Postingan

Mazda’s smaller models like Mazda 2 and CX-3 have a future in Australia

Gambar
New-generation versions of the Mazda 2 and CX-3 are on the cards, but still years away as Mazda prioritises other model lines. Mazda CX-3 Mazda is committed to small and affordable models in Australia, confirming new-generation versions of the Mazda 2 and CX-3, but they likely will not materialise before 2027. This is despite markets around the world dropping the ageing models, including Japan recently discontinuing the CX-3 SUV and the UK dropping the in-house Mazda 2 but keeping the rebadged Toyota Yaris hybrid version. Speaking to Drive , Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said the brand’s local division will continue to stock the two models – both sourced from Thailand – for the foreseeable future. “What they are doing in other markets, they would be doing it for different reasons, but these two products [Mazda 2 and CX-3] will be on offer ongoing this year,” Bhindi said. MORE: New Mazda CX-3, Mazda 2 descend Japanese brand’s priority list Mazda 2 “From Mazd...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Corvette Grand Sport confirmed as last of C8 generation

Gambar
The end is coming for the current-generation Chevrolet Corvette, with confirmation that the Grand Sport version will be the last variant joining the range. With the announcement of the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport comes confirmation that the current model is set to wind down. The news is hardly surprising, with the Grand Sport usually added as the last variant in the Corvette line-up. While the name extends back as far as 1963, the Grand Sport’s last-edition status started with the C4 generation, skipped the C5, and re-joined the range for the C6 and C7 generations. Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder confirmed that the C8 Corvette Grand Sport would be the last new model added to the range in an interview with The Gas podcast , published by American Cars and Racing . MORE: 2027 Chevrolet Corvette with new 6.7-litre V8 no certainty for Australia “As far as a model line-up, the Grand Sport is going to round out the eighth generation of Corvette for sure,” Hol...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

2026 Kia EV6 price and specs: Updated Model Y, Ioniq 5 electric car rival arrives after two-year wait

Gambar
The updated Kia EV6 electric SUV has arrived in Australia two years after its debut, with design tweaks, a larger battery, and Kia Connect telematics. 2026 Kia EV6 pricing and specifications Delayed electric SUV now arriving in Australia Larger battery, Kia Connect and wireless phone mirroring Priced from $72,660 before on-road costs 2026 Kia EV6 GT The 2026 Kia EV6 electric SUV has arrived in Australia – nearly two years after its debut in Korea – with design changes, a larger battery, technology improvements and a $70 price increase across the range.  Priced from $72,660 before on-road costs, the Kia EV6 remains available in four grades: Air RWD, GT-Line RWD, GT-Line AWD and GT AWD.  Originally forecast to arrive in Australia by the end of 2024, revisions include a new 84kWh battery – up from 77.4kWh – for an increase in WLTP driving range of 26 to 56 kilometres, depending on the grade.  The 2026 EV6 also features a revised front-end design with Kia’s...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Opinion: The quirky road rule in Japan confusing Aussie drivers

Gambar
The tolerances of Japan’s fixed speed cameras are so absurdly generous, they make Australia look like an over-policed driving dystopia. On a recent trip to Japan, I learned something about their speed cameras that made my jaw drop. In Japan, speed cameras have a 40km/h tolerance on motorways, and a 30km/h tolerance on urban roads. That means that if you do 119km/h past a speed camera on a Japanese motorway, in an indicated 80km/h speed zone, you can expect no mail from the local authorities. Of course, we’re not suggesting you try this at home (or on a Japanese freeway). If you’re one of the many Australians visiting Japan on holiday, especially with the dollar fetching 110 Japanese yen, you should respect local road rules, especially speed limits. That’s even if many of the locals may not. Let me set a scene for you. It’s December last year, and I’m on the Chuo Expressway heading west out of Tokyo. For all intents and purposes, this dual carriageway is so billiard-smooth it...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Aston Martin Valhalla almost did 140km/h in reverse, and it was a terrible idea

Gambar
When it comes to top speeds in reverse, less is definitely more. Sometimes we need saving from ourselves. Aston Martin Valhalla plug-in hybrid hypercar The Aston Martin Valhalla is remarkable for a number of reasons. It sets a number of firsts for the company. It’s also a car that presented the company with a bizarre problem. It was too fast in reverse. On the face of it, that doesn’t sound too great an issue in the greater scheme of things. In reality, it could easily be a bit frightening. Reverse gear in the Valhalla doesn’t run through its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission . Instead, the plug-in hybrid hypercar handles reverse through its pair of electric motors driving the front wheels. These can run at speeds of up to 140km/h while driving forwards, but it was soon realised that they’d do exactly the same in reverse. Frankly terrifying, especially given the amount of power they have at their disposal. MORE: Aston Martin Valhalla among Australia’s most expensive n...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

BMW is dancing around China’s door handle ban with a region-specific solution

Gambar
New regulations in China mean cars must have physical door handles to ensure ease of operation in an emergency, but BMW has opted for a region-specific solution. It appears BMW isn’t prepared to abandon flush-fit electronically actuated door handles just yet. The trend towards flush-fit door handles that electronically present themselves, or require counter-intuitive steps to open, is about to be brought to an abrupt end, thanks to the introduction of regulations in China that require simple, manual operation in a variety of conditions. As one of the largest new car sales markets in the world, it’s reasonable to assume that the new Chinese regulations would force car brands to follow suit across global markets to keep a lid on costs. BMW , however, looks set to adopt a specific solution for the Chinese market that won’t be seen elsewhere. At least, not initially. MORE: 2027 BMW M3 EV seemingly leaked Images of China’s version of the iX3 electric SUV reveal a unique ...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

GAC hopes to be a best-seller in Australia sooner than previously thought

Gambar
Chinese car brand GAC previously claimed it could be a Top 10 selling brand in five years. Now it reckons it can hit its goal even sooner. GAC Aion UT GAC thinks it can crack the list of the Top 10 best-selling car brands in Australia in as little as three years, planning a rapid expansion even quicker than it previously targeted. The Chinese car brand, like many newcomers, is eyeing a top-10 place in the new-car sales charts, and has previously declared it wants to achieve its goal within five years. GAC , which stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group, also wants to expand its dealership reach from 30 to 100 during the same period. At the launch of its new Aion UT electric hatchback this week, though, local boss Kevin Shu said he thinks GAC can do it sooner. MORE: 2026 GAC Aion UT price and specs – BYD Dolphin and MG 4 rival detailed for Australia GAC Aion UT “Within five years, with 10 models, with more than 100 [dealer] network together, we can enter the ...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya