The fifth-generation Kia Sportage launched in 2021 with their entry-level and top-spec variants. The middle of the range, SX and SX+ however, were are delayed until early 2022.

Since having arrived on our shores they have proved vital in the Sportage range, filling the gap between the S and GT-Line grades.

A consistently popular model in the medium SUV category, the Kia Sportage offers versatility and comfort, in an eye-catching package.

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Pricing and features

The SX variant– the second step in the Sportage lineup– starts from $35,350 before on-road costs for the manual transmission.

Opting for the automatic adds $2000. Both versions harness a 2.0-litre petrol engine, delivering 115kW and 192Nm. Essentially, you’re looking at high 30’s to early 40’s pricing for either choice.

A 2.0-litre diesel AWD variant is also available as automatic only for a pricier $42,750 before on-roads and creates 137kW and 416Nm. The diesel is much punchier and uses less fuel than its petrol counterparts.

The SX+ sits above starting at $41,850, and is available in the same 2.0-litre petrol 2WD and diesel AWD offerings.

A new option is available when jumping to the SX+ which is the 1.6-litre turbo engine with a dual clutch transmission increasing petrol power and torque to 132kW/265Nm.

Standard across the Sportage range you’ll get:

The SX loses wireless phone mirroring but adds:

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The SX+ gains further features, including:

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Safety

The entire Sportage range is covered by a 5-star ANCAP rating, based on its recent 2022 testing.

It achieved an 87% score for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection and 74% for its safety assist features such as lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

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The Sportage comes equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features such as rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, speed limit assist and lead vehicle departure alert.

In terms of servicing, both the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel variants require a visit to the dealership every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.

The 1.6-litre turbo requires servicing at a shorter 12-month/10,000km interval.

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Key rivals

With 21 individual models in the mainstream medium SUV segment there are plenty of competitors to the Sportage. The most notable include:

• Toyota RAV4
• Hyundai Tucson
• Mazda CX-5
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan X-Trail
• Subaru Forester
• Volkswagen Tiguan

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2023 Kia Sportage SX and SX+ is a well-rounded option for those who are after some added creature comforts over the entry Sportage S.

Both offer a balanced mix of design, features and value.

If you’re seeking a dependable SUV that doesn’t compromise on modern essentials, the Sportage is definitely worth a closer look.

Queensland startup Outbound has added its second residential property partner to set up another electric vehicle sharing hub on the Gold Coast – but it’ll need to wait at least three years to open.

That’s because the new luxury 51-storey Surfers Paradise high apartment, called 26 Vista, is expected to complete construction by 2026.

Outbound offers a closed-off car sharing service for property residents or working communities, where users can book to rent an EV when needed, which is parked within the building.

At 26 Vista, the AC wall box charging stations are powered by renewable energy to further cut the lifetime emissions of an EV.

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It aims to provide a more environmentally sustainable transport method, rather than owning a private vehicle – similar to the more public car sharing platforms, such as GoGet, Popcar and Turo.

The high-end Surfers Paradise apartment marks the company’s fifth property partnership, which includes Mantra’s Southport Sharks hotel on the Gold Coast, Merchant House commercial building, The Newlands residential dwelling and the Salesforce Tower in Sydney.

Currently, only two properties – the Mantra hotel and Salesforce Tower – offer Outbound, using Tesla Model 3 electric sedans. The other properties are still in construction, but are estimated to be completed in the next few years.

Following news that Volkswagen is ditching its Golf wagon – including the much-loved Golf R long-roof – it is possible that the VW Group will instead offer a fast and fun family truckster here in the form of the Cupra Leon Sportstourer.

It’s been on sale in Europe for a few years now, and if it does come to Australia, it’ll probably be the facelifted version that’ll be revealed soon.

The Leon Sportstourer would be a great gap-filler for the Aussie arm of the VW Group because this car could well be a better thing than the brilliant Golf R was.

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JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing and features
• Safety
• On the road
• Key rivals
• Should I put it on my shortlist?
• Specifications

Pricing and features

Hard to say at this point, as the model is yet to get the green light for Australia.

