Based on a modified version of the GA-B platform used by Toyota’s Yaris Cross, the LBX will likely become the smallest and most affordable Lexus available when pricing is confirmed.
Using the same M15A-FXE petrol three-cylinder combustion engine as the Yaris, the LBX gets a more powerful electric motor with a larger battery for more performance and enhanced EV-only driving range.
We’ll receive both front- and all-wheel drive hybrid models in two trim levels and both powertrains will produce 100kW.
The range opens with the LBX Luxury, featuring ‘NuLuxe’ synthetic leather-upholstered powered front seats with heating and driver’s memory, 12.3-inch central display, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, 360-degree camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, and torsion beam rear suspension.
While the Luxury is front-wheel drive only, the Sports Luxury offers AWD with a second motor on the rear axle. All-wheel drive models are fitted with a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
Lexus is yet to confirm pricing for the LBX. Given its compact 4190mm length, it’s 30cm smaller than the UX and therefore doesn’t have direct competition from the usual suspects such as Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.
As for a price estimation, The range-topping Yaris Cross Urban AWD lists at $39,000 before on-road costs and the UX250h Luxury $54,320 giving the unique LBX space to play with.
“The all-new LBX breaks new ground for Lexus. It is proof that luxury is not dictated by vehicle size”, said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.
“With LBX our designers have created a modern and compact urban SUV that delivers big on Lexus fundamentals of quality and craftsmanship, while offering responsive performance and great dynamics.”
Our original story, below, continues unchanged
The LBX can be said to have its roots with the Toyota Yaris Cross, but the two share no panels or interior components, making them twins by way of platform and powertrain only.
When it was revealed, Lexus described the LBX’s platform as a “modified version” of the GA-B architecture shared with the Toyota Yaris hatch and Yaris Cross light SUV, gaining a lower centre of gravity, wider tracks, shorter overhangs, and more body rigidity.
The company insists the LBX “looks, feels and drives like a Lexus should”.
Full Australian details and pricing won’t be revealed until early next year, but we can expect the LBX to enter below the brand’s current entry range – the small UX SUV, which kicks off from around $46,000 before on-road costs.
Pricing for the Yaris Cross ranges from $26,990 for the GX Petrol FWD to $37,990 for the Urban Hybrid AWD – so a starting price of just over $40k, if not a touch below, could be about right for the LBX.
Before it arrives, Lexus will use its long-running sponsorship of the Melbourne Cup Carnival to show off the LBX. What’s more, the company added, cryptically, that “it won’t be alone as a showcase vehicle”. ?
Lexus might use the occasion to show off the incoming LM people mover, or even the Lexus GX – the brand’s new Prado-based luxury off-roader.
While it is unconfirmed for our market, Lexus Australia said the LBX would be assessed to determine its suitability, with a final decision to “be made at a later stage”.
If it arrives in Australia, the LBX – meaning ‘Lexus Breakthrough Crossover’ – will serve as Lexus’s entry-level model, slotting below the UX small SUV and acting as a spiritual successor to the CT hatch axed in 2021, with a circa-$40,000 starting price likely.
Lexus claims the LBX is based on a “modified version” of the GA-B architecture found underneath the Toyota Yaris hatch and Yaris Cross light SUV, with a lower centre of gravity, wider tracks, shorter overhangs, and more body rigidity.
Measuring 4190mm long, 1825mm wide and 1545mm tall, the LBX is 305mm shorter and 15mm narrower, but 25mm taller, than the one-size-up UX. It rides on a 2580mm wheelbase, with 60mm less between the front and rear axle than the UX.
It follows Lexus’s latest design language, with the brand’s spindle grille design, slim LED headlights, 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, a black-painted roof, and a full-width light strip connecting the L-shaped tail-lights.
Under the bonnet, the hybrid-only LBX is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the Yaris range, but with a more powerful electric motor motivated by a “low resistance” nickel-metal hydride battery.
The hybrid system’s all-electric drive mode is said to be available “at higher speeds and over longer distances”. Lexus has yet to announce a WLTP-rated EV-only driving range.
As standard, the LBX is front-wheel drive with torsion-beam rear suspension, with the available all-wheel drive adding independent double-wishbone rear suspension and a second electric motor powering the rear axle. It has a tight 10.4-metre turning radius.
