In typically controversial BMW style, the introduction of the X1 in 2009 caused a bit of a splash.
Some hated it, others were more admiring but said a premium compact SUV would never work. Either way, BMW’s rivals immediately followed suit and the segment took off.
Also in classic BMW form, the pioneer didn’t necessarily become the victor. But that was three generations ago and the innovator is having another crack at small SUV domination, this time bringing a gun to a knife party.
Styling has grown up and is more handsome in alignment with other big BMW high-riders
An all-wheel drive, four-cylinder X1 looks after the pointy end of the new range, straying close to $70K territory when hopped-up with the M Sport pack but at the entry point, the X1 sDrive 18i tested here is $53,900 before on-road costs. That’s still about $6000 more than the most affordable second-gen version but the new model brings a lot to justify its inflation.
For a start, it’s bigger with exterior dimensions growing as much as 53mm (in length) while a 22mm stretch of the wheelbase has helped increase interior space including the boot which, at 540 litres, is 35L bigger – although you’ll not even find a space-saver spare in there.
Styling has grown up and is more handsome in alignment with other big BMW high-riders, and it’s filled with more technology.
Step inside and you’ll immediately want to jump back out to check the badge and make sure this really is the ‘baby’ of the family.
A beautiful curved central display measures 10.7 inches and lifts the entire space into new territory, enhanced by and connected to a 10.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and head-up display – very uncommon at the entry point of this segment.
The impressive displays offer access to BMW’s very cool augmented reality navigation technology that works brilliantly, a suite of effective voice-controlled functions, and a system start-up sound that is reminiscent of an early 2000s Mac laptop.
Retro sounds aside, the various screens are deeply attractive with the My Modes feature enabling you to change the way the X1 drives and feels.
Our favourites are the Expressive and Digital Art modes that use works by artist Cao Fei and are endlessly mesmeric.
While the impressive new technological interface works a treat in practice, there is a virtual fly in the pixellated ointment as this OS8 operating system is among the first to introduce subscription services, which BMW says allows better “comfort and flexibility” but will also be a handy earner for the German giant as well. Want heated seats in the entry-level X1? That’ll be from $29 a month or $589 for life.
The wireless phone charging dock has a clever strap to brace the device visibly upright and against a cooling fan
What is included in the price is a comprehensive suite of safety gear, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, native navigation, DAB+ digital radio, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, adaptive LED headlights and cruise control, power tailgate, and wireless phone charging, which has a clever strap to brace the device visibly upright and against a cooling fan.
This particular test vehicle has been treated to $4615 worth of Enhancement Pack, which adds niceties such as a panoramic roof, Cape York Green paint (normally $1385), electric adjustment for the front seats and a nicer Harman Kardon stereo.
Our car also has a $1539 set of 19-inch alloys with P Zero rubber. If this version is looking pretty and premium it’s because it has a pretty premium price of $60,415 (excluding on-road costs) as tested.
Unchanged with the significant options however is the way the X1 drives (perhaps aside from its larger wheels).
A 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine produces 115kW and 230Nm, which is not exactly M-territory but thanks to a surprisingly light kerb weight, translates to more meaningful performance than expected. Sprinting from rest to 100km/h is said to take nine seconds but thanks to peak torque delivery between 1500rpm and 4600rpm, the entry X1 feels more urgent than the figures suggest.
Its engine is eager and sounds sweet with a classic three-pot hum and makes a nice pairing with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, although the latter does need a bit of waking up when pinning the throttle from a standstill.
When up and about though, the pairing works well to produce pace and for not much investment of fuel either. BMW claims its X1 asks for just 6.5L/100km, although we managed a still-respectable figure closer to 7.5L/100km.
BMW’s littlest SUV has also been given a good ride revision, with most of the suddenness distilled out of the previous generation model despite this one running on the largest wheels available.
There’s a bit of crash on larger imperfections but its cabin remains quiet and the steering well insulated for bumps without removing the light but pleasant feedback.