But we can make some educated guesses, as the brand has the Leon VZx and VZe hatchback models here, both priced at $61,690 plus on-road costs. Logic suggests a price premium for the wagon, not to mention the fact the VZx Sportstourer has all-wheel drive, unlike the FWD hatch.

Bank on circa-$65K pricing – and if that’s the case it’ll be a decent discount on the old Golf R wagon, which went out at a historic high of $71,990 before on-road costs.

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There’s a huge jump in cargo space from 270 litres in the VZe hatch to 470L in the Sportstourer

You’d be safe to assume the standard spec will be similar to the hatchback, meaning items like LED headlights and daytime running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated sports bucket seats up front with leather trim, three-zone climate control, and a 12.0-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, sat-nav and more, plus a digital driver info display, too.

A modest wheelbase increase (2689mm vs 2862mm) means you get more space inside than the hatch thanks and there’s a huge jump in cargo space from 270 litres in the VZe hatch to 470L in the Sportstourer, though still with no spare wheel on offer.

The petrol-only model increases from 380L to 620L, and still has a space-saver spare wheel available.

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Safety

Just like the Leon hatch, the Sportstourer has an abundance of active safety technology and a five-star Euro NCAP rating (from 2020) to back it up.

If it comes, it’ll have all the fruit; autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection is standard, as are lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

A surround-view camera isn’t available, but wouldn’t go astray.

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On the road

I drove both the VZe and VZx, and unsurprisingly they have pretty different driving characteristics – and that’s A-OK if you ask me.

Want a quick-looking wagon with a more eco-conscious powertrain? The PHEV is a pretty convincing thing.

Combining a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a 12.8kWh battery pack, but using a six-speed dual-clutch auto driving the front wheels, it has a heap of punch on offer. In all-singing-all-dancing go-fast mode, there’s an apparent combined 180kW and 400Nm, which is a lot channelled only through the front axle.

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But if you’re driving it like a PHEV driver would, you’ll enjoy the smooth transition between EV driving and petrol mode, and the DSG is quick thinking and smooth shifting, too. There’s regenerative braking and a touchy pedal response.

Dynamically the VZe is a bit more of a comfy thing, with a spongier suspension and a bit more weight, which is evident in the bends and over bumps. But the steering is light and feels fun enough, if not nearly as enticing to punt as the VZx.

Yep, this one is the hero here, with more snot than a toddler at daycare. There are two versions in Europe – a 221kW/400Nm job and the quicker 228kW unit, which does 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds. Sheesh.

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It feels quick, and sounds it in Cupra mode, too. There’s a raspy warble that is enabled in the sportiest drive setting, though not quite as racy as the Golf R.

Adaptive dampers make for rigidity when it’s wanted and decent comfort in city situations, the steering feels more meaty, and the traction of the AWD system adds some slingshot effect in the bends, too.

Note, it is MQB-based, so there is some annoying road noise intrusion on rougher road surfaces. The infotainment also caused some headaches, with fiddly controls and smartphone mirroring issues evident on test.

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• What is a Powertrain or Drivetrain?
• Power vs torque
• Car suspension explained
• Automatic transmissions (‘gearboxes’) explained
• Chassis control systems explained
• Car vs Ute vs SUV: How the vehicle you buy should guide the way you drive

Want a wagon with go-fast intent? The best alternative could be the Subaru WRX Sportswagon (from $50,990 excluding on-road costs), though it isn’t quite the manic machine of years gone by.

Want a different Euro badge? Check out the Peugeot 308 GT wagon, which kicks off at $50,990 (before on-road costs). Not quite a performance item, but it is stylish and spacious. And if money is less of an object, there’s also the gorgeous Peugeot 508 GT plug-in hybrid at $82,915 (plus on-road costs).

And there’s always the Skoda Octavia, which in RS guise is a practical and price-friendly option, and the $53,090 (excluding on-road costs) sticker is plenty appealing.

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

Maybe on your wishlist, because it’s not a sure thing just yet.

But if it does get signed off, you can expect it to arrive alongside the Cupra Leon facelift hatch in 2024.

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2023 Cupra Leon Sportstourer specifications

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Porsche’s third-gen Panamera is gearing up for a November 24 release at the Porsche Festival in Dubai.

