Kia’s smallest car has been given a makeover inspired by the biggest model in the range, the upcoming EV9 electric SUV. Due in Australian showrooms later this year, but without the option of turbo power.

The facelifted 2024 Kia Picanto city hatch has been unveiled in South Korea ahead of Australian showroom arrivals by the end of this year.

The smallest car in Kia Australia showrooms has received an imposing new look inspired by the EV9 seven-seat electric SUV, plus new technology and upgraded advanced safety features.

Kia Australia has confirmed local showroom arrivals from the fourth quarter of this year (October to December), with a longer list of advanced safety equipment – beyond the autonomous emergency braking standard on today’s Picanto.

Prices are expected to rise as a result, and may push beyond $20,000 drive-away for the cheapest model – one of two new cars left below this threshold – for the first time.

In South Korea, the updated model is 7 to 8 per cent dearer than its predecessor.

In Australia, this would translate to prices from $20,200 to $23,000 drive-away – up from $18,890 to $21,390 drive-away today, excluding the GT turbo model, which is poised to be axed for the face-lifted Picanto range.

This is the second facelift for the current-generation Kia Picanto – which launched in 2017 and received its first update in 2020 – and is intended to extend its life beyond the middle of this decade, when it can be replaced by an electric car in its biggest market, Europe.

Kia in South Korea has confirmed the first details of the updated Picanto, where it is sold as the Morning. It’s understood more details are due from Kia in Europe in the coming days.

The updated 2024 Picanto introduces a new front fascia inspired by the EV9, with vertically-oriented headlights that use LED technology for the main beams for the first time – in addition to carry-over LED daytime-running lights.

There is a bolder grille with chrome highlights and a bar connecting the headlights. Leaked photos show Picanto GT-Line variants will adopt a sportier appearance inspired by the EV9 GT-Line’s front fascia.

At the rear there are new tail-lights that now connect across the rear with an LED bar – similar to the EV9 and latest Seltos small SUV – plus a restyled lower bumper.

There are also new 16-inch wheels with machined highlights and two new exterior colours (Adventurers Green and Signal Red).

Inside, changes focus on a new instrument cluster layout, which replaces the two analogue dials with two digitised speed and tachometer readouts, on either side of the 4.2-inch driver display.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reversing camera remains, but the USB ports have been updated to the latest USB-C sockets, and South Korean models can now be specified with a remote start feature.

Buyers in Kia’s home market can now choose brown or dark green leather-look seat trim, instead of black.

Safety has seen a big upgrade, with a longer list of features in South Korea that now approaches Kia’s larger, new-generation vehicles.

As previously reported by Drive, Kia intends to submit the Picanto for re-testing by independent safety organisation ANCAP, as the current model’s score from 2017 is due to expire at the end of this year.

However – under more stringent safety test criteria today – it is unclear if the Picanto will be able to match or exceed the four stars it earned when the current car was crash-tested six years ago.

Kia does not make mention of any structural upgrades to the vehicle in its South Korean media release, or the fitment of a centre airbag – which has been used by other similarly-sized city cars to pass a strict new ‘far-side impact’ crash test, which measures how far the driver moves towards the front passenger in a severe side impact on the passenger side of the car.

New for the updated Picanto in South Korea is an expanded autonomous emergency braking system that can now detect cyclists and prevent collisions in intersections – plus adaptive cruise control technology, and auto-dipping high beams.

It is in addition to lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert technology standard on the current model in South Korea.

The only advanced safety feature fitted to the Kia Picanto in Australia is autonomous emergency braking, with car-to-car detection only.

It is unclear how many of these advanced safety systems will come to Australia for the updated model, however Kia has confirmed not all will be standard across the range.

Drive has previously reported the Picanto GT – with a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission – may be culled from the model range globally due to low demand here and overseas.

The sole engine would then become a 1.25-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Kia Picanto is due in South Korean showrooms this month, ahead of Australian arrivals due later this year.

The post 2024 Kia Picanto unveiled with new look, due in Australia this year appeared first on Drive.

Renting an electric vehicle instead of a petrol or diesel car could be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to do your part for the planet.
Sponsored by: SIXT

If you’re a company or individual worried about lowering emissions on your next work trip or holiday, there might be a simple solution.

As companies attempt to crack down on both direct and indirect emissions and keen travellers grow increasingly aware of the environmental cost of their getaways, decarbonising domestic travel is proving to be one of Australia’s biggest challenges.

However, according to SIXT Australia CEO Matt Beattie, merely breaking a common transport bad habit could be the easy fix you need…

What are the worst carbon emitters? 

In 2019, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy found domestic air travel on average releases 255g of CO2 per passenger, per kilometre, which is more than any other form of transport.

The next worst emitter is driving a petrol-powered car, which emits 192g, followed by driving a diesel car (171g) in third place, while fourth and fifth places are occupied by short-haul and long-haul flying (156g and 150g) respectively. 

Recently, France banned short-haul flights where a 2.5-hour or shorter train service is available. 

