For many motorists, there are few things more frustrating than being caught behind someone who, for reasons known only to them, has decided to travel even just 10km/h below the speed limit.

The bad news is that In most parts of Australia, there isn’t a specific law that forbids driving ‘too slowly’ – nor are there any minimum speed thresholds at which you’re allowed to travel.

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However, driving significantly below the speed limit can be deemed an offence under Australian Road Rule 125.

The rule states: “A driver must not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or a pedestrian” – with the following provisos: “For this rule, a driver does not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or a pedestrian only because:

1. The driver is stopped in traffic; or
2. The driver is driving more slowly than other vehicles (unless the driver is driving abnormally slowly in the circumstances).

“A driver driving at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour on a length of road, to which a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour applies, when there is no reason for the driver to drive at that speed on the length of road.”

That is indeed significantly below the speed limit, and certainly much rarer than the common-enough sight of a car travelling 10- or 15km/h below the posted limit. So, in most cases, it’s not a very useful law.

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While it’s clear that driving too slow and obstructing traffic behind you is an offence…

The word “unreasonable” allows for discretion for those who may have a reason to be going slowly – such as inclement weather, travelling past an accident scene, animals on the road, or mechanical issues where it’s unsafe to stop.

The law can also be used against drivers who hog the right lane on a freeway, even if they’re travelling only a few km/h below the speed limit. When was the last time you saw that law actioned?

Of course, it also allows for someone to drive as slowly as they want if they’re not obstructing traffic.

“If you are going 50km/h down the Monash Freeway at 1am with no cars on the road, it’s not a drama,” Victoria Police Highway Patrol inspector Simon Humphrey told News Ltd. “But if you are doing that speed at 7am, in the right-hand lane, during peak hour – it might be a problem.

“It’s about common sense. It’s about obstruction rather than speed.”

So, in short, use common sense and think of other drivers.

And remember, even if someone is breaking Rule 125, it doesn’t excuse you from breaking Rule 126: the one against tailgating.

“A driver must drive a sufficient distance behind a vehicle travelling in front of the driver so the driver can, if necessary, stop safely to avoid a collision with the vehicle.”

It takes an automotive romantic with a long memory to gush about Lancia as one of the great marques.

It sure doesn’t look that way today – Lancia currently sells one model, the outdated Ypsilon hatch, and only in Italy – and it’s been much the same story for the current millennium.

Go back to the 20th century and you’ll understand the passion held for the brand founded in 1906 by Fiat racing and test driver Vincenzo Lancia and inherited on his death in 1937 by his similarly racing-pedigreed son, Gianni. Lancia’s road cars were as innovative as they were elegant.

The 1922 Lambda, for example, boasted the industry’s first monocoque chassis, independent front suspension, alloy V4 engine block and four-wheel brakes. Lancia’s technical momentum would only begin to wane under Fiat ownership, from 1969.

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Even so, Lancia – absent from rallying since 1992 – still holds more world rally championships for manufacturers (10) than any other marque.

That comprises three titles for the Stratos (1974-’76), a Group B victory for the 037 in 1983, and the Group A dominance of the Delta Integrale (1987-’92).

Pre-dating the FIA WRC, in 1972 Lancia won the International Championship for Manufacturers with the light, lithe and pretty Fulvia Coupe 1.6 HF.

The Fulvia Coupe was derived from the 1963 Fulvia sedan. The new front-driver borrowed heavily from the luxury Flavia (1961), but where the latter ran a flat-four engine ahead of its front axle, the Fulvia continued the narrow-angle V4 tradition.

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Two years after the sedan came the Fulvia Coupe, likewise styled by Piero Castagnero and claiming inspiration from Riva speedboats. In 1967, Road & Track magazine described the Coupe as “a precision motorcar and an engineering tour de force.”

If Porsche is praised for the 911’s triumph over physics with a weird engine hung outside a wheelbase, the Fulvia coupe is every bit as deserving.

The DOHC, 13-degree V4 engine was mounted longitudinally ahead of the front transaxle and canted at 45 degrees. Capacity quickly grew from 1.2 to 1.3 and ultimately 1.6 litres.

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The Coupe was quickly popular for rallying, prompting Lancia to develop a variety of stripped-out versions.

These were named HF, after the independent ‘Lancia Hi-Fi’ independent rally team founded in 1963 by Cesare Fiorio, son of Lancia PR boss and rally ace Sandro Fiorio.

