November: Australian pricing revealed

Links to our stories with Australian pricing for the Zeekr X and Zeekr 009 have been added below, but the story is otherwise unchanged.

June: Zeekr announced for Australia

A new Chinese electric car brand is poised to arrive in Australia, with luxury-focused Zeekr confirming plans to launch here in 2025.

A sister brand to Volvo and Polestar, Zeekr is a fast-growing EV offshoot owned by Chinese conglomerate Geely, and will launch in Australia with two models.

Leading the charge is the Zeekr 009, a large six- or seven-seater family mover that promises sportscar-like acceleration and up to 800km of driving range.

Zeekr will also offer a small SUV, known as the Zeekr X, which will be a rival to the BMW iX1 and the closely-related Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Until now Zeekr has been building cars in left-hand drive at its factories in China and claims to have delivered more than 220,000 vehicles since production began in late 2021.

Plans for a rapid global expansion are now underway and include the establishment of a new factory in Thailand which is already producing the Zeekr 009 and X.

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Zeekr says both models will be offered for sale in Thailand in Q3 this year, meaning an Aussie launch in early 2025 is likely.

Zeekr has already begun hiring top-level executives in Australia, including its new head of marketing Andrew Haurissa who moves across from fellow Chinese brand Chery.

How much with the Zeekr 009 and X cost in Australia?

Pricing and specifications for the Zeekr 009 and X are yet to be locked in although both vehicles are likely to be premium offerings.

In China, the cheapest Zeekr 009 is priced at 499,000 Chinese Yuan (AU$107,000) and comes with a large 116kWh battery and a claimed driving range of 702km.

The flagship version of the 009 costs 588,000 Yuan (AU$127,000) and has a bigger 140kWh battery and a range of 822km.

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Both versions are powered by two electric motors producing a combined 405kW/686Nm and can hit 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds.

Size-wise, the Zeekr 009 is bigger than a combustion-powered Kia Carnival and is available either as a six- or seven-seater. It is 5209mm long, 2024mm wide and 1867mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3205mm.

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The smaller Zeekr X, meanwhile, measures 4450mm long and 1836mm wide and is available solely as a five-seater.

Overseas it is available either with a single electric motor or a more powerful twin e-motor set-up, with the latter offering a claimed 0-100km/h dash of just 3.8 seconds.

Driving ranges for the Zeekr X are between 500-560km on the Chinese testing cycle, which is more lenient than the European WLTP standard.

April 2024: Riddara RD6 electric ute looks bound for Australia

Way back in July 2022, Volvo parent Geely revealed a new electric ute through its Radar brand, the RD6. That ute is now the Riddara RD6, and it appears to be on its way here.

In a post to its LinkedIn page, Geely confirmed the electric RD6 has a right-hand-drive production schedule locked in, adding that it will be “available in your market soon”.

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The post doesn’t specify which countries were meant by the words “your market”, but it would seem a cruel oversight if it simply forgot that Australia is a right-hand-drive market.

As our earlier story below notes, Geely’s biggest western brand, Volvo, has been vocal about its interest in establishing the Riddara brand in Australia as its official importer.

“If that’s what they want to do and bring it [the Radar RD6] to Australia then that’s something we could do and help them with back office functions and training,” Volvo Australia boss Stephen Connor told Wheels in late 2022.

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Wheels Media has requested an update on Volvo’s position, but the company did not respond in time for publishing. We’ll update this story if a comment is provided.

Geely cancelled its Radar trademark in Australia in 2022 after resistance from Singaporean tyre company Omni United, which has a brand called Radar Tires. Geely registered a new trademark for Riddara in early 2023.

Mike Stevens

November 2022: Radar RD6 wanted in Australia

A door has opened that could see Geely’s new electric ute, the Radar Auto RD6, join the Aussie market place.

Volvo Australia has emerged as a potential candidate to import the Chinese ute in an arrangement that would double the number of electric dual-cabs available Down Under. Currently the only fully electric ute offered here is the upcoming LDV eT60 which launches locally in the middle of November.

Revealed earlier this year, the Radar RD6 is the first vehicle from Radar Auto which is a new lifestyle-orientated sub-brand from Chinese automotive giant Geely. Volvo is also owned by Geely and it’s that family connection that has caught the eye of Volvo Australia boss Stephen Connor.

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“What I’d love to do is talk to our Geely counterparts and say to them ‘we will be the sales company for you for Radar’,” Connor told Wheels. “That could be a possibility. It’s no different to them going to Ateco (the official importer of LDV, Maserati and RAM among others) or something like that.

“If that’s what they want to do and bring it [the Radar RD6] to Australia then that’s something we could do and help them with back office functions and training.”

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Radar Auto estimates the dual-cab segment will expand to 3 million annual sales in China by 2030 and has confirmed plans to build SUVs and even ATVs (all terrain vehicles) to be sold alongside its electric ute. The RD6 is Radar’s first model and will be built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) which also underpins a host of current and upcoming models from Volvo, Lynk & Co and Polestar.

“It’s the same platform so we could do training for the team, we could do technical support and sales support,” said Connor. “I’d love to offer them that because I think it’d be a great way to broaden our skill sets plus also help at the retailer level.”

When asked if Volvo Australia has already approached Radar Auto or Geely about the opportunity, Connor replied: “No, not yet. We will do. We will do.”

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Official details on the Radar RD6 are scarce although it’s understood to be around 5.2 metres long and roll on a 3120mm wheelbase which makes it slightly smaller than a Ford Ranger. It’s also believed to be offered with three battery sizes: 66kWh, 86kWh or 100kWh. The largest battery is said to offer a range of 610km.

But it’s not just Radar that’s on the, er, radar for Volvo Australia. Conner added he sees potential in offering a similar importer arrangement to Lynk & Co.

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“Again we will offer them the same,” he said. “We will start that conversation with them and if they want to come they do, if they don’t, they’re a different company. So it’s no different to how we interact with Polestar. We work with Polestar to offer back office services, we offer them training and support but we treat each other like competitors.”

Lynk & Co has already confirmed it will have an official presence in Australia by 2025 so it’s unclear how Connor’s offer will impact those plans.

Similar to Cupra’s relationship with Volkswagen, Lynk & Co is the Geely Group’s youth-orientated sub-brand. It was established in 2016 and its current SUV and passenger car line-up shares platforms and powertrains with Volvo.

Like Volvo, Lynk & Co plans to launch five new electric models before 2025, all spun off Geely’s SEA architecture. The Chinese brand has an interesting approach to selling cars. While you can buy one of its models outright, in Europe most customers subscribe to their cars on rolling month-by-month contracts. The subscription includes the car, insurance and access to other benefits like music tickets and exclusive events. Lynk & Co is marketing the subscription service as a chance to “leave the ownershit behind”.

An update for the 2024 Toyota Yaris hatch has landed in Australia.

The changes are headlined by the return of a sub-$30,000 base model variant after Toyota deleted petrol-only versions of the Yaris last month.

At the time, the pre-update Yaris line-up was reduced to two hybrid variants – the mid-spec SX and top-of-the-range ZR – as the Ascent Sport was not available in hybrid form.

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The newly-added Yaris Ascent Sport hybrid is priced from $28,500 before on-road costs – up $3700 over the now-deleted petrol version, but down $1690 over the previous most-affordable hybrid.

All 2024 Toyota Yaris variants also receive a handful of tech upgrades, including a larger 8-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

It also supports updated Toyota Connected Services functionality, which sees the previous three-year free trial move to a shorter 12-month complimentary period.

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Connected satellite navigation is now standard, which costs $12.50 per month to maintain after the 12-month free trial period expires as part of Toyota’s ‘connected multimedia’ subscription.

SX and ZR variants are also fitted with a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which replaces analogue dials and a 4.2-inch multi-function display.

There’s also a new front grille pattern and seat trim patterns for all variants, new ‘HEV’ badges, and additional USB-C charge ports throughout to replace USB-A sockets.

Active safety improvements include motorcyclist and vehicle head-on detection for the autonomous emergency braking system, which also has enhanced intersection detection during the day.

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Emergency steering assist is now available for all Yaris variants, while the cameras and sensors for the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist now operate over a wider area.

SX and ZR variants add low-speed emergency braking in forward and reverse when parking if an imminent collision is detected, while the ZR features safe exit assist – which uses the same radar as the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts – to prevent ‘dooring’ other road users.

Prices have increased between $1270 and $1770 for 2024 Toyota Yaris SX and ZR variants.

The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch is due to receive a separate update later this year, headlined by the addition of an automatic transmission option.

JUMP AHEAD

• 2024 Toyota Yaris pricing
• 2024 Toyota Yaris features
• 2024 Toyota Yaris colours
• Engine, drivetrain, and fuel economy
• Safety
• Dimensions
• Warranty and servicing

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2024 Toyota Yaris pricing

Back to the top.

