Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that production of its Tesla Model S and Model X will end by the middle of 2026.
After 14 years, the Model S large sedan – and its Model X large SUV sibling – will be killed off to make way for production of its new Optimus consumer robots. Around 730,000 units were built since their production started, while the Model S was the first mainstream Tesla and the one that expanded the company’s reach to much of the globe.
Tesla doesn’t list Model S and X production statistics separately but with the Cybertruck included, last year it delivered 50,850 vehicles across the three model lines. That figure stands against 1,585,279 Model 3 and Model Ys. As such, the company now intends to use the S and X production slots at its Fremont, California factory to make robots.
Musk made the announcement today at the company’s fourth quarter 2025 earnings call, where he also confirmed a three per cent drop in revenues throughout 2025 to US$94.8 billion (around A$135b). Tesla’s global deliveries also fell by 8.6 per cent in 2025 to 1,636,129 vehicles.
“If you’re interested in buying a Model S and X, now is the time to order it, because we expect to wind down S and X production next quarter, and basically stop production,” he said. “We will obviously continue to support the Model S and X programs for as long as people have the vehicles, but we’re going to take the Model S and X production space in our Fremont factory, and convert that into an Optimus factory with a long-term goal of having a million units a year of Optimus robots in the current S and X space.”
Tesla’s Optimus consumer robots will reportedly start production late this year ahead of the first deliveries to the public in 2027. According to Musk, the Optimus will be the “biggest product of all time”. Ahead of that will be the Cybercab autonomous vehicle, which will start production in April.
Originally launched in 2012, the Model S sedan was the first mainstream Tesla product and it was joined by the Model X in 2015. Around 15,000 units of the Model S were delivered in Australia, but right-hand drive production of both it and the Model X ended in 2021. Both continued in left-hand drive markets with various model updates to make them more advanced than the models sold locally.
Geely’s small electric EX2 has emerged as a major success in China, finishing 2025 as the country’s best-selling vehicle across all segments, not just among electric cars.
Sales data from Geely shows the EX2 recorded 465,775 registrations during the year, placing it ahead of every petrol, hybrid and electric rival in the world’s largest car market. The result is notable given the intense competition in China’s small-car and EV segments, where pricing pressure and frequent new model launches have made sustained sales leadership difficult.
On sale for just over a year, the EX2 has quickly become a volume leader. Over the past seven months, monthly sales have consistently exceeded 40,000 units, with one month surpassing the 50,000-vehicle mark. That level of demand has helped cement the model’s position while demonstrating the enthusiasm of Chinese buyers for compact electric vehicles.
The hatchback is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA), the same platform that underpins models already available in Australia, including the EX5 electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid. The shared architecture is designed to support a range of body styles and powertrains, helping Geely scale production and keep costs down.
Geely Auto Australia has confirmed the EX2 will be added to its local line-up in the second half of 2026. When it arrives, it will slot below the EX5, giving the brand an entry-level electric option aimed at urban buyers.
In overseas markets, the EX2 is a rear-wheel-drive, five-door hatch measuring 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1580mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase. Despite its compact footprint, the relatively long wheelbase allows for a flexible interior layout, with multiple storage areas designed into the cabin.
Australian specifications, including battery options, equipment levels and pricing, have yet to be confirmed. Geely says further details will be released closer to the car’s local on-sale date.
Geely’s rise extends well beyond the success of the EX2. In 2025, the Chinese automotive group surged 66.4 per cent to just under 2.1 million wholesale sales, overtaking both Volkswagen and Toyota to become the country’s second-largest carmaker. It now claims China’s single best-selling model with the Xingyuan hatchback, while its Galaxy New Energy Vehicle sub-brand more than doubled its volumes year on year to over 526,000 units.
According to industry data, total new-vehicle wholesales in China rose 9.4 per cent in 2025 to a record 34.5 million units, marking the third consecutive year above 30 million. New Energy Vehicles continued to drive that expansion, climbing 28.2 per cent to 16.5 million units and accounting for roughly half of all passenger car sales.
Australia’s largest general insurer, IAG, is set to begin a large-scale research project examining why advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are not delivering the safety gains many expected.
