I had a school friend who went to university and became a vet because his parents insisted. But instead of a long and fulfilling career, what ensued was an expensive five years of study followed by a few months of miserable employment before Tom decided tree surgery was actually his calling.

It’s not that veterinary practice is a bad job, but it is fair to say that committing to something as important as an education and career should probably come down to the individual’s preferences, with only a minimal reliance on the opinions of others. It’s the same for most big decisions.

All the real estate agents in Australia might claim that Berias Road, Werribee is the next Bitcoin of property, but you’d probably think twice about putting in a bid for your first bricks and mortar when you found out it’s downwind of Australia’s largest sewage treatment plant.

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It seems fairly obvious that big decisions should be yours, and yet it’s astonishing how many people buy cars according to what other people think and want. I don’t want to put too fine a point on it, but buying a car based on how easy it will be to sell down the line is stupid.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve recommended a Skoda, Genesis, Cupra or Volvo, to name a few, and, despite the vehicle ticking virtually all the prospective buyer’s boxes, they mutter something about resale and immediately buy a Toyota. Buying a car based on what other people want is rather like asking your friends and family to chose who you marry with a vote, rather than shacking up with the person that makes your heart feel as though it’s been aced over the net by Kyrgios.

Also, consider this: Australians keep their cars for an average of more than 11 years, so if you’re buying a car based on who will want it, you’ll need to be an auto market Nostradamus to make an educated guess.

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Eleven years ago, the best-selling car was a small hatchback and today it’s a one-tonne dual-cab ute. So, I’m sorry, I don’t believe you if you claim you know what the average Australian will be buying in 2035.

The exception to this is shopping for electric cars, in which case you’d be forgiven for worrying about the next buyer eight years down the line when the battery warranty has expired and the $30,000 lithium-ion brick holds as much charge as a four-pack of Duracell AAA. But for virtually anything else, my advice is this – buy the car you want, not the one you think a majority of people will want in a few years’ time.

You might even choose a future classic. A colour that seems a little esoteric today could be the sought-after hero tone when you come to sell it. The same applies to a level of specification or drivetrain, or even an entire model that sold poorly when new but becomes a must-have unicorn thanks to its rarity.

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If, a few years back, you bought an automatic Porsche 911 because ‘it’d be easier to move on when the time came’ you’ll be kicking yourself with your withered left leg. BMW’s E46 M3 CSL was a tricky sale due to the lack of air-conditioning and its SMG gearbox, while people said the Dino wasn’t a proper Ferrari. Don’t listen to these kind of people.

When considering which car to buy next, think about who it is you’re really buying it for. If the model in question makes your tummy flutter like an old flame, it’s possible you’re gambling on a little more legwork when it’s time to sell in exchange for years of motoring joy and living with the car you love.

But if it’s a sensible-coloured, mid-range variant from a mainstream manufacturer, you’re probably buying it for the next guy.

Sales of hybrid vehicles continued to exceed those of electric vehicles in the last three months of 2024 despite losing market share across the nation, according to the Australian Automobile Association.

While the market share of hybrids fell from 16.70 per cent in the third quarter to 14.83 per cent, or 42,618 units in the fourth quarter, they still outsold EVs, which increased their market share to 7.42 per cent of sales, or 21,331 units – up from 6.59 per cent.

Light vehicle sales in the fourth quarter of 2024 were the slowest in the new car market since the January quarter of 2023, with a 0.62 per cent fall from 289,098 to 287,294 units.

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As expected, medium SUVs remained the most popular type of vehicle in Australia and dominated hybrid, EV and PHEV markets, though among ICE vehicles they were the fourth-most popular segment behind 4WD utes, small SUVs and large SUVs.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, more than half of all SUVs sold were ICE – about a fifth (19.34%) were hybrids, 6.61% were EVs and 4.10% were PHEVs.

ICE vehicles dominated all market segments except for medium cars, where more than half were electric thanks to cars like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.

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New vehicle sales data from January 2025 shows that the market has continued to cool with a total of 86,804 new vehicles registered – 2,978 fewer than January 2024.

But in a surprise turn, both hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales increased significantly; hybrids from 9,791 to 14,836 units (+51.5 per cent) and PHEVs from 1,012 to 1,908 (+88.5 per cent).

Further increases of battery-powered vehicles are likely this year as the Federal Government has implemented its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which is designed to drive greater sales of EVs and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The scheme took effect on January 1, 2025, and reporting of its effects will start in July.

BMW has been pushing its upcoming Neue Klasse electric platform to the limit, showing off a new “Heart of Joy” control unit at its Spartanburg Performance Driving Center.

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first:

BMW says the camouflaged Vision Driving Experience shown here isn’t any type of new M3 and it’s not destined for showrooms.

We merely hope it is, but really, with those extra-massive guards and front air damn, there’s more of a DTM look here than a roadgoing consumer model. A future CS? We wouldn’t say no…

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On the bright side, the technology it showcases hints at a future where electric vehicles could deliver the kind of driving experience typically associated with high-performance internal combustion models.

Of course, if you ask Hyundai and its Wheels COTY-winning Ioniq 5 N, EVs are already there. Porsche probably has similar feelings.

Whatever the case, here are the basics on the evocatively named ‘Heart of Joy’ system, which acts as the key to everything from drivetrain response to braking and energy recuperation.

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BMW engineers have designed it to process data ten times faster than previous systems – and before you ask what that means: it all translates to quicker reactions and more precise control. Crucial for, let’s say, an electric M3.

The Vision Driving Experience test vehicle, while a prototype, reportedly produced a staggering 18,000Nm of torque to stress-test the control system’s capabilities.

When the electric M3 does eventually appear, let’s say you can probably wipe at least 17,000Nm off that for the torque figure it’ll sell with.

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A key piece of the Heart of Joy philosophy looks to be driving range, with BMW claiming its systems can use regenerative braking to handle around 98 per cent of anchor needs in normal driving – boosting overall energy efficiency by around 25 per cent.

As a package, the Heart of Joy unit is one of four central control units that will underpin the Neue Klasse – a project name for the all-electric version of the upcoming new-gen 3 Series, the BMW i3.

It’s designed to minimise latency, with millisecond-level response times, ensuring the car reacts instantly to driver inputs. This focus on responsiveness is what has always separated a good car from a great one (albeit historically in a mostly mechanical sense rather than computerised), and it’s what BMW appears to be targeting.

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The Vision Driving Experience prototype features colour-coded wheel rims to indicate system activity, a visual representation of the technology at work.

While the prototype itself won’t reach production, the technology it houses will feature in all fully electric Neue Klasse models, with the first production vehicle rolling off the line in Hungary later this year.

That’ll probably be the new iX3 electric SUV, however, with the i3 not due until 2026.

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We’ll get our first proper look at the Vision Driving Experience at Auto Shanghai 2025.

While it’s not the next M3, the “Heart of Joy” system suggests that BMW is serious about delivering electric vehicles that are just as engaging and rewarding to drive.

BMW Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for the updated iX electric SUV, which is due locally mid-year and will arrive with a 30 per cent larger battery, and more powerful motors for increased range and performance.

Priced from $142,900 plus on-road costs, the iX xDrive45 M Sport is the only model announced for Australia so far and replaces the former xDrive 40 Sport. Its pricing makes it $6,000 more expensive than the pre-updated model, but it now offers greater range thanks to a larger battery and more standard equipment like a panoramic glass roof and heated steering wheel.

Under the body of the iX is a new 94.8kWh battery, giving a claimed 602km of range on the WLTP cycle. That’s a big increase on the former xDrive40 and its 77kWh battery and 425km range.

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That sends powers to a dual-motor all-wheel drive system making 300kW of power and 700Nm of torque, allowing the 2,525kg iX to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds. Compared with the xDrive40, it’s added 60kW of power and 30Nm of torque, while its 0-100km/h time has been slashed by a second.

The iX’s claimed efficiency is 21.8kWh/100km and it can be DC fast charged at up to 175kW – formerly 150kW – for a 34-minute 10 to 80 per cent charge time.

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The pre-facelifted iX scored a five-star ANCAP rating in 2021.

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The updated BMW iX will hit local BMW showrooms in around July.

BMW Australia has announced two new models to the 1 and 2 Series lineups, with the 150kW 120 and 220 now on sale locally ahead of the first deliveries due in July.

