological wonderland, but that won't matter because the new Barina promises to be much better than the current model, which was an old school Daewoo Kalos with Holden badges stuck on it.

Australia hasn't made a small car since Toyota stopped producing Corollas locally. That's set to change in 2011, with the Cruze set to be made in Australia. Joining the sedan we already know will be a locally designed hatchback that made a quiet debut in Paris beside many a supercar.

Both Lexus and Honda will attempt to add fun to the hybrid's list of virtues. Honda's stab involves reviving the beloved CR-X of yore and mating it to the company's hybrid drivetrain.

Spy photos indicate that the next generation Civic will feature an evolution of the two-layer instrument cluster used on the current model (pictured above). As is the case, there will be a hybrid version too.

The name's yet to be confirmed, but the Elantra replacement promises to be good looking and well equipped.

Honda makes two Accords: a supersized version targetted at the US and a smaller Euro version aimed at, erm, Europe. Hyundai will follow the same tactic with its US-focussed i45/Sonata and Euro-centric i40. And unlike the i45, the i40 will be available as a wagon.

The production version of the sporty concept car pictured above will debut in Detroit. Shame that the sportiest Hyundai of them all, the rear-wheel drive Genesis coupe, is only made in left-hand drive.

The new model boasts sleeker lines on the outside, higher quality trim on the inside and Jeep-worthy off-road ability. Fiat and Chyrsler hope that this combo will tempt buyers out of their BMW X5s and Merc MLs.

The next step in Kia's design revolution, the Optima looks for all the world like a Saab. And that's a good thing.

If Kia's recent new models are anything to go by, the new Rio should be a world away from the current model (pictured above).

We know that Lamborghini's going to launch a replacement for its Murcielago supercar soon, but seeing as we don't have any photos of that car yet, here's the completely bonkers Sesto Elemento concept car from the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Its attempt to add a bit of spice to the hybrid stew won't actually involve any adding any extra power to the drivetrain borrowed from the Toyota Prius. The company does promise sportier handling and a plumped up features list, though.

Hurrah for its impending arrival. Boo to the fact that only eight are available in Australia and that they're all sold.

Both the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 will receive a new generation of petrol and diesel engines that, the company claims, will increase fuel efficiency by at least 15 per cent.

McLaren is back with its first in-house supercar in over a decade. The driver's seat isn't located in the middle, though.

Available from the middle of 2011, the revised C-Class will offer a mildly updated exterior, a classier interior, even more tech goodies and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that's said to be 31 per cent more efficient.

The car that spawned a new breed of vehicle, the so-called four-door "coupe", has reached its second generation. It probably won't be available with the matte paint used on the car at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The car that made its name electrically transforming from a closed coupe to a open-air roadster adds another string to its bow. The new generation car (seen here undergoing testing and still wearing camoflague) will feature a glass roof — dubbed Magic Sky Control — that, with the touch of a button, can go from tinted to clear and back again.

The iconic city car grows up and out, and prepares to go bush. Or, at least, to the beach.

Godzilla gets a David-sized makeover to accompany a raft of minor improvements, including, you guessed it, more power.

It's still ready to tackle the Simpson Desert, but it will now coddle with enough luxury to embarass the QE2 and enough gadgetry to take you to the moon and back.

Tiny sedans is the latest niche that car makers want to fill and this rather ungainly Nissan is set to come our way. We're open to a corporate change of mind.

In the past the Astra has worn Holden badges in Australia, but if industry rumours prove to be true, the German arm of General Motors is due to launch in Australia in 2011 to take on Volkswagen. We hope the financial case stacks up, because this means we might see this lovely three-door join its five-door hatch and wagon siblings down under.

Pretty, loaded with tech gear and featuring a nice interior, the Insignia is like the Vectra it replaced, except that it's pretty, loaded with tech gear and features a nice interior.

Peugeot hops aboard the hybrid train, but does so with a twist. The 3008 Hybrid4 features a diesel engine working in concert with a battery-fed electric motor.

To say that some recent Peugeots have been challenging on the eye is an understatement. The 508 aims to rectify that, but does it go too far to the point of being bland? When it debuted at the Paris Motor Show, it certainly didn't look as striking as it did in its publicity shots.

Having successfully applied the formula to its mid-engine Boxster, Porsche has decided to chop the top off the 911, lower the windscreen height and, well, hope for good weather.

A front-wheel drive Range Rover would have been sacrilege not so long ago, but come next year it will be a reality in both three- and five-door forms; four-wheel drive is optional, by the by. Plenty of tech gear and a luxury interior should distract most from its more limited off-road ability.

Truly a child of the world, the Renault Latitude is built in Korea by Renault subsiduary Samsung Motors and shares much with the current Nissan Maxima.

Saab has gone through some very dark days, but under new owners it hopes to sell enough of the new 9-5 sedan to generate cashflow, profits and, hopefully, a new generation of quirky Swedish cars.

Pricing and specification levels have yet to be announced, but the Yeti will be available in front-wheel drive form with a 1.2-litre petrol turbo and in four-wheel drive guise with a 2-litre turbo-diesel.

We hope that the Impreza concept car unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show doesn't lose much in the translation from concept car to production model.

Due here in the first half of next year, but the new Swift looks to build on the success of the current model by looking pretty identical to it.

The Camry will spawn a seventh generation in 2011 and it will be the sixth iteration to be made locally. Following some time later will be an Australian made hybrid version. Current model pictured.

Designed to resemble the iconic FJ40-series Land Cruiser, the FJ Cruiser isn't for everyone, but should satisfy those looking for something that stands out and can tackle a proper off-road holiday.

Remember a time when Toyota produced exciting rear-wheel drive cars, like the AE86 Corolla and Supra? Well, those times are nearly back with us!

A new Yaris has broken cover in Japan and will be here by H2 2011. No word yet on whether some of the more interesting pieces of kit will be making their way down under.

For 2011, VW has given the Eos new head- and tail-lights that look a little more corporate. For trivia buffs, Eos is the Greek goddess of the dawn; her Roman equivalent is Aurora.

Sometimes we wonder why cars in Australia are so much more expensive than, say, the USA. There are many reasons for this, but just be thankful that we'll be paying more for the new Jetta than our American counterparts. In America, you see, the new Jetta is bargain priced, but features a cheaper rear suspension setup and an interior that's full of hard plastic surfaces. The Jetta we'll receive will thankfully be fitted with the same plush interior that we're used to from VW.

Such is the family resemblance, at the 2010 Paris Motor Show we initially mistook the new Passat for the latest Jetta. Despite looking all new, the latest Passat actually shares much of its mechanicals with the outgoing model, as well as the doors and interior.

The first generation Touareg and Porsche Cayenne shared many things, including body panels and mechanicals, and the same arrangement carries through to the second-gen models.

Joining the just launched S60 sedan, Volvo's stylish new V60 wagon melds style with versatility and, of course, a plethora of the car maker's signature safety features, including a system that can automatically avoid pedestrian collisions.