Electric motors, fake engine noises and programmed paddle shifters. Hero or heretic?

Nissan has unveiled its electric R32 Skyline GT-R at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, replacing the hero coupe’s iconic RB26DETT engine with a dual-motor electric drivetrain.

If you can still read through that sudden outbreak of tears, here are the details. Maybe sit down first.

The R32 EV is a fully restored and modified version of the original Skyline GT-R, with front and rear electric motors delivering 160kW and 340Nm individually – combining for a total of 320kW and 780Nm.

1

The original R32 GT-R launched in 1989 with a claimed 206kW and 353Nm from its 2.6-litre twin-turbo inline-six – although actual outputs were believed to be higher, as Japanese brands were engaged in a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ at the time to limit outputs.

Nissan says its engineers have worked to tune the R32 EV’s figures to match the original R32 GT-R’s torque-to-weight ratio.

Powering the new motors is a 62kWh battery pack borrowed from the Nissan Leaf NISMO race car, with its charging port hidden behind the traditional fuel filler flap.

1

The original five-speed manual gearbox and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system has been ditched, of course, with the twin motors now doing that system’s work.

Weighing in at 1787kg, the R32 EV gains 357kg over the standard model’s 1430kg kerb weight, tipping the scales beyond even the R35 GT-R’s initial 1750kg figure.

Braking has been upgraded with larger units sourced from the R35 GT-R, now tucked behind 18-inch wheels designed to mirror the original alloy design.

6

A NISMO sports suspension package with Öhlins dampers has been fitted to improve handling characteristics.

Inside, the rear seats have been removed to accommodate the battery pack, while the centre console now features a tall touchscreen in place of the original analog controls.

To ‘recreate’ the driving experience of the original RB26 engine, the R32 EV includes a sound system that simulates engine noise and a paddle-activated simulated gear shift program.

Is the R32 EV a hint of things to come?

Despite the extensive engineering of this project, Nissan says it has no further plans for the system used in the R32 EV.

The project, initiated in March 2023, was developed purely for internal research and development.

Looking ahead, Nissan’s future for the GT-R badge remains uncertain. The Hyper Force concept, revealed at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, hinted at a 1000kW electric GT-R powered by solid-state batteries. Reports from Japan suggest the next-generation R36 GT-R could adopt either a fully electric or hybrid drivetrain.

Nissan has committed to launching 27 electrified models – including 19 electric vehicles and eight hybrids – across its Nissan and Infiniti brands by the 2030 fiscal year.

All of this, of course, will depend on the outcome of Nissan’s merger talks with Honda.

Škoda has unveiled the updated Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe, introducing its Modern Solid design language that debuted last year with the small Elroq.

Overseas, the refreshed line-up again offers two battery sizes and three powertrain configurations, delivering outputs between 150kW and 210kW, with all-wheel drive available on higher variants.

As before, the Australian range will likely continue to focus on the Coupe, with that higher-output option and rear-wheel drive – along with whatever changes are made to the RS model that currently boasts 250kW and all-wheel drive.

The Enyaq Coupe debuted in early 2022, but its Australian launch was delayed until late 2024. This updated model is expected to reach Australia later this year.

1

Battery, charging and driving range

Europe’s updated Enyaq range includes the rear-wheel-drive Enyaq 60 and 85, and the all-wheel-drive Enyaq 85x.

The Enyaq 60 features a 63kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery and a 150kW/310Nm electric motor.

The larger 82kWh (gross) battery in the Enyaq 85 and 85x powers a 210kW motor with 545Nm. The dual-motor Enyaq 85x offers all-wheel drive, but maintains the same output and torque as the 85.

1

Škoda claims a maximum WLTP driving range of up to 596km for the Enyaq Coupe 85, with the 85x rated at 558km.

Both numbers are improved over the outgoing model, listed at 576km and 548km respectively.

DC fast charging supports up to 165kW for the Enyaq 60 and 175kW for the 85 and 85x, enabling a 10–80% charge in 24–28 minutes.

Acceleration from 0–100km/h is claimed at 8.1 seconds in the Enyaq 60, while the 85 and 85x list a 6.7-second run – the 85x’s AWD advantage seemingly undone by the weight it adds.

1

Styling

The 2025 Enyaq adopts Škoda’s new Modern Solid design themes, with the most obvious change being at the front end, showcasing what the company calls its ‘Tech-Deck Face’.

Dark chrome replaces traditional badging, and a new Olive Green metallic paint joins the colour palette.

Alloy wheels range from 19 to 21 inches, with redesigned aerodynamic profiles contributing to a drag coefficient as low as 0.245 for the SUV and 0.229 for the Coupé.

Škoda’s traditional winged arrow logo has also been replaced all over with a simple ‘ŠKODA’ badge.

1

Interior and equipment

Standard features for the Enyaq include heated front seats and steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry with walk-away locking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, wireless charging with active cooling, rear USB ports, and a power tailgate with Virtual Pedal activation.

Six interior design options are available, including the new Lodge Design Selection, which incorporates sustainable materials like Econyl recycled yarn.

A 13-inch central infotainment screen and 5-inch digital cockpit are standard, with an optional augmented reality head-up display.

1

Skoda Enyaq boot space

Interior space remains generous, with boot capacities of 585L–1710L in the SUV, shrinking only slightly to 570L–1610L in the Australia-bound Coupe.

1

Safety and driver assistance

Standard safety features include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert, and Crew Protect Assist.

The updated Travel Assist now leverages swarm data from other Volkswagen Group vehicles for more accurate driver assistance. Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Assist Plus, and Collision Avoidance Assist are also standard.

Optional Remote Park Assist allows the Enyaq to park autonomously while being controlled via the MyŠkoda smartphone app. Trained Parking enables the vehicle to memorise and autonomously repeat specific parking manoeuvres up to 50 metres long.

1

When will the 2025 Skoda Enyaq come to Australia?

The updated Enyaq is expected to reach Australia sometime in the middle of 2025.

In its current form, the Enyaq is priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs.

Chery Australia has announced a $6000 reduction in the price of its Omoda E5 electric SUV, for a limited time.

This price cut lowers the starting price to $36,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level BX variant, positioning the Omoda E5 as the most affordable electric SUV in the Australian market.

Power, battery, charging and driving range

The Omoda E5 is equipped with a single electric motor delivering 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque.

Energy is provided by a 61kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a WLTP-rated driving range of 430km.

Energy consumption is listed at 15.5kWh per 100km on the WLTP cycle.

Charging capabilities include a maximum AC charge rate of 6.6kW (single-phase) or 9.9kW (three-phase), and a maximum DC charge rate of 80kW, allowing for a 30-80% charge in around 28 minutes. 

4

Interior and user tech

Inside, the BX variant offers manually adjustable seats with cloth and artificial leather trim, a curved widescreen display combining two 12.3-inch digital screens, and an in-built satellite navigation system.

The EX grade adds heated front and rear seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8-speaker sound system.

Both variants include wireless charging capability and the ‘Hello Omoda’ intelligent voice command system for hands-free operation of various functions. 

3

Boot space

The Omoda E5 offers 300 litres of boot space with all five seats in use, expandable to 1079 litres (up to the roof) with the rear seats folded.

An extra 19 litres of hiding space is available under the bonnet up front.

Safety

The Omoda E5 is equipped with a suite of safety features, including seven airbags and 18 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Key safety technologies encompass autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping, blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Omoda E5 also carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. 

Availability

The Omoda E5’s $6000 price reduction is available for a limited time, although the company has not said exactly when it will end.

New variants have seen the BYD Dolphin dip below $30,000 in Australia, while the Atto 3 is now below $40K.

BYD has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) line-up in Australia with new entry-level Essential variants for the Dolphin hatchback and Atto 3 SUV, intensifying the EV price war.

The new Dolphin Essential starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, undercutting the previous entry-level Dynamic by $6900. This makes the Dolphin Australia’s most affordable EV, beating the already competitive MG 4 Excite, which now starts at $34,990 drive-away.

Buyers seeking something more family-oriented are treated to a similar saving, with the new Atto 3 Essential priced from $39,990 before on-road costs – $4509 less than the outgoing Standard Range model.

Battery and driving range

Both Essential models retain the same powertrains as their higher-spec counterparts.

The Dolphin Essential features a single 70kW/180Nm front-mounted electric motor paired with a 44.9kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a claimed WLTP driving range of 340km.

The Atto 3 Essential uses a more powerful 150kW/310Nm front-mounted electric motor with a 49.9kWh Blade battery, providing a claimed WLTP driving range of 345km.

What do you miss out on?

To hit those lower prices (and to motivate you to choose up), BYD has removed several comfort and convenience features.

Dolphin Essential goes without:

• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Panoramic glass roof
• Wireless phone charger
• Heated front seats
• Rear privacy glass

Atto 3 Essential loses:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Roof rails
• Heated front seats
• Music rhythm function for ambient lighting
• Wireless phone charger

Standard equipment

Availability

Orders for the Dolphin Essential and Atto 3 Essential open on Monday, January 13, with deliveries expected to begin in March.