Centre of the 120 and 220 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque – a considerable jump on the lower-spec 118 and 218’s 115kW/230Nm outputs.

Like the 118 and 218, the 120 and 220’s engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and both cars remain front-wheel drive. The claimed 0-100km/h time is 7.2 seconds for the 120 and 7.3 seconds for the 220.

In addition to the engine, the 120 and 220 add more standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, while all 1 Series and 2 Series variants will also add an illuminated grille from March 2025 production.

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Options:

The BMW 120 and 220 are available to order now, with the first units due to hit local BMW dealerships in July.

UPDATE: New photos and specs added

We’ve added important powertrain and dimensions details to this story, but a full look at the AWD 85X model is still to come.

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OCTOBER 2024: Elroq revealed as Karoq’s electric successor

The Elroq will be Skoda’s second EV available in Australia, following the Enyaq, with a planned Australian launch in July 2025.

The Elroq is the first new Skoda model to showcase Skoda’s updated ‘Modern Solid’ design language.

The front features a redesigned ‘Tech-Deck’ face, incorporating a slimmer grille with the recently re-styled Skoda font across its width.

Standard Matrix LED headlights are included, along with a full-width ‘Light Band’ across the grille offered as options in some markets. The rear features a more familiar look, revealing a broad design connection to the Karoq it’ll replace.

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Overseas, four interior themes are available: Studio, Loft, Lodge, and Sportline. Studio interiors feature black fabric upholstery. Loft interiors include anthracite grey leatherette with Moss Green stitching and dark blue recycled fabric.

The Lodge theme uses grey TechnoFil material with orange accents. The Sportline package comprises sportier exterior styling, a lowered ride height, carbon-look interior trim, and suede sports seats with integrated headrests.

A 13-inch infotainment touchscreen with Skoda’s ‘Laura’ voice assistant and ChatGPT is standard. A 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display are also included.

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Standard safety features consist of nine airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, emergency assist, side assist, and European-mandated Intelligent Speed Assist with traffic sign recognition.

The Elroq’s boot capacity is 470 litres with the rear seats up (51 litres less than the Karoq) and 1580 litres with the second row folded (230 litres less than the Karoq).

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Elroq will offer four drivetrain options internationally. Rear-wheel drive models will be released first, with a flagship all-wheel drive version following next year.

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Skoda Elroq: Electric motor and battery details

Australian motor and battery specs are still to be announced, but here is what Skoda announced for Europe this week:

A 125kW rear-wheel drive variant Elroq 50 opens the range, claiming 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h. This model uses a 52kWh battery, providing a WLTP-rated driving range of 375km.

A 150kW rear-wheel-drive Elroq 60 will sit further up in the range, cutting the 0-100km/h time by a hair to 8.5 seconds. Its slightly larger 59kWh battery allows for a WLTP-rated range of over 400km.

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Heading into performance territory, the more powerful 210kW Elroq 85 will reduce the 0-100km/h time to 6.6 seconds and increase the top speed to 180km/h. This variant uses a 77kWh battery, providing a WLTP-rated range of over 560km.

A more powerful all-wheel drive Elroq 85X will follow, and while full details are still to come, it’s expected to offer a combined output of 220kW and around 560km in driving range.

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A flagship Elroq RS variant is also expected, although details on that hero variant are still to be confirmed.

In the larger Enyaq, a 250kW AWD variant stands as the hero RS model. Given the somewhat negligible gap between 210kW and 250kW in this application, it’s likely we could expect that configuration for any upcoming Elroq RS.

DC fast charging capability is standard across the range, with maximum charging capacities of 145kW for the 125kW model and 175kW for the 150kW and 210kW variants.

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Elroq: European spec breakdown

When will the Elroq come to Australia and how much will it cost?

Pricing and specs for the Australian market will be announced closer to its July launch date.

Skoda Australia has announced local specifications for the second-generation ‘NG’ Kodiaq SUV, which is due in local Skoda dealers next month – with the vehicle extended in length and given more kit.

The only available drivetrain for the Kodiaq range so far is a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While local fuel consumption is yet to be announced, the Kodiaq hits 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

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The Kodiaq RS will launch later this year, which ups the performance ante to 195kW, as well as adding sportier suspension to match the RS badging.