There were some who expected the all-electric Taycan, which launched in 2019, to effectively replace the Panamera for good but Stuttgart says there’s enough demand to support what it’s calling a whole new generation – even if the new five-door lightback doesn’t look all that different.

In fact, pictured here in black with little-to-no camouflage it’s almost impossible to differentiate this Panamera from the current car aside from some tweaks to the front lower valance. Even the headlights are near-identical.

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The rear of the new Panamera shows a few more changes. For example the LED lighting signature, a slightly different window profile and more aggressive rear bumper details.

Underneath, though, Porsche says the model teased here has undergone some big changes. Its MSB architecture has been reworked with new dual-chamber air springs paired with twin-valve adaptive dampers from the Cayenne large SUV.

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Final details will be confirmed in November, though we expect the new car will ride on a longer wheelbase and feature larger doors to ease ingress.

Porsche has also developed a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Panamera bringing the count to four PHEVS, with petrol-only V6 and V8 turbocharged models also living on. The electric motor is paired with a new PDK gearbox and is integrated into the rear of the transmission housing for a more compact and powerful setup.

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Giving power to the e-motor is a larger 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery. It’s the same size as the new Cayenne, which is said to be capable of around 60km electric driving range. We’d wager the more aerodynamic Panamera would push that number closer to 70km. It can be replenished at 11kW (AC), improving charge times for the new car.

Displaying the lengths Porsche goes to when testing, the new Panameras have been all across the world. Of course they’ve been spied durability testing at the Nordschleife, but also in America for heat, Scandinavia for cold, South Africa for broken tarmac (and dirt), at elevation in Asia, and now in Spain for final calibration (and presumably a bit of pleasant sunshine for the engineers).

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“We test every new car intensively in order to meet our demands, and of course those of our customers all over the world… the standard we set is always the development targets defined in the specifications. The new Panamera must excel here and now, in particular in terms of performance, comfort and acoustics”, said development manager Marcel Hönemann.

Further details including weight, dimensions, outputs and cabin features will be disclosed on November 24 at the Panamera’s global launch. Expect Australian deliveries to follow in mid-late 2024.

The new Panamera will be followed by an all-electric Macan, various updates for 911 and Taycan ranges, and a battery-powered 718 sports car model.

FINE, JUMP AHEAD: How to win!

The Crew Motorfest is a new motorsports and mayhem game from Ubisoft, the team behind top-rated titles like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Assassin’s Creed 2 and Rayman Origins and Far Cry 3.

As the studio’s latest offering, and one with obvious appeal to the Wheels Media team, The Crew Motorfest launches today (September 14) on Ubisoft Connect, the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, the XBOX Series X & S, the XBOX One, and the Epic Game Store.

Season 1 of Motorfest sees more than 60 brands featured and more than 600 cars, bikes and boats available, with the game box cover art alone showing the new Aventador-succeeding Lamborghini Revuelto, the fan-fave A80 Toyota Supra, the ‘ute-eating’ Ram TRX and the incoming new Ford Mustang. Not a bad spread, and you can see the full list of vehicles on Ubisoft’s page here [↗].

The Crew Motorfest is framed as a motoring nut’s dream, taking over the Hawaiian island of O’ahu to host one giant “always renewed haven for car lovers”.

“Do everything on your own or with other players: join high-speed street races through the bustling city of Honolulu, test your off-road skills on the ashy slopes of a volcano, master the perfect curve on the tracks,” Ubisoft says.

“When you’re ready to relax, kick back on the sunny beaches behind the wheel of your favorite supercar, or bring a buggy to explore the hidden paths of the luxurious rainforest.”

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At launch, there are 15 ‘playlists’ available, effectively representing different themed championships and vibes for players to compete in.

These include:

• Hawaii Scenic
• Made in Japan
• Rule the Streets (a Donut Media collab!)
• 911 Legacy
• American Muscle
• Vintage Garage
• Automobili Lamborghini (’nuff said)
• Dream Cars
• Electric Odyssey
• Liberty Walk (yep, the tuning and styling outfit)
• Drift Experience
• Bike Lovers
• Ocean ‘N Sky
• Off-roading Addict
• Motorsports

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Live Game Modes are a key feature, too, including:

• GRAND RACE
  • 28-player races dubbed the “free-for-all apex competition” of Motorfest.
• DEMOLITION ROYALE
  • 32 players in eight crews battle it out for a team win.
• SUMMIT CONTEST
  • Weekly-ranked events, ranked by a huge leaderboard.
• CUSTOM SHOW
  • Show off your own flair with custom-styled cars to win rewards.