Lancia Coupe HFs were built in limited numbers in 1.2, 1.3 and 1.6-litre capacities, with the final ‘1600 HF Lusso’ version’s 3690 units outnumbering the total of its predecessors.

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Narrow margins

Unlike some of Lancia’s earlier V4 designs, which had a variety of vee angles ranging up to 20 degrees, the 13-degree iron-block unit developed for the Fulvia had true twin overhead camshaft (alloy) cylinder head.

It was leaned at 45 degrees to reduce height and accommodate the adjacent dual carburettors.

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Into the light

The Fulvia Coupe’s designers were given a strict brief of 4000mm overall length, 900kg maximum weight and a 2+2 cockpit.

The first 1.2 HF in 1966 set the tone for the boy-racer specials, with plexiglass side windows and aluminium bonnet, bootlid and doors and deleted bumpers all helping trim weight to around 780kg.

While August’s Wheels detailed advances in the ‘personal mobility aircraft’ industry, it won’t surprise many of you that I remain deeply sceptical of the whole flying car thing.

The notion, I’ll admit, is a tantalising one. Who wouldn’t want to beat the traffic each day, commuting above the rooftops saving time and looking ridiculously cool in the process?

Over the years, personal air travel has featured in varying degrees of fantasy in these pages and yet, despite the frequency, production models have been about as successful as Saudi Arabian hypercars, never making it much further than an awkward prototype that doesn’t work.

In recent years, the absurd designs which represented little more than sedans with wings glued on in someone’s garage have evolved into marginally more passable machines thanks to the advent of drones or, to use their correct name – quadcopters.

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Instead of requiring access to an airstrip at either end of your trip, the quadcopter design has the potential to take off and land virtually anywhere.

The key disadvantage over fixed-wind craft, however, is that in the event of power failure, big drones glide like the small ones − which is not at all.

Of course, the reliability of motors and electronics has improved immeasurably in recent years, but it won’t take many human-sized DJIs making unplanned high-velocity landings before proponents fall back in love with four wheels.

The real sticking point with flying cars is not in the hardware – the reason I’m confident they won’t catch on comes down to the sack of flesh and flaws sat at the controls. For a human to take to the skies in traditional aircraft, many hours of training, assessment and experience are required, and even then, the most frequent cause of a massive black scar in the side of a mountain where a helicopter used to be is pilot error.

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Spend even a short time on our roads and it quickly becomes clear that most drivers struggle controlling a vehicle in just two dimensions so imagine the catastrophe if we threw a third into the mix.

So if we can’t be trusted to fly ourselves then autonomy is the only solution and here too, the idea of a flying car hits a hurdle.

While all the mainstream car manufacturers were vocal about fully autonomous vehicles in the early part of this decade, the bluster has comprehensively fallen off a cliff in recent years as the magnitude of the challenge dawned and predicted milestone dates lapsed.

Like driverless cars, for autonomous flying cars to work, they must exist in a world where no human-piloted vehicles can upset the harmony and cause the inevitable collisions when you mix man and machine.

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In which Dan comes to an awkward realisation…

If going full self-flying is the way, it makes less sense to choke the skies with individual transport when many people can be ferried more efficiently in fewer, larger vehicles rather than a plague of tiny craft.

If we can nail all these challenges, then perhaps the flying car does stand a chance and will one day offer a revolutionary mode of transport that’s faster than driving, safer than land-based cars, can deliver you anywhere there’s supporting infrastructure, and is more environmentally sensitive.

All of which leads us to a somewhat unpalatable conclusion… The transport solution that solves these flying car issues has already been invented. It’s the train, tram, and bus.

Hey, we get it. With dozens of news and reviews stories published every week, it can be hard to keep up with all the latest in the automotive world.

Obviously we reckon every story we run is a banger, but if you’re looking for the highlights reel, this is it. Read on and click away!

Cash-savin’ EVs: MG 4 v BYD Dolphin

Two cheap Chinese EVs face off in the real world.

New Triton: Bigger, better, more expensive!

The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton – due for release in February – will be offered with four variants in two body styles with an updated twin-turbo diesel and more tech than ever.

REVIEW: BMW i5 driven in Australia

Why the BMW i5 is the best car you’ll hear nothing about this year.

