Articles by Stephen Ottley

Modern conveniences and a timeless design.Those are the hallmarks of the just unveiled interior of the all-new Ineos Grenadier. The brainchild of British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Grenadier is being designed as a hardcore off-roader to go head-to-head with the likes of the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and new Toyota LandCruiser 300. Having already revealed the Defender-inspired exterior design and confirmed it will use BMW-sourced petrol and diesel engines, the interior was the last major design element still shrouded in mystery.“When we started thinking about the Grenadier’s interior, we looked carefully at modern aircraft, boats and even tractors for inspiration, where switches are sited for optimal function, regular controls are close to hand, auxiliary ones are further away,” explained Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design for Ineos Automotive. “You can see the same approach in the Grenadier: the layout is functional and logical, designed with ease of use in mind. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t.”As with the rest of what we know about the Grenadier, the interior combines the latest in luxuries with the practical demands. The two-spoke steering wheel features buttons for key functions that appears to include a ‘Toot’ button for cyclists but there’s no instrument panel to allow for a clearer forward view.Instead the key driving information is included in the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen that sits proudly atop the centre console. The multimedia system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for both entertainment and navigation. But there’s also a ‘pathfinder off-road’ system that allows the driver to mark their route with waypoints on unmapped roads.While this is cutting edge, the rest of the centre facisa appears to be inspired by aircrafts, with large switches and dials that can be operated with gloves on. In keeping with the plane theme, the switchgear continues onto the roof between the front occupants, with more key functions controlled from that upper panel, as well as pre-wired slots for accessories, such as winches and auxiliary lights if needed.One other small nod to current-day cars is the gear selector, which appears to have been taken directly from BMW’s parts bin. Alongside it is an old-school low-range shifter, with Ineos not following the more recent trend of its rivals by making that function a switch or dial.While it may have some modern conveniences, the Grenadier has been built for people who really want to get it dirty. That’s why the interior includes a ‘hose-out’ rubber floor with drain plugs and switchgear and a dashboard that are “splash-proof” and can be wiped down for cleaning.Ineos has confirmed there will be at least three seating layout options for the Grenadier. The first is a private customer version with five Recaro seats, then a commercial variant with the choice of either two- or five-seat layouts. According to the company, the two-seater will be capable of fitting a standard Euro-sized pallet (which is longer but narrower than an Australian pallet) behind them.All seats are trimmed in what the company calls “hard-wearing, anti-pile, stain- and water-resistant fabric” that requires no aftermarket treatment or covers.Storage has been a key part of the design process, with a large centre console box that’s lockable, a dry storage box under the rear seats and large bottle holders in each door.Another practical feature is an optional ‘Power Pack’ that includes a 2000-watt AC converter that can power tools and other small electronics such as camping equipment. Also available as an option are glass roof panels that can run either side of the roof-mounted console. They are able to both tilt or be completely removed depending on the operator's needs.Ineos says the Grenadier is on track to hit the market in July 2022 - at least in Europe - with 130 prototypes already halfway through the company’s goal of 1.8m kilometres of testing. Currently the Grenadier is being put through its paces in the dunes of Morocco, according to the company’s statement.With Ineos’ British heritage the Grenadier is confirmed for right-hand drive production and will be sold in Australia, likely a short period after its overseas on-sale date.

