Victorian Government partly privatises registrations, number plates, and licencing

A new multi-billion dollar deal between the Victorian Government and a consortium will outsource VicRoads operations for the next four decades.

The Victorian Government has announced a $7.9 billion deal which will outsource the operations of licencing, registrations, and number plates for the next 40 years.

While the Victorian Government will retain ownership of VicRoads, its operations will be a joint venture between the state and a consortium made up of Aware Super, Australian Retirement Trust, and Macquarie Asset Management.

Victorian drivers are in line to benefit, with a 25 per cent discount to be introduced for those who have not incurred demerit points or committed road safety offences in the three years prior to their licence expiring.

Learner permits and probationary licences will also be made free under the deal, along with online testing – saving new drivers hundreds of dollars.

There’s no word yet on registrations, but in August 2021 independent state body Infrastructure Victoria proposed a pay-as-you-go system, which would “discourage unnecessary driving”.

The new part-privatisation will also include the state’s lucrative custom number plates business, with rumours suggesting the system could be overhauled so owners lease the rights to display personalised number plates each year, rather than buying the plates outright.

VicRoads recently removed its six-digit heritage number plates from sale, causing the $14,000 vitreous enamel plates to skyrocket in price on the open market, with some sellers asking upwards of $40,000 for the plate combinations.

This Victorian Government announcement comes after a 15-month consultation process with VicRoads employees, unions, motorists groups, and other stakeholders, designed to modernise the organisation.

The Government says existing employees are protected under the deal, while a further 120 jobs will be created.

The $7.9 billion will be invested into the new Victorian Future Fund, but it’s not known how much of the nearly $2 billion in annual revenue from licencing and registration will reach the state’s coffers.

“This is a win for all Victorians – it means a better experience for drivers and owners of cars, motorbikes, trucks and boats, and continued investment in VicRoads for future generations,” Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said at the announcement.

“It’s a terrific start for the Victorian Future Fund, which will deliver major benefits for Victorians as we continue to recover strongly from the shocks of the pandemic.”

While operations will be outsourced, oversight will continue from the Victorian Ombudsman and the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.

“The consortium has the experience and capability to support VicRoads on its next stage of development by driving high standards of service delivery and customer experience,” Macquarie Asset Management’s Frank Kwok said.

“We are excited by the opportunity to invest in Victoria and to work with the Victorian Government to deliver new and innovative services to the community.”

The post Victorian Government partly privatises registrations, number plates, and licencing appeared first on Drive.

2023 Genesis GV60 price revealed early for Australia

The first dedicated electric car from Genesis will cost over $20,000 more than its siblings from Hyundai and Kia, with the flagship model nudging past $110,000.

Australian prices for the 2023 Genesis GV60 electric car have been revealed early, ahead of an official announcement and first showroom arrivals in the coming weeks.

Details published in a third-party industry pricing guide suggests two all-wheel-drive GV60 variants will be offered in Australia: an entry-level ‘Lux’, priced from $103,700 plus on-road costs, and a flagship Performance, from $110,700.

While Genesis Australia is yet to confirm the prices, they’re understood to align with price estimates shared with customers in recent weeks. A formal announcement is likely in the coming weeks, when the first cars hit showrooms.

The prices mean in equivalent, circa-230kW all-wheel-drive trim, the GV60 will cost $20,000 to $27,000 more than its twins under the skin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

The GV60 Performance’s closest rival within the Hyundai-Kia group is the (albeit more powerful) Kia EV6 GT, which is expected to cost about $95,000 plus on-road costs when it reaches Australia late this year, or early next.

The high prices are despite the Genesis being smaller than both cars, at about 4.5 metres long – as well as its closest rivals, including the Tesla Model Y, which costs about $101,000 plus on-roads in Performance trim (no base AWD model is available).

The GV60 is also 200mm shorter than Genesis’ upcoming Electrified GV70 electric medium SUV, which will cost between $105,000 and $115,000 plus on-road costs when it launches in the coming months.

Powering the ‘base’ GV60 ‘Lux’ will be dual electric motors and a 77.4kWh battery pack (from the Kia EV6), developing 234kW and 605Nm for about 470km of driving range according to European testing procedures.

