Mazda CX-60, Kia EV6, Ford Ranger Raptor and more: the most interesting new models of 2022 from the biggest Australian brands

The Kia EV6 will be the brand's first all-electric model and is also expected to be the most expensive.

Each year, car brands promise us exciting new metal that could change the rules of the game, but they rarely do what they actually do.

However, in 2022, some of the biggest names in the industry will introduce true pattern busters that could actually rewrite the rulebook.

It's a diverse list, from affordable sports cars to electric SUVs and even off-road racing-inspired vehicles. And that's great news for anyone looking for an interesting new model this year.

Toyota GR 86

In recent years, one of Toyota's main goals has been to add excitement to its lineup when the GR Yaris and Supra models are introduced. But the car that really kick-started it was the 86 back in 2012, and now there's a second generation collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.

The facelifted, redesigned and rebadged GR 86 will arrive in 2022, after Subaru launches the BRZ, and completes Toyota's trilogy of high-performance vehicles (at least for now).

The new GR 86 gets an updated version of the previous model's rear-wheel-drive platform, but under the hood is a new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four with 173kW/250Nm.

There is also fresh styling both on the outside and in the cabin.

Whether it remains an affordable sports car remains to be seen as Toyota remained silent on the price until it moved closer to launching at the end of '22.

Mazda CX-60

Recent history has shown that car companies can't get enough SUVs, so Mazda's decision to expand its lineup with the new CX-60 is an exciting move for the brand. It will be an all-new model built on Mazda's new "premium" base that will include either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the specific model.

The CX-60 will be a more stylish midsize SUV variant designed to complement the more practical CX-5 (which was updated in '22). Mazda doesn't reveal too many details, but the new base is also expected to bring new engines, including a straight-six.

Mazda Australia has confirmed that the CX-60 will hit showrooms before the end of 2022, so it should help boost sales alongside the facelifted CX-5.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

It will be hard to beat the surge made in 2021 with the introduction of the Ioniq 5 - a car that sold out in less than three hours - but the Ioniq 6 will certainly cause a stir in Hyundai showrooms in 22nd.

It will be the second product in the South Korean brand's electric vehicle line under the Ioniq sub-brand. While the 5 was an SUV, the Ioniq 6 is expected to be a midsize sedan based on the sleek Prophecy concept.

Despite a different size and shape, this new model will be built on the same e-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5, so you can expect similar performance, range, and model options (single-motor rear-wheel drive and twin-motor all-wheel drive). four-wheel drive).

Kia EV6

The arrival of the EV6 not only marks an exciting new model for Kia, but also a major turning point for the brand in Australia. The EV6 will be Kia's new model, a technological and design statement about where the brand is now and where it wants to go in the future.

It will also be a stylish and modern electric vehicle based on the same e-GMP principles as the Ioniq 5. Kia Australia has confirmed that it will offer two models - a single-engine rear-wheel drive and a twin-engine all-wheel drive flagship model. .

Only 500 EV6s due on the 22nd will probably be a bestseller.

Ford Ranger Raptor

(Image credit: Thanos Pappas)

As excited as Ford is to launch its first electric vehicle in 2022, the e-Transit just isn't exciting enough for us. That's why we chose the more obvious choice, the flagship Ranger Raptor.

The Blue Oval is playing its cards close to the chest, but the new model should boast V6 power - whether it's turbodiesel or turbopetrol - remains open.

Either way, it will have more power than the current twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while still retaining Baja-inspired off-road chassis upgrades such as unique dampers and a custom wheel and tire package to maximize its ability to whip up desert dust. .

Expect the new Raptor to hit showrooms later in the year, after the regular Ranger line arrives mid-22.

Nissan Z

It's been tempting to put the upcoming Aryia all-electric SUV in that spot, but given there's no guarantee it'll show up in local showrooms before the end of 2022, the new Z will get the nod.

Not that it was a bad second choice, which is good news for Nissan. The "new" Z is actually still based on the existing model's platform, but it has received some pretty significant upgrades that will make it truly exciting for sports car fans.

First, it gets a whole new look, with some hints of the past integrated into what looks like a fresh and modern car. But the big news is under the hood, where the naturally aspirated V6 has been replaced with a 298kW/475Nm twin-turbo version, which should boost its appeal.