Articles by Stephen Ottley

A new plug-in hybrid is the headline new addition to the updated 2022 BMW X3 line-up that will go on sale by the end of the year.It will be just part of an overhauled X3 and X4 range that both feature a raft of styling changes and specification tweaks to keep the mid-size SUVs appealing against rivals including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX.The addition of the plug-in hybrid, known officially as the X3 xDrive30e, will come at around the same time as the all-electric X3-based iX3 hits Australian showrooms, giving the Bavarian brand a much stronger electrified range. It features the same powertrain as the existing 330e and 530e, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor. It makes 215kW/420Nm and has a claimed fuel economy return of 2.8L/100km with up to 55km of range on electric power only.The PHEV will get unique styling elements, including its own front bumper, as well as blue rings on the BMW logos and an ‘electrified by i’ badge on the flanks.All new X3 models will get some styling tweaks, including a new larger kidney grille (in keeping with the brand’s recent trend) as well as thinner headlights, new front and rear bumpers and redesigned rear lights.A major change for both the X3 and X4 is an overhaul of the interior, with the 4 Series centre console now used in both SUVs.Key new equipment upgrades that are standard across the range include adaptive LED headlights, high beam assist, keyless entry, remote software updates and reversing assistant, plus models previously available with partial cloth trim now get Sensatec faux leather.The X3 xDrive30e will be priced from $104,900, which puts it at a $10,000 premium over the similarly equipped xDrive30d (from $94,900) and significantly more expensive than the petrol-powered xDrive30i (from $87,900). The rest of the X3 range will continue with a variety of petrol and diesel engines, beginning with the xDrive20i at $73,900 and stretching all the way to $115,900 for the high-performance X3 M40i. The range-topping model gets several performance parts including 21-inch M Sport alloy wheels, M Sport differential, adaptive M suspension and new-for-2022 BMW Laserlights as standard.An M Sport package will be fitted as standard to the xDrive30i, xDrive30d and xDrive30e.As for the X4, it too gets similar styling changes with the larger grille but to set it apart the coupe-style SUV gets mesh inserts in the grille. Both the X4 xDrive20i and xDrive30i get M Sport packages included now, which feature new-look 19-inch alloy wheels as well as the option for 20- or 21-inch rims.The X4 M40i, like its X3 counterpart, gets a BMW M kidney grille with chrome frame and high-gloss kidney bars, as well as new exterior mirrors and a new rear bumper.Then there's the range-topping M Competition versions of the X3 and X4, which get similar changes and are priced from $160,900 and $167,900 respectively. They're once again powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol inline six-cylinder engine that produces 375kW of power, although torque has gone up 50Nm, to 650Nm, helping to trim their zero-to-100km/h sprint time to a scant 3.8 seconds.2022 BMW X3 pricing*X3 sDrive 20i - $73,900X3 xDrive20d - $76,900X3 xDrive30i -  $87,900X3 xDrive30d - $94,900X3 xDrive30e - $104,900X3 M40i - $115,900X3 M Competition - $160,9002022 BMW X4 pricing*X4 xDrive20i - $85,900X4 xDrive30i - $95,900X4 M40i - $115,900X4 M Competition - $167,900*All prices exclude on-road costs

Hot hatches typically flex their muscle in terms of power and handling, but the new 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI is all about its technology upgrade.The final member of the facelifted Polo family has been unveiled and the refreshed GTI introduces a tweaked appearance, with new ‘IQ.Light’ LED matrix headlights, new grille with light strip that the company claims is designed to visually connect the Polo to its new ID range of electric vehicles. Other cosmetic changes include a new front bumper design and fresh alloy wheels, while at the rear there are new LED lights including an animated indicator. But it’s what’s underneath the surface that has been the real focus of the Volkswagen team. For the first time the Polo GTI has semi-autonomous driving technology thanks to Volkswgaen’s ‘IQ.Drive Travel Assist’, a system that can control steering, accelerating and braking under certain road conditions all the way from stationary to 210km/h. Basically, it combines the functions of adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to keep you a safe distance from cars ahead and inside the lane.The infotainment system has also been updated to the latest version, which allows for wireless integration of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The powertrain is carried over from the previous model unchanged, which means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 147kW/320Nm paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also retains the same dynamically-tuned chassis, which sits 15mm lower than the standard Polo, to offer a more engaging driving experience to try and keep up with its rivals including the Ford Fiesta ST.Volkswagen Australia says the new Polo GTI is due to arrive in the second quarter of 2022. Full pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to its local launch.