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OKAY, HOW DO I WIN?!

Right, yes, okay, the whole point. Here’s how to win yourself a copy of The Crew Motorfest!

1. Make sure you’re following Wheels on Facebook and/or Instagram.
2. Visit our Facebook or Instagram posts at the below links.
   1. Facebook post [↗]
   2. Instagram post [↗]
3. TELL US in the replies – which part of The Crew Motorfest you’re most pumped for, from Live Game Modes and the Playlists,and why. What’s so appealing about that part of the game? (You only need to reply to one of our posts, not both.)
4. Which platform you use (PS5 or XBOX).
5. Share our Facebook post to your Facebook wall, or our Instagram post to your Instagram story!

Our favourite 10 answers win!

See further conditions below.

The first time I spotted a ‘Jungle Wood Green’ Sportage on the road, I was compelled to circle back for a second glance.

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage isn’t just eye-catching; it stands as a formidable player in the medium SUV segment.

The 2023 Sportage S continues to pave the popular models legacy, offering modern design, practicality and value, appealing to a broad audience.

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Pricing and features

The S variant, an entry point to the Sportage lineup, is priced at $32,795 before on-road costs for the manual transmission. Opting for the automatic adds $2000. Both versions harness a 2.0-litre petrol engine, delivering 115kW and 192Nm. Essentially, you’re looking at mid-30’s pricing for either choice.

A 2.0-litre diesel AWD variant is also available as automatic only for $40,195 before on-roads and creates 137kW and 416Nm. It’s much punchier and uses less fuel than its petrol counterparts.

The S offers a compelling mix of essentials and niceties. Standard inclusions are impressive for a base-model and include:

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Inside, the Sportage S focuses on comfort and functionality. The infotainment system, while not the largest in the lineup offers essential connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Practicality is further enhanced with features like rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and adaptive cruise control.

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Safety

The entire Sportage range is covered by a 5-star ANCAP rating, based on its recent 2022 testing.

It achieved an 87% score for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection and 74% for its safety assist features such as lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

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The Sportage S comes equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features such as rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, speed limit assist and lead vehicle departure alert.

In terms of servicing, both the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel variants require a visit to the dealership every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.

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Key rivals

With 21 individual models in the mainstream medium SUV segment there are plenty of competitors to the Sportage. The most notable include:

• Toyota RAV4
• Hyundai Tucson
• Mazda CX-5
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan X-Trail
• Subaru Forester
• Volkswagen Tiguan

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2023 Kia Sportage S is a well-rounded option for those venturing into the medium SUV market while on a budget.

While it might not boast the bells and whistles of its higher-end siblings, it offers a balanced mix of design, features and value.

If you’re seeking a dependable SUV that doesn’t compromise on modern essentials, the Sportage S is definitely worth a closer look.

And, at roughly $35k, it’s not often a vehicle commands a double-take from me.

The Volkswagen T-Roc has a new entry model – the CityLife that’s priced from a sharp $36,990 drive-away.

The inclusive price for the city-focused small SUV is just $1000 above its $35,990 RRP, and saves $5000 over the next model up – the $41,990 drive-away Style that has more features but is powered by the same 110kW engine.

The CityLife expands a range that also includes the R-Line and performance R flagship.

The variant will be relatively short-lived, however – planned to be phased out sometime in the first half of 2024. It will serve as an inbetweener model to the Polo-based T-Cross baby SUV that costs up to $33,490 RRP and is due around mid 2024 in facelifted form.

Volkswagen Australia says it now has excellent supply for the Golf-based T-Roc range, which to the end of August is the German brand’s most popular vehicle locally.

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2023 Volkswagen T-Roc CityLife features

Powering the T-Roc CityLife is Volkswagen’s competent 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A 17-inch alloy wheelset, matched with chubby tyres, contribute to ride comfort in potted urban streets, and help protect the wheels when parallel parking against kerbs.

