We publish a lot of car news during the work week (normally 70 news) and it can be difficult to keep up with everything – that’s the underlying reason behind this weekend’s list.
In a nutshell, here are some of the key articles from our news desk as of this Monday summarized, in case you missed them at the time.
A Bavarian icon reborn
We have seen Official teaserand even a few unintentional leaksbut this is the second generation BMW M2 in all its official glory.
Test drivetrain and chassis technology from the larger and more expensive M3 and M4, New M2 global launch in April 2023, and will be available in BMW Australia showrooms shortly thereafter.
Click here to read the Australian price and specs story for the M2, which is expected to arrive in Q2 2023 from $119,900 before shipping costs.
FULL STORY: 2023 BMW M2 revealed with a punch of 338kW
Toyota pushes back claims of lagging
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing, has again hotly contested his view that the Japanese brand is lagging behind the electrification industry – in a rare moment of passion in the industry. this week.
Speaking to the media in Australia during the launch of the new Corolla Cross heavy hybrid, Mr Hanley was very clear about the path to net zero in Australia, where he believes a suite of technology is required. Diversified powertrain to “take people on a journey”.
“First of all, Toyota is not against battery electric vehicles. The second is that we believe that to get to carbon neutrality, you have to take people on a journey – you have to have a solution for the market you’re operating in,” stated Mr Hanley.
FULL STORY: Toyota – we’ve been reducing CO2 since before it was ‘fashionable’
Boy playing catch
Ten years ago, Kia’s market share in Australia (2.6%) was less than a third of its major shareholder, Hyundai (8.5%).
However, the brand has spent a steady decade closing this gap, to the point where by 2022 Kia actually leads Hyundai in the sales race.
As of the end of September, Kia Australia has registered 60,200 vehicles, compared with 58,103 Hyundai vehicles.
FULL STORY: Kia’s rapid growth is on track, as it overtakes Hyundai in Australia
Polestar’s first SUV debuts
Recently listed Electric vehicle brand Polestar, a joint venture between Volvo and parent company Geely, has changed the cover from its first SUV after a long-term advertising campaign.
The Polestar 3 is a distinctive looking five-seater intended to join the existing lineup Polestar 2 . feedback in the company’s growing lineup from late 2023 in North America, Europe and China, and 2024 for other regions including Australia.
This will be the first Polestar to be produced in two countries: starting in Chengdu, China, and then in the United States from 2024 at a factory in South Carolina.
FULL STORY: Polestar 3 electric SUV revealed
Lexus EV gets increased range
The updated Lexus UX300e electric car will arrive in Australia in 2023, headlined by a much larger battery pack offering significantly extended driving range.
The MY23 model has a 72.8kWh battery, up from the old 54.4kWh pack, extending the driving range from 315km to 450km as confirmed in WLTP testing.
The electric motor remains the same as before, producing 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
FULL STORY: 2023 Lexus UX300e EV gets increased range
SsangYong Recovery Path
SsangYong just managed what looks to be the best monthly result in Australia, delivering 400 cars in September, up 71% from the same period in 2021.
Year-to-date (YTD) the brand has sold 2,565 vehicles, up 17%, putting the brand on track with 3400 to 3500 sales for the calendar year – another high mark. It sold 2978 vehicles in 2021 and 2645 vehicles in 2005.
Its best performer is Musso double taxi with sales of 222 monthly and 1120 years to date, even though it is Rexton The most developed large SUV.
FULL STORY: SsangYong Australia wins sales record
Mazda’s premium push gets inline-six
The Australian Mazda CX-60 2023 will have a new 3.3-liter inline turbocharged engine with 48V mild hybrid technology, different from 3.0 liter e-Skyactiv X Supercharged petrol for Europe.
With outputs of 209kW and 450Nm, the 48V MHEV-powered 3.3-litre inline turbocharged engine will join the 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv Plug-in Hybrid 241kW/500Nm, as well as the 187kW/550Nm e-Skyactiv D 3.3- turbo-diesel inline six, also with 48V mild hybrid technology.
Mazda Australia confirms 3.3-liter turbocharged engine is confirmed as part of today’s CX-60 announcement will not be offered in other core markets of the CX-60, but will come to North America – however, North America will not have the CX-60, as far as we know.
FULL STORY: 2023 Mazda CX-60 launches 3.3-liter turbocharged gasoline
Toyota’s first EV delayed… again
Toyota’s first electric car is still nearly 12 months away from arriving in showrooms in Australia.
The 2023 Toyota bZ4x The company has confirmed that it is now gearing up for an Australian launch in the second half of 2023.
After initially being expected to arrive by the end of 2022Toyota’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise, Sean Hanley told the media this week at the launch Corolla Cross that the brand’s first electric car won’t be here for at least another 8-12 months.
FULL STORY: Toyota bZ4x EV delayed, arriving in Australia in second half of 2023
New Carnival Rivals are coming
In addition to its first electric motor, LDV’s local lineup is featuring a new petrol and diesel model. Government documents show the LDV G90 petrol and diesel engine has been approved for sale in Australia alongside its electric partner MIFA 9.
Although the presence of approval documents does not always mean that a vehicle will arrive in Australia, CarExpert understand that the G90 range will be launched locally – even though its launch coincides with The appearance of MIFA 9 in November Unclear.
G90 will replace G10 cheerleadersstopped this early year.
FULL STORY: 2023 LDV G90, China Kia Carnival rival set for Australia
Hyundai rates EV hours as appropriate – for some
Hyundai Australia says it sees potential for an electronic here, at least for some.
The company has also called on the Albanese government’s upcoming National Electric Vehicle Strategy to look at ways to encourage the availability of appropriately sized EV pickups for local buyers.
Although not confirmed in any way to confirm an EV has been developed, Hyundai Australia CEO John Kett told CarExpert last week that the zero-emissions solution represents a huge opportunity for the brand here – among some, but not all, buyers.
FULL STORY: Hyundai Australia believes electric vehicles will work – for some
EV survey results posted
Electric vehicles will reach the same price point as combustion-powered vehicles in Australia by 2031 but those living in the suburbs of our nation risk being left behind.
That’s according to professional services firm KPMG, which also predicts the average range of electric vehicles will increase from 340km to 480km during that time.
It compiled a report named Speed up local tram absorption where it’s neededand has developed a platform that tracks EV volume at the postcode level and subsequent emissions reductions, as well as changes in electricity demand.
FULL: KPMG says EVs should be subsidized for those in the suburbs
Toyota seeks software-led profits
Australia’s best-selling car company Toyota is launching a range of app and cloud-based ‘connected services’ – some for free and others for a monthly fee.
It’s a potentially lucrative move for a company that sells more than 200,000 new cars here each year. Its decision to charge a subscription fee is sure to be closely watched by rivals.
The first vehicle to receive the Toyota Connected Service here is a new vehicle Corolla Cross SUVs, with technologies to be deployed across the range as they are regularly updated.
FULL STORY: Toyota Connect Service comes to subscriptions
