What's the difference?
Genesis has been in Australia for seven years, which in car industry terms is ancient (given the rapid pace of new arrivals). But the Hyundai-owned luxury brand has yet to make a real dent on challenging the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz and is now facing growing threat from the likes of Zeekr and Omoda-Jaecoo.
So it has opted for the tried and tested method of appealing to Australian customers - more performance. Australians have always had a soft spot for the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, so Genesis is hoping its new performance sub-brand, dubbed Magma, will help give it a sales boost as well as an image enhancement.
The Genesis GV60 Magma has just arrived in Australia and is the first member of what is planned to be an entire family of Magma halo vehicles.
An electric performance small SUV is an unusual choice for a hero model, but there are some good reasons why this has potential and why it makes sense to be the first Magma offering. And both those reasons are largely the same, because the GV60 Magma is based on the same underpinnings and features and much the same powertrain as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N.
Just like Hyundai N has three core elements - Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportcar - Genesis has created a trio of pillars for Magma. These are Design: Unspoken Dominance, Driving Sensation: Captivating Control and User Experience: Sharpened Immersion.
Or to put it another way - slightly different, but fundamentally the same premise given the shared mechanical DNA. But Genesis has definitely put its own spin on it, so read on to find out if Magma is hot or not.
The entire 2025 Nissan Patrol range – including the Ti-based, Premcar-boosted Warrior – has undergone a cabin update.
Changes include a new bigger touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charging and an off-road monitor.
The same V8 engine remains across the range so there are no changes to power and torque.
So, do these cabin tech updates make any kind of significant difference to the Warrior package?
An electric SUV is certainly an unconventional choice for a halo model, and is unlikely to be a big seller, but that’s not really the focus for Genesis. Instead, the arrival of the GV60 Magma means something bigger for the brand.
It’s a clear sign of intent from Genesis that it means business with Magma and has a long-term plan for Australia and taking on the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
But, as for the car itself, it’s undoubtedly a very nice proposition, with some genuine performance potential and an engaging driving experience - even if it is thanks to technology rather than simple mechanics.
To dismiss it as simple a ‘luxury Hyundai’ would be doing it a disservice, too, as it offers not only a more premium package but overall a different driving experience. It’s less outrageous than either the Ioniq 5 N or 6 N, but still outrageously fast.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Nissan Patrol Warrior is a very capable 4WD, it’s a refined, comfortable all-rounder with plenty of potential as a touring vehicle.
PremCar’s work here – as on the Navara – has made a good 4WD even better.
All of that conversion work, engineering upgrades and fitment of accessories is the kind of sensible work an experienced 4WDer would apply via the aftermarket. The bonus here is that it’s all factory-backed and covered by a 10-year/300,000km warranty, albeit with conditions.Â
If you can cope with the fuel bills, this big V8 4WD remains a refreshingly old-school style of off-roader – relying more on sheer grunt than touchy tech – and the latest round of cabin updates has added more appeal to what is already a very appealing vehicle.