However, in Australia our unique geographical logistics and lack of a high-speed rail service comparable make emissions mitigation harder.

So if the five worst sources of carbon emissions are combustion-powered driving and flying, how can Australia’s car- and plane-addicted travellers help to cut emissions? 

Electric vehicle rental could be the solution.

How can electric car rentals help reduce emissions?

One of the easiest ways to reduce emissions – whether as a company or as an individual – is by choosing an electric car for your next journey wherever possible.

Leading car rental operator SIXT has 163 locations and more than 16,000 vehicles nationwide – and an increasing portion of these vehicles are electric.

“We run one of the largest fleets in the country so it is only the right thing to do to for our planet and society to transition to electric as fast as we can,” said SIXT CEO Matt Beattie. 

“We know that this intent aligns with the ESG (Environmental, social, and governance) goals of many of our corporate clients too. Not only does renting an EV save on emissions but our proposition ensures that it also makes sense commercially.”

Although substituting air travel for an electric vehicle is most kind to the environment, it is not always practical for corporate and leisure travel.

So knowing that taking a flight is mostly unavoidable, SIXT have made it easy for customers to still make a positive impact on the environment by making EVs available when they arrive.  

This provides an opportunity to reduce emissions once on the ground and also reduce expenses, with EV rental rates that compare with petrol-powered equivalents. 

“We are the only Australian rental provider that has EVs in every state, territory and at all major airports. We are in the process of expanding our electric fleet and are aiming to have a further 300 new electric vehicles on fleet by the end of 2023”.

Additionally, SIXT offers a number of unique features that make hiring an electric vehicle even more cost effective.

Unlike combustion-powered rental cars which need their tanks topped up with fuel before return, SIXT is unique in the market that it does not insist on EVs being returned with a full battery.

For trips that do require a little more in the battery, all SIXT electric vehicles have free access to a variety of public charging stations.

That said, Beattie reports a single charge is often more than enough for a majority of customers.

“Our EVs have a range greater than 400km to keep you moving. If you’re taking a quick business trip, in most cases you won’t even need to stop to recharge. Right now we are the only competitor offering free charging via our partnerships with NRMA, Chargefox and Tesla charging networks so our customers will never be left stranded or out of pocket.”

A range of electric vehicles are on offer depending on the budget. At the premium end, customers can choose from a BMW iX3, Tesla Models 3 and Model Y, while more affordable vehicles include the BYD Atto 3. In the case of the latter, customers can rent the small, zero-emissions SUV for $90 per day. 

“Our commercial and corporate rates are competitive in the market, with the pricing of our EV vehicles similar to an equivalent ICE vehicle. In some cases they are even cheaper,” he said.

“When you combine that with the fact that there are no additional fuel costs like with an ICE vehicle, there is now simply no excuse for corporate customers hesitating on making the move to EV or for our leisure customers to try one out.”

The post How renting an EV can cut emissions and save you money appeared first on Drive.

Order books for Australia’s new cheapest electric vehicle – the BYD Dolphin hatchback – are off to a strong start.

Australian buyers have already begun to line up for the 2024 BYD Dolphin electric hatchback from China ahead of first local deliveries on track for September or October 2023, pending any delays.

The boss of the local distributor for BYD vehicles in Australia – Luke Todd – told Drive the company has taken more than 1000 refundable pre-orders for the Dolphin since the price was announced two weeks ago.

First deliveries are on track for October 2023, Mr Todd said – pending any delays as the vehicle is put through certification processes to approve it for sale and use on Australian roads.

The Chinese-made Dolphin was last month announced as Australia’s cheapest new electric vehicle, priced from $38,890 plus on-road costs.

It undercuts another rival from China – the MG 4 Excite 51kWh – by $100, and has sparked a price war between the two Chinese brands to sell Australia’s cheapest new electric car.

BYD executives have claimed the $100 difference in price between the Dolphin and MG 4 is purely a coincidence, and the BYD’s price was locked in months ago.

“[Pre-orders] have been very strong and they’ve exceeded our expectations, and our expectations were quite high,” Mr Todd told Drive.

The executive said BYD in China has capacity to produce up to about 3000 examples of each of its models per month.

While the base version of the Dolphin today is Australia’s cheapest electric car – at $38,890 plus on-road costs – Mr Todd said there are no plans for an even more affordable version.

“Something we want to focus on moving forward is having all of the inclusions that we can inside the price … we want to bring fully specified vehicles and have a very simple, convenient buying process for consumers so they know exactly what they’re getting,” Mr Todd said.

These “inclusions” extend to metallic paint, which does not cost extra on the Dolphin.

Compared to the $38,990 plus on-road costs version of the MG 4, the Dolphin is better equipped, but has a smaller body, a smaller battery pack enabling less driving range, and a less powerful electric motor.

The post BYD Dolphin electric-car pre-orders pass 1000, in showrooms soon appeared first on Drive.

The 2023 Mahindra Scorpio four-wheel drive wagon has established a record across the formidable Simpson Desert in central Australia – at an average speed of 28km/h.