All-wheel-drive variants feature Lexus’s four-wheel ‘drive force control’ system to automatically adjust acceleration and deceleration in certain driving conditions, such as when travelling uphill or downhill, or when cornering on twisty roads.
Inside, the LBX has the brand’s ‘Tazuna’ design theme from the latest NX, RX and LX, with standard electronically latching doors and a shift-by-wire gear selector.
It debuts Lexus’s largest-ever all-digital instrument cluster, measuring 12.3 inches in diameter, and a new portrait-orientated 9.8-inch ‘Link Connect’ infotainment system.
It supports wireless or wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, an optional digital key supporting Apple and Android smartphones, and over-the-air software updates.
A 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system is available, with the subwoofer “integrated in the back door [to avoid] any loss of space in the load compartment”.
Other available features include; a head-up display, remote parking functionality, an electric tailgate, and a Panasonic-supplied air purification system.
The LBX features the brand’s latest active safety suite, with autonomous emergency braking with junction-turning and reversing detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, safe exit assist, driver attention monitoring, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Lexus said it has taken technology from its flagship LS limousine and LC coupe, with washer fluid distributed from the wiper arm – but other vehicles, such as the Mazda 3 and CX-30, also offer this.
Perhaps more important is the new ‘Lexus Bespoke Build’ program, which allows buyers to option “tailor-made details”, including unique seatbelts and aniline leather upholstery previously limited to the LS.
Lexus Australia said it “continues to assess models that may be suitable for the needs of local customers, with the LBX no exception. A decision on LBX will be made at a later stage.”
Like the updated GV80 large SUV revealed in September with a new coupe body style, the revised G80 – a rival to the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 – sports micro-lens array headlight technology, a new grille pattern and front bumper, and redesigned alloy wheels.
The rear bumper now features hidden exhaust outlets with “V-shape” chrome trim, mirroring the all-electric G80 variant.
Inside, the changes are more noticeable, with a new 27-inch OLED display, which replaces the separate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment system, running the brand’s latest CCIC software first seen in the GV60 electric SUV and flagship G90 limousine.
It also adds a “crystal-like” shift-by-wire gear shifter, a touch-based climate control panel, revised trim, and a new steering wheel.
The G80 Sport has a unique “double-layered G-Matrix pattern” grille, larger air outlets, different front and rear bumpers, a D-cut steering wheel, and two carbon-look interior garnishes.
Globally, the updated G80 will be available in 10 exterior colours, including the newly added Brooklyn Brown, and four interior colour options.
Genesis said it’ll announce technical specifications “closer to the official launch date”, though no significant changes are expected for the existing 224kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol and 279kW/530Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The facelifted Electrified G80 will be unveiled at a later date.
VFACTS new-car sales data reveals 47 examples of the Genesis G80 have been registered in Australia year-to-date – down from 81 units at the same time in 2022 – compared to 455 BMW 5 Series, 381 E-Classes, and 236 Audi A6s. The all-electric version has accounted for 10 G80 sales so far in 2023.
The 2024 Genesis G80 sedan is due in local showrooms mid-year.
“More details specific to the Australian market will be provided closer to launch,” said Genesis Australia.
It seems like a leap of faith when there are now so many, simple ways to buy a new car both on or off-line, and the ability to get the exact car you want without putting up with the previous owner’s boogers coating the dashboard.
The world of second-hand car sales hasn’t been immune to price-gouging either – especially in the collector’s market – but you may be able to grab yourself a much better deal on a used vehicle than a new one.
So, if you’re open to suggestion in regards to buying a new vehicle, here’s an objective look at the pros and cons of buying new vs used.
If you’re someone who knows what they want and is happy to pay (and wait) for it, buying a new car from a dealership allows for a multitude of options and a personalised buying experience. The car you buy will be exactly what you want.
Given our lives are so tech-heavy now, it makes sense to keep up with the times. Plus, the latest engine technology will save you money at the fuel bowser.
Many carmakers now offer five-, seven- or even 10-year warranties, meaning the car may be covered for your entire ownership. The rise of capped-price servicing plans that paint a photo-realistic picture of ongoing costs makes it easier to budget.
Getting finance for a new car is a hell of a lot cheaper than used cars, with much lower interest rates, pre-paid servicing rolled into finance packages and guaranteed future values. It’s an ecosystem that makes new cars cheap and easy in the long run.
Consider: It’ll be free from damage, stains, stenches and with barely any kilometres on the odometer.
But, you still have to take into account depreciation. It’s not as bad post-pandemic – and clever speculators who bought a Toyota GR Yaris are now laughing all the way to the bank – but for your average family car it’s still a factor to consider.
Brands in Australia have rolled out tech-light specials, notable inclusions being the Subaru Forester 2.5X and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Adventure, and for a few months BMW was selling cars without touch screens. This is because full-fat cars are hard to come by, with wait times from three-18 months across the industry. At that point, a lightly-used option looks pretty good.
For some brands – Toyota and Honda – that’s a good thing, but some brand’s service schedules are expensive, and a good independent offers a better deal. Mitsubishi is one company that will extend its warranty 10 years/200,000km if serviced at a dealer.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), all carmakers must honour their vehicles’ standard factory warranty regardless of whether servicing was carried out at a brand-associated dealership or not, as long as servicing is performed according to the schedule by a qualified mechanic and using quality (preferably genuine) parts.
However, practical cars over five years-old generally offer much cheaper purchase prices. Certain brands are depreciation monsters, meaning you can pick a car up cheap. There’s also greater bartering potential, especially with a private sale.
A swift morning phone call to the seller could have you in new wheels by the afternoon. Of course, this ignores some of the endless searching to find a perfect example, but you’re unlikely to wait 12 months for the seller to supply the vehicle.
It’s not exactly a pleasant experience, and it’s one that’s less likely to happen with a private used-car seller.
Well, there’s probably an almost identical variant from three years’ ago you can get in soul red crystal instead.
That’s a very practical example, but you can literally buy any car that was sold new in Australia from the second-hand market – everything from Bolwell Nagaris to Toyota Corollas.
You could have found an immaculate, well-maintained 2010 BMW 135i coupe with the dual-clutch transmission at the right price – much better value than a new Nissan Z – but it doesn’t have iDrive, and you don’t like silver paint. It’s either buy it and learn to love the German rainbow, or pass and wait another six months for the perfect example.
And with a used car, there’s little recourse unless it’s covered under the manufacturer warranty. All dealerships must cover their cars with a three-month statutory warranty, and some certified pre-owned programs extend factory warranties, but private sales? You’re on your own.
There are some great options for older cars, such as aftermarket head units with phone-mirroring, but the newer the car and more integral the infotainment system, the harder it is to replace.
Each has its own specific benefits and drawbacks.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way that suits everyone, however, so weigh up what matters most to you and decide accordingly.
The High Court of Australia unanimously found the Japanese carmaker had not engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct after a customer became dissatisfied with the real-world fuel consumption of their 2016 Mitsubishi Triton ute.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia and Northpark, the dealer trading as Berwick Mitsubishi that sold the vehicle, were taken to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Council (VCAT) by owner Zelko Begovic after a discrepancy in the real-world figures between his 2008 Triton and newer 2016 model – despite a lower number on the newer vehicle’s fuel consumption label.
The Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 requires a label to be affixed to the front windscreen of all new cars sold in Australia, displaying a vehicle’s fuel consumption – in ‘urban’, ‘extra-urban’ and ‘combined’ environments – and carbon dioxide emissions based on a standardised test.
In 2019, the brand was ordered to refund Mr Begovic for the $39,500 purchase price of the Triton after an independent tester and one of its own technicians were unable to match the claimed economy ratings.
Mitsubishi appealed this verdict in the Supreme Court of Victoria, but the court upheld the VCAT decision in 2021. The brand then appealed this decision to the High Court of Australia.
“Mitsubishi Motors welcomes the High Court of Australia’s judgment,” said the brand. “Mitsubishi Motors is committed to compliance with the law and the highest standards of ethical behaviour, and we will continue to do so.”
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said the High Court judgment provides “much-needed clarity and certainty” for the car industry.
“The judgement is a victory for common sense and backs in government-mandated fuel consumption labels,” noted FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said it welcomes the High Court’s decision to uphold Mitsubishi’s appeal.
“This decision is excellent news for Australia’s more than 3000 franchised new car dealers and will bring certainty to the process of selling new cars in Australia,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.
“Federal regulations require all new vehicles to be affixed with a fuel consumption label listing the results from a government-specified laboratory test. The High Court has found that by complying with the letter of the law dealers and manufacturers are not in breach of Australian Consumer Law.
“This is a victory for common sense which will allow Australian dealers and manufacturers to continue to service the needs of their customers without fear of inadvertently breaching the law.”
To be enacted from 1 July 2025, this figure is only realistic for pure EVs or plug-in hybrids and is one of the main talking points from the government’s Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).
The difference in the LCT threshold between normal and ‘fuel efficient’ vehicles became $13,282 last financial year – more than ever before – with the intent of increasing EV and PHEV uptake ahead of incoming fuel efficiency standards.
The increased threshold, though, means efficient European petrol and diesel-engined vehicles (yep, the very ones the LCT was designed for in the first place) such as the BMW 320i ($80,200 and 6.5L/100km) are exempt from the tax.
Meanwhile, a seven-seat Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid ($80,230 before on-road costs) which is remarkably efficient for its size will be hit with LCT at 33 per cent for each dollar over $76,950.
All utes – Australia’s best-selling vehicles – remain exempt from LCT. This includes the $87,990 Ford Ranger Raptor which returns 11.5L/100km in the ADR combined cycle and the $87,250 Jeep Gladiator rated at 12.4L/100km.
The government’s fuel efficiency standards – expected to arrive sometime in 2024 – will aim to incentivise buyers to make more efficient choices.
Automotive industry bodies and figures have waded in with their views, and they range from positive to downright damning.
AADA CEO James Voortman said “Changes [to the LCT] have made a bad tax even worse… The LCT is an outdated tax meant for a time when Australia still manufactured cars – it should have been abolished years ago, but now it’s being used to further tax fuel-efficient cars”.
Mr Voortman pointed out that the LCT costs motorists over $100 million each year, and that the way to encourage greener purchases is to abolish the tax altogether.
“Whatever your view on the LCT, this change represents two things. First, a recognition that auto tech has changed considerably since the thresholds were first designed and recognises that our expectations of ‘fuel-efficient vehicles’ today are rightly quite different”, Jafari wrote on LinkedIn.
Meanwhile, FCAI CEO Tony Weber labeled the LCT archaic. “The LCT penalises Australian consumers, as it imposes unnecessary additional taxes on many low-emission technology vehicles,” he said.
“The changes announced today in MYEFO slug Australians with more taxes and make vehicles less affordable…. If the Australian government wants to modernise the LCT, they should remove it as part of true tax reform for the transport sector including consideration of a road user charge”, Weber added.
Initially, Mini will offer two powertrains – a 115kW three-cylinder and 150kW four-cylinder – each with three variants priced from $49,990 before on-road costs, a $1140 increase on the previous model.
Based on updated underpinnings shared with the , the Countryman is 130mm longer and 60mm taller than the car it replaces.
The combustion-engine and EV-friendly Countryman adopts a sharp new look with circular daytime running lights and Union Jack rear signatures linking the new SUV to Mini’s heritage, while in profile the new vehicle is more squared off and aggressive.
Inside, the Countryman’s airy cabin features vertical vents, plenty of storage space and a futuristic vibe. There’s no digital driver’s display, only a small head-up display with additional info on the centre screen. For sustainability reasons, the Countryman is entirely free of leather and chrome in its construction.
There’s also a larger 240mm diameter circular touchscreen in the centre (that finally uses all the real estate!) running Mini operating System 9 that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside voice control.
“Now, with the new generation model, we are confident the MINI Countryman will offer even more appeal thanks to its innovative technology including a host of new driver assistant technologies”, said Matt Schmidt, General Manager of Mini Australia and New Zealand.
