Articles by John Mahoney

Hyundai plans to make the humble hatch great again next year with the arrival of its all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 3.Hyundai's local sales boss David Rodda has locked in a 2027 launch date for the new EV Down Under.“Our existing EV lineup already covers 85 per cent of the market, and with the introduction of the STARIA Commercial Van later this year and Ioniq 3 hatch early next year, we expect to reach 96 per cent overall EV market coverage," he said.The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is actually officially dubbed an 'aero hatch' by the Korean brand, as the BYD Dolphin or MG4 rival has an ultra-low, class-leading 0.26Cd drag coefficient, which helps unlock a range of up to 500km.The new Ioniq 3 will serve as an indirect replacement for the old i30 hatch that was axed in Australia over the high costs involved with sourcing it from Europe.The first Hyundai to be designed under the brand's Art of Steel design language, the Ioniq 3 blends a sleek front end, rakish lines and some unashamed classic Alfa Romeo styling elements at the rear.The version we saw in the flesh was the sporty N Line variant that added larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a more prominent ducktail rear spoiler, diffuser, side skirts and aggressive front bumper that are all finished in gloss black.The four LED light elements within the slimline grille, meanwhile, are said to signify an 'H' in morse code.All future Hyundais will draw plenty from the Ioniq 3's styling that when applied to a small hatch handily also provide plenty of space within.Built on the Korean car giant's 400-volt E-GMP platform, the small Hyundai measures in at 4155mm long (4170mm for the N Line), 1800mm wide and stands 1505mm tall with a 2680mm wheelbase that delivers head- and legroom on par with the old larger i30 hatch, while in the rear boot there's up to 441 litres of luggage-swallowing potential.Inside, the good news continues as there is a either a large 12.9-inch or even more generous 14.6-inch infotainment that runs the brand's latest Android-based software.High grade material, tactile physical buttons, plus general high levels of attention detail all shame budget rivals.Comfort within is boosted by the firm's heated and ventilated 'Relaxation Seats, which said to employ fabric inspired by 1970s Italian furniture that is recycled and said to be bio-based. There's also a powerful Bose premium sound system, dual-zone climate control and ambient LED lighting.When it lands in Australia, the Ioniq 3 is expected to come with either a 42kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that provides for more than 335km of range or a bigger 61kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) that engineers are confident will see the Dolphin rival travel up to 500km on the Euro WLTP test cycle.Plug into a DC fast-charger and Hyundai says the Ioniq 3's standard battery takes 29 minutes for a 10-80 per cent refill, with 30 minutes for the same charge on the long-range NMC battery.AC charging is limited to 11kW, but a 22kW capability will be offered as an option from launch. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is standard on all models, allowing the Hyundai to charge laptops or e-bikes.Whichever Ioniq 3 you plump for, the small battery-powered hatch comes with a single e-motor that drives the front wheels and produces either 108kW or 99kW in the long-range version.Both produce 250Nm of torque, with the entry Ioniq 3 accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds, while the heavier less powerful long-range variant takes 9.6 seconds to reach the same benchmark. Top speed is limited to 165km/h.Designed to achieve a five-star ANCAP rating, all versions of the new EV hatch comes with bright LED headlamps, seven airbags, a blind-spot monitor, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and remote auto parking.Available with the choice of eight exterior paints and four interior colour combinations, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 has yet to be officially locked in for a launch Down Under, but once confirmed, expect the striking all-electric hatch to be priced from around $42,000 plus on-roads when sales start in Q1 of 2027.