Indian car-maker Mahindra has put the new Scorpio four-wheel drive to the test in the remote Simpson Desert and set what it claims is newly-established record.

The Mahindra Scorpio has been recognised by Guinness World Records for the “fastest crossing by a production vehicle of the Simpson desert” and is the first established record of this kind.

However, this is not your usual speed record. Average velocity was 28.84km/h on the 385km journey that took a total of 13 hours, 21 minutes and five seconds.

Most holidaymakers comfortably take up to five days to travel the same distance in such harsh conditions, which covers more than 1100 sand dunes.

The Mahindra Scorpio drove east to west, from the remote township of Birdsville to the Alka Seltzer Bore on the 16th of March 2023 but the company has only announced the achievement today.

READ MORE: Mahindra Scorpio Review

The vehicles were driven by four-wheel-drive experts Gene Corbett and Ben Robinson.

The Simpson Desert – which is managed by Queensland and South Australian National Parks authorities – is closed to travellers between Decem­ber 1 and March 15 each year due to extreme temperatures, and Mahindra recorded peak outside temperatures of 50 degrees during the record attempt.

In a media statement, Mahindra executive Sachin Arolkar said: “We are proud to have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with this vehicle.”

Alka Seltzer Bore is located some 60 kilometres east of Dalhousie Springs in the Witjira National Park, and around 75 kilometres east of the well-known Mount Dare Hotel.

READ MORE: Crossing the Simpson Desert

The vehicle was left in mostly standard configuration, but had some aftermarket Cooper all-terrain tyres, the back two rows of seating removed for additional fuel storage. The Scorpio’s swaybars were also removed for the record attempt.

The Mahindra Scorpio is a new four-wheel drive wagon for the Australian market, is priced from $41,990 for the Z8 model, while the Z8L got a recent price rise.

It is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which runs through a six-speed automatic transmission and makes 129kW @ 3500rpm and 400Nm @ 1700-2750rpm.

The post Mahindra Scorpio claims Simpson Desert record appeared first on Drive.

The Ford Fiesta is a few days away from the end of the road in Europe, after close to 50 years of production. And the final examples in Australia are about to sell out.

The final examples of the Ford Fiesta hatch – including the Fiesta ST hot-hatch variant – are due to be roll off the production line in Germany this month after 47 years and 22 million sales, as city-car buyers continue to switch to SUVs.

UK publication Autocar reports the last Fiesta hatchbacks are due to roll off the assembly line in Cologne, Germany this Friday 7 July – a few days later than the June 2023 date announced in October 2022.

The final examples for Australia arrived earlier this year, after the plug was pulled locally in August 2022 shortly after the facelifted model arrived.

As of last week there were just two examples of the Fiesta ST hot hatch – the only variant available since 2020 – left in Australian showrooms, a Ford Australia spokesperson told Drive.

MORE: The slow demise of the Ford Focus and Fiesta in Australia

The Ford Fiesta will reach the end of the line as buyers continue to flock from traditional hatchbacks to SUVs.

Furthermore, a strong shift to electric vehicles in Europe – where there are more stringent emissions rules – makes a new petrol-powered Fiesta financially unviable for the car-maker.

The Ford Fiesta was Europe’s second best-selling car outright in 2012, with more than 300,000 reported as sold – and hit a 21st-century peak of 459,000 sales in Europe in 2009.

However sales had plummeted to less than half that amount (229,000) by 2019, and in 2021 Ford reported 82,000 examples as sold in Europe – less than a fifth of the 2009 result.

City hatchbacks cost almost as much to design, develop and build as larger cars, including SUVs with similar footprints but taller bodies – but bring in less profit as their retail prices are lower, making them harder to keep fresh and justify continuing to invest in.

In Australia, Ford has reported 94,064 examples of the Fiesta as sold between the nameplate’s local debut in 2000, and the end of May 2023.

To the end of May, 802 examples of the current seventh-generation model – offered only in Fiesta ST hot-hatch guise – have been reported as delivered since it arrived in Australia in 2020.

The split between pre-facelift 2020-2021 and facelifted 2022-2023 models has not been disclosed, however it is estimated about 640 pre-facelift examples have been sold, compared to 160 facelifted versions.

The death of the Ford Fiesta will make space in its Cologne factory for the new Ford Explorer electric SUV – based on Volkswagen underpinnings – as well as a sportier electric SUV twin which may reprise the iconic Capri sports-car badge.

It marks the end for the Fiesta ST badge, now in its third generation globally – the original was branded as the Fiesta XR4 here, but sold as an ST overseas – with roots that trace back to the 1980s Fiesta XR2.

The final two Ford Fiestas will be retained by Ford, according to Autocar, for its ‘heritage fleets’ – manufacturer-owned and run collections of a car maker’s classic models, which are available for media use – in Germany and the UK.

The post Ford Fiesta ST production ends this week, Australia’s last examples in showrooms appeared first on Drive.

The next generation of BMW’s top seller in Australia is due in overseas showrooms by the end of next year.