The study will involve real-world testing of drivers using common ADAS features, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, in controlled conditions. IAG is working with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre on the project, which will take place at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Brisbane.
Sixty drivers will take part in on-track assessments designed to observe how people interact with driver-assistance technology while driving. Researchers will monitor behaviour in real time, looking at how drivers respond to alerts, when systems are disengaged, and whether misunderstandings or discomfort affect how the technology is used.
IAG says the project follows earlier research showing a large proportion of Australian motorists are actively disabling safety features fitted to their vehicles. The insurer estimates that around 60 per cent of drivers regularly switch off at least some ADAS functions, limiting their potential to reduce crashes and injuries.
The issue is becoming more pressing as the technology spreads rapidly through the national vehicle fleet. Forecasts suggest that by 2031, around 40 per cent of vehicles on Australian roads will be equipped with some form of advanced driver-assistance technology. Many of these systems are already mandatory in new vehicles sold locally, following changes to Australian Design Rules aligned with international standards.
Researchers involved in the project say understanding driver behaviour is as important as assessing the technology itself. While ADAS systems have demonstrated safety benefits in overseas studies, their effectiveness depends heavily on how drivers understand and trust them. Confusion over system limits, unexpected interventions and alert fatigue are all seen as possible reasons drivers turn features off.
The study will also explore whether targeted education or training could improve engagement with ADAS and reduce resistance to the technology. Findings are expected to help inform future driver education programs, vehicle design considerations and policy decisions.
The research aligns with broader national road safety goals, including the federal government’s target to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
IAG plans to publish the results of the study later this year, with the findings intended to contribute to ongoing debates about vehicle safety technology, regulation and driver behaviour in Australia.
The new MG4 Urban – the cheaper front-wheel drive sibling to the MG4 already on sale – has been priced ahead of its imminent debut in the UK. Starting from £23,495 (around A$46,000), the MG4 Urban is one of the cheapest new cars available in the UK and some £6500 less expensive than the updated MG4, offering some guidance on how the two models will be positioned when they go on sale in Australia.
In the UK, the MG4 Urban will be available in three models, starting with the Comfort Standard Range which uses a 43kWh battery that can be charged at up to 150kW and offers a claimed 323km range (WLTP). Above that sit the Comfort Long Range and Premium Long Range, which use a larger 54kWh battery for 415km of range.
Unlike the rear/all-wheel drive MG4, the MG4 Urban is front-wheel drive and in the UK, the base model uses a 110kW electric motor, enough for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h. The Longe Range models up power to 118kW to cut the 0-100km/h sprint to 9.5 seconds.
Inside the MG4 Urban is a similar cabin to the MGS5 EV electric small SUV, with a 15.6-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, physical air-conditioning and volume controls and a large centre console with a wireless phone charger.
Other standard features in UK MG4 Urban range include LED lighting, vehicle-to-load functionality and the brand’s ‘MG Pilot’ active safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring and traffic sign recognition with overspeed alert.
Above the Comfort, the Premium further adds six-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats and extra speakers for richer aural quality, providing a clue as to how the Australian model could be equipped. We’re expecting the usual Excite and Essence model names when the MG4 Urban launches locally.
As previously confirmed by MG, the regular MG4 will be upgraded with a new cabin design and light exterior changes and will sit above the MG4 Urban with its sportier drivetrain, more powerful motors and larger battery options.
MG Motor Australia has confirmed that both the MG4 Urban and updated MG4 will be sold locally, but is yet to confirm local arrival timing, pricing or specification. Watch this space.
Hatchbacks, once the go-to for budget-conscious buyers around Australia, have seen their sales dwindle over the last decade or so, with more and more buyers than ever before gravitating towards SUVs of all sizes.
Sales of small cars, such as the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3, have plummeted since their 2013 highpoint when Australians bought 266,000 new small cars, across hatchbacks, sedans and station wagons. That represented 23.4 per cent market share – by far the largest single segment – or almost one in every four new cars sold.
Fast forward just a dozen years and that number has fallen to just over 72,000, or around six per cent market share, a slide reflected in the number of different models available to buyers. Just eight distinct models occupy the under $45,000 category, a far cry from the heady days of 2013 when buyers had a choice of 34 models from 20 different manufacturers.
