In Australia, it’s highly likely that you’re just two degrees of separation away from a utility vehicle.

Utes have become an integral part of our country’s automotive landscape, representing the largest selling segment in Australia.

However, in 2023, the Hilux’s seven-year winning streak was broken when the Ranger claimed the title of the top-selling ute for the year.

With the ute market offering abundant opportunities for brands, let’s now shift our focus to the Navara and explore what this enduring competitor still brings to the table in 2024.

Pricing & Features

The ST-X is the best-selling variant in the Navara range, the high-specced vehicle is priced at $51,445 before on-road costs.

The dual-cab ute is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, and various tray sizes.

A 2.3L single-turbo diesel engine option creates 120kW and 403Nm in 4×2 variants. The upgrade to a twin-turbo in the 4×4 offers and increase in power a strong output at 140kW and 450Nm, using a quoted 7.2L/100km on a combined cycle.

1

The ST-X is equipped with the following features:

1

Safety

Due to updates in the ANCAP protocol, the five-star ANCAP rating that the Navara received in 2015 has lapsed. Consequently, ANCAP now designates the Navara as ‘Unrated’ since January 2023.

The Navara is not without expected safety features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring and a lane departure assist system but does miss out on features competitors have as standard such as a centre airbag and adaptive cruise control.

Other active safety includes forward collision warning, driver fatigue warning, and brake assist.

For off-roading enthusiasts, hill-start control, trailer sway control and downhill brake control are all standard.

1

Key Rivals

It’s a game of updates, with most manufacturers looking to add spec to remain competitive.

Some examples of key rivals include models include notable utes such as:

• Toyota HiLux
• Ford Ranger
• Mitsubishi Triton
• Isuzu D-Max
• Mazda BT-50

1

Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Nissan Navara ST-X is a compelling choice for those in the market for a pickup truck that offers a perfect blend of toughness, capability and technology.

Its enhancements for 2024 make it a strong competitor in the segment, suitable for both work and leisure.

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle demanding tasks while providing a comfortable and connected driving experience, the Navara ST-X is definitely worth considering.

BYD has unveiled a rival to large luxury electric sedans such as the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE and Tesla Model S.

Official images of the Yangwang U7 – which sits under BYD’s premium sub-brand – were released on the company’s Chinese social media channels.

Using the same ‘e4’ battery platform as the U8 SUV and U9 supercar, BYD is said to have confirmed the U7 four-door will feature four electric motors – and produce more than 1000hp (745kW).

Chinese media are reporting the U7 will be 5.2 metres long, which would make the Yangwang sedan slightly longer than the 5m Model S and 5.1m i5.

1

The U7 shares design cues with the U9 – such as the dramatic, C-shaped headlights and full-width tail-lights – while it also has some resemblance to the BYD Seal that recently went on sale in Australia.

BYD is said to be claiming the U7 will have incredibly slippery aerodynamics, with a 0.195Cd figure.

The U9 supercar is yet to go on sale, though the first Yangwang showroom model, the U8 (pictured below), is under consideration for Australia, according to insiders.

1

BYD has three electric models now on sale in Australia, with the Seal midsized sedan joining the Dolphin hatchback and Atto 3 compact SUV.

This year the Chinese brand will introduce a dual-cab ute along with an SUV that’s expected to be the Seal U.

BYD’s BEV (battery electric vehicle) sales overtook Tesla in the last quarter of 2023 and it could become the world’s No.1 BEV produce this year.

Here’s news sure to shock millions of F1 fans around the globe: Guenther Steiner, the sweary and charismatic team boss made famous by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, has been axed by the Haas F1 team.

News of Steiner’s shock departure broke overnight with Haas confirming the Italian has left the team with immediate effect.

His replacement will be director of engineering, Ayao Komatsu, who has also featured in Drive to Survive.

Steiner has been in charge of Haas Formula 1 since 2016 and was pivotal in the team’s creation, however a recent string of poor results seems to have led to his axing.

1

Despite some flashes of success, including a pole position in Brazil last year, Haas finished dead last in the standings in 2023 as it struggled to transform its strong qualifying pace into decent race results.

Formula 1 distributes prize money to teams based on where they finish in the constructor’s championship, so finishing last means Haas’s budget has taken a huge hit for the 2024 season.

As one of F1’s smallest teams, Haas has long faced budget restrictions and has built its business plan around buying engines and other parts/technology from other teams — mostly Ferrari — to help manage costs.

1

Budgetary issues have also been a point of contention between Steiner and team owner Gene Haas, according to reports, with Steiner pushing for greater investment to help improve performance and Haas keen to make better use of the team’s existing resources.

Technically Steiner wasn’t fired — his contract was up for renewal at the end of last season and Haas has simply chosen not to extend it.