The Cupra Raval has been created to be the small electric car you'll actually love to drive when it arrives in Australia in 2027.The first of four battery-powered small cars developed by the Volkswagen Group, the pint-sized Cupra Raval shares its MEB+ platform with the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq, with all four to be manufactured in plants in Spain.Built to battle the Mini Cooper Electric and Renault 5 EV available in Europe and coming Chinese small EVs such as the Geely EX2 and Nio Firefly, Cupra has priced the unashamedly sporty Raval from €26,000 (A$43,400), which means it will command a big five-figure premium over some of the cheapest Chinese EVs Down Under.The Spanish brand hopes you'll think it will be a price worth paying, with the small EV adopting features and levels of personalisation normally associated with more expensive premium offerings. Most will be attracted by the baby Cupra's striking looks, which were previewed by the 2021 UrbanRebel concept.Matching the show car's muscular proportions, the small Cupra's trademark shark nose front end, along with hidden door handles, front air curtains, active grille shutters and a rear spoiler and diffuser, all bless the Raval with best-in-class aerodynamics.Measuring in at 4046mm long, 1784mm wide and 1518mm tall with a 2600mm wheelbase, despite its small footprint, space is impressive within, with rear adults able to squeeze themselves behind the driver in the second row although the 430-litre boot is only average for a highly competitive segment.Behind the wheel, Cupra says the Raval will drive like nothing else in the segment and, to ensure it has the edge over the pair of Volkswagen and Skoda stablemates, the Raval comes with the firm's 'progressive' variable ratio steering, special wheel carriers, front and rear brake discs, and a wider front axle, for a sharper, grippier drive more akin to a hot hatch.Driving the front wheels is the choice of either an 85kW or 98kW e-motor that is combined with a modest 37kWh battery for a 300km range.Faster versions bag 155kW and a larger 52kWh battery that boosts the range to 400km, while the most powerful 166kW motor is reserved for the sportiest Raval VZ that gets large 19-inch alloy wheels electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers and is claimed to launch from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds.The sportiest suspension set-up sees the Raval sit 15mm lower, with a further 10mm wider front and rear track, while the adaptive dampers sharpen up handling further.New tech includes a brake-by-wire e-brake system that is said to herald improved feel and enhanced regeneration when slowing.If that doesn't sound sporty enough, an insider told Carsguide that the MEB+ has been engineered to swap out its rear torsion beam suspension for a multi-link set-up that makes room for a second motor, adding extra power and all-wheel drive.Expect the more powerful Raval to pump out more than 250kW and share its dual-motor powertrain with the rumoured ID. Polo R, which means it should sprint from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.Relying on 400-volt electrics means charging speeds for the 37kWh power pack is limited to 90kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 27 minutes. The bigger battery, meanwhile, accepts a 130kW charge for a brisker 23-minute 10-80 per cent refill.Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is available allowing you to power small domestic appliances on the move.The first Cupra to come with an Android-powered operating system, the Raval combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment that launches with apps for YouTube, Spotify and other streaming services.As standard, the Raval comes with seven speakers, with the option of a more powerful 475W 12-speaker premium Sennheiser sound system.Elsewhere equipment levels are high. All models come with a 15W wireless phone charger and high-speed USB-C chargers, including in the rear, that top up at up to 90W.Dual-zone climate control, trick ambient lighting, remote park assist, rear traffic alert, 360-degree surround view and loads of standard safety kit, that includes seven airbags, adaptive seatbelts and interior cameras monitoring driver fatigue, should ensure a full five-star ANCAP rating.New safety tech includes a pre-crash function, that prepares the car for impact by closing windows and sunroof while activating hazard warning lights and tensioning the front seatbelts will also be offered for the first time.There's even onboard tech that can detect if you confuse the accelerator with the brake pedal at low speed and prevent a nasty impact.More big car tech includes adaptive cruise that works without painted roads, that slow the cars for speed bumps and even detects traffic lights.Available in seven exterior colours, including matte finishes, as well as a new iridescent paint finish, along with the option of a black or grey roof and up to eight different alloy wheel choices, Cupra says the Raval will get levels of personalisation well beyond any of its rivals.Lowering insurance costs is an ECU and data recorder that can estimate the severity of damage and make a workshop call to streamline the repair process, while deformable elements in the front and rear bumpers lower the cost of repair.Confirmed for an arrival in Australia, full timings and specification of the Cupra Raval we'll get will be locked in closer to its expected 2027 introduction in our market.

Jeep has announced it remains committed to the Australian market despite posting some of the worst sales results in its modern history.Forced to address rumours that parent Stellantis was considering pulling the plug on the 4x4 brand's local operation, Jeep's Senior Vice President for Global Product Planning, Matt Nyquist, said the US SUV brand is staying and will invest in its future in Australia.Jeep has sold just 184 cars through the first three months of this year, a drop of more than 65 per cent.2025's sales data showed Jeep only managed to sell 1682 cars – its lowest annual sales total since sales data was first compiled back in 1997, and a considerable 31.5 per cent drop compared to what it shifted in 2024.If that doesn't sound bad enough, the most recent decline follows a 48.7 per cent fall in 2024, a 30.4 per cent drop in 2023 and a 14.2 per cent reduction in volumes in 2022, which is shocking from a brand that back in 2014 was selling more than 30,000 vehicles annually.It now has to deal with affordable Chinese models such as the Denza B5 and B8, and GWM's Tank 4WD range, muscling in on its territory.Dealers were reportedly spooked when the Grand Cherokee was axed from the line-up, despite being Jeep's best-seller, Nyquist was unequivocal when questioned on whether Jeep was about to up sticks and leave the region."There are no plans to withdraw Jeep from the market, we are committed to Australia," he told Carsguide at a recent Jeep event in the US."Australia is a great market for Jeep, it’s had its ups and downs, for sure, but the environments and landscapes that require 4x4 and capability means a good synergy between Jeep and the market."Nyquist was cautious about commenting about how Jeep will reboot the SUV maker locally, but acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the Australian region.Worryingly, for those hoping the brand in Australia would be bolstered (and saved) by a raft of new products, Nyquist refused to confirm that both the rugged all-electric Recon 4x4 and sporty road-biased Wagoneer S SUV were still on track to land in Australia later this year.Both were locked in for a local introduction back in 2022 by then-CEO, Christian Meunier, but now face a more uncertain fate Down Under, said the senior Jeep exec."We are always studying the evolution of the market. The industry has changed dramatically around those products (Recon, Wagoneer S), particularly in the US, but we’re always studying to ensure we have all the right products in the right place at the right price".When probed over whether or not both the most capable trail-rated EV and American Porsche Cayenne Electric rival might now be off the menu for right-hand drive markets, Nyquist was quick to correct us."We are committed to right-hand drive. Once you engineer a vehicle for right-hand drive, the rest – like regulations – are relatively straightforward."For all of our key products we want them to be available for right-hand drive."That suggests, instead of a lack of right-hand drive, it is the general slowing of EV sales that might curb the Stellantis-owned brand's appetite for exporting its two latest and shiniest models to markets like Australia.Meanwhile, Down Under, despite being one of the cheapest all-electric SUVs money can buy, before generous discounts, the Jeep Avenger struggles to make a dent on the sales charts.Other calamitous local decisions include a lack of V6 turbo-diesel availability on the once cheap but now ever more expensive Wrangler and Gladiator, sky-high pricing for the six-figure Grand Cherokee followed by massive $33,000 price cuts.Without the two flagship EVs imminently inbound, Jeep will have to bank on the success of the new-generation Compass and Cherokee to turn around the iconic 4x4 brand and make it sustainable again Down Under.