Volvo has unveiled its future. The Concept Recharge is a tease at what we can expect when the all-new XC90 debuts in the coming years, making the switch to battery electric power on an all-new platform that allows for a styling revolution for the Swedish brand.Revealed overnight the Concept Recharge previews the brand’s new EV architecture, which unlike the platform currently used for the XC40 Recharge, is built from the ground up as a bespoke EV. That will allow Volvo to do away with legacy elements of its petrol-powered models, including engine bays and transmission tunnels that compromise its design, to create a more holistic vehicle, according to head of design, Robin Page.“Our Concept Recharge represents a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo Cars, as well as a new type of vehicle,” Page explained. “It displays new and modern proportions that go hand-in-hand with increased versatility and shows what technology can enable in terms of design.”Concept Recharge has been designed under a philosophy of ‘less but better’ with Page and his designers creating a new shape of SUV, which retains the same elevated seating position customers enjoy but with a more aerodynamic shape and a more spacious cabin. For example, by placing the battery pack under the floor, it has allowed for a longer wheelbase while keeping the front and rear overhangs short.By extending the wheelbase the interior room has been increased which has allowed for a total cabin redesign. Obviously being a concept that means some boundaries have been pushed, with the interior only having four individual seats and what appears to be a removable bag instead of a centre console, but elements such as the 15-inch touchscreen on the centre preview the next-generation of in-car infotainment.“Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling,” Page said. “The interior integrates our latest user experience technology with beautiful, sustainable and natural materials. Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room. We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring.”The switch to EV has also meant changes to Volvo’s traditional grille, which has been replaced by what the company calls “a shield-like structure” flanked by an evolution of its ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight design.Also noticeable is the LiDAR sensor that is integrated into the roof. This is part of Volvo’s plans to develop safe autonomous driving by accumulating as much real-world data as possible.While it’s officially only a concept, this is a preview of the all-new XC90 that’s due to launch in Europe in 2022. It will get the production version of this new generation EV platform which, like the brand’s current modular architecture, will be scalable. So expect elements of the Concept Recharge to filter down to the new XC60 and possibly the S60/V60 and other models.

