WhichCar By Wheels

It’s a tough time to be a car maker. Buyers’ tastes have shifted, as seen by the rise and rise in popularity of SUVs and dual-cab utes, their combined domination leaving what were once the bread-and-butter of new car sales falling out of favour and struggling to find new owners.

Sales of small cars have been hard hit in Australia with even the evergreen Toyota Corolla suffering major declines. As recently as 2013, Toyota shifted around 44,000 new Corollas. By 2024, that number had dwindled to just 24,000 or so as buyers continued to gravitate towards an ever-increasing range of SUVs.

Thankfully, Korean car maker Kia still sees value in the small car and in early 2025 launched the new K4 sedan, replacing the popular but increasingly outdated Kia Cerato sedan which had been around in its current generation since 2018. Equipment updates kept the Cerato fresh well into the middle of this decade but time eventually caught up with it.

Now, almost a year later, the Kia K4 hatchback has arrived in Australia to fill the hole. So can Kia’s newest hatchback reignite sales of small cars in Australia?

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Using Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language, the K4 hatchback marks a noticeable departure from the Cerato. Compared alongside the K4 sedan, the hatchback is 270mm shorter, though shares the three-box’s long wheelbase. Its stubby rear offers a hint of station wagon, while plastic wheel arches lend it the appearance of a slightly-lifted SUV. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Like the rest of Kia’s current range, the K4 hatch looks fresh and contemporary, and certainly stands out on the road.

Pricing for the 2026 K4 range starts at $32,090 plus on-road costs, which is right in the heart of the small car market. Key rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 start a little higher than the K4, though the Kia is larger. And despite being more expensive than the Cerato it replaces, Kia’s strong value proposition remains firmly in place with the K4. 

Features on the entry-level K4 S include 16-inch alloys, keyless entry with push-button start and remote start, automatic LED lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear air vents along with safety features like seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, auto high beam, a reversing camera and a speed limit chime that, mercifully, can be muted. 

A safety package can be optioned on the K4 S and brings with it a more sophisticated AEB system braking system as well dual-zone climate control with automatic window defogging and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. Optioning the Safety Pack also ups the K4’s ANCAP safety rating to five stars. We’d argue it should be standard… 

Move up the range to the Sport ($36,690 +ORC) to add larger 17-inch alloys, sat-nav with 10 years of map updates and semi-autonomous highway driving tech, while the Sport+ ($39,090 +ORC) adds synthetic leather, auto wipers, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rear mirror.

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Sitting atop the K4 range, the GT-Line ($43,790 +ORC) swaps out the 2.0-litre atmo four found lower down the range for Kia’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four cylinder. The range-topper also scores multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch alloys, a sunroof, ventilated front seats with 10-way electric adjustment and memory for the driver, a wireless charger, Harman Kardon audio and ambient cabin lighting. The GT-Line is the only K4 to feature a faux-leather-wrapped steering wheel, a bit of a slap in the face to anyone who spent circa $42,000 drive away for the Sport+ next step down in the range only to find a polyurethane steering wheel! 

As with the K4 sedan, two four-cylinder petrol engine options are available in the hatchback: either a 110kW/180Nm naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre found in S, Sport and Sport+ variants, or the GT-Line exclusive 142kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo. Kia Australia also has its hand up for a future hybrid drivetrain, most likely the 104kW 1.6-litre found in the Hyundai i30 sedan. We expect it to land sometime in 2026. 

Those familiar with the 2025 model year K4 sedan will note that it actually uses the same (and older) 2.0-litre engine and six-speed auto from the outgoing Cerato. However, all 2026 K4 2.0-litre models now use the upgraded Atkinson Cycle engine from the Hyundai i30 sedan with big benefits for fuel economy and emissions. The old engine was rated at 7.4L/100km and 167g/km, and now the K4 sedan is listed at just 6.0L/100km and 139g/km.