The new car game has changed, and likely irreversibly. But despite the limited options, there are still some cracking hatchbacks, well priced, ably serving the needs of buyers resolute in eschewing the SUV and dual-cab zeitgeist.
Here then, is our pick of the best hatchbacks on the market right now, priced from under $40k driveaway.
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
Price: From $36,146 driveaway (in NSW)
Engine: 1.8L petrol-hybrid, CVT automatic, FWD
Combined fuel use: 4.0L/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91-octane regular unleaded
There are no surprises when it comes to Toyota’s venerable Corolla which has, since its launch in 1966 (yes, the Corolla is now 60), racked up world-wide sales in excess of 50 million, making it easily the biggest selling car of all time.
Its winning formula has been tweaked and nurtured over the decades and through 12 generations and today is available in Australia exclusively with a petrol-hybrid powertrain. That’s around three grand dearer than two of its competitors in this quartet but the benefits of Toyota’s fuel-sipping technology can not be underestimated.
The base model Ascent Sport is nicely-equipped for the money with 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital radio, LED head- and tail-lights along with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and push-button start as well as a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist and safety technologies, although no ANCAP safety score, its previous five-star rating expiring on December 31, 2024. That hasn’t stopped buyers from flocking to Toyota dealerships, the Corolla maintaining its top spot in the segment, a position it’s held onto doggedly since dethroning Mazda 3 in 2013.
On the road, the Corolla offers little in the way of surprises, refined and smooth if not especially powerful (Toyota quotes 72kW and 142Nm for the Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre petrol, boosted to 103kW with the electric motor chipping in).
The Corolla’s biggest flaw in this generation is the meagre 217 litres of storage capacity in the boot. That’s well down on the segment leaders, something for buyers to consider.
There’s a new 13th-generation Corolla coming, likely in 2027 and could see a plug-in hybrid variant join the line-up. Maybe. But that’s a ways away and in 2026, the Toyota Corolla is a sensible choice for those who hanker for fuss-free motoring in a well-known package, is light on fuel, all underpinned by Toyota’s renowned reliability.
Mazda3 Pure
Price: From $33,990 driveaway (in NSW)
Engine: 2.0L petrol, 6-speed automatic, FWD
Combined fuel use: 5.9L/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91-octane regular unleaded
Mazda fancies itself as a cut above its rivals, its semi-premium offerings sometimes shading its competitors, certainly in terms of kerb appeal and cabin refinement.
But that sense of style is more than just skin deep, with Mazda’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine a willing companion on the road. It makes 114kW and 200Nm, mated to a six-speed auto sending drive to the front wheels. It’s a winning combination, the Mazda3 impressing us here at Whichcar by Wheels every time we get behind the wheel.
Standard equipment is on a par for entry-level models in the segment, with 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, satellite navigation, digital radio, keyless entry and push-button start and a good, if not complete, suite of safety technologies. Like the Corolla, the Mazda 3’s ANCAP safety rating has expired, its previous five-star score relegated to the benches on 31 December, 2025.
Where the Mazda3 stands out above its rivals is inside, with a well-built cabin that is simply ahead of the competition. Soft materials, even in this entry-level model, abound while the solidly-built switchgear adds a reassuring tactility to the in-car experience.
The second row is a little on the tight side, certainly for adult occupants, while the Mazda3’s boot capacity of 295 litres trumps its Corolla rival but still trails some of the competition. Servicing costs too, are on the high side, which could be a factor when it comes time to buy. Still, buyers after a stylish take on the hatchback formula would do well to add the Mazda3 to their shopping list.
Kia K4 S
Price: From $33,490 driveaway (in NSW)
Engine: 2.0L petrol, CVT automatic, FWD
Combined fuel use: 6.0L/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91-octane regular unleaded
The Kia K4, the long-awaited replacement for the ageing Cerato hatchback, is the newest model here, introduced into Australia late in 2025.
Larger than its rivals, the K4 blends the Korean brand’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language into a smart hatchback that impresses on the road.
A 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 110kW and 180Nm is par for the segment, and combines nicely with what is arguably one of the better CVT transmissions in the market today. The end result is a smooth driving experience, augmented by Kia’s local suspension tune that has been tailor-made for Aussie roads.
