The Volkswagen Group is forging ahead with plans to publicly list Porsche later this year, with the decision set to finance the future of its electric vehicles.

Having floated the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO) earlier this year, Porsche could be listed as soon as the fourth quarter of the year, with Volkswagen seemingly happy with how its performance brand has fared given the tense European political climate, according to Automotive News Europe.

Volkswagen Group Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz told the publication Porsche “has proved resilient over the years to market disruptions including the recent supply-chain turmoil”, which included Porsche and many other manufacturers pulling out of Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine.

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“There’s still capital out there and there is a lot of skepticism about investing capital in technology companies, in new ventures [but Porsche] is very solid,” said Antlitz.

Bloomberg believes the Porsche listing could be one of the largest IPOs in German history, with an estimated value of up to €90 billion (AU$138bn) expected to help the brand’s production plans for electric vehicles.

The wider Volkswagen Group has already declared its intentions to beat Tesla’s EV sales by 2025, a target which extends to its premium brands such as Porsche.

There’s no doubt Porsche is aware of the risks of going public after American EV start-up Rivian did so last year, going from being the fifth-most valuable manufacturer with a value of AU$165.2bn to recording a net loss of AU$2.33bn in under six months, as share prices dropped from a peak of US$172-a-share to US$22.78.

Evie is to roll out electric vehicle fast chargers across 16 shopping centres in Australia and New Zealand by next month.

The EV charging network provider has once again teamed up with AMP Capital to install points at 14 of its sites in Australia and two in New Zealand, adding to those already in place at Macquarie, Randwick, Marrickville Metro, Dapto, and Stud Park.

The new Aussie locations are set to be in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Each site will get two 50kW DC fast EV chargers, with the company claiming it will have the ability “to scale up in the future as demand for EVs continues to grow”.

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“Making fast-charging a seamless part of customers’ shopping experiences will help advance our mission to accelerate the adoption of EVs in Australia. If we want to move towards a cleaner transport future, people need to be confident that they can travel with the knowledge they can charge whenever and wherever they need,” said Evie Networks CEO Chris Mills.

Evie Networks is backed by the St Baker Energy Innovation Fund’s commitment of $100 million, which is accompanied by a $23.85 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

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The announcement follows the Australian Government awarding $25 million to five energy companies last year to roll out more than 400 electric vehicle charging points across the country – with $8.85m given to Evie for 158 fast charging stations in eight regions.

In 2021 fast food chain Hungry Jack’s also partnered with Evie to begin offering electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its restaurants.

The first fast-charger was launched at Hungry Jack’s Cabramatta in Sydney’s south west, with funding also coming from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Future Fuels Fund.

The Polestar 5, a swooping futuristic electric sedan the company has dubbed a ‘four-door GT’, has made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today.

The latest model in the growing Polestar range is still some time away from its proper reveal, however, meaning today’s debut was about showing what it can do rather than how it looks.

Much about the new flagship has been detailed already, of course, and while its name may not evoke any particular images of luxury or performance, the 5 is expected to pack plenty of both.

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A pair of front- and rear-mounted electric motors delivering 650kW and 900Nm are planned, along with an 800V architecture to ensure rapid charging for those leadfoots who might rapidly deplete the battery pack.

“The new powertrain we are working on will set a new brand benchmark in our high-performing cars. Combining strong electric motor engineering ability with advances in light-weight platform technology is leading to truly stunning driver’s cars,” said Jörg Brandscheid, Polestar’s CTO and Head of R&D.

At Goodwood, those lucky enough to attend will see the Polestar 5 in the ‘First Glance’ group, running up that hill (nothing to do with Kate Bush) twice each day of the event.

Polestar 5 confirmed for Australia

The Polestar 5’s market launch won’t occur until the distant future of 2024, but Australian buyers can at least be sure they’ll have the chance to secure one.

Exact local timing and details are still to be confirmed, however, and we wouldn’t expect to learn more until closer to the launch. Depending on when it launches in Europe, a 2025 date for Australia could be likely.

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The story to here

June 15, 2022: Polestar 5 to debut at Goodwood

Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar has locked in this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed for the new Polestar 5’s first public outing.

Confirming the Polestar 5 prototype will run up the famous Goodwood hillclimb on June 23, Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said the Festival of Speed was the natural venue of choice for the car’s dynamic debut.

“Goodwood is our favourite place to show our cars in an enthusiast environment,” said Ingenlath.

“This year, we are thrilled to showcase Polestar 5 going up the hill! Our UK R&D team is doing an amazing job developing the car, and we are proud to be able to highlight their hard work at this early stage.”

