BMW’s gone and revealed an electric wagon – and it’s coming to Australia.

There are days when it is hard, as a journalist, to keep personal interest out of the reporting. This is one of those days, because the world needs more wagons and this writer, frankly, can’t get enough of them.

Unveiled today alongside the regular petrol 5 Series Touring that won’t come to Australia (officially a “not at this stage” proposition), the new i5 Touring electric wagon is set for a third-quarter Australian launch.

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Buyers will be asked for $219,900 to slip into an i5 wagon, launching exclusively in flagship M60 xDrive form.

That makes it markedly more expensive than the $155,900 i5 eDrive40 sedan, but it’s also a lot more powerful: 442kW/820Nm in the wagon plays 250kW/430Nm in the sedan. The M60’s big numbers are courtesy of a dual-motor setup, giving it the all-paw status hinted at by its xDrive name. Of course, the sedan can also be had in M60 form, which will bring you much closer to the wagon at $215,900 before on-road costs.

2024/5 BMW 5 Series pricing

2024/5 BMW 5 Series specs

The Basics

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Energy in the i5 Touring is provided by an 84kWh battery pack (81.2kWh usable), and BMW says it’ll power to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Driving range is listed at “up to” 506 kilometres on the WLTP test, although that will fall considerably if you test that 0-100km/h claim a few too many times.

On the plus side, its high-voltage design will allow the i5 Touring to charge at up to 205kW on an ultra-fast DC charger, which should see it go from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Buyers of the i5 Touring also benefit from a complimentary five-year subscription to the Chargefox network.

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Like the sedan, the new 5 Series touring wagon – and thus the i5 Touring as well – is bigger in every dimension than its predecessor, moving into the space left behind by the titanic new 7 Series limousine.

At 5060mm long, 1900mm wide and 1515mm tall, the new 5er wagon is 97mm longer, 32mm wider and 17mm taller than its predecessor.

It also rides on a 20mm-longer wheelbase, at 2995mm – just about matching the Hyundai Ioniq 5, lauded for the exceptional interior space provided by its stretched wheelbase.

In the i5 Touring, that should result in acres of rear legroom, and BMW also promises 570 litres of rear storage with the second row’s seats upright, growing to 1700 litres with those pews flipped down.

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In the front row, the i5 Touring features a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch main screen, which means BMW is still resisting the wild full-dash display setups that have started to appear in Mercedes, Porsche and (overseas) Ford models, among others.

The new Google-enhanced iDrive 8.5 operating system brings a fresh look with new QuickSelect features, integrating with the also-standard heads-up display, digital instrument cluster and gesture control.

The high asking price is damped somewhat by the i5 Touring M60 xDrive’s standard equipment list, which also includes such luxuries as BMW Individual Merino leather trim, available in three contrast colourways. There’s also Swarovski-made ‘BMW Crafted Clarity Glass’ on the iDrive controller dial, start/stop button, volume roller and gear selector.

More ‘conventional’ features include a panoramic sunroof and 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound.

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When will the BMW i5 Touring be available in Australia?

Your BMW dealer will likely take an i5 Touring order right now, but deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2024.

If you want a very small car with a relatively small price, the Kia Picanto is just about the only worthwhile model you should look at.

Sadly, the pared-back 2024 range sees the best version – the GT – axed, but at least the two remaining variants have their own positives.

JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing and features
• Safety
• On the road
• Key rivals
• Should I put it on my shortlist?
• Specifications

Pricing and features

The updated Kia Picanto line-up sees revised naming for the base model Sport (previously S), while the GT-Line is now the top bopper.

Sport grade is 10 per cent dearer than the S was, with pricing from $17,890 plus on-road costs for the five-speed manual and $19,490 plus on-roads for the four-speed auto.

The Picanto Sport makes do with auto halogen headlights (although they do have auto high beam), halogen daytime running lights, halogen tail lights and 14-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there’s cloth upholstery, fake leather trim for the steering wheel and gear shifter, and the carryover 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (respectively wired and wireless), plus there’s a USB-A and USB-C port, new digital instrumentation for the driver with a 4.2-inch trip display, and manual seat adjustment.

