Cars & Concepts: New or refreshed offerings from Toyota, Ford, VW and more

Toyota is leaning on tech upgrades, an improved ride and an optional new hybrid powertrain to stave off encroaching rivals in the midsize-pickup segment. The automaker will offer the 2024 Tacoma, above, in six trims, all of which come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver-assist technologies. A multilink rear suspension replaces the previous model’s leaf springs on certain trims for a claimed smoother ride and improved handling. The redesigned Tacoma is scheduled to go on sale this year. Pricing hasn’t been released.

2024 FORD RANGER

Arriving in late summer, the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger offers an expanded engine range, a reengineered cab and a performance Raptor variant. The midsize pickup is five centimetres longer and wider than the current generation, which means it can fit 4x8 sheets of building materials between the wheel tubs in the bed. The Ranger gets a wider cabin and larger screens as part of the update. The off-road-ready Ranger Raptor has a unique suspension and exterior design, and a 3.0-litre V-6 engine expected to generate 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced.

2025 VOLKSWAGEN ID BUZZ

A longer wheelbase and a larger battery differentiate the North American version of the Volkswagen ID Buzz from the version on sale in Europe. The vehicle is the automaker’s modern take on the original VW Microbus that first appeared in the early 1950s, and is designed to travel about 420 kilometres on a full charge. For the Canadian market, a five-passenger version is standard, with a two-place third row available as an option. The ID Buzz is set to go on sale in the second half of 2024. Pricing hasn’t been released.

2024 ASTON MARTIN DB12

The automaker’s latest grand touring coupe arrives this fall with a Mercedes-Benz supplied 671-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8. The outgoing DB11 has a 630-horsepower 5.2-litre V-12. The DB12 gets an updated suspension, stiffer chassis, new styling and an interior that blends technology with luxury refinements such as hand-stitched leather seats. The new model will likely be the final update to the DB line before Aston Martin transitions to electric powertrains by 2030. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

2024 BMW 5 SERIES

The first fully electric BMW 5 Series sedan will arrive in Canada in October to take on rivals in the luxury EV segment. The 2024 i5 M60 xDrive has an estimated 412 kilometres of range and 590 horsepower, allowing the flagship sedan to accelerate to 100 kilometres from rest in 3.8 seconds. BMW will also bring the gasoline-powered 530i xDrive to Canada, and a plug-in hybrid is scheduled to arrive in 2024. The i5 starts at $95,000 and the 530i at $70,500, plus delivery fees.