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Joining the 5 at Goodwood will be the updated Polestar 2, as well as its performance-focused Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 variant – the latter of which won’t be available in Australia.

Read on below to find out what we know so far about the Polestar 5.

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June 7, 2022: Polestar 5 design patents leak

The mystery of the Polestar 5 electric sedan’s design has all but disappeared after design patents for the upcoming model surfaced online.

Filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, the images show off what Polestar’s first GT-style, fastback sedan will look like – now incorporating real side mirrors rather than cameras.

Its front fascia has also been tweaked from the Precept Concept to now incorporate lower headlights, while a cleaner, more conservative design has been implemented for its lower front bumper and skirts.

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Aside from a spot for the rear numberplate to sit and a dialled-down diffuser, the rear design is largely unchanged from the concept which inspired the 5.

As with the current Polestar 2, the 5’s wheels are based around a four-section design, with eight main chrome spokes incorporating a pair of thinner black ones between them.

Polestar is gearing up for the reveal of its 3 SUV in the coming months before the 5 is unveiled next year, with its launch expected to come closer to 2024.

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February 16, 2022: Polestar 5 to ride on bespoke new platform

The Polestar 5 electric performance 4-door GT will feature a brand-new, bespoke, bonded aluminium platform, the carmaker has confirmed.

Bonded aluminium is light-weight and rigid, offering high performance and environmental advantages, however it has previously proven labour-intensive and difficult to use in mass production vehicles without sacrificing quality.

Polestar says its engineers have resolved this challenge by developing an entirely new, faster manufacturing process that develops both the body and platform at the same time. As a result, the completed structure is expected to weigh less than rival cars in smaller segments, making it more efficient and offering improved driving range.

“We knew we wanted this car to be light-weight, we knew we wanted high quality and we knew we wanted it quickly,” said Pete Allen, head of Polestar UK’s R&D team. “This architecture delivers outstanding dynamic and safety attributes, with low investment technology applicable to high production volumes.”

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November 24, 2021: Polestar 5 previewed

Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar has teased its first GT car, with the Polestar 5 previewed as a part of its Precept concept video series.

Developed at Polestar’s research and design centre in the United Kingdom, the Polestar 5’s design provides a strong reflection of the Precept which was first revealed in February 2020, now slated to hit showrooms four years after its public debut.

The production model looks to feature a steeper roof line and integrated, physical door handles and more conservative side skirts, all of which make the Polestar 5 appear more like its contemporary competitors.

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said the video series allowed the brand’s fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a concept car into a production-ready vehicle.

“With the Precept documentary series we are intentionally doing something car companies usually don’t – going behind the scenes with transparency as we turn this stunning concept car into production reality,” said Ingenlath.

“It makes me very proud to see how much of the concept car’s design is making it into the Polestar 5 – a great achievement by our designers and engineers alike.

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September 17, 2021: Polestar teases upcoming sedan

Swedish-owned luxury brand Polestar has teased its full-size electric sedan, showing off a photo of the Precept concept’s pre-production prototype.

Off the back of the Precept’s reveal in February 2020, Polestar has documented the process behind the design of the concept car, a vehicle which was always expected to influence its future generations of passenger cars.

From what we can now see, the production car will feature four conventionally-opening doors, rather than the rear-hinged doors of the concept, yet it still retains the Audi A5/A7 Sportback-esque rear lines – with the front of the rear-quarter panel tightening up towards the C-pillar.

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Currently undergoing R&D at Polestar’s facility within the MIRA Technology Park in the UK, the 250-strong team is committed to bringing the Precept to life before it goes into production from 2025.

Although Polestar’s current manufacturing base is located in China, it has plans to build its Polestar 3 SUV in the United States at Volvo’s production facility in South Carolina – a plant which could eventually be home to production of the Precept.

Polestar plans to only introduce electric vehicles in the future, with the wider goal of releasing a carbon neutral car by 2030, having recently been brought back under majority ownership by Volvo which now holds a 49.5 per cent stake in the business.

Launching in Australia later this year, Polestar will first come to the local market with the Polestar 2 four-door liftback, looking at challenging the established EV brands such as Tesla on pricing and equipment.

UPDATE, June 23, 2022: CR-V interior revealed, July 13 launch confirmed

The upcoming 2023 Honda CR-V has been teased yet again, this time with the crossover’s interior revealed in full.

As with its exterior design language, the sixth-generation CR-V’s interior borrows heavily from the Civic hatchback, with the digital instrument cluster, dash-mounted 9.0-inch infotainment screen and steering wheel pulled across from its stablemate.

