Hatchback News

China’s affordable electric car offensive marches on. Dongfeng is one of China’s largest car makers but is also one of the few that haven’t announced Australian expansion plans ... yet.

Audi has revealed the 2025 RS3 with a smattering of visual and chassis upgrades for the hyper hatch and sedan.It is still packing the same output of 294kW/500Nm as the pre-facelift RS3 model thanks to the legendary 2.5-litre TFSI engine, which also powers the RSQ3 SUV. It remains the only five-cylinder engine still in mainstream production.This could be the last outing for Audi's venerable five-cylinder power plant, though there's a possibility it will live on after this RS3. Audi has not made any official promises yet, though.For 2025, the RS3 gains an even sportier look. A new front splitter is complemented by chequered front and rear headlight signatures that are a nod to the RS3’s performance pedigree, in addition to redesigned side air intakes and carbon detailing.Inside, RS sport bucket seats are clad in Nappa leather, while a new-look, flat bottom steering wheel swaps out physical buttons for haptic controls — something Volkswagen is moving away from.A new chequered flag button allows you to quickly access performance mode, while an RS button allows for instant access to the self-configurable RS Individual mode.Other changes are more minor and mirror the updated A3 model, such as redesigned air vents and an even smaller gear selector.Underneath, the RS3 gets more precise tuning of its chassis control systems, which Audi says will help optimise track performance.Audi says this is confirmed by its record-setting lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife of 7:33.123 minutes, more than five seconds quicker than its price-point competitor, the BMW M2.Changes include brake torque vectoring, which help the car avoid understeer when entering corners at high speeds, while also making more power available when driving in and out of bends.The RS3 comes standard with new C-rated Pirelli tyres, which can be upgraded to the more performance-oriented Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R for those seeking more grip on the track.It’ll do 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds, smashing the Golf R (4.8 seconds), edging ahead of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S (3.9 seconds) and even besting its bigger RS4 brother.Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, with the RS3 capable of hitting a top speed of 290km/h.Deliveries for the RS3 will commence across Europe from next month, while Audi Australia told CarsGuide that the RS3 won't be available in Australia until some time next year. Pricing for the RS3 will start in Germany at €66,000 (A$108,741), with the sedan being €2000 (A$3295) dearer.The current model is priced from $95,715 for the hatchback and $98,215 for the sedan, both before on-road costs.

French brand Citroen came to Australia in 1923 but this year the brand has decided to quit Australia - and it's timing coudn't be worse.

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 new study by the team which brought you the 'Dieselgate' discovery has conducted research into how polluting EVs are compared to their petrol cousins.

MG’s new small hybrid SUV is just around the corner.

Skoda focuses on value rather than straight affordability as it feels the pinch from new Chinese rivals

There are a handful of new-car bargain gems out there, with a combination of design, packaging, engineering, performance, economy and quality that belie their affordable pricing. We name our top seven picks.

Skoda not afraid of new NVES regulations as it already complies, but it is considering introducing more powertrain options in the future.

Toyota has broadened the appeal of its rally-bred GR Corolla hot hatch with a suite of changes — including a new transmission.