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It may not look much fresher inside but the new digital clock-style instrumentation makes a big difference for at-a-glance speed adjustments. Shame the steering wheel adjustment remains tilt only.

The GT-Line steps up by $1950 across manual ($19,690 plus on-roads) and auto ($21,290 plus on-roads) options but the extra spend nets you a heap more gear, including LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (including front light bar), LED tail-lights (but halogen indicators), and you get 16-inch alloy wheels to go with the sporty GT-Line exterior trim.

Inside, the GT-Line adopts synthetic leather upholstery, a different steering wheel, and extra driver’s seat adjustability (six-way manual). Rear-seat occupants get a USB-C charge port, too.

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Honestly, the better lighting, the smarter exterior look and nicer interior trim should be enough to get you to sacrifice an extra takeaway almond latte or two if you’re financing the car. It’d be a worthwhile reallocation of funds.

A big selling point if you’re maybe cross-shopping a Picanto against a small used car is the ownership program.

Kia backs its range with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with up to eight years of roadside assistance, plus seven years of capped-price servicing, with intervals set every 12 months or 15,000km.

Capped-price service pricing for the 2024 Kia Picanto has not yet been published but for reference, intervals for the 2023 version cost between $285 and $511. They average out at a fairly pricey $407 per service, meaning a total of $2850 for all seven in the capped plan.

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Safety

There’s no current applicable ANCAP rating for the Picanto, despite the fact it recently wore a four-star score which expired in December 2023.

Even so, Kia has added a few new items to the mix on top of the existing AEB, including a lane-keep assist function, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

It still has regular cruise control rather than adaptive, and while there’s a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, no grade has front sensors. Airbags? Six; dual front, front side and full-length curtain.

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On the road

What a shame the excellent little engine from the GT is gone, because what’s left to carry the mantle for the Picanto is not the greatest little powerplant.

My time was spent in the GT-Line manual model, and look, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol is adequate but never goes beyond that. It offers the level of zippiness at lower speeds you’d expect from a little car like this, but you’ll need to rev it to get the best out of it.

If you do rev it hard, it offers some reward. But there’s no denying that this is an engine better suited to low-speed commutes than it is for the Sunday cruise.

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The five-speed manual feels a ratio short, especially at freeway pace where it sits at 3200rpm doing 110km/h in fifth. And the shift action is long, making it feel a bit more old-school than other manuals that remain on the market.

Its throw is light, though, and the clutch is very manageable in terms of weighting – just be aware that anyone with bigger feet (I’ve got size 12s) may find their toes getting a bit tangled up under the dashboard when shifting.

With the 16-inch rims wrapped in Nexen rubber, this little car handles itself pretty well. The GT-Line doesn’t get any changes to suspension or steering calibration, but it still offers those who like to do more than just commute the opportunity to have some fun in the twisties, even if those twisties are just intersections and roundabouts.

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The ride doesn’t suffer too much from the bigger GT-Line wheel package but you can certainly feel the surface being transmitted to the cabin.

It’s not a plush ride, the GT-Line, but it is comfortable and, despite the fact this car has a tiny 2400mm wheelbase it doesn’t get too pitchy over bumps. You get a well-controlled and cosy-enough experience in the city, and it is quite nicely settled at highway pace.

The steering offers a direct and natural feel, and perhaps more importantly, it’s easy to park; despite the fact no model has front parking sensors, it’s a tiny thing so is pretty simple to pilot into a spot, either nose-first or by reverse-parallel.

Road noise is the biggest consideration you might need to keep in mind with this car. If you do a lot of commuting at higher speed, especially on coarse-chip roads, you might find it to be hard work.

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Key rivals

You could put an MG3 on the list, and it’s a bit bigger. But it’s not as refined and has no active safety tech. It is cheaper, though (from $19,990 drive-away).

Otherwise, a Suzuki Ignis (from $22,490 drive-away) could be an interesting option, or the classic but ageing Fiat 500 petrol model (from $27,220 before on-road costs) if you just need something small. Neither of those has active safety tech, either.

Mazda 2, then? It starts at $22,720 plus on-road costs for the Pure hatch with a manual gearbox.