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We spent the majority of our time at the launch in the Sport+ with its 2.0-litre donk and came away impressed. While the engine could be more refined at higher revs, the K4’s CVT automatic is a revelation for the type. To quote another journo on the event, it’s the first CVT that “doesn’t piss me off”, a view that we share thanks to its defined and noticeable steps between artificial gears and generally smooth nature. 

It’s no powerhouse but the 2.0L four is perfectly adequate around town and fine at highway speeds as well. It was difficult to ascertain fuel economy for the drive, but highway sections impressively gave under 5L/100km results. 

The K4 GT-Line adds a noticeable uptick in performance, with its 142kW/265Nm just outplaying the 2.5-litre Mazda3’s 139kW/252Nm outputs. Peak torque hits at just 1700rpm and the shorter ratios of the eight-speed auto make it feel noticeably punchier than the Mazda3, as well as the 2.0-litre K4. If you’re already looking at the K4 Sport+, the jump to the GT-Line makes a lot of sense.

As we saw with the Cerato, the driving experience of the K4 is generally quite impressive for the small car segment. Thanks to Kia Australia’s local tuning, it rides and handles well and that’s across the range, not just the sporty GT-Line. Those who have experienced the Cerato GT will breathe a sigh of relief too as the GT-Line is far more comfortable than its too-firm predecessor, with a very compliant ride quality. Yet, despite the softer ride, it’s still fun from behind the wheel.

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Another big improvement is the K4’s cabin treatment, which is a big step up in design and quality. While it’s not as premium as a Mazda3, it’s now more modern and feels like a higher-end place to be than the Cerato, and far more spacious than the claustrophobic Corolla. All models use a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Kia’s latest ‘ccNC’ software, which is so easy to use and its graphics are sharp. The K4’s cabin is practical too with touches such as open tray storage with large cupholders and big door pockets for life’s trinkets. 

Moving rearward, thanks to the long 2720mm long wheelbase, the K4 is one of the most spacious small cars with plentiful legroom and thanks to the low seat base, good headroom for taller folks. Seat comfort is generally quite good as well, while the 438-litre boot is one of the largest in the segment, trailing only the Skoda Scala (467L) but more than doubling the non-ZR Toyota Corolla (217L). Unlike the Corolla, all K4 models feature a space-saver spare wheel.

Our early impressions of the K4 hatchback are good. Kia’s newest small car is a meaningful addition to the segment, especially in a time where passenger car sales are declining. It’s attractive to look at, drives well regardless of model, is spacious and is well equipped across the range.

Compared to the updated Stonic that we also drove on the same launch event, it’s better value, more practical and more satisfying to drive, which is common when comparing small cars to small SUVs. Again we ask, why do SUV sales keep increasing, when plenty of small cars are plainly better? And while the Kia K4 is unlikely to reignite small car sales to match the halcyon days, it is a perfectly good alternative to small SUVs.

Kia K4 hatchback specs:

ModelKia K4 hatchback
Pricefrom $32,090 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain1999cc naturally aspirated or 1598cc turbocharged four-cylinder engines
TransmissionCVT (2.0L) or 8-speed automatic (1.6T), FWD
Peak power110kW (2.0L) – 142kW (1.6T)
Peak torque180Nm (2.0L) – 265Nm (1.6T)
0-100km/h7.5 seconds (est., 1.6T) – 9.5 seconds (est., 2.0L)
Claimed combined fuel consumption/CO2 emissions6.1-7.4L/100km, 143-169g/km
Fuel type/tank size91RON regular unleaded, 47 litres
Dimensions (length/width/height/wheelbase)4440/1850/1435/2720mm
Tare mass1388-1453kg
Boot438 litres (rear seats up), 1217 litres (rear seats folded)
WarrantySeven-year/unlimited km with up to eight years of roadside assistance
Service intervals/five-year costAnnually/every 15,000km (2.0L) or 10,000km (1.6T), $2322 (2.0L)-$2459 (1.6T)
On saleNow

