LDV LAUNCHES ANOTHER ELECTRIC VAN

Couriers have access to another electric option with the launch of LDV’s all-new, bread and butter eDeliver 7. It joins the larger eDeliver 9 van, as well as LDV’s first electric ute, the eT60, and MIFA 9 electric people mover. The Chinese brand claims eDeliver 7 demands no compromise from an operational perspective and continues to deliver exactly what’s needed from a commercial vehicle: range, features, price and ease of ownership. It is aimed at sole traders, SMEs, transport companies and corporate fleets. Four electric variants make up the eDeliver… Read more

AUTO FOR RED-HOT YARIS

Toyota has unveiled an upgraded version of its rally-bred GR Yaris hot hatch which is available for the first time with an auto. Previously available only with a manual, the eight-speed DirectShift automatic transmission is sure to broaden the appeal of the little hottie. TGR World Rally Team drivers put the new automatic transmission to the test on a range of road surfaces, including in the Japanese Rally Championship and Toyota GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge under the ethos of “breaking and fixing” to help make the new transmission as durable… Read more

BAD-ASS X-TRAIL ATTACKS SKI SLOPES

Check this out. Nissan has modified an X-Trail SUV to work in the snow with the creation of the X-Trail Mountain Rescue Concept. The modifications include the replacement of the wheels with snow tracks, to give the X-Trail the traction to tackle slippery slopes. GMC did a similar thing with Sierra 2500HD All Mountain concept in 2018. As well as adding the tracks, a bespoke roof rack has been added to the X-Trail to carry an evacuation stretcher and snow shovels. A siren, flashing light bar and powerful lights have… Read more

GWM ADDS SEVEN-SEATER TO ITS TANK SUV

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has unveiled the second variant of its Tank SUV with the seven-seat Tank 500 joining the Tank 300 five-seater that arrived here in late-2022. Due to go on sale in the Q2 2024 the all-new body-on-frame Tank 500 comes with a hybrid drivetrain, advanced safety features and a variety of convenience features such as auto reverse assist. As with the Tank 300 its available in two grades, Lux and Ultra. Lux will be priced at $66,490 driveaway with price and full specs of the Ultra to… Read more

IONIQ CONCEPT PREVIEWS EV HI-PO CATALOGUE

Hyundai has unveiled a concept constructed with prototype N Performance Parts. The Ioniq 5 N NPX1 previews an array of enhancements by N Performance Parts that will be available for purchase by customers in the near future. Continuing from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, such as i30 Sedan N, i30 N and i20 N, Hyundai N plans to offer specialised tuning components for all-electric N models including the Ioniq 5 N. It features a carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing spoiler, lightweight hybrid carbon wheels, high-performance brake… Read more

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO THE TRANSITION TO EVs

The Federal Parliament’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has commenced an inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles. It’s taken far too long for Australian governments, both State and Commonwealth, to acknowledge the impact of EVs so the inquiry will be a welcome breakthrough and will hopefully address the numerous issues that new and future buyers are constantly raising. Chair of the Committee, Tony Zappia MP, said ‘Australian motorists are increasingly choosing EVs when purchasing a new car. The percentage of EVs sold is growing every… Read more

MAZDA CX-90 G50E M HYBRID AWD AZAMI ROAD TEST

I must be seeing double. Apart from the difference in size, the Mazda CX-60 and CX-90 could be twins. They look the same. They share the same chassis, the same engines and transmissions and their performance is very much the same. Everything is the same, same, same – or is it? STYLING At 5120mm and 2220kg CX-90 is the largest Mazda to date and is available in six- and seven-seat configuration, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines – both of them hybrids. That’s 38mm longer than the CX-60… Read more

NEW KIA SORENTO

Kia Australia has announced details of the MY2024 Sorento large SUV with refreshed the exterior and interior design, upgraded comfort and convenience technology, and additional safety features. As before there is a large range of options including petrol and diesel engines, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, front and all-wheel drive, and four equipment levels. The petrol and diesel variants will be launched later this month in this initial Sorento upgrade release. HEV and PHEV variants will be arriving later in the first half of 2024, with specification details and pricing announced… Read more

IT’S THE HOLY GRAIL OF NUMBER PLATES!

  Coming up for auction by Lloyds on January 27 is the ‘unicorn’ of NSW number plates. It’s NSW 1, described by Lloyds as the nation’s most sought-after heritage plate. It already has a bid for more than $10 million – and that’s not a typo. “After being tightly held for decades by the current custodians and never been offered for public auction before, this heritage “NSW 1” number plate is a unicorn, the holy grail must- have for any blue-chip passion investor or number one gift for that person… Read more

END OF THE ROAD FOR ICONIC AUDI TT

Audi Australia will mark the end of production of its iconic TT sportscar with a special limited edition model. The TT was launched in 1998 and arrived here the following year, initially in coupe form and shortly afterwards as a convertible. Almost all loved its bold shape that combines modern design with 1930’s roadster images. That design proved to be timeless making it instantly recognisable throughout its 25-year lifetime. The aptly named TT Final Edition is based on the Audi TT 45 TFSI quattro but with its own distinctive styling… Read more