The all-new Jaguar GT EV delivers on the British car-brand's original founder's vision that a 'Jaguar should be a copy of nothing' – and then some.In fact, so radical is the four-door limo alternative to other electric limos like the Mercedes EQS, Polestar 5 and Lotus Emeya, many 'experts' thought it would be impossible to build.Little more than a year since the concept was first unwrapped, Jaguar has proven them wrong and CarsGuide is about to get its first drive in a dog-eared prototype.Work actually began on the Jaguar GT, codename X900, back in 2021 when a small black ops-style band of designers and engineers met to drive some of the classic Jaguars that have shaped the carmaker.Curiously, instead of becoming infatuated by cars like the XK120, E-type or much later XJ-S, it was a 1978 XJ-C coupe that won the team over, with the pillarless two-door delivering a masterclass in ride, refinement and effortless performance.To achieve the show car's dramatic proportions, Jaguar had to start from scratch developing both an all-new architecture and a triple-motor all-electric powertrain.In the flesh, a classic GT's long bonnet, short rear deck and ultra short overhangs are all present and correct but turned up to 11.Much bigger in the flesh than you would imagine, even with camouflage, the 5200mm length, stretched 3200mm wheelbase and standing just 1400mm tall, plus monolithic design is imposing and like nothing else.Beneath the skin, it might have been tempting to load up the Jaguar GT with all the tech it could, but engineers did the opposite. If it wasn't needed, it wasn't included.There is height-adjustable dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive dampers and even rear-wheel steering, but it's all tech used previously in either Jaguars or Range Rovers.Trick roll-cancelling tech was ignored due to weight, power usage and the fact the GT has a low centre of gravity.Non-negotiables were optimum double wishbones up front and an expensive multi-link integral rear suspension, plus arran ging the battery pack for an optimum 50:50 weight distribution.Engineers also split the battery to create an area of free space within the pack itself, enabling them to mount the driver and passenger seat almost as low as the F-Type, the same arrangement also provides valuable foot room for the second row.We were permitted to climb into the rear seats, or explore the old mule that is just one of 150 prototypes that have been hot and cold-weather tested all over the world but a large boot has been promised, as well as a small frunk for cables.Leg and headroom should also be generous.Behind the wheel, the Jaguar doesn't lack pace thanks to a mighty triple-motor arrangement that pumps out a towering 768kW and 1300Nm of torque.Expect a 0-100km/h comfortably below 4.0 seconds, although in the driving mode we were limited to, instead of neck-snapping thrust, engineers focused on a more linear build-up of acceleration.Using a pair of e-motors to drive the rear axle, that alone produces 706kW, Jaguar says combined with a smaller 260kW motor driving the front wheels, it delivers a traditional rear-biased feel.The rear axle can also use the motors for torque vectoring, boosting agility further.Over a poorly surfaced road that gives a decent impression of what we're subjected to in Australia, the GT soaks up the punishment and provides easily what feels like class-best comfort.Push a little further and you'll discover there is some body roll but it's not excessive and combined with accurate and precise steering, drive-by-wire brakes that imperceptibly blend real mechanical braking with regenerative braking and you have an engaging and surprisingly authentic driving experience.Fitted with a 120kWh battery – the biggest power pack engineers could squeeze between its axles – and the new GT should be able to cover up to 700km on a single charge.Plug it in and its 800-volt architecture should ensure a 10-80 per cent recharge in around 20 minutes.In markets like the UK, the Jaguar GT is tipped to be priced around £130,000 ($260,000 plus on-roads) with the British brand preferring to sell fewer cars at high prices and profit margins than before.