Meanwhile, the GV60 Performance upgrades to dual electric motors developing 320kW and 605Nm in normal driving, increasing to 360kW and 700Nm in 10-second bursts of ‘Boost Mode’.

Genesis claims a 4.0-second 0-100km/h time for this variant in Boost Mode, and 465km of WLTP range. All GV60 variants offer 350kW DC fast charging capable of a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in 18 minutes.

An entry-level rear-wheel-drive model with one 168kW motor has been certified for sale in Australia, however it won’t form part of the launch line-up.

Standard features have yet to confirmed for Australia, however government certification documents suggest 20-inch wheels will be standard on the Lux, rising to 21-inch alloys on the Performance.

The use of the ‘Lux’ badge suggests all GV60s will be equipped similarly to other Genesis cars with optional Luxury Packs, hinting at heated and ventilated nappa leather seats, dual 12-inch interior displays, a power tailgate, head-up display and a fingerprint reader.

Government certification documents suggest camera-based side mirrors may also be available in Australia, likely as an option.

The 2023 Genesis GV60 is expected in Australian showrooms within weeks. Stay tuned to Drive for more details as they come to hand.

The post 2023 Genesis GV60 price revealed early for Australia appeared first on Drive.

Porsche buyers keeping the manual gearbox alive

The manual transmission might be dying across most new-car segments, but Porsche buyers – high-end ones, at least – continue to show a penchant for three pedals and a gear stick.

Buyers of high-end Porsche sports cars continue to buck the trend of declining demand for manual transmissions – and the German sports car maker is happy to oblige.

Despite the increasing rush to automatic transmissions across the industry, around 50 per cent of all six-cylinder Porsche 718 (Boxster/Cayman) and flagship 911 GT3 orders are for cars with a manual gearbox, Porsche Australia says.

Look through the monthly sales figures, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the days of the manual gearbox are already well and truly numbered – particularly as the increasingly electrified and autonomous future of motoring approaches.

Even traditional sports cars, where a manual was long the preferred option, have either killed off the manual entirely, or seen buyers move to slick-shifting automatics, like Porsche’s PDK unit.

Only about five per cent of new passenger cars sold in Australia last year featured a manual transmission – and even in lightweight, affordable sports cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Subaru BRZ, the split between automatic and manual increasingly edges towards the auto.

Despite that trend, Porsche buyers continue to over-represent in terms of their desire for the purity of a manual gearbox.

“Both 911 GT3 and six-cylinder variants of the 718 are roughly 50 percent in terms of orders,” Chris Jordan, head of Public Relations for Porsche Australia, told Drive.

Drive’s launch review of the 911 GTS – which included some time behind the wheel of a seven-speed manual version – is coming soon, and that model attracts plenty of interest from buyers wanting to change gears for themselves.

“911 GTS orders are around 20 percent for the manual,’ Jordan said. The 911 GTS coupe is the only new-generation ‘992’ 911 without a GT badge that can be had with three pedals.

Interestingly, despite strong demand for a manual 718 with the six-cylinder engine, the four-cylinder remains an automatic stronghold.

“Four-cylinder models of the 718 are around five percent manual,” Jordan said. “This is a similar figure to the proportion of orders for manual when it was offered on the 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera S in the 991.2 generation.”

Muddying the waters for Porsche fans is the quality and precision of the brand’s dual-clutch automatic (PDK) transmission, which is faster in every circumstance than any regular driver is likely to be using a manual – including, in Drive’s testing, on a racetrack.

“The latest PDK technology is extremely capable in all settings, including high-performance circuit driving,” Jordan said.

“But, those who love an engaging experience on a touring type drive, love the feeling of driving with a manual transmission. This is true of Porsche sports cars old and new.”

The post Porsche buyers keeping the manual gearbox alive appeared first on Drive.

Unheard-of Chinese electric cars spotted for sale in Queensland

A trio of Chinese electric cars by brands Leapmotor, BAIC and GAC are for sale in Australia.

A trio of Chinese electric evaluation vehicles has been spotted for sale by Queensland-based auction house McDonalds Australia.

