Celine Nolan

Hyundai Australia has officially unveiled its facelifted i30 Sedan N, which is made up our minds to originate in Australia early in 2024.

As an instantaneous competitor to the likes of the Skoda Octavia RS, the upcoming refreshed i30 Sedan N will don a brand sleek face to put it more in accordance with the assemble of assorted sleek Hyundai merchandise, such because the sleek-sight Kona minute SUV.

Core output figures remain unchanged for the i30 Sedan N, which ability that the sedan tranquil produces 206kW/392Nm as a consequence of its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The news comes correct after the Hyundai i30 N hatch and more sensible i20 N hatch went abet on sale in Australia after orders had been temporarily paused to allow Hyundai to get up with the search recordsdata from for its N vehicles.

Up to the moment pricing and the corpulent specification for the i30 Sedan N in Australia is anticipated almost in the present day.

What exactly has changed for the Hyundai i30 Sedan N for 2024?

On the assemble entrance, the i30 Sedan N now points a brand sleek-sight entrance stop, with an constructed-in LED light bar that spans the total face of the auto.

The accelerate and handling has been improved in accordance with Hyundai, who says that the engine mounts had been bolstered and sleek rear suspension dampening improved with itsy-bitsy adjustments to componentry.

The guidance blueprint has furthermore been revised, which Hyundai says supplies better feedback and “order feeling”.

Cooling has furthermore considered enhancements, with a brand sleek duct-vogue air guard guiding air circulate to “maximise lope, toughen aerodynamics, gasoline efficiency and cooling ability in low stipulations.”

Is the i30 Sedan N quicker than before?

Rather presumably, on the opposite hand Hyundai gain no longer released performance numbers for the 2024 i30 Sedan N correct yet.
We might presumably gaze a itsy-bitsy amplify in 0-100km/h time, nonetheless we can gain to support and gaze to envision the auto in a future Chasing Vehicles review!

The most fresh-period Toyota Hilux has been on sale since 2015 nonetheless is determined to preserve in the headspace of customers as Australia’s reigning perfect-promoting car approaches its twilight years.

Talking at the launch event of the unique flagship Hilux GR Sport variant, Toyota Australia vp of gross sales and marketing Sean Hanley promised extra used to be yet to come.

“The appearance of the forty eight-volt battery will likely be the third predominant replace for Hilux since October final yr,” he acknowledged, adding that “we set up no longer maintain any lower than one extra Hilux shock in store for next yr.”

The wording “no lower than” perhaps indicates no longer acceptable that shall we soundless request one extra replace in 2024, nonetheless that extra plans are brewing for 2025 that will most definitely be brought ahead.

Since October, Toyota has launched a critically updated Rogue variant, ushering in updates equivalent to four-wheel disc brakes and a unparalleled broader monitor, sooner than later introducing forty eight-volt expertise on make a choice grades – the first time a hybrid system has been seen on a Hilux.

Staying trustworthy to its ‘many eggs, many baskets’ capability to pursuing a zero emissions future, Toyota has also no longer too long ago proven off an awfully-electrical idea of the Hilux identified because the Revo BEV, while in the UK the native division is producing a hydrogen-electrical model with a focused riding differ of 590km of differ.

Earlier this yr, Toyota unveiled its all-unique Tacoma pick-up in The States, a car the same in size to the Hilux nonetheless designed for the left-hand-force North American market. The Hilux is expected to monitor swimsuit with its next-period replace due in both dull 2024 or 2025.

It’s fully unclear what the future ‘surprises’ will likely be nonetheless a novel variant primarily based entirely totally on the most modern period is the presumably addition, as Toyota will understandably gape to sustain its gross sales momentum.

One thing else planned for 2025 or beyond is extra likely to be piece of an all-unique period.

While the Hilux maintained its set up because the very best-promoting car in Australia in 2022, more fresh opponents such because the Ford Ranger backed by strong present to our market tag a in actuality proper possibility to this outright gross sales dominance.

Peugeot has revealed its fresh E-3008 electric ‘fastback’ SUV with up to 700km differ, all-wheel-pressure and 240kW – and confirmed it’s coming to Australia.

Unveiled globally this week, the E-3008 is a brand fresh C-section SUV built on the Stellantis STLA electric platform and piece of Peugeot’s international conception to sell handiest EVs by “as shortly as” 2025.

The E-3008’s short overhangs, long wheelbase and tapering ‘fastback’ develop allow a unfold-friendly 0.28Cd aerodynamic walk coefficient, whereas 19- or 20-race wheels total the gaze reckoning on the grade chosen.

As nicely as to hybrid and fling-in hybrid items, Peugeot will provide three electric powertrain solutions for the E-3008 cut up over single- and dual-motor variants.