Tesla Model 3 facelift detailed for Oz

Launch team for 2024 Model 3 update says go-fast version will be better than before.

Hyundai’s Tucson SUV goes premium

Hyundai’s top-selling vehicle updated with Santa Cruz-like front end, plus a new-look dashboard inspired by the Kona and Santa Fe.

SHOCKER: Hyundai’s hot EV is a blast

Jez heads to Korea for some hooning in Hyundai’s mad new ‘hot hatch’, the Ioniq 5 N.

How can we make Aussie roads safer?

Controversial licensing changes, rewards for good behaviour, better training, more speed cameras? Something needs to be done.

Can’t wait for RAV4 Hybrid? Check these out

If still-lengthy waiting times for a new Toyota RAV4 hybrid are making you impatient, WhichCar guides you through a range of alternatives.

All the new Kia models bound for Oz

Kia’s turned its fortunes around from bargain basement motoring to electric chic and cutting-edge design – here’s what’s coming down the pipeline.

Euro NCAP says lane-keep not good enough

The secretary general of Euro NCAP – sister organisation to ANCAP – has said many lane-keep assist systems are not “properly evaluated in the real world”.

“Electric cars are unaffordable.”

The purchase price has been perceived as one of the key barriers for first-time electric vehicle buyers, but the tide is quickly turning.

Half a decade ago, the sub-$60K ‘affordable’ local EV market was merely populated by a few players – the Nissan Leaf small hatchback, Renault Zoe, BMW i3 city car, and Hyundai Ioniq Electric liftback.

Now, with more than 100,000 EVs officially on Australian roads, it’s hard to go outside without seeing the Tesla Model 3 sedan, Model Y or BYD Atto 3 SUV – with a handful of new EVs costing from around $40K.

Cheaper EVs have mainly been driven by Chinese-made models (read why here) and some have already matched the price with comparable petrol- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

These are the most attainable EVs available in Australia priced below $60K – or comparable to the price of a top-spec ICE-powered small or medium SUV.

JUMP AHEAD

Every new EV under $60K detailed: Pricing, features, range, warranty & servicing

1. BYD Dolphin
2. MG 4
3. GWM Ora
4. MG ZS EV
5. BYD Atto 3
6. BYD Seal
7. Nissan Leaf
8. Fiat 500e
9. Cupra Born
10. Peugeot E-2008
11. Peugeot E-Partner
12. Volvo EX30

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BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is Australia’s cheapest new electric car (as at the time of publication), priced from $38,890 before on-road costs.

The quirky-designed Dolphin EV range is split in two variants, with the base Dynamic coming with a highly-specified features list and the Premium only gaining a larger battery, more power, and cosmetic upgrades.

Both come with the company’s lauded lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery cells.

Key features include; a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a two-tone synthetic leather interior, an energy-efficient heat pump, and a full safety assistance suite as standard.

The BYD Dolphin is covered by a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is only included for one year.

Servicing is required every one year/20,000km at BYD dealers and select MyCar mechanics, with the first five years/100,000km averaging to $276.80 per visit.

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MG 4

The MG 4 electric hatch represents the Chinese brand’s first global ground-up EV, with a budget-friendly $38,990 before on-roads starting price.

The electric small car is separated by two spec variants and three battery sizes – plus a high-performance XPower flagship. Only the base Excite 51 houses the longer lifespan LFP-type battery, but all other models adopt a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery with a recommended 80 per cent everyday charge limit to maintain good health.

Highlight MG 4 standard features include; a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, remote smartphone app connectivity, keyless start/stop, and one-pedal driving regenerative braking ability.

The Chinese carmaker backs the 4 with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle and battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is also included for that period, provided owners service it with a MG dealer on time.

Servicing is only required every two years/40,000km. After the first six years/120,000km, it averages to $500 per checkup for regular models or $518 for the hot XPower.

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GWM Ora

The GWM Ora is another cut-price electric hatch offering with a unique retro Mini-esque design, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs.

Four variants are available with the same drivetrain, but only the base model features the longer lasting and thermally safer LFP battery.

Key GWM Ora features include; dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay, two-tone exterior paint, and pricier variants uniquely gain a hands-free electric tailgate, and ventilated and massaging front seats.

The electric hatch is backed by a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/unlimited kilometre battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for the first five years when serviced with a GWM dealer.