Kia K4 S standard features:

Kia K4 S safety features:

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K4 S Safety Pack adds:

K4 Sport adds to S Safety Pack:

K4 Sport+ adds to Sport:

K4 GT-Line adds to Sport+:

Toyota Australia has launched a new variant to the GR Yaris hot hatch range. Called the Aero Performance Package, it adds a new eight-piece aerodynamic package to the top-spec GTS model, including an adjustable rear spoiler and bonnet vent. Priced from $64,990 plus on-road costs, the new package is priced $4500 higher than the GTS on which it’s based.

At the front end, the new package adds a front lip spoiler to reduce the GR Yaris’ lift and add lateral grip for faster cornering. There’s also a new bonnet vent to improve cooling, as well as new vents on the front and rear bumper to aid overall stability, according to Toyota.

At the rear, the GR Yaris Aero Performance Package has added a new manually-adjustable rear spoiler to bring more downforce and stability, while there is also a new underfloor cover to smooth airflow.

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The GR Yaris Aero Performance Package is otherwise unchanged from the GTS on which it’s based, and its 221kW/400Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine carries over with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission options.

Other standard features on the Aero Performance Package include 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, a Torsen limited-slip differential, selectable all-wheel drive driving modes, heated suede and synthetic leather GR sports seats and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display with GR-specific displays.

The GR Yaris GTS Aero Performance Package variant is available with a choice of five exterior paint colours: Glacier White, Frosted White, Tarmac Black, Feverish Red and Liquid Mercury. All colours bar Glacier White attract an extra $575 charge.

2026 Toyota GR Yaris pricing (plus on-road costs):

GT manual$55,490
GT automatic$57,990
GTS manual$60,490
GTS automatic$62,990
GTS Aero Performance Package manual$64,990
GTS Aero Performance Package automatic$67,490

The latest, and what is likely final round of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) testing for the year before new, stronger protocols kick-in in 2026, has seen five-star ratings awarded to the newest generations of the Toyota HiLux ute and Hyundai Palisade large SUV, along with two newcomers from China, the GAC Aion V electric car and Denza B5 plug-in hybrid SUV.

But another former favourite with Australian new car buyers, the Mitsubishi ASX, was awarded a four-star safety score, based on testing conducted by ANCAP’s European counterpart, Euro NCAP on what it says is “the closely-related Renault Captur and Renault Symbioz” pair of SUVs.

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The new Toyota HiLux fared well in crash-testing, earning scores of 84 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent child occupant and 82 per cent vulnerable road user. Its safety assist systems earned a score of 82 per cent.

“The HiLux provided consistently ‘Good’ performance in testing across all four assessment pillars,” said ANCAP in a statement.

ANCAP also noted that the HiLux’s five-star rating applied to all variants except for Rugged X which has been listed as ‘unrated’.

Hyundai Palisade’s five-star rating – which applies to both seven- and eight-seat variants – came off the back of scores of 84 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent child occupant, 71 per cent vulnerable road user and 73 for its safety assist systems. 

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“[Palisade] scored full points for Child Occupant Protection in frontal and side impact crash tests, and full points for adult protection in side impact and oblique pole tests,” said ANCAP adding that “a penalty was applied for a loss of footwell integrity in the frontal offset test.

“After the frontal offset test, a small opening was found in the seam between panels in the footwell. This loss of integrity in the footwell structure was penalised, with a deduction applied to the driver’s lower leg score.”

ANCAP praised Chinese newcomer GAC, noting that the Aion V “performed strongly in side-impact and far-side performance, positioning the Aion V among some of Australia’s top safety performers.”
It achieved scores of 88 per cent (adult occupant), 87 per cent (child occupant), 79 per cent (vulnerable road user), and 79 per cent (safety systems).

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The B5 plug-in hybrid SUV from another new brand from China, Denza – the luxury brand of established brand BYD – achieved results of 86 per cent for adult occupant, 95 per cent child occupant, 74 per cent vulnerable road user and 78 per cent for its safety assist technologies.

“The [Denza B5] achieved maximum points in side-impact testing and demonstrated good performance across most crash tests. Robust AEB capability was also seen for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists across most tested scenarios,” said ANCAP.

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Mitsubishi’s ASX small SUV was penalised for “Weak chest protection for the driver in the frontal offset crash test and the absence of a centre airbag,” according to ANCAP.

That resulted in an adult occupant protection score of 76 per cent, below the 80 per cent threshold required to earn a five-star rating. Other testing criteria saw the ASX achieve scores of 83 per cent (child occupant), 79 per cent (vulnerable road user) and 70 per cent (safety systems).

To achieve a maximum five-star safety rating, a vehicle needs to score at least 80 per cent for both adult and child occupant protection while a minimum score of 70 per cent is needed for vulnerable road user protection and safety assist systems.

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Next year, ANCAP will introduce its new testing protocols – Stage of Safety – that will assess vehicles across four pillars (Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post Crash). The new protocols will also penalise poorly-calibrated and overly-zealous safety assist systems, increasingly a bug-bear of new car buyers.

Legendary British sports car maker Lotus, now owned by Chinese giant Geely, has had pictures of its first hybrid model, which is based on the electric Eletre super SUV, leaked by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). 

Called the Lotus For Me – yes, seriously – the new plug-in hybrid performance SUV combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with front and rear electric motors and a 70kWh battery.

The For Me produces a massive 710kW of power for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.3 seconds, making it 15kW more powerful (but 0.8 seconds slower) than the electric Eletre. The total range for both electric and petrol power is over 1000km, with a CLTC-rated EV range of up to 355km.

The For Me uses a 900V architecture that underpins other Geely Group products and, according to Lotus, can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent as quickly as just eight minutes. By comparison, the Eletre that uses a slightly inferior – but still excellent – 800V architecture, can instead charge to the same level in around 20 minutes. That is still very fast in today’s market, but still not as quick as the For Me.

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With a reported kerb weight of around 2700kg, or at least 100kg heavier than the Eletre, Lotus engineers beefed up the suspension for the For Me to handle the extra weight. Adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars are standard, as are Pirelli P Zero tyres and six-piston Brembo brakes on the flagship version, which also has an active rear spoiler.

Lotus, who previously confirmed an EV future, will likely launch the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain in the Emeya sedan, while the Emira sports car will also be given a PHEV drivetrain at some stage.

Lotus has confirmed that the For Me will be sold in European markets, though is yet to make an announcement regarding the Australian market for now.

Toyota Australia has revealed pricing and specifications for the bZ4X electric mid-size SUV, which follows its recently updated Subaru Solterra twin in launching locally. Priced from $55,990 plus on-road costs, the facelifted bZ4X is $10,010 less expensive than its predecessor, despite including more performance and range, design changes and more standard equipment across the range.

Revealed back in March 2025, the updated bZ4X has scored a new front end design with sleeker headlights, new bumper and wheel designs and an updated cabin with a larger 14.0-inch touchscreen (up from 12.3 inches), along with a new centre console design with dual wireless phone chargers.

Under the skin, the bZ4X now features a larger 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery and gruntier motors: 165kW/268.6Nm for the two-wheel drive version (+15kW/+2.6Nm) and 252kW/438Nm for the all-wheel drive (+92kW/101Nm).

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Because of the larger battery, the bZ4X can now travel further on a charge: 591km (+155km) for the front-driver and 517km (+106km) for the all-paw version. Both models can now AC charge at up to 22kW (+11kW) but DC fast charging remains capped at 150kW. The AWD’s braked towing capacity is now 1500kg, which is double what it used to be.

Despite the price cuts, new standard equipment is fitted across the range with the 2WD model now featuring the roof rails, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit alert and 360-degree camera already standard on the AWD, as well as a larger touchscreen, headlight washers, a driver’s knee airbag and puddle lamps across the range.

In addition to the added features and price drop, Toyota is also offering private buyers the choice of a free 7kW Jet Charge home charger or a 12 month/625kWh Chargefox voucher between now and the end of 2026 through the Toyota Go loyalty program.

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Private buyers who also choose to finance their bZ4X through Toyota Finance Australia will also receive a limited deposit contribution of $5000 for the 2WD bZ4X and $7500 for the AWD car.

2026 Toyota bZ4X pricing (plus on-road costs):

The updated Toyota bZ4X range is now on sale in Australia ahead of imminent local deliveries.

Ahead of a fourth quarter 2026 Australian release, the second-generation Kia Seltos has been revealed with a larger and sharper-looking body, more technology and, for the first time, a hybrid drivetrain. As with other new Kia models in Australia, the new Seltos will feature local suspension tuning for Australian conditions.

Like Kia’s other models launched over the past few years, the new Seltos unveils a striking aesthetic. Using the company’s current “Opposites United” design theme, it’s sharp from every angle, from the angular lighting to the wedge shape. It strongly resembles the larger EV5… though it’s not electric.

Inside, the new Seltos is a more modern and open dashboard with the same dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, 5.0-inch climate screen and open centre console as other Kia models like the EV3. Other available interior features include ambient lighting, reclining rear seats, a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof, electric front seats with ‘relaxation’ mode for the driver and premium sound systems from either Bose or Harman Kardon.

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The new Seltos uses Kia’s new ‘K3’ platform also used by the K4. It measures 4430mm long, 1830mm wide, 1600mm tall and features a 2690mm long wheelbase, making it 45mm longer, 30mm wider, 35mm less tall and 60mm longer between the wheels than the current model. Its 536-litre boot is one of the largest in the small SUV segment, and 103 litres larger than the current Seltos.

Kia hasn’t actually detailed the hybrid drivetrain that will feature in the Seltos hybrid, but it’s likely to be similar to the 1.6-litre unit that’s used in cars like the Hyundai Kona and i30 sedan. Aside from hybrid drivetrains, we expect the same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol options available in the current Seltos to carry over to the new model.

Kia Australia has confirmed that the second-generation Seltos will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026, with local pricing and specifications to be announced before then.

Stunt driver Travis Pastrana has launched his latest Gymkhana stunt driving video, this time in a more familiar location. Titled Aussie Shred, the film is set in various locations in Australia using a highly modified Subaru Brat ute, and is the final film in the Gymkhana series.

Made famous by the late Ken Block before Pastrana carried the flag, Gymkhana has made videos in many locations globally, including France, Dubai, San Francisco and Los Angeles. This time however, Australian locations such as Broken Hill, Mount Panorama and urban Sydney are used.

In this Gymkhana video, Pastrana uses a heavily modified 1978 Subaru Brat ute nicknamed the ‘Brataroo’. Sold in Australia as the iconic Brumby, this Brat pumps out a massive 500kW of power and 922Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-litre Boxer engine that can rev north of 9500rpm.

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“The Brataroo is hands down the craziest Gymkhana car we’ve ever built,” said Pastrana. “Every part of this car was designed to take the abuse we threw at it while making this film. From hanging two tires off a pier to flying 160 feet across a 10-story deep canyon gap over a road train to skimming across a deep lake and scaring myself every step of the way.”

In true Gymkhana fashion, the film features a host of cameos from local motorsport icons, including two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price, Subaru WRC driver Chris Atkinson and Nitro Circus BMX riders Ryan Williams, Jaie Toohey and Will Brown.

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A field of V8 Supercars drivers challenge the Brataroo to a rolling drag race down Mount Panorama’s Conrod Straight, while the lineup also includes Moog and Marty from Mighty Car Mods, the last of the V8 Interceptors and the Mad Hueys performing the best of Aussie traditions: the shoey.  

