The surge in electric vehicle sales in Australia has come to an abrupt end after the segment last month registered its first decline since late 2020.

EV registrations in April were 6194, down five percent on the 6530 units for the same month last year, according to official industry figures released today.

The segment has regularly enjoyed triple-digit year-on-year growth since the start of 2021, and hasn’t posted a negative monthly year-on-year result since November 2020

It’s too early to know if April is a blip or the first sign of Australia following a trend for declining EV sales in other markets such as the US and Europe.

EV sales growth had started to slow in the second half of 2023, with most months recording only double-digit growth. Year-to-date EV sales are now up 32 per cent, having been up 46 percent after the first three months of 2024.

Tesla sales slumped 44 per cent year on year to 2077 units despite remaining the leader for EVs in April. The US electric car brand recently announced further price cuts for its Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV.

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China’s BYD increased year-on-year sales by 26 percent to 1410 units, helped by the Seal sedan (811 registrations), though sales of its Atto 3 SUV dropped by 63 percent.

In year-to-date figures, Tesla sales are still up (by nearly six percent), with BYD growing faster, with 83 percent.

First-time EVs from Ford, Subaru and Toyota are all struggling to make much of an impression in the market at this stage.

Toyota sold only 74 units of its bZ4X midsize SUV last month, 17 ahead of Subaru’s twin, the Solterra. Just 42 Mustang Mach-Es were registered in April.

Lexus and Mercedes EVs also posted low results.

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Korean twins the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 registered year-on-year growth, if from smaller volume bases, a similar story for the Cupra Born that almost doubled sales though just from 21 to 41 units.

Swedish EV brand Polestar has stopped reporting sales to the FCAI after joining Tesla in accusing the lobby group of misleading consumers over the New Fuel Efficiency Standard. Tesla will also stop reporting its sales midyear.

Polestar told WhichCar it registered 100 vehicles in April, which wouldn’t have altered the segment decline.

In contrast, hybrid sales continue to explode, with 195 percent year-on-year growth comparing April 2024 with April 2023. Year to date, combustion-electric sales are up nearly 140 per cent.

Plug-in hybrid sales are also enjoying increased popularity – up nearly 140 percent when comparing year-on-year and year-to-date.

On the pure combustion side, diesel sales are up 14 per cent year to date after 22 per cent growth in April. Petrol vehicle sales were down slightly in April and stagnant year to date.

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the kind of car you’ll recognise when you see it– it’s a head turner.

The family car captures the essence of Italian luxury in the SUV market, offering a blend of elegance and invigorating performance.

Anchored in Alfa Romeo’s rich legacy, the Stelvio Ti boasts a commanding presence typical of a luxury SUV.

The Stelvio Ti exemplifies Alfa Romeo’s commitment to blending state-of-the-art technology, powerful performance, and sophisticated styling to create vehicles that resonate with passion and exhilaration.

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Pricing and Features

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti kicks off the line-up at $77,950 before on-road costs.

As a flagship of Alfa Romeo’s modern design philosophy, the Stelvio Ti has evolved visually while remaining strikingly attractive through its latest updates.

The model is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 206 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

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All Stelvio models trims include driver-centric amenities such as an 8.8-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch driver display and a wireless charging pad.

For those desiring enhanced features like a premium sound system, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and a slip rear differential, the upgraded Veloce trim is the next step.

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Safety

While the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti is currently unrated, earlier models maintain a five-star ANCAP safety rating for versions manufactured before 2023.

The Stelvio Ti is well-equipped for safety, featuring six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, and sensors for both front and rear parking, along with lane-keeping assistance.

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Key Rivals

The Stelvio Ti challenges other notable luxury SUVs such as:

• Audi Q5
• BMW X3
• Mercedes-Benz GLC

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Should I Put It On My Shortlist?

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti is a compelling choice for those seeking more than just an SUV. With its refined Italian design, engaging driving dynamics, and extensive feature list, the Stelvio Ti offers a near-luxurious experience at a competitive price.

Ideal for navigating urban environments or enjoying long road trips, the Stelvio Ti promises an unforgettable driving experience with every journey.

If the seemingly relentless push towards electrification and downsizing has you feeling glum, we suggest you wrap your peepers around this.

It’s Ferrari’s all-new V12 flagship; a futuristic and surprisingly different-looking replacement to the brilliant 812 Superfast that is so obsessed with its own, even more powerful 12-cylinder engine that it has named itself after it: the Ferrari 12Cilindri.