The 2025 edition of the popular large SUV is expected to hit Australian shores in the first quarter of 2025.

The facelifted 2025 Isuzu MU-X has been revealed with upgrades similar to those recently applied to the D-Max dual-cab on which it’s based.

Debuting in Thailand where it’s produced, local details are yet to be confirmed, but the 2025 MU-X is expected to hit Australian shores in the first quarter of 2025.

It’ll land in a fiercely competitive off-road SUV segment competing with the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado, segment-leading Ford Everest, similarly updated Mitsubishi Pajero Sport as well as newcomers like the GWM Tank 300 and 500.

1

The most obvious change is the refreshed exterior, including sharper, more aggressive LED headlights, a larger grille and air curtain for improved aerodynamic efficiency, while new wheel designs in either 18 or 20 inches also appear. Redesigned taillights are linked by a black bar.

Inside, there’s a larger 9.0-inch infotainment screen with physical volume and tuning buttons, while wireless Android Auto joins the existing wireless Apple CarPlay capability.

USB-C ports replace the prior USB-As and a larger 7.0-inch digital instrument display now incorporates the speedometer, pushing the analogue tachometer and fuel and temperature gauges to the side.

Safety is enhanced by a next-generation stereo camera that improves the existing features, such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise, while adding new ones including pedestrian detection at junctions, rear cross-traffic braking and a 360-degree camera with ‘transparent bonnet’ view.

1

Speaking of the bonnet, it was expected that under it would remain a choice of the 110kW/350Nm 1.9-litre or 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesels, both utilising a six-speed auto.

However, Isuzu has since announced a new 120kW/400Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel, a development of the 1.9, attached to an eight-speed automatic. Like the vehicle itself, Isuzu Australia is keeping tight-lipped about the new engine, so it’s unclear whether it will replace the entry-level 1.9 or the much-loved 3.0 in a bid to meet the forthcoming NVES regulations.

We’ll bring you Australian specification and pricing details for the 2025 Isuzu MU-X as soon as they are made available.

1

The popular Tesla Model Y has finally been given a new look, five years since its American debut and three years after it first touched down in Australia.

The Model Y SUV’s facelift follows the Model 3’s makeover back in 2023, and while it was believed the Y would be given the same look, Tesla has instead invested in a more distinctive design at both ends.

Known online – but never announced – by the codename ‘Juniper’, the Model Y takes a small cue from its wedgerific Cybertruck brother with a slender new light bar up front, flanked by tightly hooked lights.

The actual driving lights, however, are likely to be the more conventional units tucked into the outboard intakes below.

1

1

At the rear, the 2025 Model Y wears the same hooked tail lamps as the updated Model 3, but with a large light bar and frame connecting the two corner lights.

Interestingly, the Model Y in these official images wears no Tesla badge at the front, which could mean a ‘debadged’ look will be in for 2025.

The updated Y’s centre section is unchanged, but moving inside reveals changes more in line with the Model 3.

5

As with the 3, the Y shifts its gear shifter to the touchscreen. However, Tesla appears to have responded to owner feedback by keeping the physical indicator stalk – rather than following the 3 by moving its function to the steering-mounted buttons.

The Model Y’s core drive system is unchanged, which means the regular RWD model gets a 60kWh LFP battery pack while the Long Range packs a 79kWh NMC unit.

Despite this, WLTP-tested driving range in the RWD is improved to 466km (up from 455km) and to 551km for the Long Range (up from 531km).

1

In Launch Series form – the only models available for now – the Y includes the Acceleration Boost upgrade that delivers 0-100km/h times of 5.9 (RWD) and 4.3 (LR) seconds.

Ride comfort has also been tweaked, again, with Tesla promising a 51% improvement in bump absorption on rough roads.

As for panel gaps – a common point of criticism for Tesla – the company says it has significantly reduced the number of body parts through new casting methods, which should result in more consistent lines.

1

When will the 2025 Tesla Model Y come to Australia?

The updated electric SUV is available to order in Australia now as a ‘Launch Series’ offering, priced from $63,400 and $73,400 respectively – before on-road costs.

Buyers who opt for the Launch Series are expected to receive their vehicles in May, with metallic paint and 20-inch wheels included in the price.

If a model’s popularity is a key factor in your purchasing decision, this is the list for you.

No surprise, the 🏅 Ford Ranger led the market yet again with a combined 62,593 sales across its 4×4 and 4×2 forms.

