NEW-LOOK TUCSON ON THE WAY

It’s two decades since Hyundai Tucson entered an emerging SUV segment. In that time, it has gone on to evolve into a global bestseller. Now a new-look Tucson is on the way. It’s the first update for the car since the launch of the fourth-generation Tucson in 2020. Due to make its European debut in early-2024 it will arrive here midway through the year and will include a hybrid variant for the first time. A more dynamic appearance is said to embody the company’s progressive vision for future mobility although… Read more

SEXIER CAMRY TO COME AS HYBRID ONLY

Toyota has not surprisingly revealed that the next Camry will be hybrid only. Following in the footsteps of Corolla, next-generation Camry sedan is visually more striking, with a sharper more athletic look, featuring Toyota’s new “hammerhead” grille. It’s complemented by slim LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights. Camry will also be the first Toyota in Australia equipped with the brand’s 2.5-litre, four- cylinder engine and the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, delivering a more controllable and engaging drive experience. Toyota engineers have combined the engine’s output with lighter and… Read more

IONIQ 6 UPGRADE ADDS VALUE AND EFFICIENCY

Hyundai Australia is now accepting orders for the upgraded version of its Ioniq 6 fully- electric sports sedan, with delivery planned for the first quarter of next year. The current Ioniq 6 arrived here earlier this year to join its sibling, the Ioniq 5 crossover SUV, in Hyundai’s electric vehicle sub-brand range. As before the 2024 Ioniq 6 comes with a choice of three variants but with a new entry-level model, just called Ioniq 6, replacing the previous mid-spec Techniq and joining the continuing Dynamiq and Epiq models. The addition… Read more

NEW SLEEK AND SPORTY SONATA NOW ON SALE

When the first Hyundai Sonata sedan arrived here in 1989 it was a conservatively-styled and affordable family-sized alternative to vehicles such as Toyota Camry, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Mitsubishi Magna. All but the Camry soon to become casualties of the looming local factory closures. Now in its eighth generation the Sonata has progressively morphed from those relatively bland beginnings into a sleek and sporty four-door coupe. The latest upgrade to the Genn 8 Sonata has now arrived here and it takes the styling to the next level with looks… Read more

NEW NAMES, EXTRA FEATURES FOR 2024 HYUNDAI PALISADE

Hyundai Australia has released details of its MY2024 flagship Palisade seven-seat SUV including a name change for its high-spec variant as well as additional standard features. Launched here in 2020, and upgraded in 2022, Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgeon under five metres, it’s around the same size and price as competitors such as Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-90 and Kia Sorento. The previous Highlander name for the top-grade Palisade has now been replaced with the Calligraphy and a higher-spec Black Ink variant – no… Read more

i30 SEDAN N UPDATE – YEAH BABY!

Hyundai has taken the wraps off a new i30 Sedan N marking the eighth anniversary of its high-performance brand. The new Sedan N boasts upgraded technological capabilities transferred from motorsport competition, to offer improved balance under high-performance conditions. With enhanced safety and comfort, it’s designed to deliver an emotionally engaging driving experience based on the three pillars of N vehicle development – Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar. Ride and handling enhancements include a reinforced engine mount membrane for reduced after shake and improved agility, G-bushing reinforcement for improved… Read more

EV(LUTION) A MAGNET FOR FOSSIL-FED HYUNDAI KONA

In a display, which can only be described as a case of automotive smoke and mirrors, the new Hyundai Kona is designed to look like an electric vehicle – no radiator grille – whether an EV, hybrid or petrol powered. The maker Hyundai says this is to make the whole range of the small SUV, including petrol variants – EV and hybrids are due here by year’s end – blend in with traffic better in the future. The ‘petrols’ on offer at present are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a CVT… Read more

HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2006 – 2020

Hyundai i30 hatch has been a big seller for many years in Australia, but the i30 sedan, until 2020, was confusingly called Elantra rather than i30, is well worth consideration. The fourth generation Elantra reaches us here in August 2006. It’s the one we are concentrating on in this used car checkout. Styling at that time was unashamedly Korean, with the sort of lines that didn’t appeal to Aussies. The fifth generation Elantra, from July 2011 is more European in style. Then from February 2016 the gen-six Elantra arguably led… Read more

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL HYUNDAI VENUE

Today we’re looking at the cheapest of the cheap, the bottom feeders of the Australian new car market. They’re cars offered at a rock bottom price, targeted at those who can’t afford anything else, but are still prepared to dig deep to get something new rather than second hand. Wearing the crown as the cheapest new car currently available is the Kia Picanto hatch, priced from $16,290 plus on-roads. Cheapest SUV is the Suzuki Ignis at $19,490. With no equivalent to match Picanto, Hyundai’s cheapest offering these days is the… Read more

FIRST LOOK AT BOLD NEW HYUNDAI SANTA FE

Although it’s still a few weeks away from its global launch, and at least six months away from arriving here, Hyundai Australia has released details and images of its latest (fifth generation) Santa Fe family SUV. Styling is radically different to any previous Santa Fe model with a squared-off, chiselled look replacing the smoother curves of the current model suggesting more serious off-road credentials than before although not to the extent as the similarly-shaped Land Rover Defender. The most striking feature is at the front where the latest Hyundai ‘family’… Read more