Italian a little rusty? Translation: the Ferrari 12 Cylinders.

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Revealed on the eve of the Miami Formula 1 grand prix at a swanky event on Miami Beach, the 12Cilindri is the latest iteration of Maranello’s iconic front-engine V12 lineage and, as you’d expect, it packs some serious performance numbers.

Power comes from Ferrari’s venerable F140 6.5-litre V12, an engine first used in the Enzo and later in the F12, 812 SF and Purosangue, but heavy modifications and fresh internals have lifted power to 610kW at a heady 9500rpm.

That’s a 22kW jump over the already obscenely powerful 812SF but it’s the higher rev limit that promises to truly elevate the driving experience.

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While the 812 SF made peak power at 8500rpm, the 12Cilindri still has another 1000rpm to go. Only the 812 Competizione can match the 12Cilindri for redline top trumps.

The trade off with a higher rev-limit is slightly less torque (678Nm @ 7250rpm plays 718Nm @ 6750rpm in the 812 SF) but Ferrari’s engineers have worked hard to ensure the 12Cilindri doesn’t only rev more cleanly but that 80 percent of its torque is available from just 2500rpm.

Straight line performance? About on par with a the 812 Superfast. 0-100kmh takes 2.9 seconds, 200km/h is dispatched in 7.9sec and, if you have enough space, top speed is 340km/h.

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A Spider version was also revealed and naturally it’s a little heavier (60kg to be precise) so it’s not quite as blistering. 0-100kmh takes 2.95 seconds, while 200km/h takes 8.2sec. Happily, the top speed is the same which should do wonders to your hair when the roof is down.

Underneath the 12Cilindri uses an all-new aluminium chassis that Ferrari says is 15 percent stiffer. The wheelbase is 20mm shorter than 812 SF, too, but the car itself is bigger. Overall length has grown by 76mm, width is now 56mm girthier and height is up by 16mm.

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Despite new aluminium chassis, which also employs a new 100 percent recycled alloy for the gearbox strut towers, weight has crept up slightly to 1560kg dry for the Coupe and 1620kg for the Spider. That’s an increase of around 35kg over the 812 SF.

Now, the design. Quite the departure from the sculptural, vent-infused 812 SF isn’t it? Ferrari says it was targeting a cleaner look and the great expanse of the monolithic bonnet (which is now a single piece and front hinged) is interrupted only by two small cooling vents. The wrap-round headlight treatment is another bold change — anyone else picking up strong 365 vibes there? — and coupe versions sport an enormous glass roof.

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Beauty is subjective but to our eyes the Spider is the prettier of the pair. It loses the giant section of black rear glass and instead features a pair of buttresses just ahead of the shrink-wrapped rear wheel arches. Speaking of, wheel sizes have crept up an inch over the 812SF to 21-inches.

As you’d expect, there’s a lot of aerodynamic wizardry at play, including a twin element active rear wing with two settings: low drag of high downforce. Below 60km/h and above 300km/h the elements stay hidden to reduce drag but between those speeds they rise and vary their height depending on the car’s speed and load.

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LONG LIVE THE V12!

If, like us, you had a fearful moment that calling this car the ‘12 cylinders’ means it could be a send off to the big 6.5-litre V12, rest easy. Ferrari has previously confirmed it will keep building the V12, without hybrid assistance, for as long as possible.

While it made its debut in the Enzo back in 2002, the F140 V12 has undergone hefty changes since then. The F140 GA used in the 812 SF, for example, was claimed to be 75 percent new and increased capacity from 6.3L to 6.5.

To help the big unit rev even harder in the 12Cilindri, where it’s known as the F140 HD, Ferrari has worked hard to reduce weight and free up the inertia of the internals. Titanium conrods deliver a 40 percent saving in rotational mass compared to ones made from steel and the crankshaft has been rebalanced and made 3 percent lighter. Aluminium alloy is also used for the pistons and the changes result in an engine that Ferrari says delivers “instantaneous pick-up for maximum accelerator response and a feeling of “never-ending power”.

Further underscoring that sense of bottomless performance is the inclusion of Ferrari’s torque staging software, known here as ‘Aspirated torque shaping’, which manipulates the torque curve in third and fourth gears for even more savage feeling acceleration.

A new exhaust system with shorter intake tracts and a ceramic catalytic converter also feature and the big V12’s cooling system has also been completely overhauled.

The 812 SF’s 7-speed dual clutch gearbox has been replaced with a new 8-speed DCT lifted largely from the SF90, although shift times have been improved and are now 30 percent faster compared with previous V12 applications.

As is the Ferrari way, there’s an armada of complex chassis and software control systems to help harness the performance. Four wheel steering, which can manage the movement of each wheel individually, has been lifted from the 812 SF Competizione and the brakes now feature the same brake-by-wire braking ABS Evo set-up found in the 296 GTB and SF90 XX.

Ferrari’s latest 6D sensor is used to manage all of the systems and there’s also the latest evolution of Side Slip Control 8.0 to hep turn mere mortals into power sliding gods.

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THERE ARE MANY SCREENS

Like the exterior, the cabin design ushers in a fresh look compared with 812 SF. There are now three information displays: a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, a 15.6-inch driver display and an 8.8-inch passenger display. Naturally you score Ferrari’s signature carbon-steering wheel, which incorporates multiple functions for the indicators and wipers into buttons on the wheel itself, and buyers can also option a 15-speaker 1600W Burmester sound system.

WHEN WILL THE FERRARI 12CILINDRI COME TO AUSTRALIA?

European deliveries of left-hand-drive cars will commence in the last quarter of 2024, while right-hand-drive cars should arrive between six-nine months later. That puts Aussie deliveries around the middle of 2025. Open-top versions will come after that, with first delivers kicking off in Europe in the first quarter of 2025 and in Australia later that year or possibly early 2026.

As for pricing, the coupe will have an Italian driveway price of EUR 395,000. The Spider is costlier at EUR435,000. Here in Australia, it’s likely those prices will translate to somewhere in the $800,000 bracket before options.

MG is a far more advanced car maker than when the current MG3 was first produced in 2011, and as a result will no longer solely focus on price for the model that is currently Australia’s cheapest new car.

While local specification is yet to be confirmed, the 2024 MG3 brings significantly more driver assistance technology, much of which was almost unthinkable a decade ago.

In Europe, it has been launched with hybrid powertrains alongside entry-level petrol models, with MG Australia yet to reveal if both will arrive down under.

With larger dimensions – albeit a smaller boot – a quantum-leap in cabin design, fit and finish includes a colour touchscreen, digital instruments and higher levels of safety equipment.

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In Australia in 2023, MG sold 15,430 of the outgoing MG3, making it the brand’s second-best seller behind the MG ZS SUV.

In the UK, MG is targeting 10,000 sales per annum – a match for the Toyota Yaris’s volume and more than double the previous MG3’s 4000 yearly average.

Part of that goal, says the British media, is fuelled by Ford’s decision to drop the Fiesta, ending production last July after 47 years – a car that had topped UK sales charts for 12 consecutive years until 2020.

Released in hybrid guise, with the petrol models to follow, Autocar, Auto Express and What Car? were among the first media in the world to drive the second-generation MG3.

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Auto Express said the MG3 was ‘among the most fun to drive, comfortable and best equipped cars in its class’, achieved while priced from £18,495 ($35,490) – considerably cheaper than key rivals such as the Renault Clio hybrid.

Price and equipment levels were universally praised, with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, adaptive cruise control and rear-parking camera and sensors as standard.

Inside, there’s also a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat-nav standard across the line-up, with the up-spec ‘Trophy’ costing £2000 ($A3838) more adding leather seat trim among its extra equipment.

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While the exterior was criticised as appearing fussy and still ‘under wheeled’, the road testers at Autocar reported improvements in leaps and bounds inside the MG3’s ‘mature’ cabin.

The fit, finish and touchscreen were praised – with points deducted for the air-conditioning functions not being accessed by physical buttons – as was the ‘clever’ surround view camera on up-spec models.

The 10.25-inch infotainment was praised by Auto Express, with What Car? saying it had reasonable response with only sporadic touchscreen delays.

A simple ‘fine’ was the response from Auto Express, saying the much-improved interior was effectively in-line with rivals in the cost-conscious supermini segment.

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What Car? had difficulty in sorting a comfortable driving position with the six-way adjustable driver’s seat, but said it was one of only a few foibles with the second-generation MG3.

While it says a six-foot driver can be easily accommodated, What Car? suggested a Clio is likely more comfortable on longer trips.

It also said the rearward vision from the MG3 was hampered by the wider C-pillars intruding into the rear windscreen.

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It delivers distinct driving and brake regeneration modes offering noticeable differences in driving character, the latter enabling ‘near’ EV-like one-pedal driving.

Auto Express backed that up by saying the MG ‘behaves more like an EV’ with instant throttle response on the whole with only occasional lag when the combined power from both the petrol engine and electric motor were called upon.

Autocar achieved 44.8mpg (6.3L/100km) in testing – a far cry from the claimed 64.2mpg (4.4L/100km) – although Auto Express reported a ‘roughly 55mpg’ (5.1L/100km) during its time with the car.

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What Car? said the hybrid powertrain has ‘plenty of oomph’, but the MG3’s steering is ‘quite slow’ and ‘heavy around town’ but provides good feedback.

Autocar noted a similar steering feel, describing it as ‘springy’, with the MG3 having more body roll than key rivals.

Yet while it was “firmly sprung” it was “never uncomfortable” according to What Car? easily dismissing potholes – something Autocar agreed with, praising the hatchback’s ‘comfortable’ ride.

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What Car? also enjoyed the urban refinement, given the MG3 hybrid’s ability to drive around town using only the electric motor and 1.83kWh battery pack.

The rear seat’s lack of flexibility is an issue for What Car?, with no 60:40 split, and when the one-piece bench seat is folded, a lip means there is no flat floor.

The boot is 293L – some 14L down on the previous model’s – but a competitive match for the Yaris and Clio’s according to Auto Express, but can’t match the Skoda Fabia’s 380L jobbie, making it too small in What Car?’s book.

Scoring was high across the board. What Car? gave the new MG3 four stars, Autocar rated it 4.5 stars, while AutoExpress gave the little MG a maximum five stars.

In Australia, pricing is expected to start above $20,000 – with the outgoing MG3 offered from $18,500 – when it arrives in local showrooms later in 2024.

The Australian new car scene has gone upmarket in recent years, with there now being a distinct lack of inexpensive, high-quality vehicles.

Seven years’ ago we had eight vehicles on sale under $15,000 – now there are only a handful available for $10k more.

Here’s a quick look at what you can buy brand-new for less than $25,000 drive-away based on a New South Wales postcode.

MG 3

Price: $18,990

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The biggest player in the small car segment, the MG3 has sold over 3,000 units just this year.

The MG3 has no ANCAP safety rating from 2018 onwards, but an all-new model is expected this year. It will also get a heap of new tech, meaning a roughly $5k price rise in incoming. However, the current MG is still on-sale for the under $20 mark.

The current runout MG3 is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which in base Core form is mated to a four-speed auto. Note this price is based on the Core, but the Core with satellite navigation still comes in at under $20k drive-away too, as does the Excite – costing $19,990. Fuel economy is rated at 6.7L/100km on the WLTP combined cycle.

This little MG comes with a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with contrast stitching, LED daytime running lights and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.

Kia Picanto

Price: $20,690

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Remaining a dominant player in the niche micro-car segment, the Kia Picanto holds its own, with 7,706 examples sold in 2023.

It’s powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which in base Sport form is mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Note this price is based on the manual, but the auto S sits just over $20k drive-away. Fuel economy for the manual is rated at 5.4L/100km and automatic at 6.0L/100km on the WLTP combined cycle.

The tiniest Kia comes with cruise control, a reversing camera, and a big touchscreen that does a lot with your smartphone. Broadly effective autonomous emergency braking is also standard.

MG ZS

Price: $22,990

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Since its Australian debut in 2017, the MG ZS has quickly become a top contender, acclaimed for its exceptional value and emerging as the most sought-after vehicle in its category by 2023.

This compact SUV is well-equipped with modern features, including an 8-inch touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, roof rails, and a premium 6-speaker Yamaha audio system.

For those seeking a touch more luxury, the MG ZST starts at $25,490 and is available in three additional variants. These upscale models include enhancements such as a sunroof and a 360-degree camera, offering an elevated driving experience.

At its introduction, the MG ZS received a commendable four-star safety rating from ANCAP, which remains valid until the end of this year.

Kia Stonic

Price: $24,190

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A relative newcomer to the competitive subcompact SUV market, the Kia Stonic has made quite the mark.

The vehicle is equipped with a powered by a 74kW/133Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine. The starting price is for the manual model, with the automatic version available for an extra $1500. The manual version boasts a fuel efficiency of 6.0L/100km, and the automatic registers 6.7L/100km on the WLTP combined cycle.

