Mitsubishi Australia has provided a trio of Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to Jet Charge to support installing charging infrastructure across the nation.

It represents an extended partnership with the EV charging equipment company which currently supplies AC charging cables for Mitsubishi PHEVs.

Jet Charge founder and chief executive Tim Washington said his team would benefit from the Outlander PHEV’s extended driving range compared to pure EVs and all-wheel drive capability.

In particular, the plug-in hybrid SUV fleet will support building EV charging sites in remote areas that experience harsh conditions. The initial three-strong fleet may grow in the future if the Outlander PHEV’s unique attributes prove useful.

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The Outlander PHEV pairs a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors and a 20kWh gross lithium-ion battery pack.

This results in a claimed 84-kilometre electric range and 1.5L/100km fuel consumption in the combined ADR cycle. Real-world mileage will vary as digital editor Alex Inwood found out in his long-term test.

In addition the Outlander’s V2x – vehicle-to-grid, vehicle-to-home, etc. – capabilities are unique in that, along with the battery its petrol motor can be used as a generator to extend its charging life.

This could provide unique advantages during low-light installs, or where power tools are needed to charge for the Jet Charge team which sells, installs and maintains EV charging equipment for homes, businesses and public charging providers in Australia.

It installed vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bidirectional charging units for Mitsubishi’s Adelaide headquarters earlier this year. The Australian company was established in 2013 and co-founded the Chargefox network in 2017.

September 2023: Here’s the new Tiguan

The cat weird tiger-iguana hybrid is out of the bag. Thanks to design patent application images that surfaced online in August, we now know exactly how the new Tiguan will look.

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We were pretty close with our previous speculative artwork, thanks to the spy photos available at the time. Now, though, there’s little left to wonder at.

Our new renderings show the third-gen 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan in sporty R-Line form, which hasn’t yet been teased or leaked, but there’s a decent chance it’ll look like this.

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Interestingly, the current Tiguan R-Line facelift wears a regular new R badge in place of the earlier ‘R-Line’ badge – but for the sake of clarity, we’ve returned the ‘LINE’ text for our version.

What do you think of the new Tiguan’s look? Tell us in the comments below!

Mike Stevens

September 2023: New Tiguan will be a petrol-only affair

Despite previously revealing efforts to get the plug-in hybrid EV Tiguan into Australia, VW has now confirmed it will only offer the petrol model, alongside the all-electric ID.4. Full details below.

December 2022: Our first crack at the new Tiggy

New spy photos confirm next-gen Tiguan styling, and now we know what to expect inside too

Fresh spy photos of a camouflaged next-gen Tiguan have surfaced again online, further reinforcing the details of our speculative renders here. What do you think of the new look? Tell us in the comments below!

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We also know, thanks to comments from Volkswagen brand boss Thomas Schäfer, that the new Tiguan will see a return to proper tactile physical switches, reducing the need for drivers to fumble around for the right capacitive touch button on a glossy flat surface.

Schäfer said: “We’ve got feedback from customers, we’ve feedback from clinics and from journalists… They say, ‘You know this is not good. You’ve got to improve this’.”

Volkswagen says it has listened to buyer and media feedback in making the decision, so that’s good news for all – a strong demonstration of where VW is at right now and how seriously it’s taking market demands. Read that story at the link below.

Mike Stevens

The story to here

October 3: Here’s a glimpse of the third-generation 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

A third-gen VW Tiguan is likely to debut next year. Before then, we have digital artist Theottle’s rendering based on spy shots of prototypes to mull over.

The current Tiguan, launched in 2016, was treated to a midlife refresh in 2020 and is a rival for the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Tucson.

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It looks like the new Tiguan will grow in length and width. It’s possible the car that’s been spied is the American-market Tiguan – a three-row SUV known as the Allspace in Australia – or a larger vehicle that bridges the gap between short- and long-wheelbase Tiguans.

