The updated 2025 Kia EV6 electric SUV has debuted with a revised look and increased driving range.
Due in Australia at the end of 2024, revisions for the EV6 – the 2022 Wheels Car of the Year and Wheels Best Electric Midsize SUV 2024 – mimic those recently applied to the related Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a larger 84kWh battery and additional features that were first seen in more-recent Hyundai-Kia vehicles.
Exterior design revisions for the EV6 include a tweaked front end to match Kia’s newest models like the EV9 and K4 with C-shaped ‘star map signature’ headlights and a “wing-shaped” bumper.
The GT-Line (pictured in blue) adds a sportier-looking front bumper and a full-width LED light strip.
Other design changes include new alloy wheels, an updated tail-light signature, a revised lower rear bumper, and two new colours for the GT-Line: Wolf grey and yacht matte blue.
Inside, the EV6 receives an updated panoramic curved display – still with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system – a new steering wheel similar to the K4 with an off-centre Kia logo, a revised dashboard pattern, and an improved wireless charger to prevent phones from sliding.
There’s also some revised switchgear, a power-adjustable steering wheel column, a digital rear-view mirror, and three new colour options: Medium grey, green & light grey, or toffee brown.
Hyundai-Kia’s new CCNC infotainment system – with snappier graphics, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, over-the-air updates and built-in voice control – finally appears in the EV6 with the facelift, while all variants should add Kia Connect telematics in Australia.
Other tech additions include a fingerprint authentication system, walk-away locking, a digital key with Apple CarKey support in some markets, side parking sensors, a UV photocatalytic air sterilisation function, steering wheel grip detection, and improvements to the remote smart parking assist.
Under the skin, a new and larger 84kWh “fourth-generation” lithium-ion battery pack replaces the existing 77.4kWh unit.
The driving range for the long-range rear-wheel-drive model with 19-inch wheels – equivalent to the Air RWD in Australia – has increased by four per cent, taking it to around 550 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle.
Kia has fine-tuned ride and handling with a revised ‘frequency-sensitive’ shock absorber, optimised motor noise control and more sound absorption material near the rear motor, while safety is improved with a thicker B-pillar and dual second-row side airbags, taking the airbag count to 10.
In Korea, the brand said it will be “securing competitiveness by freezing sales prices for all trims” of the EV6, but there’s no guarantee Australia will also be barred from price increases.
The current Kia EV6 line-up is priced between $72,590 before on-road costs for the Air RWD and $87,590 plus on-roads for the GT-Line AWD, with an update for the flagship GT AWD – currently available from $99,590 before on-road costs – due at a later date.
When the facelifted EV6 arrives in Australia at the end of this year, Kia Australia’s product planning boss Roland Rivero told Wheels there is potential for an additional mid-spec variant – likely called Earth – allowing the GT-Line to be moved further upmarket with an improved cabin presentation.
More than 210,000 units of the Kia EV6 have been sold globally since it launched in mid-2021.
VFACTS new-car sales data shows 3116 examples of the Kia EV6 have been sold in Australia between January 2022 and April 2024 – with limited supply for our market – compared to 45,487 Tesla Model Ys and 2232 Hyundai Ioniq 5s.
Kia Australia’s electric vehicle line-up is set to expand around June or July with the addition of the Chinese-built EV5, which will better target the top-selling Model Y on price and availability.
Below: The current 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line
Car manufacturers still producing wagons have become rare but there are still a handful to choose from thanks to customers in Europe favouring a wagon over a crossover, SUV or four-wheel drive.
Here’s a taste of the wagons locked in – and some that could be – for local showrooms in 2024 and beyond.
JUMP AHEAD
- Audi A5/S5 Avant
- Audi A6 E-Tron Avant (electric)
- Audi RS6 GT Avant
- BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring
- Cupra Leon Sportstourer
- Mazda EZ-6 Wagon (electric)
- Nio ET5 Wagon (electric)
- Peugeot e-308 SW (electric)
- Skoda Octavia Wagon
- Skoda Superb Wagon
- Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer (electric)
- Volvo EV60 (electric)
- Zeekr 007 Wagon (electric)
Audi A5/S5 Avant
Love the Audi A4 Avant? Fall in love with the A5 Avant, as the German car maker changes its naming conventions with the new model due for unveiling in the second half of 2024.
The A4 name will be gone – as the even numbers are used on electric Audis, with odd numbers of internal-combustion models – with the A5 name expanding to the sedan and wagon.
The first A5 Avant will use Audi’s PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) underpinnings with a mix of mild hybrid, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions likely for European markets in a package similarly sized to the Skoda Superb (see Skoda entry).
Audi A6 E-Tron Avant
Audi Sport’s first hybrid, the A6 E-Tron Avant is due to be unveiled in mid-2024 to face off against the Australia-bound BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring.
Previewed in concept from back in 2022, the A6 E-Tron Avant will go toe-to-toe with the BMW in peak ‘RS’ trim, with a 460kW electric powertrain using the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture it will share with the smaller 2026 A4 E-Tron Avant.
The PPE – already in use on other Audi E-Tron and Porsche Taycan models – brings 800V tech to give super-fast 270kW charging with a battery expected to be around 100kW, with a range of up to 700km.
There’s no word on wagon space dimensions for the pragmatic readers but expect more affordable rear-drive versions offering outputs from 300kW upwards – although the RS stands the highest chance of an Australian appearance.
Audi RS6 GT Avant
Fancy an old-school fossil-fuelled Leviathan? The RS6 GT is an extreme V8-powered petrol farewell to Audi’s supercar-slaying wagons with a lineage going back to the stunning 1994 RS2 Avant.
Only around 20 RS6 GTs will come here – with Australia’s exact allocation of the 660 made globally still to be confirmed, with pricing also expected to be announced mid-2024.
Packing the same 463kW/850Nm twin-turbo V8 as the high-spec Performance version, the RS6 GT adds manually adjustable coil-over suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars and 10mm lower ride height.
There’s also a retuned centre diff for the quattro all-wheel drive, with bold styling including 22-inch alloys and tri-colour graphics inspired by the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car and 2020 RS6 GTO Concept.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring
BMW will have you on the electric wagon – literally – with the i5 wagon slated for a third-quarter Australian arrival.
Offered only in the top-spec M60 xDrive, it combines up to 1750 litres space when the tri-fold rear seat’s down with a 442kW/820Nm dual-motor electric set-up sending all that space from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
At $219,900 it’s $4k more than the M60 xDrive sedan, and its 506km WLTP range is 10km less, but it includes a five-year Chargefox subscription and is – according to BMW – a proper M car. Who said wagons are boring?
Cupra Leon Sportstourer
A Volkswagen Golf R wagon by another name? With Volkswagen dropping the Golf wagon in mid 2023 – and with the Passat and Arteon wagon also gone – Cupra has come to the party with the Leon Sportstourer.
Due here in mid 2025, the Leon Sportstourer shares not only its platform with Golf and Skoda Octavia Volkswagen Group siblings, but also the 245kW/420Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol seven-speed dual-clutch all-wheel-drive powertrain.
By adding the wagon – alongside several SUVs – Cupra Oz says it’s not chasing volume in what could be a unicorn in 2025 showrooms – a naturally aspirated non-hybrid performance wagon.
Mazda EZ-6 wagon
Will they or won’t they? When production of the perennial Mazda 6 ended in December 2023, it capped more than a decade in Australian showrooms as a well-made, affordable and space efficient wagon.
The EX-Z unveiled in China – where sedans are still high on shopping lists – is the electric successor to the final SkyActiv 6 in all but name and uses the same rear-drive platform as the CX-60 through to CX-90 SUVs.
How hard would a wagon be of the work is done – with the platform, hybrid powertrains and electrification already in the parts bin – and German customers, say, put their hand up?
Nio ET5 Wagon
When the Nio ET5 wagon was spied in 2022, no-one in Australia head reason to think it would make it here. Yet if the Chinese car maker achieves its plan to launch in Australia by 2025, we could see the electric-propeller ET5 wagon as part of its local line-up.