The Stonic features essential modern conveniences such as cruise control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple Carplay.

The compact SUV has a five-star ANCAP rating and houses safety features such as lane-keep assist, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

At the time of writing the Stonic S & Stonic Sport grade orders are on pause due to extended lead times.

Suzuki Ignis

Price: $24,490

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A notable contender in the compact car category, the Suzuki Ignis continues to capture attention with 7,706 units sold in 2023.

This model features a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. In its standard configuration, it pairs with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The advertised price pertains to the manual version, while the automatic model is available for slightly over $20,000 drive-away. The fuel efficiency of the manual version is impressive at 5.4L/100km, and the automatic achieves 6.0L/100km according to the WLTP combined cycle.

The compact Suzuki is equipped with cruise control, a reverse camera, and a large touchscreen that integrates seamlessly with smartphones. It also includes comprehensive autonomous emergency braking as a standard feature.

MG 5

Price: $24,990

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Sneaking into the category is the new MG 5, a small sedan from the budget brand.

The entry-level vibe is offered in a sinle automatic option and comes equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine. It claims 6.6 litres per/100km used on a combined cycle.

Inside you’ll get a 10-inch touchscreen that connects via cable to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear view camera, push button start and synthetic leather seats.

The car was tested by ANCAP in 2022 and received zero stars. It does however come equipped with autonomous emergency braking, emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and a suit of other safety features.

Cheap cars – 6 new cars under $25,000

Pricing, specifications and performance figures refer to entry-level variants, based on a NSW postcode.

Hyundai Australia has confirmed new stock of the i30 N hatchback this week, after local customers faced delays of up to nine months during 2023.

A total of 387 are now in Australia and available for delivery to buyers, after ordering of the i30 N hatch was paused in July 2023 after considerable stock shortages lead to customer wait times of between six and nine months.

Hyundai re-opened order books in October last year, and has sold 280 in the first quarter of 2024, with the latest shipment giving healthy stock levels for the next quarter.

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The Korean carmaker says there are another 352 i30 N hatchbacks currently on the water heading to Australia from the Czech manufacturing plant in Europe.

Of the nearly 400 MY24 i30 N hatches already on the ground, a number equipped with the dual-clutch transmission also come with the new factory-fitted Comfort Pack.

A no-cost-option over the existing i30N with Premium Sunroof – priced at $51,900 before on-road costs – the Comfort Pack sees the standard Alcantara and leather lightweight front seats replaced by suede and leather N sports seats.

The optional seats bring with eight-way power adjustment, four-way lumbar support as well as cushion extensions on both seats, while the driver’s seat has a memory setting.

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The Comfort Pack also includes the Panoramic Sunroof in what may be the last shipment of the current model i30 N hatch.

A facelift of the i30 hatch was revealed in Europe in March 2024 is expected in local showrooms late this year as Hyundai Australia switches from South Korean production to Czech supply.

South Korean production of the current ‘PD’ series i30 hatch ended in December 2023, where the i30 sedan still comes from.

There is still a wait of up to six months for Australian customers ordering the i20 N hatch, which is also sourced from the Czech Republic.

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For nearly three decades, the Subaru Forester has been a top choice for Australian families, renowned for its dependability and versatility.

The Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport AWD combines everyday comfort with rugged utility, making it ideal for both routine tasks and more adventurous pursuits.

It resembles a compact SUV in size but provides the roominess and driving experience of a larger wagon.

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Pricing & Features

The 2.5i Sport sits in the middle of the Forester line-up, costing $45,640 before on-road costs.

The model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark metallic finish, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, leather steering wheel and gear shift and cloth trim seats.

There are orange highlights both on the inside and outside of the vehicle as well an an electric sunroof, power tailgate, heated front seats and satellite navigation.

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There are also plenty of practical additions like rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights, black roof rails and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Powering the family SUV is a 2.5-litre e-Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 136kW and 239Nm of torque, paired with a CVT and Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive.

Safety

The 2024 Subaru Forester upholds its five-star ANCAP safety rating, bolstered by the comprehensive EyeSight Driver Assist technology.

The Forester achieves impressive safety scores, with a 94% rating for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant safety.

It is fully outfitted with essential safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist, ensuring a secure and protective driving environment.

Furthermore the Sport trim also has Subaru’s Vision Assist system which adds adaptive high beams, front and side view monitors and reverse auto braking capability.

