Articles by Jake Williams

Hyundai has detailed the 2020 Ioniq facelift ahead of its second-half 2019 Australian release with a revised design, new tech and added battery capacity for the fully electric version. Unlike a lot of facelifts, the Ioniq update is quite noticeable and makes it appear more modern than before. New front and rear lighting, now all-LED, features as well as revised alloy wheels up to 17-inches in size and a 3D-textured grille.The Ioniq’s interior has been given a big upgrade with a new layout, a boost in quality thanks to new materials, LED ambient lighting and a new 10.25-inch multimedia system. The company has also added their Blue Link tech, which allows owners to check their car’s status and lock or unlock the doors through their smartphone. The mechanicals of the Ioniq have also been changed, with an upgraded 38.3kWh battery pack (formerly 28kWh) featuring on the Ioniq Electric, which enables it to travel 294km on a single charge under new WLTP regulations. The current claimed 'real world' range for the Electric model is claimed at 230km.There is a new 7.2kWh onboard charger, which has replaced the old 6.6kWh unit. Using a 100kW fast-charging station, the battery can be charged to 80 per cent in as little as 54 minutes. The output of the motor has also been upgraded to 100kW of power (formerly 88kW) and 295Nm of torque.Hyundai has also upgraded the battery packs of the Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, which still use a 77kW/147Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor now develops 32kW/170Nm and is fed by a 1.56kWh battery pack.The Plug-in Hybrid Ioniq’s electric motor develops 44.5kW/170Nm, and is fed by a higher-output 8.9kWh battery pack. The plug-in hybrid model can now travel 51km on electric-only power - apparently down from the claimed 60km of the existing model.Hyundai Australia has confirmed that the updated Ioniq will arrive locally towards the end of 2019, with local pricing and specifications to be announced before then.  

Lexus is reportedly developing a new entry-level model to replace the ageing CT200h hatchback, which will apparently slot below the UX small SUV.The new model will be reportedly be on sale by 2021 and could end up being a smaller-than-UX SUV based on the same TNGA platform as the UX, Toyota C-HR and Corolla. If not an SUV, it will be a hatchback like the current CT, though it’s unknown if it will retain hybrid power or step up to a fully-electric drivetrain. Having gone on sale in 2011, the CT is currently eight years into its life cycle, but despite its age, the new version is still about two years away. This means the CT could be a decade old by the time it’s replaced, if it's not discontinued prior. So far in 2019, Lexus Australia has sold 69 CTs, which is 51.4 per cent down on this time in 2018 and well behind competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1224 units) and Audi A3 (995 units). 

Renault has launched updates for its Master large van and Trafic medium van, which will be updated in late 2019. Upgrades are focused mostly on drivetrains, the most important news being the Trafic is now available with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is currently only available with a six-speed manual. Drivetrains on the Trafic and Master have been updated. The Trafic is now only available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in 89kW, 108kW and 126kW power forms.The 2.0L replaced the former 1.6-litre unit, while the Master features an upgraded 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine. Both models have received attention in their cabins with the Master picking up a new dashboard design, and the Trafic new materials and new multimedia screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Both models have also received light styling changes with new bumpers, revised headlights with LED lighting, and new wheel designs. Safety kit has been upgraded with AEB now an option on the Trafic, and features like blind-spot monitoring will be available on the Master. Renault has also launched the Master ZE (zero emissions), which uses the 33kWh battery pack and 57kW electric motor from the Zoe EV. Aimed at city van drivers, it has an electronically-limited top speed of 100km/h and a real world range of 120km. It can be recharged in around six hours. Renault Australia has confirmed the Master and Trafic will be launched locally in the fourth quarter of 2019, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. 

Renault has unveiled the updated Alaskan ute in Europe for 2019 with upgraded powertrains, new tech and revised suspension for increased payload. Central to the changes is that upgraded rear suspension setup, which has increased the Alaskan’s carrying capability by 120kg to 1100kg. The Alaskan can still tow up to 3500kg. Despite upgraded carrying capacity, Renault says that the Alaskan's ride quality is more comfortable than before and features less vibrations because of the revamped suspension. It's a similar story to what's happened with the Nissan Navara, which the Renault ute is based upon - that ute is now three-revisions deep in its lifecycle.Other upgrades include the powertrain, which is a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine in either 120kW/425Nm single-turbo or 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo forms. As before, a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic is available. The Alaskan has also earned new equipment such as auto emergency braking (AEB), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a 360-degree parking camera and a high-end sound system.Despite the Alaskan’s upgrades, it is still yet to be confirmed for local sales. Renault Australia marketing director Emma Pinwill said that the company “desperately wants a pick-up.”“Renault understands there is demand to introduce a pick-up to Australian shores to compete in an important segment in the local market, and Renault Australia is working with the global team on the business case to support the introduction of a vehicle here,” said Ms Pinwill.“It takes a lot of regional and global support to get any product introduced to a new market and the case for a pickup in Australia is still under study. The most important thing for Renault to consider is the need to have the right vehicle for the Australian market and its consumers.”Renault Australia sales are due to be boosted by the arrival of the Kadjar small SUV in the second quarter of 2019, new Trafic and Master vans in the fourth quarter of 2019, as well as the new Clio hatchback in 2020. 

