The Ford Ranger has topped the monthly sales charts for October, marking the fifth time this year Ford’s dual-cab has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle.

The Ford Ranger recorded 6215 sales last month, beating home its arch-rival the Toyota HiLux by 449 units, which notched up 5766 deliveries.

Interestingly, both the Ranger and HiLux have topped the monthly sales charts five times each so far in 2023.

Dual-cab utes filled all three spots on the podium for October, with the Isuzu D-Max taking third place with 3198 sales which was a remarkable 63.9 per cent increase compared to October last year.

Two Toyota SUVs completed the top five, with the RAV4 recording 2598 sales in fourth (down 19.4 per cent year-on-year) and the LandCruiser line-up taking out fifth with 2561 sales.

The results come in a market that saw 106,809 new vehicle sales in October, which was a 22.3 per cent increase over this time last year. Booming demand and improved supply also saw Aussie new vehicle sales roll past the one million marker for the first time ever in October.

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As expected, dual-cab utes and large SUVs accounted for the bulk of sales and represented 38.3 per cent of the total market share.

It wasn’t good news in every segment, however. Electric vehicle sales softened in October to make up 5.7 per cent of the market which is down from eight per cent in September.

EV sales are still surging year-on-year, however, with electrified passenger vehicles up 100 per cent compared to this time last year, while electric SUVs are up almost 300 per cent.

Best-selling vehicle in 2023 by month

The new 2025 Subaru Forester has debuted. Here’s everything we know.

JUMP AHEAD

• November: 2025 Forester revealed
• November: 2024 Forester imagined
• November: 2024 Forester reveal date confirmed
• August: Huge launch range planned for new Forester
• How does the current Forester compare?

November: 2025 Subaru Forester revealed

The 2025 Subaru Forester has debuted ahead of its Australian launch, expected later next year. Full details in the story linked below.

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November: 2024 Subaru Forester imagined

The new Forester may only been two weeks out from its big unveiling, but we couldn’t resist imagining how it might look.

Looking to Subaru’s latest new models for inspiration, along with the current fifth-gen Forester and even the Solterra EV, our mate Theottle has whipped up these renders of the new model.

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Importantly for we fans of old-school turbo petrol Forester models, the news of a new XT variant gave us plenty of enthusiasm for rendering that variant. Bonnet scoop, baby!

What do you think of this look? We’ll know exactly what to expect on November 17, but in the meantime, would you be happy if the new Forester looked like this?

Mike Stevens

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November: 2024 Subaru Forester reveal date set

The upcoming new sixth-gen Subaru Forester will be unveiled on November 17, Australian time, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The popular Japanese brand is revealing little else for now, although it’s offered up on small detail: A cropped photo of an alloy wheel, likely belonging to the anticipated XT flagship – expected to be available immediately from launch.

The full plan is to launch the next-gen Forester with two drivetrains – the existing 2.5-litre petrol flat-four and a “stronger”, more powerful evolution of Subaru’s relatively mild 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid flat-four, which will hopefully improve acceleration and efficiency.

Subaru says the new medium SUV is “an all-new fully redesigned vehicle”, but we expect it’ll continue the largely familiar and evolutionary styling worn by its latest line-up.

Get more details on the new Forester in our comprehensive story linked in our August update below.

Mike Stevens & Tim Robson

August 2023: New Forest range to pull out all the stops

Subaru is preparing to consolidate its booming sales with an all-new 2024 Forester range, including updated petrol-hybrid drivetrain at launch. Details at the linked story below.

Nathan Ponchard

Below: The current fifth-gen Forester

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The Australian new car market has posted its best October result ever, with sales records broken for the fourth month running, as supply continues to catch up with demand.

According to official new-car sales results from the Federal Chamber of Automobile Industries (FCAI), 106,809 vehicles were registered in October – up 22% from 2022, when 87,299 cars were sold.

The previous highest October result was in 2017, when 95,763 vehicles were reported as sold.

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More than one million vehicles have been sold in Australia in 2023 (1,006,095), with the result achieved in October for the first time ever.

Top-selling brand Toyota sold 20,298 vehicles in October, a new record for the month, beating October 2020 when the brand achieved 19,505 vehicle sales.

The Ford Ranger took first place with 6215 units – nearly 500 units ahead of the Toyota HiLux (5766).

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Year-to-date, 50,067 examples of the Toyota HiLux have been sold in Australia, compared to 49,288 Ford Rangers.

New South Wales registered the most vehicles with 33,001 sales, ahead of Victoria and Queensland with 30,740 and 21,937 sales, respectively.