Completing the veritable X1 maturation process is a cabin design and execution that stands out for all the right reasons.
BMW really is nailing the alternative materials game without looking too try-hard or tacky and its X1 continues the advance into beautifully bohemian and sustainable.
With soft-touch and interesting textures, an interior of this calibre would be expected at the pointy end of the line-up, not at the most affordable point. It’s bolstered with practicality and clever storage under and in the centre console and armrest along with the usual USB-C modern car calling cards.
BMW’s third-generation X1 comes at a cost, but what the German car-maker has identified is that beating its rivals to the top of a premium pile required a premium fight. By avoiding a cheap entry-level version that’s hard to recommend, the new X1 is more money yet better value than ever.
It has finally beaten the others at its own game.
| 2023 BMW X1 sDrive 18i specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1499cc inline 3, dohc 12v turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 115kW @ 6500 rpm |
| Max torque | 230Nm @ 1500-4600 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Weight | 1500kg |
| 0-100km/h | 9.0s |
| Economy | 6.5L/100km |
| Price | $53,900 + on-road costs |
| On sale | now |
I reckon the Toyota RAV4 follows the six degrees of separation rule: that you’re always six people or less away from a RAV4 owner.
After all, the car is consistently one of Australia’s most popular models, having been the third best-selling model of 2022.
Wait times today continue to reach 18-months for some hybrid models, proving the demand for the SUV remains strong.
The Toyota RAV4 has long been a staple in the medium SUV segment, and the 2023 update continues that legacy.
But in a segment that’s more competitive than ever, how does the Cruiser hold its ground?
Pricing and features
The Cruiser, once the pinnacle of Toyota’s RAV4 lineup, is a luxury grade tailored for the road. However, the Edge has since claimed the top spot with a focus on off-road-centric features.
Priced at $48,910 before on road costs for the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder 2WD version developing 127kW of power and 203Nm of torque.
Buyers also have the choice of a front or all-wheel drive hybrid powertrains.
RAV4 2WD Hybrid versions combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 160kW – and comes for an extra $2500.
An additional $3500, the the AWD Hybrid introduces an additional e-motor on the rear axle, raising the peak power to 163kW.
Fuel consumption on 2WD hybrid variants is particularly impressive, getting as low as 4.7L/100km.
All paint colour options besides the standard Glacier White carry a $700 price tag. The cabin is styled with synthetic leather trim on the seats, as well as a leather accented steering wheel and shift knob.
Safety
The RAV4 was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating; valid for all its models and powertrain options when it was rated in 2019.
It achieved a 93% rating for adult occupant safety, 89% for child occupant safety and 83% for its safety assist features.
Every model in the lineup comes equipped with seven airbags, including dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee.
The RAV4 boasts a comprehensive list of safety features across all its variants through the Toyota Safety Sense package incorporated into the vehicle.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking (vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, junction)
- Seven airbags
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing camera with guide
You’ll also enjoy one year of free access to Toyota Connected Services, which encompasses safety and security features and remote capabilities through the myToyota Connect app.
Key rivals
There are no shortage of popular options when looking for a family SUV. The RAV4 continues to be a winning package but there are plenty of worthy competitors that may tick similar boxes, including:
Should I put it on my shortlist?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and practical compact SUV, with a touch of luxury.
Its blend of space, safety and Toyota’s reputation for reliability make it a strong contender in its segment.
If you’re seeking a family-friendly and economical SUV then you can’t look past the hybrid RAV4. I mean, it’s ended up in so many Australian driveways for a reason.
What would an electric successor to the cult Volkswagen Passat R36 performance sedan (and wagon) look like?
Snapshot
- 411kW dual-motor, AWD drivetrain
- Carbon fibre splitter, diffuser and rear wing
- Could preview a future ID.7 R flagship model
Well, try this – the ID.X Performance four-door concept that previews the sporty potential of the German brand’s future electric cars.
