Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has confirmed plans for a new electric flagship SUV.

Insiders indicate that the new flagship EV SUV will be made in-house at Porsche’s Leipzig factory, and not at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle’s Hannover facility – the production hub of the Audi-led Artemis Project.

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Project Artemis is busy developing a scalable EV platform that will be shared by many brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella.

Porsche was previously involved in a deal that would have seen the factory produce 25,000 vehicles a year for Porsche. It was reported in January, however, that Porsche had opted out of the agreement, at the cost of €100 million (AU$148 million) for projected loss of production.

It’s believed that the future flagship SUV will ride on a Porsche-led variant of Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will also underpin vehicles from a variety of brands across the Volkswagen Group ecosystem – called SSP Sport.

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The flagship electric SUV would sit atop the brand’s Macan and Cayenne models, and will reportedly share tech with Porsche’s recently-revealed Mission R racing concept. The Mission R is propelled by two electric motors, a 428kW unit on the front axle and a 480kW unit out back, fed by an 80kWh battery.

A 900-volt electrical system allows the Mission R to charge from five to 80 per cent in just 15 minutes.

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The halo electric SUV aims to capitalise on consumer trends that skew heavily towards SUVs and, increasingly, EVs.

Speaking at a long-term platform strategy update this week, Blume stated: “We are targeting the higher margin segments in particular and aim to tap into new sales opportunities this way”.

Porsche has targeted an 80 per cent mix of electric vehicle sales by 2030. Elsewhere, prototypes of the electric Porsche Macan have been spied in the wild, although Automotive News Europe reports that the electric Macan, along with a number of key VW Group vehicles, has been delayed due to lagging software development.

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The iconic sports models of Porsche won’t escape electrification, either, with the future electric version of the vaunted 718 sports car expected by 2025.

“We are pushing ahead with our electric offensive: by the middle of the decade, we want to offer our 718 mid-engine sports car exclusively in all-electric form”, said Blume.

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A graphic from the strategy update indicates that future generations of the Panamera and Taycan will be based on the SSP Sport platform, confirming the Panamera’s future switch to EV power, while future electric Macan and Cayenne generations will be based on Audi and Porsche’s joint Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture.

It seems evident that, even at Stuttgart, the future is electric.

The stylish slick-backed 2023 Renault Arkana has received a range revision in the United Kingdom, rationalising the variants and introducing a new range-topping E-Tech engineered level of trim.

The Renault Arkana range for 2023 comprises Evolution, Techno, R.S. Line and E-Tech engineered versions, each bearing their own distinct flavour.

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The entry-level Evolution comes with: 17-inch Bahamas alloy wheels, full LED headlights and rear lights, dark grey skid plate, 7.0-inch driver display and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Also standard are auto headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors and camera and a safety suite that includes; autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, hill-start assist and cruise control.

The mid-range Techno adds: a wireless phone charger, 10.0-inch driver display, 9.3-inch central infotainment, 18-inch Pasadena diamond cut alloy wheels, ambient lighting, auto high beam, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

The sporty Arkana R.S. Line, which arrived in Australia this year, gains a unique front bumper, chrome exhaust, R.S. Line badging, suede upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel.

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The new range-topping E-Tech engineered is most easily distinguished by its gold trim detailing on the front bumper, rear skid plate and wheels. Inside, buyers gain leather and suede upholstery with gold stitching, hands-free parking and adaptive cruise control.

As for whether the Australian market Renault Arkana will receive the same range updates remains to be seen. Whichcar has approached Renault’s local arm for comment and we will update this story once we have more information at hand.

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Renault’s UK arm has also announced that the new E-Tech engineered trim line will also be carried over to flagship hybrid versions of the Captur small SUV and Clio small hatchback. The popular Clio was withdrawn from the Australian market ahead of the fifth-generation in 2020, as buyer behaviour trended heavily towards SUVs.

As for the hybridised Renault Captur, Renault Australia had initially vocalised interest in the electrified small SUV in 2018, but confirmed that it would not be offered locally at the end of 2020, shortly before the regular Renault Captur was launched.