Western Australia (10,166), South Australia (6677), Tasmania (1996), the ACT (1552), and the Northern Territory (740) followed.

“The Australian market has demonstrated incredible strength and vitality throughout 2023, culminating in Australia reaching one million sales in October for the first time,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

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“After some challenging years through COVID, this milestone speaks to the range of vehicles available to consumers, affirming Australia’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets. It also reflects vastly improved supply chains.

“In the past six months, five have broken all-time sales records compared with previous years and in October 106,809 new vehicles were delivered to Australian customers.”

The FCAI said that while light commercial utes, large, or upper large SUVs accounted for 38.3 per cent of sales, all-electric vehicles “softened to represent 5.7 per cent of the market”.

JUMP AHEAD

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

? Australia’s top 10 cars for October 2023

Ups and downs ⬆️ + ⬇️

The Ford Ranger overtook the Toyota HiLux in October.

In first place, the Ranger recorded 6215 sales – up 10% from October 2022 – with the Toyota HiLux following with 5766 units, up 18% from last year.

The Isuzu D-Max took third with 3198 sales, followed by the Toyota RAV4 in fourth place (2598).

The MG ZS placed fifth (2537), followed by the Mazda CX-5 (2509), the Toyota LandCruiser Prado (2320), and the Mitsubishi Outlander (2238).

The Ford Everest (1803) placed ninth, while the Hyundai Tucson took 10th place (1762).

In tables: Top-10 cars in October

In tables: Top-10 cars year-to-date

? Back to top

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? Australia’s top 10 car brands for October 2023

Ups and downs ? + ?

Toyota recorded 20,298 sales (▲ from 18,259 in October 2022). Year-to-date, the Japanese brand’s sales are down 10% at 174,957, representing 17% of the market.

Mazda finished second with 9316 sales (▲from 5775), while Ford trailed closely behind with 8605 sales (▲ from 7823) due to strong Ranger and Everest demand.

Hyundai, in fourth, recorded 6620 sales in October (▲ from 5289), while Mitsubishi placed fifth with 6395 sales (▲ from 5982).

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MG followed in sixth with 6102 sales (▲ from 5031), while Kia slipped to seventh with 5647 sales (▼ from 6380) and Volkswagen, in eighth, recorded 4361 sales (▲ from 3199)

Year-to-date, Kia remains ahead of its Hyundai parent, with 64,770 sales compared to 63,578.

Isuzu Ute placed ninth with 4160 sales (▲ from 2865) from its two-vehicle line-up, and Nissan, in tenth, sold 3756 vehicles (▲ from 1247).

In tables: Top 10 brands in October

In tables: Top 10 brands year-to-date 2023

And the rest…

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In charts ?

October 2023 – Top 20 models

October 2023 – Top 10 brands

October 2023 – Overall segment sales

October 2023 – Category sales

October 2023 – sales map

October 2023 – buyer type

October 2023 – Model sales race

? Back to top

November: 2024 Superb revealed in full!

Skoda has confirmed all the details of the fourth-generation Superb liftback and wagon, including that it will be released in Australia in early 2025.

At launch, we’ll be treated to the fully loaded 2.0-litre turbo-petrol in the highest state of tune. Wagon fans will be happy to know that both liftback and estate body styles will make it down under.

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Twinned in development with the latest wagon-only VW Passat, the Superb offers a host of powertrains including a plug-in hybrid for the first time.

There’s a 150kW PHEV available in Europe in the ‘Combi’ wagon only. It combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with a 19.7kWh battery pack and electric motor for over 100km of pure EV driving range (in the WLTP cycle) – though Skoda has made it clear that PHEVs are off the menu locally.

Two diesels are also offered in Europe, as is a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol alongside the familiar 2.0-litre engine in 150kW and 195kW states of tune. Both have lower outputs than the third-gen Superb due to strict emissions standards in Europe.

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There are big changes under the skin, with the cabin’s new airy design shared with the Volkswagen Passat – the Skoda is smarter, though.

It features up to a 13-inch central touchscreen and 10-inch digital driver’s display but the HVAC controls are thankfully separated into ‘smart dials’ set into a panel beneath the central screen. The implementation reminds us of the current Audi TT’s clever solution.

Promoting sustainability, the Superb uses 100 per cent recycled fabrics for seats and door trims. Optional leather is tanned using eco-friendly processes.

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The sleek new looks outside are Superb evolved. Skoda calls the design language ‘modern solid‘, which can be paired with exciting new colours including Carmine Red and Ice Tea Yellow. Wheels go up to 19 inches in size.