The three vehicles – a 2019 Leapmotor SO1, 2020 GAC NE AiON.S and 2019 BAIC EX5 R500 – are being offered as written-off salvage vehicles due to being “smoke damaged” by a fire. None of these vehicles are currently on sale in Australia.

It’s understood the three electric cars – alongside the listings for multiple other Chinese-imported electrified vehicles – were owned by an Australian engineering firm until the incident occurred.

Usually, left-hand-drive vehicles imported into Australia by a manufacturer under strict test and evaluation criteria must be either crushed, donated for research (such as to a TAFE, fire brigade or university) or exported off-shore.

However, as parallel private imports, these vehicles are understood to be immune from being crushed or exported.

The auction listing can be found by clicking here.

The post Unheard-of Chinese electric cars spotted for sale in Queensland appeared first on Drive.

2018 Nissan X-Trail ST: owner review

I’m in my late 60s and had been considering an SUV, because of the ease of getting in and out and the elevated driving position, for some time.

What we love

• Space and practicality
• Excellent all-round vision and safety
• Build quality
• Ride and comfort

What we don’t

• Foot-operated park brake
• Space-saver spare

NOTE: Editorial images used as none provided by the writer.

The Nissan X-Trail wasn’t on my radar until I drove one, my son’s ST 2.5-litre seven-seater, which impressed me. So when I saw this one advertised, I bought it without a second thought.

I like the styling, which I think is purposeful and ‘clean’ without unnecessary creases and folds, and the dimensions translate into plenty of space inside. The high roof line adds to the feeling of space and airiness, unlike some other makes with their sloping/lower roofs.

Outward vision through the large windscreen and windows is very good, but I have found myself needing the blind-spot monitoring a few times in heavy traffic. The powered and heated leather seats are very comfortable (with powered lumbar support for the driver), and with the seat and steering wheel adjustments it is very easy to find a spot-on driving position.

The flat-bottomed leather-bound steering wheel feels nice and chunky, and the buttons for the most part are easy to use – my only gripe is with the smallish cruise-control buttons, which take a bit of time through use to become intuitive. The steering is light and the X-Trail is very easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

I like the dash layout; the instruments are clear and easy to read with a large, central digital speedo. The good-size screen controls the audio, sat-nav etc, and I’m enjoying exploring all the functions. The digital radio is brilliant through the six speakers and it has a CD player too (yippee!). When selecting reverse, the screen splits between the rear-view camera and the all-round virtual bird’s-eye view, which is a real boon in congested spaces.

Apparently the 2.5-litre engine is ‘old school’, but I consider it proven and reliable, preferring it (an atmo) over the complexity of a turbo. It has enough power for me, and the CVT means smooth and easy driving. The brakes feel slightly spongy, lacking that initial bite, compared to my previous Japanese sedan, but work well enough.

The X-Trail is well soundproofed and it’s relaxed at freeway speeds. At 100km/h the engine is ticking over at about 1700rpm and returns excellent economy in the 6L/100km range. I’m averaging mid 7s to low 8s for general suburban driving.

The cargo area has plenty of space and a retractable blind. The floor is split with a handy hidey-hole for valuables or to carry wet swimmers and towels etc. The carpeted floor is a bit slippery, so I’m putting a ribbed rubber mat down to stop shopping bags sliding around.

Overall, I am very happy with the X-Trail, but there are a few quibbles:

• the aforementioned smallish cruise-control buttons
• the foot-operated park brake, which is a bit strange but I’m used to it now
• the start-stop button for me is on the wrong side (it should be on the right-hand side of the steering wheel)
• the space-saver spare wheel

MORE: Everything Nissan

The post 2018 Nissan X-Trail ST: owner review appeared first on Drive.

Europe to ban petrol and diesel cars from 2035, but with concessions

The internal combustion engine isn’t dead yet, with synthetic fuels being recognised as a viable alternative by the European Union.

The European Union has agreed to a new proposal which could mark the end of new petrol and diesel cars – except in some circumstances.

Officials from the European Union (EU) announced the proposal to introduce a 100 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions from 2035 for all new cars and vans – encouraging manufacturers to adopt either battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain technologies.