Measuring 4,758mm long, 1,864mm wide, 1,678mm tall and riding on a 2,791mm long wheelbase, the second-generation Kodiaq is 59mm longer, 18mm narrower, 8mm shorter and riding on the same wheelbase as the previous model.

The Kodiaq’s boot measures 289 litres with all seven seats in use, 794L with the third row folded and 2,035L with the second row folded as well – increases of 19L/29L/30L compared with the last car, respectively. That makes it more capacious than main rivals like the Kia Sorento, which offers up to 1,966L of space, and the Mazda CX-80 with its 1,971L maximum.

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The entry-level Kodiaq, now called Select, has seen a big increase in equipment with features such as leather trim, tri-zone climate control, traffic jam assist, DAB+ digital radio, metallic paint, heated front seats and an electric driver’s seat now featured as standard.

Kodiaq Select standard equipment:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk- and rain-sensing automatic all-LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Auto-folding/heated/driver auto-dimming mirrors with memory
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Power tailgate
• Roof rails
• Rear privacy glass
• Black leather upholstery
• 10-way electric driver’s seat with memory functionality
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 10-inch digital driver’s display
• 13-inch touchscreen
• Satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Nine-speaker sound system
• 5x USB-C ports
• 2x wireless phone chargers with ventilation
• Metallic paint
• Umbrella and waste bin in driver’s door
• Floor mats
• Boot mat

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Kodiaq safety equipment:

• Nine airbags (including a front centre unit)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality
• Traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Emergency assist
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Alarm
• Tyre pressure monitoring

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Kodiaq Sportline model adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Gloss black exterior elements
• Matrix adaptive high beam
• Scrolling rear indicators
• Heated steering wheel
• Aluminium pedals
• Suede and leather upholstery
• Front sports seats
• Driving mode selection
• Upgraded sound system

Kodiaq Launch Edition model adds:

• Massaging front seats including electric front passenger seat adjustment
• Adaptive dampers
• Automatic parking
• 360-degree camera
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Hands-free electric tailgate
• Canton sound system
• Head-up display
• Illuminated grille
• Cognac or black leather upholstery

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Kodiaq options:

• Sunroof (Select and Sportline)
• 20-inch alloy wheels (Select)
• Ultimate Package with adaptive dampers, sport steering rack, hill descent control, Canton sound system, heated rear seats, head-up display, automatic parking, 360-degree camera, hands-free power tailgate (Sportline)

Colour options:

• Steel Grey solid
• Graphite grey metallic
• Brilliant Silver metallic
• Moon White metallic
• Bronx Gold metallic (Select)
• Race Blue metallic
• Black Magic pearlescent
• Velvet Red (Sportline)

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LDV MIFA is now available with an eight-seat layout, taking the fight in the segment to the top-selling Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria.

Priced from $47,990 drive away, the new eight-seat layout is only available on the entry-level MIFA Mode and is priced from $1,019 more than the seven-seater.

That makes it $6,700 less expensive than the entry-level Kia Carnival S V6.

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“Value is extremely important in the family-car market and we are proud to be able to offer a full-size eight-seat people-mover for $47,990 drive-away,” said Dinesh Chinnappa, the General Manager of LDV Australia. “We have been working with the factory on an eight-seat option for some time and we are delighted that we can finally deliver this option to our customers.”

All MIFA models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 160kW of power (between 5,000rpm and 5,500rpm) and 360Nm of torque (between 1,500rpm and 4,000rpm). That’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to the front wheels.

LDV claims combined fuel consumption of 9.3L/100km with claimed CO2 emissions of 220g/km. It uses minimum 95RON premium unleaded and a 70-litre fuel tank. The MIFA can tow a 2,000kg braked trailer.