Apple’s next iPhone software update is set to make CarPlay a little more flexible, especially for drivers using larger infotainment screens. iOS 26.2, expected to roll out to the public in mid-December 2025, builds on the redesign introduced with iOS 26 earlier this year and focuses on giving users more control over what appears on the dashboard display.

The headline change is for vehicles with wide or high-resolution CarPlay layouts. Where these cars previously supported two configurable widget tiles, iOS 26.2 allows a third. In practical terms, that means more glanceable information without jumping between apps. Apple’s widget system in CarPlay already supports things like music, navigation shortcuts, weather, calendar items and third-party Live Activities, and the extra slot should help reduce screen switching during a drive.

Live Activities – added to CarPlay in a prior iOS 26 update – remain part of the mix. Depending on what’s on an iPhone, these tiles can show real-time updates such as sports scores, delivery tracking or timers, alongside more traditional widgets. The idea is to keep short, time-sensitive info visible while leaving the main app area free for navigation or media.

A smaller but likely welcome tweak involves Messages. CarPlay currently mirrors the iPhone’s pinned conversations view, keeping selected threads at the top of the list. With iOS 26.2, drivers can disable that pinned section, returning Messages to a simple chronological list if they prefer.

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iOS 26.2 will be available for iPhone 11 and newer, so most current CarPlay users will be able to access the changes once the update lands.

None of this reaches the scope of CarPlay Ultra, Apple’s newer in-car system that takes over multiple displays and integrates vehicle controls. Ultra launched in 2025 starting with Aston Martin models, adding full-screen instrument-cluster themes and access to functions like climate and drive modes inside the CarPlay interface. For everyone else, though, iOS 26.2 is another nudge toward a more custom, less distracting CarPlay.

Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, has revealed more details of its stunning G90-based station wagon concept. First revealed at last month’s Genesis Magma World Premiere, the Wingback was designed to showcase the brand’s evolution since emerging as a standalone brand 10 years ago.

But cryptic comments from Genesis’ President and Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke, hinted that the stunning wagon concept could actually make it into limited production.

Genesis G90 Wingback concept
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“I would love to,”Donckerwolke told assembled media at the Genesis Magma Global Premiere last month. “It is 100 per cent platform of the G90 with this 3.2 metres long wheelbase, [and] the 5.1 metre overall length. And basically it means that the car is very executable very fast with a minimum level of investment.

“Now the question is, if the production tooling is affordable for a certain amount of volume, this is something that we are looking at now.”

Based on the G90 large sedan, not available in right-hand drive markets, including Australia, the Wingback casts a long shadow thanks to its 3.2m wheelbase and 5.1m overall length.

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The Wingback’s distinctive and striking design incorporates elements of Genesis’ contemporary design language, with more than a hint of the Korean brand’s newly-minted performance arm, Magma, thrown in.

Up front, the brand’s signature Crest Grille is flanked by the brand’s distinctive two-line headlights. An aggressive front bumper wears Magma badging while big air intakes, flanked by canards lead into pumped wheel arches that enhance the Wingback’s long, low and wide stance.

Those wheel arches house 22-inch alloys shod in massive low-profile tyres, measuring 315mm at the rears. Out back, a sloping roofline leads into the the first of two rear spoilers, the first mounted atop the sharply-raked tailgate, the second a Kammback-style spoiler lower down on the tailgate’s beltline.

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New details have emerged about the cabin which is finished in what Genesis calls quilted Chamude, a suede-like material, accented by contrasting Magma green stitching. The front sports seats are festooned with an embroidered Magma logo, also in green.

No details have emerged about what powers the Genesis G90 Wingback but looking at its donor car does provide some hints. The left-hand drive only G90 large sedan utilises a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 with outputs of 305kW and 549Nm.

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Genesis claims that the Wingback concept points to a broader line-up of cars in the brand’s future, stating that it “highlights that Genesis intends to extend the Magma program to include a spectrum of typologies across its current and future lineup, ranging from sports cars to coupes and convertibles.”

Added Donckerwolke, “[It is] a bridge between Magma and the One of One bespoke program.

“At the moment there is, let’s say, a multiplication of SUVs. And this fast growth will create a saturation. This is when other typologies of cars are going to become attractive again. This is why I strongly believe in not having a typology monoculture.”

The first production car from Genesis’ new performance sub-brand, the GV60 Magma electric SUV, will hit Australian showrooms in 2026.

Constant change is nothing new in the car industry, as car makers try to stay ahead of trends, regulations and buyer tastes to best appeal to customers.

That need to manage change includes component makers, and car tyres are one of those components where improvements are constantly achieved through technology.

WhichCar by Wheels experienced this during a demonstration day held by Michelin, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer by revenue since 2021. The familiarisation for motoring media showcased its new Primacy 5 tyre launched during 2025, new rubber that differs from its sportier tyres such as the legendary Pilot Sport range in that it’s designed primarily for everyday drivers with regular cars, many of which would now likely be electric.

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The importance of your car’s tyres is not restricted to drivers of high performance cars. In fact, considering a Primacy 5 buyer is more likely to use it in a wider range of conditions, the tyre choice is arguably even more important.

Michelin’s claim for the Primacy 5 is that it will last 24 per cent longer than comparable premium tyres, achieved via new ‘Silent Rib Gen-3’ technology that helps reduce vibration and noise reduction, an advance put to the test at the Michelin Primacy 5’s launch event at Sydney Motorsport Park.

To demonstrate the improved rolling resistance of the Primacy 5 and how it benefits electric vehicles in gaining extra range, Michelin staged a simple comparison using an MG 4 electric hatchback. The demo saw the car rolled from 40km/h to a stop using both a competitor brand and a set of Primacy 5s.

With competitor tyres fitted, the MG 4 rolled to a stop after 83 metres. On the Primacy 5s, it travelled a further 44 metres to reach 127 metres in total, backing up Michelin’s claim that EV buyers will benefit significantly from the Primacy 5 due to the extra range they provide.

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For the second part of the Primacy 5 launch, we focused on its ability to grip in wet conditions using two Toyota Camrys as the test cars, again with one car using Primacy 5s and the other with a competitor tyre, driving through a wet slalom and braking section at 80km/h.

The difference between the Primacy 5 and the competitor tyre was obvious. Not only did the Camry fitted with those tyres feel more stable through the slalom section, but it stopped from 80km/h noticeably quicker.

For the third and final part of the Primacy 5 launch, we were testing its refinement. Back in the MG4, a car that is already fairly well refined, we took out the one fitted with competitor tyres first. The South Circuit at Sydney Motorsport Park features a lot of turns and while we could’ve taken it flat out – the MG 4 would be quite fun in that condition – we did it at a steady 60km/h, a speed that most Primacy 5 customers will use their tyres at.

We first completed a dry slalom section to test manoeuvrability and grip and then headed towards a ripple strip to test the Primacy 5’s quietness. Like the previous tests, the Primacy 5 really impressed in those conditions – the extra grip was noticeable in the slalom, while the MG 4’s cabin was definitely more hushed throughout the whole test.

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It’s clear from the launch event that the Michelin Primacy 5 is an impressive tyre and one you should consider if you’re after a great all-rounder that’s safe and enhances your vehicle’s refinement and dynamics. Pricing for what is predicted to be the most popular size, the 215/55/R17 on cars such as the Camry, starts from $263 per tyre.

Sure, you can get cheaper tyres but tyres are the only thing that your vehicle touches the road with and are extremely important, especially in wet conditions. From what we’ve seen in testing, the Michelin Primacy 5 is worth every penny over its competitors.