All new cars will need to have reduced tailpipe emissions by 55 per cent by 2030, or 50 per cent for commercial vans.

However, after lobbying from Germany and Italy – along with pressure from G7 member Japan this week – there will be some major concessions.

Low-volume manufacturers will be granted a partial exemption of emissions laws from 2030, after the 55 per cent rule has already been imposed.

Carmakers responsible for new registrations of between 1000 and 10,000 cars annually, such as Lamborghini, will not have to abide by the 100 per cent tailpipe emissions reduction by 2035.

Synthetic fuels will also be a part of the EU’s roadmap for a zero-emissions future, despite only one specific reference in the 36-page proposal.

While it acknowledged “the consultation reflected mixed views” regarding synthetic fuels, it confirmed the proposal was “technology neutral” and will be accompanied by “renewable and low-carbon fuels for the combustion engine”.

Synthetic fuels – also known as eFuels – are created by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and recycling it into hydrocarbon fuels such as petrol, diesel, and avgas using renewable energy.

The idea is the CO2 emitted from the vehicle’s tailpipe when burning synthetic fuels is the same amount that was previously removed from the atmosphere, giving it carbon-neutral status.

However, the language used in the proposal also allows for the use of hydrogen as a fuel in internal-combustion engines – an alternative fuel being developed by Toyota.

The recognition comes after German environment minister Steffi Lemke told her European counterparts the country would only support the proposal if synthetic fuel-powered vehicles were included, according to an earlier report from Reuters.

The move will extend the life of the internal-combustion engine for the foreseeable future – however it is likely to be reserved for use in market-specific entry-level passenger cars, some commercial vehicles, and low-volume performance cars.

The EU recognised the potential for synthetic petrol and diesel to provide “affordable climate-neutral mobility,” opening the door for internal-combustion engine cars to continue to be made and sold in some regions where the full adoption of electric and hydrogen vehicles is not viable due to economic reasons and lagging infrastructure.

Earlier this week, reports suggested Portugal, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Italy had joined forces to delay the emissions target, however the inclusion of synthetic fuels in the proposal likely provides a workable pathway for the countries.

“Zero-emission vehicles currently include battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell and other hydrogen-powered vehicles, and technological innovations are continuing,” the EU’s proposal reads.

“Zero- and low-emission vehicles, which also include well performing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, can continue to play a role in the transition pathway.”

It’s thought significant pressure from officials representing major car manufacturing countries Germany and Japan are largely responsible for the acknowledgement of synthetic fuels within the proposal.

Japan has been a public advocate for hydrogen and hybrid vehicles, while Germany has been vocal in its support for synthetic fuels following billions of dollars of investment in the technology by BMW and Porsche.

A communiqué from the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), who met in Germany this week and were joined by leaders of Argentina, India, Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa, and Ukraine, stopped short of naming specific emissions targets for vehicles.

The language used in the document was almost identical to a quote leaked earlier this week, which allegedly replaced the goal of a 50 per cent tailpipe emissions target reduction by 2030 – which would have mirrored the emissions goal announced by the EU overnight.

The post Europe to ban petrol and diesel cars from 2035, but with concessions appeared first on Drive.

Tesla Model 3 driving range reduced for Australia – UPDATE: Explained

The Tesla Model 3 Performance and Long Range have had their driving ranges cut by between 2.0 and 3.5 per cent in Australia, due to a new system computer.

UPDATE, 30 June 2022: Tesla has explained why the driving range of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range (and Performance) were cut earlier this year.

In a message to customers in the queue (posted to Twitter by VedaPrime), Tesla said the addition of a new, more powerful processor required more energy that otherwise was used for propelling the car.

“We have updated Model 3 vehicles to optimise the touch screen experience with our new car computer. This hardware change requires more power, resulting in a minor drop in range. Your Model 3 range [for a Long Range variant] is now 602 kilometres WLTP,” the message reads.

As reported in February, the Model 3 Long Range was cut from 614km to 602km WLTP, while the Model 3 Performance dipped from 567km to 547km. Our original story continues unchanged below.