JUMP AHEAD
Prices exclude on-road costs.
| Variant | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| C Core | $49,990 | Up $1140 |
| C Classic | $52,990 | New model |
| C Favoured | $55,990 | New model |
| S ALL4 Classic | $58,990 | Up $1340 |
| S ALL4 Favoured | $61,990 | New model |
| S ALL4 JCW Sport | $63,990 | Down $460 |
| Core | |
|---|---|
| Cruise control | Heated sports steering wheel |
| Parking assistant with front sensors (Parking assistant plus features on Cooper S Core) | Keyless entry and start |
| Sports seats | Power tailgate with kick-to-open fiunction |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Classic trim design with piano black |
| Classic adds | |
|---|---|
| Adaptive cruise control | Interior camera |
| Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View | Mini augmented reality navigation |
| ASpeed limit assist | Heated front seats |
| Lane-trace assist | Panormaic glass sunroof |
| S Classic adds | |
|---|---|
| 150kW 2.0T with AWD | Wireless phone charging |
| Head-up display | MINI Experience Modes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ALL4 exterior styling |
| 19-inch alloy wheels | |
| Favoured/S Favoured adds | |
|---|---|
| 12-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system | Power front seats with memory |
| John Cooper Works Seats | Sun protection glazing |
| Active seat functions (driver only) | Anthracite headlining |
| S JCW Sport adds | |
|---|---|
| John Cooper Works steering wheel | DCT shift paddles |
| John Cooper Works exterior styling | Adaptive suspension |
| Sport stripes in Jet Black or Chilli Red | John Cooper Works sport brakes |
| Nanuq White | Midnight Black |
| Metling Silver | Smokey Green |
| Legend Grey |
Mini offers choices of upholstery colour on all grades. Either Grey or Black cloth with blue highlights are available on the Core and Classic trims, with leather-look ‘Vescin’ upholstery in Beige, Dark Petrol or Vintage Brown for the Favoured.
The JCW Sport gets a mix of black Vescin and Cord upholstery.
All trim levels can be optioned with contrast black mirror caps and roof, while the style-forward Favoured is available with Vibrant Silver exterior highlights.
The 1.5-litre three-cylinder now produces an extra 15kW and 10Nm, for 115kW/230Nm outputs that’ll get the front-drive SUV to 100km/h in nine seconds – seven tenths faster than before.
Moving to the Cooper S now brings all-wheel drive with Mini’s ALL4 front-biased system. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder’s outputs are up 9kW and 20Nm (now 150kW and 300Nm).
It’s quicker to 100km/h, taking 7.4 seconds according to Mini. Both vehicles use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Coming in 2024 is the 221kW Mini Countryman JCW, as well as the twin-motor electric SE that develops 230kW and can travel 433km on a single charge of its 66.4kWh (gross) battery.
Fuel consumption figures are yet to be confirmed for Australia – expect improvements on the 6.3L/100km (Cooper) and 6.7L/100km (Cooper S) combined results.
It’s fitted with lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking and collision warning as standard.
Mini’s Driving Assistant Plus pack – that adds a camera to assist radar sensors – is optional on the Core and standard on the Classic. It adds adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, collision prevention, 360-degree camera and auto parking.
The Countryman is a small SUV. A rival for the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA as well as higher-end variants of mainstream brands, such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Mazda CX-30.
It’s 4433mm long, 1843mm wide, 1656mm tall and rides on a 2692mm wheelbase – overall it’s 130mm longer and 60mm taller than the car it replaces.
The new Countryman’s extra size bestows it with 52L more boot space with both rows of seating up. Fold the 60:40 split second row and space grows from 502L to 1530L.
The Countryman Cooper and Cooper S are available to order now with customer deliveries beginning in the first quarter (January-March inclusive) of 2024.
Mini will add the powerful JCW and eco-friendly electric SE models later in 2024.
As before, the N Line doesn’t get any additional power, but its new styling will at least be joined by one not insignificant performance enhancement: optional new lightweight 19-inch wheels and an aluminium four-piston monoblock brake caliper design up front, wrapping a “large-diameter” disc. The exact size hasn’t been revealed yet, however.
For its part, Hyundai Australia has yet to confirm if this option will be offered with the Australian model, although the N Line models and equipment have always been among the most popular in its line-up.
That means a specific grille design and front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler, rear bumper and exhaust tips.
Inside, there’s suede and leather seats trim with red stitching throughout the cabin, and a dedicated N version of Hyundai’s new steering wheel. (Yes, the one with four dots representing H in morse code, in place of the dated H logo still featured on the outside.)
Learn more about the updated Tucson range in our evolving story below.
Hyundai Australia has confirmed it’ll arrive here in mid-2024, coinciding with the launch of the hybrid variant announced for our market earlier this year.