Equipment levels for the entry-grade S model include 16-inch alloys, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic LED lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a list of safety technologies that’s a bit light on compared with its main competitors. Buyers need to spend an extra three grand to score all the safety bells-and-whistles and to feel cosy with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Without the Safety pack, ANCAP gives the Kia K4 S a four-star rating.
Boot capacity is one area where the K4 shines, its 508 litres easily accounting for both the Corolla and the Mazda 3. It’s also the most spacious in the second row, thanks to the K4’s larger overall dimensions. That could be a crucial factor in deciding which hatchback best suits buyers’ needs.
Our recommendation would be to find the extra $3000 for the all-you-can-eat Safety Pack because, in addition to the latest technologies, it also brings other goodies like dual-zone climate control, automatic window defogging and a neat 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.
BYD Dolphin Essential
Price: From $32,711 driveaway (in NSW)
Powertrain: Single 70kW electric motor, FWD
Battery size: 44.9kWh
Range: 340km (WLTP tested)
It’s somewhat telling that the most affordable of this quartet is also the only electric car. The BYD Dolphin taps into zero-emissions motoring with a quirky package that will suit urban dwellers looking to take their first tentative steps into electric motoring.
Power comes from a single 70kW electric motor driving the front wheels. It’s fed by a 44.9kWh battery that offers around 340km of driving range, based on WLTP laboratory testing. That’s plenty enough for the vast majority of Australians who, according to our most recent Census data, travel around 40-50km per day on average.
BYD claims the battery can be recharged in just over an hour on a commonly-found 50kW DC public charger while AC charging, using a home-installed 7kW wallbox, will take around 6h30m, overnight in other words.
With 70kW and 180Nm available under your right foot, the Dolphin eschews the neck-snapping acceleration of some of its EV cohort. Instead, it feels exactly like a regular car to drive, something that will undoubtedly please a lot of potential buyers.
The standard equipment list is a cut above for an entry-level model, with 16-inch alloys, a whopping 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can be rotated from landscape to portrait and back again, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, synthetic leather seat trim, LED head- and tail-lights and a full list of modern safety technologies, earning it a five-star ANCAP safety score.
Previous road tests of the Dolphin revealed a comfortable daily driver, with suspension that errs on the side of soft, but able to swallow bumps and lumps nicely.
Inside, the quirky cabin is spacious and comfortable, including in the second row while boot space stops the tape at 345 litres, better than both the Toyota and Mazda despite ceding around 100mm in overall length.
Our pick is the entry-grade Essential, but buyers a little nervous around driving range might be better served by the Dolphin Premium and its larger 60kWh battery that brings 427km of range and improved performance from a more powerful electric motor. But unless you absolutely must have better range and an improved 0-100km/h claim, then the Essential and its circa-$7200 saving over the Premium is money in the bank. And that’s no bad thing.
A class action launched against Isuzu Motors Limited in the Federal Court of Australia in 2024 is reaching a significant stage, with a deadline for group members who wish to opt out approaching.
Owners of popular Isuzu D-Max utes and MU-X SUVs allege in the statement of claim that the vehicles were fitted with so-called “defeat devices” that allowed them to emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) at levels above regulatory limits during normal driving.
The legal move, filed by law firm Piper Alderman on behalf of Geoffrey Fisher and CDR Geotechnical & Environmental Services Pty Ltd, represents people who acquired certain 2017 or later Isuzu D-Max vehicles and 2016 (MY16.5) or later MU-X models between January 1, 2016 and August 14, 2024. The claim argues that these vehicles, sold through Isuzu Ute Australia and its dealers, contained software or hardware that affected emissions performance outside official test conditions.
The applicants contend that Isuzu misled consumers by representing the vehicles as complying with Australia’s emissions standards when, they say, they did not. They also allege breaches of statutory guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law and claim Isuzu engaged in unconscionable conduct. The central claim is that the presence of defeat devices led to excessive NOx emissions, which can be harmful to health and the environment.
Piper Alderman and litigation funder Woodsford are seeking compensation – including both reduction-in-value and compensatory damages – for group members. Reduction-in-value damages could be significant where vehicles retain their original owners at the time of any court judgment or settlement.
