Articles by Samuel Irvine

The MG5 has received a facelift in China, five years after the second-generation model first debuted for the Chinese automaker.

Pricing for the all-new Kia K4, the successor to the long-serving Cerato small car, has been released in the US.According to the Kia US media release, the new K4 will come in five variants: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo.Pricing for the entry-level LX trim will commence at US$21,990 (A$33,328), rising to US$28,090 (A$42,574) for the top-spec variant we currently know as the GT.For comparison, the current base-model Cerato S starts at $27,060 in Australia, while the top spec GT-Turbo Cerato will set you back $36,860 (all prices listed above are before on-road costs).It is expected that the K4 will start closer to $30,000 in Australia when it is released in the first quarter of 2025.In the US, the K4 will have a choice of two powertrains, a 110kW/264Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine or a 142kW/264Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.The latter is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the current Cerato’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.It is likely these will be the same powertrains offered in Australia, given they are currently available in Cerato models, though Kia is yet to confirm this officially.Kia has not announced plans for a hybrid variant in the US, though it is likely that one will be offered for the Australian market at some point in the near future.The K4 will be significantly bigger than the Cerato, offering what Kia says is “class-leading” legroom within the small car segment, as well as greater headroom and a body as wide as some medium-size sedans.Like the Cerato, the K4 will be offered with the option of a sedan or hatchback.Inside, the Kia K4 gets a completely new look, including a multi-screen dashboard that boasts two 12.3-inch displays integrated into one continuous panel. A third, 5.0-inch display provides climate controls. Apple Carplay and Android Auto will come as standard, along with wireless charging.The outgoing Cerato is Kia's second-best selling model and Australia's second-best selling small car priced under $40,000, owning a 24.1 per cent share of the market, second only to the Toyota Corolla.It has enjoyed record sales this year to date, increasing 241 per cent from 3105 sales this time last year to 9811 this year. If Kia gets the formula right, there's every chance the K4 could secure the same level of popularity.Expect more details closer to the Australian launch.

A limited Volvo XC40 Special Edition has arrived, offering buyers more value for less in the highly-competitive small SUV segment.

Australia’s fifth-most popular ute, the Mazda BT-50, has been hit with an urgent safety recall.According to the Federal Government’s Vehicle Recall notice board, 55,738 BT-50s built between 2020 and 2024 have been impacted by a manufacturing defect in the Engine Control Module (ECM).“The fuel pump control valve may remain ‘open’ and fuel supply may be interrupted. If this occurs, the engine could stall resulting in a loss of power,” the recall statement reads.Between January 2020 and July 2024, Mazda sold 64,802 BT-50s, meaning the majority sold in that period are impacted by the engine defect.For those unsure if their vehicle is affected, you can check against your VIN number here. Those with impacted vehicles will be contacted by Mazda to arrange an update to the BT-50's ECM at a preferred dealer, free of charge.It follows the same recall of the Isuzu D-Max, on which the BT-50 is based, that affected more than 150,000 examples.

Chevrolet's most advanced Corvette ever has arrived — and it’s a hybrid.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed pricing and specifications for the new-generation AMG GT63 4MATIC+ two-door.

Nissan says it’s embracing its dark side with the new Navara Black Edition - a limited-edition run of 400 vehicles with an even tougher look. 

The South Korean brand has deleted the manual variants of its base Stonic S and mid-range Stonic Sport variants, and as previously reported by CarsGuide the Stonic is ditching the naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine in favour of a turbo power.

Genesis’ flagship G80 luxury sedan will be significantly more expensive in 2025 after receiving a stack of luxury and safety upgrades, new design and tech features, as well as a refreshed range.

As the world increasingly adopts electric cars, the words “naturally-aspirated V12” don’t get thrown around too often. Gone are the days of stripped-back speed machines with few creature comforts other than a gear stick, bucket seats and a thunderous engine. At least that was until the Nilu arrived, the brainchild of famed automotive designer Sasha Selipanov – the man who brought to life iconic supercars such as the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Huracan and Koenigsegg CC850.His own invention eschews electrification, instead using a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 beast that matches dream machines such as the new Ferrari 12Cilindri and Lamborghini Revuelto.Packing 787kW of power and 859Nm of torque, Selipanov’s Nilu will hit 0-100km/h in less than 3.0 seconds on its way to a mind-bending top speed of 400km/h.Those ridiculous outputs are thanks to Hartley Engines from New Zealand, who partnered with Nilu to create one of the most powerful naturally-aspirated and visually-striking engines in the world.Nilu said the engine is distinguished by its refined combustion area, high-flow ports and performance-style valve geometry, something original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) cannot typically accommodate for in their compact lineups. The engine features 12 individual throttle bodies for instant throttle response, a redline above 10,000 rpm and an enormous 12-into-1 3D-printed Inconel exhaust that sits exposed at the vehicle’s rear.  The Nilu chassis features a bespoke carbon fibre monocoque with lightweight aluminium-alloy tubular subframes.With classical hypercar styling, the Nilu has gullwing doors, a wide front-grille with gaping air ducts and a cockpit just big enough to hold two bucket seats. The body work undulates over 20-inch five spoke wheels at the front to 21-inch wheels at the rear. Each is wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and house monster carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo. Inside, the Nilu keeps as few distractions as possible. There aren’t any touchscreens to be seen, not even an electric parking brake, just a steering wheel, void of switches and buttons, a gear stick for the vehicle’s seven-speed manual transmission, a manual parking brake and analogue driver’s gauges.The Nilu hypercar will be produced in limited runs from the company’s factory in Irvine, California, first at a capacity of 15 vehicles, with future plans to include a 54-car run of homologated variants. Pricing has not yet been revealed, though the vehicle is scheduled to debut on August 15 at Monterey Car Week in California.