Toyota reveals enhanced bZ4X EV

With a larger battery, the latest version of Toyota’s BZ4X EV promises improvements to battery, performance and driving range. The lithium-ion battery pack fitted to the SUV is slightly larger at 74.7kWh, compared to 71.4 kWh previously. The front-wheel drive version of the BZ4X now produces 165kW of power instead of 150kW, while the dual-motor, all-wheel drive has been boosted by 92kW and now has a combined output of 252kW. The increase in output has also boosted performance, slashing the AWD’s 0-100km/h time by 1.8 seconds to 5.1 seconds. No… Read more

SUZUKI SWIFT HYBRID GLX

Wow. Considering that Toyota launched its first hybrid in 2001. It beggars belief that it took Suzuki until 2024 — 23 years later — to release its first hybrid offering. Talk about dragging the chain. Not only that, but it has been added to a small fuel efficient hatchback that arguably doesn’t really need it — the Swift. The Hamamatsu-based company has however taken a slightly different approach, because the hybrid does not directly power the wheels. So let’s take a closer look at this latecomer to a party that… Read more

MG ZS ESSENCE PETROL

The Chinese-owned MG company continues to make an impact on the Australian market with an expanding range and a prominent marketing campaign having it locked into the top ten of new car sales. As with most new brands, pricing has been the most driver of MG’s success with its MG3 hatchback and ZS small SUV both consistently at the top of their respective sales categories. The MG ZS arrived here in late 2017 with what is effectively an all-new model coming here early in 2025. It comes with a larger… Read more

JAC’s futuristic DE-FINE concept set to make debut

JAC’s futuristic concept DE-FINE will make its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show on April 5 and 6. The DE-FINE concept showcases JAC Motors’ Guiding Intelligence with Intelligence framework for the future. It is JAC Motors’ vision for continuous innovation, sustainability, and advanced automotive design, and was recognised for this when it won the prestigious 2024 Red Dot Award for Outstanding Design Concept. DE-FINE’s streamlined styling is inspired by interstellar exploration, its architecture sets new benchmarks in performance and efficiency, and its driver-focused interior pushes boundaries for comfort and immersion. JAC… Read more

VW rolls out its ID electric SUVs

Volkswagen australia is launching the ID. 4 and ID. 5 with a simple premise – these are simply better electric SUVs Backed by ultra-competitive pricing, ID. 4 Pro is priced from $59,990 while the larger ID. 5 GTX is priced from $72,990 — both prices before on-roads costs. The Volkswagen ID. 4 and ID. 5 offer trademark German quality and engineering, plus pricing and features highly competitive with unknown brands and top 10 brand BEVs. Standard equipment includes IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlamps with adaptive high beam, 3D LED rear lights with dynamic indicators,… Read more

Four-seat Chery Journeo door to the future

Chery Automobile has unveiled its vision of future mobility with the New Journeo Concept. The futuristic-looking concept combines pioneering technologies, sustainable materials and a revolutionary design. It was designed under the leadership of the 30-strong team at the Chery Advanced Design Centre Europe in Raunheim, Germany. Journeo is powered by Chery’s seventh-generation Kunpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system, which consists of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol- engine and an electric motor coupled with a 3DHT and offers a range of up to 2500km. “With the New Journeo Concept, we are… Read more

Tank 300 now available with diesel

GWM is expanding the Tank 300 lineup with the introduction of a new turbo-diesel variant. Designed to deliver improved efficiency and even better off-road performance, the diesel-powered Tank 300 will be available in two well-appointed grades – Lux and Ultra. At its core, the new Tank 300 diesel is powered by GWM’s robust 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 135kW of power at 3600 rpm and a hefty 480Nm of torque from 1500 to 2500 rpm. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain promises claimed fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km, delivering… Read more

First look at all-new WR-X

The engine might be unchanged but the latest Subaru WR-X has plenty of goodies in store for fans of the iconic performance sedan. Subaru Australia has confirmed an all-new WRX AWD tS Spec B, will join the model line-up in 2025. It will feature the option of a manual transmission, larger brakes and a more imposing rear wing. Also confirmed are 19-inch matte grey alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with ventilated discs, and Recaro front sports seats. The car pictured is shown with optional STI Performance Mufflers fitted. Alas, the new… Read more

Chery puts the pressure on

THE Chinese brands continue to lower the bar when it comes to pricing, putting existing manufacturers under increasing pressure. Latest is Chery which has announced a mid-cycle refresh for its midsize SUV the TIGGO 7 Pro. Two new variants, labelled the SE (Special Edition) and SE+ will launch in February, replacing the existing Urban, Elite and Ultimate grades. With sharp driveaway pricing, the new TIGGO 7 Pro continues to offer incredible value with even the entry-level SE smartly appointed. Lewis Lu, Chery Australia CEO, stated “The Tiggo 7 Special Edition… Read more

Polestar Arctic specials rooted in motorsport

Polestar has created a new collection of unique ‘Arctic Circle’ cars. Based on the one-of-a-kind Polestar 2 Arctic Circle from 2022, Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 versions have been built to present a complete line-up of rally-inspired, one-off Arctic Circle cars that express the Swedish brand’s performance DNA. Polestar boss Michael Lohscheller, said the Arctic Circle collection illustrates its unique performance DNA, rooted in motorsport and combined with Scandinavian design. “We develop our cars under challenging conditions within the Arctic Circle in Sweden, and at the FAT Ice Race we… Read more