The local car market is expected to see several new models over the next year. Some are entirely new, but in many cases, they involve either replacing an existing model or at least giving a significant facelift to a current one. It seems that in recent years, more than in the past, every model replacement has brought with it more than just a polish of the existing product, but a real leap forward. And we're not just talking about electric cars, where advancements can make a two-year-old car obsolete overnight with a significant range addition, but also about more traditional cars, which are the bread and butter of manufacturers.
These changes could include more powerful and efficient new engines, advanced multimedia systems, higher safety levels, or upgrades in material quality and space. Just remember that where there’s potential, there’s also risk; new models can sometimes bring potential issues and "bugs" from the initial production cycles, which appear as more units enter widespread use.
At the end of each review, we've added the "Impatience Worthiness Index," where we weighed how much waiting for the new model is worth and its significance to the local market, rated from 1 to 5, with 1 being low to non-existent expectation and 5 being "Why-isn’t-it-here-yet!"
Audi Q5
The successful and successful Audi crossover is a very experienced player in the field. Globally, it has been around in its current generation since 2016, and here since 2017. Even now, in its last year, among the trio of German competitors—Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, and Q5—it holds the second place in sales.
But a new generation has already been unveiled globally, and despite using a new platform, those looking for larger dimensions won’t find them here—the overall length has increased by 3.5 cm, and the wheelbase remains unchanged at 282 cm. Anyone looking for performance improvements won’t find them here either; it is currently sold in Israel with 2.0-liter turbo petrol and plug-in hybrid engines producing 265 to 367 hp. The new generation has been presented only with petrol and diesel engines of the same volume but modest power of 204 hp, except for the SQ5 with a 367 hp V6 engine. It is expected to be more fuel-efficient and less polluting thanks to a mild hybrid system; who knows, maybe for those who don't mind spending around NIS 400,000, fuel savings could be important.
So why wait? The design is more modern and aggressive than before, with a significant upgrade to the driver’s environment including an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch multimedia screen, a fast wireless charging pad, over-the-air updates, an active noise cancellation system, and more. There is also a promise of shock absorber tuning that will take it in a more dynamic direction.
Bottom Line: For fans of features and appearance, less so for performance seekers.When Here: Early 2025Impatience Worthiness Index: 3/5
BMW X3
At the end of June this year, BMW revealed the successor to the current X3. Successor? Well, not exactly a new model, more of a significant refresh. Those waiting for major news from the manufacturer in this category will need to wait until next year when the manufacturer will unveil an independent electric model in this category. Meanwhile, we work with what we have, and what is available isn’t bad at all.
The exterior design features the new BMW grille; it seems that this manufacturer doesn’t stop challenging brand enthusiasts with bold styling experiments. In terms of dimensions, there is no real change compared to the current generation—4.75 meters end-to-end and a 285 cm wheelbase. The passenger compartment jumps to BMW’s new driver environment like that of the i7 and the new 5 Series. This means two 14.9-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and one for multimedia, on a unified surface, a head-up display, over-the-air updates, and an app for remote vehicle control (checking fuel gauge, turning on climate control, and more).
No new developments in the regular engine lineup; 2.0-liter petrol with 190 hp, 2.0-liter diesel with 197 hp, both with a mild hybrid system, and a 3.0-liter inline-six engine for the M50 with 381 hp. The plug-in hybrid version is refreshed, with an 11 kWh battery replaced by a 19.7 kWh battery providing an electric range of 85 km, and with the combination of the petrol engine and electric motor, it delivers 299 hp.
Bottom Line: The interesting plug-in hybrid may not be relevant, but the passenger compartment is a significant upgrade.When Here: Early 2025Impatience Worthiness Index: 4/5
Genesis GV80
Genesis’s large and luxurious crossover is probably the best big luxury crossover you don’t know. Probably, and this is just an unscientific but logical assumption, when people start spending around NIS 600,000 on a car, being excellent, high-quality, comfortable, advanced, with outstanding performance, road behavior, and comfort—does not compensate for experience, reputation, name, and brand that resonates with people. And that is earned only with patience and perseverance, just ask Lexus.
So Genesis continues to refine its product a bit more. The GV80 gets a facelift, but it is supposed to include not just a new grille and freshening up but also a new giant 27-inch screen. And since if you can’t beat them, join them, the GV80 will also come in a coupe crossover version like the BMW X6, Mercedes GLE Coupe, and Audi Q8.
The engine is not expected to change—3.0 liters with 272 hp. We are indeed very excited about the arrival of the coupe version with Genesis’s new engine. This is an evolution of the 3.5-liter V6 engine adding an electric turbocharger that allows boosting air into the engine at 1,300 rpm and producing 415 hp.
Bottom Line: If all it takes to attract people to see it is a big screen, then so be it.When in Israel: Towards the end of the yearImpatience Worthiness Index: 5/5
Dacia Duster
Despite the refinements it has undergone over the years and a facelift in 2021 that improved the situation, the Dacia Duster may have earned itself a fan base due to its toughness, price, and simplicity of its components—but this vehicle simply could not challenge or even try to challenge the mid-range competitors. It was not there in terms of material quality, performance, driving, noise insulation, and of course, safety.
The new generation is in a different place. A 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine with a mild hybrid system and 130 hp with either front or all-wheel drive, a 1.6 hybrid engine like in the Jogger with 141 hp and an automatic transmission (front-wheel drive only), a very nice passenger compartment with a 10.1-inch original multimedia system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, there is also Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Only the safety rating is still at 3 out of 5 stars.
Bottom Line: The new Duster might turn from a low-cost compromise car to a worthy value-for-money option.When in Israel: November 2024Impatience Worthiness Index: 5/5
Volvo XC90
Volvo made a lot of noise with its grand announcements about transitioning to all-electric by 2030, almost as loud as the screeching brakes and U-turn when it recently revealed not only is it recalculating its route, but also revamping the old XC90, which was supposed to retire.
The facelift gives a general "wish" to its appearance, smoothing wrinkles, and changing the front grille and lights. Inside, there's a larger 11.2-inch screen instead of 9 inches and a new operating system. What's not visible are improved insulation materials and a declared improvement in ride comfort due to new suspension tuning.
So Volvo isn’t going all-electric yet but is ditching gasoline engines for a mild hybrid and full plug-in hybrid offering in the XC90. This starts with 2.0-liter turbo engines with 250 or 300 hp and a plug-in hybrid with the same engine but significantly more electric assistance, totaling 445 hp.
Bottom Line: Volvo bets heavily on electric, but it’s uncertain if the facelift will keep it competitive.When in Israel: Early 2025Coolness Score: 2/5
Toyota Camry
The new Toyota Camry isn't exactly brand new but a comprehensive facelift of the current generation. It belongs to the dwindling breed of executive cars, those that crossovers have systematically replaced, and what remains has been overtaken by electric sedans. Over the past year, only three relevant models have been left in Israel: Hyundai Sonata, Skoda Superb, and Toyota Camry. The platform remains unchanged, as does the hybrid power unit, although in its updated version raising output to 225 hp (up from 218 hp).
Significant Changes? Where needed - in the cabin and equipment. New trim materials, a 7-inch dashboard, and 8-inch multimedia, with higher trims offering 12.3-inch versions and a more modern operating system. Air updates are also added, along with advanced third-generation Toyota safety systems.
Bottom Line: Even for solid executives, an advanced car is a must.When in Israel: Late 2024Coolness Score: 5/5
Hyundai Santa Fe
With a somewhat confusing design, the new Hyundai Santa Fe might first appear to be electric. But it's not—the real electric rival to the Kia EV9 will be another vehicle revealed in a few months.
It will continue to offer 7 seats, with an option for 6 seats and two captain's chairs in the second row. It's larger, adding 5.5 cm in overall length to 4.83 m and 5 cm to the wheelbase, improving third-row seating space and trunk volume. Equipment and technology include two 12.3-inch screens (one for the dashboard, one for multimedia), and a third 6.6-inch screen for climate control. Smartphone app control, advanced safety systems, and cruise control with navigation data are also featured.