Unveiled by the German brand at an annual event organised by the passionate ID Driver’s Club, the X concept is based on the upcoming, Passat-style ID.7 electric sedan but taken to sporty extremes with all-wheel drive and 411kW of power.
The ID.X Performance has almost double the power of the 210kW regular rear-drive ID.7, though a sportier ID.7 GTX is confirmed for the near future – with more power and all-wheel drive.
The X is dramatically differentiated from the relatively conservative standard ID.7 with a 60mm-lower sports suspension, 20-inch gold alloy wheels, and front splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing all made from carbon fibre.
Inside, the cabin features red stitching and accents long associated with VW’s GTI models, while front passengers sit in carbon fibre bucket seats.
GTX variants of VW’s ID models, such as the ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX, don’t look significantly sportier than the regular models, suggesting Volkswagen’s “vision of an all-electric sports limousine in the upper mid-sized class” hints at the potential for an ID.7 R model.
VW has confirmed it will offer a range of electric R models in the future.
The company last week unveiled the ID.GTI concept that previews its future electric hot-hatch.
In the realm of large SUVs, the SsangYong Rexton stands as a testament to the brand’s ambition to offer comfort and luxury at an affordable price point.
Sharing underpinnings with the SsangYong Musso , the current-generation Rexton has been around since 2017 and is a 7-seater large SUV.
Pricing and features
The Rexton’s allure begins with its wallet-friendly price tag, challenging the notion that luxury demands a premium.
The range starts at $48,990 drive-away for the entry level ELX, and an extra $7000 will have you driving home in the range-topping Ultimate.
Both grades share the same 2.2-litre turbo engine producing 148kW and 441Nm– paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from Hyundai.
The Rexton range is all part-time 4x4s and have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.
Inside, the Rexton impresses with its spaciousness and quality. The entry level EX comes with standard strong features, including:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Synthetic leather seats
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Dual zone climate control
- Heated front and rear seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Leather steering wheel
- Power seat adjustment
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Moving up to the range-topping Ultimate adds:
- Sunroof
- Second row A/C vents
- Heated leather steering wheel
- Driver’s seat and door mirror memory system
- Power tailgate
- Wireless phone charger
- Privacy glass
- Ambient interior lighting
- 360-degree camera
Safety
The Rexton has not received an ANCAP rating however the vehicle is equipped with standard safety such as 9 airbags, AEB with forward collision alert, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, trailer sway control and lane-change collision alert.
Key rivals
The large 7-seater SUV segment is filled with established marques including:
Should I put it on my shortlist?
The 2023 SsangYong Rexton is a refreshing take in the large SUV segment. While it may not have the extensive legacy of some competitors, it brings to the table a unique blend of luxury, features, and value.
Because of its claustrophobic third row, the Rexton may not be the ideal choice for younger families. However, for those seeking an affordable large SUV with impressive towing capacity, ample boot space, decent fuel economy, and off-roading capabilities, the Rexton stands out. The more economical ELX variant, however, offers significant value and we reckon might be the best bang for your buck of the two.
After having been away from Formula 1 for almost two years, Sebastien Vettel’s grin couldn’t be wider as he slid back into one of the Red Bull Formula 1 cars that gave him so much success.
What’s more, Vettel and a brace of F1 royalty would return F1 cars to the most formidable circuit on the planet for the first time in 37 years.
Aboard the RB7 which he used to claim the 2011 championship, Vettel – joined by David Coulthard who subbed for the injured Daniel Ricciardo – accompanied famous racers including Gerhard Berger in a 1995 Ferrari 412 T2, Ralf Schumacher in a race-winning 2003 Williams-BMW FW25 and Mattias Lauda in a Ferrari 312 B3-74 raced by father Niki in 1974 in lapping the 20.83km Nordschleife circuit as part of the Red Bull Formula Nürburgring Festival.
“The car was very nice. The sound is great… the car was very nice, very different in these cars,” Vettel said in an Instagram Live video broadcast.
“Half the crew were there [from 2011] when we had the mega year. The seat still fits, pedals are right, all that together brings back a lot of memories.”
