Powerhouse Nismo Patrol breaks cover

Nissan has taken the wraps off a NISMO high performance version of the Patrol 4×4 wagon. NISMO (short for Nissan Motorsports) represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance, engineering, and innovation. Every NISMO is designed to deliver an adrenaline-packed driving experience and the all-new Nissan Patrol NISMO blends the robustness of an SUV with the precision of track-inspired engineering. Australia already has the off-road focused Patrol Warrior by Premcar, with a 5.6-litre V8 that produces 298kW and 560Nm. However, the track-inspired Nismo eclipses this, with a specially tuned twin-turbo petrol V6… Read more

You can drive the Tasman ute away

In case you missed it, Kia is offering driveaway deals on its new Tasman dual cab Ute. Prices start from $46,490 driveaway, for the 4×2 S with steel wheels — dare we say workhorse of the range.  Though steel, the wheels are finished in black by the way. The rest of the range is 4×4, topping out at $77,990 driveaway for X-Pro. The latter boasts 17 inch black alloys with all-terrain rubber, a locking, electronic locking diff, different drive modes for different terrains, heated and cooled seats, Harman Kardon sound… Read more

Nissan turns over a new LEAF

Nissan has taken the wraps off an all-new, third generation electric LEAF. The new LEAF (leading, environmentally-friendly, affordable, family car) promises increased range and faster charging speeds, along with tech that Nissan says will make the daily drive easier. Now an SUV rather than hatchback, Nissan believes LEAF offers a “compelling” alternative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles. No word on when or how much it will cost yet, but the car will begin to roll out in the United States from September, with other regions to follow… Read more

Polestar gets Abbey Road mode

No one’s using the words The Beatles, but the Polestar 3’s audio system just got Abbey Road Studios Mode. Available exclusively for the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, the over-the-air update brings a listening experience inspired by the iconic London recording studio. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system in Polestar 3 features 25 strategically placed speakers, including the proprietary Continuum cone and is complete with a 1610 watt power output, 3D surround sound, Dolby Atmos capability, and active road noise cancellation. Abbey Road mode adds four entirely new sound… Read more

Commuter special — Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid

Chery has added a hybrid to its Tiggo 4 lineup. The new model will be priced from $29,990 driveaway for the Urban variant, and $34,990 driveaway for the top-spec Ultimate. The new series-parallel hybrid has a 1.5-litre petrol engine, that delivers 95kW of power, with drive to the front wheels. Fuel consumption is a claimed 5.4L/100km. Powered by Chery’s advanced hybrid technology, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid offers seamless performance ideal for both city commutes and weekend escapes. “Adding hybrid power to our most accessible SUV is a natural next step… Read more

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