---

17 February 2022: The Tesla Model 3 sedan – currently the electric vehicle specialist’s sole offering in Australia – has had its driving range downrated for two of the three locally-available variants.

While the entry-level single-motor Model 3 retains its 491km WLTP claim, the mid-spec Long Range and flagship Performance models have been reduced

from 614km to 602km, and 567km to 547km respectively.

This equates to a decrease of approximately 2.0 per cent in the former, and 3.5 per cent in the latter. No changes have been made to pricing.

It’s unclear if the changes are due to a hardware

change, software update, or revisions to the testing cycle.

However – considering the two affected variants share a circa-80kWh battery pack – some have speculated the total capacity has been reduced, indicating real-world driving range will be affected.

A spokesperson for Tesla in Australia did not comment when approached for further information by Drive.

While delivery times fell to just “one to three weeks” in October last year, new delays in 2022 have blown wait times out to between “five and seven months.”

This means a Tesla Model 3 ordered today would likely arrive between July and September 2022, assuming no further setbacks.

While all can be preordered online, there is currently no timeline for local deliveries of the Model S sedan, Model X SUV, Model Y SUV, Cybertruck pick-up, or Roadster sports car.

The post Tesla Model 3 driving range reduced for Australia – UPDATE: Explained appeared first on Drive.

2023 Kia Seltos facelift revealed, due in Australia this year

The popular Kia Seltos has received its long-rumoured mid-life update, adding a Sportage-inspired exterior, and restyled interior with a digital dashboard.

The facelifted 2023 Kia Seltos has been revealed, ahead of an Australian launch due in the fourth quarter of 2022 (October to December).

Shown in these initial images out of Korea, the updated version of the popular Seltos small SUV gains a new exterior design and restyled interior inspired by larger Kia models.

Up front, there’s a new set of headlights with angular signatures and LED daytime-running lights that extend into the grille – inspired by the Sportage – plus new LED fog lights and a centre skid plate that hint at a ‘GT-Line’ or ‘X-Line’ flagship.

New 18-inch machined alloy wheels fill the arches, while at the rear there are new Carnival-inspired tail-lights stretching down the sides and across the span of the tailgate, and a new gloss black lower bumper.

Inside, the updated Seltos gains a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, integrated with the carry-over 10.25-inch centre touchscreen into a curved panel stretching across the dashboard – akin to the new Niro, EV6 and Sportage.

The design of the air vents and lower switches have been tweaked, while the current full-size gear selector has been replaced by a ‘shift-by-wire’ rotary dial.

Full details of engines and safety systems will be confirmed at the Busan motor show in Korea next month, however rumours suggest a carry-over choice of 2.0-litre non-turbo and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines.

Rumours of a Seltos Hybrid have since subsided, as Kia looks to focus its small hybrid SUV efforts on the new Niro.

The 2023 Kia Seltos will be detailed further next month, ahead of first Australian arrivals in the fourth quarter of 2022 (October to December).

The post 2023 Kia Seltos facelift revealed, due in Australia this year appeared first on Drive.

BMW to roll out Android Automotive infotainment from 2023

German luxury car giant BMW will be integrating the Android Automotive system into various models for the first time from next year.

BMW has announced that it will be adding the Android Automotive operating system – not to be confused with Android Auto – to specific models from 2023.

The platform – which powers infotainment systems in various Volvo, Polestar, and Stellantis group vehicles – will be incorporated alongside the current BMW Operating System 8, however it’s unclear exactly which models will gain the system. 

The German car maker is yet to release images of the Android version of its iDrive 8 system, so it’s unclear if it will look any different from the existing Linux-based software.

Android Automotive is not to be confused with Android Auto; whereas the latter (Auto) is one app within the infotainment system, and requires a phone connected, the former (Automotive) drives the entire infotainment system, with no phone required.

“We are integrating the best aspects of all worlds – that could be our own in-house developments, Open Source or commercial software products, depending on what the specific solution looks like,” said BMW Group lead developer for digital driving experience, Stephan Durach.

It’s possible that the system will feature Google Maps and Google Assistant, along with the ability to utilise third-party apps. The automaker stated that the “customization enables implementers to differentiate the product as they see fit.”