With Volkswagen Europe moving swiftly towards electrification with similarly-sized ID.4 and ID.5 battery EVs, an ICE-heavy Tiguan range will target markets such as North America, Australia and South Africa.

How’s the design changed?

The spy-shot based render moves the Tiguan’s cab rearward, with a longer bonnet and less square proportions than the current car. The result is a sleeker – dare we say coupe-like – stance.

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Details are lifted from the VW stable, with the full-length LED tail-lights reminiscent of the smaller T-Cross and new grille design that reminds us of the ID.4. Both details serve to accentuate the new Tiguan’s width.

We know the next Tiguan won’t be an EV, but just to make sure bystanders do, too, the new SUV has a broad air intake below its grille.

Down its flanks, the new Tiguan ditches the current car’s confident, single crease in favour of gently-flared flared wheel arches.

When is it coming?

Providing development continues without hassle, we’ll likely see the new Tiguan debut in Europe as soon as 2023.

The third-gen Tiguan will use a newer iteration of the MQB platform of the current car. Whether that is the same MQB Evo as the Mk8 Golf or an even fresher platform with more computing power is yet to be confirmed.

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Under the bonnet there will surely be some kind of electrification, be that plug-in, self-charging or mild hybrids. An all-electric variant isn’t off the cards.

But combustion engines – including the current 2.0-litre turbo ‘EA888’ and 1.5-litre 110TSI Evo petrol mills – are likely to feature in the new Tiguan.

According to Mazda Australia, a substantial 45 per cent of Mazda 2 buyers later purchase another Mazda vehicle, highlighting its significance to the brand’s lineup.

Though the current generation is already 9 years into its lifecycle, the 2023 Mazda 2 has received a facelift, incorporating subtle yet essential updates to maintain its contemporary appeal.

So to test out a car on so many young buyers’ shopping lists, Mazda put us to one of the most embarrassing tests possible for an automotive writer– a driving licence test.

But before we jump into that, let’s take a look at what the updated Mazda 2 brings.

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JUMP AHEAD

• What’s changed?
• Powertrain
• Safety
• Pricing
• Re-taking your driver’s licence
• VERDICT
• Specifications

What’s changed?

The 2023 refresh showcases a redesigned front fascia, featuring an updated grille and revamped front bumper.

The line-up remains the same with the four variants of hatch (Pure, Pure SP, Evolve, GT) and two model grades for the sedan (Pure and GT). All are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, except the Pure hatchback which also offers a six-speed manual.

For hatchback models and the premium GT sedan, a new rear bumper is introduced. The hatch further features a colour accent on its front grille and rear bumper, available in yellow or red, depending on the variant.

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Two new paint shades, Aero Grey Metallic and Airstream Blue Metallic, have been added. The latter of which we really like.

The Pure and Pure SP models showcase three dashboard trim colours – Pure White, Mirror Black, or Mint, determined by the exterior hue. The Pure SP also adds a new carbon-fibre-look roof panel.

Across all variants, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been integrated.

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Powertrain

Underneath, the Mazda 2 retains its 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, generating 81kW and 142Nm. The Pure manual variant outputs an extra kilowatt.

Mazda claims the 2023 update improves fuel efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions – it sips on 5.0L/100km on a combined cycle compared to the outgoing car’s 5.3L/100km figure.

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Safety

The Mazda 2 is officially unrated by ANCAP, following the expiration of its 2014 five-star score in January.

Marketing Director Alastair Doak told WhichCar that Mazda has no immediate plans for a retest but emphasised the vehicle is “fundamentally [still] a safe car”.

Opting for the ANCAP safety test, which is a significant investment, would likely have impacted its retail price. Hence, Mazda might have prioritised affordability for a car that doesn’t attract the fleet volume it used to.

The entire range comes standard with the following i-Activsense’ safety tech:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitors
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Six SRS airbags

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Pricing

With compact automatic vehicles inching closer to the $30k threshold drive-away, the Mazda 2 follows suit, with price hikes up to $1200.