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

If your shortlist is based on “brand-new, small, cheap, long warranty and advanced safety tech”, then yes.

The Picanto is the only remaining choice at the very bottom of the price spectrum.

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The Australian new car market has posted its best-ever start to a year, but industry officials have expressed concerns for future months due to current economic conditions.

According to official new-car sales results from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), 89,782 vehicles were registered in January 2024 – beating the previous record of 88,551 cars set in 2018.

However, the automotive industry has warned that the new-car market is unlikely to beat the record set in 2023 when 1.2 million vehicles were sold, with Toyota predicting around 1.05 to 1.1 million overall sales for 2024.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the record-breaking start to 2024 was due to existing demand for new vehicles in 2023 that has “continued into 2024 with many businesses and families taking ownership of a new vehicle” in the new year.

Top-selling brand Toyota sold 17,903 vehicles in January – a record start to a year for the Japanese marque – followed by Mazda (8165), Ford (6624), Hyundai (6162) and Mitsubishi (5911)

Australia’s new favourite vehicle, the Ford Ranger ute, remains in first place with 4747 units, followed by the Toyota HiLux (4092) in second place.

In 2023, 63,356 examples of the Ford Ranger were sold in Australia, compared to 61,111 Toyota HiLuxes. The Toyota HiLux was Australia’s top-selling vehicle between 2016 and 2022.

New South Wales registered the most vehicles in January with 26,791 sales, ahead of Victoria and Queensland with 23,770 and 19,786 sales, respectively.

Western Australia (9911), South Australia (5999), Tasmania (1493), the ACT (1290), and the Northern Territory (742) followed.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said Australia’s preference for larger SUVs and utes showcases the challenges facing the Commonwealth Government’s plan to introduce a New Vehicle Emissions Standard from January 1, 2025.

“Industry wants an emissions standard that is ambitious without limiting the choice and increasing the cost of the vehicles Australians need and want,” said Weber.

Battery-electric cars represented 5.4% of the market in January, while all ‘low-emission’ vehicles – including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric – accounted for 17.4%.

Tesla faced a 67% drop in sales – from 3313 in January 2023 to 1107 in January 2024 – with a two-week delivery pause for the facelifted Model 3 due to an ADR compliance issue and a delayed shipload of Model Ys due to stink bug contamination with deliveries pushed back into February.

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China’s BYD was Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle brand for the first time in January, with 1310 sales.

“Even with the current incentives offered by the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments, sales of battery electric vehicles appear to have plateaued during recent months,” added Weber.

“For more than a year the industry has been sharing information with the Government about what is happening in the suburbs and regions around the country and the preferences and challenges facing families and businesses.

“Good policy must reflect reality rather than a desktop exercise that makes assumptions about what the world can look like, and we strongly urge the Government to share its modelling with us.”

JUMP AHEAD

• Top 10 models
• Top 10 brands
• Sales by segment
• Sales by fuel type
• Sales by country of origin
• Sales in charts

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? Australia’s top 10 cars for January 2024

Ups and downs ⬆️ + ⬇️

The neck-and-neck race between the Ranger and HiLux continues in 2024, with a 700-car lead for the Ford in January as it looks to again become Australia’s top-selling car.

In first place, the Ford Ranger recorded 4747 sales – down two units from January 2023 – with the Toyota HiLux following in second place with 4092 sales, down 1% from last year.

The Isuzu D-Max took third with 2541 sales, followed by the Toyota RAV4 in fourth place (2211).

The Mitsubishi Outlander placed fifth (2077), followed by the MG ZS (1888), Toyota Corolla (1843), and Toyota LandCruiser Prado (1746)

The Hyundai i30 (1727) placed ninth, while the Mazda CX-5 took 10th place (1720).

In tables: Top 10 cars in January

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? Australia’s top 10 car brands for January 2024

Ups and downs ? + ?

Toyota recorded 17,903 sales (▲ from 13,363 in January 2023).

This is a new January record for the brand, surpassing 2008 when it sold 17,852 vehicles.

Toyota represented 20% of the new-car market for the month.

Mazda finished second with 8165 sales (▼ from 9407), while Ford placed third with 6624 sales (identical to January 2023).

