CAR COMPARISONS

Rabu, 30 Maret 2022

2022 Porsche Taycan Buyers Guide

Here’s our guide to navigating the variants and options on offer with the 2022 Drive Car of the Year Best Electric Vehicle over $100,000

Porsche’s renowned engineering excellence comes to the forefront in the all-electric Taycan.

It’s a car that embodies the emotional sense of what a Porsche should be, combined with the fututre-forward approach for what an electric car can be.

Available in two body-styles and and a selection of drive, power, battery and styling configurations, there’s sure to be a Taycan for every taste, providing you have a budget to match.

Buying a Porsche is a personal experience, and option prices typically add another 25 per cent to the base price, but in doing this you can make the car ‘yours’ to the most specific detail. And for a brand which trades as much in technical prowess as it does in brand cache, that’s what it is all about.

While it would be easy to suggest that the range-topping Taycan Turbo S, with its 560kW/1050Nm all-wheel-drive output is the ‘best’, we feel that $340k price tag, before options, distracts from what is an exceptional car even at its range entry point.

To that end, we feel the best Porsche Taycan is surprisingly ‘realistic’ in its range positioning.

OUR PICK

Our pick: Porsche Taycan (RWD, single motor, 79kWh battery, from $156,300 before options and on-road costs)

Yes, we think the best Taycan you can buy is the newly launched ‘non-S’ entry level model.

All the key elements are here. The impressive 79kWh battery pack and 800-volt charging system (11kW AC / 225kW DC) that offer 300kW output and 369km range.

There are plenty of creature comforts including power, memory front seats, Porsche Connect telemetry connectivity, adaptive cruise control and a choice of interior trim colours for no additional cost.

Porsche even bundle in a ChargeFox public charging account and a home-based wall charger into thr driveaway price.

Being a Porsche though, don’t expect not to tick any option boxes.

We’ve defined a specification that we feel gives you all the ‘premium’ features you expect from a car like the Taycan, all while keeping the price below the starting point for the next model in the lineup, the Taycan 4S.

Starting with styling, we’ve chosen Dolomite Silver Metallic paint ($2300) and the 19-inch Taycan S Aero wheels ($2400) to give the car a much sharper look. Those basic wheels don’t do it any favours.

For a smarter-looking interior, we’ve chosen the Black and Chalk Beige two-tone trim for no extra cost, and only added front seat heaters ($910). To enhance the car’s appeal as a Porsche, we’ve included Sport Chrono (you have to) for $2340 and the $4540 PASM adaptive air suspension package.

This adds up to $16,090 (just 10 per cent extra, surely a record!) , for $172,390 plus on-road costs. A Taycan 4S starts from $189,800.

Check out this configuration on the Porsche Taycan configurator here.

However, if it was me on the end of the chequebook, I’d be hard pressed to ignore the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo wagon which starts from $176,600, an 11 per cent (or $20k) premium over the Taycan ‘non-S’ but with the addition of all-wheel drive and the super-cool wagon styling.

Here, sadly, the options are a little more tempting to tick and the lovely Gentian Blue paint ($2300), 20-inch Turbo Aero wheels ($5270), roof rails ($1220) which must be aligned to the panoramic roof ($3370), and requisite interior comforts (heated seats $910, ambient lighting $890) start to push that average of ‘additional 25 per cent in options’ well into the ‘True’ state.

I’ve added the cool passenger LCD display ($2150) and BOSE sound system ($2840) as well, for a total of $24,890 (15 per cent extra), and a before options price of just over $200k. Lucky it’s not real money.

Here’s my wagon build.

Read about all other 2022 Drive Car of the Year categories and winners

Buying now? View new Porsche Taycan models in stock

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Tesla Full Self-Driving tech on pause as chief engineer takes leave

The delay-plagued autonomous driving program is faced with a new obstacle.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving program is likely set to face new delays, with a lead engineer announcing plans to take four months off.

While the electric vehicle specialist does not currently offer complete autonomy outside of a limited beta trial, it has charged customers upwards of $10,000 over the past six years on the promise it would be retrospectively fitted through an over-the-air software update.

Andrej Karpathy (below) has served as Tesla’s head of Artificial Intelligence and Autopilot Vision since soon after the FSD package went on sale in 2017, and has been instrumental in its development and rollout plans.

“Taking some time off to rest and travel after almost five years at Tesla,” Mr Karpathy announced on Twitter earlier this week. “Especially excited to get focused time to re-sharpen my technical edge and train some neural nets!”

Two days later Elon Musk declared: “FSD Beta should be available in Europe for [left-hand drive] this summer, [right-hand drive] a few months later … These dates depend on regulatory approval.”

However, followers and fans of the marque are concerned recent news could cause the long-delayed technology to be pushed back further – with some pointing out previous big-name employees, including former Vice President of Engineering Doug Field, have taken time off and then never come back.

Electric vehicle news outlet Electrek said: “The timing is not great as Musk is talking about Tesla aiming for FSD to become safer than human drivers by the end of the year … It is a giant task to do and likely harder without your head of AI.”

Tesla has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over its Full-Self Driving program, with criticism primarily focused on its safety credentials, ability to function without lidar sensors, and rollout timeline.

Analysis by Drive last year revealed the manufacturer may be holding at least $AU3.7 billion in payments for FSD packages, which would need to be refunded in full if it fails to deliver on its promise of complete autonomy.

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2022 Honda HR-V price and specs: Base price up $5400, to $36,700 drive-away

The Honda HR-V offers more space and technology than before, plus a new hybrid option – but at $36,700 drive-away it’s more expensive, has lost its centre rear seat, and gets less powerful 1.5-litre engines.

2022 Honda HR-V pricing and specifications
Choice of petrol or hybrid power, sipping less fuel (but producing less power than before)
LED lights, 9.0-inch touchscreen, 18-inch wheels standard
More interior space, but four-seater only
Priced from $36,700 drive-away

The all-new 2022 Honda HR-V small SUV has arrived in Australia, with the option of hybrid power – but buyers will pay for the privilege, with the base price rising by $5400 drive-away compared to the cheapest version of the outgoing model.

Open to orders today, the new HR-V will be offered in two variants, priced from $36,700 drive-away for the Vi X petrol – making the cheapest HR-V on sale $5400 dearer than the previous base model, the $31,300 drive-away HR-V VTi, which three years ago could be had for $24,990 plus on-road costs.

Honda Australia says the Vi X grade is positioned between $35,100 VTi-S and $38,500 RS versions of the outgoing model – making the like-for-like price rise no more than $1600.

Opting for the frugal e:HEV L hybrid ups the price to $45,000 drive-away, or $4000 more than Honda Australia’s previous range-topping HR-V variant, the $41,000 drive-away VTi-LX petrol (without a hybrid system).

Standard equipment has risen over the previous HR-V, however, with all variants featuring as standard 18-inch wheels, a 9.0-inch touchscreen (up from 7.0-inch), LED headlights, keyless entry, and adaptive cruise control – none of which were fitted to the previous HR-V VTi base model.

However, while Honda claims increased legroom and recline for rear passengers, it has removed the ability to use a centre rear seat (by deleting the centre seatbelt) – making the HR-V one of only two new five-door SUVs under $100,000 with just four seats, the other a 50cm-shorter, $22,000 Suzuki Ignis city car.

The new Honda HR-V offers buyers a choice of two powertrains: a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine developing 89kW and 145Nm in the Vi X, or a brand-new e:HEV hybrid option, pairing a 1.5-litre engine with two electric motors for 96kW and 253Nm combined.

However, both options are less powerful than the outgoing HR-V’s 105kW/172Nm 1.8-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, which was already one of the less powerful options in the small SUV class.

Both of the new HR-V’s powertrains drive the front wheels through continuously-variable (automatic) transmissions.

Fuel economy has improved compared to the old HR-V, down to 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the Vi X petrol (from 6.6-6.9L/100km), or 4.3L/100km for the hybrid – the latter matching a Toyota C-HR Hybrid.

Measuring 4335mm long and 1790mm wide, the new Honda HR-V is a similar size to the vehicle it replaces – though inside, the rear seats are positioned further back to create additional legroom, thanks to the repositioning of the hybrid components and fuel tank further up front.

Standard features across the HR-V range in Australia include a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and satellite navigation, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

Buyers keen on blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert or heated seats will need to step up to the e:HEV L hybrid model, which also adds a power tailgate, heated steering wheel, acoustic windscreen, and more.

The 2022 Honda HR-V range will arrive in Honda Centres across Australia next month.

2022 Honda HR-V Australian pricing

HR-V Vi X – $36,700
HR-V e:HEV L – $45,000

Note: All prices above are drive-away.

