Hatchback News

Hyundai plans to make the humble hatch great again next year with the arrival of its all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 3.Hyundai's local sales boss David Rodda has locked in a 2027 launch date for the new EV Down Under.“Our existing EV lineup already covers 85 per cent of the market, and with the introduction of the STARIA Commercial Van later this year and Ioniq 3 hatch early next year, we expect to reach 96 per cent overall EV market coverage," he said.The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is actually officially dubbed an 'aero hatch' by the Korean brand, as the BYD Dolphin or MG4 rival has an ultra-low, class-leading 0.26Cd drag coefficient, which helps unlock a range of up to 500km.The new Ioniq 3 will serve as an indirect replacement for the old i30 hatch that was axed in Australia over the high costs involved with sourcing it from Europe.The first Hyundai to be designed under the brand's Art of Steel design language, the Ioniq 3 blends a sleek front end, rakish lines and some unashamed classic Alfa Romeo styling elements at the rear.The version we saw in the flesh was the sporty N Line variant that added larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a more prominent ducktail rear spoiler, diffuser, side skirts and aggressive front bumper that are all finished in gloss black.The four LED light elements within the slimline grille, meanwhile, are said to signify an 'H' in morse code.All future Hyundais will draw plenty from the Ioniq 3's styling that when applied to a small hatch handily also provide plenty of space within.Built on the Korean car giant's 400-volt E-GMP platform, the small Hyundai measures in at 4155mm long (4170mm for the N Line), 1800mm wide and stands 1505mm tall with a 2680mm wheelbase that delivers head- and legroom on par with the old larger i30 hatch, while in the rear boot there's up to 441 litres of luggage-swallowing potential.Inside, the good news continues as there is a either a large 12.9-inch or even more generous 14.6-inch infotainment that runs the brand's latest Android-based software.High grade material, tactile physical buttons, plus general high levels of attention detail all shame budget rivals.Comfort within is boosted by the firm's heated and ventilated 'Relaxation Seats, which said to employ fabric inspired by 1970s Italian furniture that is recycled and said to be bio-based. There's also a powerful Bose premium sound system, dual-zone climate control and ambient LED lighting.When it lands in Australia, the Ioniq 3 is expected to come with either a 42kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that provides for more than 335km of range or a bigger 61kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) that engineers are confident will see the Dolphin rival travel up to 500km on the Euro WLTP test cycle.Plug into a DC fast-charger and Hyundai says the Ioniq 3's standard battery takes 29 minutes for a 10-80 per cent refill, with 30 minutes for the same charge on the long-range NMC battery.AC charging is limited to 11kW, but a 22kW capability will be offered as an option from launch. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is standard on all models, allowing the Hyundai to charge laptops or e-bikes.Whichever Ioniq 3 you plump for, the small battery-powered hatch comes with a single e-motor that drives the front wheels and produces either 108kW or 99kW in the long-range version.Both produce 250Nm of torque, with the entry Ioniq 3 accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds, while the heavier less powerful long-range variant takes 9.6 seconds to reach the same benchmark. Top speed is limited to 165km/h.Designed to achieve a five-star ANCAP rating, all versions of the new EV hatch comes with bright LED headlamps, seven airbags, a blind-spot monitor, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and remote auto parking.Available with the choice of eight exterior paints and four interior colour combinations, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 has yet to be officially locked in for a launch Down Under, but once confirmed, expect the striking all-electric hatch to be priced from around $42,000 plus on-roads when sales start in Q1 of 2027.

Volkswagen has just shown off its major design switch-up, officially unveiling the new ID.3 Neo electric hatchback.