The next-generation 2025 BMW X3 luxury SUV is due to enter production next year, the German car giant has confirmed.

Plug-in hybrid versions of the next-generation BMW X3 will be manufactured “for global export” in South Africa, with production to begin sometime next year.

Regular petrol and diesel of the current BMW X3 are produced in South Africa for Australia, while the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e and high-performance X3 M are built in the US, and the electric iX3 comes from China.

Caught on camera for the first time last year, overseas reports claim internal combustion-engined (petrol, diesel and hybrid) and electric versions of the next BMW X3 will diverge for the new model.

MORE: 2025 BMW X3 spied for the first time

The electric iX3 is reportedly planned to move from an adapted version of the petrol and diesel model’s underpinnings, to BMW’s upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ dedicated electric-car platform due from 2025.

BimmerPost forum user and BMW insider ‘ynguldyn’ – who has a strong track record for sharing future model plans – claims the new petrol and diesel X3 range, codenamed G45, is due to enter production in August 2024.

It is due to be followed by the electric iX3, codenamed NA5, in a new factory in Hungary a year later, from August 2025.

According to ynguldyn, the G45 X3 is planned to launch outside of the US with four models: the four-cylinder petrol X3 20 xDrive, four-cylinder diesel X3 20d xDrive, plug-in hybrid X3 30e xDrive, and six-cylinder performance-oriented X3 M50 xDrive.

The initial model range in the US will reportedly be limited to the M50 xDrive, plus a four-cylinder petrol X3 30 xDrive – with more power than the 20 xDrive – that is set to spread to other markets at a later date.

These model names – as they are listed by ynguldyn – form part of plans to drop the ‘i’ from the end of model names for petrol BMW models, as used on all fuel-injected petrol BMWs since the mid 1970s, to minimise confusion with its growing range of BMW i electric cars.

It remains to be seen if the model names reported by ynguldyn make it to production, or if BMW uses trademarks it recently filed for X320 and X330, plus iX330, iX340 and iX350 for electric models.

Due at a later date is a high-performance petrol X3 M (codenamed G97), according to the BimmerPost user, as well as a ‘coupe-styled’ BMW X4 twin (G46), with its own X4 M (G98) version, and electric iX4 (codenamed NA7) twin.

According to the forum user, the new BMW X3 will carry over its engines from the current model – despite the new M50 name for what is known as the M40i today.

ynguldyn says there will be “a step up in luxury”, with Iconic Glow illuminated front grilles, “fancier” interior materials, the iDrive 8 twin interior screens from the iX electric SUV and large X5 SUV, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

However the user says the new X3 may miss out on Level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology from the latest 5 Series sedan, as well as its Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system.

Spy photos show the new X3 will draw influence from the latest BMW X1 small SUV, with flush-fitting door handles, fewer creases and less sculpting on the body, and sharper LED headlights and tail-lights.

According to ynguldyn, the X3 M50 will differentiate itself with M Sport suspension (available with adaptive dampers as an option), standard illuminated front grilles, 20-inch alloy wheels, and “the usual M interior and exterior parts”.

The 2024 BMW X3 is expected to be unveiled in mid 2024 – likely as a Model Year 2025 vehicle – ahead of first Australian arrivals expected before the end of next year, based on production and arrival timing for past BMW model launches.

The post New BMW X3 confirmed for 2024 appeared first on Drive.

The new-look Ram 1500 pick-up – due to be unveiled in 2024 – will be offered with the option of a high-output twin-turbo six-cylinder engine under the bonnet, but does this mean the end of the line for the Hemi V8?

The 2025 Ram 1500 pick-up is set to be offered with the twin-turbocharged ‘Hurricane’ six-cylinder engine as part of its next scheduled facelift, according to leaked documents out of the US.

While first reported in May 2023, an official equipment list unearthed by YouTube channel Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk (and spotted by Carscoops) all but confirms the forthcoming Ram 1500 pick-up will be available with the option of six-cylinder power.

The 12-page equipment list – complete with a vehicle identification number (VIN) – lists a 2025 Ram 1500 Tungsten Crew Cab 4×4 with a long list of both standard and optional equipment, including the “3.0L I6 Hurricane HO Twin Turbo” under the options list.

Available as a standard-output version (SO) with 313kW and 635Nm or a high-output version (HO) with 380kW and 678Nm, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine – nicknamed Hurricane – may still be offered alongside the ‘Hemi’ V8 initially.

However, it’s not clear at this stage whether the Hurricane engine listed is an option above the Hemi V8, or if the Hemi is being discontinued and the more powerful HO engine has been optioned above the SO version.

The Hurricane six is the likely successor to replace the 5.7-litre V8 across the Ram 1500 line-up eventually – as well as being introduced in models across the rest of the US brands within the Stellantis group of companies, which includes Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.

MORE: 2024 Ram 1500 pick-up to swap ‘Hemi’ V8 for ‘Hurricane’ six-cylinder

Dodge has announced the next-generation Charger will have electric power, however – as exclusively reported by Drive in August 2022 – information posted online by a former employee suggests both the Charger and Challenger will be available with the Hurricane engine.

Despite mounting evidence the Hemi is being prepared for retirement, Ram’s former CEO Mike Koval previously made comments to Carscoops promising the V8 would remain – as long as there was consumer demand for it.

Last month, Mr Koval was replaced by Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, who will run both brands.

Since the YouTube video was posted on 29 June 2023, the build sheet on the database has changed to a PDF document that reads “Ooop! Unsupported VIN” with a date stamp of 2 July 2023.

While the document was discovered via a VIN search on the Dodge website – sparking speculation Ram pick-ups could return to the past and be sold under the Dodge brand – it’s more likely the VIN-searching database is simply linked across US-based Stellantis companies.

An identical search across Chrysler and Ram Truck websites (using a modified URL) delivers an identical result, strongly suggesting the database is shared across brands.

MORE: 2025 Ram 1500 REV electric pick-up unveiled

When the facelifted Ram pick-up arrives next year, the Tungsten variant will sit at the top of the Ram 1500 range – but below the high-performance TRX – while also being the range-topping variant of the electric Ram 1500 REV.

The 2025 Ram 1500 pick-up is expected to be unveiled in the second half of 2024, though Australian models aren’t likely to begin deliveries until late 2024 or 2025.

The post 2025 Ram 1500 pick-up to get twin-turbo six-cylinder, V8 future uncertain – report appeared first on Drive.

BMW introduces a fully-electric version of its X1 SUV, further expanding its electric vehicle range with a layout that’s familiar and approachable to a broad spectrum of buyers.

2023 BMW iX1

Six months after BMW introduced its mainstream petrol-powered X1 range, the German brand has expanded the line-up with the addition of a new electric version to be known as the iX1.

To give it its full name: the iX1 xDrive 30, this new X1 model will sit as a joint flagship within the range, sharing the limelight with the just announced X1 M35i xDrive which will sit as the performance leader of the range. Still, with sharper performance than the mainstream petrol models and a full swag of available equipment the iX1 holds the technology and image-leader title.

With a dual-motor drivetrain, all-wheel drive, and a claimed 440km range, the iX1 offers a lot to like.

Following in the footsteps of cars like the Volvo XC40, Lexus UX300e, and Mercedes-Benz EQA, the iX1 takes an existing internal combustion engined car and electrifies it. That’s different to the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Genesis GV60, which have been designed from the outset as EVs and use dedicated EV architectures.

Does this hold the BMW iX1 back? Drive took a first look at the Australian launch of the new iX1 in June to find out.

How much does the BMW iX1 cost in Australia?

BMW is positioning the iX1 at the top of the X1 range, with a not insignificant leap in price from the next-rung-down X1 xDrive 20i.

Available in either xLine or M Sport styling lines, the iX1 xDrive 30 starts from $84,900 plus on-road costs.

From there buyers can personalise their iX1 with no-cost design options like BMW ‘i Blue’ exterior styling garnishes, a choice of exterior hues, and a range of interior panelling options. M Sport cars can wear a set of optional 20-inch wheels in place of the standard 20-inch design, or for $4700 an Enhancement Package adds Harman Kardon premium audio, an opening panoramic glass roof, and active front seats with a basic massage function.

The dual-motor powertrain provides peak outputs of 230kW and 494Nm driving all four wheels. Acceleration from 0–100km/h takes a claimed 5.6 seconds. Driving range is a claimed 440km from a 64.7kWh battery.

Standard equipment over the petrol range includes adaptive suspension and 22kW AC charging capability (which is optional on the iX1 overseas). On a DC charger, the iX1 can refuel at up to 130kW, and as a purchase incentive, the iX1 comes with three years’ complimentary access to the ChargeFox network for charging away from home.

How much space does the BMW iX1 have inside?

For anyone worried that the switch to an electric vehicle might somehow cost them interior space, worry not. The dimensions inside the iX1 equal the regular X1 range. The only area that steps back just a little is boot space.

For the most part, the interior and the driver’s interface points are the same as a regular X1. Changes made to the new-generation X1 see it grow over the previous model, and the result is interior space that feels more like a medium SUV rather than a compact one.

The front seats offer plenty of space in every direction, and the tall roof line means there’s plenty of headroom for tall occupants. The seats fall toward the narrower side slightly, but even broad-shouldered drivers should fit without complaint.

The Enhancement Package fitted to the cars we drove at launch adds a massage function, but rather than the obvious and vigorous massage available on some of BMW’s more expensive models, this is more of a subtle movement of the multi-chamber lumbar support in and out. Personally, I am not a fan, finding it a bit like being shoved around in the seat.

The horizontal dash design and cut-away front console mean there’s an open feeling in the front seats, with room for a phone and a pair of cupholders placed front and centre. The ‘floating’ armrest has plenty of space underneath to stash a small bag, or easily accommodate your wallet, keys, phone, pager, bumbag, sunglasses and more – all at the same time.

The upper section houses a decently sized console under the padded armrest, and carries the gear selector toggle and key drive mode and vehicle control functions.

