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AUDI PUTS IN AN A3-OF-A-KIND BID

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Audi has put the broom through its popular small fry, the A3 and S3, with a revamped exterior and boosted interior, as well as upgrades to performance and dynamics for the latter. Available in Sportback and Sedan guise, Audi Director, Jeff Mannering, says the advancements in design, performance and customer value showcase the company’s dedication to progress and reinforce the pair as leaders in the premium compact segment. Opening the A3 account is the Sportback 35 TFSI S line at $54,800, plus on-road costs. The Sedan variant (the test car)… Read more

Volvo reinvents the seatbelt

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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

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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

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HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 EPIQ

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The Ioniq 5 is not Hyundai’s first fully electric vehicle, not by a long shot, but it was their first EV based on a dedicated battery-electric platform. The look of the car is inspired by Hyundai’s original Pony car, a small hatch from the 1970s that was South Korea’s first mass-produced exported vehicle. The dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform offers advantages over dual purpose vehicles such as the Kona that are marketed with both electric or internal combustion powertrains. In the case of the Ioniq 5 it means a fully… Read more

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IN ESSENCE, IT’S A STEP UP FOR MG

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The MG HS has a new spring in its step, in the process, leaving its somewhat lumpen predecessor, first seen Down Under in 2019, well and truly behind. How does it stack up? Without a stint behind the wheel of the superseded model I can only assume ‘okay’. For example, the top-specification Essence, while now carrying a $7000 excess on the price of the previous model, has had an extensive restyle on the outside and boasts bags more kit under the skin. The latter includes more cabin space for occupants,… Read more

Tayron replaces Allspace with more space

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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

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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

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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

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TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO ALTITUDE

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I’ve spent a lot of quality time in the Toyota Prado over the last year or two clocking up thousands of kilometres in Outback Western Australia. With four adults and their luggage, it was a bit of a squeeze at times and I would have loved to remove the two intrusive, fold-down third row seats to free up space. Alas, I don’t think the rental companies would have been too impressed. Given this close association, I was looking forward to driving the all-new, larger and dare we say odd-looking Prado… Read more

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GENESIS G70 SHOOTING BRAKE IS RIGHT ON TARGET

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Genesis introduced the G70 sedan in 2017. In the same year Kia launched the Stinger liftback. The two cars are or were essentially the same under the skin, employing the same platform and drivetrains. Genesis added the Shooting Brake in 2021, a posh English term for a station wagon that harks back to the horse and buggy days. Sadly, Kia dropped the Stinger in 2023, due to falling demand worldwide, it says. Targeted at the European market, the Shooting Brake remains a fascinating option, considering the overwhelming competition from SUVs…. Read more