Skoda has given its Kamiq range an overhaul, introducing a pair of new models to try and continue the initial success of the Toyota Yaris Cross-challenging compact SUV.The new range begins with the Kamiq 110TSI Ambition, which effectively replaces the previously offered 85TSI model that is no longer available locally. That means all Kamiq will now be powered by the same 110kW turbocharged petrol engine, but the Ambition gets the choice of manual or DSG.The more powerful engine does mean a sharp price increase for the entry-level Kamiq model. The 85TSI started at $26,390 (plus on-road costs), but the 110TSI Ambition will be priced from $32,390 for the manual and $33,390 for the dual-clutch auto. That’s a hefty $6000 increase to get into a Kamiq. Both of those prices exclude on-road costs and Skoda will offer a drive-away deal with the Ambition manual starting at $32,990 and the auto $34,990.The extra money brings extra equipment too, with the Ambition loaded with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED tail lights with animated turn signal, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument panel, rear view camera with rear parking sensors, Lane Assist with lane keeping system and a power tailgate.The Ambition isn’t the only new variant, with the Limited Edition launch variant now discontinued in favour of the Kamiq 110TSI Signature. The new pair will sandwich the Kamiq Monte Carlo that remains an unchanged part of the line-up.The Signature, naturally, comes with more standard equipment to justify its price. It rides on the same 18-inch alloys as the Ambition but gets silver roof rails, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, an Amundsen infotainment system with 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as front and rear parking sensors, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.The Kamiq Signature is priced from $35,890 (plus on-road costs) or $38,990 drive-away.The Monte Carlo has increased slightly, up $1100 compared to the previous model, so it now starts at $35,290 (plus on-road costs) or $37,990 drive-away.All Kamiq are available with an optional panoramic roof for an additional $1300 or a tow bar for $2000.Servicing can be bought as pre-paid packages, with three-years costing $800 and five-years $1400. All Skoda models are covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Porsche is determined to help get your kids to school on time. The German brand has unveiled a new addition to its Cayenne range, with more power, more torque, carbon ceramic brakes and the ability to lap the Nurburgring faster than a Lexus LFA. The Cayenne Turbo GT sits at the top of the line-up and is now available to order ahead of its arrival to Australia in the fourth quarter of 2021, priced from $336,100 (plus on-road costs).The Cayenne Turbo GT is powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine as the existing Cayenne Turbo but tuned to make even more performance. There’s now 471kW/850Nm available under the bonnet, a boost of 67kW/80Nm more than the ‘regular’ Turbo.The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been modified for faster shifts when driven dynamically.Porsche claims it’s enough power to launch the four-seat SUV from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds, which is remarkably 0.6 seconds faster than the Cayenne Turbo.It’s not just more power though, with Porsche also re-engineering the chassis to improve the handling. For starters the Turbo GT sits 17mm lower than the Cayenne Turbo and both the passive and active elements of the suspension have been re-tuned for even sharper handling. The Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system has new software too, allowing it to sit even flatter in the corners.The Turbo GT rides on new, and very big, 22-inch alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tyres.Braking is handled by Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) which are fitted as standard, to ensure it stops as quickly as it goes.To visually distinguish the Turbo GT from the rest of the range it has some unique exterior elements. The biggest is a new front bumper design that includes a larger front lip spoiler and bigger air-intakes. There’s also a carbon fibre roof, carbon side plates and a GT-specific roof spoiler at the rear.Inside the cabin is trimmed in swathes of Alcantara to continue the sporty theme. Standard gear includes eight-way electrically adjustable front sports seats with a pair of individual sports seats in the rear. It also gets an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with yellow ‘12 o’clock’ marking.One notable feature of the cabin is the introduction of Porsche’s latest generation infotainment system. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) features a new user interface and has compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. It also includes a new ability to integrate Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.Australian-bound Cayenne Turbo GT will also get keyless entry and ignition, privacy glass, four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, head-up display and digital radio as well as Lane Change Assist, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and side airbags in the rear.Porsche showed off the performance of the Cayenne Turbo GT recently by lapping the famous 20km long Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:38.9 seconds with Porsche test driver Lars Kern behind the wheel.

The 2022 Subaru WRX marks a new dawn for the Japanese performance car. And Subaru is making sure to ram home that metaphor with the first official image of the new model seen here.While the sunrise helps to cast a shadow and obscure the details, this initial look at the new model does give us a chance to make up some important elements. For starters, the silhouette, as expected, stays true to the Impreza sedan despite the company trying to create more distance between the WRX and its more humble donor platform. But, there are some key differences, with a new and very large bonnet scoop that suggests the unseen parts of the WRX may hold a new more aggressive styling surprises.Subaru hasn’t revealed any major details yet, but has confirmed that the new model will be unveiled and go on sale in Japan and the USA before the end of the year. We know this because the Subaru USA website refers to it as the “2022 Subaru WRX” which, in keeping with tradition, means it will go on sale in 2021. Unfortunately, as previously reported by CarsGuide, the new WRX isn’t expected to reach Australian showrooms until next year, most likely in the first quarter of 2022.While the look of the WRX remains shadowy, we do have a good idea of what to expect under the skin. The new model will sit on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) that debuted on the Impreza back in 2016. The WRX will be the final Subaru to transition to the lighter and stiffer SGP, which should help improve the handling.Under the bonnet the new WRX will have a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, replacing the long-serving 2.0-litre flat-four. The new engine will give the WRX a major power bump, up to 220kW from the out-going model’s 197kW.Naturally it will also get Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system and is expected to use the same adaptive suspension already seen on the latest Levorg wagon.The WRX STI is expected to follow soon afterwards with reports indicating it will be making 295kW from its upgraded 2.4-litre engine, with Subaru hoping to hunt down the likes of the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45.