Visually, CityLife T-Roc variants wear CityLife-specific LED headlights with Light Assist and a blacked out front grille.

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Volkswagen’s Travel Assist suite is fitted as standard, adding Lane Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, front and rear parking sensors with front and rear AEB, Park Assist and a rear camera.

Inside the T-Roc CityLife, motorists are treated to keyless access and push-button start, Digital Cockpit (instrument cluster), 8.0-inch central infotainment screen with DAB+ radio, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.

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The CityLife is swathed in Comfort cloth seats with lumbar adjustment, ceramique headlining and ‘pewter matte’ dashboard inlays.

The only option is $700 metallic/pearl paint.

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Hyundai has re-opened orders for its popular i20 N and i30 N hatchbacks, with six-month delivery times for new orders predicted.

Those who’ve been patiently waiting for Hyundai dealers to take their cash will be happy to hear that both of the brand’s performance hatchbacks are now back on sale.

“We are pleased to announce that i20 N and i30 N (hatch) will reopen for customer orders effective immediately”, a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told Wheels.

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“Our existing order bank has been gradually reduced over the past year, to where we now have sufficient production supply to fulfil existing backorders”, the spokesperson added.

Orders for the i30 N hatch were paused in February this year, though sedans were still available. A facelifted i30 Sedan N is expected for local release next year. The i20 N, meanwhile, was off-limits from July 2022 until now, driving prices of lightly-used examples above RRP.

The Hyundai i20 N and i30 N are two of the few remaining attainable performance cars with manual transmissions and cost from $34,990 and $46,200 respectively.

Hyundai Australia is predicting a six-month turnaround for both vehicles for those ordering now, factoring in three to four months of transport from their respective factories.

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Our original story, below, continues unchanged

February 2023: Hyundai i30 N hatch orders paused

The 2023 Hyundai i30 N hot hatch is temporarily off-sale in Australia.

Following strong demand, Hyundai’s local arm said it would pause new orders until the current order bank is less overwhelming.

“To avoid customer disappointment, HMCA will no longer be accepting orders for i30 N (hatch),” said a spokesperson for Hyundai Australia.

“As soon as our i30 N (hatch) production allocation catches up with the order bank, HMCA will start taking orders once again.”

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It follows the smaller i20 N hatch, with new orders paused since mid-2022 to prevent orders from exceeding the production allocation for the Australian market.

As with the i30 N hatch, Hyundai Australia expects new orders for the i20 N to resume once the production allocation catches up with the order bank.

Both vehicles are produced in Europe – the Czech Republic for the i30 N and Turkey for the i20 N – with greater supply for the Korean-built i30 Sedan N and Kona N.

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“We currently have strong supply, and stock locally, for both i30 Sedan N and Kona N,” said the Hyundai Australia spokesperson.

According to the brand, the wait time for a new i30 Sedan N or Kona N order is approximately less than three months, with stock available in the dealer network.

By comparison, current orders for the i30 N and i20 N are facing a 12-month wait, with i20 N order holders potentially receiving the facelifted version due in 2024.

That’s according to Hyundai’s executive technical advisor, Albert Biermann, who mentioned the facelifted i20 N during the 2022 Hyundai N Festival at The Bend in South Australia.

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“Yes, there will be a facelift. It’s coming next summer (Southern Hemisphere winter)… but on the technical side, you don’t need to be afraid; it’s still the [same] crazy corner rascal,” he said, in a promotional interview.

A facelifted version of the i30 Sedan N is also expected later this year or early 2024, with a revised look, more technology, and likely adaptive cruise control for the dual-clutch automatic variant.

As for the i30 N hatch, Albert Biermann confirmed there won’t be another petrol-powered model, as European regulations push brands further towards an electrified line-up.

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Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 5 will soon introduce a powerful N flagship, while an Ioniq 6 N, based on the RN22e prototype, is expected to follow.

The future for the Kona N is less clear. A petrol-powered second-generation all but ruled out; however, it could adopt hybrid or all-electric power.

But this is looking unlikely, with attention for a full-fat N version likely to turn towards the Ioniq 5 N, and N Line versions of the Kona Hybrid and Electric.

A three-minute battery change was a pipedream just a decade ago. LDV says it’s now a reality.

