AUTOMOBILE seats, HUMAN comfort, ENERGY consumption
Abstract
Hyundai has released a facelifted version of its i30 Sedan, incorporating engineering enhancements from the new-generation Kona. The sedan features a restyled exterior with a fastback silhouette and new LED headlights. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter petrol engine, while a hybrid version is also available. The i30 Sedan offers a spacious interior with comfortable seating and a generous amount of equipment. It delivers impressive fuel efficiency and has strong handling and dynamics. However, the base model has a plain appearance and lacks storage space. Overall, the i30 Sedan Hybrid is a practical and efficient choice for those looking for a reliable and comfortable ride. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, EQUILIBRIUM testing, AUTOMOBILE speed, ELECTRIC automobiles, SPORTS cars
Abstract
The article discusses the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a new electric car model. The author describes their experience driving the car and highlights its impressive suspension and handling capabilities. They also mention the car's unique features, such as simulated gear shifts and customizable engine noises. The article praises the Ioniq 5 N's performance and driving experience, comparing it favorably to other high-performance cars. However, it notes that the limited availability of ultra-fast chargers may restrict the car's ability to travel long distances. Overall, the article presents a positive review of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. [Extracted from the article]
Base model not quick but still fit for purpose THE PICK: Premium worth it for range, pace and IRS
Dynamic
$38,890 E 45 70 180 R1 1506 12.3 -- - F
Premium
$44,890 E 60 150 310 R1 1658 7.0 -- - F
Sport
$49,990 E 60 150 310 R1 1658 7.0 -- - F
HMtëlt:
China's "Build Your Dreams" debut vehicle is medium SUV in size, with two range variants and a striking, concept car-esque interior THE PICK: The Extended Range for its extra 75km (up to 420km)
Standard range
$44,990* E 50 150 310 R1 1680 7.3 TBC-F
Extended range
$47,990* E 60 150 310 R1 1750 7.3 TBC-F
CatErham 2 years/50,000km
Developed from Colin Chapman's 1957 vision; a time when cigarettes were good for you. New front-drive variants improve its value slightly THE PICK: The loaded Prestige, or try a Mazda CX-3Û
$38,990
L4T
1.4 103 220 A6 1260
- 5.9 91
F
Plus
$41,490
L4T
1.4 103 220 A6 1260
- 5.9 91
F
AllGrip
$40,990
L4T
1.4 103 220 A6 1260
- 6.2 95
A
Prestige AUG ri p
$44,490
L4T
1.4 103 220 A6 1260
- 6.2 95
A
1 11
Jimny
Pint-size off-roader can't be stopped by terrain, though you'll risk your sanity on long highway stints. [Extracted from the article]
ELECTRIC vehicles testing, ELECTRIC automobiles, AUSTRALIAN history, ELECTRIC drives, AUTOMOBILE seats
Abstract
The article discusses the results of an extensive electric vehicle test in Australia, specifically focusing on the sub-$80K class. The Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV6, and MG 4 are highlighted as standout vehicles in their respective segments. The Hyundai Kona Electric is praised for its family-sized design and engaging driving experience, although it is noted that the base model has some shortcomings. The Kia EV6 is commended for its efficiency, fast charging, and overall completeness as a range of vehicles. The MG 4 is described as an excellent steer with a spacious interior and affordability that surpasses its rivals. Ultimately, the MG 4 is chosen as the best electric vehicle under $80,000 due to its affordability and its potential to bring price parity with combustion cars. [Extracted from the article]