You really do get what you pay for with the all-new Porsche Cayenne Electric and the more cash you splash the better the large battery-powered SUV gets.Locked in for a quarter three Australian landing, the fourth-generation all-new Cayenne is a natural rival for the Lotus Eletre and the hybrid BMW XM, as well as traditional fast SUVs that include the Range Rover Sport SV and BMW X5 M.Available in three different flavours, even the entry Cayenne Electric ($167,800 plus on-road costs) comes with dual motors that provide all-wheel drive and churn out 325kW of power. The middle-rung Cayenne S ($193,100 plus ORCs) ups that to 490kW, which is plenty for a brisk 0-100km/h of 3.8 seconds but if you can afford it we'd pay even more for the game-changing Turbo model that costs a substantial $259,900 plus on-roads.Delivering an astonishing 850kW and 1500Nm of torque, the Cayenne that shares its PPE platform with the smaller Macan, can rocket from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds making it as quick as the German brand's latest flagship 911 Turbo S coupe and sees it on par with some so-called hypercars.No other SUV, not even the Lotus Eletre (2.95 seconds), comes close to matching the Cayenne Turbo's explosive performance off the line and, remarkably, the big Porsche SUV is no one-trick pony because it also raises the bar for thrills behind the wheel – but only if you tick a few boxes first.To unleash the full potential of the battery-electric SUV you'll need to option both the Active Ride ($17,480) and rear-wheel steering ($3570), although we could probably do without our car’s carbon-ceramic brakes and pocket the $19,520 saving.Frustratingly the Active Ride, that cancels body roll and reduces pitch and drive associated with hard acceleration and braking, isn't available on the base model which is a shame as it transforms the Cayenne into a car that drives like a much smaller, lighter sports car.Highlights include, the accurate and precise steering and a decent ride considering the epic performance on top. The full 850kW power output is only ever available during either launch control or when you stab the 'push-to-pass' button on the rotary drive mode selector on the steering wheel, with 'only' 630kW available at other times, which is more than enough to see off most Ferraris.Back off the pace and the Porsche is surprisingly relaxing, while the ride in its comfiest mode is supple enough to provide a decent impression of something far more luxurious. Just tyre noise caused by the wider rubber intrudes.Off road, the same trick suspension blesses the Cayenne with far more off-road capability, providing better wheel articulation, while the height-adjustable air springs provide up to 245mm of ground clearance.For those who live in the country, Porsche will even offer an Offroad Package ($5230) that adds a revised front and rear bumper for a better approach and departure angle, plus arches and side skirts finished in a more durable black plastic.Towing is up to 3500kg, which is impressive for a fast SUV and on par with the combustion V8 twin-turbocharged Range Rover Sport SV.While some might miss the sound of a combustion engine and find the switch to an EV daunting, Porsche has tried to take the pain out of the ownership experience.Equipped with a large 113kWh battery (net) the base Electric can cover up to 642km, while even the Turbo can still drive up to 624km on the European WLTP test cycle.Run low on juice and a 10-80 per cent charge at up to 400kW takes just 16 minutes, although on a less powerful 400-volt charging post found in Australia that figure drops to around 26 minutes.Later on, post-launch Porsche will roll out its new inductive charging tech that can top up at up to 11kW at 90 per cent efficiency without any of the faff related to plugging in your car when you get home.Even though the Cayenne is just 55mm longer than the current combustion version, the new architecture beneath sees it come with a wheelbase that's almost 130mm longer for more legroom, while headroom in the front and rear is generous and the rear boot offers up to 781 litres of space and is boosted by a decent 90-litre frunk for cables.Upfront the Porsche SUV has one of the best cabins going, marrying plenty of proper physical controls with an intuitive large infotainment system, 14.5-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 14.9-inch passenger display.Other useful additions are a new 3D augmented reality head-up display. For fit and finish the Cayenne is among the very best in its class.Standard kit for Australian models includes 14-way electric heated and ventilated seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, a 360-degree camera, park assist, four-zone climate control and a Bose premium sound system.The S version adds 20-inch aero wheels, Matrix LED lamps and a heated steering wheel.Finally, the Turbo adds Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), the Turbo rear motor, larger 21-inch alloy wheels, HD matrix LED lamps, 18-way adaptive seats, a GT sports steering wheel and an uprated Bose surround sound system.