A pair of performance SUVs and a hot hatch will lead Cupra into the Australian market, with the goal of taking sales from premium brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.The Volkswagen-owned Spanish brand, which is a performance spin-off of Seat, will

No stamp duty, financial rebates, access to transit lanes and more public charging - these are some of the major new incentives the New South Wales government is introducing to try to boost the sale of cleaner cars.NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, Matt Kean, said the goal is to make “NSW the Norway of Australia” in terms of EV sales.Set to be officially announced as part of this coming week’s state budget, the new plan is reportedly set to cost the government $500 million to implement. The Berejiklian government has set the ambitious goal of getting to 50 per cent of new car sales being EVs by the end of the decade. That’s in keeping with the aim of being net carbon neutral by 2050, with cars typically having 15 years on the road, the government believes these significant incentives are timely.However, connected to these new incentives the NSW government is also set to introduce a road user charge for EVs and plug-in hybrids beginning either in 2027 or when EVs make up 30 per cent of new car sales, whichever comes first.The stamp duty saving will apply to EVs that cost less than $78,000 beginning in September, while the first 25,000 EVs sold for less than $68,000 will get a $3000 rebate on purchase. Once the road user charge begins all EVs and PHEVs will not have to pay stamp duty.EV drivers will also get to use T2 and T3 lanes at set times to save commuting time as another incentive.Current EV models that meet the under-$78,000 criteria include the Tesla Model 3 ($68,425), Hyundai Kona Electric (from $62,000), Kia e-Niro (from $62,590), Mazda MX-30 (from $65,490) and MG ZS EV (from $43,990).In terms of infrastructure, the NSW government will invest $171m on charging, with $131m of that on ‘ultra-fast’ chargers with another $20m devoted to “destination chargers”. Crucially the plan calls for chargers to be installed in areas where there is limited off-street parking, which should help make EVs more appealing to inner-city buyers who don’t have a garage to install a home charger.The news has been welcomed by industry bodies, including the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia, and puts New South Wales at the head of the pack in terms of helping make the EV transition possible.It has also earned praise from the car industry, with Hyundai leading the way. Hyundai chief operating officer, John Kett, hailed the plans as “world best-practice” and believes it will help drive EV sales growth.“The New South Wales Government’s stated ambition is to make NSW the easiest state in Australia to buy and drive an Electric Vehicle,” Kett said. “This strategy goes a long way to making that a reality. We congratulate the State Government and recognise New South Wales as now setting the pace for the rest of Australia. “Significant investment in the charging network, in both urban and regional areas, is a welcome initiative. Highly developed infrastructure provides confidence to customers and removes uncertainty around being able to charge EVs away from home. “Providing stimulus for improving low EV adoption rates in Australia, by offering tax relief and purchase incentives for customers, is another encouraging step. We’ve seen government incentives stimulate adoption rates in advanced markets overseas and the NSW EV Strategy is at world best-practice levels in that regard.”The topic of EV uptake and incentives has become a hot button issue for governments around Australia recently, with more steps being taken after years of inaction.The Victorian government recently introduced a rebate for EVs owners but also became the first development market in the world to begin taxing EV drivers with its road user charge. The South Australian government is also considering a similar road user tax.New South Wales isn’t the first state to offer EV incentives though, with buyers in the ACT receiving two years of free registration and don’t have to pay stamp duty.

Australia appears to have finally reached a tipping point with electric vehicles (EVs).Not only are more and more carmakers introducing or announcing EVs, but crucially state governments around the country have begun taking the upcoming transition more se

It's not news that small car sales are in decline. Australians have been buying less and less hatchbacks and small sedans for more than five years. But that doesn't mean the biggest names in the market are going to give up.