Where it would normally be a hard-fought battle against Toyota’s ute, it was instead the midsize 🥈 RAV4 SUV that was nipping at the Ranger’s heels.

For 2024, Toyota sold a huge 58,718 RAV4s, beating the 🥉 HiLux (53,499) by just over 5219 units – giving the two Toyotas second and third place in the overall 2024 charts.

What’s remarkable there is that both models are closing in on retirement, and the next-generation HiLux has been spied testing this week.

Often overlooked is how well the top-selling models outpace some brands’ total sales.

For example, the RAV4’s nearly 59,000 sales comfortably shades Nissan’s 2024 total of 45,284 – along with other popular legacy brands like Subaru (40,604), Volkswagen (36,480) and Honda (14,092).

Others like Hyundai (71,664), Mitsubishi (74,547), Kia (81,787) and Mazda (95,987) all managed to stay ahead of those popular models – but of course, success for the Ranger, RAV4 and HiLux contributed significantly to huge totals for Ford (100,170) and Toyota (241,296).

1

In all, Australia’s new-car market recorded 1,220,607 sales in 2024 – just beating out the 2023 record of 1,216,780.

Now for the full list of Australia’s top 20 best-selling cars in 2024!

Australia’s Top 20 New Cars of 2024

See below this table for links to each model’s news & reviews page

See our news & reviews for each of the above models

• Ford Ranger
• Toyota RAV4
• Toyota HiLux
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Ford Everest
• Isuzu Ute D-Max
• Toyota Corolla
• Mazda CX-5
• MG ZS
• Kia Sportage
• Tesla Model Y
• Hyundai Tucson
• Mazda CX-3
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Isuzu MU-X
• Nissan X-Trail
• Hyundai Kona
• Kia Cerato
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Landcruiser 300

TAG Heuer will come full circle in 2025 when it returns to Formula 1 as Official Timekeeper.

The Swiss watchmaker’s history with the sport is long and illustrious, starting with Jack Heuer’s early association with the sport as its popularity rose in the 1960s. Celebrated driver Jochen Rindt famously wore a Heuer Autavia on his wrist throughout his career before his death during the 1970 Italian Grand Prix.

In 1969, driver Jo Siffert was recruited to promote the iconic Calibre 11 automatic chronograph via a logo appearing on his Rob Walker Lotus 49B and wearing a 1163 Autavia while racing.

1

Long relationships with Ferrari and McLaren followed. Renaming of the brand in 1985 saw its new logo appear on the windscreen of the MP4/2C in which Alain Prost would win the World Drivers’ Championship in 1986.

That year, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 was launched, the model’s brightly coloured cases, straps and dials not only becoming incredibly popular but affirming the brand’s links to the sport.

TAG Heuer’s profile and Formula 1 association took another leap forward two years later when dynamic young Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna joined McLaren, wearing the brand’s watches as he bagged three World Drivers’ Championships. Despite his untimely death in 1994, the brand continues to work with the Senna Foundation today.

1

In 1992 TAG Heuer became Official Timekeeping partner for Formula 1, enhancing and developing the precision and reliability of the sport’s timing.

Meanwhile its relationship with McLaren saw two more World Drivers’ Championship victories – with Mika Häkkinen’s victories in 1998 and 1999 – and later, British sensation Lewis Hamilton winning his first World Drivers’ Championship in 2008 with a TAG Heuer on his wrist.

In 2016, TAG Heuer partnered with Oracle Red Bull Racing in a new partnership that has since yielded four World Drivers’ Championship thanks to the exceptional skills of Max Verstappen, as well as two consecutive World Constructors’ Championships. TAG Heuer’s partnership with Oracle Red Bull will continue alongside its responsibilities as Official Timekeeper for Formula 1.

Formula 1 is now one of the most significant sporting championships on the planet, counting 750 million fans worldwide and a viewing audience of 1.5 billion people in 2024.

1

“In a sport defined by mental resilience, physical strength, strategy, innovation, and performance it is only natural for TAG Heuer to be at the very heart of Formula 1 as Official Timekeeper” said Antoine Pin, CEO of TAG Heuer.

“With decades of history in F1 connecting us to the most successful drivers and teams of all time, we are honoured and privileged to be the name connected to the very thing that defines the winner: time. As Formula 1 and their exceptional team continue to build on the amazing work that has been done to create one of the greatest properties in sport, we are excited to be part of the journey and create new stories to enrich TAG Heuer.”