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Accounting for about 10% of Mazda 2 sales, the sedan is available in two grades.

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Re-taking your driver’s licence

In tune with the vehicle’s target demographic, Mazda set up a series of driving tests at the historic Caribbean Market shed in south-east Melbourne.

After a brief safety overview and some popcorn, we paired up with instructors to cover the basics.

The first test involved a standard driving loop, while responding to quiz questions from the Mazda representative beside me.

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Despite acing the quiz, I was informed of a minor mishap – driving on the wrong side of the road momentarily. It was a humbling moment.

Next up was a timed parking challenge where had to complete two parallel and perpendicular parks, marked by cones. The challenge? There were eggs on each cone. I’m proud to note that I didn’t crack any eggs during this exercise.

Between a go-to-woah speed test and a figure-8 drift track, my competitive side emerged – so much so that I skipped lunch for a tyre-changing time trial.

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In an era dominated by SUVs, it’s refreshing to remember that lively hatchbacks – especially those with manual gearboxes – still have a place.

With Australians being so SUV-obsessed it’s hard to remember that zippy and fun light hatchbacks (with a manual gearbox!) still exist.

Driving around the course made me a little jealous of those upcoming new drivers, who are about to venture into the world looking for an economical and fun little car.

They might choose Mazda’s smallest and most affordable offering and enjoy their early driving years zipping from university car parks to drive-throughs.

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VERDICT

In a segment with dwindling options, the Mazda 2 continues to shine, mostly thanks to its sharp styling and fun dynamics.

However, at almost a decade old and with no replacement planned, it’s clear that retirement is on the horizon for Mazda’s smallest model. It’s fought a good fight, and this latest update does bring some worthwhile improvements, but many Aussies are now opting for a light SUV for an extra couple of grand, or turning to cheaper Chinese rivals.

Value is also starting to count against the Mazda 2. While it still stacks up favourably against key rivals like the Toyota Yaris and VW Polo (a flagship Yaris hybrid is $33K before on-roads!), there’s no denying the small-car segment doesn’t offer the bargains it once did.

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2023 Mazda 2 specifications

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The New South Wales Government will abolish the $3000 electric vehicle rebate earlier than promised, but will invest in installing more charging infrastructure.

Ahead of the state’s new budget announcement on Tuesday, treasurer Daniel Mookhey confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald that it will abolish the EV purchasing subsidy and stamp duty exemption on January 1, 2024.

It will save taxpayers $527 million.

When the policy was introduced in September 2021, the subsidy was promised to last for the first 25,000 eligible applicants. However, according to Revenue NSW [↗], it has paid only 8391 rebates as of 31st August 2023.

The incentive covered any new EV priced less than $68,750 including the goods and services tax, dealer delivery fees, and accessories – but excluded government charges, such as registration and compulsory third party insurance.

This lowered the price barrier for NSW residents to buy electric models, such as the MG 4 hatch, BYD Atto 3 SUV, and Tesla Model 3 sedan.

It’s believed buyers will still be eligible for the rebate if they sign the purchase contract – but don’t need to have the vehicle delivered – before the 2024 deadline.

NSW will follow Victoria, which ditched its subsidy earlier this year, with only South Australia and Queensland still offering rebates. As at 15 September, the former has only 5200 rebates remaining, according to Treasury SA [↗].

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NSW to improve EV charging access

Instead of subsidising EV purchases, the NSW government plans to invest an additional $260 million into EV charging infrastructure.

It is said to be targeted for drivers who can’t access a plug at home, including renters, those living in apartments, and regional areas.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told WhichCar it supports the policy move.

“The [charging] infrastructure investment is critical. The limited resources of the government are best served partnering with the private sector to address that shortfall,” Khoury said.

He added policies that improve charging accessibility, especially for those living in older homes and apartments who are unable to fit electrical equipment, is “going to be really important to make it a more viable option for people who are thinking about buying an EV, but worried about day-to-day charging”.

