Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday July 18th 2024. Notably in car news today: Hyundai has detailed its upgrades for the 2025 i30 N hatch and BMW has released pricing for the new-generation M5 in Australia.
Updated 2025 Hyundai i30 N hatch to arrive in Oz in August
Hyundai Australia has announced its updated i30 N hot hatch is due to arrive down under very soon, sporting several enhancements over the previous iteration.
The i30 N for 2025 will gain new design and matte-finished 19-inch alloy wheels and inside, a new 10.25-inch instrument cluster for the driver.
Other new appointments include Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services with OTA updates, the integration of USB-C ports for the first time, rain-sensing wipers and a new NGS (N Grin Shift) button on the leather-bound steering wheel.
The updated i30 N has also been given subtle enhancements to its exterior look, including a new grille, red side trimming and front bumper inserts.
Power from the i30 N’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine remain the same as before, however, producing 206kW/392Nm.
Pricing for the hot hatch is yet to be announced for the Australian market
BMW M5 priced for Australia and it’s cheaper than before
BMW has confirmed the new-generation M5 will be priced from $259,900 before on-road costs in Australia.
Although still very expensive, the new price is less than the $273,600 price of the outgoing M5 Competition, despite the new model being even faster.
The new-generation M5 uses the same plug-in hybrid assisted V8 engine with massive outputs of 535kW and 1000Nm, with the engine alone making 430kW and 750Nm.
Features such as adaptive suspension, an M Sport differential and a ‘Boost’ mode outline the key performance features while a power tailgate, rear heated seats and four-zone climate control add to the luxury credentials of the M5.
Lexus LBX Morizo confirmed for production and Australia
Lexus has confirmed that its much-hyped LBX Morizo RR concept will go into production and make its way to Australia in the first half of 2025.
The high-performance version of the recently launched LBX features a 1.6-litre inline-three cylinder turbo-petrol engine making for 206kW/390Nm of power mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive system.
Performance credentials are further enhanced with sports suspension and tyres, performance brakes and technology that Lexus calls Response-Enhancing Damping Structure which the brand says enhances steering feel and response.
Visually, the Morizo RR is enhanced with features like exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, a body that’s 10mm lower than the regular LBX, unique front and rear bumpers, and also a suite of interior updates including sports seats and steering wheel, and aluminium pedals.
Smart considering a fully electric Roadster revival
Smart Europe CEO Dirk Adelmann has confirmed it is considering reviving its two-door Roadster model as an all-new fully electric model once its new SUV-led range has been rolled out globally.
The brand announced yesterday that it would be re-entering the Australian market with its #1 and #3 electric SUVs, meaning if such a model was made it would have a clear path to our market.
Adelmann told British publication Autocar that once its third SUV, the #5, was rolled out globally it could come to fruition.
The CEO confessed that one ‘very wild colleague’ had already taken it upon themselves to sketch out what the new model would look like and said there was a strong appetite internally for such a model
MG5 Essence 2024 reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Dylan Campbell’s written review of the 2024 MG5 Essence was published, including his thoughts on MG5’s cheap $29K sedan.
Campbell found several positive points, including the MG’s affordable sticker price, grunty turbo engine, seven-year warranty and soft, absorbent ride quality.
But contributor Campbell also thought that there was significant room to improve, noting the questionable safety credentials of the vehicle, the lack of transmission refinement and the point that the model requires premium fuel to run.
Campbell concluded his written review by saying that while the MG5 is okay to drive, its lack of acceptable safety features make it ultimately hard to recommend over something from Japan or Korea.