The demo laps at the Nurburgring over the weekend marked the first time in ten years that a modern Formula 1 car has circulated the Nordschleife, which was last used for a Grand Prix in 1976.
Vettel, who famously sold off his Ferrari collection after being dropped by the team in 2020, has spent some of his retirement in the seat of some of his own incredibly impressive collection of F1 cars which include a 1992 Williams FW14B and a 1993 McLaren MP4/8.
Like the cars run at the weekend’s demo event, the older machines now use synthetic fuel, a subject close to the four-time world champion’s heart.
“I feel like I’m in a time capsule. Lots of memories came back,” said Vettel. “Everything fits together here today – including the fact that we now use synthetic, ie CO2-neutral fuel.”
Vettel said that the cars need no changes to run the fuel, and that their drivability and performance is unaffected.
“Motorsport is my great passion and I want to preserve the sport. Fuels can be produced synthetically and serve as a substitute,” he said.
“This may not be the only solution, but it is part of the solution. It is important that we all realize that we have to do something, and the best thing is [that] you don’t feel any difference in the car; it’s just as much fun.”
The Korando has been in production in various forms since the 1980s and according to SsangYong, the brand brand is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as Korea’s longest surviving name plate. The most recent generation of the Korando was launched in 2019.
These days there is no shortage of medium SUVs, just take a look outside to see for yourself.
But with money on everyones mind, let’s see if this affordable SUV will be able to get in amongst segment heavyweights.
Pricing and features
The Korando – positioned as a key player in SsangYong’s lineup – offers a lot of car for its price. Its contemporary exterior, characterised by sharp lines and LED lighting, sets it apart in a crowded segment.
Drive-away prices range between $30,990- $37,990 for EX, ELX and Ultimate variants. All share the same 1.5-litre turbo engine producing 120kW and 280Nm, and are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, the Korando impresses with its spaciousness and quality. The entry level EX comes in strong with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing front wipers, auto-folding door mirrors and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Moving up to the ELX will get you 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, an electric park brake, push button start, LED DRLs and front & rear parking sensors.
The range-topping Ultimate adds 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, leather seats, heated leather steering wheel, sunroof, power adjustable front seats, power tailgate and a 10.25-inch digital information cluster.
Safety
The Korando received a 5-star ANCAP rating – including an 86% score for child occupant protection – covering the model until December 2025.
Safety is a priority, with features like 6-airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and front collision warning as standard.
Moving up to the ELX will add blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, while the Ultimate also adds adaptive cruise control and lane centre following assist.
Key rivals
The mid-size SUV segment is filled with established names, making it a tough battleground:
Should I put it on my shortlist?
The 2023 SsangYong Korando is a compelling option for those looking for a fresh alternative in the compact SUV segment.
While it might not have the brand heritage of some of its rivals, it offers a unique blend of style, features, and value.
If you’re in the market for a well-rounded SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the Korando deserves a spot on your shortlist.
The dual-cab ute market is fiercely competitive, but the SsangYong Musso aims to carve out its niche in Australia.
With a blend of style, practicality, and prominently value, the 2023 Musso is SsangYong’s statement that is working to compete with the big players.
But does it have the chops to stand out in an already crowded and well-spoken for segment?
Pricing and features
The Musso – being SsangYong’s flagship dual-cab– offers a lot for its price point. Its bold exterior is complemented by alloy wheels, LED DRLs and a functional design.
Starting from $36,790 drive-away the SsangYong dual-cab ute is available in two grades: ELX and Ultimate with a range of option packs adding specifications like a longer tub and luxury features like a sunroof.
Both variants are paired to a 2.2L turbo diesel engine with part-time 4×4 configurations, producing 133kW and 400Nm. ELX is available with a manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Towing capacity is rated at 3500kg across the range.
Inside, the Musso surprises with its level of comfort and features. The infotainment system offers essential connectivity with an 8″ touchscreen housing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the cabin materials and design feel a cut above some rivals in the same price bracket.