More typical silvers, blacks, and whites are available, too. As the brand’s combustion-engined flagship, Skoda says it will shape the brand’s design language going forward.

New Matrix LED headlights are said to be 40 per cent brighter.

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Along with visually slicker lines, the new Superb cuts through the air better with the hatch’s drag coefficient falling by 10 per cent (to 0.23 Cd) and the wagon’s 15 per cent (to 0.25 Cd).

The new Superb is taller and longer than before. The liftback is 43mm longer and 12mm taller, while the wagon has been stretched by 40mm and grown in stature by 5mm. That extra size translates directly into boot space, with 20 more litres for the liftback (645L) and 30 extra in the wagon (now 690L).

Along with 10 airbags, the fourth-gen Superb has new parking assustems, assisted driving and blind-spot monitoring systems.

The ‘DCC’ adaptive dampers (likely to be standard on high-spec Aussie cars) have been revised for greater breadth between their softest and firmest settings.

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Pricing and availability

The current Superb 206TSI Sportline costs $69,990 drive-away in liftback, and $71,990 in wagon guise.

With all the new technology on board (and more than 12 months until its local release) we expect the fourth-gen model to climb in price.

Expect the liftback to start between $72-$75K, and the wagon to command a premium on top of that when they arrive in early 2025.

Skoda Australia may add lower-tune petrol models in the future but is unlikely to ever bring the plug-in hybrid down under. Instead, those after an electrified Skoda will have to look at the Enyaq and other upcoming BEVs.

John Law

Our original story, below, continues unchanged.

October: 2024 Skoda Superb reveal date set

Skoda has confirmed its new fourth-generation Superb will debut on November 3 in liftback sedan and ‘Combi’ wagon forms.

The new Superb is already confirmed for Australia, which will be welcome news for wagon fans, given the next-gen, wagon-only Passat has been ruled out for our market.

Watch for all the new Superb details to come next week, and catch up with the story at our link below.

Klaus Zellmer, Skoda CEO: “We’re going to have both the Combi (wagon) and the limousine (liftback or sedan),” he said. “You know, the Arteon and Passat are going out, and I think that is a perfect answer for that vacuum, potentially.”

October: New Kodiaq revealed!

Skoda has rolled out the second generation of its large SUV, the Kodiaq, in Europe overnight. Full story at the link below.

August: Superb and Kodiaq interiors revealed

The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq and 2024 Skoda Superb will have configurable ‘smart dials’ for the climate control air-conditioning.

New teaser images released by Skoda show the new-generation Kodiaq seven-seat SUV and Superb liftback and wagon, due in 2024, will share most components inside.

As with the closely related Volkswagen Tiguan and not-for-Australia Passat also due for immediate reveal, the latest Skoda flagship models will feature a larger, floating 12.9-inch infotainment system and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.

While the climate controls appear to be conventional dials at first glance, Skoda has developed three ‘smart dials’ with individual 1.25-inch displays – similar in size to an Apple Watch screen.

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The two outer dials will control various functions for the driver or front passenger, including the temperature and seat heating or ventilation. The central dial will be responsible for audio volume, fan speed, airflow direction, selecting drive modes, and map zoom.

Four hardware buttons will control the front or rear windscreen defrosters, air circulation setting, and automatic air-conditioning function.

Other new features include a “roomy” console area, a column-mounted gear selector like the new Tiguan, a USB-C charge port for dashcams in the rear-view mirror, available massaging seats, a faster 15-watt wireless phone charger with fan cooling, and expanded interior ambient lighting.

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A windscreen-projected head-up display, a rear storage compartment with a cup holder on the central tunnel, and up to nine airbags – including front-centre and rear-side – are also confirmed for the Kodiaq.

As previously announced, the 2024 Skoda Kodiaq and Superb will debut in Europe between September and November, with local availability to commence next year.

While the Kodiaq is due in the second quarter of 2024, the Superb won’t arrive until later in the year as our high-spec circa-195kW turbo-petrol engine won’t be initially available when production commences.

Under the skin, both vehicles will ride on the updated Volkswagen Group MQB Evo platform as close relations to the forthcoming Volkswagen Passat, Tiguan and Tayron.

The Czech brand said the Kodiaq and Superb will be offered with “petrol and diesel engines, as well as plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains,” with stricter Euro 7 emissions standards set to be enforced on July 1, 2025.

More details on the new Kodiaq’s powertrains are available here, while information for the Superb is available here.

Luxury carmakers Porsche and Genesis have announced separate partnerships with tech giants Google and LG.

The collaboration between Porsche and Google will expand around 2025 with a “long-term partnership” to implement Google services for the brand’s infotainment software.

It will provide Porsche owners access to a range of Google services, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and third-party apps from the Play Store, directly from the infotainment system.

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Porsche’s adoption of Google features follows delays in the Volkswagen Group’s own Cariad technology platform, which has resulted in the upcoming Macan EV being delayed until 2024.

Google built-in is available on select General Motors, Honda, Polestar, Renault and Volvo vehicles. Ford and Nissan have announced plans to implement Google’s services into future vehicles.

The German brand said the new infotainment system will follow the existing user interface from its current Porsche Communication Management (PCM) software, with support for over-the-air software updates.

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“Our customers fulfil a dream with our vehicles. In addition to timeless design and exceptional performance, they also want a seamless digital experience. This blended ecosystem results from the integration of platforms and apps that customers know from their end devices,” said Porsche CEO Oliver Blum.

“We have an open approach and are developing innovations with leading technology partners.”

Similarly, Genesis, the luxury subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, is also making strides in the realm of in-vehicle entertainment by incorporating ‘WebOS’ software – used on LG’s smart televisions – into its new models.

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LG’s WebOS for Automotive will provide over-the-top (OTT) services, including YouTube, into the cabin of Genesis vehicles to improve the entertainment options available to passengers.

This move aims to allow front and rear passengers to watch the “high-definition content they typically enjoy on their smartphone or TV” while complying with “driving and safety regulations”.

The all-new Honda HR-V was a showstopper in the small SUV category, when the third-generation launched locally in 2021.

Its re-design marked the start of a new chapter for the Japanese automaker, as they work to re-gain some of their lost market share since moving to an agency model and slowly dropping off the best-sellers list.

As the baby of Honda’s SUV line-up, the small HR-V sits below the all-new ZR-V midsize SUV and larger, also recently updated CR-V.

So in an increasingly popular segment, let’s see if the HR-V continues to impress, just as it did when it arrived in Australia.

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Pricing and features

The Honda HR-V is available in two variants, a highly specced petrol or hybrid offering, respectively named the Vi X or e:HEV L.

Operating under an agency model means that Honda pricing is standard across all dealerships. And in the case of the Vi X it has an asking price of $36,700 drive-away.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine producing 89kW and 145Nm, with a combined fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km.

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In alignment with Honda’s strategy to sell fewer, feature-full vehicles, the Vi X offers plenty of standard spec as more of a premium offering.

The infotainment system, with its 9-inch touchscreen and Wireless Apple CarPlay, offers simple and easy connectivity.

The single-grade petrol Vi X includes:

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The HR-V is available in five colours, that are all no-cost options. They are:

• Premium Opal
• Platinum White
• Crystal Black
• Premium Crystal Red
• Meteoroid Grey

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Safety

The HR-V fell just short of a full-star rating, scoring four stars in independent ANCAP testing.

As part of testing, the HR-V received an 82% adult occupant protection score and 77% child occupant protection score.

Standard safety equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and a reversing camera.

If you want additional safety such as above this, only the e:HEV hybrid adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert which is less than ideal if you’re more interested in the petrol powertrain.

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Key rivals

The small SUV segment in Australia is booming, as a value-offering for those who were previously looking at a hatchback or sedan. The HR-V plays against other in this space, namely:

• Mazda CX-30 (from $33,310* for auto)
• Hyundai Kona (from $32,000*)
• Toyota Corolla Cross (from $33,980*)

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Honda HR-V Vi X is a good looking little SUV.

With fixed pricing nationwide through their new agency model, there will be no need for haggling or negotiations. However the lineup offering for the HR-V might leave some buyers wanting.

The absence of expected safety features like rear-cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring is unfortunate.

But if you’re after a fuss-free, attractive and cool small run-about, then the HR-V might be your ideal pick.

The Japan Mobility Show (or the Tokyo Motor Show as it was previously known) might be the first great motor show since the pandemic.

Typically focused on the domestic market, 2023’s instalment felt like a tipping point as Japanese carmakers flexed their next-gen electric car muscles and previewed new models.

This year’s car news heavy instalment featured everything from exciting reinvigorations of iconic sports car names to mass-market EVs and motorised wheelchairs – there was even an electric LandCruiser.

Here, we’ve collected all the most important reveals at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

Read on for a brand-by-brand rundown on the show.