Two single-motor, entrance-pressure E-3008s will be readily available in either 157kW fashioned differ or 170kW long-differ guises, with a 240kW dual-motor differ-topper offering all-wheel-pressure. Peugeot is yet to delivery 0-100km/h figures.

WLTP claimed differ for the E-3008 varies from 525km in the entry-level 73kWh variant, to 525km in the all-wheel-pressure mannequin with the similar battery; and up to 700km in 170kW, long-differ guise, thanks to a nice 98kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery.

For recharging, the E-3008 can settle for a maximum of 11kW AC as fashioned, with 22kW to be optional in a foreign country. Most DC mercurial-charging functionality is 160kW, allowing the battery to be juiced from 20 to 80 p.c in half-hour or much less – including the 98kWh pack.

No crucial aspects bask in yet been released on the hybrid and fling-in hybrid items.

Interior, the dashboard of the greater-spec GT is dominated by a large 21-race panoramic touchscreen displaying each devices and infotainment; whereas an additional, smaller touchscreen handles HVAC controls.

Sustainable affords are extinct for the length of, with up to 500kg of “inexperienced affords” extinct in the E-3008, said Peugeot. Boot situation is a legitimate 520 litres, or 71 litres decrease than its 3008 predecessor.

Local pricing and specification will be launched nearer to on-sale, Peugeot Australia said. Arriving unhurried next one year, the E-3008 will join the electrical E-Associate van, E-2008 electric SUV and E-208 hatch as Peugeot continues to remodel its native line-up to completely battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).

The E-3008 will rob on electric opponents such because the BMW iX1, Genesis GV60, Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

LDV has confirmed to Australia media right this moment that it’ll elevate an all-fresh electrical four-wheel-power ute to our local market in 2024.

Shown within the presentation as what looks to be the Maxus GST thought ute that used to be unveiled earlier this 300 and sixty five days, the fresh pickup for LDV is decided to shake up the ticket’s ute presence in Australia.

This could be the key all-electrical ute with four-wheel power to debut on Australian shores.

The Maxus GST thought looks comparable to the styling of the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck, and boasts an infinite 745kW.

Dinesh Chinnappa, smartly-liked supervisor of LDV Australia, suggested Chasing Automobiles that the fresh ute will seemingly be “bigger than the present eT60 model” however couldn’t commentary extra, including on that you just would be in a position to imagine towing capabilities.

Though unconfirmed at this early stage, it’s seemingly that the ute could well spend a quad-motor electrical setup and a mountainous battery pack.

Two-wheel-power variations are also seemingly, if but unconfirmed. Ask more little print early in 2024 earlier than the auto is officially launched.

EV-first, ICE-second mentality for LDV

Mr Chinnappa suggested Australian media that LDV will undertake an “ev-first” mentality with the fresh ute, however did verify that the next ute will even near with ICE powertrains.

When requested if the fresh ute shall be a competitor for bigger utes such because the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado, Mr Chinnappa mentioned “I don’t mediate so”.

However despite the EV-first perspective, LDV gained’t abandon its ICE autos within the neighborhood.

“We are delighted by the performance of our ICE autos. There is an ICE thought in assign,” he mentioned.

Toyota Australia has printed paunchy particulars of its new flagship ute, the Hilux GR Sport, which is determined to rival the likes of Ford Ranger Wildtrak X.

Priced from $73,990 sooner than on-road charges, the excessive-tier Toyota ute undercuts the Ranger Wildtrak X by $2000, making the Toyota twin-cab extra practical that its key competitor while offering extra output from its diesel heartbeat.

Toyota says it has broadly revised and redeveloped the Hilux with changes to suspension, powertrain and underbody safety for its Dakar-inspired variant.

Arguably, that is possible to be basically the most potent Hilux we can see sooner than an all-new expertise of Hilux arrives in the coming years.

Chasing Autos understands Toyota has already got 1600 pre-orders for the ute in the neighborhood and hopes to bring in a indispensable 3500 objects over the next one year.

What enact you catch with the Hilux GR Sport?

First up is a refined energy raise for the gift 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that now produces 165kW/550Nm (up from 150kW/500Nm in fashioned guise and Wildtrak X’s most modern outputs). This engine is mated to a six-velocity computerized transmission that has also been recalibrated to accommodate the extra energy.

Although the GR Sport does dangle the same wider track as its Rogue sibling, Toyota Australia has fitted queer KYB monotube shock absorbers into the mix, and has also eliminated the rear stabiliser bar for increased articulation off-road.

Enjoy its Wildtrak X rival, the Hilux GR Sport restful has a 3500kg of braked towing ability.

Also with the GR Sport, owners will catch a front skid plate, metal rock rails and crimson recovery aspects as fashioned.

Internal, the Toyota Hilux GR Sport will feature a combination of leather-essentially based mostly and perforated suede clear with crimson seat belts.