While servicing intervals are set at every one year/15,000km, the Chinese automaker is offering a sharp $99 capped-cost for the first five years/60,000km.

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MG ZS EV

The facelifted MG ZS EV is Australia’s cheapest small electric SUV, priced from $40,990 before on-roads after a recent price cut.

It’s offered in three variants and is split by two battery sizes.

Key ZS EV standard features include; a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, synthetic leather seats with faux carbon fibre bolsters and red stitching, PM2.5 air filter, and full LED headlights.

The Chinese carmaker provides a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle and battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is also included for that period when serviced at a MG dealer.

Servicing is only needed every two years/40,000km, with the first six years/120,000km averaging to $466.67 per visit.

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BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 continues to be a top-selling EV in Australia, priced from $48,011 before on-road costs.

It is fully-equipped as standard and is only split by two battery sizes – both of which use the Chinese automaker’s LFP-based Blade Battery cells that’s claimed to be safer and more durable than conventional LFP packs.

Despite a few controversies clouding its initial launch and a relatively nascent brand reputation, it has quickly become a common sight on Australian roads – but is still fairly behind the more expensive Tesla Model Y medium electric SUV.

The Atto 3 includes all features as standard, including; a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability, mobile app connectivity, an electric tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

The BYD electric SUV is backed by six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for one year only.

Standard servicing is required every one year/20,000km at BYD dealers and select MyCar mechanics, with the first five years/100,000km averaging to $276.80 per service.

Alternatively, shorter distance drivers can opt for a light servicing tier, which reduces servicing intervals to every one year/10,000km and caps the first five visits to $189 each. The capped-price scheme reverts to the standard tier afterwards.

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BYD Seal

The BYD Seal electric sedan is coming with a low $49,888 before on-roads starting price tag.

Three variants are offered with different power outputs and two battery sizes, but the Toyota Camry and Tesla Model 3-rivalling EV is fully-featured as standard.

Key BYD Seal features include; a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, OTA software update capability, front heated and ventilated seats, and a fixed panoramic glass roof.

The BYD electric car is backed by six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for one year only.

Servicing is required every one year/20,000km at BYD dealers and select MyCar mechanics, with the first five years/100,000km averaging to $276.80 per visit.

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Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf electric hatch is one of the oldest new EVs on sale, yet represents the cheapest non-Chinese made EV in Australia, starting from $50,990 before on-road costs.

Despite the Japanese badge, the Leaf (an acronym for Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car) is made at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the United Kingdom.

The Nissan Leaf includes all features as standard, including; an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, rear view mirror camera, and heated front and rear leather seats with suede trim.

The UK-made EV is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Nissan promises the lithium-ion battery won’t degrade by more than three bars (out of 12) within the battery warranty period. Five years of roadside assistance is included, provided owners service it with Nissan on time.

Servicing intervals are set at every one year/20,000km, with the first five-years/100,000km averaging to $345.20 per checkup.

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Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e offers a city-friendly electric car size and requisite Italian design charms, costing from $52,500 before on-road costs.

Available in a flagship La Prima trim only, key standard features include; a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, eco leather seats, a fixed panoramic glass roof, and a Type 2 to Type 2 portable AC charging cable.

The 500e is covered by a shorter three-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an industry-standard eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for three years, provided it’s serviced with a Fiat dealer.

Fiat’s parent company, Stellantis Australia, confirmed to WhichCar that servicing is needed every one year/15,000km, with prices capped at just $250 per visit up to 10 years/150,000km.

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Cupra Born

The sporty, long range Cupra Born electric hatch marks the Volkswagen Group’s first mainstream EV in Australia, priced from $59,990 before on-road costs.

Available in one high spec, large battery variant, it wears a price tag on par with the petrol-powered Cupra Leon VZe plug-in hybrid and VZx hot hatch, although it offers less power and weighs heavier.

Key standard features include; a 12.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 5.3-inch driver instruments display, full LED lights, and auto keyless start/stop.

The Born electric hatch is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for the first five years.

Servicing is needed every one year/15,000km. Cupra Australia hasn’t outlined capped-price servicing costs, but sells three- and five-year pre-paid servicing packages costing $990 and $1590 respectively.

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Peugeot E-2008

The Peugeot E-2008 is the French brand’s first small electric SUV offering in Australia for just under $60K before on-road costs.

