And while we’re talking about the mag, have you subscribed?
Yep, all very cute, but the ad concluded with the last vehicle indicated as a ‘performance vehicle vehicle’, driving flashing past. It did sound OK with a light burble tone, but that’s the catch: it was supposed to be an EV. Then I suppose they couldn’t end the ad in silence!
I’m guessing that the burbling EV was the Ioniq 5 N. If that’s the case then, yes, it really does sound like that. Plus it will limiter-bang, and pause momentarily as it you pluck gears using the paddles. It has a few tricks like that up its sleeve.
Or you can choose to switch all that malarkey off and proceed like most other EVs. Not sure on which side of the fence you sit, Mike, but choice is good, right?
When are you going to change the New Car Buyers Guide vacant Resale % heading to RANGE?
We were only discussing this today. That and the fact that if you watched that Aron Ralston movie in reverse, it’d be an uplifting story about a one-armed man who finds an arm under a rock in the desert. Anyway…
Governments around the world are now seeing the uptake in Battery Electric (BEVs) is resulting in major infrastructure challenges, some of which can never be overcome especially in densely populated city areas.
One being; BEVs require land-intensive charging lots, while FCEVs do not. A single hydrogen station (converted petrol station) can support more than 1,000 FCEV vehicles a day. In addition, FCEVs require fewer scarce and expensive materials, providing a buffer from multiple supply chain risks.
Additionally, hydrogen features prominently in Japan’s energy and climate policies such as its Strategic Energy Plan. Japan has already established a hydrogen production plant in Victoria with fuel tankers operating weekly to Tokyo.
In addition, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in hydrogen production development industries as they see this as part of their long-term strategy for progressively replacing declining oil demand and revenue.
In the end it will be the industry that gains the most Government investment finances and backing that will win out.
‘GM Strikes Back’ arrived in my post box and after reading it I’m left thinking General Motors will have limited success at best and not from my money. I had two thoughts after learning of Holden’s demise at the hands of GM’s axemen.
Secondly, I blame GM for Holdens failure. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but companies must react to demand or fail. People in Holden must have said “Hmmmmm.
Toyota is doing well with LandCruiser and HiLux maybe we should develop our own.” We got rebadged Isuzus. Or “Hmmmm this SUV thing looks like a good idea, it saved Porsche!” We got rebadged Opels. Commodore Cross anyone? GM if you won’t invest in us we won’t invest in you.
I currently drive a Porsche 911, one of the very first 3.8-litre 991.1 Carrera S coupes and I’m looking to replace it. I had looked at a 992 Carrera as a like-for-like, but the cost to change (about $100k all up) proved prohibitive for what I feel is a similar car with a smaller and less charismatic turbocharged engine.
Extending that line of reasoning, I’m not exactly hanging out for the 992.2 hybrid either. So what would you recommend if you had about $200k to spend and wanted something fun and exciting?
I’d offer up three cars. The first would be the BMW M3 Competition. It’s quick, capable and huge fun. The left-field alternate would be the Lotus Emira.
The wildcard would be a used Porsche 997 GT3. These start at around $220K in today’s market, and a bit of haggling might get it closer to budget. It would in all likelihood be the most depreciation-proof of the lot. – Ed
Feels like journalists could just prepare a template for use when reviewing Chinese vehicles and save themselves a lot of time: cheap, presents well, but has poor dynamics and intrusive active safety features. Boom. Done.
Certainly, then, the next junior Porsche sports cars will be very different beasts to the lithe and compact two-doors with horizontally opposed engines set in the middle we know now.
But the excitement and publicity for the 718 is all found at the top: Spyder RS, GT4, and flat-six GTS are the variants people remember. What of the base car? We’ve spent a week in the Cayman Style – a sticker and equipment pack added to the entry-grade 718 – to find out.
That is a relatively modest $5460 premium over the donor car. Going for a six-speed manual saves $1625 on the price of the PDK automatic tested here.
Building on the LED headlights and black leather-upholstered 14-way power-adjustable heated seats are some visual options, such as black tailpipes, Porsche crests embossed on the headrests, Crayon grey contrast stitching for the leather and floor mats, and illuminated kick plates.
Otherwise, it gets the same Xenon PDLS active headlights, blind-spot monitoring, a heated steering wheel, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, DAB+ digital radio, and voice control.