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UPDATE, July 20: ACT EV strategy revealed in detail, reaction

The ACT Government has now officially released its electric vehicle strategy.

Among the highlights are plans to overhaul its registration system and expand the Territory’s public charging network to at least 180 EV chargers by 2025.

The Strategy sets out an ambitious target of 80-90 per cent of new light vehicles sales being zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030 and outlines plans to phase out light internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035.

The authority said it will continue to offer a range of EV incentives, which currently include: stamp duty waivers, free vehicle registration and no-interest loans of up to $15,000.

In addition, it said it will extend stamp duty waivers for buyers of used electric and hydrogen vehicles purchased from August 1 this year, cutting the cost of an average second-hand vehicle by around $1600.

Highlights

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“With technology rapidly evolving, now is the time for the ACT to join other jurisdictions around the world in supporting a transition to ZEVs. The transition is happening rapidly – manufacturers have made that clear,” said Chief Minister and Minister for Climate Action Andrew Barr, while making the announcement earlier today.

“It’s important now for Australian jurisdictions to start preparing for a future private vehicle market that is predominantly ZEV.”

The Minister added that he was aware the ACT’s current fixed registration system is weight-based and penalises heavier ZEV models despite their lower emissions.

“Any registration reform in the ACT would necessarily consider both emissions and distance-based charging and ensure zero emissions vehicles were incentivised over high emitting vehicles,” he said.

“The ACT is actively monitoring developments around Australia and internationally, with the goal of incentivising lower emissions and will investigate the potential for future reforms.

“The principle the ACT Government wants to achieve is that Canberrans will pay less if their transport emissions are lower.”

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The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), however, said it remains concerned about the policy.

“The AADA acknowledges the strategy contains a number of good initiatives which support the transition to EVs and should help make ZEVs more affordable,” said CEO James Voortman.“We still hold concerns around the foreshadowed phase out of light internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035, but are pleased that the Government has said it will review this milestone to 2035.“In other global markets ICE bans have been preceded by vehicle emission standards and generous incentives, neither of which currently exist in Australia.“If we have learned anything in the past two years it is that the new vehicle supply chain is incredibly fragile. While we hope that we are able to supply 100 per cent ZEVs by 2035, there are too many unknown variables to say with confidence that we can – reviewing this target in the lead up to 2035 is a sensible commitment.“We agree with the ACT strategy that the Federal Government should take a leadership role on the emergence of ZEVs and would urge a national approach on areas such as emissions standards, vehicle taxation and vehicle standards – leaving it to the individual state and territory governments to set their own policies is not in the best interest of consumers or businesses.”

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In contrast, Behyad Jafari, chief executive of the EV Council, said the ACT was leading the nation in a smooth, affordable transition to zero emissions.

“The ACT Government is making the tough reform decisions now to ease an inevitable transition that’s only a decade away,” said Mr Jafari.

“The Territory has shone a green light to carmakers and charging manufacturers to come and invest now.

“The new 2035 ban is achievable and in the best interests of us all. The International Energy Agency tells us it is absolutely necessary to achieve net zero by 2050.

“Taking action to price registration by emissions sets a clear expectation that lower and zero emissions vehicles should be better off compared to more heavily polluting vehicles under any future reform.

“The ACT has made itself a beacon for other governments. There is no excuse to take the lazy approach of further taxing EVs now and promising to do better later.

“The ACT Government is ensuring Canberrans aren’t dumped with old fossil fuel guzzlers as the rest of the world goes electric. This is a sensible strategy and it should be replicated across Australia.”

The story to here

July 18: ACT sets ICE ban from 2035

Nine out of 10 cars on ACT roads will be zero-emissions vehicles by the end of the decade, the Territory Government has announced today.

The authority will this week reveal its Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy, which sets out plans for 90 per cent of new cars to be EVs in the Territory by 2030, and internal-combustion engined (ICE) vehicles to be phased out from 2035.

The strategy also details further incentives which could be offered to tempt current ICE car owners away from petrol and diesel to electric.