Gene Haas said the following in an official statement:

“I’d like to start by extending my thanks to Guenther Steiner for all his hard work over the past decade and I wish him well for the future.

“Moving forward as an organisation, it was clear we need to improve our on-track performances. In appointing Ayao Komatsu as Team Principal we fundamentally have engineering at the heart of our management.”

Steiner wasn’t quoted in the official release from Haas.

Steiner has enjoyed a long and successful career in motorsport. Now 58, the Italian worked as an engineer and team manager in the World Rally Championship before moving to Formula 1 in 2001 with Jaguar as team principal. A stint at Red Bull Racing as technical operations director followed before Steiner made the jump to Haas as team principal for its debut season in 2016.

Today’s news is sure to cause some discomfort among the producers at Netflix. Steiner found unexpected fame in the Drive to Survive docuseries, where his big personality and fondness for swear words saw his profile grow to rival that of some drivers.

The news has also rocked the wider sport, with numerous high profile personalities sharing their thoughts on social media. F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle said the following:

“Always significant when the departing person is not quoted in the press release, tells you there’s friction, suspicion we’ll hear more about this. The team hasn’t progressed in recent seasons, but hard to know exactly why without being on the inside. Good luck Guenther. And Haas.”

The 2024 Mitsubishi ASX is an economical choice within the small SUV category, with a starting price of $24,490 before on-road costs.

The GS trim represents the most budget-friendly option in the ASX lineup, which has maintained its presence for over a decade while consistently providing a compelling value proposition.

In an already bustling segment, let’s take a look at what the entry-level ASX variant will get you.

Pricing & Features

The base GS model offers the choice between manual and automatic transmissions, with the automatic option incurring an additional $2,000 cost.

Standard specs include 16-inch steel wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and voice control, Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and two front USB ports.

Pay a bit more for an ASX ES and extra features include 18-inch alloy wheels, reverse sensors, rain-sensing wipers and climate control with rear air-vents.

All colours besides the standard white carry a $740 premium, other than White Diamond which adds $940.

Safety

The Mitsubishi ASX GS comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, such as forward collision mitigation, automatic high beam and hill start assist.

It’s important to note that the current ASX does not have a safety rating from the crash-test organisation ANCAP. The most test conducted on this model dates back to 2014, which surpasses the six-year expiration period now used for vehicle assessments. The ASX had previously held a five-star safety rating.

1

Key Rivals

Despite its cost-effective pricing, the ASX ES faces substantial competition in the market.

Just some examples of key competitors include models also from Japan as well as China.

• Mazda CX-3
• Hyundai Kona
• Honda HR-V
• Toyota C-HR
• GWM Haval Jolion

1

Should I put it on my shortlist?

In a segment with strong competition, the ASX continues to offer strong value, with the sub-$30K GS.

Although considered a small SUV you also get alot of bang for your buck regarding space and size, as one of the larger cars in the small segment.

Considering the vehicle has been around for over 13 years it is yet to be seen if an all new model is on the horizon. Ageing is evident in the interior however the design on the outside continues to impress many buyers.

Mitsubishi’s warranty and capped price servicing over a ten year period is no small offer, and might be what you’re looking for in an affordable small SUV.

Kia has further detailed its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) strategy for electric mobility cars at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Three concepts debuted at the show – the small Concept PV1 city van, the modular Concept PV5, and larger Concept PV7 – ahead of an initial market launch in 2025 for the production version of the mid-size PV5.

While the PV1 and PV7 concepts were displayed as single panel van-like bodies, three versions of the Concept PV5 were unveiled: a people mover, a high-roof commercial van, and a cab-chassis ute. A standard-roof van is also planned.

1

Unlike most other commercial vehicles that are built-to-order from factory with a chosen body style, the PV5’s chassis has a fixed “driver zone” that is matched to an interchangeable “life module” attached with mechanical couplings and electromagnetic fixture points.

For example, a passenger life module could be installed to use the vehicle as a taxi, but later swapped to a cargo module to carry goods.

In addition to conversion capability to meet diverse customer needs, it will feature enhanced connectivity between the car and external data, such as route or delivery information, to enable convenient operation of multiple vehicles in a “software-defined fleet”.

The medium-sized Kia PV5 is set to launch in 2025 and will ride on Hyundai-Kia’s flexible ‘eS’ flat skateboard electric vehicle platform.

The PV5 will be introduced in ‘phase one’ of the brand’s PBV roadmap, with the PV1 and PV7 to follow in ‘phase two’. ‘Phase three’ will see the models “evolve into highly customisable, bespoke mobility solutions by integrating with the future mobility ecosystem”, including full self-driving vehicles.