Various brands have already adopted Android Automotive, including GM, Polestar, Volvo and Renault, with the Polestar 2 leading the charge. 

The post BMW to roll out Android Automotive infotainment from 2023 appeared first on Drive.

2023 Audi S4 Avant spied inside and out

The next Audi S4 performance wagon has been spotted in Europe, with a technology-packed cabin and what looks to be a V6 under the bonnet.

The next-generation 2023 Audi S4 Avant performance wagon has been spied testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated launch next year.

Snapped in Europe’s Alps by Drive’s spy photography partners, the next S4 – in sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon forms – won’t stray too far from Audi’s usual formula, with sporty but restrained styling, a high-tech interior and a potent petrol engine under the bonnet.

Building on the standard A4 prototype spotted late last year, the mid-level S4 can be distinguished on this early test car by its four exhaust tips, a hallmark of Audi S cars.

The latest S4 prototype also features flush-faced, cut-out door handles akin to a BMW i4, rather than the traditional pull-out handles of the A4 seen last year. It’s unclear which design will reach production.

Expect full production S4s to score tweaked bumper designs, black or aluminium detailing and larger alloy wheels than base or S Line versions of the regular A4. This prototype’s circular tail-lights are temporary units installed for testing.

Inside, the new S4 borrows its squared-off steering wheel from Europe’s Q4 E-Tron electric car, which is placed in front of a freestanding instrument display, rather than the enclosed binnacle of current Audis.

Tucked behind a data logging screen installed by Audi engineers is what looks to be a tablet-style freestanding central touchscreen. The seats are trimmed in leather, with electric adjustment.

The centre console is more minimalist than today’s A4, with a conventional gear selector replaced by a rocker switch, akin to the A3 small car – placed alongside a pair of cupholders, a red-accented engine start button, and very few physical switches.

A photo under the bonnet shows no signs of high-voltage orange cables – suggesting the next S4 won’t be plug-in hybrid, though a lesser 48-volt mild-hybrid system can’t be ruled out, akin to a range of new Audi models.

If the engine cover is any guide, the new Audi S4 looks to retain a V6 engine – though, assuming it’s a petrol engine, it’s unclear if it’s the 260kW/500Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo unit in the current S4, or a detuned version of the RS4’s 331kW/600Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6.

While the former is a possibility, it’s worth noting the S4 shares its platform with the Porsche Macan medium SUV, which recently ditched its 260kW/500Nm 3.0-litre V6 for a 280kW/520Nm version of the 2.9-litre V6 – so it’s possible the next-generation Audi mid-sizer might follow suit.

Audi will be alone in fitting a V6 to its mid-size, mid-tier performance car offering; the BMW M340i is powered by a turbocharged inline-six, while the latest Mercedes-AMG C43 has switched to a mild-hybrid turbo four-cylinder.

As reported last year, the next Audi A4 is rumoured to be available with a choice of traditional petrol and diesel engines – with mild or plug-in hybrid systems, and front- or all-wheel drive – plus a new A4 E-Tron electric option.

Whereas the petrol and diesel models are expected to carry over the current A4’s ‘MLB’ platform – albeit with “modifications” – the A4 E-Tron is set to employ Audi and Porsche’s new ‘PPE’ dedicated electric architecture.

Above: The current Audi S4 sedan and Avant wagon.

Two RS4 performance flagships are slated to be offered; an MLB-based plug-in hybrid, pairing today’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with electric motors for over 331kW and 600Nm, and a PPE-based, dual-motor electric model reportedly developing 350kW/800Nm.

Dimensions of the new ‘B10’ A4 are rumoured to remain similar to the current ‘B9’ A4 range. New technologies, however, are rumoured to include rear-wheel steering, near-field communication technology, adaptive dampers and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

With the standard 2023 Audi A4 slated to launch in Europe sometime next year, expect the performance S4 version to debut either towards the end of 2023, or early in 2024.

Australian launch plans are yet to be confirmed, though given Audi S and RS performance cars are historically strong sellers locally, it’s unlikely we will miss out on the new model.

The post 2023 Audi S4 Avant spied inside and out appeared first on Drive.