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According to The Guardian, at present around 60 per cent of the Territory’s emissions come from transport.

The news follows a promise by Victoria’s Coalition over the weekend to legislate an emissions reduction target of 50 per cent by 2030 if it wins the November state election.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy made the announcement on Sunday, said The Canberra Times, which matches Victorian Labor’s target and trumps the Federal Government’s goal of 43 per cent.

The Victorian Government has already committed to slashing emissions in half by 2030 – but has yet to legislate it.

The coalition’s plan also includes; a $1 billion hydrogen strategy, upgrades to infrastructure in western Victoria, the setting up of a taskforce to fix the state’s energy grid and a local gas guarantee for new supply.

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Currently the ACT offers two years’ free registration for new fully-electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles and 20 per cent off rego fees for older eligible EVs.

Stamp duty may also be waived on vehicles purchased for the first time, and ACT drivers are also able to access up to $15,000 in interest-free loans to help cover the upfront purchase cost of an electric vehicle up to a cap of $77,565.

The industry body representing car dealers however, has not welcomed the ACT’s news.

“We have serious concerns that this policy will have adverse consequences for the automotive industry, the people they employ and consumers in the ACT,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

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“Electric vehicles are currently more expensive and at present there is a distinct lack of choice in available makes and models. These factors may well change by 2035, but this ban has been foreshadowed in an environment where there is great uncertainty,” he said.

“The big risk is that people hold onto their older, more polluting cars for longer – which will do nothing for reducing emissions.”

“It is unclear how the ACT will enforce this ban and prevent consumers from simply purchasing an ICE vehicle across the border and re-registering it here as a used car,” said Mr Voortman.

“Rather than a crude ban on ICE’s, the best way to lower emissions is to put a technology-agnostic CO2 standard in place, so that manufacturers have a clear understanding of what they need to achieve and are given the freedom to deploy any technology to achieve that goal.”

The transition to low emissions vehicles will have major consequences for Canberrans and all Australians, Voortman added, saying it is critical that we develop a national strategy.

“This is another example of why the transition to low emissions vehicles should be led by the Federal Government, which controls the importation of new vehicles into the Australian market,” Voortman said.

“Disappointingly, there has been no consultation on this major change and automotive businesses in the ACT are left scratching their heads and asking what the future holds for them.”

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail e-Power hybrid SUV has been revealed for Japan, with the model expected to launch locally sometime next year.

Set to rein-in the runaway-success of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, it uses a small 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine to charge the battery that powers the electric motors driving the front or all four wheels. No plugging-in required.

For the first time, a Nissan model will come with both hybrid e-Power and what the manufacturer calls e-4orce – meaning all four wheels are driven because there is an additional electric motor at the rear, as opposed to just one at the front as is the case in the Qashqai e-Power.

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“As announced in Nissan Ambition 2030, Nissan aims to drive towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world through our products and services,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer.

“With this in mind, we are electrifying major models, with the X-Trail for the Japan market becoming a dedicated e-Power model with e-4orce an option. The new X-Trail will play an important role in leading our electrification.”

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Pricing

Pricing has been revealed for Japan, with the lineup starting from ¥3,198,800 (AU$33,473) for the 2WD S grade and topping out with the seven-seater 4WD X e-Force ¥3,930,300 (AU$41,128).

There are seven grades in total, the S, X and G offering two-wheel drive, and S, X and G with 4WD e-Force – all of which are five-seat models, with the seven-seat X e-Force sitting as the flagship.

For Australia it is expected we’ll get hybrid power on just the X-Trail’s ST-L and Ti trims, with pricing between $45,000 – $60,000 possible.

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Features

Though Australian specification could well be different to that of the vehicle’s native Japan, the X-Trail e-Power gets:

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Engine, motors and fuel economy

The next-gen X-Trail comes equipped with the second-generation e-Power system, which Nissan says features improved power, smoothness and quietness.

It borrows its powertrain from the Qashqai e-Power, which uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine as a generator for a small battery.

Unlike the Qashqai however, the X-Trail e-Power gains Nissan’s e-4orce AWD tech, with its chassis-control claimed to be “a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance” for the model.

AWD versions combine two motors, one on each axle, with the front motor providing 150kW/330Nm and the optional rear motor producing 100kW/95Nm – assisted by a 106kW and 250Nm variable-compression (VC-Turbo) petrol engine.

The combination of hybrid tech and the VC-Turbo engine provides high fuel-efficiency, the carmaker claims – though as yet no fuel economy figures have been provided.

Yet-to-be-homologated figures for the Qashqai hybrid are rated at 119g/km of CO2 and 5.3L/100km.

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What is e-Power?

Unlike existing hybrid systems, Nissan’s e-Power combines the acceleration of an electric motor and high-output battery with a fuel-efficient petrol engine without the need to recharge.

In conventional hybrid systems, the wheels are powered by an electric motor and a petrol engine. However, Nissan’s e-Power technology sees the driving wheels powered exclusively by an electric motor. The petrol engine is used only to charge the vehicle’s battery when necessary, allowing for lower fuel use and emissions.

Similar to the brand’s fully-electric Leaf and Leaf e+, e-Power vehicles will also benefit from Nissan’s e-Pedal drive experience, with drivers able to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

Nissan e-Power first debuted on the Japan-only Nissan Note in November 2016. It was later joined by the electrified Kicks SUV and Serena minivan, with e-Power sales surpassing 500,000 units by the end of March 2021.

The Note, Kicks and Serena remain Japan-market vehicles, and aren’t currently under consideration for Australia.

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Availability

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail e-Power hybrid will go on sale in Japan on July 25, with an Australian launch expected sometime in 2023 following the launch of the new petrol-powered model.

This has never happened before. The final issue of MOTOR has been on sale for just over a week and the entire print run has almost sold out.

At the last count, there were a mere 107 issues left in the warehouse, so you’ll need to act quickly if you want to secure a copy of the final edition.

If you want to grab an issue you could do a run around your local shops and servos – but it’s likely that, by now, you may come up dry on that particular quest.

The most likely method of picking up an issue is to visit our online shop or you could just wait for one to pop up on eBay and pay a fortune for it instead.

The final issue is packed with the very best of MOTOR’s landmark road tests and features, with a review of every Performance Car of the Year and Bang For Your Bucks events, a tribute to Luffy, a farewell to MOTOR’s undefeated champ, editorial comment from some of the magazine’s past editors and so much more.

If you have sadly missed out, don’t forget that you can still subscribe to Wheels, which will get full digital access to both the Wheels archive (from 1953 to today) as well as the MOTOR archive (from 2015 to date), so you can get your fix of both titles.

Cheers, Andy Enright

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Porsche has announced all variants of its Taycan electric vehicle are now able to benefit from a major update to give them the same capabilities as a new MY23 version.Regardless of vehicle age, motor, or body style, the software of all model variants can now be updated to the status of an MY23 vehicle, with Porsche confirming to Wheels Australian cars are able to access it as of now.Depending on how old their vehicle is, Taycan owners will be able to get their hands on a more efficient powertrain – as well as new functions and improvements in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche Connect and assistance systems. The update will also enhance the over-the-air (OTA) update capability of all Taycan models.

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The update is being rolled out to Porsche customers free of charge worldwide, and can be easily done at a Porsche Centre workshop.“This campaign will allow all customers to benefit from the continuous further development of the Taycan. We have extensively optimised the model series in almost every respect since 2019,” said Kevin Giek, Vice President of Model Line Taycan for Porsche AG.“New functions have been added and others have been revised or tweaked to further enhance the customer experience. Following this update, anyone driving a Taycan from early in the car’s production run will be pleasantly surprised by how much has developed on the vehicle side since then.”

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In the ‘Normal’ and ‘Range’ driving modes in all-wheel drive MY20 and MY21 Taycans, the update will allow all vehicles to now revert to RWD when AWD isn’t needed, and to have the ability to disconnect the motors from the wheels at brief intervals to allow the car to coast along without using energy.

Also available is improved thermal management, with the battery now benefitting from better conditioning – especially at low outside temperatures – which enables the Taycan to be fast charged more frequently and over a wider range of charge levels.

The waste heat from the electrical components, for example, is used even more than before to temper the battery. For 2020 and 2021 model-year Taycan models, this enables greater range and shorter charging times.

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As for the updates to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and Porsche Connect there are: new functions, a colourful tile design on the start screen and it’s now said to be easier to use.

In MY20 and MY21 Taycan models and up to mid-February 2022, the update optimises the voice control and integrates the Spotify app, and Android Auto is also available wirelessly.

Charging stations can be filtered and selected in the navigation system based on charging capacity, and MY21 models specifically with a head-up display will gain a better view of the navigation map, as well as other elements, and the display’s contents have been expanded.

For all Taycan models older than MY23, the on-board operating instructions can now also be used via voice control, and features such as the Park Assist sensors now work with a greater range. The search for available parking spaces has been improved too, so that now even smaller spaces are offered to the driver as an option.

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How much tech needs to be added and how long the update will take for any given car will depend on its age – with older Taycans obviously taking that bit longer as more features need to be included.Alongside the software update, since the previous model, a 22 kW onboard charger has been added to the Taycan, and has recently become available for retrofitting. Though this can be optioned at the same time as the free upgrade, it’s not free. With up to 22kW of charging capacity, the more powerful variant charges the battery significantly faster.

Worldwide, more than 75,000 examples of the Taycan have been delivered since Porsche introduced its first all-electric sports car at the end of 2019 – 838 of which have come to Australia since the model launched here in 2021.

BMW unveiled the i7 M70 at Auto Shanghai, with the new i7 flagship boasting 485kW/1100Nm outputs giving it the accolade of BMW’s most powerful sedan ever.

The i7 M70’s Australian release is locked in for the fourth quarter of this year when it will be priced from $344,900 before on-road costs and options – a $38,000 premium over the xDrive60.

Differentiated by an M-specific body kit and standard iconic glow kidney grilles (standard in Australia), bigger brakes, and 21-inch M alloy wheels, the M70 also offers further customisation with two-tone colour schemes.

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Our original story, below, has been updated with new information

UPDATE July 2022: BMW locks in 7 Series and i7 Pricing

Pricing and features for the 2023 BMW 740i and i7 have been revealed, with the former set to start from $268,900, and the all-electric i7 xDrive60 from $297,900 (both before on-road costs).

That’s a not-insignificant $64,000 increase over the outgoing 740i, although the flagship i7 undercuts the previous halo M760Li xDrive by almost $85,000.

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Both variants will be sold on the local market exclusively in long-wheelbase configuration.

Headline features include the gargantuan BMW Theatre Screen for the Very Important Passengers in the back. The 31.3-inch 8K monitor comes fitted standard on the i7, and is available along with the optional Connoisseur Lounge package on the 740i. The luxurious option pack also adds a number of finer touches, such as automatic doors.

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2023 BMW 7 Series pricing

2023 BMW 7 Series features

740i

In addition, the i7 xDrive60 features:

Headlining the range, BMW’s i7 M70 gets:

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Engine, drivetrain and fuel economy

The more affordable 740i is driven by a petrol 3.0-litre inline-six aided by two turbochargers and a 48-volt mild hybrid system producing 280kW and 540Nm. Just the rear wheels are driven in the 740i, with power coming through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The i7 xDrive60 boasts a 101.7kWh battery with a claimed driving range of up to 625 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. It produces a peak of 400kW and 745Nm. High speed DC charging allows the i7 to charge at a rate of up to 195kW, achieving approximately 170km of driving range in just 10 minutes. At that rate, the i7 will be able to charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 34 minutes.

Headlining the range, the M70 xDrive gets an extra 85kW at 485kW, with torque up nearly 50 per cent, to 1100Nm. Its range falls to 560km on the combined WLTP cycle.

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Fuel consumption figures are still to be announced, as BMW has yet to publish any claims.

Safety

Both the 740i and i7 xDrive60 will be fitted as standard with BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional package, and Parking Assistant Professional package.

Subsequently, each variant will include:

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Dimensions

The 2022 BMW 7 Series has grown in size over its already sizeable predecessor.

The wheelbase is five millimetres longer than the outgoing sixth-generation 7 Series, with an ultimate wheelbase of 3215mm.

Dimensions have grown in every other metric, too, with the new vehicle measuring 5369mm in length (up 131mm), 1950mm in width (up 48mm), and 1544mm in height (up 65mm).

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Warranty and servicing

Despite BMW’s relative popularity amongst the local market, it remains one of the few stalwarts that persists with a three-year warranty (unlimited kilometres) on all new vehicles sold.

BMW’s battery warranty covers eight years or 160,000kms, whichever comes first.

BMW also offers a variety of pre-paid service packages, of which will be included in the sale of any new 7 Series.

The 740i will include a five-year service-inclusive package, while the i7 will enjoy a six-year service inclusive package.

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Hyundai’s blossoming Ioniq all-electric family will showcase the company’s most cutting-edge and disruptive technology, with no room in the lineup for budget offerings or spec-stripped variants, it says.

With two models now out in the wild and a third on the way, the South Korean giant is ready to talk more broadly about the purpose and direction of its latest brand expansion, including future tech and its relative positioning within the company.

While Genesis continues to look after a more premium customer, Hyundai covers bases, including the more affordable end of the spectrum and its N cars cater for the performance hungry, Ioniq will appeal to a more tech-fascinated buyer.

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However, according to Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO Jaehoon (Jay) Chang, Ioniq will not be producing a budget or mass-market EV any time soon.

When asked if the Ioniq family had the potential to gain models under the initial Ioniq 5 pioneer, Hyundai’s top exec responded simply: “What would that leave for Hyundai?”

Chang went on to explain that the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and forthcoming Ioniq 7’s, nomenclature is not related to the size of a particular model, its chronological order or price, but instead reflects the level of technology each offers.

So while Hyundai will retain its share of the more affordable end of the overall line-up, Ioniq will continue to roll out models numbered upwards of 7 and for a more tech-hungry audience.

Some overlapping of wheelhouses will be accommodated by the strategy however, including the N family – which has been confirmed to break into electric territory with the Ioniq 5 N foray, and luxury features which continue to proliferate the entire company as Hyundai increases its premium stake.

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Meanwhile, Ioniq will test the water with more divisive advances including subscription features or “on demand” services as described by Hyundai Motor Company product and strategy executive vice president Thomas Schemera.

According to the former head of BMW M North America, the company is exploring the potential for Ioniq features that can be switched on for an additional one-off or ongoing payment, following in the footsteps of German brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

When asked about the more software-based options Schemera said “Technological, absolutely,” but more hardware-dependent subscriptions were also under consideration.

“Never say never. We have been working on this for years, we haven’t had the chance to sort it out so I cannot disclose so many things, but you can rest assured the next technological step will be a big one.”

Also soon to emerge will be built-in digital displays that become extensions of an owner’s computer or device, going beyond the current limitations of Apple CarPlay, for example.

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“That’s exactly what we are looking for and what we have been working on. It is in the development pipeline.”

Schemera was unable to predict the timeline of the new user interface expansion, but indicated that some features may be possible to introduce with existing models and even usnig over-the-air updates.

“It depends on the features,” he said. “Not everything is possible by software update. Sometimes you need to change significant hardware and parts to make it happen.”

While Hyundai’s growing portfolio continues to attract global attention and healthy sales, the Ioniq brand offers the company an outlet to be more experimental and take more risks than it might dare with the cash-cow favourites.

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Over the coming years, Ioniq concepts and production models will spearhead the latest tech and the most radical design directions for the company with greater flexibility offered for the various development teams, said Schemera.

“Ioniq plays a very important role. That’s why this is called a product lineup brand not a sub-brand and not a brand like Genesis.