Jeep has pointed the Compass in a new direction.Set to hit showrooms later in July, the American off-road brand will be hoping the facelifted Jeep Compass can turn around its poor sales performance with a combination of new technology and a more refined appearance; especially in the cabin.While the exterior changes are subtle, with the signature seven slot grille flanked by tweaked headlights, fresh wheel designs and redesigned tail-lights, the big changes are reserved for inside. It’s here that the previous model’s look has been swept away by a raft of changes to try and make the Compass more appealing.The big ticket items include a new 10.2-inch digital instrument panel (on selected models) and a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen that incorporates navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All new Compass also come with a wireless charging pad for smartphones and other equipped devices.While the new screens attract plenty of attention, Jeep has redesigned the entire cabin with a new look dashboard and door panels. This also includes a new central tunnel that increases storage space by almost five-litres.Jeep Australia marketing and communications director, Tom Noble, is hopeful that the new cabin will help expand the appeal of the Compass beyond its current limited audience, taking sales from the likes of the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona with its more practical and stylish interior.“Since its launch in 2017, the Jeep Compass has been renowned as the category leader when it comes to off-road capability in the compact SUV segment, and now we’re pairing that capability with advanced technology and a premium interior styling,” Noble said. “The comfort you want for your daily commute and the capability to tackle your weekend adventures have found harmony in the new Jeep Compass.”Jeep will offer an initial range of five Compass models, including a pair of limited edition specials.The new line-up begins with the Compass Launch Edition priced from $37,950 (plus on-road costs), powered by the long-serving 2.4-litre four-cylinder ‘Tigershark’ petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic and driving the front-wheels only.Standard equipment on the Launch Edition will include LED headlights, LED fog lights, black roof, keyless entry and ignition, cloth and vinyl seats, an electric park brake, the new wireless charging pad and 10.1-inch multimedia screen.It will also include a number of new safety features for the Compass, including autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed assist, plus the previously available Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and Lane Departure Warning Plus.Next up the ladder is the Compass Limited, priced at $43,950 (plus on-road costs) when it arrives later in the year. It has the same 2.4-litre petrol engine but gets paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system.Upgrades over the Launch Edition include bi-function LED projector headlights, a body colour roof, front parking sensors and new park assist system and hands-free tailgate. It also gets leather trim, electrically-adjustable front seats, 40/20/40 split rear seats and the 10.2-inch digital instrument panel.The Compass S-Limited will be available from mid-July and start at $46,950 (plus on-road costs) powered by the 2.4-litre petrol with nine-speed auto and four-wheel drive. Unique elements will include new-look 19-inch alloy wheels, body colour wheel flares and side cladding to give it a “premium and sporty design”, according to Jeep. Inside it gets black headlining, grey accent stitching and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.The more rugged Compass Trailhawk is up next in the range, like the Limited it won’t be available until later in 2021 and when it is it will be priced from $51,250 (plus on-road costs). It will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which has been upgraded to meet Euro 6D emissions standards that requires AdBlue. It will be paired to the nine-speed auto and four-wheel drive system.It rides on unique 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with Falken All-Season tyres. It also gets a black hood decal for less glare when off-roading as well as red tow hooks, underbody skid plates, a 4.334 rear axle ratio and a full-size spare.It also comes with a surround view camera, leather-trimmed seats, red stitching accents and all-weather floor mats.The final member of the new Compass range is the 80th Anniversary edition, of which only 160 will be available in Australia. Starting at $47,941 (plus on-road costs) it will sit between the Limited and S-Limited in terms of price. It will be available in just four colours - white, black and two greys (Magnesio and Minimal).It will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels and get body coloured wheel arches, side moldings, door claddings and fascias. It will also get a ‘Granite Crystal’ grille and black painted roof with panoramic sunroof as well as ‘80th Anniversary’ commemorative badging.Cabin highlights include premium black leather trim, a storage space under the front passenger seat, heated steering wheel and front seats and the nine-speaker Alpine audio system. Like all Jeep models the new Compass will be covered by the brand’s new ‘Jeep Wave’ ownership program that includes a five-year/100,000km warranty, capped price servicing and lifetime roadside assistance.

Australia’s most affordable electric vehicle is a little less affordable.

Genesis has taken the wraps off its newest and most dynamic model yet - the G80 Sport.Set to join the range in the fourth quarter of the year, roughly a year after the latest G80 model launched in Australia, this new addition has a range of unique elements that help it stand out.Whether it’s enough to take on the stars of the mid-size luxury sedan market - the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - remains to be seen as Genesis hasn’t released full specifications, but this is clearly the best option the upstart brand has had until now. Crucially what’s under the bonnet remains unconfirmed, although the likely option is the existing 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 which makes 279kW/530Nm. What we do know is that the new G80 Sport will be all-wheel drive, but also gets Rear Wheel Steering (RWS) to improve its dynamic performance.The G80 Sport will also ride on unique 20-inch alloy wheels, which feature the brand’s signature “G-Matrix Pattern”, and there will also be a choice of brake caliper colour (black or red) to further accentuate its sporty intentions.It also gets its own grille treatment, with a dark glossy chrome finish and a “three-dimensional wing-shaped” front bumper to accentuate the new look. At the rear there’s a new bumper design that creates a diffuser-style appearance.Inside the changes include a new three-spoke steering wheel and new trim finishes in real aluminium, carbon and and a diamond-patterned weave. There will also be new seat options but both will be trimmed in leather.The G80 Sport has been presented in a new colour, Cavendish Red, that will also be exclusive to the model. Full details, including performance and pricing, will be revealed closer to the car’s launch later this year.

