Articles by Spencer Leech

Hyundai Australia’s emissions-free Kona Electric will sit around $30,000 upstream of its internal-combustion counterparts, kicking off at $59,990 before on-road costs for the Elite grade and $64,490 for the top-tier Highlander.

Aston Martin has revealed its new All-Terrain Concept, previewing the first of a new wave of Lagonda-branded electric vehicles (EV) starting with an SUV in 2022.

Honda has revealed its pure electric e Prototype, previewing an upcoming production electric vehicle (EV) from the Japanese carmaker.The car will go into production later this year, and will be Honda’s first mass-produced EV to be sold in Europe, although an Australian arrival is still unclear.Based loosely on the Urban EV concept from 2017, the e Prototype features similar small and boxy proportions, but does away with the retro styling cues in favour of more modern lines.However, the wide track and short overhangs are reminiscent of the Urban EV, and the low, muscular stance is emphasised by flared wheel arches and wide tyres.Inside, the interior takes on a minimalist design with sofa-style fabrics, a flat floor, and a large dual-screen display.A home screen shortcut also reveals applications such as navigation, phone, smartphone connection, audio options and vehicle status.Wood trim is used around the centre console, hosting buttons including audio on/off and a volume knob.Expect digital aids like lane-keep assist, autonomous cruise control, voice assistant and steering wheel heating. Honda says the e Prototype can deliver a range of over 200 kilometres with a fast charging functionality of 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.The charging port is positioned centrally in the bonnet, with LED lighting visible through the glass cover to display battery status.Using a rear-wheel driveline, the Japanese EV’s dynamics are said to be focused on “delivering a fun and emotive experience” using an electric motor to drive the rear wheels for “next-generation small-car performance”.Signalling its concept car status, the Prototype uses camera-based wing mirrors and unique door handles.

Independent statutory board Infrastructure Australia has listed a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network as a high-priority initiative for 2019.

Volkswagen Australia has revealed the Multivan Black Edition, a special-edition version of its people-mover, which will enter showrooms next month priced from $63,490 plus on-road costs.

Land Rover is offering a new flagship Velar variant to Australian customers, dubbed the SVAutobriography Dynamic Edition, with deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of this year.

Renault has confirmed key details for its new Clio light hatch ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show in March, revealing new styling in and out, as well as a new platform to allow autonomous and hybrid capabilities.

Carlos Ghosn has officially left his position as chairman and chief executive officer of Groupe Renault, with Michelin’s Jean-Dominique Senard to fill his shoes as chairman and Thierry Bollore to take the reigns as CEO.

Suzuki Australia launched its new-generation Jimny off-roader this week, with the single variant range priced at $23,990 plus on-road costs for the manual or $25,990 with an automatic transmission.

BMW Group Australia has confirmed its highly anticipated Z4 sportscar will be offered in three grades, kicking off at $84,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level sDrive20i.Jumping up to the mid-range sDrive30i commands a $20,000 premium at $104,900, and the range-topping M40i M Performance asks for another $20,000 at $124,900.The two sDrive variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 145kW/320Nm for the sDrive20i, and 190kW/400Nm for the sDrive30i.BMW claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.5 litres per 100km in either case.Meanwhile, the M40i steps things up to 250kW and 500Nm with its 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, which burns 7.5L/100km.Translated to the drag strip, the Z4 runs the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds, 5.4s and 4.5s in the sDrive20i, sDrive30i and M40i respectively, and all grades make use of an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.Australian-spec Z4 units feature an M Sport Package as standard, lowering the car 10mm for improved handling as well as 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The cabin is lined with black Vernasca leather with Alcantara trim pieces and blue stitching, however Ivory White, Magma Red, Black and Cognac upholstery colourways are available at no extra cost.BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system is displayed on a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, infotainment is managed by BMW Operating System 7.0 on a 10.25-inch display, and important data is shown on a head-up display.Thanks to BMW’s 'Connected Package Professional', 'Remote Services', real-time traffic information, wireless Apple CarPlay, concierge services and wireless smartphone charging is all on offer, as standard.Interior features also include a tyre repair kit, wind deflector, heated and electrically adjustable M Sport seats, two-zone climate control, DAB digital radio, a 10-speaker sound system, M leather steering wheel, LED headlights and interior and driver’s side exterior mirror automatic anti-dazzle functionality.Driver-assistance tech includes BMW’s 'Driving Assistant' package, auto emergency braking (AEB), cruise control, high-beam assist and park assist.Stepping up to the sDrive30i adds 19-inch light alloys, a digital key to enable remote smartphone locking/unlocking, adaptive cruise control with stop/go and adaptive LED headlights. For performance, the sDrive30i also gains a 17-inch M Sport brake package with blue calipers, and adaptive M suspension with variable dampers.Both the aforementioned features are available on the base sDrive20i as an option.Other than the larger-capacity engine, the top-spec M40i grade gains a unique suspension tune, an electronically controlled limited-slip M Sport differential (optional on sDrive30i), lumbar support for driver and passenger, an ambient light and a 12-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system.