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2024 Toyota Yaris features

2024 Toyota Yaris SX features

2024 Toyota Yaris ZR features

Toyota Connected Services is standard on the Yaris. Available features include automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calls, stolen vehicle tracking, guest driver settings, vehicle function statuses, and current vehicle location.

The SIM-based service is complimentary for 12 months from the date of vehicle delivery.

Back to the top.

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2024 Toyota Yaris colours

Back to the top.

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Engine, drivetrain, and fuel economy

All Toyota Yaris hybrids use a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors, for a maximum combined 85kW/141Nm power output. It is matched to a CVT automatic transmission.

Back to the top.

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Safety

The Toyota Yaris is covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted under the 2020-22 criteria.

This rating covers all variants sold in Australia, except the GR Yaris hot hatch.

Eight airbags, including a front-centre airbag, feature across the range.

Front/rear parking sensors and low-speed emergency braking are available on SX and ZR grades, while the ZR adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit assist.

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Dimensions

The Toyota Yaris has a wheelbase of 2550 millimetres, and is 3950mm long, 1695mm wide and 1495mm tall.

2024 Toyota Yaris boot space

All Toyota Yaris hybrid models have a 270-litre boot.

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Warranty and servicing

The Yaris is covered by Toyota’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty.

If a Toyota dealer services the vehicle, a seven-year warranty applies to the engine and driveline, while a 10-year warranty covers the hybrid battery.

The Japanese manufacturer also offers customers capped-price servicing, with the first five visits to a dealer for servicing costing $245 each.

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The 2024 Nissan X-Trail N-Trek mid-size SUV has been unveiled with an off-road focus.

Due in local showrooms later this month, the X-Trail N-Trek slots between the ST-L and Ti in the line-up, adding a darkened grille, a unique lower front bumper with different LED fog lamps, and black-painted side mirror caps, door handles and roof rails.

It is a rival for other off-road-styled mid-size SUVs including the Toyota RAV4 Edge and the Subaru Forester Wilderness, the latter of which currently isn’t offered in Australia.

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There is also a different 18-inch alloy wheel design, while the N-Trek adds synthetic leather upholstery with water-resistant qualities.

Compared to the ST-L, the N-Trek also features the larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch full-digital instrument cluster available in the Ti and Ti-L, along with a 10.8-inch colour head-up display.

All other features are shared with the X-Trail ST-L, including a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front seats, and key active safety features.

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It commands a $3600 premium over an equivalent ST-L variant. The N-Trek AWD also undercuts the Ti AWD – which has more equipment but fewer seats – by $100.

Available colours include ‘gun metallic’, ‘diamond black’ ‘champagne silver’, ‘ivory pearl’, and ‘ceramic grey’ in a single-tone finish. The last three colours are available with a two-tone black roof.

The X-Trail N-Trek is available in five-seat front-wheel-drive or seven-seat all-wheel-drive form with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol. An E-Power version is not currently planned for Australia.

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A Nissan Australia spokesperson told Wheels an E-Power petrol-electric hybrid version of the N-Trek is under consideration for our market.

“We are constantly reviewing our product line-up and ensuring we have the right product offering for the market. X-Trail N-Trek will commence with the ICE engine however, we will continue to evaluate the opportunity and suitability for X-Trail N-Trek e-Power for this market,” said the spokesperson.

The 2024 Nissan X-Trail N-Trek is due in Australia in late April.

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2024 Nissan X-Trail pricing

The drive-away prices for all petrol and hybrid MG vehicles sold in Australia – except the MG5 sedan – have been slashed by up to $6000.

MG Australia has announced price reductions for the soon-to-be-replaced MG3, ZS, ZST, HS and HS Plus EV models, which apply to vehicles ordered from 1 April 2024.

The reductions applied to most petrol and hybrid MG vehicles follows the shift to national drive-away prices for the all-electric MG4 and ZS EV in late March, which resulted in savings as high as $10,000 in some states.

A $1000 price drop has been applied to Australia’s cheapest new car, the MG3 hatch that dates back to 2011. It is now priced from $18,990 drive-away.

An all-new version of the MG3 has been unveiled ahead of its mid-year arrival in Australia.

The Chinese brand has confirmed that “due to advancements in technology, safety and specification”, the new MG3 will not be priced from under $20,000.