Khoury doesn’t expect EV sales to decrease after the rebate ends, given it hasn’t slowed in Victoria and more models are continuing to enter the market to further drive prices down.

The announcement comes on the same day Sydney experienced a record 30-plus Celsius heatwave, which is unusual for Spring (Bureau of Meteorology [↗]).

The Honda Motocompacto has been revealed as its first electric scooter, with a retro ‘80s Japanese design, a 19-kilometre claimed range, and a price tag cheaper than a new iPhone.

Inspired by the iconic Motocompo from the early 1980s, the Japanese automaker revived it with a thin, blocky white-and-camel design.

As per the original model that was designed to complement and fit inside Honda’s city cars, the handle, seat and rear wheel can be folded in for a more convenient compact size.

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An electric motor powers the front wheels, with a top speed of 24km/h and a claimed 19km of driving (or ‘scooting’) range, which can be fully charged in around 3.5 hours using a standard 110-volt home socket.

It’s mainly targeted at urban dwellers, who don’t necessarily need to drive a private vehicle and those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

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The Honda Motocompacto e-scooter also offers integrated storage for the charging cable, a digital speedometer, a carry handle, and even a connected smartphone app to adjust settings.

Despite the thin suitcase-looking design, it promises to be durable as well with an aluminium frame, LED head- and tail-lights, and a steel lock loop on the kickstand to use on most bike locks.

The retro e-scooter was designed and developed in Ohio and California, and earned 32 patents.

Owners can also personalise it with decals, stickers and skins. If you want to nerd out even more, there will be a full line of Motocompacto-branded accessories, such as a helmet, backpack and apparel.

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Wait, how much does it cost?

The second-generation Honda Motocompacto will start selling in November, priced from US$995 (AU$1555), but it’ll be exclusively sold in North America.

Yes, that undercuts the latest Apple iPhone 15 Pro smartphone, which starts from AU$1849 or US$999 (it has a titanium frame, though).

It will be available via its website, and even Honda and Acura car dealers in North America.

Global inflation, supply shortages and geopolitical tensions have seen fuel and electricity prices soar. Are electric vehicles the answer?

Despite a generally higher purchase price tag, a key selling point of owning an EV is cheaper long-term ‘running costs’ – the electricity or fuel juice to keep a vehicle moving – compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Even with rising market costs, charging with electricity is still generally cheaper than pumping fuel – especially if you plug in at home (the ideal method) overnight and/or utilise solar energy.

However, prices can be significantly higher if you need to rely on public charging infrastructure – which can be unreliable at times and busy at some locations during peak holiday periods.

It’s also worth noting that EVs are currently subject to higher insurance premiums, and some car brands have set similar servicing prices and intervals for EVs compared to petrol- or diesel-powered models – despite significantly fewer moving parts on the former.

For a comprehensive total cost-of-ownership comparison, check out our guide below.

JUMP AHEAD

• ❗️ The assumptions
• ? EV v ICE: How do the running cost savings compare?
  • MG 4 v Toyota Corolla Hybrid
  • BYD Atto 3 v Mazda CX-30
  • Tesla Model Y v Audi Q5
  • Polestar 2 v Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Peugeot E-Partner v Partner diesel
• ? Is it time to make the electric switch?

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❗️ The assumptions

Firstly, let’s outline the assumptions in this story.

We’ll compare an electric model against the most equivalent petrol, petrol-hybrid or diesel model.

Our calculations are based on claimed energy efficiency for the EV (kWh/100km) and claimed fuel consumption figures (litres/100km), according to the stricter – but still conservative – combined WLTP testing cycle as quoted by each car manufacturer.

We’ll work to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’s data [↗] that highlights the average Australian drives around 12,100km per year (or 34km per day).

For EV charging, we’ll assume a full 0 to 100 per cent recharge (which is generally not recommended for lithium-ion battery types) – and does not account for potential charging losses, nor utilising any free solar energy generation at home.