While the electric pug is just launching in Australia, it has already been overshadowed by a newer facelifted model in Europe which gains more driving range, new technology, and a bolder exterior.

Highlight E-2008 features include; a 10.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, three-dimensional ‘i-Cockpit’ instrument display, gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, and a heat pump.

The Peugeot E-2008 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Five years of roadside assistance is included when serviced with a Peugeot dealer.

Servicing intervals are set at every one year/25,000km, with capped-prices going up to the first five-years/125,000km and averaging $304.40 per checkup.

Pre-paid servicing plans are also offered at $600 for three years or $1000 for five years.

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Peugeot E-Partner

With the all-new Renault Kangoo E-Tech delayed until 2024, the Peugeot E-Partner remains the only new electric light commercial vehicle under $60K in Australia.

The small electric cargo van is sold in a single Pro, two-seater, long wheelbase variant.

Key standard features include; an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, dual sliding doors, 180-degree swinging rear doors, front auto emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

The French electric van is backed by a five-year/200,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is bundled for five years when owners service it with a Peugeot dealer.

Servicing is required every one year/25,000km. Capped-price servicing extends to the first five visits – averaging $346 per service.

Pre-paid servicing packages are also available to buy at $600 for three years or $1000 for five years.

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Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is the Sino-Swedish automaker’s smallest, yet fastest model to date – with a sharp $59,990 before on-roads starting price.

The luxury-badged small electric SUV will start deliveries in early 2024, with pre-orders now open for the three-prong line-up.

Key standard features include; a 12.3-inch portrait-orientated touchscreen powered by Google’s Android Automotive operating system, wireless Apple CarPlay, eco-friendly interior materials, front soundbar speaker, and smartphone key functionality.

The EX30 EV is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for the first eight years, provided owners service it with Volvo.

Servicing details haven’t been announced for the Volvo EX30 yet, but for reference, the slightly larger XC40 and C40 Recharge electric SUVs only need scheduled maintenance every two-years/30,000km.

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? The best cheapest EVs

This story has outlined every new EV on sale in Australia under $60K before on-roads, but which are the best? Check out our 2022 EV Megatest linked below for more.

You won’t find the BYD Dolphin, MG 4 or GWM Ora in the below test yet, but they’ll be added soon. In the meantime, you can find our coverage of those models at the links below.

• BYD Dolphin news and reviews
• MG 4 news and reviews
• GWM Ora news and reviews

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? Is it time to make the electric switch?

EVs are not for everyone (for now), but they are right for most.

Battery longevity, thermal safety, and servicing remain key perceived issues. For more, check out our /Electric hub guides below.

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Nissan is about to double its all-electric offering in the mainstream, with the current ‘new’ Ariya SUV and Leaf hatch to be joined by a Juke EV and Qashqai EV. The Leaf is also confirmed for a new third generation.

The news, announced Friday evening Australian time, comes as part of a $5 billion investment into its UK manufacturing program that will see Nissan’s EV36Zero ‘hub’ expanded to include a third EV-specific factory.

The new models are next-generation programs, with Nissan confirming all three will be “inspired by three exciting all-electric concept models, two of which were recently unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show.”

The company then goes on to list three of its recent concepts, named with “how do you do, fellow kids?” energy: the Hyper Urban, Hyper Punk and the 2021 Chill-Out.

These three new models, plus the Ariya, are representative of Nissan’s plan for its new European (and UK) models to be exclusively electric.

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As for Australia..?

For now, Nissan remains reticent to reveal any firm plans for future electric models in Australia, with only the ageing and expensive second-generation Leaf on its current roster.

In June, the company’s regional boss Guillaume Cartier said the Ariya is a “not this year” proposition for Australia, despite launching overseas in 2020 and Nissan confirming in 2021 that it will (eventually) come here.

Like Mitsubishi (and unlike just about every other volume-selling brand here, although Toyota is being dragged kicking and screaming into EVs), Nissan says the Australian market isn’t ready for EVs, pointing the finger primarily at our achingly slow crawl towards new fuel regulations.

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The company also claims overseas demand is inhibiting its ability to make the Ariya available here.