Then there’s the straight-six BMW M2 ($121,700), and below that the Toyota GR Supra and BMW M240i xDrive as well. For hyper hatches, there’s the four-door Audi RS3 sedan ($99,400) and Mercedes-AMG A45 ($119,900) – all excluding on-road costs – not to mention myriad fast SUVs in the space.
Broad electric adjustment of those heated seats, along with generous roof height, means almost anyone can fit into a Cayman, from lanky to stocky. That steering wheel is just right, too, with sparse yet useful controls to adjust settings. Only the tricky wheel heating button is annoying to accidentally press.
Technology is showing its age, too, and although the wireless Apple CarPlay worked faultlessly and digital radio is included, the 7.0-inch touchscreen (with optional rotary control) has aged graphics and can be a little slow to respond. The digital driver’s display gives plenty of info, though, and the eight-speaker sound system is strong.
Less convincing is the 718’s lack of cabin storage. The shallow glovebox, tiny door bins and espresso-sized cup holders don’t give much of a place to store contemporary phones, hydration devices, or other odds and ends. For the enthusiast’s enjoyment, the 718 Cayman’s included tyre pressure gauge can be found in the glovebox housed in its supple leather pouch – it’s the little things.
Space for luggage is better, with a generous shelf behind the seats and cavernous storage areas to the rear of the flat-four and ahead of the windscreen. Though carrying bikes and flatpack furniture would be a chore, Porsche lists comfortably more cargo space than a Volkswagen Golf, for example, at 425L.
Porsche’s decision to downsize to a four-pot at the 718’s launch in 2016 drew much criticism. Flagship options have since been given back the flat-six, but the base car retains its 2.0-litre, and the S its gruntier 2.5.
It’s easy to remember why there was contempt for the flat-four. It’s mundane in town without theatre in sound or power delivery. Porsche was very keen to tune an atmo-like power curve into its turbo engines for the 992 911 and 982 Cayman/Boxster and the effect is impressive – the 718’s delivery is linear and friendly.
Not in doubt is the Teflon-smooth dual-clutch PDK transmission. Left alone, it selects gears effortlessly, yet there are always those expertly-damped aluminium shift paddles behind the wheel should you want to control your own fun.
Around town with the adaptive dampers in Normal mode, the ride is compliant with no noisy knocking. It uses a proven combination of struts for its front suspension and a multi-link rear end. At speed, the 1365kg Cayman smooths out bumps and sits beautifully flat on the motorway. The Cayman’s chassis is a delight. It’s also remarkably quiet for a small sports car with 265/35 R20 rear tyres.
The front end is eager but never darty. High speeds unearth a very stable platform and the firm brake pedal is connected to an excellent set of standard steel stoppers.
Filing through the four drive modes is easy thanks to the wheel-mounted selector dial. Normal is good but Sport adds useful support to the dampers and welcome extra gearbox response. The ride in Sport+ is a little firm for Australia’s nastiest back roads but would be great on a racetrack.
All that seems to go wrong is the 235mm-wide front Pirelli P Zeros might push a little wide, the gentle understeering reminding you not to overstep the boundary. Similarly, in the absence of one of Porsche’s trick locking diffs, on-power oversteer isn’t readily available either.
So what the 718 Style lacks – and only slightly – is a sense of excitement from an otherwise composed, assured, and classically polished entry-level Porsche driving experience.
Australian-delivered examples feature six airbags, ESC, traction control, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Modern safety assistants such as lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking are not optionally available; adaptive cruise control is a $2320 option.
Porsche recommends 98 RON premium petrol.
The warranty is short compared to industry standards at three years with unlimited kilometres. However, owners can pay to extend the coverage in 12, 24, or 48-month blocks for up to 15 years.
While that is great on an unknown road or in the rain, it very much confirms that the Style version – as its name suggests – packs little more than a few stickers on top of the basic 718.
Thrillseekers with a similar budget will be better served by BMW’s brawnier M2, or perhaps a certified pre-owned 981 Cayman S or GTS.
Yet the Style remains a fine tool tailored to the person who loves sleek coupe looks and a sharp drive but needs everyday usability and reasonable fuel economy.