Instead, the new MG3 will start from around $24,990 drive-away, with petrol or hybrid options.

Prices for Australia’s cheapest SUV, the small MG ZS, have fallen $1000 to $22,990 drive-away, while the better-specced ZST is between $1500 and $3500 cheaper than before.

The MG HS is between $3000 and $6000 more affordable – with all variants now available below $40,000 drive-away – while both versions of the plug-in hybrid MG HS Plus EV have fallen $5300.

New-generation versions of the ZS and HS have been uncovered in leaked design patents, with both models expected to arrive in Australia within the next 12 months.

MG Australia has not amended prices for the MG5 sedan launched in mid-2023.

It is due to receive a safety upgrade later this year with higher prices following a poor zero-star ANCAP test result.

“MG is putting customers first by ensuring everyone can access a wide range of affordable vehicles thanks to reduced nationwide drive-away pricing on our most popular models. Whenever we can pass price reductions like this onto our customers, we will make sure we do,” said MG Australia CEO Peter Ciao.

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“In a market where customers are becoming increasingly aware of their finances, providing transparency on the final cost customers will pay for purchasing and servicing a new vehicle is very important; that’s why MG has made the move to offer both to customers with no hidden costs.”

VFACTS new-car sales data reveals MG was Australia’s seventh best-selling brand in 2023, ahead of Tesla, Subaru, Isuzu Ute, Volkswagen and Nissan.

2024 MG Australia pricing

MG3

MG4 Electric

MG5

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MG ZS

MG ZST

MG ZS EV

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MG HS

MG HS Plus EV (plug-in hybrid)

Another week rolls on and Grays offers more curios for you.

2017 HSV Maloo GTS-R GEN-F2

Following the end of the Holden line in 2017, speculators quickly sought out V8s to keep as collectibles.

Of these collectibles, HSV’s muscular Maloo ute would have to be up there as one of the standouts to look for, and Grays has one to check out.

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2012 Infiniti FX FX50 S

Nissan’s venture into Australia with their premium brand might have been ill-fated, but there are still the odd Infiniti rolling around on the road.

Grays has this Infiniti FX if you want something a little different to a comparable Lexus or even Genesis.

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2022 C8 Corvette Stingray

The new, mid-engined ‘Vette hasn’t been on Australian roads for very long, and while supercars aren’t generally a common sight, this C8 would be on of the rarer of the rarities.

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2013 Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI Quattro

This Audi might be less of a curio than the other vehicles in this article, but the sportier SQ5 might be a good opportunity for someone looking for something with a little more zest than a regular Q5.

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1973 Holden Torana LJ GTR

Who doesn’t love a classic Torana? The empty and soulless, probably.

This orange Holden could be worth a look if Aussie classics are what speak with you.

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2000 Honda S2000

Consider an MX-5 to be too ordinary and everyday?

Then maybe this cult-classic from Honda, with its revvy 2.0-litre engine and 9000rpm redline is what you’re looking for. Back in 2000 the S2000 boldly marched into Mazda territory and left us all with this glorious convertible package that can stand tall in automotive history.

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Take a look at Grays’ entire listings here [↗]

The Kia EV9 electric SUV has won the 2024 World Car of the Year title, as well as the 2024 World Electric Vehicle award.

Three finalists were shortlisted from an initial entry list of 38 vehicles from around the world in the World Car of the Year category: BYD Seal, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30.

The BMW i5, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30 were the World Electric Vehicle finalists from an initial entry list of 32 vehicles.

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“We are hugely honoured that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence”, said Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song.

“The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the driving experience for customers around the world.”

Hyundai and Toyota were also winners.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named World Performance Car, beating the BMW M2 and XM, while the Toyota Prius won the World Car Design award ahead of the Ford Bronco and Ferrari Purosangue.

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To be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, a vehicle must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year, priced below the luxury-car level in its primary markets, and “on sale” in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America or USA) on at least two separate continents between January 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024.

For the World Electric Vehicle award, a vehicle must be powered solely by one or more electric motors and produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units/year.

The World Car Awards, which have been running since 2004, are decided by a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists from 29 countries. They are selected by a secret ballot based on the judges’ evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their ongoing professional work.

Blacked-out versions of the 2024 Volvo XC60 and 2024 Volvo S60 have been announced for Australia.

The XC60 Black Edition and S60 Black Edition will arrive in local showrooms this month, based on the Ultimate T8 plug-in hybrid editions of both models.