This is a familiar line, but, economically, a valid excuse: manufacturers operating in Europe (and California) are required to sell a volume of EVs sufficient to offset the carbon emissions of their petrol and diesel models, or else face stiff financial penalties. If Nissan’s production capacity is only able to meet its European obligations – while facing no such consequences here in Australia – it can hardly be blamed for prioritising those markets.

The company’s third new EV plant should help to overcome that issue, but its Australian arm is still unable to offer anything but the most vague comment – likely the result of a gag from global headquarters, as the local office must surely be seething at its almost complete and very conspicuous absence in the EV segment.

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Asked for an update on its plans, a Nissan Australia spokesperson could say only: “This is a very exciting announcement for Nissan and further supports our vision for Ambition 2030. Further information about the three models will be released at a later time”.

As next-generation models, there is little doubt that at least the Qashqai EV and Juke EV will come to Australia, while the Ariya we get will likely be an updated model more suited to the battle the competition it will face in 2024. Or 2025? Your guess is as good as ours.

When we’ll see the three new EVs revealed is unclear, with Nissan saying only that “further information about the three models, including names, specifications and launch dates, will be released at a later time”.

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We can guess, though, based on each current model’s life cycle.

The second-gen Juke was unveiled in late 2019, suggesting a replacement will be due by around 2025 or 2026. The third-generation, still very fresh in Australia, debuted overseas in early 2021 – pointing to sometime around 2027 for a successor. However, the first-gen Juke and second-gen Qashqai soldiered on for nine and eight years respectively, so we could be in for waits just as long.

Nissan intends for its European passenger line-up to be exclusively electric by 2030.

The wild Callum Skye electric-off roader is the first car to bear the name of legendary designer and company founder Ian Callum.

The Skye will go into production in the first half of 2024 as the first product conceptualised, engineered and sold under the Callum name – the company the automotive designer set up in 2019 after a renowned career.

The Scot is well known for reshaping the Jaguar brand’s design and boasts a resume including the Aston Martin Vanquish, Ford RS200 and even several iterations of Holden Special Vehicles models for Australia.

Now, his name adorns a production vehicle for the first time – the Callum Skye, an electric-off roader with a spaceframe chassis and composite panels that the company says sits in a new niche.

“Some thought our first would be a sports car, but Skye is different, quite unique,” Ian Callum told Wheels.

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“We wanted to explore different automotive territory and bridge the gap between off-road performance and on-road comforts. Crucially, it’s about fun – that’s what Callum is about. A sense of freedom with escapism, integrity, and capability at its core.”

That capability sees the Skye measuring just over four metres (4070mm) long – shorter than a Volkswagen Golf – but with a similar width to a Ford Ranger at 1900mm.

Sitting on chunky off-road rubber, the proportions deliver muscular styling with composite body panels draped over a spaceframe chassis and a 2+2 seating configuration, although images of the interior are yet to be revealed.

“The exterior features a striking accent loop, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear,” said Callum.

“It is pared down to a level of necessity and understatement. At the heart of its story is its performance, style and capability, and a design integral to the engineering elements.

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“For example, the lower section of the doors have beautifully integrated glass, offering outstanding visibility in all conditions. I believe the Skye is truly authentic – unique in concept and presence in the market.”

Engineering on the Skye is led by Callum technical director, Adam Donfrancesco, whose background includes projects for Noble, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.

His team has achieved an impressively light 1150kg dry weight for the Skye, balanced 50/50 between front and rear, with a twin 42kWh electric motor arrangement and all-wheel drive.

Performance claims see 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in less than four seconds, while a full battery recharge from empty can be completed in 10 minutes for an estimated 273km range.

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The company has not revealed its battery and component set supplier, with further details to be announced in 2024.

Pricing is still to be determined, though Wheels can confirm customers will be able to choose from two versions: one with an on-road bias, the other with an off-road tilt.

“It has been designed to exceed expectations: minimal mass, maximum capability – exceptionally usable and an absolute joy to drive,” said Callum.

Around 50 will be built per year, all coming from Callum’s 1858-square metre facility in Warwick, United Kingdom.

Callum intends to develop more models under its own name but will continue designing and engineering ‘white label’ products for OEMs across the automotive and broader sectors.

Ford is one of Australia’s most popular car brands and has had a busy 2023 introducing new models including its first electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, and a return of the F-150 full-size pick-up (via a local right-hand-drive conversion).