That’s still not a sure thing, but the wagon version of the ET5 – a four-door sedan with a wheelbase slightly longer than the current Toyota Camry – was revealed in mid-2023 and has since been confirmed for production in both left-hand and right-hand drive.
We’re getting ahead of ourselves, but the Nio ET5 wagon could give the BMW i5 Touring and A6 E-Tron Avant something to seriously think about.
Peugeot E-308 SW
With the hatchback version of the E-308 – ‘E’ for electric of course – confirmed for an Australian arrival in mid-2024, the ‘SW’ wagon version has missed out – for now.
Local distributor Inchcape shared the news of the hatchback’s on-sale for later in 2024 – taking the ‘expressions of interest’ page on its website – but says it could add the estate version if demand is there.
The E-308 SW uses the same 115kW electric motor and 50.8kWh battery as the hatch for a 10km shorter WLTP range of 400km but brings a 608L boot – 196 larger than the hatch’s – expandable to 1643L, stretching the space advantage to 320L.
Skoda Octavia Wagon
An updated Skoda Octavia wagon and hatch have been announced ahead of a planned arrival in Australia late this year.
The facelift brings ‘second-gen’ matrix LED headlights, fresh bumpers and more sustainable cabin material, but little else will change – and little needs to.
Final spec and pricing is yet to be confirmed but the 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol three-pot and eight-speed auto is expected to continue on entry-level Octavia ‘Style’ and mid-spec ‘Sportline’ wagons.
The hot RS version – Australia’s best-selling variant – gets a 15kW bump to 195kW with the same 370Nm of torque, recalibrated ECU software and larger, louder sports exhaust system.
Skoda Superb Wagon
Confirmed for local showrooms in early 2025 – with pricing and spec details to come – the fourth-gen Superb is the largest wagon in the VW Group.
Despite replacing a near-decade-old model, carries over the same MQB underpinnings – perhaps a sign of reduced demand for wagons.
The new Superb wagon runs the same 2810mm wheelbase as its predecessor but is longer, taller and slightly narrower for an additional 20L of cargo space at 645L expandable to 1920L with the rear seat stowed.
More space but less pace potentially, with a 195kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four and seven-speed auto unveiled against the current Australian Superb wagon’s 206kW six-speed auto version.
Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
Let’s be honest – the ID.7 wagon is unlikely to make it to Australian showrooms, especially when the hatch version hasn’t been given a local berth.
Yet Volkswagen Oz is yet to put a clear line through the possibility of either body styles, so there is a slither of hope – however false that hope may be…
If it were to land here, the ID.7 Tourer would be the first and only electric wagon wearing a Volkswagen badge.
While its 2971mm wheelbase is 130mm longer than the Superb’s, the ID.7’s 1714L falls short of the Superb’s by 206L but offers 128L more than the hatch version.
Power comes from rear-axle mounted electric motor producing 210kW/545Nm and a WLTP range of 685km from an 86kWh battery – with a 6.5-second 0-100km/h claim.
Volvo EV60
Makers of some of the safest – and most desirable – wagons, there could be a new Volvo V60 in Australia in 2026 if the local arm achieves its aim of offering electric-only models in showrooms by then.
That’s four years ahead of HQ in Gothenburg, with the local arm also acknowledging the ‘emotional’ connection the Volvo brand has with wagons – with the Zeekr 009-based EM90 providing its first people-mover.
The Zeekr 007’s advanced architecture – as detailed below – offers comparable dimensions to the current S60 but brings an EV powertrain with up to 860km (CLTC) range. It’s as if it was planned all along…
With Volvo adopting a new naming convention for its electric vehicles, with the likes of the XC40 Recharge becoming the EX40, it points to an EV60 badge for the battery wagon.
Zeekr 007 Wagon
With estate experts Volvo under the same Geely umbrella, Zeekr will launch in Australia in the second-half of 2024 with the Zeekr 009 electric people-mover and Zeekr X SUV both using the same ‘SEA2’ platform as the Volvo EX30.