Compared with regular versions, the XC60 and S60 Black Editions receive an exclusive high-gloss ‘onyx black’ exterior finish, along with black trim for the window trims, grille and badging.

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The rims are distinctive double-spoke items, also finished in high gloss black, sized at 21 inch​es on the XC60 and 19 inch​es on the S60.

The all-black theme continues inside, with both cars featuring black Nappa leatherette and textile upholstery with ventilated front seats.

These exclusive Black Edition features build upon the equipment standard on the T8 PHEV Volvos, including:

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The XC60 and S60 Ultimate T8, including Black Editions, are all-wheel drive plug-in hybrids powered by a twin-turbo four-cylinder and two electric motors.

Power, torque, and performance figures are unchanged from the standard T8 PHEVs, which have a 340kW/709Nm total system output allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time in 4.5 seconds (S60) or 4.8 seconds (XC60).

The Black Edition will be available only in the Ultimate T8 Plug-in Hybrid models in “limited quantities”.

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The 2024 Subaru WRX Club Spec limited edition has been detailed for Australia.

Due to land in local showrooms in April, the latest edition of the WRX Club Spec – last offered in 2020 in previous-generation form – will be limited to 150 examples for our market.

The WRX Club Spec will be available only as a sedan with a six-speed manual transmission.

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Priced at $52,590 before on-road costs, Club Spec-specific features include Recaro front seats, Matte Grey finish 19-inch​ alloy wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres, six-piston Brembo front brakes, two-piston Brembo rear brakes, ventilated and drilled front and rear brake discs, and unique steering and suspension tunes.

It is also distinguished by a large STI-style rear spoiler, a rear ‘Club Spec’ badge, and an internal ‘Club Spec’ badge with a unique ‘x/150’ number.

As announced last June, the 2024 Subaru WRX line-up has also been enhanced with the addition of active safety technology for manual WRX sedan variants – including the Club Spec.

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This includes potentially life-saving autonomous emergency braking technology due to be mandated in Australia from March 2025, as well as lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, lead vehicle departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Other changes for the 2024 Subaru WRX line-up include the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the sedan and wagon, along with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system replacing six unbranded speakers for all wagon variants.

There are also additions to the WRX Sportswagon’s exterior colour palette, with ceramic white replacing crystal white and a new asteroid grey finish.

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The 2024 Subaru WRX – including the limited edition Club Spec – is now available to order.

2024 Subaru WRX pricing

Hyundai has been teasing the prospect of a stripped out, single-make racing version of the Ioniq 5 N for a while… and now it has finally been revealed.

Built for a one-make racing series in South Korea, the racing version is dubbed the Ioniq 5 N eN1 and it features slick tyres, a stripped out interior and an overhauled bodykit complete with an enormous rear wing.

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It’s also substantially lighter than the road-going version. Being a racing car, Hyundai has ditched creature comforts like carpets, sound-deadening and passenger seats and has instead bolted in a single fixed-back racing bucket for the driver.

The regular 21-inch wheels have also been replaced with lightweight 18-inch forged alloys wrapped in racing slicks. The road car’s glass windows are gone, too, with Hyundai instead using lighter polycarbonate for the glasshouse. Even the regular bonnet has been swapped out for one made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP).

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An FIA-regulation roll-cage and fire extinguisher add weight back in but all told Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 N eN1 hits the scales at 1970kg. That’s a useful 260kg saving over the road car.

Aside from that ginormous rear wing, other bodykit enhancements include an entirely new nose with a wider and lower front splitter and extended wheel arches. The road car’s charging port has also been relocated to improve safety.

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Suspension wise, the eN1 features two-way adjustable dampers and can also be altered for camber and ride height.

Many of the driver-focused features of the regular 5 N carry over, too, including the simulated 8-speed ‘gearbox’ known as N e-Shift.

The road car’s amplified exhaust noise also carries over, which is a bonus for spectators, although intriguingly teams will be able to upload their own ‘unique sounds’ to their racers.

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As for power and performance, the eN1 uses exactly the same powertrain as the road car. That means an 84kWh battery and twin electric motors that produce 478kW and 770Nm in boost mode.

No word yet on performance figures, although we’d tip a 0-100km/h sprint of around 3.2sec, or what the top speed might be.

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Will the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 come to Australia?

It’s unclear if we’ll ever see an eN1 in Australia — the one-make series is Korea-only for now it seems — but a Hyundai spokesperson has told Wheels they’re already working hard to ship one over for our version of N Festival in 2025.