Toyota’s new-gen Corolla Cross will be here in less than two years and it’ll look exactly like a baby RAV4, according to the almost-always-right Japanese motoring publication Best Car.Sure, Toyota has only just given the current Corolla Cross an update with a redesigned grille and upgraded cabin features, but Japan’s Best Car magazines’s latest issue reveals the totally new next-gen will arrive in 2028 and look just like it’s big sister - the RAV4.Dubbed "Baby RAV4" by Best Car, it adopts the new RAV4’s C-shaped LED headlight and daytime running light styling and grille treatment along with other exterior design elements.The magazine’s front page shows an artist's impression of the Corolla Cross looking a bit sleeker than the taller and larger RAV4 but the resemblance is striking — from the grille, which varies depending on the grade, to the tough looking black moulded wheel guards and sloping rear pillar.Best Car got word from those in the know that the new Corolla Cross will be slightly longer and wider. Currently the little SUV is just 4460mm long, 1825mm wide and 1620mm tall, or about the same size as rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion or Kia Seltos. Best Car says the next-gen Corolla Cross will be 4650mm long and 1850mm wide tall, but a smidge shorter in height at 1600mm. These new dimensions will give the Corolla Cross a sleeker, beefier, more planted look, and apart from having more visual appeal could help handling and dynamics, but what would it do to headroom inside?Best Car also hears the next-gen Corolla Cross GR Sport will have a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid system and share the same suspension as the new Corolla GR Sport with front struts and rear double wishbones.All new-gen variants of the new Corolla Cross will also use an upgraded version of the TNGA-C platform, with a sixth-generation hybrid system.The Corolla Cross is one of Toyota's best-selling models with 1687 sold in march this year, but that’s not enough to put it ahead of cheaper rivals such as the GWM Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 or Hyundai Kona. A new sportier look for the Corolla Cross and more fuel efficient powertrains would possibly go a long way to closing the sales gap.So when can we expect to see the new gen Corolla Cross in real life? Well Best Car reckons it will come not long after the arrival of the next-gen Corolla which we might see in late 2027. Best bet is 2028 and of course, we’ll only truly start to know what it looks like when Toyota starts testing it out in the wild.

Often the best used versions of popular models such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-3, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Jazz also happen to be the cheapest.And while there is a catch, it’s also precisely what makes them a catch: their manual gearboxes.Yep. Going stick is the trick. Like listening to analogue music, shopping in person instead of online and meeting in person rather than via an app, shifting gears yourself can often be so much more rewarding.Manuals are generally cheaper (sometimes by upwards of 20 per cent), usually use less fuel, are always more fun, avoid costly transmission repairs and feel cooler than their auto counterparts, so what’s not to love?Here are our favourite budget manual bargains.2002-2007 Mazda DY 2Mazda’s fourth-generation supermini shared much with the Ford Fiesta of the day, but boasted a unique, dorky/cool tall-boy body offering mini-wagon practicality, complete with a deep tailgate and a sliding/tumbling rear bench. A perky 1.5-litre engine/five-speed manual combo provides lively performance, as well as long-lasting durability. Knockabout fun for peanuts.2005-2011 Ford LS-LV FocusThe second-gen Focus shared a sophisticated platform and robust 2.0L engine with the Mazda 3. But the Ford’s connected steering and athletic handling are joyous. The pre-Powershift four-speed auto is fine, but the five-speed manual ties everything together with precision and flair. Ford should be proud of this German masterpiece.2008-2014 Honda GE JazzExperts the world over shortlist the second-gen Jazz (or Fit), for its over-engineered body, bulletproof powertrain (including the class-rarity five-speed auto), brilliant packaging, high driving enjoyment and low running cost. Properly maintained, these should last longer than most. Pretty much the perfect cheap car, then, the five-speed manual, with its slick, short-throw shift, is the better option, as it’s easy and fun. And about 30 per cent less than the auto.2008-2013 Mazda BL 3Like its Focus cousin, Mazda 3’s advanced multi-link rear suspension provides safe, reassuring control, but prioritises refinement and ease, mixing Japanese build quality, practicality and reliability. At this price point, you’ll find a lower-mileage manual, complete with a sweet six-speed gearbox, than the default five-speed auto, providing plenty of interactivity. A terrific all-rounder.2014-2019 Mazda BM 3For the third-gen 3s, Mazda was free of Ford so developed its vaunted “SkyActiv” powertrains and chassis with dramatically updated tech, including weight-saving efficiency. That they have proven so dependable is a testimony to their quality engineering, while the engines with their six-speed transmissions offer BMW-levels of sophistication without the cost pain.2017-2023 Suzuki AZ SwiftAdopting in all-new platform, the sixth-gen Suzuki supermini continues its predecessors’ spunky styling and agile handling, in a larger, roomier and more-refined package. But while the switch to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) takes the fizz out of the auto, the manual elevates the sportiness the series has renowned for.2015-2022 Mazda DK CX-3Still a current model, the CX-3 manual is that