2022 Honda HR-V Vi X standard features:

Four seats only
9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and satellite navigation
LED headlights with auto high beam
18-inch alloy wheels
Keyless entry and start
Single-zone climate control
Power-folding side mirrors
Four-speaker sound system
Fabric upholstery
Magic Seats (rear folding seats)
Front and rear parking sensors
Privacy glass
Autonomous emergency braking
Forward collision warning
Lane-keep assist
Lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
Traffic sign recognition
Road Departure Mitigation System
Tyre pressure monitoring

2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV L adds (over Vi X):

Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Speed limiter system
Piano black exterior trim
Rain-sensing wipers
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Black leatherette and fabric upholstery
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Six-speaker sound system
Auto-folding, heated side mirrors
Hands-free power tailgate
LED cornering lights
Acoustic windscreen

Available colours include:

Platinum White
Premium Opal
Crystal Black
Meteoroid Grey
Premium Crystal Red

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Police recover 35 stolen prestige cars in overgrown backyard

The $3 million collection – which was found alongside drug crops – includes an

Aston Martin, Bentley, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 911.

At least 35 prestige cars – including an Aston Martin Vantage, Bentley Continental, Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche – have been recovered by police in California, following a sting operation at an overgrown property.

Valued at approximately $US2.3 million ($AU3 million), the collection was allegedly ‘bought’ from unsuspecting local dealerships on finance without payment ever being made.

Following a two-month investigation, law enforcement was granted a search warrant for the San Fernando Valley

residence and carried out a raid earlier this week.

Images published to social media in recent days show at least one Aston Martin (Vantage),

Bentley (Continental GT), Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet Corvette (C8), Jaguar, BMW (X6), Land Rover, Lexus, and Porsche on the site.

The majority appear to be in reasonable condition, however some – including the

Mercedes-Benz – show visible panel damage and deteriorated paint.

“In addition to the recovered cars, one suspect was arrested, a firearm was seized, and an indoor marijuana grow operation of well over 400 plants was discovered,” the department said in a statement.

A reason for why the cars were stolen and then seemingly abandoned – or how they were tracked down – was not provided.

Further, it’s unclear what will happen to the vehicles as most have likely been written off under dealership insurance.

Drive contacted California police for more information on the seized cars, and this story will be updated if more information becomes available.

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Electric vehicles left out in the cold in 2022 Federal Budget

While the 2022 Federal Budget offered some short-term relief for motorists, electric vehicle buyers once again missed out on any incentives.

Hopes for a Federal Government boost to its Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy were dashed in the 2022 budget, with no further commitments made towards its existing 2021 policy – and no extra helping hand to electric vehicle (EV) buyers.

While motorists around Australia received some immediate – albeit temporary – relief in Tuesday’s budget, with the government confirming it would halve the fuel excise from 44.2c to 22.1c per litre, no additional funding has been made available to incentivise electric vehicle uptake and ownership.

Last year, the Federal Government announced $2.1 billion – partially funded through the private sector – would be earmarked for low emission and future fuel technologies, with a further $250 million commitment aimed at public charging infrastructure, heavy vehicle fleets, light commercial vehicles and household smart charging.

Sales of electric cars may more than double this year, from a record high of 20,615 in 2021.

Already in 2022, sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are tracking well above 2021 levels, up 104 per cent year-on-year to the end of February. So far this year, Australians have bought 1840 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (excluding Tesla) against 901 over the same period last year.

But, anyone looking for further incentives for electric car owners and buyers in this year’s budget were left wanting with no sign of tax relief for the burgeoning technology.

While several states currently offer rebates on EV purchases, the federal government has yet to incentivise individual buyers, focussing its energies – and money – instead on infrastructure and fuel technologies.

Calls for a federal tax incentive have so far fallen on deaf ears, leaving it to the states and territories to form their own strategies.

However, the mechanism for a federal tax rebate already exists – buyers of light commercial vehicles already able to claim their purchases of dual-cab utes and delivery vans as a tax deduction.

And an easing of the luxury car tax, either broadly or specifically on electric vehicles, could also ease the pressure on prices of new EVs, but calls for scaling back the tax designed to protect Australia’s now-defunct local car manufacturing industry have also fallen on deaf ears.

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2022 Ford Ranger price revealed for Thailand, including Raptor

Australian details might be some weeks away, but pricing for the Ford Ranger line-up has been revealed for the Thai market, where it’s made – and while there have been increases, they’re not as significant as first feared.

Prices for the 2022 Ford Ranger – including the hardcore Raptor flagship – have been announced for Thailand, providing our best hint yet as to how much the new ute will cost in Australia once it launches from June.

The Ranger line-up in Thailand will initially comprise three model grades (Sport, Wildtrak and Raptor), available solely with a dual-cab body, and in standard versions, a choice of single-turbo and twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines with two- or four-wheel drive.

