hatchback

Honda has revealed its latest new offering, a fully electric version of its N-One hatch.The retro-styled N-One has been a regular fixture of Honda’s Japanese domestic line-up since 2012, and the new electric version is designed to be the “Ideal EV for the Japanese market.”The boxy hatch, which is designed to fit into Japan’s strict Kei classification, is equipped with a large enough battery for a 270km driving range to the WLTC procedure, complete with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home features.It maintains the combustion version’s retro exterior design (referencing Honda’s original N360 Kei car from the late 1960s) and has a very minimalistic and space-efficient interior design. Honda said the bonnet and the top of the instrument panel are lined up to improve visibility and accentuate the width of the car, while physical buttons and dials are intentionally maintained in the centre of the dash for ease of use.The N-One e’s bumpers are made from recycled materials discarded from other Hondas. In addition, a bio-resin is used for the dash cladding, and various plastics on the interior are made from recycled PET bottles. As a final touch, the floor carpet and insulation is made from recycled clothes sourced from Honda employees.Like other Kei-class vehicles, the exterior dimensions are small but the rear two seats offer enough room to seat adults, and they can also fold completely flush with the boot floor to maximise storage. The N-One e also scores the brand’s signature magic seats, which can fold up to the seat backs to suit taller objects.Full specifications, including elements like motor power, charging speed, and battery capacity  have yet to be revealed, but it would be unsurprising for them to match the related N-Van e which has already launched to the Japanese market.This would mean a 29.6kWh battery pack able to charge at 50kW on DC for a 30 minute charge time, or a 4.5 hour charge time on a 6kW AC connector. The vehicle-to-load or vehicle-to-home mode has a maximum  output of 1500W.The front-mounted electric motor in the N-Van is expected to be shared with the N-One e and produces just 47kW/162Nm. It features a single-pedal driving mode in both models.Sadly, despite it being built in right-hand drive, the N-One e is likely to remain a Japanese domestic market model. Strict safety standards and the cost to comply the cars for the Australian market generally make these models too expensive or otherwise uncompetitive.Mitsubishi recently evaluated bringing its equivalent EV, the eKX to Australia, but it shelved the idea after admitting that it would be “three star ANCAP or less” and that it was likely to cost more than $30,000 once the work had been completed to comply it for our market.Hyundai recently launched a compact electric city car, the Inster, which starts from $39,000, although it offers significantly more driving range, claimed at up to 327km, and has nearly double the electric motor output.BYD is also considering importing its affordable city-sized electric car, the Seagull, which could have a price-tag in the mid-$20k region.Honda is imminently set to announce new model plans for the Australian market, although its footprint has shrunk in recent years. Currently the Japanese brand offers the HR-V small SUV, ZR-V and CR-V mid-sizers, Civic hatch, and Accord sedan.

I've just bought a 2012 Nissan Micra ST-L auto for our kids to use. With 130,000km on the clock, the car drives really well and has full service history. I've noticed that when the car changes from third to fourth at around 60km/h, there's some low rpm-type rattle in fourth - as if it's changed gear too early and the revs can't sustain the speed. If I back off the power a bit and coast, the rattle goes away immediately, but as soon as I accelerate again it returns, before going away again above 70km/h. Is it an issue or a sign of age?

Fiat is bringing back petrol power to its iconic 500 hatchback after committing to going electric only.The bambino was a petrol-only model from when it was reborn in 2007 until parent company Stellantis launched the second-gen version of the modern era as an electric vehicle, the 500e.Fiat will use the 500e as the basis for a new mild hybrid petrol version that will begin production at Fiat’s spiritual home in Turin, Italy in November this year.Official images reveal that the new 500 will look much the same as the 500e, although the petrol car gets a tweaked grille to aid air flow.The move to retrofit the 500e as an internal combustion engine variant comes after sales of the 500e and the related Abarth 500e hot hatch have slowed, leading to multiple production pauses at the Mirafiori plant.The 2007 petrol 500 went out of production a few years ago after no longer meeting Europe’s emissions standards.Fiat’s new 500 will be offered in hatchback and cabriolet body styles, and in good news for motoring enthusiasts, it will also be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.It is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder ‘Firefly’ mild hybrid petrol engine, likely the same unit found in the new Panda. The mild hybrid setup is a 12-volt system that Fiat says helps improve fuel efficiency, however official fuel figures are yet to be confirmed.Inside the 500 comes with Fiat’s Uconnect 5 multimedia system linked to a customisable 10.25-inch touchscreen, as well as a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.A spokesperson for Stellantis Australia told CarsGuide the mild hybrid 500 is not under consideration for Australia, for now.If it gets the green light for Australia it will compete against other micro and light combustion-powered hatchbacks including the MG3, Suzuki Swift and Kia Picanto.Fiat CEO and Global CMO of Stellantis Olivier François described the return of the petrol 500 to the Turin plant as a win.“Bringing the 500 Hybrid back to Mirafiori is a promise kept - a win driven by a committed team that chose to bet on the customer and the future,” he said.“This factory is more than just a production site; it’s Fiat’s home, the beating heart of a story that began in 1957 with Dante Giacosa and today stands as a hub of Stellantis innovation in Europe. Our industrial plan for Italy puts Mirafiori and the 500 at the center of our revival. In November, we’ll celebrate this milestone with the special edition ‘500 Torino’—a tribute to the city, its workers, and our roots. Turin means Fiat, and Fiat means Turin. That’s why the official launch will take place here, in our city.”