Less is more with the freshly revealed Ferrari Amalfi Spider, claims the Italian supercar-maker.That's because, by removing the Amalfi coupe's roof, you remove the barrier to one of motoring's most intoxicating experiences – the sound of a V8 roadster in full song – or at least that's what its designer told CarsGuide at the recent Ferrari roadster's official launch.Created to beat the likes of the Aston Martin Roadster, Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet and even bigger drop-tops like the Bentley Continental GTC, the true beauty of the new Amalfi Spider is with its roof up it looks identical to the drop-dead gorgeous coupe.Not an easy task, say designers, but one accomplished to such an extent in a wind tunnel the Amalfi roadster replicates the same air-bending prowess as its hardtop sibling.The Ferrari drop-top also possesses the same advanced aero that includes neat front headlamp air intakes, underbody vortex generators, large functional side skirts and larger-still rear diffuser and, its pièce de résistance, a three-stage rear spoiler.Roof up, and the Amalfi's five-layer 220mm-thick hood also offers the same sound and heat insulation as the retractable hardtop favoured by the former Portofino, bringing enhanced levels of refinement on a cruise.Lowering the ragtop at speeds of up to 60km/h is a process that takes just 13.5 seconds.Aside from shrinking luggage space from 255 litres to 172 litres – the good news continues with the promise of class-best roof down comfort.Recruiting an aerodynamicist from Ferrari's F1 team, the Amalfi rear seats' backrest raises by 90 degrees at speeds of up to 170km/h reducing buffeting and boominess other convertibles suffer with at high speed.Ferrari only refers to its latest Amalfi as a '2+', as the rear seats don't quite justify '2+2' status, with limited legroom suited only for very small kids.Not that you'd buy the entry Ferrari for doing the school run, instead you'd pick the fast supercar because of its performance and the way it rewards behind the wheel.The good news is despite the addition of an electric motor for the roof and all the extra bracing needed the kerbweight has only increased by 86kg to a still lithe 1556kg without fluids.Mounted mid-ship under the bonnet is the coupe's sublime twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 that produces an identical 471kW of power and a thumping 760Nm of torque.Off the line, with only the modest increase in mass, Ferrari claims the roofless version of the coupe matches the 3.3 seconds the standard coupe takes to launch from 0-100km/h.Top speed remains a very blustery 320km/h.Coping with a slight change in weight distribution from 50:50 to 48:52, engineers have given the Amalfi Spider new springs and dampers that help it dynamically match the fine ride/handling balance as the coupe.Ensuring it should be fun behind the wheel the Ferrari scores the same ABS Evo brake-by-wire braking, advanced 6D sensors and latest 6.1 version of its Side Slip Control (SSC) that have all been honed by the carmaker's F80 hypercar and should ensure it will be fast, engaging and prove wildly entertaining behind the wheel.Speaking of which, like the coupe unveiled back in 2025 the new Amalfi Spider comes with a new steering wheel design that brings back physical buttons and features an anodised aluminium start button.Within there's also a large 15.6-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch multimedia screen and further 8.8-inch display that can broadcast the g-force, revs and high speeds to your terrified passenger, with all three working with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.Offered with three different comfort seats tailored to your size, the new pews come with 10 different air chambers and provide for a massage function.There's even the option of a powerful 14-speaker 1200-watt Burmester sound system should you ever tire of the twin-turbo V8 soundtrack.Set to land in Australia in around quarter three (July-Sept) of 2027, the Ferrari Amalfi Spider is likely to command a price premium of around $70,000 over the already-hefty $503,261 (before on-road costs) charged for the coupe version.That means it will command a significant premium over the two-seat Aston Martin Vantage Roadster ($435,000) and the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible ($452,670) but could be priced on par with the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet that is yet to be costed for our market.

The new Audi RS3 Competition Limited is one of the hottest hatchbacks of all time and it's just been locked in for a 2027 launch in Australia.Sadly, the fire-breathing RS3 is also primed to be one of the most expensive hot hatches ever, as Audi plans to make just 750 cars globally, with only a small batch of 18 Sportback hatches and eight sedans expected to land Down Under.All RS3 Competitions will bag a trick coilover suspension, extra air bending aids and get the option of a special Malachite Green paint that was originally offered on the legendary short-wheelbase Audi Sport quattro (1984-1985).Supposedly built to celebrate 50 years of road and rally Audis powered by five-cylinder engines, the real reason the new RS3 Competition has been rolled out is to farewell the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder that will be killed off, along with the current RS3 itself, because they do not meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions.Helping the RS3 special stand out from lesser models, the Competition gains a pair of new canards at each corner of the front bumper that is combined with a new split front lip that is finished in a fetching matt carbon.The same lightweight composite is used for the mirror caps, side skirts and rear spoiler, plus more carbon dressing around the large rear diffuser.All the aero tweaks are said to work following more wind tunnel testing with lift reduced over the front axle.Further goodies include 19-inch ten-spoke gold matt rims and, for the real engineering geeks out there, a set of darkened matrix LED headlamps that have a welcome or farewell illumination sequence that matches the 1-2-4-5-3 five-cylinder firing order.Just three hues are available – the popular Daytona Grey already chosen by many RS3 buyers, plus a new Glacier White matt and the aforementioned exclusive Malachite Green finish.Inside, the swansong for