Design revisions include a squared-off shape for the grille and daytime running lights, which appear to be derived from its Santa Cruz ute twin sold in North America, as well as redesigned bumpers and alloy wheels.
Inside, the changes are more drastic, with a completely new dashboard – inspired by the Kona and Santa Fe – featuring dual 12.3-inch displays running the brand’s latest ‘CCOS’ software, a touch-type climate control panel, a column-mounted gear selector, a new steering wheel, and USB-C ports.
There’s also a revised, floating-look centre console with a repositioned wireless phone charger and cup-holders, along with a lower storage area – joined by a new storage cubby on the passenger side of the dashboard intended to create “a sense of openness”.
The Tucson Hybrid claims a WLTP-rated combined fuel economy figure of 5.9L/100km for the front-wheel-drive model, and 6.6L/100km for the all-wheel-drive.
By comparison, Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid claims a combined figure of 4.8L/100km in front-wheel-drive form.
At least two variants of the hybrid are expected – likely centred around the existing mid- and top-spec Elite and Highlander grades – priced similarly to the flagship diesel AWD powertrain.
The announcement coincides with the release of a first batch of teaser images from the Indian-owned British carmaker – although the gallery reveals little new apart from a charging port, partially closed grille design and EV-badged wheels.
Other 800V-equipped EVs include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, Kia EV6 and EV9, among others from German and American brands.
“Created in the heart of the United Kingdom, the Range Rover Electric will slot into the range alongside its mild hybrid [MHEV] and plug-in electric hybrid [PHEV] siblings, offering a breadth of options to meet our clients’ needs,” JLR engineering boss Thomas Müller said.
But, given its mammoth dimensions, buyers can likely expect a battery pack larger than the BMW i7’s 101.7kWh, with a claimed driving range upwards of 550 kilometres.
The company has at least confirmed the big new electric SUV’s batteries and motors will be assembled at its new Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
JLR isn’t making any promises on debut or delivery timing for the Range Rover Electric, given it is still in the prototyping phase.
Speaking with Wheels today, JLR Australia communications boss James Scrimshaw said: “As we start the physical testing phase, it is too early to make a commitment to specific client delivery dates, which will of course vary globally.
“However, by signing up to the waiting list, clients will have the opportunity to be among the first to place a pre-order.”
An electric Range Rover was confirmed this week at a UK media event in which Jaguar Land Rover announced it would rebrand as JLR, creating a “House of Brands” that would comprise Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar.
Invite-only orders will begin later this year with the electric Rangie expected to go on sale in late 2024. It will be built at JLR’s Solihull, UK, plant – alongside an electric Jaguar GT that has also been confirmed.
JLR will continue to offer petrol, diesel and hybrid versions of its flagship vehicle, with the electric variant also utilising the company’s flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) – shared with the Range Rover Sport.
The electric Range Rover will become a rival for models such as the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
The electric versions of the next-generation Evoque, Discovery Sport, and Velar (current model pictured above) are due from 2025 and will sit on JLR’s new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) and be built in Halewood, UK.
UK media is reporting that the Range Rover Velar will be the first of JLR’s medium-sized SUVs to get the EV treatment, as part of the company’s plan to offer an EV option on all Land Rovers by 2030.
JLR hasn’t released an EV since the company’s first in 2018 – the Jaguar i-Pace – but regulatory pressures and increasing competition, particularly in China, are forcing manufacturers to speed up their move into electrification.
The company will invest £15 billion ($28b) over the next five years to accelerate what it calls its “modern luxury electric-first future”.
Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender will all become sub-brands – along with Jaguar – under the JLR banner.
JLR has confirmed to media, however, that the famous, green-oval Land Rover badge will continue to adorn vehicles under each of the above model families.
“Pivotal to our Reimagine strategy is the formation of the House of Brands, which is a natural evolution, with a purpose of elevating and amplifying the uniqueness of our characterful British marques,” said JLR’s chief creative officer, Gerry McGovern.
“Our ultimate ambition is to build truly emotionally engaging experiences for our clients that, overtime, will build long-term high equity for our brands and long-term sustainability for JLR.”