Audi has continued to push diesel performance cars in Europe, launching a TDI variant of its S4 sedan and wagon.Using the same 255kW/700Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel as the S6 and S7 TDI revealed not long ago, the S4 TDI is capable of a 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint in sedan form (4.9sec for the wagon) and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Those figures put it just 0.1 seconds slower than the petrol S4 and with the same top speed. As with the petrol-powered S4, standard fit is an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Like the other recent performance TDI models, the S4 TDI uses an electric compressor that’s powered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for added acceleration and better fuel economy. Despite its performance, Audi claims that the S4 TDI will use 6.2L/100km of fuel on a combined cycle while emitting between 161-164g/km of CO2. By comparison, the petrol S4 uses 7.7L/100km and emits 175g/km.Stylistically the S4 diesel is identical to the petrol model with sportier styling than the regular A4, quad exhaust pipes, a range of alloy wheels up to 20-inches and on the inside, sports seats and brushed aluminium dashboard trim.Audi Australia is yet to comment on the availability of the S4 TDI locally, but we’d suggest that the S4 will remain powered by petrol only for Australia.  The only S-branded TDI model to be offered locally to date was the SQ5 diesel in the previous-generation version. The current generation SQ5 TDI model is expected on sale later this year to slot in alongside the current SQ5 petrol.

Not long after appearing in the Jaguar range, Land Rover has installed its new ‘Ingenium’ six-cylinder petrol engine into the Range Rover line.Delivering 294kW of power and 550Nm of torque, the Range Rover is capable of a 6.3-second 0-100km/h sprint, yet thanks to its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, combined fuel economy is rated at 9.3L/100km and emissions claimed at 212g/km.According to Land Rover the mild-hybrid system collects energy harvested under braking and stores it in a 48V battery, which is then deployed through torque-assist, which reduces CO2 emissions and work load on the engine.Featuring both an electric supercharger and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the 3.0-litre petrol six-cylinder is the latest step taken by Land Rover in offering an electrified drivetrain option on all future models. Elsewhere on the 2019 Range Rover are trim updates such as new colours, new alloy wheel options up to 22-inches in size, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard. The car’s headlights now include ‘Sign Post Dimming’ which identifies road signs and dims the individual LEDs used to illuminate the sign to limit glare for the driver. Pricing and specifications for the 2019 Range Rover are due to be announced later this month, with the first deliveries commencing from October 2019. 

Renault Australia has released an upgraded Megane RS range for the 2019 model year, priced from $45,990 plus on-road costs.The 2019 Megane RS range has been split into two models - Sport and Cup - for a more streamlined range. The Cup is also now available as a six-speed dual-clutch auto. Standard kit on the Megane RS Sport includes an 8.7-inch portrait multimedia system with satellite navigation, 19-inch alloy wheels, '4Control' four-wheel steering, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic parking, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, distance warning and AEB, heated/auto-folding mirrors and automatic LED headlights and wipers.Replacing the previously optional Cup pack is the full-time Megane RS Cup, which adds a 10 per cent stiffer chassis than the Sport, as well as a mechanical limited-slip front differential, dark 19-inch alloy wheels and bi-material brakes. Sport DCT and all Cup models are now equipped with a Bose sound system and alcantara/leather upholstery as standard. Metallic paint is available for $800 ($1000 for ‘Liquid Yellow’ or ‘Tonic Orange’) and a panoramic sunroof is $1990 (unavailable on Sport manual). 

Toyota has launched a limited edition version of the 86 sports car in the US with dark green paint and a tan and black interior colour combination. And it's named after one of Japan's most famous roads.The Toyota 86 Hakone edition is based on the top-spec 86 GT in North America, but also adds bronze-coloured alloy wheels, an 86-branded boot mat, and contrasting stitching on the steering wheel, parking brake and gearknob. Buyers of the Hakone also receive a pair of tan key gloves and a folio cover with an 86 logo. The 86 GT in North America is equipped with LED lighting, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, keyless entry and go, heated front seats and an alarm.The 2.0-litre Boxer four in the 86 is unchanged, and in North America produces 152kW of power and 211Nm of torque. It’s matched to a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. Toyota Australia is yet to comment on the possibility of the 86 Hakone making it down under, though considering how many limited edition 86s have been sold here in the past, the company is not shy of offering special versions of the car.

Renault Australia has reintroduced a five-year/unlimited km warranty on the Renault Sport Megane - more commonly known as the Megane RS - almost a year after it was reduced to three years. The longer warranty applies to just the Megane RS, which is the only new Renault Sport product on sale in Australia currently - the Clio RS is in runout. Megane RS models purchased after today, May 1st 2019, will feature the five-year warranty as standard, matching the standard Renault range. The reduction to three years' cover came in May 2018 when Renault’s international head office made the call for all Renault Sport products to be equipped with a three-year/unlimited km warranty term. The company received backlash for the move, and is perhaps the reason as to why it has been reinstated. The upgraded warranty of Renault Sport products now matches regular Renault models, as well as competitors from Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda, Honda and Ford, along with alliance partner Nissan. The Megane RS is priced competitively for a high-performance hatch, listing at $44,990 plus on-road costs. Perhaps the reinstatement of a longer warranty will help it secure more sales, as it has averaged just 30 cars per month so far in 2019.

The limited edition HSV SportsCat RS has been revealed, featuring a range of unique design tweaks.It's not the first time that HSV has launched a limited edition version of the SportsCat, with the Look Pack having gone on sale in late 2018. Most noticeable is the new-look front end, with a gloss black grille, gloss black lower fascia inserts and a gloss black splash tray. Red and black decals feature on the bonnet with a red and black HSV logo on the tub. Black and red decals feature on the hard tonneau cover and door sills.A bulge in the bonnet also features, as does wheel-arch fender flares and six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Series all-terrain tyres. LED front fog-lamps also feature.There are no mechanical upgrades to the SportsCat RS, with the same 147kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel as the regular SportsCat featuring a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. The interior of the SportsCat RS features bucket seats in leather and suede trim, with red stitching on the steering wheel, door trims and centre console cover carrying over from the SportsCat Look Pack. This is on top of the regular SportsCat’s equipment list that includes seven airbags, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, automatic headlights and wipers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inbuilt satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, a six-way electric driver’s seat and heated front seats.