Likewise, for refuelling, we’ll assume filling up from an empty to full tank.

• 94RON E10 unleaded petrol: $2.00 per litre
• 95RON premium unleaded petrol: $2.10 per litre
• Diesel: $2.10 per litre

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? EV v ICE: How do the running cost savings compare?

MG 4 vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The affordable MG 4 Excite 51 electric hatch is about $901 cheaper to run annually than the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid hatchback when charged at home.

If reliant on public charging infrastructure – which varies in cost rates depending on the network and station (we’ve assumed $0.50 per kWh as noted above) – the savings by going pure EV reduces to $551 per year.

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BYD Atto 3 vs Mazda CX-30

The popular BYD Atto 3 Standard Range small electric SUV would save owners around $1071 per year in home charging costs compared to the petrol-powered Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina in front-wheel drive guise.

However, those savings are limited to roughly $720 per year if solely using public charging stations.

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Tesla Model Y vs Audi Q5

Australia’s favourite EV, the base Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive (RWD), would save owners around $762 in charging costs annually than refuelling the diesel-run Audi Q5 35 – if plugged-in at home.

Otherwise, the Model Y medium electric SUV would save about $457 per year in public charging-only expenses.

This is where the fuel-efficient diesel SUV narrows the gap in running expenses compared to electric.

However, even though diesel doesn’t emit as much carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaust fumes as petrol, it is classified as a harmful carcinogen because it produces more local particulate matter and nitrogen oxides – hence the need for particulate filters.

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Polestar 2 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor electric liftback can avoid roughly $1176 in running cost expenses per year versus the premium petrol-required Mercedes-Benz C200 sedan – when charging at home.

If dependent on public EV charging stations, those savings will reduce to around $791 annually.

It’s also worth noting that petrol-powered luxury medium sedans, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, have significantly increased their entry prices in the past few years – resulting in comparable electric cars, such as the Polestar 2 liftback and Tesla Model 3 sedan, being substantially cheaper to buy.

Therefore, there’s essentially no need for reduced running costs to recoup the typical EV price premium – the savings start from signing the dotted line.

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Peugeot E-Partner v Partner diesel

The Peugeot E-Partner electric commercial van would be about $849 cheaper to run annually when charged at home than the equivalent diesel-engined Partner Pro long wheelbase.

When only using public EV charging infrastructure – which is not typical for commercial drivers – the savings would account to roughly $416 per year.

For larger business fleets, the ideal would be plugging in when the electric cargo van is stationary at its dock during the day or overnight. Charging would even be free when plugged-in during the former, if there’s a solar panel array installed.

Keep in mind that our sums are based on a standard residential home electricity tariff and are based on claimed energy and fuel consumption ratings when the vans are unladen. Expect the need for charging and refuelling respectively to increase with heavier loads.

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? Is it time to make the electric switch?

The sums from the few electric car models in this story demonstrates that, despite rising electricity and fuel costs, they are inherently cheaper to power from day one.

That’s provided you don’t choose some pricier public chargers, including non-Tesla EV models using Tesla Superchargers without a subscription.

The savings for avoiding constantly fluctuating fuel pump prices over time will eventually recoup the EV price premium (if there is one), which would ‘break even’ quicker if you drive longer distances and recharge more often – especially at home.

EVs are not for everyone (for now).

But, it is the quieter, simpler and local emissions-free form of transportation to get from A to B.

The initial price hurdle, driving range, depreciation, sustainability, battery longevity, and safety remain key perceived and valid issues. For more, check out the links below.

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New recall notices have been issued, affecting Audi, Subaru, Mahindra, Maserati and Mitsubishi vehicles.

The details of each recall, as published, are posted below.

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• What is a recall?
• What to do if your car is recalled
• Why a car recall isn’t all bad news
• What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?
• All ANCAP & vehicle safety stories

What’s coming down the line from the VW Group’s so-called ‘unconventional challenger brand’?