Although it is saying goodbye to the Escape midsized SUV at the end of the 2023, there’s plenty of more new metal to come from the Blue Oval in 2024 and beyond.

Here’s Wheels’ quick guide to the new Ford models coming to Australia, as well as other vehicles that have the potential to head down-under.

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JUMP AHEAD

Confirmed models

• Mustang
• F-150 facelift
• Puma
• Puma EV
• Ranger PHEV (plug-in hybrid)
• E-Transit Custom

Potential models

• Bronco
• Explorer
• F-150 Lightning
• Capri

✅ Confirmed models

Mustang

The world’s and Australia’s favourite sports car of recent years will enter local showrooms in early 2024 in sixth-generation form – the perfect way to celebrate the nameplate’s 60th birthday.

EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder and GT V8 models return, but the headline act is the harder-core, track-ready Dark Horse variant – which takes Mustang pricing to the $100K mark, while prices across the range are up by as much as 24 per cent.

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F-150 facelift

Ford’s biggest-selling model has only just made a return to Australia, brought to showrooms via local right-hand drive conversion.

In slightly inconvenient timing around the local launch, the Ford Motor Company in the US announced an upgraded model.

This won’t reach here until late 2024, with updates including subtle styling changes, more cabin tech, and new options such as a side-swing tailgate.

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Puma / Puma EV

The demise of the Fiesta city car has left the Fiesta-based Puma crossover as Ford’s entry model, and one of our favourite compact SUVs is due for a facelift in 2024.

That will coincide with a new, fully electric version of the Puma that’s already confirmed for Australia for late 2024.

It’s understood the Puma EV will share its platform with the E-Transit Courier compact van, with a 55kWh battery and approximate range of 370km speculated.

Unfortunately for keen drivers, Ford Australia continues to snub the Puma ST high-performance variant.

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Ranger Plug-in Hybrid

A PHEV version of the ridiculously popular Range ute is coming in early 2025, promising a 45kW electric-only range and a range-anxiety-free experience courtesy of its turbo petrol engine and electric motor combination.

Ford says the plug-in hybrid Ranger will produce the biggest torque in the line-up.

The ute will also be a ‘moving generator’ capable of powering work tools or camping electronics/equipment.

To be built in South Africa, the one downside is that the Ranger PHEV will miss out on the pricing benefits of the free trade agreement that applies to the rest of the line-up built in Thailand.

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E-Transit Custom

Following the 2023 launch of the E-Transit large electric van, Ford Australia will import the smaller E-Transit Custom in 2024.

The medium-sized electric van will follow the renewed Custom range arriving in late 2023, taking its place at the top of the line-up.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the cost of the larger E-Transit ($104,990 rrp) suggests there will be a significant premium for the electric version over the diesel-powered Transit Custom.

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? Potential future models

Bronco

The sixth-generation Bronco is a cool-looking retro off-roader that may currently be produced in left-hand drive only but continues to be the subject of RHD speculation – if via conversion rather than the original assembly line.

It’s a natural rival for the Jeep Wrangler – including the ability to remove the Bronco’s roof and doors for an open-air motoring experience.

Related to the Ranger and Everest we know so well, the Bronco is available with four-cylinder turbo and V6 petrol engines as well as permanent AWD.

There’s even a hardcore Raptor edition.

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Explorer

The next-generation Explorer is a fully electric SUV due to go on sale globally in mid 2024, though for now it is ruled out for Australia.

As another vehicle formed out of the 2020-announced Ford–Volkswagen alliance – which includes the current Ranger and Amarok ute twins – the Explorer uses VW’s MEB (modular electric) architecture.

As a twin to the VW ID.4, the 2024 Ford Explorer is a midsized SUV.

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F-150 Lightning

Ford Australia is studying the business case for adding the all-electric Lightning to its newly launched F-150 full-size pick-up range.

The company has already trademarked the F-150 Lightning name locally, boosting hopes for a model that offers up to 433kW and 1050Nm, a 515km claimed range, and 0-100km/h performance of 4.5 seconds.

The dual-motor, all-wheel drive Lightning also claims to do the business when it comes to towing and carrying, with a payload of up to 1014kg and a towing capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes.

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Capri

Yet to be revealed but spotted testing is Ford’s “sport crossover” that is expected to adopt a famous sports car nameplate.