“This is not about volumes or mass production. This is about setting trends, recognising lifestyles and fulfilling in the end requirements. If we sell a high number of these cars this was not the intention. The intention was trying out things, redefining and shifting paradigms.

“There’s always risk involved. We are convinced this will work but we also have the freedom to try things out and this is supported by our chairman”.

Ioniq’s third model, the Ioniq 7 large electric SUV will be revealed in 2024, joining its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 passenger model siblings.

According to a new study, Queensland had the highest number of motor vehicle thefts in 2021, with more than 15,800 crimes reported.

It was followed closely behind by Victoria with 15,353 thefts and New South Wales with 10,473 stolen vehicles reported to authorities.

However, the data – compiled by insurance company Budget Direct – reveals that while Queensland had a higher number of thefts in total, the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory reported an increased theft rate of stolen vehicles per 1000 registered.

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Across the Top End, an average of 10.1 motor vehicles per 1000 registered were reported as stolen, while the ACT and Queensland were behind at 4.5 and 3.7, respectively.

New South Wales had the lowest reported theft rate, at 1.8, largely owing to it having Australia’s largest fleet of registered vehicles.

Tasmania had the lowest number of stolen vehicles in 2021, with 1065 reports to authorities – and 2.1 stolen per 1000 registrations.

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Budget Direct says the state and territory level statistics are based on local government and Australian Bureau of Statistics data for crime and vehicle registrations.

The data table below shows a full ranking of each state and territory in Australia:

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Meanwhile, a list demonstrating cities with the highest amount of thefts in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia reveals Brisbane to be the most dangerous for stolen motor vehicles, with 3623 in total – and 4.1 per 1000 registrations.

It was followed by the Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba in Queensland, while Adelaide in South Australia and Newcastle in New South Wales recorded more thefts than the Sunshine Coast.

The limited data reveals Albury, on the Victorian-NSW border, to be the safest for motor vehicle thefts with 134 reports last year.

The insurance company did not provide statistics for specifically cities in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory.

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Theft from a motor vehicle – where it remains in place, but with items taken from the cabin – was substantially higher in Brisbane, with 7485 goods removed, followed by 4172 on the Gold Coast.

To prevent your vehicle from being stolen, or stop theft from inside it, there are a number of options available – beyond ensuring it is locked with all windows up.

This can include placing keys in a safe place, or installing a tracking device to assist in recovering the vehicle.

Most new vehicles feature built-in anti-theft technology, such as; steering wheel locks, immobilisers and alarm systems, while some include motion sensors built into the remote to prevent relay attacks.

Hyundai’s Indonesian outpost has whipped the covers off of its latest three-row van, the Stargazer.

Funky in both name and looks, the Indonesian-manufactured Hyundai Stargazer promises family-friendly packaging and affordable pricing for its local market.

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Inside there are three rows of seating, available in either six- or seven-seat configurations. Out back, there is 200-litres of boot space behind the third row, or 585-litres behind the second.

Wheels understands, however, that the Stargazer will not be sold on the Australian market.

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In the versatile cabin there’s plenty of space and room for cups/bottles cupholders, while an 8.0-inch central touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver display handle infotainment and driver information duties up front. Photos indicate the presence of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, featuring: lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision assist and rear cross-traffic assist.

The Stargazer is rather small when compared to a traditional people-mover, measuring 4460 millimetres long, 1780mm wide and 1690mm tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2780mm – only marginally longer and wider than a Hyundai Kona.

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The design language is unmistakably Hyundai, with a rounded aerodynamic turret and a full-width LED light bar at the front, just like the larger Staria, with sharp creasing continuing down the flanks.

Powering the Stargazer is a frugal naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing just 85kW and 144Nm, sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)

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The new Stargazer is already available to order in its native Indonesian market, asking the equivalent of AU$23,700 for the entry-level manual, and up to AU$29,900 for the flagship automatic.

Sadly, however, Hyundai’s funky mini people-mover won’t be appearing on the Australian market any time soon.