• Toyota
• Mazda
• Nissan
• Lexus
• Honda
• Mitsubishi
• Subaru
• Suzuki
• Daihatsu

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Toyota

With Akio Toyoda sent away from the limelight, the 2023 Japan Mobility Show became the stage upon which new Toyota president Koji Sato would act out his electrified vision.

The Toyota stand was dominated by EV concepts with the FT-Se GR sports car and FT-3e SUV front and centre.

Along with the quirky Kayoibako (which means shipping container in Japanese), they share Toyota’s new generation slimline battery (set for production in 2025) and all-new modular platform.

The FT-Se is an all-paw sports car with sub-1500kg weight and 400km driving range targets.

The clean-sheet coupe (with no ties to prior nameplates, according to lead designer Hideaki Iida) celebrates cabin space and vision. The FT-3e uses the same battery technology and platform and looks to be a next-gen replacement for the existing BZ4x medium SUV.

An electric LandCruiser SE and EPU ute were tucked around the corner and proved controversial among the Australian contingent. They inspired comments about the unsuitability of EVs for the “silent majority” of Australians from the local sales boss Sean Hanley.

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Another utility vehicle, the IMV0 also featured – this near-production modular ladder-frame vehicle targets emerging markets.

Besides EVs, Toyota had a diverse powertrain strategy on show with plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell crown models, a hand-steer Prado, and a hybrid Century SUV.

The gently updated BZ4x – with improved battery conditioning and new ‘BEV’ badges – was located outside in the dynamic testing section.

Full model list

Back to top ⬆️

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Mazda

If the FT-Se is a futuristic clean-sheet sports car, the jaw-dropping Iconic SP concept (a development on 2022’s Vision Study) embraces Mazda’s heritage.

A blend of ND MX-5 details and FD RX-7 proportions, the Voila Red coupe weighs 1450kg, measures 4180mm long and is powered by a 270kW twin-rotor rotary range-extender powertrain.

Alongside it were all kinds of MX-5s, including a shrunken one for kids, an original NA, and the updated ND model.

Back to top ⬆️

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Nissan

Nissan’s stand was the most conceptually clear at the show with four out-there Hyper models previewing the brand’s four pillars of expansion.

The Hyper Force caught our eye, essentially an R36 GT-R concept, it boasts 1000kW and all-wheel drive with solid-state batteries.

Aside from the obvious out-there bodywork, there are subtle touches, such as the circular rear lights that nod to the R32 and pixelated GT-R front emblem.

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The Tourer is a futuristic electric take on the Elgrand people mover with a spacious cabin, while the all-wheel drive Adventure potentially previews the Patrol’s very distant future, and the Urban represents the design direction of Nissan’s next-gen Juke and Qashqai.

All vehicles offer vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid charging, but there were no other details divulged.

Jump around! ⬆️ ⬇️

• Toyota
• Mazda
• Nissan
• Lexus
• Honda
• Mitsubishi
• Subaru
• Suzuki
• Daihatsu

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Lexus

The all-electric BMW i3 (previewed by the Neue Klasse) hasn’t even launched yet but it’s already got a Lexus rival.

The LF-ZC is a medium sedan that promises up to 1000km driving range from new-gen lithium-ion batteries. A production version will launch in 2026 and become the first from the Toyota/Lexus vehicle on the new family architecture.

It’ll be followed by the brand’s new flagship model, the LF-ZL, a 5.3-metre long lifted fastback sedan.

Lexus promises the same underpinnings but with a more sophisticated version of the brand’s ‘Arene’ operating system with AI learning and myriad sensors that are said to be able to detect who’s onboard and what the conditions are like using digital ‘smell’ and seamlessly adjusting interior functions to enhance comfort.

Back to top ⬆️

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Honda

Punters expected another NSX reboot but instead, Honda revived a different name from the back catalogue.

The handsome hybrid Prelude coupe will begin mass production in 2026 and symbolises Honda’s move to lower emissions. It’ll have a simulated manual transmission and sporty chassis settings for a fun drive, says the brand, and there’s a good chance it’ll come to Australia.

Then there was the cute-as-a-button Sustaina-C concept that takes inspiration from the ’80s Honda City including Motocompo fold-up scooter. Its body is made from recycled acrylic.

Also featured on the stand was the new Prologue, a rather handsome electric SUV that will launch next year.

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Mitsubishi

A small but mighty showing, the wild D:X off-road van concept previews the sixth-generation Delica and it’s closer to reality than you might expect.

It features a development of the Outlander’s plug-in hybrid powertrain that ups the e-motor count from two to three for precise rear-wheel torque vectoring. Individual brake control, active suspension with 100mm of movement, and a spacious cabin with full-height doors were highlights.