Hyundai, in fourth, recorded 6162 sales in January (▲from 5809), while Mitsubishi placed fifth with 5911 sales (▲ from 5276).

Kia followed in sixth with 5707 sales (▼ from 6006), while MG placed seventh with 4006 sales (▼ from 4015) and Isuzu Ute, in eighth, recorded 3758 sales (▲ from 2671)

GWM-Haval placed ninth with 3124 sales (▲ from 2503), and Subaru, in tenth, sold 3068 vehicles (▼ from 3601).

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In charts ?

January 2024 – Top 20 models

January 2024 – Top 10 brands

January 2024 – Overall segment sales

January 2024 – Category sales

January 2024 – Sales map

January 2024 – Buyer type

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This is the RS6 GT, and if Audi’s planning anything even more special for its fourth-generation uberwagen, you’d have to wonder what more can even be done.

Granted, it doesn’t have any more power than the RS6 Performance already on sale, but as Audi’s engineers told us at the reveal last week, they don’t feel anything more is necessary.

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That leaves us with the 463kW and 850Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, which is plenty more than the 441kW and 800Nm outputs of the ‘regular’ RS6 (as though any RS6 could be called regular).

That’s again mated to an eight-speed auto and Audi’s iconic Quattro all-wheel drive system, all combining to deliver a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds on the way to 305km/h – while passing 200km/h in just 11.5 seconds.

There are changes, however, to the RS6 GT’s mechanical setup, along with its styling package – the latter having some very obvious inspiration.

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Mechanically, there’s manually adjustable coilovers boasting a higher spring rate, triple-adjustable dampers, and stabilisers now 30 percent stiffer at the front and a huge 80 percent stiffer at the rear. It all sits 10mm lower than the standard RS6, too.

“The necessary tools and instructions for making individual adjustments are also on board,” Audi says, lest anybody halfarse the settings.

If they’d prefer a more luxurious approach to suspension management, buyers can instead option Audi’s RS Sport Suspension Plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), or the RS adaptive air suspension package.

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Joining the new adjustable coilovers is an overhauled centre differential for “noticeably more precise cornering” and reduced understeer at the limit.

Power between the front and rear axles is split 40:60, with up to 70 percent able to flow forwards as needed, and up to 85 percent available to the rear. The rear Quattro sport differential has also been reworked, again focusing on a rear bias in the Dynamic driving mode.

On the styling and aero front, the RS6 GT takes inspiration from the legendary Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO racer, and of course the apprentice-designed and built RS6 GTO concept revealed in 2020.

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The most obvious change on the outside is the RS6 GT’s revised front bar, along with new front quarter vents crowbarred out from behind the front wheels.

Those new six-spoke rims measure 22 inches at all four corners, wrapped in Continental SportContact 7 rubber.

Out back, the rear diffuser is lightly updated to feature a slender new reflector in the centre, while the pass-through roof wing is said to be nearly identical to the spoiler worn by that 2020 GTO concept. The roof rails have also been deleted – a first for the famously practicality-inspired RS6 – to build on that race-ready look.

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Although the RS6 GT has been shown only in the IMSA-inspired white, ‘red’ and grey livery, the car will also be available without the graphics in Nardo Grey, Mythos Black Metallic, Chronos Grey Metallic and Madeira Brown Metallic.

Buyers who opt for the Nardo Grey or Mythos Black will also be able to order black and grey graphics, and the wheels will be available in either gloss or matte black as well.

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When will the Audi RS6 GT come to Australia?

Audi has confirmed the RS6 GT will make its Australian debut sometime in the second half of 2024, following a mid-2024 launch in Europe.

An exact number bound for Australia hasn’t been specified, apart from “more than 20”.

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The GWM Tank 300 off-road SUV is no longer fitted with a handy feature months after it launched in Australia.

WhichCar understands GWM Tank 300 examples built for the Australian market from November 2023 no longer include a 220-volt, 120-watt power outlet in the luggage area.

GWM Australia has deleted all references to the power outlet in the latest version of the Tank 300’s specification list. There are no price changes for the updated model.