rare thing – a racy, lightweight SUV that becomes more impressive the harder you drive it. Stuffing a 2.0L engine into a city-sized crossover makes it a punchy performer, as well as a frugal and effortless to punt around.2014-2021 Nissan J11 QashqaiThe CVTs in Nissans are notoriously unreliable, but the six-speed manual turns this British-built compact SUV into a durable, comfortable and relaxed family car that’s also a pleasure to drive. Simple yet more capable than the badge may have you believe.2017-2022 Mazda CX-5It needs a few revs under its belt, but once the tacho is swinging, the CX-5 manual turns into a rorty, racy SUV that corners and handles like its wearing Alfa Romeo badges. Slick and sophisticated, Mazda’s evergreen mid-sizer shines when it’s really driven to be enjoyed. A dying breed, sadly.2019-2022 Toyota RAV4 The cheapest way into a newer-shape RAV4 is buying a rare manual version. Though front-drive and base-model only, the GX 2WD combines the looks, packaging, quality and practicality of Australia’s favourite new SUV, with a surprisingly engaging and enjoyable powertrain. It’s a shame Toyota dropped the manual.2013-2020 Volkswagen Mk7 Golf GTIDeveloped during the peak-VW era, the seventh-gen Golf GTI has different sides, from a luxury grand tourer with a slick dual-clutch transmission, to a lower-line manual with cloth trim aimed at purists. The latter allows keen drivers to take advantage of its immersive drivetrain and lighter, nimbler dynamics.2016-2020 Peugeot T9 308 GTi 270Perhaps the greatest modern hot hatch this side of the current Honda Civic Type R, the manual-only 308 GTi 270 captures the essence of the breed better than most, thanks to a lightweight, playful chassis, torquey turbo engine and ultra-tactile steering and superbly supple ride. A true 205 GTi for grown-ups, at a fun-sized price.

It was a day long expected, but it still hit with a bang.A Chinese car maker has out-sold almost every other car brand in Australia.BYD sold the third most vehicles in March, behind only the mighty Toyota and a surging Kia. That means a Chinese brand out-sold big names including Ford, Mazda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.But BYD wasn’t the only Chinese brand in the top 10 either. In the first three months of 2026, BYD, GWM, Chery and MG are all firmly locked into the best-selling brands. Whatever your feelings on the influx of Chinese brands in recent years, it is clear Australian customers are buying them and they have cemented a place not only in the market, but at its upper echelons.The real question though, is can BYD sustain this success? Was March just a flash in the pan or was it the start of a genuine shake-up of the established order at the top of the sales charts?The initial sentiment around the Chinese industry was that it was flooding the market with cheap, small cars, and there was certainly a lot of truth to that. The MG3 and MG ZS were both big-sellers with small price tags, so it wasn’t surprising to see MG make an impact so early. But if you look at how BYD has found sales volume in Australia, especially since taking direct control of the local operation from original importers EV Direct, it is a very different story.BYD’s two biggest sellers in March were the Sealion 7 (1970 sales) and the Shark 6 (1314), neither could be accurately described as ‘cheap and cheerful’ small cars. Are they price competitive? Definitely, but neither is dramatically cheaper than their direct rivals, certainly not in the case of the Sealion 7.The Sealion 7 is hardly a budget-busting small car, it’s a mid-size, all-electric SUV that is priced from $54,990 (plus on-road costs). That’s competitive against its competitors, but not significantly enough to justify its sales volume alone. In other words, the Sealion 7 is one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in the country (electric or otherwise) because buyers are attracted to it for more than simply the price.The same goes for the Shark 6, which has managed to succeed seemingly in spite of its seemingly unorthodox take on a modern dual-cab. BYD made a brave choice to enter Australia’s ute market with a petrol-powered plug-in hybrid offering, but it may have been precisely the right ute at the right time.Buyers are seemingly happy to try something different and between the tax breaks and the rising cost of diesel, it’s not unsurprising that the Shark 6 has been a sales hit. So much so that it is firmly ensconced as the fourth most-popular 4x4 ute on a regular basis, behind only the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.But does this mean BYD’s March success is sustainable? Well, certainly there are no indications that the Sealion 7 or Shark 6 will suffer a sales collapse (but stranger things have happened). While there is likely to be some ebb and flow in the sales charts this year and BYD may slip up and down the order, there are a number of indicators that the brand could sustain a top five, or even a top three, sales position long-term.And it could be thanks to the initial expectations of the Chinese market - cheap, small cars. BYD has only launched the new Atto 1 and Atto 2 hatchbacks in the final months of 2025, so they are still finding a market in Australia.But with the high cost of petrol leading to a spike in electric vehicle interest, the thought of a city-friendly small car that never requires a visit to the service station could become a popular choice for Australian drivers.Add to that the addition of the Sealion 5 and Sealion 8, which naturally sandwich the Sealions 6 and 7, as well as the talk of an expanding Shark 6 line-up and there is every chance BYD will have management at the likes of Ford, Mazda, Kia and even Toyota starting to feel concerned about the long-term outlook.