the RS3 gains a cabin that embraces black, gold and ginger white colours. The RS bucket seats gain black bolsters and yellowy-gold inserts and ginger white belts. It all sounds awful, but it works.RS3 Competition Limited graphics for the puddle lamps and a serial number mounted neatly on the front of the gear shifter complete the upgrades.One final Easter egg for the run-out RS3 is the digital instrument cluster that bags exclusive white instrument dials that pay tribute to the original 1994 RS2, that also featured a powerful five-cylinder turbo, and was the world's fastest wagon when it launched.Under the bonnet, pesky emissions regs mean that the turbo-five-cylinder produces no more power, carrying over the same 294kW and 500Nm of torque as before – although few would gripe with a blistering 0-100km/h sprint of just 3.8 second dash and claimed 290km/h top speed.The big news is, for the first time, the RS3 gains a new coilover suspension that has been developed exclusively by Audi Sport for Audi's hyper hatch.Featuring twin-tube dampers, with remote reservoir up front, engineers have also fitted a stiffer rear sway bar to curb body roll.Boasting extensive tuning, the three-way adjustable dampers and further adjustment for the rebound and compression are unique to the hot hatch segment and more akin to expensive track-focused supercars.The result is a car that can be tailored to your individual driving style or track you're about to attack. Alternatively, Audi said you can also tweak the RS3 for maximum comfort, while lowering its ride by up to 10mm compared to the standard car.The catch? Like the RS5 and RS4 Competition special editions adjusting the suspension needs manual tools and requires wheel-off fettling if you're raising or lowering the ride height.Helping offset an inevitable towering price tag, the RS3 Competition Limited edition comes standard with sticky Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tyres, the RS sports exhaust, a set of lighter carbon ceramic brakes that, alone, cost $10,800 on the standard car.Factor in its trick suspension, high level of standard kit and relative rarity and, in Europe, it is no surprise that Audi charges a huge premium for its last-ever five-cylinder RS model.In Germany, the RS3 Competition Limited costs a whopping 30 per cent more than the high-grade version it's based on.With that in mind, when pricing is announced the Audi RS3 could cost more than $140,000, surpassing the 2019 Renault Megane RS Trophy-R ($108,000) and the more current $111,000 battery-powered Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as one of the most expensive hot hatches ever to be sold in Australia.

Australians love the Cupra Formentor. Last year, we snapped up almost 1500 of the Spanish brand's mid-size SUV. But despite our deep affection, until now, the flagship high-performance VZ5 version of the Formentor has been cruelly denied to anyone pining for a faster version.That changes from this December when the fire-breathing Formentor VZ5 finally arrives in right-hand drive for the first time – but you'd better be quick because almost as soon as production begins, ever-tightening EU7 emissions regs will see its exotic Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine killed off forever.There's no word just how many we'll get Down Under, but when sales start at the end of the year expect a healthy five-figure premium over the $65,790 charged for the current flagship VZx, that only makes do with a punier 2.0-litre turbo.In the flesh, designers didn't exactly get carried away with the upgrades over the regular Formentor and we think only real performance car geeks will spot the different 20-inch alloy wheels, extended front splitter, tweaked rear bumper and diffuser plus some purposeful wider arches.For everyone else, the dead giveaways will be the diagonally stacked copper-coloured tips and tell-tale 'VZ5' badging.Inside, just a pair of standard figure-hugging 'Cup' bucket seats are the only evidence you're sitting in a VZ5 – a statement of intent, perhaps, of the higher g-forces occupants will endure.The star of the show, of course, lurks beneath the bonnet – the same exotic 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo that offers an offbeat growling soundtrack and delivers devastating performance in the Audi RS3.Except the Formentor VZ5 turbo five-cylinder doesn't quite produce the same 294kW and 500Nm as the hyper hatch. Instead, it has been detuned to 287kW and a lesser 480Nm of torque but still gets the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard all-wheel drive.Like the RS3 it borrows its heart from, the family-friendly SUV bags the Audi RS3's wild torque splitting rear differential that boosts on-road agility and provides for a proper drift mode on track. On a fast flowing race circuit you'll also be grateful engineers have fitted bigger Akebona six-piston performance brakes.Off the line, with plenty of traction available the Formentor VZ5 rips from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds – a cool 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there.It sounds good, too, like a rally refugee from the late eighties, although noise regulations mean there's not quite enough noise piped into the cabin.Inside, providing extra support on track Cupra have made the Cup bucket seats that were optional on the VZx standard – and that's it.On road, first impressions are mixed. We think many will love the exotic sound of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder but wish the soundtrack were a little louder.The RS3 engine is also hamstrung by the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission's lack of smoothness around town but peel off onto a country road and all is forgiven, thanks to its sharp up- and downshifts.Push a little harder than you would on Australian roads and the powerful brakes are easily up for the challenge, but it's difficult to detect the rear torque-splitting differential in action, compared to how effective it is in the smaller, lighter Audi hot hatch.One final gripe about the way the flagship Formentor drives, is that the lighter VZx has better steering feel and isn't that much slower cross-country than the VZ5, but we think most diehard performance fans will shrug off its 10.1L/100km average and be seduced by the quicker, more powerful car with its racier soundtrack.