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The feature was previously fitted to the range-topping Tank 300 Ultra petrol and hybrid, with a multi-standard international power socket that could recharge phones and laptops, and power small consumer appliances such as portable fridges.

WhichCar contacted GWM Australia for comment about the removal of the power socket in the Tank 300, but the brand did not respond.

While GWM has not confirmed the reason for the deletion, the AS/NZS 3112:2017 Standard (‘Approval and test specification – Plugs and socket-outlets’) specifically requires the installation of the common Australia and New Zealand three-pin pattern plug, not a universal socket.

It is unclear if GWM plans to re-introduce the feature into the Tank 300 Ultra with an Australia and New Zealand pattern plug.

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In 2021, Ford Australia removed an international power port similar to that fitted to the GWM Tank 300 from the Ranger, Everest and Transit due to the AS/NZS 3112:2017 Standard.

The Ford vehicles had been sold in Australia with an international power socket as early as 2013 before the trip-up was noticed in 2021.

Ford plans to fit three 240-volt power outlets with an Australian standard plug in the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid due here in 2025.

It has not confirmed whether other Ranger variants, or future versions of the Everest and Transit, will receive the feature again.

The LDV G10+ van was introduced to the Australian market in 2015.

This move brought a new option to both businesses and private buyers looking for an affordable and versatile mid-sized van.

Owned by Chinese conglomerate SAIC motors, the launch was part of LDV’s strategy to expand its global reach, tapping into Australia’s need for practical and cost-effective commercial vehicles.

Since its debut, the G10+ has been praised for it’s value proposition as one of Australia’s most affordable vans.

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Pricing and features

The LDV G10+ is available in either a petrol or diesel powertrain, with the latter offering both manual and automatic transmissions.

LDV G10+ Pricing

The 2.0-litre D20 turbocharged diesel engine brings 118kW of power and 375Nm of torque. The 2.0-litre petrol model brings extra power of 160kW take-off time.

Offering 5.3 cubic metres of space, the G10+ is on the more compact scale of mid-size vans. It’s cargo dimensions measure in at 2500mm long, 1590mm wide and 1270mm tall.

LDV offer the van in three exterior colours: white, silver and black.

Regardless of engine, the LDV G10+ has a 1093kg payload.

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Inside the cabin is quite basic with a 7-inch display screen, Apple Carplay, dark grey fabric seats and air conditioning.

Safety

With a car at this price-point their is often a trade-off, and in the case of the LDV van, it’s safety equipment.

When tested initially in 2015, the G10 received a three-star rating, back when protocols weren’t as strict. Today, the van is unrated by ANCAP but continues to lack common standard safety such as Automatic Emergency Braking and lane support systems.

In comparison, segment favourites like the Toyota HiAce and Hyundai Staria- Load have received the maximum five-star ANCAP score.

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Despite this you’ll still get some necessary safety aids such as a rear camera and parking sensors. Conveniently, all models come with keyless entry and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

All G10+ models are covered by a three-year, 100,000km warranty with the same period for roadside assistance.

Key rivals

In the world of mid-size commercial vans, there are a few fan favourites that have long dominated the space.

These include:

• Toyota HiAce
• Hyundai Staria Load
• Ford Transit
• Mercedes-Benz Vito

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 LDV G10+ offers strong value in a segment where competitors start at a $10k premium.

However that does come with sacrifice, and in the case of the LDV it’s the omitted safety. If you’re in need of a commercial van with all around decent capabilities then the LDV G10+ could be the right fit for you.

It offers plenty of value as one of the segments cheapest offerings.

Ford has given its venerable Explorer a facelift for 2025, with new technology, a fresh interior, and punchy power plant choices. And, once again, we won’t see it here.

Among the Explorer’s updates are a big new grille design, adorned with sleeker all-LED headlights, front skid plate and redesigned “air curtains” integrated into the front bumper, in keeping with the design language of the outgoing model.

At the rear there’s a revised tailgate with new Everest-inspired LED tail lights, integrated with a new Explorer badge stretching across the now powered liftgate.

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The Explorer’s trim and spec levels have been simplified, now offered in Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST guise, with the option of a 299kW/560Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 – a healthy upgrade from the standard 224 kW 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost retained from the previous model.