As the smallest product in the PBV line-up, the PV1 is said to be “optimised for agile and short-distance logistics transportation” with a minimised turning radius for narrow spaces.

1

The PV7 will be the largest product in the PBV range, likely similar in size to a Mercedes-Benz E-Sprinter and Ford E-Transit, with an aim to deliver “more interior space, greater driving range, and enhanced functionalities”.

“Kia PBVs will initiate a new era of seamless everyday business and lifestyle solutions. We hope to make our customers’ lives easier and better, whether they’re stationary or on the move, offering exceptional flexibility and customisation through radical modularisation,” said Kia design boss Karim Habib.

Kia will construct a new plant for its upcoming range of electric purpose-built vehicles with an initial targeted capacity of 100,000 PBVs per year before annual production eventually grows to 150,000 units.

After its reveal in April 2023, the facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N is now available to order in Australia from $52,000 before on-road costs – an $1800 increase.

As before, the i30 Sedan N will be available in a single trim with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic or a no-cost option six-speed manual, driving the front wheels. The only options are a sunroof ($2000) and premium paint ($595).

Powered by a carry-over 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 206kW/392Nm (up to 213kW in N Grin Shift mode), the latest refresh is focused on visual, tech, and ‘motorsport-derived’ chassis improvements.

1

The new-look front bumper with its broad intake and red accented lip is more menacing. It also aids brake cooling, channelling more fresh cool air into the wheel arches.

There are new 19-inch forged alloy wheels that are lighter than the old items, improving handling and ride quality.

Underneath the metal, Hyundai has reinforced the engine mounts, the Sedan N’s G-bushing, and fitted a new rear S/ABS insulator made from stiffer polyurethane.

“2024 i30 Sedan N showcases Hyundai’s commitment to bringing motorsport engineering and technology to our road cars, drawing from our TCR Series successes around the world”, said Hyundai Australia CEO Ted Lee.

1

For the chassis, Hyundai’s N division revised the Sedan N’s adaptive dampers and ESC programming to aid comfort, response, fun, and even brake temperatures.

The brakes should be more fade resistant also thanks to additional thermal insulation in the lines. Finally, the steering system has been recalibrated to ‘enhance feedback and directness’, with a lower-friction universal joint providing enhanced precision.

The last identifier outside is new black aluminium badging.

1

The biggest upgrade to the i30 Sedan N’s tech package is the inclusion of Bluelink phone connectivity for 2024 with the following features.

1

The 2024 i30 Sedan N is essentially identical to the previous Premium trim with a few changes, such as a larger wireless charging pad, intelligent speed limit assist, and additional USB-C charge points.

The updated 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N is now available in Australia, priced from $52,000 before on-road costs.

The 2024 BMW 3 Series line-up has been consolidated in Australia with the deletion of two sedan variants.

BMW Australia has confirmed it has axed the base 320i and plug-in hybrid 330e sedans from its range, leaving the 330i sedan as the most affordable 3 Series offered locally.

This sees the cost of entry into the 3 Series line-up rise from $80,200 before on-road costs for the 320i to $94,700 before on-road costs for the 330i – an increase of $14,500 or 18 per cent.

1

Meanwhile, BMW Australia is pointing those interested in the $98,700 plus on-roads 330e plug-in hybrid towards the $85,900 plus on-roads i4 eDrive35 four-door coupe, which delivers an all-electric package with similar power at a lower cost.

“The high volume of new BMW models introduced to the local market prompts us to constantly assess our product portfolio in line with customer demand and our commitment to offering products that suit individual needs. This has led us to restructure the BMW 3 Series variants for 2024,” said a BMW Australia spokesperson.

“The 3 Series line-up will comprise the successful 330i for both Sedan and Touring and the M340i xDrive Sedan.”

1

“In the electrified space, we will shift our focus from the 330e plug-in hybrid to the fully electric i4 eDrive35. This newly introduced offering is priced at $85,900, exempting it from both Luxury Car Tax (LCT) for fuel efficient vehicles and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) for fleet operators.”

The G20-series BMW 320i launched in Australia in mid-2019 priced from $64,900 before on-road costs before subsequent price increases and a mid-life facelift saw its price rise to $80,200 prior to its deletion.

The mid-spec 330i was priced at $70,900 at launch. The cost of entry into a 3 Series has risen by $29,800 in five years – or $23,800 when comparing the previous 330i to the latest model.

In addition to the standard 330i sedan, 330i Touring and M340i sedan, the BMW M3 is still offered in manual, Competition auto, Competition xDrive auto, Touring xDrive, and limited-run M3 CS xDrive form.

1

2024 BMW 3 Series pricing

All prices exclude on-road costs.

Mercedes-Benz is previewing its upcoming AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in what the carmaker describes as “game-changing.”