With a length of about 4.6 metres – as a twin to VW’s ID.5 coupe-SUV – the latter-day Capri would sit below Ford’s Mustang Mach-E electric SUV.

We’ll have to wait and see if Ford Australia chooses to fill the EV gap that would exist between the electric Puma and Mach-E.

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When the SUV boom began in Australia, OEM’s began to introduce light and small SUVs as alternatives to hatchback and sedan options.

With the previous success of the family-sized CX-5 and smaller CX-3, the CX-30 popped up in 2020 to bridge the gap between both models, and is based on the same platform as the Mazda 3.

Its price range begins at $32,990 for the entry-level G20 Pure, escalating to $47,390 for the top-tier G25 Astina, which features a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

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Pricing and Features

The entry-level G20 Pure is offered in a single automatic powertrain with manual having been recently deleted due to slow sales) and is priced at $32,990 before on-road costs.

it is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 114kW and 200Nm. There is other powertrain available higher up in the range a beefier 2.5-litre petrol engine. The mild hybrid is no longer available in the range, as the already available 2.0-litre is more efficient.

There are nine paint colour options with four colours costing an extra $595.

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For an extra $2000 you can add a Vision Technology option package which includes :

• 360° view monitor
• Driver Monitoring
• Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front parking sensors
• 10.25-inch widescreen colour display

Mazda has indicated that the mid-spec G20 Evolve and G20 Touring models are their most popular variants, with the entry-level G20 Pure following closely in popularity.

Safety

The Mazda CX-30 range boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019 testing.

Standard safety features include seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain, and driver’s knee).

Even the base model comes equipped with a robust set of active safety technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking with detection capabilities for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and while reversing, as well as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and traffic sign recognition.

Standard safety equipment also includes a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. As mentioned, the Vision Technology package offers an enhanced range of safety at additional cost, but the standard safety is plentiful on its own.

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Key Rivals

The CX-30 competes against other high selling small SUVS like:

• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Kia Seltos
• Hyundai Kona
• Mitsubishi ASX

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Should I Put It On My Shortlist?

The CX-30 sits as a capable and stylish small SUV for those not needing a huge amount of space, but still offers more flexibility than a standard hatchback or sedan.

For a younger buyer or first car, the base G20 Pure is an excellent choice, boasting an extensive list of equipment and safety features.

But if you’re looking for a vehicle with more upscale features, the Evolve or Touring models are great options. However, it’s advisable to skip the G20 Evolve mild hybrid and instead opt for the standard 2.0-litre variant, saving yourself $2,000.

Subaru and Mazda have partnered with Toyota for the supply of petrol-electric hybrid components.

The latest Subaru Forester mid-size SUV, unveiled last week and due in Australia later in 2024, will include a full-hybrid powertrain in the United States around one year after standard petrol variants launch.

Subaru of America president Jeffrey Walters told Automotive News [↗] that the electrified Forester will utilise a “Toyota-sourced battery [and electric components] joined with a boxer engine”.

The latest partnership between Toyota and Subaru follows the GR86 and BRZ sports cars, BZ4x and Solterra EVs, and the Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid derived from the Toyota Prius Prime’s system.

Toyota and Subaru are also expected to sell three new closely-related EVs between now and 2028, likely as badge-engineered Toyotas like the Solterra.

In Australia, the current Subaru Forester is marketed with an available ‘E-Boxer Hybrid’ powertrain, however, it is a mild-hybrid system that delivers less fuel savings.

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Mazda has also partnered with Toyota to develop a hybrid system for its CX-50 mid-size SUV, following a previous deal for the last-generation Mazda 3 Hybrid in Japan.

Detailed in China this month – and due in North America in 2024 – the CX-50 hybrid receives the RAV4’s 2.5-litre non-turbo powertrain, electric motor, CVT automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.

The all-wheel-drive RAV4 hybrid has a 163kW total system output – compared to 139kW/252Nm for the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre CX-50 and 186kW/434Nm for the CX-50 2.5-litre turbo.

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Yes okay, but how about CX-50 for Australia?

Unfortunately, the Mazda CX-50 remains off-limits for Australia due to it being produced in the United States and China.

Mazda Australia’s marketing boss Alastair Doak told Wheels the CX-50 is “still on the wish list,” as it is currently limited to “left-hand drive production in Huntsville, [United States]” and China.

However, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 could adopt hybrid technology when it launches around 2025.