Earlier we looked ahead at the most important electric newcomers expected in 2022. Those EVs are becoming increasingly important, but there is also a lot of news with an internal combustion engine on the way. Although there is also an electric motor on board more and more often…
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo understands like no other the art of keeping its enthusiasts in suspense. After the introduction of the positively surprising Giulia and Stelvio, it has been virtually silent around this brand for years. However, we were presented with the Tonale Concept in 2019, a fairly production-ready looking, medium-sized SUV. So produce and pop? Well, yes, but only in 2022. Alfa’s alternative to the Volvo XC40, BMW X1 and X2 and Audi Q3 should finally appear on the market next year, probably on a platform that is shared with Jeep, among others.
Kia Niro
A completely new version of the car that has been the darling of the Netherlands for the past two years, should of course not be missing. The future looks bright for the new Kia Niro, as it remains true to the successful recipe of the outgoing model. So the car will be available again as a hybrid, as a plug-in hybrid and as an EV, so it might as well have been on the EV list. Unfortunately, the exact specifications are not yet known. It is clear that the appearance is a bit bolder and more taste-sensitive than that of the first Niro, but we really only applaud that.
Mazda CX-60/CX-80
Mazda CX-60
Mazda presents not one, but two new SUVs. Named CX-60 and CX-80, the cars follow the naming policy used by the CX-30, but everything is different underneath. The large SUVs are on a whole new platform with…rear-wheel drive! As if that wasn’t shocking enough, both cars will be available with a real six-in-line, of the special SkyActiv-X type. If it is more economical, there will also be ‘normal’ plug-in hybrids, another novelty for Mazda.
Toyota Aygo X
Precisely the non-European Toyota remains faithful to the very European A-segment and comes with an all-new Aygo, now with an ‘X’. In the lower part of the market, the car actually only finds South Koreans as serious competitors, although those Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 are immediately very serious. We already know what the Aygo X looks like and what it costs, so we’ll just have to wait and see how it drives!
Dacia Jogger
Dacia Jogger
Dacia’s latest budget stunner is in the same stage of introduction as the Toyota Aygo X. The Jogger is the spiritual successor of the first Logan MCV and offers a lot of space for (from) less than 20 grand. This makes it a unique offer and it must be very strange if we do not want to see this car regularly on the Dutch roads.
BMW X1
Seven years after the introduction of the previous X1, BMW thinks it’s time for generation three. Like the new 2-series Active Tourer, it rests on the UKL2 platform, an improved, new version of the front-wheel drive UKL platform of its predecessor. We also expect that the X1 will follow the Tourer in terms of design, because BMW does not do great tricks in this segment. There will also be an electric iX1, but that is not what this list is intended for.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes-Benz GLC
A new C-class was launched at Mercedes in 2021. SUV brother GLC can of course not be left behind, so a new GLC will follow next year, based on the same pattern. Count on a regular version and a GLC Coupé that both grow slightly compared to the current model. That is necessary, because with the GLB Mercedes now has a true cannibal in the house.
Citroen C5 X
The Citroën C5 X is interesting not only for what it is, but also for what it represents. This is a new view of the European D-segment, which may be followed by other brands. Instead of a regular sedan or station wagon, the C5 X is a somewhat high standing super hatchback, which emphatically does not look like a real SUV. We are curious!
Peugeot 308/Opel Astra/DS 4
Opel Astra
Three cars in one fell swoop? Yes, of course. Although the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and DS 4 are not exactly the same car, they do share a technical basis. Moreover, they were presented more or less simultaneously and 2022 will be the year in which all three cars experience their Dutch market introduction. Three ultramodern C-segmenters with partly electrified powertrains, new infotainment and special design: if these models do not attract buyers, the non-SUV is definitely doomed.
BMW 7 Series
We conclude at a high level, with the new BMW 7-series. In addition to an electric i7, there will also be a ‘normal’ 7, although it seems to be anything but ordinary. With a somewhat clumsy body, split headlights and an unusually arranged rear, BMW seems to want to redo the shocking introduction of the E65 generation.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl