Articles by Jack Quick

Nissan has finally launched the Ariya mid-size electric SUV in Australia roughly three years after it was introduced in other markets.

China’s XPeng is poised to reveal a range-extender (REEV) version of its new G7 SUV.

While the Renault Duster is only just arriving on Australian shores now, its original European sibling has received a minor update.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has published its latest round of safety scores and the two vehicles included are re-tested versions of popular hatchbacks based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP.

The Advance is the highest trim with the smaller 63kWh battery pack option in the Australian Nissan Ariya line-up.

Suzuki has revealed a new SUV for the Indian market that offers a range of hybrid powertrains and some Toyota DNA.

BYD’s Fangchengbao premium off-roader brand has detailed its latest SUV for China, the Tai 7, as deliveries commence.

The Chinese brands have well and truly infiltrated this year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany, and one has unveiled a new concept to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Renault has revealed a new-generation version of its Clio hatchback at this year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany.Claimed to be “boosted in every way”, this sixth-generation Clio has been redesigned inside and out. It’s still based on the CMF-B platform that also underpins the likes of the Renault Captur and Arkana, as well as the Nissan Juke.Outside there is an emphasis on diamond shapes, especially at the front, referring back to the Renault badge. This includes motifs on the front grille and the daytime running light signature.Around the sides there are alloy wheels that are up to 18-inches, hidden rear door handles, plus either matte or gloss black wheel-arch cladding.At the back there are four separate tail-light units which are claimed to be inspired by sports cars, plus a highly raked rear window.Measuring in at 4116mm long, 1768mm wide and 1451mm tall with a 2591mm wheelbase, the new Clio is 39mm wider than the previous-generation model.Inside there is a new cockpit design that, depending on the trim, features two 10.1-inch screens configured in a V-shape. There is also textile on the dashboard and integrated ambient lighting that spills on the door cards.Renault claims to have made a conscious effort to incorporate more recycled materials. More than 33 per cent of materials are sourced from a circular economy, plus at least 85 per cent of the car is recyclable.Boot space is up to 391L, depending on the powertrain, and the sill height has been lowered by 40mm compared to the previous-generation model.There are four powertrains available – a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 85kW and 190Nm with a manual or dual-clutch automatic, a three-cylinder petrol-LPG engine that produces 89kW and 200Nm with a dual-clutch automatic, as well as a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 119kW with a clutchless multi-speed dog-box transmission.The latter of these engines is claimed to consume 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle, which is less than the previous-generation Clio hybrid. Up to 80 per cent of urban driving is claimed to be able to be done on electric power alone.The new-generation Renault Clio is set to be available to order in Europe before the end of 2025.At this stage it’s unclear if it will come to Australia. "No plans at this stage," said a Renault Australia spokesperson.The French carmaker hasn’t offered the Clio locally since 2020 since it cancelled plans to introduce the previous-generation.However, Renault has said it plans to introduce six new or refreshed models over the next 18 months in Australia.

Leapmotor has revealed a new electric hatchback at this year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany.