Well, not quite – there are no bargains on offer here, unless you get it into your head that the one-run Kona N will be a collector’s item some day.
With the bigger and more family-focused second-generation Kona now on the market, and no plans for a hot version (well, no announced plans), the company’s local arm there are just 26 examples left of the outgoing Kona N.
The 26 Ns are spread across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
‘Hot SUVs’ have been a polarising concept since the Grand Cherokee SRT appeared, and that was only stoked by the blasphemous launches of the Cayenne and X5 in increasingly hot forms. Now you can scarcely find an SUV line-up without a fast hero model.
The type has become wildly capable over the years, however, and few more so than the Kona N. At its Australian launch, tested on road and track, we scored it an 8.5 out of 10. Not a perfect car by any means, a little compromised here and there – but handy steerer Cam Kirby praised its personality and “duality of character”.
Duality of character? Yeah, it’s not bad to live with, Alex Affat decided after a few months commuting to and from the Wheels Media office in a Kona N. (He named it KonaN O’Brien. Affat no longer works here.)
They say it is, mainly because they’ve forsworn any future petrol-powered N models, and the new 400V-based Kona Electric doesn’t meet the brand’s criteria for a go-hard EV that can go hard… well, not all day, but longer than an hour before needing another hour to charge. (The Ioniq 5, and its N flagship, are built on an 800V architecture.)
A hotted-up Kona Electric could happen, but it’d still be electric, and not every performance buyer wants that.
So, until we know what the ? holds, you’ve got 26 chances to pick up a new old Kona N. (Or, you know, just buy a thrashed “one elderly owner, never tracked” one. I too like to live dangerously.)
We were pretty close with our previous speculative artwork, thanks to the spy photos available at the time. Now, though, there’s little left to wonder at.
Speaking with Wheels Media, Volkswagen Group Australia spokesperson Daniel DeGasperi confirmed that while the brand initially wanted the plug-in hybrid EV Tiguan, it is now mindful that the market’s interest in electrification has quickly shifted towards pure EVs.
“We were very interested in PHEV, particularly in Golf and Tiguan, but the reality is the market shifts very quickly and no doubt the entire industry has observed the rapid increase in electric vehicle sales,” he said.
“The timing of this was really such that all-new Tiguan and ID.4 will launch quite closely together – so the gap between internal-combustion engine and EV won’t be as significant as it once was.”
Mr DeGasperi said that while PHEVs have been important differentiators for its Cupra and Audi cousins, “doing an outstanding job with PHEV”, Volkswagen’s role as the volume brand is to focus on the types of cars most Australians want.
“Potentially, if we could get PHEV much earlier than the ID.4, it would make greater sense,” he added – giving buyers an at-least partly electric medium SUV in the VW range.
He noted that with the new petrol-only Tiguan’s late 2024 or early 2025 Australian debut landing closely to the launch timing for the all-electric ID.4, the one will “perfectly complement” the other.
“PHEV definitely has a place, and it’s a technology that will be introduced globally into both the all-new Tiguan and Passat,” he said.
Clearly, Volkswagen’s local arm sees this as an ideal ‘choose your own adventure’ offering for buyers on both sides of the electric fence.
But, for the fence sitters (please, dear reader, do not sit on an electric fence), is there no place for plug-in hybrids – if only to win the road-tripping buyers who can’t overcome their range anxiety?
“The simple reality is that we’re not seeing that in the Australian market – we’re not seeing that in meaningful numbers for PHEV sales,” he said.
“Particularly when you consider that ID.4 has a 500-kilometre-plus range, we think that (range anxiety) is quite a non-issue and that Australians are voting with their wallets to go straight to BEV.”
Above: Cupra is doing “an outstanding job” with PHEV, VW feels
“To date, we have sold every car (Outlander PHEV) we can get our hands on,” Mitsubishi PR boss Adam Davis said, noting that its record sales in the US and “consistent demand” in Japan, along with delivery delays, have made it difficult to meet demand here.
He confirmed that 12.9 per cent (673) of the Eclipse Cross’s 5207 sales year-to-date went to PHEV, while the supply-constrained Outlander PHEV has made up 402 of the line’s 14,748 YTD sales.
Back to Volkswagen, Mr DeGasperi reiterated that buyers seeking a combination of petrol performance and commute-friendly, shorter-range EV driving and hybrid-like fuel efficiency besides, “we have vehicles like the Cupra Formentor that can fulfill that, and Audi has just released the Q5 PHEV (Q5 55 TFSIe)”.
Of course, you’d be unlikely to see a Volkswagen dealer franchise direct buyers to a Cupra or Audi showroom unless they also own that franchise…
They may not need to, however, with most Tiguan buyers already going for the more expensive variants – powerful 162TSI models and the hero Tiguan R – suggesting the cost of an ID.4 won’t be much of a deterrent.
Above: The hero Tiguan R has proven compelling for Aussie SUV buyers
“So in terms of volume, again, even the way the ID.4 will be priced, Volkswagen are fortunate that we have a customer base that is willing to vote with their wallets and buy the top end models. That’s a huge vote of confidence in our product. Tiguan R, since its supply has been relatively unconstrained in the last six months or so, has soared in sales and deliveries.
“So we think that the the combination of turbo petrol and all electric, that will be the focus in the medium SUV segment for us next year,” he added.
The prediction comes from financial firm Morgan Stanley [via Reuters ↗] – which catalysed a 10 per cent spike to Tesla’s stock price overnight, adding more than AU$100 billion to its market valuation, according to Markets Insider [↗].
Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer only uses video data recordings from Tesla owners’ real-life driving situations to train its machine-learning model and improve its camera-only ‘Tesla Vision’ safety assistance systems. The camera-only Dojo will ditch 300,000-plus lines of code.
Ultimately, it aims to fast-track the development of the company’s full-self driving (FSD) beta software, which will be enabled when it’s updated to version 12.
Tesla plans to spend more than AU$1.5 billion in the next year on Dojo and Morgan Stanley analysts predict it could open up revenue opportunities for the company beyond selling electric vehicles and energy products.
The company hovered around AU$400 per share last week and is currently trading at about AU$426.
Despite selling globally-popular electric vehicles, Tesla’s profits have reportedly mostly come from selling carbon offset credits to other automakers, its public Supercharging network, and energy business.
They were allegedly part of the FSD Beta team, where data image labellers – who train the software to detect objects and signs – could access customer vehicle recordings.
FSD Beta has been available since late 2020 in North America – but has been under scrutiny from regulators as it may ‘act unsafe’.
The company has long claimed an ‘imminent’ full autonomous driving future, with so-called ‘robotaxis’ transporting passengers.
In Australia, new and existing Tesla electric vehicle owners have the option to purchase a ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ software package for $10,100 – but only ‘promises’ FSD.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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?
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Moving up to the range-topping Ultimate adds:
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.
The large 7-seater SUV segment is filled with established marques including:
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.
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.
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.
The mid-size SUV segment is filled with established names, making it a tough battleground:
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?
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.
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.
The pick-up segment is filled with established names, making it a tough battleground:
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.