LDV MIFA pricing (drive away):

• Mode: $46,971
• Mode 8-seat: $47,990
• Executive: 55,671
• Luxe: $63,501

LDV MIFA Mode standard equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wired Apple CarPlay
• 7.0-inch digital driver’s display
• Six-speaker sound system

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MIFA safety features:

• Seven airbags (including a front centre unit)
• Autonomous emergency braking (front and rear)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Auto high beam
• Lane keeping assistance
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors

MIFA Executive model adds:

• Dual power sliding doors
• Power tailgate
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Auto-dimming rear mirror
• Eight-way electric front seat adjustment
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Multi-zone automatic climate control
• Front and rear sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Front parking sensors

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MIFA Luxe model adds:

• 12-speaker sound system
• 64-colour ambient lighting
• Leather upholstery
• Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with driver’s memory
• Second row captain’s chairs with four-way electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and eight-mode massaging

MIFA colours options:

• Blanc White: no-cost
• Pearl White: $500
• Mica Blue: $500
• Dynasty Red: $500
• Metal Black: $500
• Concrete Grey with black roof (Executive and Luxe only): $2000

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Volvo has released details of the updated XC60 mid-size SUV, which has been given a refreshed interior and exterior like the XC90 to keep it fresh in the market.

The exterior gets subtle changes like a new grille and wheel designs, plus darker taillights, while new paint includes ‘Forest Lake’, ‘Aurora Silver’ and ‘Mulberry Red’ colours.

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More changes can be found inside the XC60, which has adopted the same 11.2-inch touchscreen that’s used in the XC90, EX90 and EX30. The system features Google built-in with access to the Google Play Store and, according to Volvo, is twice as fast as the outgoing touchscreen thanks to a new chip from American company Qualcomm Technologies.

Volvo has also given the updated XC60 new materials, including new quilted Nordico synthetic leather trim and navy herringbone fabric trim, while the cup holders and wireless charger on the centre console have been redesigned.

The cabin of the XC60 has been made quieter thanks to extra sound insulation on the A- and B-pillars and a new air purification system has been added. Finally, the speaker grille for the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system has also been redesigned for a new look.

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No mechanical changes have been listed for the updated XC60 aside from a softened suspension tune for coil-sprung variants, while the XC60 range continues to use both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains built around a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine.

In the current XC60 lineup are either the 183kW/350Nm B5 mild-hybrid or the 340kW/709Nm plug-in hybrid T8, which can achieve a claimed 81km range on the WLTP cycle. The current XC60 is priced from $73,990 plus on-road costs.

Volvo Cars Australia is yet to confirm when the updated XC60 will be launched locally, but it’s likely to be this year.

Hyundai has set a lap record at the iconic Tsukuba Circuit in Japan with a modified version of the Wheels COTY 2024-winning IONIQ 5 N.

Driven by Japanese professional driver Nobuteru Taniguchi at the Attack Tsukuba 2025 motorsport event, the IONIQ 5 N lapped the circuit in 57.446 seconds – a full two seconds faster than any EV before it.

The vehicle used to lap the track was not a production IONIQ 5 N, instead, the motorsport IONIQ 5 ‘N TA Spec’ variant was employed for the task. Tsukuba wasn’t its first victory as it took first at the 2024 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in the modified production electric SUV category, setting a new record in the process.

According to Hyundai, the IONIQ 5 N TA Spec was designed to showcase the strengths of the production-spec IONIQ 5 N without significant modifications. The TA Spec retains the standard car’s power electronics system, but the TA Spec’s maximum output has been boosted to a massive 505kW, with the rear motor’s power increased by 27kW compared with the standard car.

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Additional upgrades include a louder exterior noise with modified speakers (over 120 dB), new shock absorbers, motorsport-grade brakes, Yokohama slick tyres, a high-downforce aerodynamic package, a Recaro seat, a Sabelt six-point safety harness, a PPIHC-specification roll cage, and an EV fire suppression system.

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“I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to drive the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N TA Spec at Attack Tsukuba 2025, which enabled me to significantly break my previous EV record”, said Taniguchi. “The IONIQ 5 N TA Spec stops well and handles excellently. Despite the power, the control is outstanding, with great cornering and smooth, stable corner-exit. I could push the car to the limit with real confidence.”

Hyundai Mobility Japan also showcased the recently revealed IONIQ 5 N DK Edition, a special edition with a new performance parts package. Hyundai N created the package in collaboration with Keiichi Tsuchiya, the legendary Japanese race car driver also known as ‘Drift King’ – the package’s namesake.