Make sure you go for a bold colour, preferably that excellent Ruby Star hue, and you’ve got yourself a colourful but classic take on the everyday sports car.
| 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman specifications | |
|---|---|
| Price (excluding on-road costs) | $138,325 |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine | Mid-mounted, horizontally-opposed, 4cyl, 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, direct-injected |
| Drive | rear-wheel |
| Power | 220 kW (@ 6500 rpm) |
| Torque | 380 Nm (@ 1940-4500 rpm) |
| Gearbox | 7spd dual-clutch automatic |
| Chassis | |
| L/W/HB | 4379/1801/1295mm |
| Wheelbase | 2475mm |
| Track (F/R) | 1515/1539mm |
| Weight (kerb) | 1365kg |
| Luggage | 425L |
| Fuel/tank | 98 RON / 64L |
| Economy (combined ADR81/02) | 7.0L/100km |
| Suspension | Front: Struts, coil springs, adaptive dampers | Rear: Multi-link independent, coil springs, adaptive dampers |
| Steering | Electric power-assisted steering |
| Tyres | Pirelli P Zero |
| Tyre size (F / R) | 235/35R20 / 265/35 R20 |
| Safety | |
| ANCAP rating | Unrated |
| 0-100km/h | 4.9 seconds (claimed) |
Obviously we reckon every story we run is a banger, but if you’re looking for the highlights reel, this is it. Read on and click away!
The details of each recall, as published, are posted below.
Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted. As a result, a connection to the brake fluid reservoir could melt. If this occurs, brake fluid may leak on to a hot exhaust there which could lead to a vehicle fire.
A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.
Owners of affected vehicles can contact their preferred Volkswagen dealership to schedule an appointment to have the vehicle inspected and rectified, free of charge.
Volkswagen Group Australia Pty Ltd
Volkswagen Group Australia
To learn more about this recall, click the featured article below.
Due to a software issue, the left turn indicator lamp may not illuminate as intended. If this occurs a warning will appear in the instrument cluster to alert the driver that the indicator is not operational. The left indicator functionality can be reset by switching the indicator off and on again.
If the left turn indicator lamp does not illuminate as intended, other road users would be unable to identify if the vehicle is turning.
The corrective action for this Recall is to update the vehicle’s software. This software will be released as an Over the Air update that owners can download to the vehicle themselves. However, if they are unable to update the car remotely, they should contact their authorised Volvo retailer for an appointment without delay and they will update their vehicle at no cost.
If their vehicle is running software version 2.13.3 or later, the applicable software is already installed. The software version can be found by tapping Settings, System and Software updates on their vehicle centre touchscreen.
Volvo Car Corporation
Volvo Car Australia Customer Care Centre
Recalls: 2023 Kia Carnival
Due to incorrect manufacturing of an engine wiring harness, a poor connection may occur at the crankshaft position sensor which may lead to a loss of motive power and/or engine stalling.
A loss of motive power or engine stalling whilst driving could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
Owners of affected vehicles should immediately contact their preferred Kia dealer to schedule an appointment to have the affected wiring harness replaced, free of charge.
KIA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Kia Customer Service
To learn more about this recall, click the featured article below.
Due to a manufacturing issue, the sealing of the high-voltage battery housing may reduce overtime, allowing moisture to enter. The moisture may potentially result in an electrical short circuit increasing the risk of fire.
A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.
Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Audi Australia Pty Ltd and are asked to arrange with their nearest authorised Audi dealership to have the repairs carried out, free of charge.
Audi Australia Pty Ltd
Audi Australia
Recalls: 2023 Ford F-150
The clock spring electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag, horn and electrical systems may not have been welded to specification and possibly fail. If this occurs, it could result in a loss of steering wheel illumination, non-functioning steering wheel control switches, inoperative horn, and the airbag warning light will illuminate which may result in the driver’s airbag becoming inoperative.
In the event of an accident, an airbag not deploying as intended could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.
When parts are available, affected vehicles will be rectified before being delivered to customers. Any owners that have already received their vehicles will be notified in writing.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Ford Customer Relationship Centre
Recalls: 2023 Jaguar I-Pace
Due to a manufacturing defect, there may be a crack in the body floor pan. As a result, the crack may widen. This may impact the seat anchorage performance.
In the event of a collision if the seat anchorage does not perform as intended, it may increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.
Owners of affected vehicles can contact their nearest Jaguar Land Rover dealership to request an inspection of the floor pan and have the component repaired, free of charge.
JAGUAR LAND ROVER AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
JLR Customer Relationship Centre
More links to help you with your car recall
Back in September 2021 I wrote a column where I said “I’d like to see a c.$45K hot hatch or Toyota 86-style coupe that’s decently built and which delivers the goods for a keen driver… Were I to place bets, I’d back Hyundai, Kia or MG to be the first to answer that call. But until then, I guess I’ll catch you at the servo, eh?”
More than two years later, I’m still waiting. Given that EVs currently represent 7.4 percent of total Australian new vehicle sales during the first half of this year, I guess you may well be sitting on your hands too.
But a sporting hatch it most certainly is not. To get the quick MG 4, the all-wheel drive X-Power, you’d need to spend $60K, and I’m still not convinced that it’s a true enthusiast’s choice. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N points the way ahead for keen drivers but it’s $111K and is an awful lot of, well, everything.
At this point, some perspective pays dividends. In 2021, a petrol-engined Hyundai i30 N retailed for $41,400, so the idea of a $45K electric hot hatch was perhaps not so far fetched. Then inflation happened. Try parking your posterior in an i30 N for less than 50 grand these days.
But let’s pretend for a moment that for $50K I could buy an enthusiast EV. Would I then buy it over, say, that Hyundai i30 N? Would I want to futz over how I made a drive in the Victorian high country work?
I could easily fit a commuter EV into my life where the journeys are predictable but, at the moment, EVs seem the nemesis of spontaneity, of heading off the beaten track: a pastime that speaks right to the heart of the Australian motorist.
The value proposition, the public charging infrastructure and, yes, the products need to do a bit more persuading before I take the plunge with my own money. But it will happen.
Right now, driving to the shops, the school run and the commute represent no drama. These tasks are routinely undertaken by an often second family vehicle and represent a near-perfect fit for many affordable EVs.
Men were also far more likely to consider EVs as their next vehicle – 71 percent compared to 34 percent of women. And while Australia’s market is obviously different, research indicates that those ratios aren’t far off what’s happening here.
Perhaps we need to demystify the electric experience for those buyers who would really benefit from the advantages EVs afford. Funny you should mention that…
The visual differences between the James Bond-blessed DB5 (1963-’65) and its successor DB6 (1965-’70) all describe the evolved purpose of the latter: a more accommodating 2+2-seater with enhanced stability for high-speed grand touring.
Look, then, for the DB6’s more upright windscreen and front quarter-windows, a taller rear roofline that extends father back along the rear quarter-panel, and its Kamm ducktail rear end, versus the DB5’s more traditional tail fins.
The DB6 would be a stopgap between the traditional (and heavily DB4-based) DB5 and Aston’s new-generation, V8-powered DBS, which was eventually launched – still with straight-six power – in September 1967, with the V8 engine arriving two years later.
The DB6 was much more than a stretched and facelifted DB5. Built on a 95mm longer wheelbase, the DB6 abandoned the DB4/DB5’s pressed steel platform capped with superleggera ‘greenhouse’ frame clad in aluminium panels, for a more conventional steel monocoque chassis with aluminium body.
One prototype DB6 was built with a de Dion tube rear suspension, but this was saved for the DBS, so the DB6 basically carried over the DB5’s coil-sprung front wishbones and live rear axle. The same was true of the 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, offered in the DB6 with the choice of a ZF five-speed manual or an unloved, three-speed Borg-Warner automatic.
At £5000, the DB6 cost 10 percent more than the average UK home in 1965. Yet a DB6 also spawned the legend of a customer urging Aston’s owner David Brown to sell him a car “at cost” – and Brown obliging with an invoice for £1000 over list…
The DB6 was destined to remain in the shadow of its movie-star sister, but its greater comfort and higher production run (1788 units, 729 more than DB5) make it a practical and relatively affordable classic, while still a rare sighting in the wild.
The front buckets still sit very low to the floor and contribute to 25mm greater headroom than the DB5; the raised rear roofline and greater footroom makes the rear cabin a habitable 2+2.
The Vantage engine option, with a higher compression ratio and triple Weber 45 DCOE carbs, raised power usefully to 242kW at 5500rpm.
| In detail | |
|---|---|
| 447 | Vantage spec produced |
| 1788 | DB6 total production (vs 1059 DB5) |
| 240 | km/h top speed |
| 1969 | MkII launched with flared arches |
| 5000 | Price new in GBP |
The Toyota HiAce has long been Australia’s preferred commercial van, renowned for its reliability.