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Key Rivals

The Subaru Forester faces competition from medium SUVs such as:

• Toyota RAV4
• Mazda CX-5
• Honda CR-V

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

If you value a midsize SUV that offers safety, efficiency, and capability for both urban and off-road adventures, the Subaru Forester a smart choice for a wide range of drivers.

The Forester’s all-wheel drive and high safety ratings make it an excellent choice for both urban commuting and more challenging terrains. With competitive pricing and a strong set of features, it stands out in a crowded market, presenting itself as a smart investment for practical buyers looking for a durable and capable SUV.

April 2024: 2024 Nismo Z available to all

With last year’s initial allocation quickly exhausted, all-comers are now invited to jump in.

When the flagship 2024 Nissan Z Nismo made its local sales debut in August last year, it was a short story: all 100 cars allocated to Australia were snapped up within just 53 minutes, according to Nissan.

Today the brand has confirmed expanded availability, with the Nismo-tuned Z now available to order through Nissan dealers – this time with no limit on build slots.

The requisite marketing vid:

Nissan says deliveries will begin “almost immediately”, suggesting there’s now local stock available.

Buyers not deterred by the Nismo Z’s unchanged $94K price tag (before on-road costs) are treated to a hero coupe that goes further in its enhancements than the car that preceded it, thanks to the new-gen Z’s turbocharged V6 petrol engine that more easily enables a power bump.

In Nismo spec, that means 309kW and 520Nm – 11kW and 45Nm more oomph than the regular Z, which is priced from $75,800.

Power aside, the Nismo-badged price leap is rationalised easily enough with the following additional performance tweaks.

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August 2023: Nissan has locked in pricing for the Nismo Z and revamped MY24 range.

Just 100 examples of the hardcore Nismo Z will land in Australia before the year is out priced from $94,000 before on-road costs.

Customers with orders already in place will be contacted by their Nissan dealer and offered the opportunity to swap into a Nismo version.

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For those not already in the queue, Nissan will open orders at 11am August 10 on its Australian website and a $1000 deposit will put you in the running.

In Australia, the 309kW/520Nm Nismo Z will be offered in one of four colour combos, all of which are variations of black or white:

• Black Diamond Metallic w/ Super Black roof
• Brilliant Silver Metallic w/ Super Black roof
• Everest White w/ Super Black roof
• Stealth Grey w/ Black roof

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“The Z NISMO is a true sports car flagship, with Nissan’s engineers leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of performance,” said Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson.

“We wanted to extend our thanks to those already awaiting their Z by offering them a chance to secure a Z NISMO, while still ensuring this special vehicle is made available to Z fans across the country”, added Mr Paterson.

The regular Z continues with the Z Proto edition discontinued. A standard Z costs $75,800 before on-road costs, a $2500 lift over the price at the Z’s May 2022 introduction. There’s a fresh paint colour, New Site Orange, and the option of blue cabin upholstery.

Read the full Nismo Z details below

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Our original story, below, continues unchanged

August 2: Nismo Z confirmed for Ozzie sale! New hero detailed

The only catch for enthusiasts? the Nismo Z comes exclusively with a nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Nissan promises Nismo has re-tuned the gearbox with 50 per cent quicker downshifts, reprogrammed launch control and more aggressive Sport+ mode – we’ll be the judges of that when it hits local shores next year.

To pump outputs by 11kW and 45Nm from the VR30DDTT 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, Nismo implemented revised wastegate control to increase boost pressure and turbine speed.

Supporting the additional grunt is a Nismo engine oil cooler for stable temperatures on the racetrack. A new front bumper (with the thinnest honeycomb mesh ever on a Nissan production vehicle) has larger cooling ducts, as well as aerodynamic improvements.

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The Nismo Z produces positive downforce – rather than just negative lift – thanks to a combination of front canards, the ‘Grand Nose’ or ‘G-Nose’ front bumper and a three-piece rear spoiler. A reshaped rear bumper and new side skirts make for smoother airflow with less drag, too.

Underneath, the Z has had a fairly serious treatment with new anti-roll bars, higher spring rates, and larger-diameter dampers re-tuned to suit racetrack use.

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The Nismo Z has been stiffened by 2.5 per cent thanks to additional front, rear and underfloor bracing. There are firmer bushings in the suspension and supporting the steering rack to improve feedback.

Nismo describes the feeling it’s tried to achieve with the Nismo Z as ‘one-shot’ steering – we expect this means more consistent and natural responses than the regular Z.

A half-inch wider set of lightweight Rays 19-inch alloys are shod in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600 tyres – at least in the United States – with an extra 10mm of chub at the back (285mm vs 275mm).

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The braking hardware is unchanged with four-piston front calipers, though they now clamp 380mm front rotors (+25mm) and feature a performance-oriented pad compound.

All the changes amount to a weight increase of 45kg, bringing the Nismo Z’s listed weight to 1608kg.

Aside from the aerodynamic visual updates, the Nismo Z gets red piping around the front splitter and red Nismo badging, as well as a contrast black roof and dark grey metallic ‘Katana‘ styling detail.

Inside is perhaps one of the most important changes we spotted in the original teaser video: Recaro seats. Rather than the manual-electric combination in the standard car, the high-quality buckets in the Nismo are manual only.

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Cabin treatments continue with anodised red engine-start and drive mode buttons, new digital driver’s display graphics, and a leather and Alcantara/wrapped steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker.

The Nismo Z will go on sale in the United States in our Spring, and although Nissan has not confirmed Australian arrival details an early 2024 release is likely. Whether it will be a limited-run edition or a permanent variant is also not confirmed for our market.

Expect the Nismo Z to command a healthy markup over the regular Z, with a price tag pushing into the $85-95K region where the 285kW Toyota Supra and new Mustang Dark Horse hunt.

June 2023: Nismo Z revealed!

Nissan has shown off a hardcore Nismo Z for the first time – and it gets very sideways.

The Nissan Nismo Z has been anticipated since the coupe’s launch way back in August 2021 and, although details are sparse, the video foreshadows some of Nismo’s modifications.

Three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg briefly peers under the Nismo Z’s bonnet where the familiar ‘VR30DDTT’ 3.0-litre V6 sits visually unchanged.

The standard car’s 298kW475Nm punch is already brutish, but what’s the harm in a few extra kilowatts? A freer-flowing exhaust and intake (as heard in the video) would undoubtedly liberate a few extra horses from the Z.

The Nismo’s wider black multi-spoke alloy wheels are fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx branded rubber, though their broad and blocky shoulders with few sipes hint at more trackday-focused tyres than regular Dunlops.

Sitting lower than the standard Z, the fender-lipped Nismo looks muscular. Red accents that run around the lower part of the new side skirts and more aggressive front valance complement the red brake calipers with a generous lip spoiler add to the effect.

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Inside the cabin is one of the most important changes: Recaros. The red and black buckets feature Nismo insignia at the top and the tell-tale Recaro badging beneath – these ought to be an improvement on the standard car’s slightly-too-high pews.

The digital dash is largely unchanged save for the added Nismo graphic on start-up. On the screen, we can see the Nismo Z also has an unchanged 7000rpm rev limit.

Nismo has added a Sport+ setting to the Z’s drive mode suite, bringing the count to three with Normal and Sport of the regular car. Whether the Nismo’s selector will be hooked up to adaptive dampers is yet to be confirmed.

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The pictured Z is a nine-speed auto – you can tell from the wide brake pedal and wheel-mounted paddles. An odd choice for the performance car perhaps, but maybe it’s faster shifting than the manual. Who knows if we’ll see both transmissions available.

No matter for Forsberg, of course, as he slithers about, at 28 seconds making eye contact and throwing thumbs up to the camera. Presumably, that means Nismo has tweaked the Z’s chassis to make it more controllable at the limit. We can’t wait to find out in a rematch with the Toyota Supra.

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Nissan hasn’t given dates for the Nismo’s launch; we’d wager it’ll debut later this year or in early 2024. Pricing is also yet to be determined, though expect a $10-20K premium if the Nismo Z does come to Australian shores.

For nearly thirty years, the Subaru Forester has been a crowd favourite in the constantly developing midsize SUV segment.

And now, with the electrification push happening in Australia, Subaru has introduced a hybrid version of this much loved classic– the Subaru Forester Hybrid L AWD.

It’s popped up on Aussie shores to compete against the best-selling RAV4 hybrid, and give consumers another reason to re-consider the Japanese brand amongst a growing set of competitors.

Pricing & Features

There are two trim levels available in the hybrid Forester range– the Hybrid L and Hybrid S – with the more affordable L starting at $44,090 before on-road costs.

Standard features across the range include Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, an electronic parking brake, one touch lane change indicator, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear mud guards and roof rails. Essentially, all your off-roading ideals.

The Hybrid L itself comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, premium cloth seats, privacy glass, a 6.3- infotainment screen and rain-sensing front windscreen wipers.

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Stepping up to the Hybrid S adds 8 premium audio speakers, a power tailgate, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, leather accented seats, power front seats, an electric sunroof and more.

The hybrid variants of the Forester are equipped with a 2.0-litre e-Boxer 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor and a lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined output of 110kW of power and 198Nm of torque. While these figures are modest, they contribute to a notable improvement in fuel efficiency, reducing consumption to 6.7L/100km on a combined cycle, down from 7.4L for the standard petrol models of the Forester range.

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Safety

The 2024 Subaru Forester maintains its five-star ANCAP safety rating, enhanced by the extensive EyeSight Driver Assist technology suite.

The vehicle scores highly in safety tests, achieving a 94% adult occupant protection rating and 86% for child occupant safety.

It comes equipped with a range of vital safety features including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, ensuring a well-protected driving experience.

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Key Rivals

With many rivals introducing hybrid offerings in the midsize SUV segment, the Subaru Forester Hybrid competes against:

• Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid)
• Honda CR-V (e:HEV)
• Nissan X-Trail (e-POWER)

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

If you value a midsize SUV that offers safety, efficiency, consider adding the 2024 Subaru Forester Hybrid L to your shortlist. It offers a robust array of safety features, substantial all-wheel-drive capabilities, and a comfortable interior, making it ideal for both everyday commuting and outdoor adventures.

Its pricing is pretty competitive and the cars strong safety ratings enhance its appeal, positioning it as a smart choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Honda Australia has announced an eight-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty for select vehicles until June 30, as an end-of-financial-year offer.

All ZR-V SUVs, 2023-build CR-V petrols and 2024-build CR-V hybrids purchased between May 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024 are covered by the promotional warranty – up from the brand’s standard five-year / unlimited-kilometre offer.

The Japanese brand also offers eight years of complimentary roadside assistance for these vehicles, up from five years.

Other Honda vehicles – the HR-V, Civic and Accord – are not included in the promotion, while CR-V petrols built in 2024 and CR-V hybrids built in 2023 also retain Honda’s standard five-year warranty and roadside assistance.

The extended warranty and roadside assistance follow a previous seven-year/unlimited-kilometre offer for all versions of the ZR-V and CR-V delivered between January 16 and March 31.

All CR-V and ZR-V vehicles delivered in Australia between April 1 and April 30 retained Honda’s standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance offer.

While other manufacturers have experimented with temporary warranty extensions before shifting to a permanent arrangement, Honda says it has no plans to change its standard five-year warranty arrangement, first introduced in mid-2017.

“Our standard 5-year warranty, 5-year [roadside assist] and 5 low-price services will continue as a great value add as part of our standard offer,” said a Honda Australia spokesperson in January.

As detailed here, Honda Australia also recently slashed prices across the HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V line-ups, while the price of the Civic Type R hot hatch has increased.

Honda’s temporary eight-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty is one of the longest in the automotive industry, behind Mitsubishi’s 10-year / 200,000-kilometre warranty, which relies on the vehicle being serviced within the Mitsubishi dealer network.

Mitsubishi vehicles serviced by independent workshops automatically fall to an industry-standard five-year coverage, with a 100,000-kilometre cap.

Chery, GWM-Haval, Kia, MG, Skoda and Ssangyong offer permanent seven-year / unlimited-kilometre coverage, while LDV has a seven-year/200,000-kilometre warranty for its non-EV models.

The latest promotions offered by Honda follow the brand’s sharp sales decline since 2018. It posted its lowest sales on record in 2023 following a shift to a controversial fixed-price ‘agency’ sales model in July 2021.

In 2023, Honda sold 13,734 vehicles in Australia, down from 14,215 in 2022, 17,562 in 2021, and 29,040 in 2020.

However, local executives have defended the agency model switch – and reaffirmed Honda’s commitment to Australia “for the next 50 years”.

“That was a strategic move, for us to be here for the next 50 years… And I hope it demonstrates to you that we’re not going anywhere. We’re here to stay,” said Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon in May 2023.

McMahon added that Honda is “happy” with how the agency sales model has been rolled out and blamed poor supply – not a lack of demand for Honda product – as the key reason behind the low sales figures.

Honda sales in Australia