Cupra is off to a fast start in Australia with the Barcelona-based brand offering stylish compact cars and SUVs that stand out from their related VW counterparts.

But Cupra is a young brand that’s moving fast. That means there are updates coming to unify the range stylistically, as well as some all-new models that will offer intriguing alternatives to VW, Skoda and Audi counterparts.

Let’s check out what’s coming next from Cupra.

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JUMP AHEAD

• Born update
• Leon update – with Sportstourer wagon?
• Formentor update
• Tavascan EV
• Terramar SUV
• Raval small EV

Cupra Born update

The eye-catching twin to the VW ID.3 electric hatch will make its debut in late 2024, likely bringing interior changes such as tweaks to the infotainment system.

Cupra has shown new multimedia technology in the form of a 15-inch touchscreen with revised controls, a new menu structure with a permanent climate control ‘bar’ along the bottom of the screen, and faster processors.

That might make it to the Born, but even if it doesn’t it is expected there will be changes to the current 12-inch unit, not to mention some revisions to the interior plastics, finishes, and touch capacitive buttons.

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You will also see changes to the Born’s front-end styling, with fresh headlights bearing the brand’s new signature triangular inlay look. Some tweaks to the rear lighting may also show up.

Nothing is confirmed as yet for the powertrain or battery capacity, but the rear-mounted electric motor could possibly be switched out for a higher output unit. The VW Group has, for instance, shown off a new 210kW/545Nm rear motor, which will be seen in some models from 2024 onwards.

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Cupra Leon update – with Sportstourer wagon?

Another model due for some changes is the Leon hatchback, and the smaller five-door model is likely to be joined by a long-roof Sportstourer locally in 2024.

At the time of publishing, Cupra’s Australian arm has indicated a pair of high-spec models – the VZe plug-in hybrid, and the 228kW 228kW VZx. The VZx Sportstourer is also all-wheel drive, unlike the FWD VZx hatch.

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In other words, it’d be the ideal replacement for the axed VW Golf R wagon, while the PHEV model would stand out as the only vehicle of that type to be offered under the VW Group umbrella.

The timing for the launch of the Leon Sportstourer, if it gets signed off, is expected to align with a facelift for the entire model line, with a new-look front end to bring the Leon more into line with the standalone Cupra models. You’ll see new lights with a triangular inlay theme, and you might also find some small changes to the interior and the media systems on offer.

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Cupra Formentor update

The popular Formentor midsize SUV is going to fall into line with the rest of the range with a new-look front end. You can expect it to arrive in Australia late in 2024.

Formentor was the first standalone Cupra creation, having launched in Europe in 2020. As such, the update for it is a big moment for the brand, and as with the other models seeing styling changes for 2024 and beyond, you will see a new nose treatment with

The changes for the new-look Formentor will also run inside the cabin, with adjustments expected for the multimedia interface.

Don’t expect big changes to the powertrains on offer, with the company stating that it is currently happy with the mix of models sold in Australia.

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Cupra Tavascan EV

The all-new Tavascan electric coupe-style SUV crossover model is due to go on sale in Australia in 2025.

If you squint you might recognise some lines from the related VW ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq Coupe models, but it is very much its own car in terms of styling and design.

One other interesting thing to note about Tavascan is that it confirms the brand’s future colour choice intentions. There are six hues available, all of them darker shades including blues and greys designed to accentuate Cupra’s trademark copper highlights.

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There’s no white or red paint in the Tavascan’s palette, though there has been in past Cupra. Expect the muted colours to stick around.

It’s likely that Australia will receive more than one variant of the Tavascan, meaning possibly a single-motor RWD version (210kW/545Nm) and a dual-motor AWD model (with 250kW).

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Cupra Terramar SUV

This will be Cupra’s final foray into internal combustion power, with the midsize SUV offering a more conventional take than the Tavascan.

