The GLB undergoing testing. — Youtube/Automotive Mike
BERLIN: New SUVs, enhanced evergreens and more efficient electric runabouts — there is a lot in the car pipeline for 2019 outside Malaysia.
The still-growing sports utility market looks set to see the most action, with refreshed versions of the Mazda CX-3 snd Mercedes GLA leading the way.
The German maker is adding the compact GLB crossover SUV to the range, a larger, more rugged offering than its smaller sibling.
The GLB uses the MFA (Modular Front-drive Architecture) platform, designed for front-wheel-drive-based compact cars.
Volkswagen will start delivering the T-Cross, which is based on the Polo, while in the luxury segment, Land Rover will be unveiling the restyled Range Rover Evoque.
Lexus is fielding an entry-level UX model to slot in below the luxury NX. The more affordable version of the latter, the Toyota RAV4, is also new for 2019.
Among the compacts, the cards are being reshuffled too. The eighth incarnation of the evergreen Golf is due out, along with the new Audi A3, which shares the same underpinnings.
Seat has lined up the Leon, and the Skoda Scala will take over from the Rapid. BMW is launching both new 1 Series and 2 Series cars, while Mercedes-Benz weighs in with a re-jigged A-Class, B-Class and a refreshed CLA.
READ MORE: 15 new cars coming to Malaysia in 2019
Mazda's new 3 heralds the fourth generation of the popular model, and South Korean maker Kia will be hoping that its new Proceed gets ahead by luring customers away from the CLA Shooting Brake, which is currently the lifestyle load-carrier of choice.
BMW's new 3 Series in one of the most important debuts of 2019 and the saloon will be followed by coupe and estate versions. It also forms the basis for the 4 Series, which managed to sneak in late in 2018.
Toyota is reviving the Camry, Volvo has re-jigged the S60 and in the executive limousine sector BMW has breathed on the 7 Series to bring it bang up to date. Expect to see made-over versions, too, of the Audi A4, A5 and the VW Passat.
Upmarket US brand Cadillac is dipping its toes into the compact market for the first time with the XT4, and Citroen is crowning its range with the C5 Aircross.
Those who think big but have thin wallets will feel attracted to the Tarraco, the first seven-seater from VW subsidiary Seat. BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer luxury versions of the format in the shape of the X7 and GLS.
Even Aston Martin has jumped on the SUV bandwagon with the DBX, and VW will be aiming to persuade sunseekers to buy its T-Roc cabriolet.
Electric cars are still being shunned by many motorists worried by range anxiety and other practical misgivings. The selection of cars with sparky motors is getting larger, though.
VW's electric ID Neo is lined up for the end of the year, while Kia chips in with the electrified mini-cars E-Soul and E-Niro. Opel's Corsa is also getting batteries on board for the first time. All boast more usable range.
Plug-ins are been pushed, too. Cars as varied as the Peugeot 5008 and the funky Jeep Renegade will get the technology in the coming year.
Porsche will unwrap a new drophead version of the iconic 911 sportster, and BMW and Toyota will be selling the Z4 and the Supra based on a joint platform. Both the BMW 8 and the Bentley Continental arrive as dropheads in time for the European summer.