Honeycomb mesh vents are blended with a mix of aluminium and gloss black highlights, while the perforated leather seats will feature heating in addition to other creature comforts, such as dual-zone climate control.

Honda has confirmed it will reveal the new CR-V in full on July 12 US time (July 13 AEST), with the new crossover expected to form an integral part of Honda’s local line-up from 2023.

The story to here

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May 25, 2022: Honda CR-V teased ahead of upcoming launch

Honda is gearing up to reveal the sixth-generation CR-V crossover, teasing the upcoming model online.

Adopting styling cues from the latest Civic hatchback and HR-V, the new CR-V’s front end is cleaner than its predecessor, now using slim headlight units with daytime running lights on the upper edge.

At the rear, the vertical brake lights also incorporate smaller L-shaped lamps within the boot housing, while there is now also a gap between the bottom of the rear window and the tail-lights – with no more chrome either.

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It’s not yet known whether the current choice of engines – a 1.5-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder – will continue to be available in the new model, although given the teased example is wearing a hybrid badge, it’s likely to launch with a new powertrain not yet seen in Australian CR-Vs.

Honda’s North American operation has said the new CR-V will be launched this summer, falling in the Australian winter between June and August.

Be sure to keep your eyes on Wheels for the latest news about the new CR-V.

February 21, 2022: Honda CR-V patent leaked

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The 2023 Honda CR-V has been partially leaked online, with a patent image of the SUV showing off the next-generation model.

Set to enter its sixth generation and replacing the current CR-V, which has been in service since 2017, Honda’s new crossover SUV is set to be a touch more sedate and conservative than the outgoing model.

From the front quarter shot provided, we can see it will adopt thinner headlights than those fitted to its predecessor, while its large grille and lower radiator intake are similar to the e:NP1, a China-only electric vehicle revealed last year.

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We can see the influence from the incoming 11th-generation Civic with the CR-V’s side profile, from the shoulder-line crease to its door-mounted side mirrors, moving away from the previous generation, which saw them mounted behind the A-pillar.

Although not much is shown of the rear, the vertical tail-lights are reminiscent of those on the current CR-V, however it looks like the base of the units won’t wrap around to the rear quarter panel quite as much.

No official information has been teased yet regarding the 2023 model’s powertrain, though hybrid power is tipped to be the most likely outcome with the outgoing US-spec CR-V currently using a 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor to produce 158kW and 315Nm – a healthy increase over the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot’s 140kW and 240Nm.

At the start of last year, the CR-V earned our gold medal award for being the best value seven-seater on the market, with its $35,490 price tag and extensive list of standard equipment putting it above its competitors.

Consumer groups are calling for a better system of redress for buyers who get stuck with ‘lemon cars’, saying the existing legal measures don’t go far enough.

Lobby group Consumer Action Law Centre, together with WEstJustice Western Community Legal Centre, want the Victorian Government to commit to creating a dedicated motor vehicle ombudsman to tackle the issue of buyers being unable to get help when something goes wrong with their new car.

At present, Australian Consumer Law, upgraded in 2011, guarantees that buyers have a right to a safe, durable, and fit-for-purpose car that is free from major and minor failures.

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However, when a new car is defective after purchase and it is proving difficult or impossible for the person to get it repaired, replaced or refunded through a dealer, needing to enforce their rights through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is a process which can be expensive, slow, and inaccessible without a lawyer.

An expert evidence report is generally required for ‘lemon car’ disputes at tribunal and can cost anywhere between $800 to $2000.

As a result, the call is being made ahead of the upcoming Victorian election in November, with the aim of a lemon car ombudsman being instated in 2023.

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“It’s a shocking fact that every year thousands of Victorian families and livelihoods are shattered because we don’t have a fast, accessible and affordable way to resolve lemon car disputes,” said Tania Clarke, director of policy and campaigns at the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC).

“We rely on our cars for daily life: to get to work, school, health appointments and the shops. Cars can be a crucial part of a safety plan – a way to flee family violence or to evacuate during bushfires and extreme weather events. In Victoria’s regional, rural and outer metro areas that lack public transport, including our rural Koori communities, cars are essential.

“The way to help families quickly is with a dedicated ombudsman for motor vehicles who can help get Victorians on the move,” said Ms Clarke.

Though ombudsman schemes already exist for utilities providers, lenders, and insurers, there currently is not one covering the automotive industry – even though car dealers are licenced by the Government.

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“We have written to the Victorian Government to urge it to commit to an ombudsman scheme for motor vehicles that is accessible, affordable and timely,” Clarke added.

“A progressive user-pays funding model, like other ombudsman schemes, would incentivise car dealers to resolve complaints quickly, and rewards car dealers that don’t create consumer problems in the first place.”

“Right now, communities in Melbourne’s Outer West are penalised over and over again if they buy a car and something goes wrong,” said Melissa Hardham, CEO of WEstjustice.

“If you can’t access remedies in a timely and fair way to get your car working again, or access an appropriate refund, then it leads to compounding transport poverty. People who have to wait months or years for an outcome at VCAT are people who can’t get to work, training, or essential health and community services during that time.

“We need a better and faster pathway for these disputes,” she said.

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According to CALC, approximately 25-30 per cent of calls to its legal advice lines about consumer guarantees relate to defective cars, and Consumer Affairs Victoria receives more than 3000 vehicle consumer guarantee complaints per year.

But the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) says installing an ombudsman is a waste of Government funds because there is already a system in place and the money required to establish the position should be directed elsewhere.

“Less than three per cent of queries recorded by Consumer Affairs Victoria relate to automotive retail, according to recent VACC research,” said VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym.

“If the industry or consumers, or both, are levied to provide yet another consumer complaints service, it would eventually amount to another motorist cost.

“The proponents of a lemon car ombudsman state more than 3000 vehicle complaints are received by Consumer Affairs Victoria each year. But how many are valid?”

Responding to the claim, CALC director Tania Clarke said: “Lemon cars are not a small problem. Everybody knows someone who has had one and what terrible trouble they bring. Everyone we have been talking to acknowledges that VCAT is not working for lemon cars. We have written to the VACC and are happy to talk about what we see from the people who call our helplines.”

Single mum-of-three Erin, 26, from Geelong, who has asked us not to use her last name, found this out herself the hard way when she bought a 2015 Kia Sorento from an independent used-car dealer in Melbourne in January this year.

She says she’d had the car for just two hours after purchase when the ‘check engine’ light came on and it overheated. The independent dealer, who we cannot name for legal reasons, attempted to fix it twice to no avail – eventually sending it to Kia in Geelong for an inspection which found the head gasket had gone. The vehicle was then sent back to the independent dealership where it remains now.

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“I just want my money back. It cost me $30,000 on finance – which I still am paying but with no car to show for it. They [the independent dealer] said they are obligated to fix it, but they’ve had plenty of chances. They’ve been so rude, the feeling I get is that they think ‘you’ve purchased the car, it’s your issue’,” Erin told Wheels.

“They still have it at the moment and are demanding I come and collect it or they’ll charge me storage fees – but the dealership I bought it from is almost two hours away.

“I lost my job because of all this – the stress, the time off. I have three kids – I need a car. I’m just borrowing cars from friends and family at the moment here and there, or spending money I don’t have on Ubers to be able to get my children to school and daycare otherwise it’s an hour’s walk each way.

“I will never again buy a second-hand car. I sold my Mazda CX-9 to ‘upgrade’. Worst decision I’ve ever made.”

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The Australian Automotive Dealers’ Association (AADA) says the problems buyers have with lemon cars could be better solved by only purchasing through licensed dealers.

“Unfortunately cars are extremely complex and sometimes things do go wrong. When they do, we recommend that consumers contact their dealer immediately. New car dealers are ready, willing and able to help and will work hard to resolve the issues and get their customers back on the road,” Chief Operating Officer Brian Savage told Wheels.

“When buying a car, consumers should consider the obligations of the seller and their ability to meet those obligations. Cars sold privately come with no protections for the buyer and there are also unlicensed traders out there who are not to be trusted and operate outside of the motor car trading laws and the ACL [Australian Consumer Law].

“Unsafe, defective and unreliable vehicles are more likely to be sold by those who can avoid their ACL and other legal obligations and instead of appointing an ombudsman, we would strongly recommend that consumers deal only with reputable, licensed dealers who have the customer service skills, knowledge and resources to be able to get their customers back on the road with minimum of disruption.”

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The calls for an industry ombudsman are part of a wider raft of changes sought by consumers to the current laws, with many asking why a more robust system doesn’t already exist at a federal level.

According to law firm Legal Vision, if introduced, such a law should incorporate; clear guidelines as to what constitutes a ‘lemon’, mandatory time and repair limits, and clarity as to when a supplier or manufacturer must provide the fix, refund or replacement.

While no federal lemon laws exist yet, some states have taken proactive steps towards increasing consumer protections.

In September 2019, Queensland became the first to introduce dedicated laws to protect buyers from purchasing a dud vehicle.

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) now handles new-vehicle claims of up to $100,000 – an increase from $25,000.