In high-specification, bi-turbo Wildtrak form, prices have increased by between 2.4 and 2.6 per cent – figures which, if applied to Australian models, would translate to a circa-$1700 price rise, for a total of $67,800 plus on-road costs, despite more technology, comfort and space on offer.

However, it’s worth noting the much-anticipated 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine is not available in Thailand – an option box that if ticked in Australia would push the price rise even further, though by how much remains to be seen.

The flagship Ranger Raptor – now powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, replacing the outgoing 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel – has increased by 8.1 per cent, which equates to a circa-$6500 price rise, when applied to current Australian pricing.

If accurate to Australia, it would take the Raptor’s list price to approximately $86,000 plus on-road costs – up on the current Raptor X’s $79,390 plus on-road costs sticker, and the $74,990 quoted for the original Raptor Raptor at its launch in mid-2018.

The entry-level Ranger in Thailand is priced from 929,000 baht ($AU36,900) – and while a dual-cab Ranger could be previously had for as little as 692,000 baht ($AU27,500), the new Thai base model is now a better-equipped Sport variant with a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel, rather than a fleet-focused XL with the defunct 2.2-litre engine.

The aforementioned Wildtrak variant is priced from 999,000 baht ($AU39,600) with the 125kW/405Nm 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, rising up to 1,299,000 baht ($AU51,518) for a 155kW/500Nm 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder, a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.

Meanwhile, the range-topping petrol V6 Raptor costs 1,869,000 baht ($AU74,100), up from 1,729,000 baht for the outgoing diesel model.

While converting the Thai prices would only suggest price rises of up to $AU1230 (Wildtrak) and $AU5567 (Raptor), differing government charges and shipping costs – given the Ranger is built in Thailand, eliminating the sea shipping needed for Australia – mean direct currency conversions aren’t always accurate.

Pricing for the 2022 Ford Ranger line-up is likely to be announced in the coming weeks and months, ahead of first scheduled arrivals in local showrooms in June for most Ranger models, or July for the Raptor.

For full details on the new Ford Ranger’s engine outputs, payload/tow ratings and standard features, click here to read Drive’s deep dive in, as announced last week.

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2023 Ford Everest price revealed for Thailand

Along with its Ranger ute sibling, Ford has published prices for the new Everest seven-seater in Thailand, hinting at where it’ll land once it launches in Australia this August.

Prices for the new 2023 Ford Everest four-wheel-drive SUV have been revealed for the Thai market, providing our best hint yet as to how much it will cost in Australia, once first customer deliveries commence in August.

At launch, Thai buyers will be able to choose from two Everest model variants in Ford showrooms: a Sport grade with a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine and rear-wheel drive, or a ‘flagship’ Titanium+ with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, four-wheel drive and additional features.

Over equivalent variants in the outgoing 2022 Everest range, prices are up by between 2.4 and 3.1 per cent – applying which to Australian pricing for the current range would suggest price rises of $1700 to $2000, to $61,700 and $75,000 plus on-road costs, despite significantly more technology on offer.

Above: Thailand’s Ford Everest Titanium.

However, it’s worth nothing Thailand’s two-variant range differs to the four models planned for Australia – including cheaper Ambiente and Trend models below the Sport (all with with twin-turbo engines), and a more luxurious Platinum flagship above the Titanium (which won’t be available locally).

The hotly-anticipated 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 is also unavailable in Thailand; expect this to command a further premium once it reaches Australia, in the Sport as an option, or standard in the Platinum.

While final prices are yet to confirmed, the new 2023 Everest Ambiente and Trend are likely to draw closer to the $50,090 plus on-road costs of the outgoing 3.2-litre Ambiente 4×2 in Australia – while the Platinum may push beyond the $80,000 mark, with its standard V6.

The current Everest Trend is priced from $57,090 plus on-road costs with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine and rear-wheel drive (4×4 adds $5300), rising to $60,090 for the rear-drive, bi-turbo Sport, and $73,190 for the flagship, four-wheel-drive, bi-turbo Titanium.

Prices start from 1,464,000 baht ($AU58,300) for the Sport 4×2, and rise to 1,854,000 baht ($AU73,800) for the Titanium 4×4 – however differing government charges and transport costs – given the Everest is built in Thailand, eliminating the sea shipping needed for Australia – mean direct currency conversions aren’t always accurate.

Due in showrooms in August, pricing for the 2023 Ford Everest range is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. For a deep dive into engines and standard features, click here.

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