Back to top ⬆️

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Subaru

The vigour of Subaru’s new product presentation was unmatched. A thunderous drum-and-bass track (beneath a five-rotor flying machine) accompanied the unveiling of the Sport Mobility concept, a two-door four-wheel drive electric sports car that sits somewhere between a WRX coupe and SVX.

Back to top ⬆️

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Suzuki

Concept by name only, the Swift’s mild changes preview a model that’s just around the corner.

It’ll be followed by a production version of the eVX – a Vitara-sized SUV targeted at Europe and Japan with around 500km of driving range and new interior design language – in 2025. A cute eWX kei wagon previewing an electrified micro-van also featured.

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Daihatsu

Gone from Australian dealerships but not forgotten. Along with a vintage first-gen Charade, Daihatsu had two micro-roadster concepts on display, the Vision Copen (which looked nearly production-ready) and the peculiar (but no less adorable) Osanpo off-road convertible.

And that’s a wrap on this year’s Japan mobility show!

Back to top ⬆️

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February 2024: New BMW X2 and iX2 EV driven

REVIEW: BMW’s X2 returns with an electric stablemate and a level of tech & interior space to worry cars from the class above

November 2023: 2024 BMW X2 walkaround video

Following the release of Australian pricing in October, we’ve now had a good up-close look at the new BMW iX2 electric SUV.

The first-ever iX2 will reach Australia in March 2024 as a fully electric companion to the second-gen X2, boasting bigger dimensions and more technology than the previous X2.

The new iX2 shares many similarities with the new X1 and iX1, including an identical platform, leaving styling and functionality as their key differentiators.

The X1/iX1 hold a more traditional design style making it more practical overall, while the X2/iX2 models are focused on having a sportier presence.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzHjgnHhl2t/

Design

Both the iX1 and iX2 are billed as compact electric SUVs, with their larger X3 and X4 siblings residing in the mid size category.

However, the new X2 and iX2 – which share almost everything except powertrain – have grown in all directions.

It’s now 194mm longer than the outgoing generation, as well as wider – pushing into midsize-SUV territory at 4.55 metres in length. The rear accounts for 14cm of that additional length, to allow for the coupe-style rear.

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The entire vehicle also gains a longer wheelbase and broader tracks.

The tapered roofline combined and integrated rear spoiler makes for a striking design element. Up front, arrow shapes have been added to the headlights which pulse in one motion when indicating.

The Fire Red colour we saw in the flesh is the signature hue for the iX2 and comes at an $1800 premium, along with four other colours.

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Alpine White is a no-cost option, while two additional ‘Individual’ colours will set you back an extra $5k.

iX2 buyers will have the option to add LED light rings around the new larger kidney grilles, which BMW calls ‘Iconic Glow contour lighting’. It’s a feature that again really sets the design apart from the iX1.

All BMW logos are encircled in a blue ring to represent the electrified variant, from the bonnet to the steering wheel.

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Interior

The iX2’s cabin has been designed with a focus on soft touch points throughout.

All interior materials, including the ‘vegan leather’ seats, are pleasant to the touch, amplifying the overall luxury feel of the car. BMW hasn’t specified just what these seats are made of, although it has previously detailed [↗] its ‘bio-leathers’ – including one made from an unspecified mix of crushed cactus fibres and polyurethane (an oil-based plastic often known as vinyl).

The front door handles even appear as a feature item, almost like a piece of home decor you’d put on the mantel. It’s not easy making a door handle look cool.

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The iX2’s curved display, made up of a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and 10.7-inch digital information dash, build out the ideal driver-centric cabin. No button is far out of reach and the system is designed to ensure ease of use. The system comes standard with wireless Apple Carplay.

From quick phone connectivity to the touch-responsive infotainment screen, even technological nomads shouldn’t be left freaking out.

Showcased on this SUV is BMW’s new operating system, iDrive 9, which is now capable of receiving over-the-air software updates.

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Instead of your deep traditional centre storage console, buyers get a small amount of space, only big enough to fit the likes of a card wallet, lipstick or mobile.

Thankfully, larger items can still be stored, using the open space below. Two USB-C chargers are also located in the centre console.

A wireless charger has been placed upright directly under your centre screen with an overhead seatbelt-style bar – the type you’d see on a rollercoaster – to keep your mobile phone in place. Without driving the car to test its hold, the intention is clever, if a little funny looking.

Both front seats are power-operated, and the massage feature is always a welcome addition during a long drive.