Isuzu has filed defences to both the original and amended statements of claim, disputing the allegations and saying, among other things, that applicable technical regulatory provisions are met, and contesting claims about the operation and effect of the vehicles’ emission control systems.
The proceeding began with a statement of claim lodged in the Federal Court on August 14, 2024. Isuzu filed its first defence in February 2025, followed by an amended claim from the applicants and a further defence from Isuzu. The applicants filed a reply in August 2025. Critical documents disclosed by Isuzu are now under review by the claimants’ legal team, who may seek further discovery.
The Federal Court has scheduled the next case management hearing before Justice Owens for March 5, 2026. Group members have until April 8, 2026 to opt out of the class action if they choose, with opt-out notices being distributed by court-approved channels.
Owners of affected D-Max utes and MU-X SUVs are being encouraged to register their interest in the class action to stay informed about developments, with the potential for significant legal and financial outcomes depending on the court’s findings.
Ineos has leaned into a familiar formula for its latest special edition, wrapping its boxy Grenadier off-roader in a deep, unapologetic shade of black. Dubbed the Grenadier Black Edition, the new variant is available for the 2026 model year in either the Station Wagon or the Quartermaster dual-cab ute.
Based on the more comfort-focused Fieldmaster specification, the Black Edition layers its dark theme inside and out. The exterior is finished in Inky Black paint, complemented by gloss-black detailing across the grille, skid plates and trim. Matching 18-inch black alloy wheels are fitted with all-terrain rubber, while privacy glass and a lockable rear spare-wheel box reinforce the tough, low-key look.
Inside, the Black Edition continues the theme with black carpeting and a dark headlining, paired with the Fieldmaster’s more civilised touches. These include leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded audio system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Ineos’ distinctive safari-style roof vents remain, adding a hint of character to an otherwise serious cabin.
Under the skin, nothing changes from the standard Grenadier formula. Power comes from BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, producing 210kW and 450Nm, matched to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. A mechanical two-speed transfer case and permanent four-wheel drive underline the Grenadier’s focus on genuine off-road ability rather than lifestyle posturing.
Beyond the Black Edition, the broader Grenadier range receives a series of refinements for 2026. While Ineos has resisted a full facelift, the updates are aimed at improving day-to-day usability without softening the vehicle’s rugged character. Steering hardware has been revised to deliver more consistent feel on-road, while the climate control system has been updated for better performance in extreme temperatures.
There are also incremental upgrades to driver assistance systems and cabin materials, responding to early owner feedback. Importantly, Ineos has avoided overhauling the Grenadier’s design or mission, continuing to position it as a deliberately old-school alternative to more polished rivals like the Land Rover Defender.
The Grenadier Black Edition sits at the sharper end of the range, carrying a premium price tag of approximately A$141,200 but offering a distinctive aesthetic for buyers who want their off-road tool wrapped in stealth. Combined with the subtle 2026 improvements, it shows Ineos refining its product carefully, rather than reinventing it.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have achieved a milestone in Europe, outselling petrol-only cars for the first time in December 2025, reflecting a similar transformation happening here in Australia.
New data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) shows that fully electric cars – those powered solely by a rechargeable battery – just edged ahead of traditional petrol vehicles in monthly registrations, underlining the region’s accelerating move toward electrified transport.
According to ACEA figures, battery EV registrations in Europe rose sharply in December, capturing slightly more of the market than petrol-engined cars. The trend was driven by robust uptake in several large markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, where electric models posted strong year-on-year increases.
While hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrids remain important parts of the market, the fact that pure EVs could surpass petrol cars, even for a single month, highlights changing consumer preferences and the impact of expanding model line-ups and policy support.
Here In Australia, electrified vehicles – includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and conventional hybrids – also overtook petrol-only models in new-vehicle sales for the first time in December 2025. Local industry data shows that combined electrified vehicles narrowly outsold petrol cars during that month, with around 35,000 electrified units sold compared with about 34,500 petrol vehicles. Analysts suggest this could be a turning point as the market heads into 2026.