Priced from $39,990 drive-away nationally, the eponymous Karoq features less equipment than the $45,490 drive-away Karoq 110TSI Style – but retains the 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol matched to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic and front-wheel-drive.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a smaller 8-inch digital instrument cluster, push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, and LED exterior lighting with sequential rear indicators.
It also sports an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding heated side mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming.
Active safety features have been retained for the base Karoq, including autonomous emergency braking (vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist), lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-view camera – as well as blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts that recently returned to the wider Karoq line-up.
The Karoq Style adds a full 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, DAB+ digital radio, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry, an anti-theft alarm system, chrome exterior trim, comfort front seats with lumbar support, a drive mode selector, privacy glass, and a hands-free electric tailgate.
It also adds some of Skoda’s practical ‘simply clever’ touches, including VarioFlex removable rear seats, a driver’s door bin, and a double-sided luggage net and cargo divider.
Skoda said the new Karoq variant is aimed at “savvy” buyers considering similarly-priced entry-level mid-size SUVs, calling out the Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx ($38,888 drive-away with a Sydney postcode), a base Hyundai Tucson ($39,215 drive-away in Sydney), and the Kia Sportage S automatic ($39,958 drive-away in Sydney).
“The new Karoq combines a large 521-litre boot volume with much more torque and lower fuel usage than a comparably priced entry Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5 Maxx,” said Skoda Australia marketing and product boss Kieran Merrigan.
“Features such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and dual-zone climate control air-conditioning are simply not found with new Karoq’s ‘base’ and basic rivals.
“Add a seven-year warranty and affordable seven-year servicing, and you have a compelling value package that undoubtedly earns its place on the shortlist of the savvy buyer who has done their homework, eagerly anticipating a test drive.”
The 2024 Skoda Karoq base variant is available to order now. It can be optioned with $770 premium paint or a $2750 seven-year/105,000-kilometre dealer service plan.
All prices are drive-away.
| Model | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Karoq (new) | $39,990 |
| Karoq 110TSI Style | $45,490 |
| Karoq 140TSI Sportline AWD | $52,490 |
The new-car market has always been easy to gather data on with an industry body (the FCAI) dedicating its time to tracking sales figures. The second-hand market, though, has been more opaque.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has teamed up with Australian company Autograb, which provides used car valuation and market tracking software, to reveal the best-selling used cars.
This data excludes vehicles older than 15 years and those that have been written off, so while it’s not as complete as the whole market, it gives a good indication of the most popular second-hand vehicles.
Of the states and territories, ACT and NSW account for the most sales (when combined) followed by VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, and the NT.
While there were more SUVs (125,055) for sale than passenger cars (110,390), 86,985 used passenger cars changed hands compared to 78,097 SUVs. Utes accounted for 35,064 sales in November.
Petrol was the dominant fuel source (135,141 sales) ahead of diesel (62,813) and hybrid (6755).
Battery-electric vehicles made up 1395 of November’s sales – though it’s worth pointing out that’s an increase of 6.7% compared to October when all other fuel sources (bar plug-in hybrids) lost share.
Then came the Toyota HiLux (4066), Toyota Corolla (3371), Hyundai i30 (2624), Mazda 3 (2354), and Mitsubishi Triton.
Following the Triton is another sales stalwart, the Toyota Camry (2324), then the Toyota RAV4 (2159), Mazda CX-5 (2023), and the Toyota Prado (1849). Data provided for the best-selling cars covers models up to 10 years old (to 2013).
| Make and model | Nov-23 Sales | Oct-23 Sales | Variance (%) | Days to sell (average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | 4683 | 4619 | 1.40% | 52.6 |
| Toyota HiLux | 4066 | 4004 | 1.50% | 52.3 |
| Toyota Corolla | 3371 | 3456 | -2.50% | 39.7 |
| Hyundai i30 | 2624 | 2711 | -3.20% | 38.4 |
| Mazda 3 | 2354 | 2465 | -4.50% | 35.9 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 2324 | 2357 | -1.40% | 42.6 |
| Toyota Camry | 2324 | 2463 | -5.60% | 49.4 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2159 | 2203 | -2% | 45.2 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2023 | 1922 | 5.30% | 43.2 |
| Toyota Prado | 1849 | 1860 | -0.60% | 53.7 |
Of the best-sellers list, it was small cars such as the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai i30 with the quickest average sales times.