For over fifty years, it has been the go-to vehicle for couriers, electricians, movers, and even those hauling around larger groups.
A glance outside the next time you get a delivery and you’ll likely be looking at a well-worn HiAce in your driveway. Much like its rugged sibling, the virtually indestructible HiLux, it’s seen as a safe investment.
With the launch of its sixth generation in 2019—the first major update in 15 years—the HiAce introduced a sleeker, semi-bonneted design that marked a significant departure from its traditional boxy silhouette.
So let’s take a look at what the class-leading HiAce offers in Australia.
The HiAce lineup starts at $48,886, excluding on-road expenses, for a liftback version equipped with a manual gearbox. Add an extra $2000, for the automatic transmission. The rest of the range doesn’t have a manual option.
Opting for a barn door, the latest addition to the HiAce range, and you’ll pay an extra $750 if you’ve already decided on picking up the auto.
If it’s a people mover you’re after, the HiAce Commuter range consists of two variants, both which host 12 seats.
The commercial range on the other hand is available as a LWB Van (long wheel base), LWB Crew Van (5 seats) or SLWB Van (2 seats).
The LWB Van offers the following standard features: 16-inch steel wheels with full size spares, an 8-inch colour touchscreen, six speakers, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors and satellite navigation.
The only colour available is french vanilla, a.k.a. white.
The LWB model has dimensions of 5265mm in length, 1950mm in width, and 1990mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 3120mm.
Its cargo bay is 2530mm long, 1760mm wide (with 1268mm between the wheel arches), and 1340mm tall. The LWB Van boasts a total cargo space of 6.2 cubic meters in contrast to the 9.3 cubic meters available in the Super Long Wheel Base (SLWB) model.
While the HiAce’s metal floors, wooden wall linings, and the absence of a cargo divider might lend it a somewhat basic appearance, it’s important to note that owners typically like the opportunity to customise the van to their specific needs.
In crash safety evaluations, the HiAce received an impressive 94 percent in adult occupant protection and 88 percent in child occupant protection.
The HiAce LWB comes packed with standard safety features via the Toyota Safety Sense suite of features including pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert, auto high beam and road sign Assist.
You’ll also get important additions for a vehicle of this size such as a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alert.
Your new HiAce will come with a year complimentary access to Toyota Connected Services which includes SOS Emergency Call, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Tracking.
In the commercial van landscape, there isn’t a more notable vehicle than the HiAce. A segment leader, it has continued to be the dependable workhorse that so many Aussie businesses need.
Others competing for market share are:
The 2024 Toyota HiAce is one of those winning combinations that has won over so much commercial businesses over the years, and the recent addition of the barn door option has opened up the opportunity even further.
The LWB Van, although the technical entry-level of the range offers plenty of specification while still keeping the rear bare for customisation.
Kicking off with the performance-hero BMW M4 range, the offerings have been further enhanced and sharpened with various new and improved specifications and options.
Most notably, M4 Competition models receive a power increase of 15kW from 375kW to 390kW out of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six.
A new-look flat-bottom steering wheel with a red centre marking in the 12 o’clock position has been added to all M4 models, with an M Alcantara option.
The 420i convertible is now fitted with BMW’s adaptive M suspension as standard.
Across the 4 Series and M4 model range, a wide array of exterior, interior and technological changes have been applied, with the standard equipment level increasing significantly.
A new-look kidney grille has appeared, complemented by front and rear bumper accents, now in gloss black.
At the rear end, the new range boasts fresh tail-lights derived from the limited-run M4 CSL, utilising laser and fibre optic technology.
Across the range, the exhaust tips are now finished in gloss black, matching the updated bumper accent scheme, rather than the previous Cerium Grey.
M4 Competition models have new subtle colour accents around badging on the rear end.
A new range of optional wheels are offered, with M forged light-alloy added to the lineup, sized at 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, featuring a fresh and alluring bright-silver finish. The new 4 Series Coupe and Convertible are offered with three new 19-inch variants, with double-spoke M wheel options available in Jet Black or bi-colour. New BMW Individual light-alloy wheels are also offered, with a Y-spoke design, finished in Midnight Grey.