Where does a wagon fit? The Zeekr 007 sedan unveiled in mid-2023 is the first vehicle to use the more advanced 800V ‘PMA2+’ electric architecture.
The new tech enables a claimed 500km of a 688 (CTLC) range after a mere 15-minute recharge – and is rumoured to be under the microscope for both a Zeekr and Volvo electric wagon. Watch this space.
Exclusive: The upcoming Kia Carnival Hybrid will become the most fuel-efficient version of Australia’s favourite people-mover.
Kia’s first petrol-electric version of the Carnival will offer an official combined fuel consumption figure of 5.8 litres per 100km, according to the federal government’s Green Vehicle Guide website.
This improves on the 6.5L/100km of the four-cylinder turbo diesel model that has traditionally been the most frugal Carnival, while it betters the petrol V6’s 9.6L/100km by 40 per cent.
Kia Australia has yet to confirm fuel consumption for the Hybrid Carnival, which is being launched about a month later than the facelifted petrol and diesel models arriving this month.
Pricing, however, will be released at 5pm this Thursday (16th May).
The Carnival Hybrid features a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain shared with the Sportage and Sorento Hybrids, though with higher 183kW/367Nm outputs – up from 169kW/350Nm.
It is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, which exclusively powers the front wheels like all other Carnivals.
The Lexus LM350h remains the most efficient hybrid in the segment with 5.5L/100km, though the posh people-mover costs more than $160,000.
The seven-seater Volkswagen Caddy Maxi is a more natural rival and comes with official consumption figure of 4.9L/100km for TDI diesel variants.
A learner driver will always inherit the habits, good and bad, of those who teach them. What does this variance in education lead to?
New research conducted by Ford’s Driving Skills for Life program, asked 1000 Queenslanders for their opinion on driving habits of fellow road users, with some gobsmacking results.
The results suggest nearly three quarters (74%) of Queenslanders believe their neighbours are not good drivers, and just over one quarter (26%) believe they are superior drivers compared to the other states and territories.
Snapshot
- Ford Australia introduces Driving Skills For Life program for new and young drivers.
- Ford Australia reveals biggest road annoyances of Queensland drivers.
- Startling statistics of drivers’ complacency and levels of ability uncovered.
- Important focus on bad habits, and how not to pass them on to learners.
Of all the bugbears, Queensland drivers are most perturbed by not indicating (80%), tailgating (79%) and running red lights (63%).
Other traffic and driving etiquette annoyances included: not using lights in wet weather (43%), speeding (42%) going under the speed limit (41%) and the unforgivable sin of not returning the “thank you” wave (34%).
However, when it came to learning how to drive on different terrain, only half of the respondents had experienced various terrains.
“Driving is a lifelong skill, and every day we are all still learning. When first learning how to drive, we rely on the skills and knowledge of the person who taught us, as well as the roads and surfaces we were comfortable practising on,” said James Stewart, Ford Driving Skills for Life Program Director in Australia.
“If a teacher has a bad driving habit, that will be passed onto the student, so it’s important to break that cycle with professional training.
“The lessons taught in the Driving Skills for Life program will arm the next generation of drivers with skills that will help them when they need it most on the road,” Stewart said.
When asked about their experience when first learning how to drive, 71% of Queensland respondents felt that they passed their learners permit with the full complement of driving skills needed – while an astonishing 94% claimed to now be better or equal to the person who taught them.
In terms of generational comparison, this sentiment hits home for Queensland local and legendary race driver Dick Johnson, and his grandson Jett. “The biggest thing I could say to parents when they’re teaching their kids to drive is to be very patient and remain calm. And if you don’t think you’re a good enough driver – get someone else to do it, otherwise you’ll just make them as bad as you are,” said Dick Johnson.
Jett Johnson, currently racing in Super2 for Zane Morse Racing, said “a lot of driving schools teach you how to pass your test, but at the end of the day, the biggest thing is getting your hours up and getting experience. Every day you’ll get on the road, and nothing is the same, everything is always different, so there’s no substitute for experience.”