The steering wheel is wrapped in leather-essentially based mostly and aspects both the GR logo and hasten shifters for increased aid watch over.

Aluminium pedals, ‘technical mesh’ clear and a 9-speaker JBL sound device might be fashioned gear on the model.

A lot of colors might be obtainable for the brand new flagship ute, along with Glacier White, Frosted White, Silver Sky, Eclipse Sad and Feverish Red. A two-tone black roof might be obtainable for white and crimson colors from commence.

Toyota Hilux 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are sooner than on-road charges.

• Rogue: $70,760
• GR Sport: $73,990

Ferrari has presented Australian pricing for its convertible Roma Spider – a groovy $520,300 before on-avenue prices, or $67,300 bigger than the Roma coupe.

For the ticket of 13 new Mazda MX-5s, you may park Maranello’s all-aluminium class in the garage, with first Aussie deliveries expected in the second quarter of next yr.

Like the Roma coupe, the Spider is powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 456kW and 760Nm, sending vitality to the rear wheels by capacity of a rear-mounted (for better weight distribution) eight-velocity, dual-clutch paddleshift automatic transmission.

The Roma Spider utilises the same outputs as the old Portofino M.

Ferrari has now not claimed a 0-100km/h time, even supposing with weight increasing by 84kg over the coupe, you may request it to be a little bit slower than that vehicle’s claimed 3.4 seconds. The Portofino M claimed 0-100km/h in 3.45sec.

Not like its Portofino predecessor, the Roma Spider ditches a folding steel roof for a cloth item – the most distinguished time a front-engine Ferrari convertible has feeble a cloth roof since the 1969 365 GTS4.

The roof can originate in 13.5 seconds at hastens to 60km/h. Ferrari stated the acoustic materials suits or bests the NVH efficiency of the old folding steel roof, and is on hand in five varied colours – red, brown, gentle gray, shadowy and navy.

Ferrari has developed a brand original wind deflector that will furthermore be deployed from the cabin at the speed of a button, very a lot bettering occupant comfort.

Internal, you’ll receive the same flying buttress lumber blueprint as the Roma coupe, a digital instrument point to and an 8.4-bound central infotainment touchscreen. Being a two-plus-two, the Roma Spider has cosy rear seats.

Ferrari claims a WLTP blended gas consumption of 11.4L/100km – an enlarge of 0.1L/100km over the Portofino M.

Meanwhile, pricing of the Roma coupe has elevated from $409,888 to $453,000 before on-avenue prices.

Ferrari Roma Spider 2024: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-avenue prices.

• Roma coupe: $453,000
• Roma Spider: $520,300

Volvo Automobile Australia is continuing to wait on lead the formula with electrical vehicles, having had a profitable August heading within the suitable course for its 2026 EV-entirely target.

The corporate acknowledged that 49 percent of all its gross sales in August were for pure electrical items, and that at some stage within the final twelve months, the emblem had a 46 percent invent greater in total gross sales quantity.

Volvo is aiming to originate a double-digit gross sales impart by the tip of 2023, with over 8000 autos offered to this level within the twelve months.

Stephen Connor, Volvo Automobile Australia’s managing director, acknowledged that “we’ve delivered conclude to 3000 fully electrical SUVs within the first eight months of 2023, which is a out of the ordinary result in a really aggressive atmosphere”.

EX30 heading within the suitable course for success

In step with its importer, Volvo’s next mannequin, the EX30 small SUV, has already obtained over 800 pre-orders within the community.

The brand new mannequin is determined to advance in Australia within the first quarter of 2024 with pure electrical vitality entirely.

Starting from $59,990 earlier than on-road costs, the Volvo EX30 will exhaust a 69kWh battery pack, with the single motor entry variant producing 200kW/343Nm.

A excessive-performance twin-motor variant can even be available, producing 315kW/543Nm.

Estimated electrical battery differ can be 480km (WLTP) for the single motor, and 460km for the twin motor.

The EX30 will likely compete with other EVs akin to the BYD Atto 3, Tesla Mannequin Y and the Mercedes-Benz EQB.

Factual offer of Volvos going ahead, EX90 closing in on first 100 pre-orders

In the occasion you’re after a brand new Volvo, the probability is excessive that you just’ll be in a attach to fetch one quick.

A spokesperson for Volvo Automobile Australia urged Chasing Cars that “the stock negate has improved enormously.

“The massive majority of our retail network now luxuriate in stock available and we luxuriate in adequate vehicles coming by intention of the system to meet ‘quick’ quiz”.

Soon, Volvo will initiate both its EX30 small electrical SUV and EX90 spacious electrical SUV in Australia, the latter of which has already obtained conclude to 100 pre-orders. The EX90 is scheduled to land in Australia gradual in 2024.