The all-new plug-in hybrid Audi RS5 is the latest member of the new breed of near-guilt-free performance cars.Available as either a sedan or roomier Avant wagon, the RS5 delivers epic levels of power but blends its supercar-troubling acceleration with zero-emissions on your daily commute, thanks to an EV-only range of more than 80km.Locked in for an Australian debut in the second half of this year, CarsGuide travelled to Munich, on the eve of its global reveal, to discover its secrets and find out if the first-ever Audi RS plug-in hybrid has what it takes to overshadow the likes of the BMW M3 and the fellow electrified Mercedes-AMG C63.It's the ballistic Benz C63 (500kW/1000Nm) that wins the arms race for outright punch, with the Audi RS plug-in producing a lesser 470kW of power and a still-thumping 825Nm torque output, but the RS5 fights back to win enthusiasts' hearts because beneath its bonnet it eschews the C63's four-cylinder engine and gains the Audi-Porsche-developed twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 that, alone, pumps out 375kW.Helping it muster the total power output, the combustion engine is combined with a 130kW electric motor, 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery, plus an eight-speed automatic and Audi Sport's next-generation 'quattro' all-wheel drive.The latter gains a new centre differential, plus a trick rear transaxle that incorporates yet another tiny 8kW e-motor that's used for torque vectoring.Off the line, thanks to all-wheel drive, the Audi RS5 launches from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and, if you tick the box for the optional Audi Sport pack, the sedan and wagon keep accelerating until they top out at 285km/h. The same pack also adds carbon ceramic brakes and larger 21-inch rims.The choice by Audi Sport to develop its first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain had little to do with emissions, engineers claim, and say the added weight of the battery and e-motors was well worth gaining the trick 400-volt electrics.That said, the mid-size RS5 sedan now tips the scales at a portly 2355kg, while the wagon is a hefty 2370kg – 625kg more than the, admittedly smaller, pair of RS models they replace.We'll have to take their word for it, but thanks to the extra torque vectoring, a new front and rear axle designed by Audi RS, plus retuned steering and trick twin-valve dampers, the German car-maker is confident that when it comes to agility and driving pleasure you'll pick the RS5 over all its rivals.In the metal, we think quite a few owners might plump for the Audi for its styling alone as designers have left little on the table to ensure the new RS5 sedan and wagon look special.Featuring wider front and rear fenders that are 90mm wider than the standard A5, the RS5 features a wider 3D single-frame honeycomb grille and unique front and rear bumpers that incorporate advanced aerodynamics that culminate in a large oversized rear diffuser.So much has changed that just the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate, plus the front doors carry over, with the RS5 gaining muscular, almost cartoonish superhero proportions that guarantee you won't mistake it for the standard car, especially if you add the new 'Carbon Camouflage'. The no-doubt-pricey option throws in exposed forged carbon trim on the side skirts, door mirrors and parts of the front and rear bumpers for some extra Lamborghini-style kerb appeal.Inside, the changes aren't so dramatic, but you'll still be greeted by a pair of heavily bolstered massage sport seats and an RS flat-bottomed Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel, combined with lots of synthetic-suede-wrapped surfaces, colour-coordinated seat belts and tonnes of RS logos.Final changes include RS graphics for the digital dash, the 14.5-inch infotainment and 10.9-inch passenger display, that provide keen drivers with access to performance data like G-forces, temps and tyre pressures plus lap times.Of course, even without driving it, we know that the RS5 isn't perfect. Not only does the plug-in hybrid tech add weight, it sacrifices space in the rear boot and the RS4-replacing RS5 Avant can only offer up to 331 litres of space.The new battery, meanwhile, can't be DC fast-charged for some reason, which means an 11kW AC charge for a full refill takes 2.5 hours.Finally, all that tech and enhanced performance will be felt not only behind the wheel but in the pocket.While prices haven't been announced Down Under, in Germany the Audi RS5 sedan has been priced from €106,200 (A$178,100), while the Audi RS5 Avant wagon costs €107,850 (A$180,100). Those figures represent a huge 20 per cent price bump over the models they replace, suggesting similar price rises are inevitable when Audi Australia introduces the plug-in hybrid RS5 in the second half of this year.