Over the full 2025 calendar year in Australia, electrified vehicles accounted for close to 28.6 per cent of the market, while petrol cars still held a larger share overall. Fully electric cars reached record sales levels, comprising more than 100,000 units for the first time. Hybrids and PHEVs also showed significant growth, indicating that Australian buyers are increasingly open to alternatives to conventional internal-combustion engines.
Industry observers note that the shift in both Europe and Australia comes as a wider range of EV and hybrid models enters the market, and government policies increasingly favour lower-emission transport. Europe has been debating adjustments to its 2035 zero-emission sales targets, while Australia’s new NVES rules and incentives continue to influence buyer behaviour.
While petrol cars still dominate and there have been negative headlines about pure EVs, recent data suggests that electrified vehicles are moving well beyond being a niche choice.
Genesis has taken an unexpected turn with the unveiling of the X Skorpio Concept, an extreme off-road vehicle revealed in the Rub’ al Khali desert in the United Arab Emirates. Far removed from the brand’s usual luxury sedans and SUVs, the X Skorpio is a purpose-built machine designed to tackle harsh terrain at speed, offering a glimpse at how far Genesis is willing to stretch its design language.
The X Skorpio is the brand’s first concept developed specifically for extreme off-road use. Its development drew on off-road racing expertise rather than conventional road-car engineering, resulting in a tubular frame, full roll cage and components sourced from endurance racing specialists. While Genesis describes the concept as an exploration rather than a production preview, its intent is clear: to test how luxury and high-performance off-road driving might coexist.
Visually, the concept leans heavily into its desert setting. The body is wide, low-slung and deliberately aggressive, with flared guards, exposed mechanical elements and segmented exterior panels designed for easier repair in remote environments. Genesis’ signature two-line lighting remains, but it’s integrated into a design that prioritises function over elegance. The stance is short and upright, emphasising approach and departure angles rather than road presence.
Inside, the X Skorpio departs from the stripped-back cabins typical of trophy trucks. The cockpit is designed to reduce fatigue during long, physically demanding drives, with supportive seating, climate control and ergonomics closer to a luxury vehicle than a race car. The instrument display is mounted to the steering wheel to keep vital information within the driver’s line of sight, while a sliding screen can be repositioned depending on whether the vehicle is being driven solo or with a navigator.
Under the bodywork sits a high-output V8 producing 820kW and 1,152Nm, driving all four wheels through a suspension system engineered for extreme ground clearance and high-speed desert running. The X Skorpio rides on 18-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in 40-inch off-road tyres, with Brembo Motorsport brakes providing stopping power. Lightweight materials including carbon fibre, fibreglass and Kevlar are used throughout to balance strength and mass.
Genesis says the concept was developed with Middle Eastern off-road culture in mind, where high-speed desert driving and dune running are popular pursuits. Alongside the X Skorpio, the brand also showcased other rugged concepts, signalling a broader willingness to explore adventurous niches.
While the X Skorpio Concept may never reach production, it stands as a clear statement of intent. Genesis is using its concept cars to test new ideas aggressively, and in this case, to see how far luxury can be pushed when the road disappears entirely.
Electric car giant Tesla has removed some advanced driver assist technologies, part of a bundle called Autosteer, previously included in its models as standard.
Initially only affecting US and Canadian-delivered Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck, customers who want features such as lane-centring assist will now have to cough up a monthly subscription fee of US$99 (A$141) for what it calls Full Self Driving (Supervised).
The move to a subscription-based service comes as Tesla is set to stop offering – from February 14 – its FSD package as a standalone one-time purchase, priced at US$8000 (A$11,422).
It also comes as Tesla seeks to boost income from subscription services in the face of softening sales of its ageing model line-up.
FSD will continue to be available in Australian-delivered cars for a one-time payment of $10,100 or via a $149 monthly subscription.
The system facilitates, as the name suggests, full self-driving capabilities including accelerating, braking, steering, lane changing and obeying traffic signals but with the caveat that the driver must be ready to intervene and take over control of the vehicle at any time.
New Teslas sold in North America will now be fitted only with adaptive cruise control as standard, along with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and speed sign recognition. Australian, European and South-East Asian-delivered models will continue to be fitted with Autosteer, for now.