Multimedia is very confusing, with so many actions required to achieve specific outcomes. The safety technology is very impressive, however, proximity sensors back and front are not fitted as standard. Generally, the interior is very dark/black, making it very difficult to see things clearly inside the car. Seating, both front and rear, while very comfortable, can be difficult to get into and out of. The rear cargo area is very cramped and space is quite limited. Again, this is most disappointing. The driving experience is outstanding, very smooth, quiet and responsiveness is most satisfactory. The transition from electric to ICE motors and back is absolutely seamless, imperceptible. Could not ask for any better. The vehicle was a brand-new purchase, so as yet, fixed-price servicing has not been undertaken but expected to be satisfactory. As the batteriess are charged by the regenerative braking system, no electric charging is available or necessary. Overall, petrol economy is extraordinary, very economical. When insurance was purchased on day one, the cost seemed more than reasonable given the complexity of the drivetrain system. As this car is brand new, it is very difficult to give any real assessment as to reliability, however, as it is a Toyota, reliability is generally a given, and was chosen partly because Toyotas are generally unbreakable. Toyota have been building hybrid vehicles for almost 25 years, and having personally driven a Toyota hybrid in 2006, it was very impressive back then, so I have no issues in choosing this car.

The next car to come out of Hyundai's N division promises to step up the philosophy and capability of the already-loved Ioniq 5 N. We've been invited to the brand's R&D facility to drive the Ioniq 6 N before the car is even revealed.

MG has officially unveiled the new-generation Chiense MG4 electric hatch, which is a different vehicle compared to the MG4 sold in global markets such as Australia, and it could have a "semi-solid-state" battery.Due to launch in China in September this year, the China-market MG4 is larger than the version sold here. It is 108 mm longer at 4395 mm in length, but shares the same Nebula EV platform that underpins our MG4.MG Australia has advised that no decision has been made yet on whether this car will come to Australia.The rounder, softer styling of this MG4 is in contrast to the aggressive and angular design of the previous model. There are short overhangs, redesigned headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels and traditional door handles. CarsGuide understands that there is a single motor driving the rear wheels and producing 120kW.A lithium iron phosphate LFP battery is expected as well, but capacity has not been revealed at this stage. What has been hinted at is the China-market MG4 could use a semi-solid-state battery, which is found in sister brand IM Motors.In December last year MG’s Brand Division Manager, Chen Cui, posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo that one of its new cars launching in 2025 would have a semi-solid-state battery as standard and that it wouldn't be pricey. Lithium-ion batteries use a liquid or gel electrolyte, which has charging speed and range limitations and is potentially flammable. Semi-solid state batteries, on the other hand, use a solid material suspended in a liquid electrolyte making them more stable. Fire-risk is reduced because leakage is less likely.They are also more energy dense than conventional batteries, delivering more driving range from similar sized cells.These aren't the much-hyped solid-state batteries, though.The MG4 could be the car to gain a semi-solid state battery, given that the model has been a runaway success in Australia and the UK. Parent company SAIC has said that it wants to use its technological knowledge to its advantage to beat its competitors.In Australia the MG4 has been an incredibly popular electric car with CarsGuide noting its very affordable entry price, good driving dynamics and practicality, and the larger China-market version could have similar success if it ever arrived here. In 2024 6,934 MG4s were sold in Australia making it the segment leader for small cars over $40,000.In the last seven months more and more affordable electric Chinese cars and brands have entered Australia and put the pressure on MG. Brands such as BYD, Geely and Zeekr are becoming more popular in Australia.

Multimedia is great for 2016. Bluetooth connects quickly and calls are easy to make. Map function I don't use as much, but imagine it's not as useful. Safety tech is pretty standard.It's a small vehicle but feels spacious inside. Boot space is decent for a hatchback and has a removable cover for privacy, which is a plus. Seats can fold down to be more spacious for larger items.Driving experience has always been good. It's not as smooth, but that's fair for an older and smaller car. I've never had any issues with the vehicle, had always been an easy drive and is super reliable. Love how it's economical. Fuel for the week is around $65 for a full tank (sometimes more if it's above $2). Insurance is roughly over a grand a year. Servicing has been straight forward.It's renowned for its exceptional reliability. With a reputation for durability and longevity, it delivers a dependable driving experience. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and timely repairs, contributes to the Corolla's longevity, making it a reliable choice for many drivers.

The 2011 model doesn't have the latest, fully digital interface. I am happy that it easily connects to my iPhone via Bluetooth and I can get my music without issues. Safety features are fine (well, if you think four airbags is the gold standard).Being quite tall, seating in the front seat can be a problem, particularly when you can't move the seat back (due to having more people in the car or a baby seat). So, I would love a bigger car. Interior space and the trunk are alright.It doesn't have the smooth features recent models and more premium cars have. But it's a decent drive for the price and we've never had any issues with it.  There wasn't any need for extra servicing apart from the usual yearly inspection. Since we don't use it very often, it's six full tanks per year and the fuel usage is average, as expected. Insurance is cheap now (or at least average) so running costs are quite low.While this 2011 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is nothing to write home about, it's a great second hand car that has (amazingly) retained its value and strength. It's very reliable and still feels decent; more like an like an eight-year old car than a 12-year old one. 

There are not too many tiny EVs on sale in Australia, but that could change if BYD launches the Seagull. It would have to come in at about $25,000 to help it snatch sales, but it could be an exciting addition to the line-up. How does this perky bird handle a makeshift racetrack in China? Read on to find out.

The updated Audi S3 Sportback delivers serious power, sharp handling, and premium technology but how does it stand up against its rivals?