hatchback

Now in its second generation, the MG3 is thousands of dollars more expensive than before. We jump in the base petrol Excite to find out if the value is still there for this British-branded, Chinese-built hatchback.

A mysterious camouflaged Toyota GR Corolla has been spied testing at Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife. Initially thought to be a mid-like facelift (like the GR Yaris just received), more images shared by CarScoops reveal this could be an even more hardcore version of the rally-bred hot hatch. The word on the street is that it is a GRMN version, which stands for ‘Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nurburgring’.So far, the GRMN name has only been rolled out once on a previous-gen Yaris but Toyota is understood to be developing more focused versions of some of its GR models. A GRMN Supra with swan-neck wing and bigger wheels was spied testing in March this year. Toyota is yet to reveal if this is a ‘GRMN’ GR Corolla but the thinly-disguised modifications hint at extra focus. At the front there are few styling changes evident — at least not the sort you’d expect from a facelift. Like Australian cars, it has vents on top of the bonnet though it being camouflaged may nod to a higher bonnet bulge or perhaps carbon fibre construction. The front guards look a little different — possibly wider to hide thicker rubber — and feature more cooling openings. There are vents above the front wheels and an additional outlet for hot air ahead of the wheel arch. Of course, the two most obvious changes are the black, or perhaps carbon fibre, roof (like the GR Yaris) along with a generous rear wing, likely to reduce lift. It appears to use the same multi-spoke alloy wheels as the high performance GR Corolla Morizo model with red calipers behind. Finally, a closer peak inside reveals what appears to be a half roll cage in the back of the GR Corolla. It is possible this is a safety precaution for the test driver, but the neat integration suggests a factory item. Toyota developing an even more track-focused version of the GR Corolla is unlikely to be a huge surprise to hot hatch fans. It is basically customary, with Renault releasing similar special editions of its now-defunct Megane and Clio hot hatches over the years. While more power is always nice, the GR Corolla’s 1.6-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder is already a pretty high output piece of kit, developing an impressive 221kW and 400Nm in facelift guise. Perhaps a minor 10-20kW increase is on the cards but we’d expect Toyota to focus on shedding weight and adding grip for a GRMN version. The GR Corolla updates were confirmed for Australia last month, with both six-speed manual and new eight-speed auto versions due to arrive before the year is out. 

Kia’s Cerato successor is edging closer to an Australian release, with homologation documents showing the K4 has been formally approved for sale in Australia.

BYD has revealed the first official images of its 2025 Seal 06 GT. Although the name is familiar, this fully-electric hatch is expected to come in hotted-up guise to challenge the likes of the Cupra Born and MG4 Xpower.

Volkswagen is about to send in its new models - here's what's coming and when

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.

The Mini Cooper is now two different cars - the EV from China and the petrol hatch from the UK. The latter is a thorough facelift of its 2014 predecessor, using the same centre section, powertrain and platform, blended with a fresh face and tail, as well as a striking new dash. There have been other changes and updates too, though the same feisty Mini character remains. But is that enough, though?

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.

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

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.