The curved display from the 3 Series is now fitted to the 4 Series and M4, running the updated BMW iDrive 8.5 with an improved climate control system that features voice control and touch buttons for seat ventilation, seat heating and steering wheel heating.
Interior appointment options have been expanded, with BMW’s CraftedClarity glass available for the gear selector, BMW iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button, providing a unique and luxurious interior accent.
There’s also a new vent grille design for more precise adjustment and positioning, along with contoured accent lighting.
Parking Assistant Plus with Park View, Panorama View, and Remote 3D View functions are now standard equipment for all Australian-delivered 4 Series variants.
The 2024 BMW 4 Series and 2024 BMW M4 are due in Australia between April and June. BMW is yet to detail mid-life updates for the four-door 4 Series Gran Coupe or its i4 all-electric sibling.
| 2024 BMW 430i Coupe – $109,700 * |
|---|
| Steering wheel heating |
| Glass electric sunroof |
| Front seat heating. |
| 2024 BMW M440i xDrive Coupu00e9 – $134,400 * |
|---|
| Steering wheel heating |
| Tyre pressure monitor |
| CraftedClarity glass trim options |
| 2024 BMW 420i Convertible – $106,500 * | |
|---|---|
| Steering wheel heating | Driving Assistant Professional, |
| Adaptive M suspension | Parking Assistant Plus |
| Air Collar (BMWu2019s neck warming feature) | |
| 2024 BMW M440i xDrive Convertible – $150,900 * |
|---|
| Steering wheel heating |
| Tyre pressure monitoring |
| CraftedClarity interior trim option |
| 2024 BMW M4 Coupu00e9 – $168,700 * |
|---|
| Luxury Instrument Panel |
| 2024 BMW M4 Competition Coupu00e9 with M xDrive $186,500 * |
|---|
| Power Upgrade to 390kW |
| 2024 BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive – $197,900 * |
|---|
| Power upgrade to 390kW |
Priced from $65,990 before on-road costs, Australia’s Transit Custom-based Ford Tourneo will take on the Hyundai Staria, Kia Carnival, Volkswagen Multivan, Toyota Granvia and LDV Mifa.
The Korean and Chinese options in that list offer a more affordable entry point, but Ford appears focused on offering a rich specification for its European designed and built people mover.
That won’t include Europe’s all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric options, however, with Australia’s two-variant Tourneo range limited to one diesel powertrain. For now, the E-Tourneo remains a “we’re looking at it” proposition.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Ford Tourneo Active | $65,990 |
| Ford Tourneo Titanium X | $70,990 |
| Pricing includes GST but excludes on-road costs |
Eight seats are standard across the range, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless connections.
In Europe, the Tourneo features a driver’s steering wheel that can tilt flat to serve as a table for a laptop or for lunch (when stationary), although Ford Australia does not mention this feature in its materials and no imagery of this feature has been offered. Ford did not respond in time for publishing.
| 2024 Ford Tourneo Active features | |
|---|---|
| 17-inch alloy wheels | Tri-zone climate control |
| Dual side power doors | 13-inch landscape colour touchscreen |
| LED headlamps and daytime running lamps | SYNC 4 with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| LED taillamps | 5G Embedded Modem compatible with FordPass |
| Track-based second and third row seats | Connected built-in satellite navigation |
| Heated driver and front passenger seats | Wireless Mobile Phone Charging |
| Keyless start | |
| 2024 Ford Tourneo Titanium X features | |
|---|---|
| Unique 17-inch alloy wheels | Power adjustable front driver & passenger seat |
| Panoramic sunroof (fixed glass) | Premium B&O audio system |
| Premium Sensico artificial leather trim | 360 Degree camera |
For an additional $700, the Tourneo can be had with Agate Black, Magnet (a dark grey), Moondust Silver, Blue Metallic, and Grey Matter. Artisan Red is available only with the Tourneo Active, while Titanium X buyers can add $1000 for larger 19-inch wheels.
Note: Although well-equipped, neither the Tourneo nor the new Transit Custom upon which it’s based have yet been awarded a crash safety rating in either Australia or Europe.
| 2024 Ford Tourneo safety | |
|---|---|
| Six airbags | Rear parking camera |
| Pre-Collision Assist with AEB & Intersection Assist | Lane keeping system |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) |
| Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and BLIS Assist | |
With this system, one or all three of the second-row seats can be turned to face rearward for a ‘conference’ layout. The middle seat of the second row can also be folded into a small table with cup holders. All six rear seats can also be removed as needed, either individually or as an entire row.