The all-new 2026 Volvo EX60 might be the classiest Tesla Model Y rival yet, and it is due in Australia later this year.The perfect antidote to both the Model Y anonymity and the unnecessary visual aggression dished up by German rivals, the EX60 and rough-road ready EX60 Cross Country's smooth styling should be a hit with buyers, and it is heartening to know that its beauty is more than skin deep.When the EX60 touches down late this year, the mid-size battery-powered SUV will initially be offered in just two powertrains. The P6 Electric comes with a single rear motor that produces 275kW of power and 480Nm and provides for a brisk 5.9 second 0-100km/h dash.Need all-wheel drive and the second P10 AWD Electric delivers with its dual motors boosting traction and producing 375kW and 710Nm of torque for a quicker 4.6 seconds 0-100km/h sprint.The P6 (620km) can travel 20km further than the longest-range Tesla Model Y on the WLTP test cycle with its 83kWh battery.The punchier P10 AWD can go further still (660km), thanks to its larger 95kWh battery.In earlier teases, ahead of the the EX60 reveal, the Swedish brand made headline news when it revealed its latest EV could cover up to 810km on a single charge but that car, the P12 AWD, won't rock up until the middle of 2027, at the earliest.Shame, because the P12 AWD is capable of driving further on a charge than both the BMW iX3 (805km) and the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (750km) that was rolled out in the middle of 2025.If you're a performance fan, the P12 AWD might be worth the wait. Combined with its bladder-busting long range is a pair of dual motors that produce a whopping 500kW and 790Nm of torque that sees 0-100km/h take just 3.9 seconds.It's a similar story for the EX60 Cross Country that has yet to be given a release date for Down Under but should land in 375kW P10 AWD power in either 2027 or 2028.Engineers say the EX60's low-drag body and weight-saving from Tesla-style mega castings and mounting the battery cells directly to the body saving valuable kilos have contributed to enhancing efficiency, which may be true but the secret behind the P12 AWD long-leggedness is the enormous 117kWh battery pack mounted between its axles.Charging is near top of the class thanks to Volvo's all-new SPA3 platform's 800-volt electrics, the P6 can be topped up at up to 320kW, while the all-wheel drive P10 and P12 ramp that rate up to an admirable 370kW with both the entry and mid-spec Volvo taking just 18 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent refill, while the P12 with its massive battery only takes a minute longer.The catch is few will be able to find a new breed of 450kW ultra-fast DC chargers Down Under but if you do, after ten minutes, you can add up to 340km of range. All models come with 22kW AC charging.Volvo says the rear-drive P6 can tow up to 2000kg (braked) while the pair of AWD versions can tug up to 2400kg.All EX60 models come with optimum double front suspension and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension with or without adaptive dampers the EX60 Cross Country is the only version to get single-chamber air suspension that can hoist the ride to offer up to 234mm ground clearance.The bad news, despite its more adventurous styling that includes revised front and rear bumper, complete with bash-plates, plus extra black protective cladding all-round, the EX60 Cross Country can't wade any deeper (450mm) than the standard version, although the off-road driving modes are said to work better with the adjustable air springs.Within, designers claim they have strived to create a calming uncluttered place to spend time.Deduct points for a lack of physical buttons with only a crystal roller and skip back and forward controllers cited below the curved 15-inch infotainment systemThere's also no head-up display, but an 11.4-inch digital instrument cluster mounted high-up on the fabric-wrapped shelf-like dash.As well as mirroring the exterior's minimalist design the cabin doesn't let the side down for tech with it adopting a new powerful 'HuginCore' brain that runs powerful processors from NVIDIA and Qualcomm that can crunch high volumes of data quicker.With built-in Google and advanced AI present, Volvo says you can now have a natural conversation with your car. Owners will also get four years of unlimited data that keeps the car connected for free.The same tech runs the advanced autonomous driving aids but it's unlikely this generation will ever run Level 3 or Level 4-style hands and eyes off the road driverless tech, although a supervised hands-off Level 2+ tech will be rolled out during the EX60's lifespan.Space is generous both in the front and rear when it comes to leg- and headroom thanks to the decent 2970mm wheelbase. Volvo has ruled out a three-row seven-seat version, so the rear 523 litre luggage space will remain untouched.Under the bonnet is a 58-litre frunk that can stow the cables and a soft bag.Volvo is confident the latest EX60 will be judged as its safest creation yet when Euro NCAP and ANCAP safety body get their hands on it and the mid-sizer is the first car yet to get its pioneering multi-adaptive seat belts that uses camera and sensors within the car to judge your size and weight to adjust its tension and force to manage load in the event of an impact, reducing belt-related injuries.Despite preparing itself for limited supply initially from the EX60's factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo Australia is confident that its all-electric EX60 will overtake the current XC60 and fast become its best-selling model.The ancient nine-year-old XC60 that was updated last year, meanwhile, will live on with combustion and hybrid powertrains and receive a third refresh to ensure it can remain on sale beyond 2030 for those not ready to commit to an EV.Pricing for the 2026 Volvo EX60 will be released late this year, with the entry P6 expected to arrive with a price tag just below $100,000 (plus on-roads), with the P10 AWD tipped to cost around $110,000, with the Swedish mid-size SUV set to command a hefty premium over the  Tesla Model Y (from $63,400 plus on-roads) but should cost around $10,000 less than the equally all-new BMW iX3.