The “Hey Mercedes” function will be a focal point, promising a more “natural, human-like” experience, while presenting drivers with a new visual interface that was developed in the Unity engine – a tool commonly used in the development of video games.

“Mercedes-Benz is reinventing the digital passenger experience by leveraging AI to offer human-like interaction with the intelligent MBUX Virtual Assistant. It includes empathetic characteristics that sync with your driving style and mood,” said Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive Ola Källenius.

1

AI technology has taken the world by storm in the past year, particularly capturing a lot of attention with generative AI systems such as text-to-image applications, and language models such as the popular ChatGPT – revealed this week to be coming to future Volkswagen cars.

Other carmakers have also seen opportunity with AI, with Kia revealing it will soon have a chatbot integrated into its vehicles to help owners get answers to any questions.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant runs on Mercedes’ own MB.OS operating system and is one of many innovations the German maker promises to reveal during CES.

The Consumer Electronics Show is held annually in Las Vegas and will run in 2024 between the 10th and 12th of January.

Lamborghini has announced its new Telemetry X system at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), debuting as a Strava-like performance and health tracker for the track.

Effectively a real-time telemetry system that adds driver biometrics into the mix, Telemetry X gives Lambo drivers the benefit of a ‘Digital Co-Pilot’ and a remote coaching feature (‘Remote Garage’) through a 5G mobile connection.

Using a wearable device, Telemetry X’s biometrics tracking includes the ability to monitor your own health behind the wheel, ““including heart rate and stress level, to allow more in-depth performance monitoring and provide useful references on how they can refine their training”.

1

All of those things can be achieved with any number of today’s fitness bands and monitoring devices, of course, but Telemetry X is intended to be tied more closely with the Lamborghini model and track of choice.

The Digital Co-Pilot is effectively a voice assistant that focuses on your track work, which “analyses lap times and provides useful pointers for improving racing lines and braking points, as well as information on the performance of the car on the track”.

1

“Telemetry X is a clear demonstration of how experience gained in motorsport can find applications for road-going super sports cars, with the aim of maximizing our customers’ experience on the track as well,” says Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer.

“It’s no coincidence that we chose the Revuelto as the testbed for this technological demonstrator, a car that is totally unique precisely because of the introduction of breakthrough technologies.”

Check out Lamborghini’s ad for the tech in the video below.

While rival brands have launched or previewed a full sweep of electric offerings, Honda has this week confirmed its Europe-only E hatch and North America-only Prologue SUV electric models will be joined by at least one more new EV – in a couple of years.

(Honda also has its Sony-partnered Afeela models coming, but it’s difficult to say whether these will ever come to Australia.)

Unveiling a pair of new concepts under the ‘0 Series’ (zero series) banner at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Honda said one of them – the sleek ‘Saloon’ – will inform the look of a new production EV coming in 2026. The other, dubbed Space-Hub, currently has no production schedule.

1

Saloon

I can’t help but think of this as an Odyssey (’Odysse-E’ perhaps?) so, I confess I’m inclined to look at it as more of a wagon than a saloon.

Honda says this is the flagship of the concept pair, and for now it remains largely a design exercise. There are no technical details offered for the concept today, except that future buyers can expect “advancements of new steer-by-wire and motion control management systems”.

Although it has not detailed battery capacity or design, Honda says its 0 models will fast-charge from 15 to 80% in 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on the battery size, that’s either a respectable advancement or about par with the best of 2023 (mostly Hyundai and Kia EVs).

1

One promising goal, albeit one shared with other brands, is that Honda aims to minimise the degradation of battery capacity to less than 10% after 10 years of use.

Whether the 2026 production model will look anything at all like the 0 Series Saloon remains to be seen. It’s certainly achievable, and the E hatch shows Honda can stay relatively loyal to its concept designs. (Although the Honda Urban concept looked so much better than the E.)

1

Space-Hub

1

There’s even less to say about this van-like concept…

Honda couldn’t bring itself to offer more than a paragraph on the Space-Hub concept’s purpose, except to say what all brands say of their van-inspired EV concepts: “the Space-Hub offers a flexible space that immediately accommodates a variety of passengers and becomes a ‘hub’ that connects people to each other and the outside world.”

1

‘New’ Honda H mark

All future Honda EVs will wear a new retro-inspired version of the familiar and iconic H mark, doing away with the prominent frame that has surrounded the H since 1981.

1

1

In its new form, the H mark harks back to the earliest design that debuted in 1961.

That version did have a frame, although it was more of a canvas or patch, styled in the red that features exclusively on Type R models.

This will join the new logotype that debuted on the E hatch, styled in a modern title-case design rather than the all-caps ????? serif font that has graced the carmaker’s branding for decades. This new logotype also features on the Prologue SUV.