Articles by Jack Quick

Volkswagen has locked in the local specification details for its forthcoming Tayron large SUV ahead of first arrivals in September.

MG Australia has finally rolled out the safety update to its MG5 small sedan following it receiving a zero-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2023.The local independent safety authority has now tested this updated model, which went into production from November 2024 and awarded it a three-star rating.It’s worth noting that MG5 examples built before November 2024 still have a zero-star rating.This safety update has brought standard features like seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front and rear outboard seats, upgraded autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep assist, as well as seatbelt reminders for all seats for all models across the line-up.The pre-update car had a less sophisticated AEB system, and the entry-level MG5 Vibe only featured a seatbelt warning on front seats.Frontal offset and full-width crash tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the seat and load limiters, as well as additional whiplash and pedestrian impact tests.ANCAP noted it saw “enhanced crash performance” in both the frontal offset and full-width tests thanks to the improved restraint systems. Reduced injury risk was noticed for the driver and front passenger, as well as the rear occupants.The “most significant area of improvement” was noted with the MG5’s active safety capability, mainly due to the enhanced AEB system.While there is a new lane-keep assist system fitted, ANCAP noted its performance for emergency lane-keep assist was Marginal.Although the MG5 has picked up a wide range of new safety features with this update, it still lacks a number of commonplace features including blind-spot monitoring and a centre airbag, among others.“We commend MG for taking the opportunity to elevate the safety performance of the MG5. This upgrade demonstrates important progress,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg.“While this rating is a step up, it’s important that consumers and fleet operators recognise there are still safety limitations with this model, and that there are other vehicles on the market that offer more robust safety performance.”At this stage MG hasn’t communicated pricing for the updated MG5 sedan line-up.Thanks to an end of financial year deal, it currently starts at $24,990 drive-away for the MG5 Vibe, and extends to $29,990 drive-away for the MG5 Essence.

BMW Australia is currently recalling 2947 examples of the E9x-generation 3 Series as they are fitted with defective Takata airbags.

In Japan Subaru has reportedly detailed plans to unveil a new prototype at this year’s Japan Mobility Show in October.As reported by Japanese publication Best Car Web, it’s speculated this new prototype will preview a new-generation WRX sports car.Subaru even showed off a shadowy picture of what appears to be this new prototype, as reported by Best Car Web.It looks like a WRX with a bonnet scoop and pronounced front and rear spoilers.This new prototype will also reportedly receive a new horizontally opposed (Boxer or flat) engine.At this stage specifications have not been disclosed, although it will reportedly support E20 carbon-neutral fuel.Subaru also reportedly hinted this new Boxer engine will support electrification, either as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV).Additionally, it’ll come with an “evolved” version of its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that it has been using in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.This new prototype will reportedly be used for next year’s Fuji 24 Hours race. Subaru has historically used racing as a testing ground for developing its future technologies and products, much like Toyota.“We want to value customers who choose Subaru,” said Subaru Chief Technology Officer Tetsuo Fujiniki to Best Car Web when translated from Japanese to English.“We will continue to make cars that will help them do so.”At this stage it’s unclear if this new Boxer powertrain will eventually lead to a new WRX STI.The current-generation Subaru WRX was unveiled in 2021 and launched locally during 2022. It’s the first generation to be available without an STI performance flagship.Subaru did however reveal the S210 prototype earlier this year, noting it as the “pinnacle of the STI complete cars”. It’s likely not going to be sold outside of Japan, however.

Toyota has been floating the idea of reviving the FJ Cruiser for years now and it appears to be closer than ever.

BMW has globally unveiled some tweaks to its Tesla Model 3-rivalling i4 electric liftback that are set to go into production from July.Gone is the high-performance BMW i4 M50, and in its place is the new i4 M60.This dual-motor all-wheel drive flagship now produces a total system output of 442kW of power, which is up 42kW on the outgoing i4 M50.BMW claims the i4 M60 is capable of doing the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the i4 M50. Total speed is unchanged at 225km/h.While there is extra power, it has come at the expense of claimed range. The i4 M60 is claimed to be able to travel up to 433km, according to WLTP testing, whereas the i4 M50 was claimed to be able to travel up to 480km, according to WLTP testing.This is despite all i4s from July production onwards getting silicon carbide semiconductor components, which in the entry-level i4 eDrive35 is claimed to reduce energy consumption by 4.5 per cent and add up to 22km of range.These latest additions and changes to the BMW i4 line-up follows a minor facelift that was unveiled in April 2024.At this stage this updated model still hasn’t arrived in Australia."Any updates regarding the BMW i4 line-up for Australia will be announced in due course," said a BMW Australia spokesperson.This update brought subtle exterior revisions including new grille designs, different LED headlight signatures, new alloy wheels, as well as more paint colours.The car also received the option of Laserlight rear lights in the style of the M4 CSL.Inside there was a new steering wheel, reduced physical buttons and controls on the instrument panel, new interior trim elements, CraftedClarity glass applications, as well as ambient lighting as standard.The BMW i4 launched locally back in 2022 as an all-electric counterpart to the 4 Series Gran Coupe, which has been subsequently axed in Australia.In the first four months of 2024, BMW sold a total of 382 i4 examples, which is down 42.4 per cent year-on-year.For context, Tesla sold a total of 2266 Model 3 examples over the same period of time. Hyundai also sold 58 Ioniq 6 examples and Polestar sold 179 Polestar 2 examples.

It’s EOFY time again!

Kia Australia has detailed the pricing and specifications for its updated 2026 Sportage mid-size SUV ahead of imminent customer deliveries.

China’s Lynk & Co has launched its 08 large plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV in Europe ahead of an expected launch in other markets, including Australia, in the near future.

MG Australia has locked in the pricing for its new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) HS Super Hybrid line-up ahead of deliveries starting in September.