Power comes from 2.5-liter gasoline engines, a hybrid combining 1.6 turbo and an electric motor with 226 hp, and a plug-in hybrid version with the same combination and 265 hp.
Bottom Line: This large crossover won't exit the stage without a final show; on paper, it's impressive.When in Israel: Q3 2024Coolness Score: 5/5
Citroën C3
Before diving into the car itself, credit where it's due: Lubinski is the only importer in this review that notes "the new model coming soon" on their site—an acknowledgment worth mentioning.
Now to the details. The current Citroën C3 is a cute, comfortable, and stylish car but a product of Citroën's unclear transitional period. The new generation aims to address this with a sharp turn - the C3 will now also be electric, competing on price and value without any Versailles palace decorations, fiery performance, or sophisticated wine gimmicks—just what’s needed to drive. If this reminds someone of the Dacia approach, they’re not mistaken.
What’s in it? Similar dimensions to the outgoing third generation—4 meters long and a 254 cm wheelbase, but it has grown 10 cm in height to 1.54 meters. A minimalist interior with an optional 10.25-inch screen; in the base version, your smartphone fills this role, and in the upgraded version, it also has wireless charging, cheerful interior trims, and slightly less cheerful material quality. The trunk is slightly larger (310 liters vs. 300). Safety systems are decent but not comprehensive (missing blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control).
The C3 will offer a choice between an electric motor with 113 hp and a 44 kWh battery (claimed range of 326 km) or a mild hybrid with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 100 hp and a 28 hp electric motor, connected to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Bottom Line: Sometimes, all we need is simple, affordable, electric transportation; if it hits the target price of NIS 120,000, it’ll be interesting.When in Israel: Later this yearCoolness Score: 4/5
Porsche 911
Since the launch of the current Porsche 911 in 2019, there has been talk of a hybrid version. Back then, it was said that although a hybrid version had already been tested and was deep in planning, Porsche realized the technology wasn’t mature and shelved the idea. That was June 2019.
This June, the manufacturer announced that in the facelift of the model, a serial hybrid version will finally be presented. As usual with Porsche, the system is unlike anything else; it will be available in the GTS, the middle model between the regular versions and the S and Turbo. It features two electric motors—one with 54 hp powered by a 1.9 kWh battery and another with 15 hp integrated into the turbocharger. Total power is 541 hp, reaching 100 km/h in 3 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h. Regular gasoline versions also receive a slight boost in the facelift, increasing power by 9 hp to 394 hp.
Dynamic aspects include new suspension tuning, standard rear steering, and adaptive dampers and stabilizer bars that adjust stiffness according to driving mode and load.
The exterior design receives minor cosmetic touches across all models, and the GTS hybrid features dynamic air vents that open and close according to the engine’s cooling needs. Inside, there’s a 12.6-inch digital dashboard and a 10.9-inch multimedia screen.
Bottom Line: The 911 has become a bit greener, and we’ve become even greener—out of envy.When in Israel: OctoberCoolness Score: 5/5
Chevrolet Traverse
A little over a year ago, the new generation Chevrolet Traverse was introduced, Chevrolet's passenger leader. The current generation sharpens its appearance towards a tougher, more aggressive look, trying to shed its image as a family minivan.
Its interior undergoes a significant change, notably featuring an 11-inch dashboard and a massive 17.7-inch multimedia screen, both standard. Despite the large screens, physical controls for the audio system and climate control are preserved. The new generation is offered in 7 or 8-seat configurations depending on trim level. Safety systems include adaptive cruise control, automatic braking in both forward and reverse, lane departure correction, and blind spot warning. Additionally, the model will feature an engine mechanism that moves the car before the occupants are buckled up.
As part of the changes, a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine replaces the 3.6-liter V6. The power increases by 5 hp to 315 hp, and torque rises from 36.7 to 43.8 kgm. The transmission is replaced with an 8-speed, compared to 9 in the outgoing generation.
Bottom Line: Over the years, its competitors have passed it; the current update looks like what it needed to get back in the picture.When in Israel: Last quarter of 2024Coolness Score: 5/5