“I am delighted to welcome TAG Heuer as the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1 as they start the next stage of their long history in our sport. With their focus on innovation, accuracy and excellence, they are a natural partner, and I am excited to see how our intertwining heritage can tell new stories for the future as we celebrate our 75th year,” said Stefano Domencali, President and CEO, Formula 1.

Honda has revealed new details on its 0 (Zero) Series EVs at CES 2025, showcasing the Saloon ‘wagovan’ we saw a year ago alongside a new third model – the plainly named Honda 0 SUV.

The design of the Saloon appears unchanged in its overall profile, but its new white finish reveals more details, and it’s clear we’re now looking at completely redesigned headlights and a new front bumper – both of which could conceivably be the final production look. (Lamborghini Gallardo fans may have some thoughts on those headlights…)

1

1

Alongside the Saloon, Honda unveiled the ‘mid-size’ 0 SUV, which will likely be positioned in Australia as a large SUV – if it comes here.

Honda Australia has said it will launch EVs in Australia from around 2028, but for now it’s unclear exactly what the local division intends for a full-electric model range.

Last year’s VW Buzz-rivalling Space-Hub electric van wasn’t shown at CES, but the company at least confirmed the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will enter production in the US sometime next year.

9

The ‘Zero’ models will launch in North America first, expanding to “global” markets later. That’s Europe confirmed, but Australia… nothing official yet.

Key details such as battery size, motor configuration and driving range have not been revealed, but we could expect its setup to mirror the 91kWh, dual 180kW motors and 480km driving range announced with the Sony Honda Mobility ‘Afeela’ car this week.

As befits the Consumers Electronics Show, Honda did at least give showgoers a deep dive into detail on the nerdier side of things.

9

Driving the car’s infotainment will be ASIMO OS, a new system named for the cute astronaut-looking robot Honda’s been trotting out at shows since 2000.

Along with human-facing interior systems, the new OS is designed to manage automated driving and advanced driver assistance systems.

Honda also used its CES appearance to speak on its energy initiatives, including a Home Energy Management System that integrates vehicles with household energy use.

1

The system enables vehicles to charge during off-peak hours and supply electricity back to the grid when needed, aiming to reduce electricity costs and support grid stability.

In North America, Honda is part of a joint venture to establish a charging network under the IONNA brand, with plans for 30,000 chargers by 2030. By adopting the Tesla-donated North American Charging Standard (NACS), Honda 0 Series models will also gain access to over 100,000 charging stations.

The Honda 0 SUV is expected to launch in the first half of 2026, with the Honda 0 Saloon following in late 2026.

At the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Sony unveiled the Vision S, a concept car designed to showcase its infotainment systems.

A few years later, Sony had partnered with Honda to make its sleek EV a reality.

What we knew in 2023 was that the duo’s new joint venture would be called Sony Honda Mobility, and the cars would be known by the name Afeela.

This week, at the same show, Sony and partner Honda have finally confirmed pricing for the new car, and details on where it will be offered.

The price? You’re looking at a starting point of US$89,900 for the Afeela 1 Origin. That’s about $145,000 in Australian dollars.

What it converts to in Aussie bucks is mostly academic, however, because the Afeela 1 will only be offered not just in the United States, but California specifically.

The companies haven’t revealed everything about the Afeela’s driving tech, but the key details for potential buyers are now known.

Power in all versions will be provided by two 180kW motors for an all-wheel-drive configuration, drawing energy from a 91kWh battery pack. Driving range is listed at “up to 300 miles” on the EPA standard, converting to just over 480 kilometres.

The Tesla-donated NACS charger design is standard, enabling up to 150kW of DC fast charging. (This is still behind the likes of Hyundai and Kia, whose 800V systems can peak at around 230kW.)

7

Inside, there are two large main infotainment displays, with a ‘yoke’ steering wheel intended to maximise visibility of the driver’s instruments.

This approach was introduced by Tesla, although Lexus has also adopted it as an option in its electric RZ SUV.

Rear passengers also get a pair of 12.9-inch displays, and given Sony is driving this aspect of the car, these could prove to be the best displays and menu systems on the market.

On the safety front, the Afeela 1 boasts 40 sensors of different types, including LIDAR units on its roof, clearly visible in these images.

8

Interestingly, Sony’s initial Vision S design – which wore a markedly different front end to what we see on the Afeela – was accompanied later by an SUV version, shown above.

Whether this variant will join the range later, remains to be seen – but as general market trends have shown, it would likely be the best seller of the two.

Watch this space for word on whether we’ll see the Afeela reach other markets.

1