Furthermore, used cars which are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160,000km are covered for three months/5000 kilometres after the purchase from a dealer, while vehicles older and with more kms come with a 30 day/1000km protection.

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Issues with consumer complaint handling have been identified across the industry, but high levels of grievances against Holden and Volkswagen led to a legally binding agreement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that goes beyond existing ACL obligations.

This agreement included the introduction of a ’60-day policy’, where manufacturers automatically offer refunds or replacements if a defect prevents a vehicle from being driveable within 60 days of purchase.

In January 2019, Toyota also adopted this 60-day refund policy.

Audi Australia has launched its latest Advantage program for buyers, with new and used owners able to extend their servicing, warranty and roadside assistance packages for up to 10 years.

The program allows owners to buy the two-year programs back-to-back at the time of purchasing a new car, adding to the five-year standard warranty for up to nine years of coverage.

As well as being available for new-car buyers, the Advantage program will also be offered to those who own an Audi vehicle under eight years-old or with less than 120,000 kilometres – reflecting the marque’s 15,000km annual service schedule – with a 115-point inspection and full service history needed to qualify.

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“In designing this program, we wanted to ensure that Audi owners are the envy of the Australian premium market”, said Paul Sansom, Audi Director and Group Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Australia.

“Not only did we want to provide a program that gives our owners complete confidence in their vehicle for an extended period of time, but one that also secures the value of their investment, should they decide to trade-up to a newer model in the future.

“We believe the Audi Advantage program provides the ultimate in peace-of-mind for premium vehicle owners in Australia.”

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In addition to this, Audi Approved :plus has been launched for pre-owned vehicles, including a minimum of two years’ servicing, warranty and roadside assistance, with the ability to buy the Audi Advantage two-year programs back-to-back – potentially extending the full factory warranty for up to 10 years.

“We believe the Audi Approved :plus program is the most comprehensive certified pre-owned offer in the Australian market,” said Sansom.

“At a time when the prices of pre-owned vehicles are as high as they have been right across the market, we believe the Audi Approved :plus program places our owners in the best possible position to maintain the value of their investment.”

The Audi Advantage program is not yet available for its fully-electric E-Tron model range.

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Audi Advantage package cost

Japanese manufacturers Toyota and Lexus have announced further production cuts heading into the second half of the year.

Having faced continuous production adjustments throughout last year and in the opening half of 2022, Toyota and its luxury arm Lexus are facing further reductions in July, with roughly 50,000 fewer vehicles now set to be made as the new target of 800,000 is implemented.

However, despite planning an average of 850,000 units per month between July and September, Toyota conceeded “there is a possibility that the production plan may be lower”, although it plans to monitor its supply chain closely to minimise any unexpected drops.

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A number of Australian-delivered models from its Japanese plants are affected, including the Mirai, Yaris, Yaris Cross, C-HR, LandCruiser 300 Series and LandCruiser 70 Series.

Lexus is also facing a small shortage of a handful of its models, with the LS, IS, RC, RC F and NX all listed in the production suspension report.

Despite the issues, Toyota remains Australia’s best-selling brand, with its 98,816 vehicles delivered to the end of May exceeding last year’s figures by just one per cent, led by HiLux, RAV4 and Prado – all of which claim top 10 spots on the sales charts.

It’s been a few months since Subaru dropped the bombshell that it would not be offering a peak-performance STI version of the all-new WRX – to sit atop the flagship tS Sportswagon variant tested here – and that still hasn’t been long enough to fully understand why.

I completely get it if the Japanese brand is reserving the three iconic pink letters to represent its high-performance electric future, but that theory doesn’t explain why STI’s petrol era isn’t sent out in one last hurrah with the VB-gen WRX.

After all, there’s no forecast of when the first EV might roll out wearing an STI badge, and the company’s electric foray – the Solterra – won’t hit Australian shores in ‘standard’ form for at least 12 months, so it’s not as if a final petrol WRX STI is going to overlap with a pioneering EV wearing the same badge – whatever that happens to look like.

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Even though this WRX wagon has an engine almost as large as the previous-generation STI, two out of three STI letters on its boot, and a more aggressive look, it is not the STI some might have been wishing for.

Perhaps it’s Subaru’s close relationship with Toyota? Thrusting a new AWD rally-inspired performance car into the market just when another – the GR Yaris – is enjoying the limelight (not to mention next year’s GR Corolla), might upset the friendship between Subaru and a much bigger ally.

If there’s any truth in this then it seems a bit mean and controlling of Toyota to prevent the creation of a cult favourite sedan that’s unlikely to cannibalise sales from a pair of three-cylinder hatchbacks, even if the respective brands did once bump gloves in the forest.