Both engines are mated to a recalibrated 10-speed auto, with paddle shifters available on the ST model. Rear wheel drive is the default power delivery method, with four-wheel drive optional across all trim levels.

The hybrid drivetrain has been dropped for the MY2025 update, meaning there’s no electrified variant all – which is a stark contrast to the recently completely unrelated to the European-bound Explorer EV, which we may eventually see in Australia. Ford has also hinted at an upcoming off-road focused trim level.

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In terms of the interior, there’s a completely redesigned dashboard that is positioned further forward, creating more passenger room in the cabin.

Ford says the Explorer has made a leap in the quality of its interior materials, along with a connectivity and power upgrade with eight USB-C ports, three 12-volt sockets, and dual wireless charging pads in the centre console.

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A big new 13.2-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are featured, and the refreshed Explorer also debuts the new ‘Ford Digital Experience’ system, based on Google technology.

The new system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Google Assistant or Alexa to cater for extensive and useful voice command functionality.

Ford’s hands-free driving suite BlueCruise (only accessible on certain highways), is now available on the facelifted Explorer via a subscription-based service.

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A month is a lifetime in the automotive world. Here’s a few things the Wheels magazine team found most interesting in the 30 days before print deadline!

Pricey paperweight

You might be able to buy a Porsche Carrera GT but you sure as hell can’t drive it.

Recall campaign number 23V241000 states that “the spherical joints that connect the wishbone suspension components on the front and rear axles can fail due to damage from mechanical stress and corrosion.”

There is no ETA for parts replacement. Owners are advised to not drive the Carrera GT as insurers will not cover the vehicle under Porsche’s stop-use conditions.

Land of the NIMBY…

Is nothing sacred? The Highway 68 Coalition has claimed that the Laguna Seca race circuit is “a public nuisance” and is suing the facility, aiming to end racing.

The track, which first opened in 1957, already operates to strict noise limits, but the plaintiffs are using a technicality to try to curtail racing. Wording in the track’s mandate of operations allows it to continue its “past history” but the complaint alleges that there was a sharp increase in activity between 2021 and 2023, effectively using the COVID pandemic as a stick to beat the operators with.

A 2015 study by California State University and Monterey Bay showed that the raceway generated $62.1 million (2015 USD) to the Monterey County economy, and USD$5.2 million in state and local taxes.

Lexus LBX Morizo RR

Lexus has revealed a high-power concept version of its new LBX light SUV at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024.

The concept version of the brand’s LBX light SUV is fitted with GR-Four all-wheel drive and the 224kW ‘G16E-GTS’ turbo three-cylinder heart of the facelifted GR Yaris. That’s more than twice the power of the 100kW hybrid LBX, so if the Morizo RR ever does come to production fruition, it’ll need a serious chassis and body makeover. When Akio Toyoda has a hand in things, you wouldn’t bet the house against it though.

Vale Denis Bartell, Desert Explorer

Legendary desert adventurer Denis Bartell passed away peacefully on January 2nd after a short illness.

He was first to drive the Simpson Desert from east to west, a crossing that was a prelude to more than 60 crossings by vehicle, camel and on foot. He named its biggest dune ‘Big Red’ and was also the first to drive the rugged Madigan Line in 1979.

His 3200km world record breaking solar-powered drive from Darwin to Adelaide was the precursor to the modern Solar Challenge.

One of Australia’s great modern explorers and recipient of the OAM, as well as the 1995 Australian Geographic Society Adventurer of the Year gold medallion, Bartell was 90 when he passed away.

Ford CEO Jim Farley talks V8s and EVs at the launch event for Ford Performance’s racing season North Carolina

“If we’re the only one on the planet making a V8 affordable sports car for everyone in the world, so be it.”

Farley added that the Mach-E, which bears the Mustang name, is a key component in allowing Ford to invest in future V8s.

“Mach-E lets us sell ICE vehicles for a long time to come,” he added. replacement. Owners are advised not to drive the CGT as insurers will not cover the vehicle under Porsche’s stop-use conditions.