The car we viewed was the iX2 xDrive30, offering the following features

As the M Sport package, it had (an additional $4900) increased wheel size to 20 inches, as well as added M ‘shadowline’ headlights, M seat belts and M sport brakes with red calipers.

And there’s no more C-pillar BMW logo, which raised some eyebrows when it debuted on the first-generation X2.

An Enhancement package adds further specs, detailed below

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Rear seats

Due to the slanted roofline, there were only a couple of millimetres separating my head from the ceiling, but if your passengers are 180cm of less you may be okay.

If you’re not often hauling tall passengers, or better yet you only have young kids, then the space is passable.

But from all evidence, BMW seems to be targeting this car to singles and couples, where rear space isn’t high up on the shopping list.

Something I was delighted with was the carved-out seat backs, cleverly giving passengers extra leg room behind the front seats.

Rear air vents and two USB-C ports have been built into the back of the centre console.

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2024 BMW iX2 boot space

The X2 cargo space has seen a notable expansion, with a 90-litre increase resulting in 560 litres, upgrading to 1470 litres when the 60:40 rear seats are folded down.

Conversely, the iX2 boasts a slightly smaller luggage compartment, measuring 525 litres or 1400 litres with the rear seats folded.

A powered tailgate is standard on the range as detailed for now, but the iX2’s entry-level specifications will be confirmed at launch.

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Performance and range

The BMW iX2 eDrive20, just like its iX1 counterpart, is equipped with a 65kWh battery and a front electric motor that delivers 150kW/247Nm, providing a claimed range of 477 kilometres.

The iX2 xDrive30 is fitted with the same 65kWh battery pack but employs identical electric motors at the front and rear, mirroring the iX1 xDrive30’s specifications with 230kW and 494Nm.

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Both AWD iX2 models claim a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.6 seconds.

The iX2 xDrive30 states a WLTP range of 449km, while the iX1 achieves a WLTP range of 440km. So again, much of a muchness.

With AC charging capabilities of up to 22kW and a DC charging system handling speeds of up to 130kW, the battery can be efficiently charged from 10 to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes.

Key luxury electric small SUV rivals include the Lexus UX300e (from $79,990) and and Volvo C40 (from $78,990).

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Pricing

Handily, both iX2 variants will sit below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $89,332 for ‘fuel efficient’ cars.

This means you can avoid paying the additional 33% tax rate, although the iX2’s pricing is also higher than direct rivals.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzHjgnHhl2t/

After 43 years, the Shannons Classic Car Auctions have been closed down.

“A decision has been made that Shannons will no longer be facilitating auctions as part of its core business,” read a media statement posted to the auction site by the company – underwritten by insurance giant Suncorp – today.

With auction houses located in three Australian capitals and a steady flow of significant automotive merchandise [↗] going under the hammer over the last 40 years, the shuttering of Shannons’ auction arm has come as somewhat of a surprise.

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Shannons hosted four auctions a year.

The company said the decision was taken as part of a review of its core business, which includes a wide-reaching insurance arm and the Shannons Club.

“The car auction landscape in Australia has changed significantly in recent years with an increasing number of competitors offering frequent and low-cost online auctions to keep up with customer demand in real time,” read a statement from the company.

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“Shannons has been at the forefront of catering to the unique needs of motoring enthusiasts for many years, and our auctions business has been a key part of our offering.”

Shannons intimated that the landscape for auctioning unique automotive memorabilia has changed, forcing it to reassess its worth to the wider business.

It adopted an online auction model in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a third auction house in Brisbane to join Sydney and Melbourne in 2021.

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“Recent years have seen a notable increase in the options our customers have in buying and selling vehicles and plates, which has prompted us to review the offering to determine whether auctions is still a unique need alongside Shannons Insurance and Club,” continued the statement.

What turned out to be the company’s final auction in August featured a pair of enamel numeral-only number plates that sold for $431,000, alongside a Nissan Skyline GT-R M-Spec R34 which fetched $331,000.

The last online Autumn Auction [↗], which took place in May, netted more than $13 million in sales.

Still keen to shift ratios yourself? If a used car isn’t right for you, we’ve counted all the brand-new manuals on sale…

The automatic transmission has been Australia’s default for some time now thanks, in part, to the prevalence of affordable locally-made Commodore and Falcon slushboxes. But with even the British and Europeans swapping for autos, the flow of new manuals is more restricted than ever.

There are still some on sale for those who want their three-pedal fix, from cheap-as-chips Kia Picantos to almost-irreplaceable Porsche 911s. Some manufacturers have even revived manuals, with Toyota engineering a new three pedal setup for the GR Supra. Exciting times.