Australia is facing a used-car market black hole.With the number of affordable new small-car options shrinking annually due to more-expensive SUVs, so too will be the number of affordable used small-car options.Unless there is a big uptick in new small-car production, stocks will continue to contract, putting significant upward pressure on used-car prices.We’re already seeing this affordability catastrophe unfold. And the numbers tell a sobering story.The great small-car cullSince 2016, Australia has gone from having over 40 new light and small car options under $30,000 (in today’s money), to just 10 right now – and falling. And even if you add the proliferation of cheap new small SUVs (mostly from China), that only adds another 10. That’s a 50 per cent drop right there.This means that there will be far fewer affordable used smaller cars to go around as we head towards the 2030s and beyond.Or, in other words, Australia will soon run very low on affordable, low-mileage second-hand small cars under 10 years old, adding substantially to the cost-of-living pressures for many people who cannot or won't buy new.Since 2020, we’re already seen Toyota, Ford and Honda drop their sub-$20,000 models, namely the (non-hybrid) Yaris, Fiesta and Jazz hatchbacks respectively, creating a void filled by new Chinese brands MG, GWM and BYD.In Ford’s case, its cheapest new passenger vehicle in 2026 is the Everest Ambiente 4WD SUV from $58,990 (before on-road costs), having also abandoned the Puma and Focus, as well as the larger Mondeo, Escape and Endura, since the start of this decade.Why the small-car cull? A long-term sales slide against SUVs, coupled with the massive investment required in electric vehicles (EVs) to meet coming legislated zero-emissions targets, stalled decades of on-going small-car development and evolution.Some industry analysts even believe that the middle of last decade was the era of “peak small-car”, as defined the highly-successful Volkswagen Mk7 Golf – a model widely considered superior to its 2020 Mk8 successor.It’s been reported that VW cancelled scores of new-model projects in the aftermath of 2015’s Dieselgate emissions-cheating scandal, including shelving an advanced redesign of the Golf in favour of today’s reskin, pivoting instead to EVs to help atone for the disaster.Others seem to have followed suit. In fact, if you look at today’s remaining small cars, most sit on architectures that date back to last decade.The Mazda 3’s debuted in 2013; the Peugeot 308 in 2014; Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic in 2016; the Hyundai i30 in 2017; Toyota Corolla in 2018; and Kia K4 in 2020.Defying depreciationIncredibly, some high-quality used small cars with a few years under their belts are holding their value to an almost comical degree, especially with fewer than 100,000km.A 2016 Mazda 2 auto from $16,990 when new is still worth at least $13,000 today – and some lower-mileage examples match the original price. Likewise, a 2018 Honda Civic VTi from $22,390 is still a $20,000-plus proposition.But nothing beats the Toyota hybrid phenomenon.A 2019 Corolla Hybrid that new started from $25,870 is likely to cost upwards of $24,000 today, with some even nudging $30,000 in the right colour and specification.And a 2021 Yaris SX hybrid from $27,020 new… is still very nearly that amount today at its lowest point, even with 70,000km on the clock, meaning owners could be making a profit after all these years. Great news for them. Bad news for used-car buyers today.Your cheap choicesThe only quality, reliable and economical used small cars currently priced in the $10,000 to $15,000 bracket are now mostly older (pre-2015), higher-mileage (150,000km-plus) or ex-repairable write-offs (including flood/hail damaged cars, since fixed). Do not risk buying the latter.Otherwise, Australian used small-car buyers must roll the dice on niche European brands with (albeit at-times unfounded) reputations for expensive maintenance costs, orphaned Holdens like the (ex-Opel) Astra or newer Chinese small cars with below-par safety and/or driving dynamics, like a pre-2024, previous-generation MG 3.Unfortunately, with spiking fuel prices, hybrids are completely out of the question under $15,000 unless it’s a 15-year-old-plus Toyota or Honda with moon-shot mileages and/or ex-ride-share taxis.Finding a cheap used SUV alternativeSo, it is logical to conclude that, while the number of new small car options is declining, there must be more small SUV choices, right?Not for budget buyers in the sub-$15,000 bracket, sadly.Quality, second-hand smaller SUVs and crossovers are also pricing themselves out of reach for lower-income groups and younger drivers seeking inexpensive yet reliable vehicles.Consider the case of a seven-year-old Mazda CX-3 or Suzuki Vitara 1.6 with reasonably-low mileage (under 100,000km).These current-shape models have been chosen as two of the better and more-reputable small SUVs on offer, due to their uncomplicated non-turbo engines and robust torque-converter automatics, instead of the usually problematic continuously variable transmission (CVT) or dual-clutch transmission (DCT) found in most alternatives.A 2019 CX-3 auto that cost $23,790 new (which is about $30,000 adjusted for inflation today) currently retails for between $20,000 and $25,000 depending on condition. Again, depreciation-defying.Likewise, a 2019 Vitara 1.6L 2WD that cost $24,490 new (about $32,500 in 2026 money) is still commanding between $19,000 and $25,000 today if well-maintained. We’re talking about seven-year-old models here.Little wonder consumers are forced into newer brands from China with long warranties and shiny touchscreens but unproven long-term reliability, resale and access to genuine spare parts/labour.The bottom line is that a generation of consumers seeking a cheap and economical used small car will be left wanting.At 18, Baby Boomers had their decade-old Datsun 1600s and Volkswagen Beetles; Gen X its Ford Lasers and Holden Geminis; and Millennials their Hyundai Excels and Mazda 323s to rely upon.What will next-gen used-car buyers be able to afford?

MG, the original Chinese-backed success story in Australia, has been on the back foot in the face of new rivals, but the brand isn’t staying still with the reveal of a range of new models for the Australian market shown at the Melbourne Motor Show.The Shanghai-based brand showed off several new modelss, including the much-hyped IM LS9 large hybrid SUV, which will go into battle against the Zeekr 8X and Denza B5 with its range-extender hybrid powertrain.The LS9 was launched under SAIC’s more premium IM brand in China last year, and features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with no connection to the wheels, acting as a range-extender for a large 65.9kWh battery pack which grants it a 308km electric driving range according to the more lenient CLTC standard.The large SUV also brings unprecedented levels of luxury for an MG-branded product with generous interior claddings, large screens, and three rows of seating (in a six-seat layout for the Chinese market).The brand will introduce a fully electric version of its U9 ute, which launched in 2025. Appearing previously in approval documents, the U9 EV will have a dual-motor powertrain producing 200kW at the front and 125kW at the rear, although torque figures are yet to be confirmed. If the U9 electric follows in the footsteps of the LDV e-Terron 9 available overseas, it will be equipped with a 102kWh battery granting it a 430km driving range.Importantly, it plots a 3500kg towing capacity, which is more than can be said for the EV utes currently available in the market, like the Toyota HiLux BEV and its 2000kg towing ability.The existing combustion U9, powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine, will also be offered in a new Black Edition trim level.Next, taking aim at the Tesla Model Y and newcomer rivals the Geely EX5 and GAC Aion V, is the S6 EV.It is essentially a scaled-up version of the S5 small SUV already on sale in Australia. The S6 moves into the mid-size SUV category, although maintains many of the same interior features as its smaller sibling,Right-hand drive specs as confirmed by the UK-market version of the car show a 77kWh battery pack with up to 530km of range in both rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive layouts.Also bolstering MG’s range of electric vehicles is an upgraded version of the rear-wheel drive MG4. Not to be confused with the just-launched MG Urban, which is in a lower price bracket in a front-wheel drive layout, the new facelifted MG4 will continue to cater to a slightly more premium and drive oriented audience, starting at $39,990 for the base Essence, and topping out at $47,990 for the returning XPower all-wheel drive version.Stylistically largely the same from the outside aside from new wheel and colour choices, the new MG4 will get a completely overhauled interior featuring a new 12.8-inch multimedia screen with wireless phone mirroring, a 10.25-inch driver display, as well as physical controls from the larger S5 SUV, new seat trims, and a more refined centre console treatment, with improved detailing throughout.Like the UK-market model, the new version dumps the entry-level 51kWh battery, with the base Essence now being a 64kWh proposition with an improved 452km WLTP driving range. It features a 140kW/350Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the XPower features 150kW/250Nm on the front axle, and 170kW/350Nm on the rear axle it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. With the same 64kWh battery pack, the XPower’s range is reduced to 405km.

The Cupra Raval has been created to be the small electric car you'll actually love to drive when it arrives in Australia in 2027.The first of four battery-powered small cars developed by the Volkswagen Group, the pint-sized Cupra Raval shares its MEB+ platform with the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq, with all four to be manufactured in plants in Spain.Built to battle the Mini Cooper Electric and Renault 5 EV available in Europe and coming Chinese small EVs such as the Geely EX2 and Nio Firefly, Cupra has priced the unashamedly sporty Raval from €26,000 (A$43,400), which means it will command a big five-figure premium over some of the cheapest Chinese EVs Down Under.The Spanish brand hopes you'll think it will be a price worth paying, with the small EV adopting features and levels of personalisation normally associated with more expensive premium offerings. Most will be attracted by the baby Cupra's striking looks, which were previewed by the 2021 UrbanRebel concept.Matching the show car's muscular proportions, the small Cupra's trademark shark nose front end, along with hidden door handles, front air curtains, active grille shutters and a rear spoiler and diffuser, all bless the Raval with best-in-class aerodynamics.Measuring in at 4046mm long, 1784mm wide and 1518mm tall with a 2600mm wheelbase, despite its small footprint, space is impressive within, with rear adults able to squeeze themselves behind the driver in the second row although the 430-litre boot is only average for a highly competitive segment.Behind the wheel, Cupra says the Raval will drive like nothing else in the segment and, to ensure it has the edge over the pair of Volkswagen and Skoda stablemates, the Raval comes with the firm's 'progressive' variable ratio steering, special wheel carriers, front and rear brake discs, and a wider front axle, for a sharper, grippier drive more akin to a hot hatch.Driving the front wheels is the choice of either an 85kW or 98kW e-motor that is combined with a modest 37kWh battery for a 300km range.Faster versions bag 155kW and a larger 52kWh battery that boosts the range to 400km, while the most powerful 166kW motor is reserved for the sportiest Raval VZ that gets large 19-inch alloy wheels electronic limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers and is claimed to launch from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds.The sportiest suspension set-up sees the Raval sit 15mm lower, with a further 10mm wider front and rear track, while the adaptive dampers sharpen up handling further.New tech includes a brake-by-wire e-brake system that is said to herald improved feel and enhanced regeneration when slowing.If that doesn't sound sporty enough, an insider told Carsguide that the MEB+ has been engineered to swap out its rear torsion beam suspension for a multi-link set-up that makes room for a second motor, adding extra power and all-wheel drive.Expect the more powerful Raval to pump out more than 250kW and share its dual-motor powertrain with the rumoured ID. Polo R, which means it should sprint from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.Relying on 400-volt electrics means charging speeds for the 37kWh power pack is limited to 90kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 27 minutes. The bigger battery, meanwhile, accepts a 130kW charge for a brisker 23-minute 10-80 per cent refill.Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is available allowing you to power small domestic appliances on the move.The first Cupra to come with an Android-powered operating system, the Raval combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment that launches with apps for YouTube, Spotify and other streaming services.As standard, the Raval comes with seven speakers, with the option of a more powerful 475W 12-speaker premium Sennheiser sound system.Elsewhere equipment levels are high. All models come with a 15W wireless phone charger and high-speed USB-C chargers, including in the rear, that top up at up to 90W.Dual-zone climate control, trick ambient lighting, remote park assist, rear traffic alert, 360-degree surround view and loads of standard safety kit, that includes seven airbags, adaptive seatbelts and interior cameras monitoring driver fatigue, should ensure a full five-star ANCAP rating.New safety tech includes a pre-crash function, that prepares the car for impact by closing windows and sunroof while activating hazard warning lights and tensioning the front seatbelts will also be offered for the first time.There's even onboard tech that can detect if you confuse the accelerator with the brake pedal at low speed and prevent a nasty impact.More big car tech includes adaptive cruise that works without painted roads, that slow the cars for speed bumps and even detects traffic lights.Available in seven exterior colours, including matte finishes, as well as a new iridescent paint finish, along with the option of a black or grey roof and up to eight different alloy wheel choices, Cupra says the Raval will get levels of personalisation well beyond any of its rivals.Lowering insurance costs is an ECU and data recorder that can estimate the severity of damage and make a workshop call to streamline the repair process, while deformable elements in the front and rear bumpers lower the cost of repair.Confirmed for an arrival in Australia, full timings and specification of the Cupra Raval we'll get will be locked in closer to its expected 2027 introduction in our market.