The 2024 Ford Driving Skills for Life program will be collaborating with local councils and high schools across regional Queensland throughout May.
Existing and new buyers of a Ford EV now have the option to take up the installation of a 7.4kW single-phase AC wall charger, installed by Evie Networks.
A 7.4kW connection is far from the fastest way to charge, as our guide here explains, but in most cases it’ll do the job for an overnight refill.
The combined hardware and installation cost comes at a cost of $2580, and the deal includes $400 worth of free charging across Evie’s network of 230 DC fast charging sites. That’s equivalent to roughly 690kWh of charge, or nearly 10 full charges of a 71kWh Mustang Mach-E.
Buyers who already have three-phase power can upgrade to a faster 22kW charger for an extra $300, and buyers with existing solar power can have the charger integrated for another $300 on top.
The $400 charging credit can be used immediately at the time of purchase, even before installation is carried out, and will be valid for 12 months.
A three-year hardware warranty is provided by Evie, along with a two-year warranty on the installation work.
Ford’s existing EV line-up in Australia includes the newly launched Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit, to be joined later this year by the upcoming (and still to be revealed) Puma Gen-E.
Owners of the incoming Ranger PHEV and the now retired Escape PHEV can also use the Evie charger, although charging speeds will be limited by the PHEVs’ 3.6kW system.
The 2025 Toyota Camry sedan has been detailed for Australia ahead of its launch in the second half of the year.
Available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain for the first time in the Camry’s history, the line-up will continue to feature Ascent, Ascent Sport and SL variants. The sports-themed SX has been discontinued.
Prices for the ninth-generation Camry are still to be confirmed, but increases are expected over current hybrid models, which were priced between $37,917 and $51,417 before on-road costs until orders were paused in October 2023 due to extended wait times.
As detailed here, the new Camry is a heavy facelift of the current model with an identical wheelbase, based on an updated version of the existing TNGA-K platform shared with the RAV4 and Kluger.
The front-drive Camry retains the familiar 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine matched to an updated “fifth-generation” hybrid system with a lighter and more compact transaxle, a more powerful electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery.
Over the existing model, the entry-level Ascent adds an 8-inch touchscreen (up from 7-inch), a new infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster (replacing analogue gauges with a 4.2-inch central display), front and rear USB-C charge ports, and enhanced Connected Services functionality including remote air conditioning.
Active safety features have been improved by including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert – previously limited to the Ascent Sport and above – and safe exit assist to prevent ‘dooring’ other road users.
Front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system have also been added.
There’s also low-speed emergency braking in forward and reverse when parking, a monitoring camera with an emergency stop function when it detects an unresponsive driver, and improvements to the functionality of the existing autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The Ascent will also include LED tail-lights – previously limited to the top-of-the-range SL – and new-look 17-inch alloy wheels.
A 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system, built-in satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a wireless phone charger are new additions to the mid-spec Ascent Sport.
It also adds “high-grade” LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights, along with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The flagship SL introduces revised 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a digital rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass, a rear camera washer, and a Nanoe X air purification system compared to the previous model.
Externally, the Camry features an updated front end with C-shaped daytime running light signature similar to the new C-HR, Prius and Crown Sport, a revised side profile, and claw-shaped tail-lights.
More details about the 2025 Toyota Camry are due to be confirmed closer to its Australian launch in the second half of the year.