The trial has already begun in the Mifa 9 people mover’s China home market. Apparently, there are stations that’ll swiftly remove your Mifa’s depleted battery and replace it with a fully charged freshie in under three minutes.

That’s similar to or even less time than it takes to fill a regular people mover with 70L of viscous diesel. The best bit? Maxus, LDV’s namesake in China, says it’s possible in Australia.

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“To relieve driving range anxiety, Maxus has developed battery-swapping technology for the Mifa 9 which can complete a battery change in just three minutes”, said general manager Maxus product panning division Jiayue Xie.

“In China, Saic Motor Group is building battery swapping stations, we are also planning to apply this technology to Mifa vehicles here in Australia”, added Xie. The $106,000 LDV Mifa 9 people mover has 430km WLTP driving range and with 120kW DC fast-charging can go from 30-80 per cent charge in 36 minutes.

Speaking to local executives LDV Australian distributor from Ateco, we get a clearer idea of timeframes. Australian general manager Dinesh Chinnappa said that battery swapping tech like that being rolled out in China isn’t going publically at scale any time soon.

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There are other implementations beyond a Formula-1 speed pit stop mid-road trip for this technology, though.

For example, an easy-swap battery could revolutionise delivery fleets that rely on electric vans such as the forthcoming LDV eDeliver 7, cutting downtime and allowing off-peak charging.

Instead of using expensive DC charging infrastructure, or wasting precious time sitting on a slow AC power point, businesses could have a stash of batteries at base. Drive in at lunch after the 300km-or-so that LDV claims its forthcoming eDeliver 7 will be capable of and swap the depleted LFP pack for one with 100 per cent – it’s not a bad idea for big fleets such as Ikea, a company that’s already using eDeliver 9 vans in metro areas.

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Although in its infancy, the idea of battery swapping isn’t new. An Israeli company, Better Place, made plenty of noise in Australia before going into liquidation in 2013.

Since 2021, Janus Electric has been trialling the technology with heavy goods vehicles, running trucks and semis from Sydney to Brisbane that are capable of 400-600km of driving range with a battery-changing station in between.

It’s lasted a little over a year, but BMW has finally seen the light – or the lack of take-up, more like – and has dropped the contentious option to subscribe to use the installed heated seat function in its most affordable X1.

According to top BMW brass, the brand will forge ahead with subscription upgrades for software-based content including, for example, self-parking features that use existing hardware.

However, BMW board member for sales and marketing, Pieter Nota, told UK publication Autocar [↗] that the German brand would no longer charge its customers to switch on a function that was already installed on a car, and specifically mentioned seat heating as an example.

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“We thought that we would provide an extra service to the customer by offering the chance to activate that later, but the user acceptance isn’t that high,” Nota said.

“People feel that they paid double – which was actually not true, but perception is reality, I always say. So that was the reason we stopped that.”

The X1 sDrive18i is the only BMW in Australia that was encumbered with the heated seat sub, which could add up to $589 to the cost of the car with the uptake of a lifetime subscription.

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The brand’s local ConnectedDrive web page doesn’t display an option for heated seats, though other functions including wireless Apple CarPlay ($450) and High Beam Assistant ($259) are present.

The Equipment Package for the sDrive18i includes “preparation” for front seat heating, according to the Australian specs, while the sDrive20i offers heating functionality out of the box.

BMW Australia has been contacted for comment.

While this instance of charging customers to activate existing hardware may have gone down poorly with consumers, it’s a rapidly growing sector of the automotive industry.

And there are potentially billions of dollars of revenue on the table for those companies that get the mix right.

Ford, for example, says it already has half a million subscribers for its Ford Integrated Services business, which will be run by Apple’s former vice president of services, Peter Stern.

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However, there will be headwinds. A 2022 study by Cox Automotive in the US revealed that 75 per cent of consumers are unwilling to subscribe to most vehicle features.

More than 90 per cent of survey respondents said heated and cooled seats should be included in a car’s ticket price, while 89 per cent said that remote-start functions should also be standard fare.

The end game? A potential windfall of US$20 billion a year for the major car companies, as well as the opportunity to shore up dwindling brand loyalty statistics by keeping customers updated with the latest and greatest.