Practical features like a reversing camera, air conditioning, and multiple USB ports add to its appeal. Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning coming standard.
Safety
The Musso has not received an ANCAP rating however the vehicle is equipped with standard safety such as 6 airbags, driver attention warning and AEB with forward collision alert.
Moving up to the Ultimate will add features such as blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane change-collision warning.
Key rivals
The pick-up segment is filled with established names, making it a tough battleground:
Should I put it on my shortlist?
The 2023 SsangYong Musso is a pick-up that shouldn’t be overlooked.
While it might not have the brand recognition of some of its rivals, it offers a compelling blend of features, style, and value.
For those seeking a well-equipped pick-up without breaking the bank, the Musso is definitely worth a closer look.
Snapshot
- Skoda is aware it’s moved upmarket in pricing
- This isn’t the end to affordable Czech cars and a cheaper Fabia is on the way
- Continued focus on ICE models will keep prices down
Skoda’s CEO has stated that the brand is now at “eye-level” with Volkswagen on price but admits the business still needs to offer affordable cars with petrol engines for years to come.
The last few years have seen unprecedented challenges for all car brands, and some of the decisions made at Skoda – particularly in Australia – have raised eyebrows. A Fabia that costs twice as much as the last version is just one example of prices creeping up to VW, and even approaching Audi levels.
The Czech brand’s CEO, Klaus Zellmer, said he understands that Skoda’s position is different today from what has been expected of the ‘budget’ player in years gone by.
Skoda is not going to get into a race to cancel all of its non-EV options
“I think we’re now on eye level,” he said. “We want to spread horizontally to increase our footprint in the market and cover big audiences, and not step on each other’s feet all the time.”
Zellmer’s comment indicates the brands have found themselves interfering in each other’s market spaces in recent times – and there is still evidence of this in Australia, where the entry-level Volkswagen Polo 85TSI ($28,990 before on-road costs) is cheaper than the Skoda Fabia ($38,990 drive-away) which is only offered in a single high-spec Monte Carlo variant.
On paper, the Fabia is even dearer than a base Audi A1 30 TFSI ($34,250 before on-road costs, or about $39K drive away). Though, to be fair to Skoda’s offering, it packs power and equipment more in line with the circa-$42K drive-away A1 35 TFSI.
Regardless of the nitty gritty, Mr Zellmer confirmed that Skoda Australia needs to adjust its positioning.
“I know that Fabia has a different price in Australia. We covered that, we need to bring in more derivatives, not just the Monte Carlo. I’m very aware of that,” he said, confirming a more affordable model would arrive. However, as Skoda Australia boss Michael Irmer has stated previously, it won’t be a basic car with steel wheels as expectations have changed about what is expected of the Skoda brand in the 2020s.
Global chief Zellmer said that petrol powertrains, and internal combustion engines as a whole, will help Skoda maintain its position as a more affordable option in years to come. He added that Skoda is not going to get into a race to cancel non-EV options like some other brands in the VW Group.
“There used to be a competition when you were asking that question to car manufacturers, they would say 2028 or 2027,” he said of the previous plans to kill off all the ICE models in some brand portfolios.
“No, I don’t care. It’s the consumers that will decide, and of course legislation,” he said.
“Europe has said 2035. Okay. We can plan with that. But before that, consumers will decide based on package, charging infrastructure, their psychology, range anxiety – you know, all the preferences that happen. Our responsibility as a car manufacturer is to cater for those preferences”, he said.
Following the existing Enyaq and forthcoming ‘Elroq’ SUVs, Skoda will launch an ‘affordable’ small EV on the VW Group’s MEB Small platform. It will be one of four compact models built on these underpinnings alongside the VW ID. 2, a higher-riding version of that Volkswagen likely known as ID. 2 X and the Cupra Raval.
Mini’s freshly revealed all-new electric generation is bringing a world of possibilities to the English brand, with a whole host of new models under consideration to join the Cooper hatch and Countryman.
With a pure-electric architecture underpinning the new Cooper three-door hatch and a platform borrowed from the BMW iX1 for the new Countryman, Mini’s new sandbox will spawn numerous parallel model lines in the coming years and perhaps even a sub-brand.
The company is not at point to confirm which vehicles will join the pioneering pair, but has revealed that it has multiple directions to pursue including retro revivals, previously unexplored segments and even larger Mini models.
Speaking at the reveal of the new Mini family in Munich, Mini brand head Stefanie Wurst confirmed the Aceman would form a third member of the family but the new models would not stop there.
“If you look into different body types we have a classic three-door and five-door and convertible, we have the large Countryman and smaller SAV five-door electric Aceman,” she said. “I think there are more body types available.
“Mini is a very strong brand and a lot of new concepts maybe under a new umbrella are possible.”
One such possibility is a return of the Moke and when asked if the iconic bantamweight adventure Mini might be resurrected, Wurst said the name had been very recently discussed inside Mini walls.
“I think it’s a great idea. It fits the Mini brand very well and it’s also possible if you think of an addition or variation of a Countryman, that would be a great concept.
“I’m not sure if we own the name but we were researching it a couple of weeks ago. If we wanted to re-own it we probably could.”
With the discontinuation of the Clubman, Wurst explained that the company would have only one large model in its ranks and finding derivatives that could take the new Countryman as their basis was a high priority.
“Currently we have a Clubman and a Countryman but in the future we will only have the Countryman. The goal is to work with the Countryman as much as we can. We have two big Minis but in the future we will only have one so we have to make use of this car as much as we can.”
Also on the cards is a larger Mini model that could introduce the company’s first model for more than five occupants.
Most likely will be a production version of Mini’s 2021 concept which showcased a model similar in philosophy to Volkswagen’s ID Buzz.
When asked if the Mini brand could support a model that would compete with Mercedes’ small MPV/SUV models EQB and GLB, Wurst responded “That style, no, but we had a concept called Urbanaut.”
This van-like concept, said Wurst, could become the biggest Mini yet with space for more than five occupants or a load of equipment for those looking to have a mini home away from home.
“It was a great concept for Mini,” she said. “Urbanaut is definitely an interesting concept.
“Urbanaut wasn’t very specific on seat capacity but it had a lounge area so instead of doing that you could also imagine a bigger seating capacity.”
Mini head of design Oliver Heilmer boosted the prospects of a production version of the Urbanaut even further.
“We constantly look into different markets and customer groups to get a sense of what could be the next proper character in the Mini family,” he said.
“The Urbanaut wouldn’t be an MPV it would be more about how you use the space. It was designed to use the space while it was standing still.
Intriguingly though, the company might be mulling a new sub-brand to accommodate larger Minis and avoid cluttering the more compact model lines with bigger vehicles that might confuse brand messaging.
When asked if a Mini model could grow too big to be a Mini, Wurst said it was something the company was careful to avoid, and a strategy on how to grow the brand into larger territory without alienating customers was under discussion.
“I personally think we’ve reached a good size, yet I think when we launch a larger Mini or an extended Countryman, I don’t know if this is still a Mini.
“I would rather go on a new innovative concept that is more unexpected and surprising because Mini is about doing things a different way. Instead of going a larger wheelbase, I would much rather go for a different concept.”
The company has almost limitless past heritage models to chose from including sedans such as the the Austin Maxi and Morris 1100, or even the off-road focused concept Twinny to name just a handful of more likely candidates.
Either way, Wurst confirmed that no new car would be given the free light unless it could be unique and unlike anything existing.
“I think that’s possible (small sedan) but it would have to be something that looks very Mini despite its longer shape.
“As we are getting closer to a BMW concept here, my answer would be the same as for the multi-seater – we would rather have our own unique concept rather than something BMW already has.
“I’m not excluding it, but if we launched it, it would have to have something specifically Mini that a BMW or other small sedan doesn’t have.”