2025 Toyota Camry features
| 2025 Toyota Camry Ascent features | |
|---|---|
| 17-inch alloy wheels | Front and rear parking sensors (new) |
| 8-inch infotainment system (up from 7-inch) | 360-degree camera system (new) |
| Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Autonomous emergency braking |
| Toyota Connected Services | Lane-keep assist |
| Front and rear USB-C charge ports (replaces USB-A) | Lane departure warning |
| Six-speaker audio system | Blind-spot monitoring (new) |
| 7-inch digital instrument cluster (replaces analogue gauges and 4.2-inch display) | Rear cross-traffic alert (new) |
| Cloth upholstery | Safe exit assist (new) |
| LED headlights | Adaptive cruise controlu00a0 |
| LED tail-lights (new) | Driver monitoring camera (new) |
| Dual-zone climate control | Automatic high beam |
2025 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport features
| In addition to Ascent | |
|---|---|
| 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system (new) | Auto-dimming rear-view mirror (new) |
| Built-in connected satellite navigation (new) | Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (new) | Eight-way power-adjustable driveru2019s seat with lumbar support |
| Wireless phone charger (new) | LED courtesy lamps |
| u201cHigh-gradeu201d LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights (new) | Scuff plates |
2025 Toyota Camry SL features
| In addition to Ascent Sport | |
|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels (new-look) | Head-up display |
| 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (new) | Leather-accented upholstery |
| Digital rear-view mirror (new) | Heated and ventilated front seats |
| Heated steering wheel (new) | Eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat with lumbar support |
| Rear privacy glass (new) | Power steering wheel column adjustment |
| Rear camera washer (new) | Paddle shifters |
| Nanoe X air purification system (new) | Rain-sensing wipers |
| Nine-speaker JBL audio system | Heated side mirrors with memory function and tilt-down in reverse |
2025 Toyota Camry pricing
| Model | New 2025 price | Current 2024 price |
|---|---|---|
| Ascent | $TBC | $37,917 |
| Ascent Sport | $TBC | $40,717 |
| SL | $TBC | $51,417 |
We’re deep into 2024 (already!) and Grays continues to serve up more interesting cars from all corners.
2018 Alfa Romeo STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO Automatic
Named for the famed Stelvio Pass in Italy, this Quadrifoglio variant of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio offers all the style of the marque paired with a perky 2.9-litre 6-cylinder that should satisfy those looking for practicality and fun.
2009 Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 8J Automatic Convertible
Somewhat less practical, but no less fun is this Audi TT from 2009.
Audi might have wrapped up production of this roadster in 2023 after 25 years, but that doesn’t mean you can’t snap one up just for those leisurely sunset coastal runs with the roof down.
2010 BMW 520d Touring
It remains this author’s ardent hope that wagons will stage a massive return to fashionability, and for your consideration is this 5 Series BMW from 2010 in Touring guise.
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Another roadster for your consideration, this Mercedes-Benz SL 55 with the AMG tune promises a lot of grunt paired with comfort for those awesome weekend cruises
1964 Holden EH V8 Wagon
One from the classic-era of Aussie car making, this Holden EH looks in good condition – that “patina” look has been carefully crafted – and will give any V8 fan something to consider.
1992 Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender has a strong fan base, so this example could stand to get a lot of attention.
Defender lovers can take a look at this manual lot if they’re seeking something to help with that adventure itch.
Take a look at Grays’ entire listings here [↗]
Australian car importer AGA Group could introduce a monstrous all-electric off-roader alongside its first Aion models next year, with the manic Dongfeng M-Hero on the table for local launch.
Set to become a performance sub-brand of the Chinese state-owned Dongfeng Motor Corporation Mengshi 4×4 family, M-Hero launched with the mighty M-Hero 917 in 2022 – though it’s the even more potent M-Hero 1 successor that could be coming Down Under.
While still not yet confirmed, an insider at AGA told Wheels the company had recently returned from extensive evaluation of the model in China and was seriously considering adding an M-Hero to its fledgling Australian catalogue.
If given the green light, Australia would be in line for an 800kW/1400Nm Landcruiser crusher and, in the absence of the Hummer EV and Rivian R1 in local showrooms, most potent off-road model of any kind.
Following tests of the model in China, the AGA source compared the M-Hero 1 to GWM’s muscular Tank 700 – which comes with a 385kW/850Nm V6 turbo hybrid powertrain.
“[M-Hero 1 is a] GWM Tank 700 times two,” they said.
One sticking point for now remains the usual right-hand drive question but a couple of solutions are in the boiler. Firstly, DMC already produces models for RHD markets including Thailand and tooling up for Australia wouldn’t be as complex a process as an initial project.
Secondly, WhichCar understands Australian vehicle re-engineering specialist Walkinshaw is in talks with the importer about the possibility for conversion on local turf – a project made easier for electric vehicles rolling on modular ‘skateboard’ platforms.
As reported exclusively by Wheels last week, Aion will launch in Australia in 2025, but as it’s unlikely the company will launch with just one model – the Aion V – the brand’s importer is looking to bolster its local offering with other models.
This could also include more machinery under the M-Hero banner as well as a small hatchback touted to be arriving in Aion showrooms alongside the V mid-sized SUV.
Another option could be the range-extended REV version of the M-Hero which uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine to charge a battery, which in turn feeds three electric motors.
It doesn’t quite have the punch of the all-electric version which gets one motor per wheel, but with 600kW and more than 1000Nm it still manages the zero-100km/h dash in 6.0 seconds, while offering about 155km of range from a fully charged battery. Both M-Heros have a maximum range of about 750km.
Regardless of the variant, both need sizeable outputs to muscle their significant masses over mountains with the REV tipping the scales at 3150kg, while the pure electric version weighs-in at a whopping 3293kg.
Battery sizing and capacity is unknown at this stage but a DC high-speed charge is said to get the EV version’s battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 37 minutes.
As for off-road credentials, the M-Hero has an approach angle of up to 36.8 degrees, departure of up to 37.5 degrees and a breakover of as much as 32.6 degrees, while up to 900mm of water can be waded.
We imagine with a length of 4987mm the M-hero’s turning circle will be wide but made a little more manageable with rear wheel steering that can turn the rear wheels as much as 10.6 degrees.
It’s a common refrain that if you like the idea of a supercar but just can’t stump up the cash, the next best thing is a much smaller version.
That’s just what Mercedes-Benz and Mattel are proposing with this latest edition to the Matchbox Collectors series: the G580 With EQ Technology – what you might know more simply as the long-promised electric G-Class.
Priced at $52 for Australian buyers, the special-edition Matchbox G580 is about 17 times pricier than a regular Matchbox car – but you might be better served to think of it as just 0.02% the price of what the real EQ G580 is likely to cost. (Mercedes hasn’t said, but reports out of America suggest it’ll be around US$150K over there.)
It genuinely is a bit more special than the usual Matchbox offerings, too.
That’s thanks to the use of 99.5% recycled metal (we’d love to know which part isn’t recycled), while the plastic elements are 81% recycled – and that’s specifically certified through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system in Germany.
It’s only available online, so you can pop over to the Mattel Creations site here to sweat over whether you’ll ever financially recover from buying one. And beware; they’re not shipping until late December.
NOTE: This story isn’t sponsored, and to prove it, here’s a vid by a fella who says it’s overpriced. (I’ll probably get one though, because YOLO!)
The Cupra Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid has been given the Spanish brand’s ‘Tribe’ special-edition treatment, bringing fancier design features from the flagship VZx.
Exterior upgrades comprise 19-inch black/copper alloy wheels and a new optional sunroof.
More is added to the cabin, which gains ‘petrol blue’ leather-appointed upholstery, door trim and dash, along with front seats that offer heating and an electric adjustment on the driver’s side.
A surround-view monitor and Beats audio system complete the equipment step-up for the VZe Tribe Edition that costs from $67,990 – $3000 more than the regular VZe.
Drive-away pricing varies between states and territories, ranging from $70,990 (ACT) to $73,990 (WA), and the VZe Tribe is limited to 300 units.
Cupra Australia says the VZe has replaced the VZx performance model as the most popular variant in the Formentor line-up, accounting for more than half of the compact crossover’s sales.
A facelifted Formentor is coming in the second quarter of 2025 with updated styling, cabin features and drivetrains. This includes a lift in power and range for the plug-in VZe, which increases output from 180kW to 200kW while the distance it can potentially go on electric power alone goes from 58km to more than 100km thanks to a larger battery.