NOVEMBER UPDATE: Aside from some typical price rises, Hyundai’s N manuals are back on offer and the 911 S/T is available to order (should you have a spare $660K lying around)… Oh, and the Mustang’s back ?

We’ve sorted this list by price bracket to guide you through all the manual cars you can buy brand new in Australia right now.

There are some exceptions – fleet special utes, for example – that we’ve decided not to include. Only special, exciting variants of those commercial vehicles have made this list.

So, without further ado, we present to you the definitive guide to the manual transmission in 2023. Let us know in the comments whether you still love changing your own gears.

JUMP AHEAD

• Manual cars under $30K
• Manual cars $30-60K
• Manual cars $60-120K
• Manual cars $120K+
• Further reading

Manual cars under $30,000

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Like the idea of a new affordable car and are able to drive a manual transmission? This list is for those of us who neither want to relinquish the third pedal or a whole wad of cash.

City cars with manual transmissions

Traditionally, all these cars were manuals only! And they were probably all the better for it as four-speed autos do not excel at harnessing the power bands of these small, revvy engines.

The saddest news this month is that the Picanto GT is living on borrowed time – one more fun manual bites the dust.

The WhichCar pick: A manual Suzuki Swift Sport dishes out plenty of hot hatch happiness.

*Denotes national drive-away price.

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Small SUVs with manual transmissions

You can still buy manual small SUVs, believe it or not. This list is generally full of price-leading base models. The only change is a dearer ASX GS.

The WhichCar pick: None of these shifters will set your heart alight. Grab the Jimny manual and enjoy exploring.

*Denotes national drive-away price.

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Small cars with manual transmissions

Only one choice here, seriously? It’s quite incredible they’ve all disappeared – including the VW Golf – but it’s in the name of safety. It’s harder to calibrate AEB and must-have adaptive cruise for manuals, and that’s why we see this class start to disappear.

The WhichCar pick: With the Mazda 3 manual axed, our choice is narrowed down to the i30 N Line manual. The notchy shift isn’t perfect, but it still engages the driver.

*Denotes national drive-away price.

Psst, manuals are proven to make you better looking… sort of

Back to top

Manual cars for $30,000-60,000

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This is a mix of truly great drivers’ cars and regular family vehicles. There’s everything from bespoke sports cars, such as the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86 to family SUVs like the Kia Sportage.

Small cars with manual transmissions

A little dearer than its hatch cousin, the independently rear-suspended i30 Sedan N Line is a good incognito alternative to a full-fat N car.

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Medium SUVs with manual transmissions

Mazda has ditched the manual CX-30! It joins the CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 as mid-sizers that have lost manuals in 2023. At least Kia perseveres with the Sportage.

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Performance cars with manual transmissions

Worried you couldn’t have fun for under $60K? This wild array of cars suggests otherwise. The driving enthusiast is still well-catered for in Australia. Hyundai’s euro-built i20 N and i30 N hatches are back online, too.

The WhichCar pick: This is a hard field, but we think the well-weighted mechanical shift feel of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 may be some of the best in the business.

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JUMP AROUND

• Manual cars under $30K
• Manual cars $30-60K
• Manual cars $60-120K
• Manual cars $120K+
• More reading

Manual cars for $60,000-120,000

There are a few options here, but not as many as you might expect. BMW’s new M2, the Toyota Supra and Nissan Z are exciting sports cars, but we’ve also chosen to include some of the tastier utes on sale right now.

Off-roaders with manual transmissions

Yep, there’s a host of fleet-targeted manual utes you can get, but these are the fun ones with a bit of spunk and off-road capability sprinkled on top. The 70 Series V8 manual isn’t getting any cheaper, though…

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Performance cars with manual transmissions

A smaller list than you might have expected, but there are some awesome engine configurations in this bracket. From highly-strung three-bangers to the Ford Mustang Dark Horse’s 349kW ‘five-o’ V8.

The WhichCar pick: Sorry bespoke sports cars, the Honda Civic Type R has the best shift in this price bracket.

*Denotes national drive-away price.

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Manual cars over $120,000

The exotic stuff. These are performance cars for die-hard cashed-up petrolheads. If you want something this expensive with a manual, it’s for a reason. There are three brands represented: BMW, Lotus and Porsche. But thank goodness they still exist.

This author’s pick

Any and all of the Porsches are good, but the Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder are absolute winners – even with tall ratios.

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BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: Other stories about manuals

We’ve talked about manual transmissions, well, a hell of a lot. Not surprises there, right? So here’s a list of just a few that might get your left leg tapping.