Or maybe Subaru is feeling the growing pressure to reduce overall corporate emissions, particularly in the US, where a variant known for its thirst would be somewhat defiant in the face of carbon reduction incentives?

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That theory would seem contradictory to the company’s actions after it introduced a second generation of BRZ that actually increased its emissions compared with the first.

Perhaps the WRX STI is the sacrificial goat and now, by default, the G.O.A.T?

The sting of losing an automotive icon is made no more bearable by jumping into the new range-topping WRX and being presented with STI badges on the steering wheel and gauges. It might even be regarded as a little unkind.

That’s because, even though this WRX wagon has an engine almost as large as the previous-generation STI, two out of three STI letters on its boot, and a more aggressive look, it is not the STI some might have been wishing for.

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Priced from $57,990 before on-road costs, the WRX tS Sportswagon is about the same price as the previous (manual sedan-only) STI Premium. In fact, the entire WRX range has shifted upward in pricing along with the discontinuation of the Levorg name and a return to the WRX wagon – a move that at least offers some consolation for the absence of an STI.

Delve a little deeper and it gets better still. From the outset, it’s clear where the extra cash is being spent.

Interior feel and quality has taken another step in the right direction with ‘Ultrasuede’ (contains no actual cow) upholstering the seats, and the 11.6-inch portrait screen found in larger Subaru models has now made its way into its smallest wagon.

Compared with the Outback and Forester though, the operating system seems faster in its various functions.

Android Auto and Apple Carplay are supported (wired only) and the eerily effective driver monitoring system also carries over from the bigger siblings. I tried to catch it out several times but it’s just a bit too good at telling when I am genuinely paying attention or pretending not to.

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Add to that, Subaru’s excellent suite of Eyesight driver assistance and safety systems and the standard equipment list is stacking up strongly. Sadly, a head-up display is still not offered – a more basic flashing warning light is in its place as a reminder.

As an additional sweetener, the tS and RS also get an impressive Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system over the entry six-speaker version.

Overall, the WRX cabin feels premium but not indulgent and the layout is well executed. The driving position is also ergonomically good with supportive seats and electric adjustment, while there is more comfort to be found in the second row with space that increases correspondingly with the bigger exterior.

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Overall, the WRX cabin feels premium but not indulgent and the layout is well executed.

Long drives in the new wagon are relaxing, with the automatic continuously variable transmission allowing the engine revs to settle down to a low hum and the new Subaru Global Platform providing a good basis for mile-munching long legs. But to cruise around in the WRX is to ignore another of its many likeable facets.

I’m pleased to report that with a return to the big booted wagon, the WRX boot badge is still synonymous with going fast. A little more of the right pedal wakes the charismatic four-pot from its more sedate side but if that’s not enough then a prod of the drive mode button into Sports or Sports Sharp holds the revs in the more purposeful range and sharpens throttle response.

Acceleration is strong, with the permanent AWD system taking care of traction and, while Subaru doesn’t make a claim of how fast it’ll do the milestone zero-to-100km/h dash, we reckon about 6.0 seconds should be possible all day long and in virtually all conditions.

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There’s also a satisfyingly firm brake pedal feel for more confidence when scrubbing speed. We had to double-check there weren’t STI-style four-piston fixed calipers in place of the two-piston sliding items fitted as standard.

Speaking of confidence, our test car was supplied with efficiency maximising Yokohama Bluearth GT tyres that offer a good balance of economy-boosting low drag and performance.

While grip levels never leapt out as a concern, there’s probably another two or three degrees of outright fun and performance in a set of Advan rubber or the Dunlop Sport Maxx fitted to WRX sedans.

Perhaps it was the more economy-leaning tyres, but the WRX manages to be pretty good on fuel despite a combination of performance-seeking driving and day-to-day duties.

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The official claim of 8.5L/100km is a little high even for a high-performance mid-sizer but our week with the car returned a figure of just over 8.0L/100km – or so the trip computer claimed.

Key to the tS, however, is the fitment of ‘electric control’ adaptive dampers which, by all accounts, transform the WRX wagon from a compromised shadow of its former self and an unwelcome reminder of the Levorg’s rear end, into a competent and perfectly resolved high-performance wagon.

I’ve not yet got my hands on a version of the Sportswagon that has the standard dampers but if the opinion of my peers is anything to go by, stretching the extra few grand for the tS is absolutely the way to go.

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With just me on board, the tS has lovely manners, tackling interesting roads (in horrid conditions) with the surefootedness the WRX badge has earned and deserves.

The nose feels light in the hands but responsive and positive, while the wagon body is not ungainly, responding and recovering quickly. In addition to the impressive feel, brake power is also is worthy of praise with minimal travel and superb stopping performance that’s not over-servoed.

With the adoption of equal-length exhaust manifolds, the classic Subaru beat of the flat-four is unfortunately no more. What little sound remains is a little too muted, detracting from the WRX identity that many admire, but the advantage is in throttle response and minimised turbo lag.

I’ve not yet got my hands on a version of the Sportswagon that has the standard dampers but if the opinion of my peers is anything to go by, stretching the extra few grand for the tS is absolutely the way to go.

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There might not be much more in the way of power compared with the previous 2.0-litre turbo (and at 350Nm, no extra torque), but delivery of all 202kW is more accessible.

Most importantly, it feels swift as a WRX should.

A six-speed manual is available in the base WRX and mid-spec RS sedans, but a CVT automatic is the only option for the wagons. While that type of automatic might not be synonymous with high-performance cars, there are improvements. Simulated gearchanges are even more convincing and their responsiveness and aggression – especially in Sport mode – are excellent.

Perhaps the only black mark against its performance credentials regards Subaru’s trademark AWD system. Like the previous version, a variable centre differential divides front to rear torque split but the front and rear differentials are no longer limited-slip units, with Subaru opting for its VTD electronic torque vectoring system on the automatics.

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And while the previous-gen car had a rally-inspired manual handbrake with disconnecting rear diff for expert handbrake turns, the feature is gone in the new version – and a little of the car’s heritage goes with it.

Loaded up with four people for an airport run, however, reveals the tS Sportswagon’s true versatility. With almost 500 litres of boot at your disposal, an extended wheelbase and an overall increase in dimensions (except for a slight reduction in height), the wagon is immensely accommodating.

Wagon value confirmed: Grunt to haul the full load is prodigious and the adaptive dampers are beautifully tuned to handle extra mass on-board.

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A simple way to describe the WRX tS Sportswagon user experience is that it’s very easy to forget you’re not driving an Outback. That is, until you decide to use more than half throttle or turn into a corner a bit quick. Imagine all of Subaru’s headline tech and comfort, condensed into its smallest and highest-performance AWD.

The new-generation WRX is the most versatile in the moniker’s history, but it comes at a cost of just a little aggression.

If a new STI was in the pipeline, the new WRX would make perfect sense – especially in wagon form. It might not have the raw edge for those who have associated the fabled boot badge with uncompromising pace for 30 years. But the new version is an altogether more mature and refined iteration, with a decent performance punch that honours one of Subaru’s most coveted models.

The new-generation WRX is the most versatile in the moniker’s history but it comes at a cost of just a little aggression.

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The top-shelf tS Sportswagon exemplifies this.

Grip levels, acceleration and driver involvement are typically WRX but those attributes are bundled in with never before seen levels of quality, sophistication and equipment for a version of the WRX that has never looked as accomplished.

VERDICT

For an audience that has grown up alongside the WRX and is longing for something that can take on family duties as well as holding onto a little nostalgic dynamism, the flagship wagon is perfect, but it won’t cater to a new generation of WRX fans who aren’t ready to make performance sacrifices in the name of practicality and comfort.

And it’s those loyal members of the Blue Army that’ll notice the passing of the STI brand into unclear waters the most.

UPDATE, November 23: 2023 Toyota RAV4 pricing announced

Australian pricing and specs for the updated 2023 Toyota RAV4 have been announced. Get all the details at the link below.

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The story to here

June 23: 2023 Toyota RAV4 interior revealed for Europe

The updated interior of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 medium SUV has debuted for Europe overnight, previewing changes bound for the Australian market.

Initially detailed by Toyota Australia two months ago (see below for more), the images released by the brand’s European division provide our first visual look at the technology upgrades for Australia’s top-selling SUV.

Headlining the changes is a larger 10.5-inch infotainment system running Toyota’s latest infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based satellite navigation, and ‘Hey, Toyota’ voice assistant functionality.

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The upsized screen is expected to feature as standard on upper RAV4 grades in Australia, with lower trims retaining an 8-inch unit running the new infotainment software.

A larger, fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster will be added for model-year 2023, although its fitment locally is likely to be limited to grades featuring the larger touchscreen.

Instead, the current semi-digital 7-inch display from the XSE, Cruiser and Edge is likely to filter down to the entry-level GX and GXL.

A new platinum white pearl exterior colour will join the RAV4 hybrid and plug-in hybrid range in Europe, however, it’s unknown if this change will reach Australia at this stage.

