IM AN MG (More or less)

No, it’s not a Tesla, but you could be forgiven for thinking so. Although it looks very much like a Tesla, it is in fact MG’s new IM range of premium EVs, targeted at — you guessed it — Tesla. MG says the IM5 (sedan) and IM6 (SUV) represent a leap forward in premium electric motoring with elevated design, technology and more.  The vehicles have been developed jointly with the Chinese powerhouse the Alibaba Group. IM stands for Intelligence in Motion and in Australia, the brand will be known as… Read more

BYO Urus for Knight of knights

TIRED of your $250,000 Lamborghini Urus?  That’s unlikely, but if that is indeed the case, and you have access to at least another $250,000, you can swap it for a Rezvani Knight. (Or spend a lot more for a Rezvani Dark Knight). The Californian maker of exotic vehicles has come up with a Urus-based machine that it says ‘combines supercar aesthetics with military inspiration.’ That translates to an eye-catching gunmetal grey supercar that’s equally at home on freeways and rough off-road terrain.  The Knight uses the Urus’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8,… Read more

Volvo reinvents the seatbelt

Volvo has reinvented the humble seatbelt. The new multi-adaptive safety belt is world-first technology and designed to further enhance safety for everyone in real-world traffic situations. Set to make an entrance in the fully electric Volvo EX60 next year, the new safety belt is designed to better protect people by adapting to traffic variations and the person wearing it — thanks to real-time data from the car’s advanced sensors. The new multi-adaptive safety belt can use data input from interior and exterior sensors to customise protection, adapting the setting based… Read more

Jaecoo’s big buy-back promise

Chinese carmaker Jaecoo has introduced the nation’s first-ever “Future Price Promise”, with the launch of its new J7 and J8 SUVs. Typically tied to finance agreements, Jaecoo’s Future Price Promise is automatically included with every new J7 and J8 purchase. It offers buyers a guaranteed minimum future value, regardless of how the vehicle is financed. The initiative ensures customers know in advance the minimum amount they will receive should they choose to sell their vehicle in the future, effectively giving them a committed buyer from day one. Chief Commercial Officer… Read more

Tayron replaces Allspace with more space

Volkswagen has revealed a replacement for the Tiguan Allspace called the Tayron. It is positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg, and will be offered in both five- and seven-seat form. Tayron will arrive in September, but there is no word on pricing yet. Diesel and hybrid powertrains will not be available at launch.  Four petrol-versions will initially be offered: Tayron 110TSI Life, 150TSI Life, 150TSI Elegance and 195TSI R-Line. 110TSI Life and Elegance are seven seaters. Tayron boasts a premium cabin design, material choices and a quality fit and finish,… Read more

New Actyon hides old roots

The car company formerly known as SsangYong has released a new model. Now called KGM Australia, the all-new MY26 KGM Actyon SUV is the first fully developed and designed vehicle by KGM. As well as a new name, KGM has also adopted a new slogan — “Korean built to last”. KGM describes all-new five-seat Actyon as a modern revival of the world’s first coupe-style SUV which was discontinued in 2010. Based on the smaller KGM Torres, its coupe-like styling sets the Actyon apart. A unique front grille lighting design inspired… Read more

Forester debuts stronger new hybrid system

Orders are being taken for Subaru’s all-new, sixth generation Forester which sees the debut of a stronger hybrid powertrain. Seven highly specified variants will be offered, three of them hybrids, priced from $43,490 plus on-roads. Subaru says the new hybrid represents a significant leap forward in performance for the brand. The Hybrid e-Boxer system packs more punch, with 145kW of combined power – a 31.8 per cent increase. Maximum power of 121kW arrives at 5600 rpm. Maximum torque of 212Nm is available from 4000-4400 rpm.  The system combines a 2.5-litre… Read more

Warmenau for hotter Golf R

Volkswagen Golf R drivers will be able to hot up their new car with Warmenau upgrades. Named after a village in Wolfsburg, Germany the new upgrades bring bespoke, weight-saving and performance-enhancing features to the R as a $6500 option. Kinda like a Golf R Wolfsburg Edition, although they haven’t trotted out one of these since 2017. Developed in-house by Volkswagen Racing, Warmenau 19-inch forged alloys improve unsprung mass by reducing the weight of each by 20 per cent to 8kg A high opening ratio for efficient venting also improves brake… Read more

10-minute chargers for NSW EVs

More than $41 million will be spent on the roll out of 246 new fast EV chargers across NSW. The chargers will be funded by the State Government ($16.1 million) and $51.1 million (from the private sector) to roll-out the new fast and ultra-fast chargers which will all be powered by renewable energy. They will include pull-through charging bays to accommodate EV drivers towing caravans, boats and trailers, making it easier for long-distance travellers to charge their EVs. Many of the chargers will be accessible for drivers with a disability. … Read more

New Outlander on the way

A new or updated Mitsubishi Outlander arrives next month with Australian-tuned suspension. The Australian research and development team, led by Tony Dorrington, worked closely with international colleagues to refine the updated Outlander’s ride and handling balance. Working with head office engineers on roads throughout Australia and Japan, the group developed new suspension components and a steering map for the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to ensure Outlander drives like never before. Updates include recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with changes to both ‘bump’ and ‘rebound’ tuning, and a smaller-diameter… Read more