The circa-4.5 metre long Terramar could be on sale in Australia in 2025, though it is not expected to arrive on our shores until late that year or early 2026.

Buyers can expect a roomy cabin and bigger boot than the Tavascan with Tiguan-like practicality inside. You won’t see an Allspace three-row model though, with Cupra boss Wayne Griffiths indicating that seven-seaters aren’t cool enough to be Cupras.

There will likely also be some Tiguan-derived powertrain choices; a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is almost certain, while a plug-in hybrid version with up to 100 kilometres of EV driving range may also be offered.

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Cupra Raval small EV

Cupra is leading the development of the small front-wheel drive electric car platform (MEB Small) that underpins a production version of the Raval, as well as the ID.2, ID.2 X, and Skoda’s take on the tiny EV.

It’s essentially the VW Up all over again, but this time electric – that program spun off the Seat Mii, Skoda Citigo and multiple takes on the VW model itself including a GTI.

Each brand will have its own take on the platform, with the Raval’s distinctive styling and high outputs likely to set it out as the most assertive and edgy of the four models to be spun off the line.

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In fact, Sven Schuwirth, chief operating officer of Cupra, told Whichcar that the Raval concept at the 2023 IAA motor show was “more than 90 per cent” representative of what the production car would look like.

It is understood that the brand is assessing the merits of a small EV in Australia. The local market is moving fast in the ‘affordable electric’ space following the launch of value-focused cars like the MG4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora hatchbacks.

Could it be a very literal case of too little, too late? Time will tell.

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September: Australian timing confirmed for 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N

The updated 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N will arrive in Australia early next year.

As detailed in April (see below), the facelifted i30 Sedan N – sold as the Avante N and Elantra N in other markets – has received an updated design focused on the front end, new 19-inch alloy wheels, and revisions to its N-specific body kit.

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It also has a radar sensor allowing for adaptive cruise control and a more advanced autonomous emergency braking system with cyclist and junction detection for dual-clutch automatic variants.

Hyundai has now confirmed revisions applied under the i30 Sedan N’s skin, including a reinforced engine mount membrane and G-bushing, and a new rear suspension insulator made from urethane instead of rubber.

The changes are said to reduce vibration and improve yaw response, steering precision and damping. The electronically-controlled suspension hardware has also been improved “for enhanced body control”, with optimised software.

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An improved gearbox yoke, low-friction universal joint, and revised power-steering software allow better steering feedback and precision. The front and rear tyre pressures have been adjusted to account for increased front axle load to maintain the ride and handling balance.

The updated bumper has a larger air duct to improve the braking system by sending air flow directly towards the brake to cool off when heated, while updated ESC software and a new thermal protector on the front brake hose allow for improved endurance.

Hyundai said that, due to customer feedback, ​​the vehicle’s “software has been reprogrammed for optimal use of high-octane petrol to improve performance”.

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There are no changes to the i30 Sedan N’s powertrain, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW and 392Nm – rising to 213kW for a 20-second boost in N Grin Shift mode.

Power is exclusively sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

When will the 2024 i30 Sedan N arrive in Australia?

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The updated Hyundai i30 Sedan N is confirmed for an early 2024 launch in Australia, with local pricing, features and specific timing to be announced closer to its arrival.

Our earlier story, below, continues unchanged.

Below: The i30 Sedan N in its current form

April 2023: i30 Sedan N facelift revealed

The facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N has debuted at the Auto Shanghai motor show.

While the i30 Sedan N was unveiled less than two years ago, it has received an early mid-life facelift in line with the standard range.

As with the standard i30 Sedan, the N’s design changes focus on the front end, with reshaped headlights and a wider grille.

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However, as before, the hi-po i30 Sedan adopts an N-specific body kit with a new-look front bumper, alloy wheel designs, and a taller rear valance with red extensions.

The pictures – published on Hyundai’s social media pages – showcase two new 19-inch alloy wheel designs for the i30 Sedan N.

