We publish a lot of car news during the work week and it can be difficult to keep everything up to date – that’s the reason behind this weekend’s list.
In short, here are some of the key articles from our news desk as of this Monday summarized, just in case you missed them at the time.
this one stings
Kia has confirmed the Stinger will end production soon, in a Korean press release. The company has announced a limited 1000-piece Stinger Tribute Edition, designed to showcase the image-changing performance GT style.
“The Tribute Edition pays homage to Kia’s high-performance vision and celebrates the significant contribution the Stinger sedan has made to the brand since its introduction in 2017, when production broke out. This disruption is over,” the company said.
It doesn’t confirm a production end date, but since this is the final version, it’s pretty clear that the Stinger will leave the factory agenda throughout 2023. Reporting from October predict more.
THAN: Kia Stinger ends production
ANCAP’s Performance Stars
Safety Authority ANCAP is ending the calendar year and has listed the best performing vehicles for 2022.
When looking at the weighted scores in the four test areas, Tesla Model Y ranked first with a score of 92.6%.
The LexusNx received the second-highest total weighted score for 2022 at 89.2%, while the petrol-powered version LDV MIFA and its electric MIFA 9 rival also took the podium with a weighted score of 87.4%.
THAN: Tesla Model Y tops ANCAP’s 2022 safest car list
New Q5 around the corner
The next-generation Audi Q5 SUV has been spotted once again ahead of its scheduled launch in 2023, in the form of a 2024 model.
Our spy photographers were able to capture this camouflaged photo Q5 The prototype is parked right next to a current-generation model, allowing us to see most of the body changes on the outside.
The next-generation Q5 is clearly lower and wider than the current model. It also seems to have a longer wheelbase which could offer more interior space.
THAN: Audi Q5 2024 revealed inside and out
LDV exciting new van lob
China’s LDV is continuing to launch new vehicles in its domestic market, the latest being a mid-size passenger car with some funky design touches and two-tone colors.
The Maxus V70 – the company called LDV in Australia uses the Maxus brand elsewhere – looks quite like a Custom Ford Transit from the side, but has an interesting front grille and fun two-tone use like one Volkswagen Multivan.
We also understand that the importer of LDV Australia is aware of the V70 and is reviewing the vehicle, although they themselves have not commented on any plans one way or another.
THAN: LDV revealed the funny Maxus V70 van
New Nismo approaching
The hotter Nissan Z seems to have been on track for testing ahead of the expected reveal next year.
The Nissan Z Nismo 2023, as seen in a series of images shared on Facebook and Twitter, has a series of obvious changes.
There are new wheels, wrapped in Dunlop tyres, behind seemingly larger brakes, while also new bumpers.
THAN: Nissan Z Nismo 2023 caught?
Tanks cost less than $60k
GWM continues its rapid expansion into the Australian market, with the GWM Tank sub-brand coming soon – where it will be sold alongside the GWM Ute and many other GWM Haval SUVs.
Its first model was the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid, a 4×4 trapezoidal chassis that shares some of its platform with the GWM Ute, but uses gasoline-electric power.
Prices start at $55,990 drive-away and top out at $60,990 drive-away, making it GWM’s most expensive vehicle in Australia to date.
THAN: GWM Tank 300 Hybrid 4×4 starts at $55,990 while driving
Kona grows up, and out
The next-generation, larger Hyundai Kona crossover has been revealed, ahead of its Australian debut starting mid-2023.
More details will be revealed in the coming months, for both international and Australian models, but CarExpert understands the brand will delay the launch of the Kona lineup like the original version. .
Gasoline, hybrid and EV versions are all on the card for Australia. If the Hybrid (HEV) gets here, it’s a big win for Hyundai Australia as the first-generation Kona Hybrid never showed up in local showrooms due to being manufactured in Europe.
THAN: Hyundai Kona 2023 revealed, mid-year with hybrid option, EV
The cost of used cars returning to Earth
The average cost of used cars in Australia today is fall for six monthsoffers some relief to buyers priced out of the hot market, according to a new report.
Compiled by Moody’s Analytics, the latest Used Car Price Index shows transaction costs fell another 2% between October and November.
The data shows that used car prices are now on average lower than they were at the beginning of the year. In May 2022, used car prices are 18.4% higher than in May 2021. However, things are still not really ‘normal’. The average used car price is still 55% higher than it was in January 2020, just before COVID wreaked havoc.
THAN: Australian used car prices have fallen for six straight months
Cheap EVs taken with camo
The BYD Dolphin – billed as one of Australia’s cheapest electric vehicles – was caught testing in New South Wales.
In the pictures shared on the Facebook group Australian SpottersThe electric hatch is camouflaged at the front of the vehicle, making it difficult to discern any visual changes.
We don’t expect any major changes to the front exterior, although the presence of camouflage here and not anywhere else on the car is noticeable.
THAN: 2023 BYD Dolphin EV hatch test track in Australia
Prepare yourself… Teslas are coming
A ship carrying “more than 4000 new Teslas” is expected to dock in NSW before Christmas, which will be the largest Tesla shipment ever to Australia.
The news comes from the established Tesla shipping tracker VedaPrimeclaims 12 ships arrived carrying Teslas in the fourth quarter of this year.
The 13th was scheduled to arrive but will not now dock until the first quarter of 2023.