For families with young children, ISOFIX points are available on both second and third rows – although Ford does not specify if these points are at each seat or only the outboard positions.
Although an all-wheel drive option is available in Europe, Australia’s Tourneo sees power sent to the front wheels only, through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ford claims a braked towing capacity of 2500kg.
To boost its family-car credentials, the Tourneo features independent rear suspension for a more comfortable ride.
However, with the related E-Transit Custom due in Australia this year, the E-Tourneo would seem a shoo-in. For now, the company’s local arm has confirmed only that it’s under consideration.
“We consider all available electrified options in each segment, and what would best meet the needs of those customers. For people movers, we’re certainly looking at E-Tourneo,” Ford Australia communications manager Ben Nightingale told Wheels.
In Europe, the headlining E-Tourneo Custom packs a 74kWh (usable) battery with a 160kW electric motor good for a ‘targeted’ driving range of 370km from a full charge. It can recharge on up to 11kW AC and 125kW DC speeds.
The Tourneo Custom PHEV combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor with a 11.8kWh (usable) battery pack. Its pure-electric driving range is ‘targeted’ to be more than 50 kilometres.
Whether the lines reopen will apparently be decided today. The closed lines produce Lexus LX, Land Cruiser 300 Series, Land Cruiser 70 Series, Coaster light truck, and HiAce models.
It’s understood that the closures will affect plants beyond the specific lines, with Nikkei Asia reporting that Alphard minivan production is also affected.
The product halt comes after Toyota suspended shipments to Europe (see below) after irregularities were discovered between production engines and those used for compliance in 84,000 vehicles.
Whichcar has contacted Toyota Australia for local information, the car maker is aiming to provide an update on Monday.
Toyota will resume operations once the transport ministry has finished its investigations.
Our original story, below, continues unchanged
It was found that the diesel engines found in 10 models globally (including HiLux, Land Cruiser 300 Series, and Lexus LX500d) were fitted with a different ECU software for certification.
A special investigation committee within Toyota – initially set up to tackle ‘inappropriate domestic emissions certification’ for forklift and construction machinery engines produced by Toyota Industrial Corporation – acknowledged the situation in a press release.
There’s no word yet on how the shipment pause may affect Australia, but if engine production pauses there is potential to extend local wait times of HiLux and Land Cruiser 300 Series.
“During certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that differed from that used for mass production so that results could measure to make values appear smoother with less variation”, said Toyota’s press release.
Toyota claims to have “re-verified the mass-produced products manufactured at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards.”
A Toyota Australia spokesperson said: “We are seeking information on any impact to vehicles in the Australian market. We have been informed that there is no variation in the power, torque or other powertrain-related values and in addition there is no compromise to the emissions, safety or driveability of the vehicles.
“We will keep our customers and dealers updated as more information is confirmed. We apologise for any inconvenience that they may experience.”
The shipment pause affects Toyota’s Europe region which includes Eurasia, Israel and Turkey with the new Prado (known simply as Land Cruiser in other markets) not affected by the issue.
Reuters reports that the irregularity affects 10 global nameplates with sales totalling 84,000 since the issue occurred.
Although the ECUs used for compliance testing differ from what was sold to customers, Toyota claims that the power, torque, efficiency, and safety of existing vehicles is not affected.
The irregularities stem from Toyota’s engine plant in Japan but the effect will also be felt in the Thai and South African factories that produce vehicles (including HiLux) for different markets around the world.
The latest snag for Toyota follows closely behind the brand investigating misconduct occurring at its Daihatsu small-car subsidiary for rigged crash safety tests.
Locally, diesel particulate filters (DPFs) fitted to the Toyota HiLux, Fortuner, and Prado were deemed not of “acceptable quality” in a 2022 Federal Court case that affected 260,000 Australian Toyotas.
Toyota’s appeal was denied in March 2023 and the company could be liable for an estimated $1 billion in compensation. The Court acknowledged that Toyota developed an effective fix for the defect in May 2020 and subsequently offered it free to owners with an extended warranty on the item of ten years/unlimited-km.