The Chinese automotive industry has a history of using existing car designs as, shall we say, inspiration. These knockoffs are typically restricted to the Chinese market so we rarely see them down under. But one of the most obvious design rip-offs in automotive history could be making its way around the world - including Australia.The Ora Punk Cat is, put simply, a modern take on the Volkswagen Beetle. While it features a modern electric powertrain underneath, aside from a switch to a five-door layout the Punk Cat is almost a carbon copy of the iconic German ‘Bug’.When it was revealed back in April at the Shanghai Motor Show Volkswagen was unsurprisingly not amused and was considering legal action. Now, according to a report on Carscoops, Ora (and it’s parent company GWM) has taken the Punk Cat to Europe, registering its Punk Cat designs with the European Union Intellectual Property Office.Ora has actually submitted two designs, one that’s identical to the Shanghai show and a second version that has a similar Beetle shape but unique headlights, taillights and even a small ducktail spoiler.Volkswagen hasn’t made any further public comments on the Punk Cat’s design, but given Ora’s move into Europe it’s highly likely the German giant will move to protect its classic design on its home turf.Depending on how Volkswagen goes stopping Ora, Australian’s may get a chance to experience the Punk Cat first hand. As reported last week, GWM is considering adding the all-electric brand to its Australian portfolio. According to local officials the Punk Cat is under consideration alongside the Good Cat and Black Cat. It would give GWM rivals to the growing number of small EVs available including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai’s Ioniq and Kona Electric.GWM hasn’t announced when Ora will arrive in Australia, but 2022 seems likely. Whether or not the Punk Cat is among the models offered may ultimately be decided by a copyright court somewhere in China or Europe.

The Australian car industry is one of the most crowded in the world, with more than 50 brands fighting for slightly more than one million sales per year.

Volkswagen has had a change of heart, and it will result in a new range of plug-in hybrids hitting dealerships in Australia, starting with the Volkswagen Touareg R.

Hyundai is preparing to introduce a new wave of Ioniq electric vehicles in the coming years, but first it’s making some changes to its original EV.The existing Ioniq range, which includes a hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (EV) options, has been overhauled with the entry-level Elite model discontinued. That impacts both the hybrid and PHEV options, and with minor price increases across the range as well, it means the entry point to the Ioniq range is now $5700 higher.Previously the cheapest model was the Ioniq Elite Hybrid at $35,690 (plus on-road costs) and while it’s still available in overseas markets, Hyundai Australia has opted to drop it. That means the cheapest Ioniq is now the Premium Hybrid at $41,390 (plus on-road costs).That price increase also includes a $1000 price increase from July that impacts the entire Ioniq range. The rest of the range is now priced at $47,950 for the PHEV Premium, $49,970 for the Electric Elite and finishes with the Electric Premium for $54,010 (all prices exclude on-road costs).All specifications remain the same across the Ioniq range.That’s not the only change to Hyundai’s line-up for July either. At the same time the Ioniq has had a bump, pricing for the recently-introduced i30 Sedan have also increased. A consistent $400 jump across the entire line-up has come into effect from July, with the entry-level Active now starting at $25,190 (plus on-road costs).