May 2: 2023 Toyota RAV4 specifications leaked, price increases likely

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A leaked dealer bulletin has outlined updated specifications for the 2023 Toyota RAV4.

Last week, Toyota Australia announced the popular medium SUV would adopt the company’s upgraded infotainment system and USB-C ports as standard across the range.

A dealer document seen by Wheels has confirmed the new infotainment system will be presented on a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen display for the Cruiser variant, replacing the outgoing 8-inch unit.

It is currently unknown if the larger screen will be included across the range, or if lower grades will retain an 8-inch screen with the new infotainment software, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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A larger, fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster will also feature on flagship grades, with the existing semi-digital 7-inch display likely to filter down to the entry-level GX and GXL.

According to the document, buyers can expect a price increase between $1700 and $2300 across the Cruiser petrol and Cruiser Hybrid variants, with similar rises likely throughout the entire 2023 RAV4 line-up.

Exact pricing and specifications for Australia will be announced in the coming months, ahead of the 2023 RAV4’s arrival in the second half of 2022.

See below for a full breakdown of the changes confirmed by Toyota Australia.

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April 28: 2023 Toyota RAV4 updates confirmed

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is set to gain a number of technology and safety upgrades when it goes on sale later this year.

Coming off the back of a facelift and equipment overhaul in the back end of 2021, Toyota’s class-leading RAV4 will benefit from an increased level of tech in the second half of 2022, with its infotainment and system systems being upgraded.

An upgraded infotainment system will incorporate USB-C ports for the first time, while also benefitting from the addition of Toyota Connected Services – a function available across a majority of the Toyota range which was updated in March.

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Enhanced safety features are also set to form a part of the RAV4 range, with both intersection pre-collision safety and emergency steering assist added to the Toyota Safety Sense suite.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the RAV4 upgrades will continue to ensure the SUV remains as one of the best-selling vehicles in Australia, currently sitting third year-to-date.

“Toyota is always keen to provide the latest safety, connectivity and multimedia technologies that customers want and as soon as they are available for our market, we make them available for our customers,” said Hanley.

“This latest round of upgrades for the RAV4 will make what is already the most popular medium SUV even more appealing.

“Toyota will continue to keep our customers updated on upgrades and future models and we encourage our customers to speak with their preferred Toyota Dealer about these upgrades.”

Updated pricing for the MY23 RAV4 will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch in the back half of the year.

Ford has confirmed the Focus hatchback will be discontinued in 2025, or at least as we know it.

Speaking to media in Europe last night, Ford of Europe Chairman Stuart Rowley announced the Blue Oval was seeking “alternative opportunities” for the Focus’s home plant in Saarlouis, Germany, with no plans in place to replace its long-running nameplate within the facility.

“We are seeking other alternative opportunities for vehicle production at Saarlouis, including other manufacturers,” said Rowley, as reported by Automotive News Europe.

“We do not have in our planning cycle an additional model that goes into Saarlouis.”

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Ford of Europe also confirmed its next-generation of electric vehicles will be produced at its Valencian plant in Spain, with the Saarlouis factory missing out on the opportunity to be electrified.

Last year, Ford’s European design boss Murat Gueler wouldn’t rule out the Focus nameplate being carried across onto an EV.

“Everybody’s launching electric cars and we will launch a few in the future,” said Gueler when asked about an electric Focus.

“Definitely, we’re looking at everything – proportions, architectures… we’re really busy designing all the next-generation cars. There’s a lot of work going on.”

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If the Focus disappears from global showrooms in 2025, it will be the end of a 27-year run for the model which reignited Ford’s stake in the hatchback market internationally, having replaced the ageing Escort nameplate in the UK and the Mazda 323-based Laser in Australia back in 1998.

European sales of the Focus hit its highest point in 2001 with just over 543,000 units shifted, although the Global Financial Crisis pushed annual sales below 300,000 for the first time in 2010, slipping down from 269,000 at the start of the decade to 101,000 by the end of last year.

Since its Australian launch in 2002, the Focus took 11 years to hit its local sales peak of 19,180 units in 2013 – although its 2021 figure of just 735 units with a 0.7 per cent market share in the sub-$40,000 small vehicle segment is a significant fall from grace.

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Locally, Ford has trimmed down the Focus lineup to its sole flagship ST variant after reducing the range to just three grades in 2020, owing to the aforementioned declining sales of the entry- and mid-spec offerings over the years – recording just 83 sales so far this year.

Although the facelifted Focus ST was slated to hit local shores earlier this year, production issues have delayed its arrival, with the Saarlouis plant pushing back production of the updated hot hatch until this month .