There will be a host of new 4x4s for the 152 registration period, including new models from Fiat, Jeep and Land Rover. Volvo will soon be launching the new XC90, while Audi has a new version of its top SUV, the Q7, on the way from July.

Fiat, Jeep, Mazda and SsangYong have new compact SUVs on the way in the shape of the new X500, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3 and the SsangYong Tivoli, so compact SUV followers will have even more choice. We look at just some of the new options on the way.

Audi unveils new Q7

The new Audi Q7, due here in July, is claimed to have weight savings over the current model and engine improvements that are said to make it up to 26% more fuel-efficient. The extra economy is achieved by lowering the SUV’s weight by 325kg and a further development of the engine.

The 3.0TDI 218 quattro model claims an average fuel economy figure of 5.7 litre/100km (49.6mpg) and a CO2 figure of 149g/km. The new model will have a starting price of €72,975.

Audi claims that the new Q7 will give more grip, increased traction and enhanced driving performance through Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive technology, which is standard across the entire Q7 range. It claims that the Audi drive select system enables drivers to alter their operating characteristics across seven driving modes: auto, comfort, efficiency, dynamic, individual, and the new off-road and off-road lift modes.

New engine for Discovery Sport

Land Rover has confirmed that the new Ingenium diesel engine will be introduced to the Discovery Sport. This engine is claimed to bring Land Rover’s newest SUV enhanced performance and economy.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine will be available with two power outputs, 150bhp and 180bhp. The new 150bhp derivative in its five-seat set-up claims a fuel economy of up to 4.9litre/100km (57.7mpg) and CO2 emissions from 129g/km. The more powerful 180bhp version, in its standard 5+2 configuration, delivers 139g/km of CO2 and 5.3litre/100km (53.3mpg) on the combined cycle.

The new engines will replace the current diesel engine in EU6 emission limit markets. The ingenium is a new aluminium TD4 engine with lightweight construction. It has stiff cylinder blocks and decoupled injectors, which is said to deliver low levels of vibration and noise intrusion, and a better driver experience.

Jeep launches Renegade SUV

The new Jeep Renegade is the first compact SUV in the Jeep range, and is now on sale in Ireland, with entry prices starting at €25,200 for the two-wheel-drive version powered by a Fiat 1.6 litre Multi-Jet diesel engine.

There will be four engine options - two diesel and two petrol. Diesel power will be the dominant version for Ireland. The 1.6 litre diesel engine has the lowest CO2 rating at 120g/km.

The new Renegade is available with two- or four-wheel drive and claims two new, advanced 4x4 systems called Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. Jeep claims that the rear axle disconnect system seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel-drive to give optimal traction while at the same time reducing the energy required. This, it claims, reduces fuel consumption when 4x4 capability isn’t needed.

The new Jeep is built in Italy following the takeover of the brand by the Fiat Group, which now trades as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

This new small SUV retains the Jeep look and comes with more modern European styling.