BMW M will have a big finish to 2021 with five new models set to hit showrooms in the fourth quarter.The quintet consists of the all-new, all-wheel drive M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive as well as M4 Competition Convertible and the new performance SUV twins, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition.The all-wheel drive M3/M4 were already confirmed to join the local range, but pricing and specifications of both are now locked in. The new additions are noteworthy as it’s the first time BMW’s iconic sports sedan and coupe have had all-wheel drive available.Both will be powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine making 375kW/650Nm, but instead of just sending power to the rear wheels it now does through the front as well. The only other notable mechanical change are some tweaks to the front suspension and steering geometry to account for the all-wheel drive.The xDrive system does help shave some time off the 0-100km/h acceleration run, with the all-wheel drive M4 Competition doing it in 3.5 seconds compared to 3.9 seconds for the two-wheel drive variant.The BMW M3 Competition xDrive will be priced from $160,900 (plus on-road costs), while the M4 Competition Coupe xDrive starts at $165,900 (plus on-road costs), which is a $6000 premium over the rear-wheel drive options.The M4 Competition Convertible with xDrive completes the line-up (for now at least) and will be the only drop-top options. It gets the same mechanicals as the M4 Competition Coupe but, naturally, as a folding roof. It’s a soft-top, like the regular 4-Series Convertible. BMW claims it’s 40 per cent lighter than the previous M4 Convertible’s roof and can open or close in less than 18 second at speeds up to 50km/h.The final two members of this extended M family will be the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition, which share the same powertrain as the M3/M4. The upgrade to the Competition specification means an extra 50Nm of torque, meaning the duo have the same 375kW/650Nm outputs as the M3 and M4 Competition models.This means the SUVs are even faster now, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds.Like the updated 2022 model year X3 and X4 we reported on yesterday, the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition will get styling tweaks to the exterior and interior.Pricing for the X3 M Competition starts at $160,900 (plus on-road costs), with the X4 M Competition priced from $167,900 (plus on-road costs).

Renault has revealed how it plans to take on Volkswagen and Tesla with a major switch to electric vehicles beginning in 2022. The French brand will introduce 10 all-electric models before the end of the decade including a revived Renault 5, new 4ever and new MéganE.It’s part of a wider plan by the company to have up to 90 per cent of its sales be EV by 2030 which will involve investing in battery production to help cut costs and increase supply. The grand vision includes what’s known as the Renault ElectriCity, which will combine the resources of its factories in northern France to produce vehicles, EV powertrains and batteries. The new battery-producing gigafactory will be built in partnership with Envision AESC and should be online by 2024.Renault CEO Luca de Meo made the announcement at the grandly named Renault eWays ElectroPop event, stating he believes this is the way forward for Renault to be competitive as the world shifts towards EVs.“Today is an historic acceleration of Renault Group’s EV strategy and for ‘made in Europe,’” de Meo said. “By building Renault ElectriCity, our compact, efficient, high-tech electric ecosystem in Northern France, together with our e-powertrain MegaFactory in Normandy, we are creating the conditions of our competitiveness at home.... On top of efficiency, we are betting on iconic designs such as the beloved R5 to bring the Renault touch to electrification: making electric cars popular.”The new Renault 5 had already been previewed by the French brand, showcasing a retro-themed boxy design over its modern EV powertrain. It looks set to effectively replace the Zoe city car, which is due to end production in 2024.The previously teased MéganE will form a crucial part of the new plan, with the new EV set to blur the lines between hatchback and SUV to give the French brand a rival to both the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 when it goes on sale in Europe in 2022.The MéganE will be built on the CMF-EV platform that will underpin the brand’s small and medium sized models. The Renault 5 and new 4ever will be based on the all-new CMF-BEV, which the company claims will be approximately 33 per cent cheaper, making EVs more affordable, while still offering a driving range of up to 400km.The 4ever brings back the once-famous 4 nameplate that was a key model from the 1960s until the mid 1990s. While Renault was light on details, other than saying it will be a “timeless classic”, it's expected to take the form of a city-sized SUV.Renault isn’t the only brand to benefit from this new era. As previously announced performance sub-brand Alpine will make a wholesale switch to EVs, with three of the 10 confirmed models set to be sporty models. Renault teased a silhouette of the trio, which as per the companies announcement earlier this year, will include a Megane RS-replacing hot hatch, a performance SUV (which appears to have a couple-style roofline) and a sports car to replace the A110; which is being developed in partnership with Lotus.