This includes an Alfa Romeo-like ‘phonedial’ design with five round holes, or a gloss black multi-spoke design shared with the i30 N hatch.

It is currently unknown which design will feature on local examples, with more information likely in the coming months, ahead of its expected launch towards the end of 2023.

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The addition of a radar sensor in the updated front bumper suggests the i30 Sedan N will gain adaptive cruise control and a more-advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system – at least for the automatic variant.

Adaptive cruise control and cyclist/junction-detecting AEB is available on automatic versions of the standard i30 Sedan, but it is omitted from the current N as it features a camera-only system.

Hyundai has yet to detail the updated i30 Sedan N’s technical specifications; however, no changes are expected for its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain.

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Currently, the i30 Sedan produces 206kW and 392Nm – rising to 213kW in N Grin Shift mode – with power exclusively sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

In addition, Hyundai has yet to reveal the 2024 i30 Sedan N interior, but it should mirror changes applied to the standard model overseas.

These include a blind-spot view monitor, a 360-degree camera system, USB-C charge ports, an optional built-in dashcam, an odour-reducing climate control system, and digital key functionality.

Second-row passengers are protected by a new rear-side airbag, taking the total airbag count to eight – but it continues to lack a front-centre airbag, meaning the i30 Sedan is unlikely to receive a five-star safety rating if ANCAP tests it.

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In addition, the facelifted i30 Sedan should follow the Palisade, Venue, Tucson, Ioniq 6 and the next-generation Kona in gaining Hyundai’s Bluelink connected-car technology in Australia.

The facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of this year, with local pricing and features to be detailed closer to the time.

The pre-facelift i30 Sedan N is priced at $50,200 before on-road costs for the manual and automatic.

Below: The current 2023 Hyundai i30 Sedan N

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The BYD Seal U electric SUV is set to arrive in 2024 as a direct sales threat to the popular Tesla Model Y.

BYD is fast expanding its line-up in Australia, having debuted with the Atto 3 compact electric SUV in 2022 via importer EV Direct.

The Dolphin hatch and Seal sedan are due to go on sale in the last quarter of 2023, and EV Direct has now confirmed a larger SUV and a ute will make it five electric vehicles in the showroom before the end of next year.

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The company is currently tight-lipped about naming the SUV in question but strongly hinted to Wheels that it is indeed the Seal U that has been spotted undergoing local testing in Australia.

“For 2024 we are bringing two vehicles into the country, the [new] ute and another SUV that is larger than the Atto 3,” said EV Direct CEO Luke Todd. “I can’t comment on which [SUV] that is as yet, but you’re right, there are sply shots [of the Seal U] floating around.”

Details of the five-seater Seal U are limited despite the SUV being displayed at the recent IAA motor show in Germany (where we took the images featured in this article).

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We know it is based on the same E-Platform 3.0 used by the Seal sedan, which we recently tested in the UK.

Two versions will reportedly be introduced in Europe – a Comfort model featuring a 72kWh battery and a Design model with a larger, 87kWh battery. The SUV has also been confirmed for the UK, another RHD market like Australia.

Each Seal U model is driven by a single electric motor – 150kW/310Nm for the Seal U Comfort or 160kW/330Nm for the Design. (The Seal sedan is more powerful and offers AWD – 230kW in RWD form or 390kW in AWD guise.)

BYD Europe has stated the Seal U offers a 420km WLTP driving range for the 72kWh Comfort model and 500km maximum for the 87kWh Design.

The Seal U is expected to share 150kW charging capability with the Seal sedan.

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Car News China reports the following dimensions for the BYD Seal U, which is called the Song Plus EV in China: 4775mm long, 1890mm wide, 1670mm high, with a 2765mm wheelbase.

That puts the Seal U right in the ballpark of the 4750mm-long Model Y, though the Tesla has a longer wheelbase of 2890mm. The Atto 3 compact SUV is a touch short of 4.5 metres in length.