Industry news

This month marks five years since the final Australian-made car rolled off the production line. How have Australian car-buying habits changed since 2017? We explore how and why our tastes have changed so profoundly so quickly. It's been quite the ride!

If you were expecting the plug-in hybrid version of the Mazda CX-60 SUV to be a much more expensive flagship over the six-cylinder versions, you might be in for some serendipity.In the UK, where the CX-60 plug-in hybrid is already on sale, pricing for the

The updated 2023 Isuzu D-Max range will see a number of customer-led changes, with the Japanese ute and SUV brand confirming adjustments across the pick-up and cab-chassis line-up.

The Isuzu MU-X has seen some important changes thanks to feedback from owners and potential buyers.

BMW Australia has released the pricing of its cheapest-yet electric SUV, as well as what might be the brand’s best-looking SUV since the original X5 of 1999.Kicking off from $82,900 before on-road costs, the iX1 lands in Australia early next year in just one grade, the all-wheel-drive xDrive30.This is provocative pricing, as it undercuts the new Mercedes EQB 250 front-wheel drive (from $87,800) and Genesis GV60 (from $103,700).However, the Tesla Model Y (from $72,300), Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (from $72,990) and Lexus UX 300e (from $74,000) remain substantially cheaper in their base (though two-wheel drive) iterations compared to the German-made BMW.With just an ‘I’ to differentiate it by name, the iX1 will be an adjunct to the third-generation, U11-series X1 to be launched next month in FWD sDrive18i and AWD xDrive20i turbo petrol-engined grades.As reported previously, only the single, highly equipped and specified xDrive30 grade will be released initially, with dual motors allowing for the AWD. Both are electrically excited synchronous motor set-ups.Combined, these deliver 230kW of power and 494Nm of torque, to propel the iX1 to 100km/h from standstill in 5.6 seconds, on the way to a 180km/h top speed. In contrast, the EQB 350 4Matic equivalent that starts from $106,700 needs another 0.6s to reach 100km/h and has a 20km/h lower maximum velocity.Similarly, even with a slightly smaller 65kWh battery pack, the xDrive30’s 440km range (WLTP) also beats the EQB (at 360km WLTP). Charging is via a Type 2 CCS port, capable of 130kW on DC and 22kW on AC.Using the WLTP standard, the combined fuel consumption is 18.4kWh/100km, compared to the EQB 350 4Matic’s 21.0kWh/100km. If you can find a 130kW DC charger, the battery pack can be replenished from 10 per cent to 80 per cent full in 29 minutes. Along with a so-called “Flexible Fast Charger” for charging at home as well as a Mode 3 charging cable, BMW Australia will also offer a three-year subscription to the Chargefox national network.BMW says the iX1 is its first compact model on a new flexible FWD-based architecture to feature a battery electric powertrain, and was specially designed to accommodate a large battery low down to improve the centre of gravity, benefit dynamics through improved weight distribution, as well as minimise interior-space impact.As a result, cargo capacity is rated at 490 litres, which is just 10L shy of the ‘regular’ X1.Additionally, BMW’s adaptive M Suspension and M Sport variable-ratio steering set-up will be fitted to the iX1, to provide what the brand reckons is a balance between handling agility and ride comfort.Equipment levels will also include active lane keep systems, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, surround-view cameras, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, premium Harmon Kardon sound system, a powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.7-inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/go, wireless smartphone charger, tyre pressure monitors, satellite navigation, BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant featuring voice control and 19-inch alloy wheels.The iX1 also adopts BMW’s latest Operating System 8 software interface.Buyers can choose between the xLine or M Sport trim packages at no extra cost.More information will be revealed closer to the iX1’s first-quarter release date.

Hyundai has revealed the seventh generation of its flagship sedan, the Grandeur, a slick limo-like model that can be thought of as South Korea's answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series.Sporting a very new-gen design language, the Hyundai Grand

Toyota will inject a bit of sportiness to its RAV4 line-up with a new GR Sport variant overseas, but an Australian arrival is still unclear at this stage.Joining the GR Sport versions of the C-HR, Yaris Cross, LandCruiser and soon-to-launch HiLux with a s

A new concept from Mitsubishi, already confirmed to be a preview for a production model, has given us a glimpse into what the next-generation ASX could look like.The Mitsubishi XFC, as it's called, was revealed ahead of the 2022 Vietnam Motor Show where i

The manufacturer of the Apple iPhone has unveiled an all-new electric ute, with the Foxconn planning a full EV assault that it hopes will carry it into the future.

General Motors is reportedly plotting a mid-size Hummer ute, with the all-electric pick-up truck to do battle in the same weight division as vehicles like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.