Five things we learned this month

Carlos Sainz has, at 61, delivered Audi its very first victory in the Dakar Rally.

It was Sainz’s fourth win across four different marques. In case you were wondering, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Mini were the others.

Kia’s still looking to enter the Australian market with a ute.

At the recent Sportage launch, planning boss Roland Rivero stated “Work on the ute is continuing… We have said in the past, some time in the middle part of 2025…. It’s tracking along nicely.”

If you want to visit the National Holden Motor Museum in Echuca, you’ll need to get your skates on.

The doors are closing for good on April 14.

Were you to try to charge one with a regular 2.5-watt USB charging cable, a Hummer EV’s 246kWh battery pack would take roughly 12.5 years to charge.

Never let it be said that we don’t bring you the news that matters…

Tesla Model Y was Europe’s best-selling car in 2023.

This is the first time an EV has ever hit number one in annual sales.

Volkswagen is celebrating 50 years of the Golf nameplate this year, and showed a 1974 Mk1 Golf alongside the ‘EA 276’ concept at last weekend’s Bremen Classic Motorshow.

The lesser-known flat-four engined EA 276 is one of the studies that led to the original Golf and was made in 1969.

It’s not the most handsome vehicle with a little bit of Lada Riva to its shape (though it preceded the Eastern Bloc sedan) with a strangely long bonnet and a curved swage line.

To keep costs down for Volkswagen’s new family car, the EA 276 study was built around the same air-cooled flat-four engine found in Beetles of the time.

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The EA 276 wasn’t all cost-cutting though, setting the blueprint for the Golf’s practical hatch and torsion beam rear suspension.

Thankfully, Giorgetto Giugiaro and Italdesign (hot off the back of the dainty 1972 Alfasud) stepped in to deliver the final Golf product, the design of which remains an icon to this day.

Volkswagen’s transverse-engined Golf incorporated cutting-edge technology into certain variants such as a controlled catalytic converter, efficient engines, anti-lock brakes, and even the option of an all-wheel drive system.

The liquid-cooled Golf was also the first ever Volkswagen product fitted with a heater. It would arrive in Australia two years after its global launch, in 1976.

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In Germany .1974 was a big year. Not only did the first Golf launch, but the country won its first Football World Cup.

Since Germany’s inaugural World Cup win, Volkswagen has delivered 37 million Golfs across the world, the hatch not only standing for affordable transport but also diverse eco-friendly engines.

It’s been sold with petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains over its 50 years of existence.

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Also helping to celebrate 50 years of Golf is the introduction of the new Mk8.5 generation.

The mid-life update to the Golf brings various tech revisions and engine tweaks across the range.

Ever wondered whether that flash in your rear-view mirror has translated into a speeding fine? While you usually won’t know until the notice arrives, several Australian states now offer online tools to check for issued infringement notices before they land in your mailbox.

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How Long Until the Fine?

Speed and red-light camera penalties typically arrive within two weeks, although NSW can take up to 28 days. In Tasmania, fines may appear electronically in as little as four days.

State-by-State Checking Tools

Western Australia: The DoTDirect portal allows you to view photo or video evidence of offences and pay via reference number.

New South Wales: Use the Service NSW app or visit the website to view and manage fines.

Victoria: Log into Fines Victoria to see all current infringements tied to your name or vehicle.

Queensland: Use the My Account portal via the Transport & Main Roads site to view, pay, or dispute camera fines.

South Australia: Fines can be managed via Fines Online.

Other states and territories such as the ACT, NT, and Tasmania have similar online fine-management services, usually via their respective transport departments.

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What Can You Do?

View evidence: In WA, you can view images/videos captured by the camera via DoTDirect before paying.

Pay online or via BPAY, often available once the fine is recorded in the system.

Transfer the fine if someone else was driving your vehicle—possible in states like Queensland.

Dispute the fine: Each state allows internal review or court appeals; see the respective portal.

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Key Takeaways

Knowing which tools to access can help ease the uncertainty and stress of waiting for that fine.

There’s no immediate way to know if you’ve been flagged – unless the notice arrives – or you check via your state portal.

Most states allow you to manage infringements online, including viewing images, paying, transferring, or disputing.