Finally, a return of the Mini convertible is another, perhaps less surprising model we can expect to arrive in the coming years.
Wurst explained that, while Australia missed out on the exclusive electric version available alongside the Mini Cooper SE hatch in Europe, Australia wouldn’t forgo a second generation of the zero-emissions soft top.
“I really tried to cover Australia with the electric convertible but it wasn’t possible with only 999 (worldwide) but I think there’s a lot of possibilities on the way with the body types we have now. This one would be a great addition.”
Whatever the fun-focused brand has planned to introduce alongside the refreshed line-up, it won’t happen until its trio have settled into their various global markets
“We can’t even imagine what other concepts might be in-house that we could also launch because Mini is about very smart and fun urban mobility. We’re always open for new concepts but we have a lot to do with the transition.
“We have to slice the elephant. We cannot do everything at the same time because we’re on a very busy road”.
The 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech has debuted as a small electric SUV – and it could come to Australia.
Snapshot
- 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech revealed
- MPV replaced by small electric SUV after 27 years
- Not ruled out for Australia
Revealed at the 2023 Munich motor show, the Scenic E-Tech is said to retain its “pioneering and family-friendly DNA”, with a longer wheelbase than before and up to 620 kilometres of WLTP-rated driving range.
First introduced in 1996 as a Megane-based small multi-purpose vehicle, the Scenic retained this body style across three generations until the last model ended production in 2022, with the nameplate now re-purposed for its fifth generation as an all-electric SUV.
It follows the recent introduction of the sixth-generation Renault Espace as a mid-size hybrid SUV – a larger, seven-seat version of the Nissan Qashqai-based Austral – replacing the large MPV.
The Scenic – and its Scenic RX4 four-wheel-drive derivative – was sold in Australia between 2001 and 2009, and the name could return to local shores with the Scenic E-Tech.
“We are excited by the Renault Scenic E-Tech and could see it working in Australia if it’s made available to our market in right-hand drive,” said a Renault Australia spokesperson.
“As always, each potential model then needs to go through an internal business case to justify Renault’s investment to comply with Australia’s unique design rule requirements.”
Under the skin, the Scenic E-Tech is based on the same CMF-EV platform as the Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya, both due in Australia in 2024. It has a “compact battery supplying up to 87 kWh” and an electric motor with “up to 160kW”.
Measuring a compact 4470 millimetres long, 1860mm wide and 1570mm tall, with a 2780mm wheelbase, the Scenic E-Tech is similar in size to the BYD Atto 3 small SUV rather than the larger Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.
Inside, the Scenic E-Tech is almost identical to the electric Megane, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment system powered by Android Automotive 12, allowing for Google’s built-in features.
Wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support is retained, while the system supports over-the-air software updates, “AI-generated suggestions”, and voice control.
Like the Rafale, the Scenic E-Tech has polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology for the panoramic sunroof that can darken and lighten, similar to the Porsche Taycan and BMW iX.
Renault said up to 24 per cent of the vehicle’s materials are recycled, and 90 per cent of “its mass – including the battery – is recyclable”.
The Esprit Alpine range-topper features 20-inch wheels and recycled fabric upholstery made from used plastic bottles and seatbelts.
The 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech electric SUV will be built in France alongside the Megane E-Tech and reach the European market early next year. It has yet to be confirmed for Australia.
Could the Scenic E-Tech replace the Koleos?
Despite being replaced by the new Espace in Europe, Renault Australia’s top-selling vehicle, the Koleos, will continue in its current form in Australia until the end of next year, with no direct successor currently announced.
Renault Australia general manager, Glen Sealey, previously told Wheels “[Koleos] production will run through this year, through next year. And after that, we don’t know”.
Three right-hand drive options are available in Europe that could replace Koleos locally: the smaller Austral which replaced the Kadjar once sold in Australia, the new Rafale coupe SUV, or the Scenic E-Tech.
Renault has yet to confirm right-hand drive production for the Espace – including for the United Kingdom, where it has a higher market share.