The iconic Smart car has been spied in camouflage ahead of its return in China.The Smart #2 is a tiny electric two-seater city car, and will be the closest thing to the iconic Smart ForTwo made by the brand since.The original Smart ForTwo was on sale in Australia in the mid-2000s, equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.It is expected to be officially unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show later this month, with a European launch scheduled for 2027.Smart Australia has confirmed there are no plans for the car to launch domestically at this stage, with an immediate focus on Chinese and European markets.If it ever did come to Australia, it would have to be one of the most affordable electric cars in the country to be competitive. It would need to challenge the BYD Atto 1, which has a starting price of $23,990 (before on-road costs). The budget EV space has been growing in Australia, with more offerings representing competitive deals around the $30K bracket.The incoming MG4 Urban and just-launched GAC Aion UT both start from $31,990, while the Chery QQ3 is anticipated to launch with a similar, if not cheaper, price tag. However, the Smart #2 is even smaller than these rivals. This means it would almost be in a league of its own if it were to launch Down Under.There is limited other confirmed information available about the car, but it is rumoured to have a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 30kW, according to CarNews China. It measures up at less than three metres long, with a wheelbase of less than two metres. The #2 is the latest of the brand's reboot, which has seen several vehicles spawn as the product of a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz. Smart currently has two models on sale in Australia which are the #1 hatchback and the #3 crossover. The more rugged #5 SUV is expected to join the range later this year.

BMW has slashed the prices of its iX1 and iX2 electric SUVs in Australia.The iX1 will start from $77,900 (before on-road costs), while the iX2 will start from $79,900 (before on-road costs).There is a new variant of the iX1, which has a national drive-away price of $79,900.These prices mean both cars are now noticeably cheaper than they were. The previous iX1 started from $86,800 (before on-road costs) and the iX2 started from $87,600 (before on-road costs). This new variant of the iX1 comes with a ‘Sport Collection’ trim level, which includes features such as 19-inch alloy wheels and a white exterior paint. On the inside, there are synthetic leather seats, with the front ones heated, along with a head-up display. These deals make the iX1 and iX2 more price competitive with key rivals in the segment.The Volvo EX40, which recently picked up a price drop of its own, now starts from around the same drive-away price, although only for the single motor variant.Both BMW models are powered by dual electric motor set-up, producing 230kW and 494Nm. All models come as standard with an all-wheel drive system.  They also now come in substantially cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Audi Q4 e-tron, which have starting prices of more than $80,000.One of the main changes on the iX1 and iX2 is hardware updates, which BMW said has enhanced power density and battery range. Official driving range for the new iX1 and iX2 have not been revealed just yet, but expect minor improvements on 464km and 395km, respectively as WLTP standards. The current generation of the pair can charge from 10-80 per cent in less than half an hour.The iX1 continues to be an important part of BMW’s EV range, claiming its best-seller status for the past few years. The iX2 has also been a good EV seller for the brand.BMW's X1 range (including the iX1) won the CarsGuide Car of the Year 2026 award for the small car sub-$80K.2026 BMW iX1 and iX2 pricing Australia