2022 looks to be a pretty major year for a lot of automakers. Hopes are high that all the problems the global automotive industry is facing at the moment will slowly begin to fade away, so production can go without hiccups and all the exciting upcoming cars can reach consumers on time. As well as that, automakers are doubling down and investing top dollar in electrification, new product strategies, as well as a completely new product offensive in some cases.
Even though we're barely into Q1 2022, quite a few automakers have already announced some very exciting new cars. Just about every segment has been covered, and just about every type of powertrain we currently have available. It's an exciting year, and these awesome new cars are proof.
10 Morgan Super 3
The Morgan 3-Wheeler is one of the most unique track day specials ever. It remained in production for a very long time, and while its target audience absolutely swore by it, Morgan couldn't help but feel it needed a slight refresh. That's what the Super 3 is.
The new Super 3 is a comprehensive refinement of the 3-Wheeler formula. More rigid than ever, it also throws out the V-twin engine in favor of a naturally aspirated three-cylinder from Ford. Combined with modernized drivetrain components, the Super 3 should be even better to drive than the outgoing three-wheeled machine.
9 Mazda CX-60
For years now, Mazda has been promising us a new RWD platform, new six-cylinder engines, and a push towards the upmarket with the aims of competing with the German luxury brands. Now, finally, we have the first product of that promise; the CX-60.
Destined for Europe only, the CX-60 is Mazda's first ever plug-in hybrid. With up to 323 hp, it's the most powerful production Mazda of all time, but it will also be offered with six-cylinder gas and diesel engines. It's also packed with cool features, and it showcases the latest evolution of the automaker's design language. It's looking pretty good, and we're certainly excited about the CX-70 and CX-90, which are destined for North America and will ride on this platform.
8 Škoda Enyaq Coupe iV
You've probably heard of the Škoda Enyaq, Škoda's first ever electric SUV based on VW's MEB modular platform, and easily one of the best in the business. Well, it appears as though every modern SUV is now legally obligated to have a coupe derivative, and now, the Enyaq does too.
We can't help but feel it looks more like a oversized, friendly liftback (not unlike the Octavia) than a proper coupe SUV. Even with the coupe looks, this is still an Enyaq. This means a great range figure, undoubtedly helped further by the new shape, great technology, fair pricing, a good drive, and there's now a sporty RS/vRS version as well.
7 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
After decades of promises that were ultimately never followed up on, the Volkswagen Bus is finally back. Called the I.D Buzz, this new minivan hearkens back to the original T2 of the 60s and 70s, but it's thoroughly modernized and electrified.
At launch, there will be a five-seat and seven-seat model, as well as an awesome cargo version. It's also based on the scalable MEB platform, and VW also promises a LWB version with a bigger battery pack, as well as various other seating configurations including a new Campervan. North America will have to wait a little longer to get it, but it will most likely be well worth it.
6 Ford Bronco Raptor
With the Ford Bronco being so off-road focused, it was only a matter of time before Ford put together a Raptor version. Now, it's finally here, and it's looking very awesome. Big flared fenders, the signature Raptor grille on the front, and lots of enhancements to make it truly unstoppable on rough terrain.
The 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 is more powerful, so it should be pretty fast when you're hopping around the desert in Baja mode. Meanwhile, Ford collaborated with FOX suspension once again to give the Bronco Raptor internal bypass semi-active dampers with Live Valve technology. In English, that means it can go just about anywhere.
5 Polestar O2 Concept
If there's one automaker that we should be keeping an eye on as we dive into the electrified future, it's Polestar. Volvo's spin-off Tesla rival is making some fantastic progress, and their products are only about to get better. To make us lust, they recently debuted the O2 concept, which is way cooler than the Tesla Roadster for sure.
Unfortunately, this stunning hardtop convertible is not destined for production, but one look at it makes us feel like it really should be. The exterior styling will influence future Polestar products, including the 5 sedan, and one notable feature on the O2 is the built-in autonomous drone, which can be deployed through the infotainment system and record the car while you're on the move.
4 Alfa Romeo Tonale
As part of the Stellantis merger, Alfa Romeo has been given one more chance to prove that they're a genuine competitor. In this day and age, that means betting on a compact crossover. Alfa Romeo did just that, and their rescue mission arrives in the form of the Tonale.
While some people may be a little coy about it, the Tonale is a very exciting model; it's the first Alfa to be electrified, and it's the automaker's first ever small crossover. Considering how well those are doing right now, if Alfa gets the Tonale right (which they almost certainly will), it has the potential to make this Italian automaker a worthy competitor to the Germans.
3 Ford Ranger Raptor
There was a huge outcry from enthusiasts when Ford refused to bring the previous generation Ranger Raptor to North America. However, things are looking bright for the new generation Ranger Raptor, as it will finally be available in the US and Canada.
Ford took that outcry very seriously, which is why the US Ranger Raptor will have around 100 more horsepower than the European one. While it makes 288 hp in most global markets, the US model will get a 392 hp of the same twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. There's also the usual improvements to the drivetrain components, meaning the Ranger Raptor should hold its own on the rough stuff.
2 Audi A6 Avant e-tron
There are quite a few things in this world that are just impossible. One of them appears to be Audi, making an ugly station wagon. The recently revealed A6 Avant e-tron is a testament to that. It is absolutely stunning.
Audi claims that this is the first "tangible" look at a future production model from them, and the A6 Avant e-tron definitely looks production ready for the most part. It will be based upon the new PPE platform that Audi co-developed with Porsche, which will also underpin the regular A6 e-tron sedan and the upcoming electric Macan. Audi also promises up to 435 miles of range (WLTP) and a sub-4 second 0-60 time on the most powerful model, which is very good.
1 Ford Mondeo
Even though the Ford Mondeo basically became a European institution over the last 30 years, Ford ended production of the Mondeo in Europe recently, and the latest generation will not be coming to the Old Continent. Or any global market except China, for that matter.
That's a real shame, but we can still look at it and fawn over it, because it's looking very impressive. The new exterior is certainly eye-catching, and the same goes for the screen-fest interior. The powertrain is very simple, featuring a turbo four-cylinder with 238 hp, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD. Ford has absolutely no plans to sell it or build it outside of China, but here's hoping that they will change their mind.