Its rear seats are roomy enough for two tall adults and possibly even a third without too much of a squeeze. The rear seat backrest angle can be adjusted, but the iX1 does without a sliding seat base.

Standard equipment covers things like dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, leather-look trim for the seats and dash (Sensatec in the initial batch of cars sent to Australia, but switching to the more marketable ‘Veganza’ which is claimed to be softer), leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, keyless entry and start, BMW Digital Key Plus (allowing smartphone access for up to five users without a physical key), self-dimming interior mirror, and auto (adaptive LED) lights and wipers.

The interior can be optioned with one of four upholstery choices and four different panelling finishes. Faux-leather seating is standard (M Sport carries the option of a leather-look and Alcantara combo) and the xLine we drove at the launch with Mocha-coloured Sensatec and Eucalyptus open-pore wood looked convincingly premium. Seat trim in animal hide is not featured on the options list in Australia.

Boot space in the iX1 measures 490L to the rear seats, down slightly on the petrol X1’s 540L. With the rear seats folded there’s 1495L on offer (down from 1600L). Underfloor storage is included, and the rear seats retains a 40:20:40 folding function, but unlike some EVs the iX1 eschews any form of under-bonnet storage.

Does the BMW iX1 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

BMW has packed plenty of tech into the infotainment system of the iX1, starting with the stunningly crisp 10.7-inch main display and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The system itself carries wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto functionality, plus embedded navigation, digital radio, and over-the-air software updatability. Access to the My BMW app also allows a paired smartphone to remotely check vehicle status, lock and unlock the vehicle, send navigation destination to the vehicle, check charging status, precondition the cabin, and more.

BMW’s integrated navigation also has the ability to precondition the high-voltage batteries for ultra-rapid charging when an appropriate charger is set as the destination, meaning it should be possible to pull up, connect up, and accept the car’s 130kW peak rate with no ramp-up.

BMW has opted to delete its pioneering iDrive rotary controller from the X1 range, with all features and functions accessed via the touchscreen or through voice commands. It might be something of a habit to break for previous BMW owners, but the system is slick enough to work without the console clickwheel.

Physical climate controls have also been given the flick. If you’re a set-and-forget driver, that won’t be a problem, but if you like to fiddle with AC settings or seat heating, it’s a frustrating process with a user interface that takes simple ventilation controls and needlessly complicates them.

A driver’s head-up display gives line-of-sight info without taking eyes off the road, while an augmented reality navigation system (on the infotainment screen) can help point the way on unfamiliar roads.

Six-speaker unbranded audio comes standard, but opting for the Enhancement Package swaps in a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system with subwoofer.

Is the BMW iX1 a safe car?

The BMW iX1, as distinct from the X1, does not carry a safety rating from Australasian crash test authority ANCAP, nor its European equivalent, Euro NCAP.

Looking at the X1 in isolation, it received an 86 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user (pedestrian) protection, and 94 per cent for safety assist systems. The structural changes in converting from internal combustion to electric, and the circa 415kg weight gain for the iX1, mean those results aren’t directly applicable but provide some insight into what to expect.

The iX1 comes with seven airbags: dual front, seat-mounted side, and full-length curtain airbags are fitted, along with a centre airbag between front seat occupants to reduce the risk of head-clash in a side impact.

What safety technology does the BMW iX1 have?

The iX1 carries the same level of safety and driver-assist tech as the regular X1 range including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure and lane-change warning, lane-keeping assist and lane-centring assist, autonomous emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert with brake intervention as part of the standard equipment list.

A high-resolution and very detailed 360-degree camera system is fitted, along with BMW’s semi-automated park-in and park-out tech, adaptive LED headlights with auto high beam, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. One addition for the iX1 over the X1 is the addition of tyre pressure monitoring.

On our first drive, which included some straight-line highway running and more flowing country roads, the driver assist functions struck a reassuring balance of just-in-case intervention without fighting against the driver or flagging any false alerts.

How much does the BMW iX1 cost to maintain?

BMW’s entire range is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for private buyers. The high-voltage battery has an eight-year, 160,000km warranty policy.

BMW’s Service Inclusive pre-paid packages are available for the iX1 as either four-year or six-year packs priced at $1263 and $1800 respectively. BMW refers to servicing as ‘condition based’ with the car notifying owners when it needs attention, rather than any set interval.

Insurance for the iX1 does not come cheap. Looking at quotes for both variants from the same insurer, we got an annual premium of $3240 for an iX1 M Sport and – despite being identical in every way apart from styling – an even higher $3439 quote for an xLine. If nothing else, it showcases how hit-and-miss Australia’s insurance industry is.

For comparison’s sake, the less powerful but conveniently engined X1 xDrive 20i came in at $2249 for an xLine or $2165 for an M Sport (again, why?). All four quotes are based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

Is the BMW iX1 energy-efficient?

BMW claims the iX1 will use 18.3kWh for every 100km travelled and cover a 400km range on a single charge – based on the outmoded ADR consumption test cycle. BMW Europe publishes a 417–440km range based on consumption of 18.1kWh/100km to 16.8kWh/100km. WLTP tends to flatter EVs, and the indicated range of the car we drove from fully charged suggested it had 397km of real-world range to work with.

BMW’s launch route didn’t give much opportunity for urban driving, instead sticking to 80 and 100km/h roads, some more winding and dynamic, but none offering much energy-regeneration opportunity. Despite this, the recorded consumption (split between myself and a less economical driver) still came in at an indicated 18.5kWh/100km.

While consumption in the 18s is far from an efficiency leader, the iX1’s ability to hold close to its claim is somewhat reassuring.

BMW’s iX1 is claimed to be unique in its segment by offering 22kW AC charging, backed up by the availability of an optional 22kW three-phase home charger ($1199 plus installation), where 11kW AC is the typical standard. Three years of complimentary ChargeFox high-speed charger access is also included with the vehicle.

Energy Consumption – brought to you by bp

What is the BMW iX1 like to drive?

In the simplest of terms, the iX1 is just like the X1 to drive.

There are no different procedures, no different controls. You get in, press the start button and flick the gear selector into drive or reverse. That’s only a worthwhile call-out because some EVs are ‘active’ as soon as you sit in the driver’s seat with the key. BMW keeps the old start-up procedure.

From there it is, as you would expect, silent when moving off. Depending on the drive mode selected, you might hear the ‘Iconic Sounds’ composed by Hans Zimmer, which BMW is very, very keen to espouse as a positive, but to me they all sound a bit sci-fi silly. The better party trick is leaving them off and enjoying the silence.

The accelerator calibration is quite gentle. Moving off isn’t abrupt, and while there’s plenty of accelerative urge to tap into, the iX1 doesn’t pin you into your seat in the rush to 100km/h. On the other hand, if you pin the accelerator from a rolling start, the car whip-cracks into action. Overtaking immediacy isn’t always an electric vehicle strong point, but BMW has maintained something of a traditional kickdown feel.

BMW’s adaptive regenerative braking works well with changing traffic. On the open road, the car will simply coast if you lift off the accelerator, but in traffic it’s much better at keeping distance from surrounding vehicles and feeding captured energy back into the battery without the driver needing to do anything.

The low count of physical interior buttons means there’s no way to adjust regen on the fly, with no steering wheel paddles or console switch for access. Instead, it’s a deep dive through the onscreen menus, which is a little frustrating if you want to switch modes as you move from the highway to urban roads.

Selecting the one-pedal mode is as simple as selecting ‘B’ mode on the gear selector, but can’t be set as a default drive mode.

While engine noise has obviously been taken out of the equation, BMW still has some work to do on isolating road noise with some surfaces creating a din that requires occupants to shout over.

In typical Euro fashion, the ride is firm but not uncomfortable. The hefty weight of the iX1 compared to a regular X1 (an extra 415kg) makes itself known, as the car tends to feel its way through more of the road’s imperfections rather than riding over them. Adaptive damping comes standard on the iX1 (optional on X1), although this doesn’t do much to soften things up. Rather it can firm things up if you’re feeling sporty.

The steering is quite light, almost surprisingly so at low speeds, making the iX1 a breeze to park. Although it’s not entirely numb, the feel and feedback are a little less than existing BMW owners might be used to, but newcomers to the brand might be happier with the set-up.

Overall, there’s no doubt as to the iX1’s security and stability on the road, but drivers looking for a fine-handling tarmac carver won’t find their happy place here.

In the world of similar-concept electric compact luxury SUVs, the iX1’s $84,900 price, 230kW/494Nm outputs, and 440km (WLTP) range from a 64.7kWh battery put it pretty sharply in line with cars like the soon-to-arrive 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge update from $85,990, with a more powerful 300kW/660Nm and bigger 82kWh battery (500km range), the Tesla Model Y Long Range at $82,300 with a 286kW/510Nm powertrain, 81kWh battery and 533km range, and gives it some breathing space beneath the Mercedes-Benz EQA350 with 215kW/520Nm, a 66.5kWh battery and 432km range, but a whopping $102,599 asking price.

All of the above are based on price before options and on-road costs, and reference WLTP range claims.

Should I buy a BMW iX1?

Regardless of the ‘i’ factor or not, BMW’s newest-generation X1 builds on the space and versatility of the previous generation, and adds in a more appealing interior and list of useful safety features. In isolation, that’s all good news.

In a slightly broader view, to step up to the iX1 means finding almost $15,000 over the X1 xDrive 20i, albeit with a decent step-up in power and some additional standard equipment. Premiums for EV versions of existing cars are nothing new, of course.

Where the iX1 starts to sweat a little is on bang for your buck. Both the Model Y and XC40 Recharge offer longer driving ranges and higher motor outputs. It’s not that you’ll be disappointed with what you get, but it may mean working through the specs and making sure the iX1 is the right fit for you.

Certainly, it’s an impressive small SUV with all the comfort required to handle the city and enough range to add some weekend versatility. Premium where it counts, and appealing both inside and out.

The post 2023 BMW iX1 review: Australian first drive appeared first on Drive.

Electric-car buyers in Victoria scrambled to claim the State Government’s $3000 subsidy in the final days of the program.

Demand for Victoria’s electric-vehicle rebate has jumped significantly in the final month of the program, new data obtained by Drive reveals.

As reported in early June 2023, the Victorian Government quietly axed its $3000 subsidy for electric cars, claiming a lower-than-expected take-up rate – despite the new-car industry reporting electric vehicles sales were up almost 111 per cent to the end of May compared with the same point in 2022.

Figures provided by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action show motorists rushed to claim the subsidy, with a total of 2037 applications approved last month – ahead of its expiration at 6:00pm on 30 June 2023.

That figure equates to 20 per cent of the 10,163 applications that have been claimed since the subsidy was launched more than two years ago.

It’s understood more than 800 applications were made in the final ten days, based on data obtained by AAP.

When the program launched in May 2021, the Victorian Government had aimed to support the purchase of up to 20,000 zero-emissions vehicles over three years.

MORE: Victoria quietly axes $3000 electric-vehicle subsidy

The original $100 million package was then promised a $7.2 million boost in April 2022, extending the program to cover a further 2600 vehicles.

However, the government confirmed the end of the program in its 2023-24 State Budget Papers in May 2023, as first reported by The Driven.

“The [electric-vehicle] subsidy has laid the groundwork for 50 per cent of all Victorian light vehicle sales being [zero emissions] by 2030,” Stan Krpan, CEO of Solar Victoria – the department tasked with distributing the rebates – told Drive in a written statement.

For the first five months of 2023, Australians purchased 12,387 electric cars – equating to approximately 7 per cent of all new-car sales – compared to 5873 electric vehicles sold during the same period of 2022.

Victoria is now one of the few regions not to offer any kind of incentive to purchase an electric vehicle, with the exception of a $100 discount on annual car registration.

Victoria also lays claim to being the only government to impose a road-user tax on electric-car owners at this point, charging 2.8 cents for each kilometre driven – an 8 per cent jump over the previous year’s rate, coming into effect on 1 July 2023.

MORE: Victoria’s electric-car road-user charges to increase from 1 July 2023

The state’s controversial road-user tax – designed to recoup lost revenue from the fuel excise – is currently before the High Court in a constitutional challenge being supported by the Federal Government.

As Victoria’s electric-car rebate came to an end on 30 June, the Queensland Government doubled its subsidy for electric vehicles to $6000 from 1 July – the same day Tesla cut prices across its model range.

The move allowed the entry-level Tesla Model Y RWD to come in under the Queensland Government’s $68,000 threshold, and adding up to almost $10,000 in discounts for buyers.

The post Victorians rushed to claim electric-car subsidies in final days appeared first on Drive.

A blurry image found online appears to show an updated Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series. Is Australia’s oldest ‘new’ car about to get another facelift – or is this a retro-inspired model for Japan?

A Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series has been photographed in Japan with what appears to be its first makeover in more than 15 years – and it could be in showrooms by the end of this year.

The blurry image – which appears to have been taken from a security camera, and shared by @oriba_lc300 and Kurdistan Automotive Blog on Instagram – shows a LandCruiser 76 Series wagon in Japan with a camouflage wrap over the front fascia and a new wheel design.

Details are difficult to make out, but the grille appears to wear ‘TOYOTA‘ heritage script – similar to the 70th Anniversary special edition unveiled two years ago – and the headlights look to be different from the model in showrooms today.

For now it is unclear if this new front-end styling will come to Australia – or if it will be a Japan exclusive, as part of plans to bring the 70 Series back to showrooms there later this year.

MORE: Exclusive – Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder coming, V8 to live on

Japanese reports claimed the LandCruiser 70 Series returning to Japan would wear a new fascia with round headlights, ‘TOYOTA’ grille script, and a retro-inspired black grille frame and bumper.

This is set to coincide with the introduction of 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder power and a six-speed automatic transmission, borrowed from the Toyota Prado and Toyota HiLux.

Drive has previously reported the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and six-speed auto combination is expected to become an option alongside the 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel and five-speed manual in Australia from later this year.

It will be the first four-cylinder Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series sold in Australia since 1991, and the first automatic version since a four-speed gearbox was discontinued in 1990.

MORE: Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series to return to Japanese showrooms with Prado engine – report

It remains to be seen if the new face for Japan’s LandCruiser 70 Series is introduced in Australia and other global markets where the 38-year-old four-wheel-drive is still sold.

Drive has previously reported the introduction of the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel is expected to coincide with minor cosmetic exterior changes, plus a new infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and possibly the Toyota HiLux-derived steering wheel from the 70th Anniversary edition.

If the Japanese front fascia comes to Australia, it would be the first facelift for the LandCruiser 70 Series since 2007, when the turbo-diesel V8 joined the range – and necessitated a wider front fascia and broader front-wheel track.

The post 2024 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series facelift spy photo appeared first on Drive.