The article discusses the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range, a small electric SUV. The vehicle is described as a great-value option but lacking in maturity. It has a slower charging battery but does not experience degradation when charged to 100 percent. The BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest car in its category and offers modern features such as a touchscreen and connected software. However, the cabin design and materials are described as strange and the front seats are not particularly comfortable. The vehicle offers ample back-seat space and a spacious cargo area. It has a powerful electric motor but could use improvements in braking and steering. Overall, the BYD Atto 3 is considered a competent and likeable family electric vehicle. [Extracted from the article]
We're not sure if Volkswagen is trying to troll Ford, but it claims a millimetre more ground clearance for the Amarok versus the Ranger (235mm vs 234mm). Park this Ford and the Volkswagen side by side and most would probably think the Amarok was a lot more than $9K more expensive. To that end, we've chosen the penultimate Amarok model, the Panamericana. Volkswagen's 45-minute presentation on the new Amarok went into considerable depth, even mentioning at one point that the vehicle was designed -- by persons unnamed -- in Melbourne. [Extracted from the article]
We spend the next few hours dicing, me in the Honda and Dylan in the Porsche as photographer Dewar blasts away with her Canon. Type R's red buckets rival the Porsche for support but take the win for comfort thanks to their additional padding. Both of these cars are loud -- tyre and road noise are the unavoidable trade-offs of focused rubber and meagre sound deadening -- but it's the Honda that does the better job of keeping you feeling fresh after a lengthy stint behind the wheel. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is an evolution of the K20C1 fitted to the previous Type R but Honda's engineers have redesigned the turbo and worked hard to dispense with as much inertia as possible to make it feel livelier, more eager. [Extracted from the article]
A WALKINSHAW Performance-fettled Mitsubishi Triton has officially entered the Australian market, but Jbuyers will have to be quick to claim one, as a limited run of just 500 units will be available through select Mitsubishi dealers in Q3 of this year. The forged aluminium wheels are strong, lightweight and a step up from cast alloy units, and the design employed by Walkinshaw creates a much deeper dish with greater offset on the wheel itself. [Extracted from the article]
ENDANGERED species listing, AUTOMOBILE seats, MOTIVATION (Psychology)
Abstract
Two cool interior highlights are the Sport Luxury's sunroof which can instantly switch from transparent to opaque just by pressing a button; and the same grade's radiant heating which uses infrared panels under the steering column -- and where the glovebox lid would be -- to gently warm your knees. STARTING at $123,000, the Lexus RZ is built on the same all-new, dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform as the incoming Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. But after years of sitting on the EV sidelines, when the world's biggest car manufacturer Toyota enters the new-age EV race, you pay attention. [Extracted from the article]
HONDA Civic automobile, DIFFERENTIAL equations, AUTOMOBILE seats, USED cars
Abstract
THE HYUNDAI i30 SEDAN N IS A MERE $49K. Hyundai isn't there yet with the i30 Sedan N, but such is theN division's trajectory that its day will surely come. Step forward the Hyundai i30 Sedan N. A front-driver which, ifyou look at the bald figures, is quicker than the Civic to 100km/h. Hyundai i30 N The i30 Sedan N feels generously cutinside, with plenty of space both frontand rear. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, ELECTRIC actuators, SPEED, HEAD-up displays, AUDI automobiles
Abstract
Two tonnes of metal being flung at thehorizon by 430kW/730Nm in the Kia's case, and approximately393kW/660Nm for the Model Y. The Model Y's initial snap is more visceral, yet its electronicsmarts expertly limit wheelspin to a minimum. Speaking to Kia's chassis dynamicist Graeme Gamboldrevealed that Australian EV6 GTs run higher compression andlower spring rates for better control of the body without thejiggle associated with excess rebound damping. The EV6 GT starts at $99,950 before on-road costs, whilethe Model Y Performance is a little cheaper at $98,955. Forward vision is generally excellent, owing to the highseating position and huge front windscreen, but the tiny slot rearwindow makes it hard to judge the rear of the Model Y. Swapping into the EV6's snug bucket seats on the bumpyBells Line of Road re-iterated Kia's chassis tuning nous; theEV6 GT is superbly suspended. [Extracted from the article]
Dynamically, too, the MG falls a little short of its BYD rival, but its excellent seven-year warranty and cheaper servicing costs go some way to redressing this as an overall ownership proposition. PODIUM: VOLVO C40, MERCEDES EQB 250 THE BMW i4 takes top honours in this segment. MG ZS EV MG couldn't make its updated ZS EV available to us for this test, but we've included it here with assessment based on its comparison performance against the BYO Atto 3. [Extracted from the article]
The Cielo loses very little of the elegance of the MC20 coupe, and none of its 100-litre rear luggage compartment capacity. Inevitably, the rear of the Cielo is bulkier than the MC20 coupe's. He massaged the shape of the rear guards to better blend them with the roof cover, which sits higher than the see-through polycarbonate engine cover of the MC20 coupe. [Extracted from the article]
ELECTRIC vehicles, POWER steering, AUTOMOBILE seats
Abstract
As of September 2022, the queue for a BYD Atto 3 was five to six months long whereas if you were flexible on colour and happy to call around dealers hunting vehicles in stock, you could have a ZS EV -- and be part of that electric vehicle revolution -- in a matter of weeks, if not days. A small SUV built on a dedicated electric vehicle architecture, the Atto 3 is the first BYD model in Australia. The entry point for a new electric car in Australia is now $45K, and the competition for a spot in your driveway is intensifying thanks to the intriguing new, and very cheap, BYD Atto 3 electric SUV. [Extracted from the article]
Aston Martin has unveiled its new Vantage, claiming it to be the most focused version of the car yet. The new Vantage features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with extensive revisions, resulting in a power output of 489kW and a top speed of 325km/h. The car also boasts a redesigned body, improved chassis, upgraded suspension, and advanced technology features. Pricing and availability for the new Vantage have not yet been confirmed. [Extracted from the article]
The A3, on the other hand, leaves you feeling shortchanged- the core of it is undoubtedly good, but the base 35TFSI gives you the overwhelming feeling that the best examplesof the A3 are the ones further up the spec ladder. COMPARISON / CIVIC v A3 v SONATA WHEN A HONDA CIVIC STARTS PUSHING THE $50KBARRIER, IT BEGS THE QUESTION: ARE THERE WISER WAYSTO SPEND YOUR NEW-CAR BUDGET? HONDA CIVICNice-feeling leather upholstery,Bose premium audio, a nine-inchtouchscreen, wirelessphone charger, dual-zoneclimate control, heated andpowered front seats, activecruise -- the Civic has all thebasics covered and more,though simply cannot equalthe Hyundai's tech suite. We've pinched therange-opening A3 35 TFSI sedan which, with a $49,400 retailsticker, is within cooee of the Honda. [Extracted from the article]
HUMAN facial recognition software, AUTOMOBILE seats, AUTOMOBILE power trains
Abstract
Mazda's mostpowerful production car ever squeezes a system output of 241kWand 500Nm from a combination of a 129kW/217Nm electricmotor powered by a 17.8kWh battery and a 141kW/261Nm2.5-litre petrol engine. Mazda's remainingtight-lipped about the entry-level engine, likely to be anaturally aspirated 2.5-litre, but that powerplant wouldalmost certainly sell the CX-60's talents short. FIRST DRIVE / MAZDA CX-60 MAZDA HAS UPMARKET AMBITIONS AND THE NEWCX-60 IS THE POINT OF ITS PREMIUM SPEAR. Not just a new chassis anddrivetrain, but also a new double-wishbone suspensiondesign -- every other Mazda SUV runs on front struts withthe MX-5 the only other Mazda product thus equipped. [Extracted from the article]
SPORT utility vehicles, GRANDCHILDREN, JEEP automobiles, AUTOMOBILE seats
Abstract
The shovel, reimagined: THE OLD LAND ROVER DEFENDER WOULDN'T KNOW ITS GRANDCHILD. In the Defender, it's stuffed north-south within a modified version of Land Rover's ubiquitous, aluminium-rich D7 platform underpinning other vehicles like the already mentioned Discovery, but also Velar, F-Pace, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Having heard "truck coming" crackle through the two-way radio from photographer Alastair Brook -- hiding in the bushes somewhere -- I've reversed our Land Rover Defender test car on to a grassy verge in this remote pine plantation many miles east of Melbourne. As for engines, within the range there is the turbo petrol 2.0-litre of our test car, 3.0-litre petrol and diesel inline sixes and, temptingly, JLR's sublime supercharged 5.0-litre petrol V8. [Extracted from the article]
The Australian-spec S15 packed an identical 147kW/265Nm as the S14 with Nissan suggesting a circa 7.0-second 0-100km/h time, no quicker in a straight line than its predecessor. Wheels' best test results for both S14 and S15 200SXs were an identical 6.9sec, with the S15 posting a one-tenth better 14.9-sec quarter-mile to snap at the benchmark WRX's heels. [Extracted from the article]
The BRZ Coupe S (manual) is $40,190, while a Coupe S auto is $43,990 (both before on-road costs). LIGHT RAIN HAS been falling steadily over Sydney Motorsport Park for the launch of the new 2022 Subaru BRZ, so I figure it may be pertinent not to attack the South Circuit like a tubby kid at a confectionary buffet. [Extracted from the article]
FORESTERS, KIA automobiles, WINDSHIELD wipers, SPORT utility vehicles, AUTOMOBILE seats
Abstract
The older Forester can't match the Sportage and Outlander for showroom pizzazz, but it counters with intelligent design features such as rear doors that open almost to 90 degrees and masses of room. Unfortunately, where the Outlander trips up is an area where the Sportage and Forester shine -- ride quality. IF YOU'RE BUYING a new car in Australia and don't want a dual-cabute, chances are you're after a mid-size SUV. [Extracted from the article]
PLUG-in hybrid electric vehicles, AUTOMOBILE seats
Abstract
MG HS PHEV MG brand still favours its, er, "VW-inspired" steering wheel and Audi A3-style gimbal air vents, but material quality and seat comfort on those sporty-looking front seats is actually pretty good. Sourced from China, the MG HS actually has one of the most intriguing mechanical packages here, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline four (the other two make do with simple naturally-aspirated engines) and electric motor combo sandwiching a six-speed dual-clutch auto and a four-speed epicyclic auto. To be fair, though, the Niro is a base model while the Mitsubishi is the mid-spec Aspire -- the base Eclipse Cross ES PHEV lobs with a $46,490 retail price that puts it on a more even footing with the Niro S, but one wasn't available for us to test. Following on from the extensive mid-cycle facelift that rectified the unfortunate rump of Mitsu's small SUV, the PHEV's introduction brings a new powertrain alternative to the existing 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and expands Mitsubishi's electrically-enhanced line-up to two distinct models. [Extracted from the article]
The Puma misses out on a centre armrest and rear vents, however the optional ($2000) electric panoramic sunroof in the Puma does bring extra light and fresh air into the cabin. /25 Hyundai's seven-tier Kona line-up starts from $26,600, with its N-Line variant less than $1000 dearer than the top Puma at $36,300 (plus on-roads). While the Kona's N-badged front seats look the sportiest here, the Puma's are plenty supportive and upholstered in full leather where the Hyundai's are leather-accented only. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, CITY traffic, KIA automobiles, DISC brakes
Abstract
Kia says the dampers enable the EV6 to offer a slightly firmer, more planted ride when faced with lower frequency inputs, such as on a fast, winding road, and a more comfortable ride at highway speeds or over poor surfaces. Just on 55mm lower overall than the Ioniq 5, 100mm shorter in the wheelbase, and with stiffer suspension, the EV6 is fundamentally an electric avatar of the Stinger, the sporty rear-drive Kia fastback that has no counterpart in Hyundai's line-up. IT'S NOT JUST that the all-electric EV6 is the first Kia in history designed from the wheels up to be battery-powered; the EV6 signals its virtues in other ways, too. [Extracted from the article]
STARING AT THE 2022 Kia Sportage's exaggerated styling -- headlined by striking, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights -- it's most definitely an understatement to say Kia has come a long way as a brand since the original SUV debuted locally nearly 25 years ago. Even on the bigger 19-inch wheels of the GT-Line model, the Sportage makes a case for being the best-riding Kia in the showroom. While vigorously tackling a set of corners isn't an essential talent for a family-oriented SUV, the lighter-weight, front-wheel drive Sportage S petrol is surprisingly enjoyable to punt along a scenic tourist route. [Extracted from the article]
The article discusses three options for purchasing luxury cars on a budget. The first option is the Genesis GV80, which offers value for money and a pleasing interior. Used examples can be found for around $90,000 with some new-car warranty remaining. The second option is the Infiniti Q50, which is affordable due to depreciation. The Infiniti Q50 S, with its hybrid rear-drive V6, can be purchased for as little as $25,000. The third option is the Lexus LS, which provides years of trouble-free motoring. A range-topping LS from 2006 to 2017 can be purchased for between $20,000 and $60,000. It offers a spacious interior, luxury features, and a reliable 4.6-liter V8 engine. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, ELECTRIC motors, DRIVERS' licenses
Abstract
Powerful and engineered to feel like an old-school, petrol-powered performance car: they're the headlines for the first-ever EV produced by Hyundai N. Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N packs 478kW and can rocket from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds -- putting it close to a Porsche Taycan Turbo for power and performance -- yet Hyundai says numbers played only a small part in the design brief. The rest of the Ioniq 5 N's core recipe is performance-car 101. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, POWER steering, LUXURY cars, BUSINESSPEOPLE, DISC brakes
Abstract
As early as 1970, as Ford concurrently developed the Fairlane-based P5-series LTD sedan and the new Falcon hardtop, Bourke once again put two and two together and came up with a two-door LTD. Just a few years earlier, it had been Bourke's idea to make a high-performance GT four-door Falcon, at a time when "GT" everywhere else in the world meant a two-door coupe. [Extracted from the article]
BRAND awareness, AUTOMOBILE seats, HYBRID systems, PLUG-in hybrid electric vehicles
Abstract
Awareness is the name of the game for Cupra at this early stage, for a brand with ambitions of reaching 7000 sales by 2025. Price as tested $60,990 [+0RC] This month 306km p 2.5L/100km Overall 306km p 2.5L/100km THE VOLKSWAGEN GROUP has a new brand in town, and that made Cupra an obvious choice for a new addition to our long-term garage. [Extracted from the article]
The author shares his experience of driving the single seater Mono automobile of Briggs Automotive Co. in Isle of Man. Topics discussed include several photographs related to the driving of the Mono, the debut of Mono's lightweight wheels in 2016, and Mono's weatherproof leather and suede seat. He also mentions the speed limit for driving the automobile.
With its dominant rotary cars now dubbed "gas guzzlers", Mazda's US sales tanked by 40 percent. American-inspired Coke bottle curves, aggressive quad-headlamp grille and a kicked-up tail, with chrome bumpers smoothly massaged into the styling. [Extracted from the article]
Speaking of, lower-spec i30s score rear-seat ventilation, which is missing in the N. And while there's nothing wrong with the N's analogue cluster and 4.2-inch screen, an i30 N-Line's seven-inch digital cluster would give the dash a real lift. I'll remember my i30 N DCT for its stonking straight-line performance, generous grip, decent practicality, and unrelenting hot hatch bravado. Needing to wrap up my i30 N DCT's diary, I wanted to investigate if the i30 N had attracted customers from further-flung rival segments as Mr Tattoo suggested. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, CONTINUOUSLY variable transmission, SUNGLASSES, POWER steering, AIR bag restraint systems
Abstract
Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on both front-wheel and all-wheel drive X-Trails. Nissan X-Trail Engine 2488cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v Max power 135kW @ 6000rpm Max torque 245Nm @ 3800rpm Transmission CVT Weight 1608kg 0-100km/h 8.9sec (estimated) Economy 8.1L/100km Price From $32,000 (estimated) On sale H1 2022 WHEN THE NEW Nissan X-Trail arrives here, we'll be somewhat familiar with the all-new model. At its cornering limits, the X-Trail exhibits modest and expected bodyroll while providing the driver with some chassis feedback through its front strut and rear multilink suspension. [Extracted from the article]
REPORT THREE SUBARU OUTBACK TOURING Price as tested $47,790 (+ORC) This month 551km @ 8.3L/100km Overall 1443km @ 9.4L/100km LAST MONTH, the Scientist and I handed our top-spec Outback Touring to our mate Sebastian Quirit, as we were keen to see what the owner of three actual children (as opposed to the furry kind) would make of Subaru's big wagon. Seb was impressed with both the Outback's ability to comfortably accommodate his brood, as well as the efficacy of the car's EyeSight driver assistance tech. [Extracted from the article]
AUTOMOBILE seats, CONSTRUCTION materials, AUTOMOBILE industry, TRAFFIC noise, WIRELESS power transmission
Abstract
Now, N Division has released the Hyundai i30 Sedan N. A slick, feature-filled performance sedan keenly positioned at $49K (before on-road costs), representing one of the most compelling cases for a circa-$50K sports sedan in recent times. The i30 Sedan remains unrated by ANCAP, but you get six airbags along with a comprehensive active safety suite, including: blind-spot monitoring, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver-attention warning, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance-assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera. THE once-beloved sports sedan has suffered a fall from grace over the years. [Extracted from the article]
Compared with the flagship versions of Honda's more traditional rivals, the Civic doesn't offer quite the same levels of equipment and in most cases the top-shelf variants are still cheaper. And now Honda is having a crack with its 11th-generation Civic. Honda mostly gets away with applying the premium label to its new Civic, but this award does come at a significant cost. [Extracted from the article]
Artioli's much-adored granddaughter was christened Elisa, but he called her Elise. We're chatting in the headquarters of Lotus Cars at Hethel on a wet and windswept morning because Elisa Artioli is about to pick up a new Elise. [Extracted from the article]
RACING automobiles, FORD automobiles, AUTOMOBILE doors, AUTOMOBILE grilles, AUTOMOBILE seats
Abstract
The article reports on the new Ford Evos concept which has a new design called Kinetic Design 2.0. It states the changes from the five-year-old Version 1.0 which are higher-mounted trapezoidal grille, slimmed-down lamp clusters and classier graphics. The version with four-seat fastback format has various features like cordless plug-in, reserved seating and gullwing doors. It informs about other automobiles which includes Peugeot HX1, Mazda CX-5 and Ferrari 458 Spider.
The article offers information on several luxurious and good performing four seaters. It is stated that the car model Audi RS6 is the most potent and powerful model from Audi AG. Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S from Maserati SpA is a fascinating car which is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kilometer per hour in 5.5 seconds. It also mentions the Panamera automobile model from Porsche AG. A chart related to performance of these cars is also presented.
The article offers various facts related to the GTI automobile from Volkswagenwerk. It reports the company's earlier plans to name its second-generation Golf models in the U.S. as Rabbit, and discusses various claims on the meaning of '60' in the second-generation 118kW GTI G60 automobile. It also mentions Volkswagenwerk's plans to bring limited editions of GTI after its launch, and states the naming of check-pattern fabric in the automobile's seats as Jacky by the company.
Car enthusiasts have long been subjected to jestful accusations of loving our cars more than our partners. Car interiors are extremely complex environments and the live-in experience must appeal to nearly all of our senses; touch, sight, smell and sound. [Extracted from the article]
The article evaluates the Citroën C-SportLounge automobile and offers information on the implications of its lack of a sound insulation system, its role in the firm's take on the future four-seat grand tourer and the advantages of its ergonomically-designed seat for drivers.