Subaru confirms electric vehicle, NZ distributor keen

Auckland office has sought more info about car, a co-development with Toyota.

Subaru shared this image today

EUROPE will be served first, but if Subaru’s new battery-electric SUV ever becomes available for New Zealand use, the distributor will be an eager adopter.

That’s the word today from Subaru New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper in reaction to head office in Japan acknowledging its first electric vehicle is under development.

“We would definitely be interested in anything electric, particularly anything electric that comes in four-wheel-drive,” he said in reaction to the unfolding news about the car.

“We will seriously consider anything with an ‘e’ association to it.”

A sports utility, similar in size to the Forester, the new model will be built on a new bespoke electric vehicle platform shared with Toyota.

Intention is to launch it in the first half of this decade, although it's tipped it to be revealed next year.

Because it will be built on an electric-only architecture, it's expected to get a new name; Japanese media are reporting that it will be called Evoltis, which surprises Dumper.

He points out that name is already used for a Latin America-market version of Ascent, the large seven-seater SUV that Subaru only makes in left-hand-drive and aims primarily at North America. 

Toyota announced its involvement in the EV co-operation last week, including that the platform will be known as e-TNGA and that it will develop a RAV4-sized battery-reliant car.

The architecture is designed to be highly adaptable to allow for vehicles of different lengths and can be used for front-, rear- and four-wheel-drive layouts, thanks to the ability to fit motors to both axles. It can also accept multiple battery sizes.

While not confirmed by either firm, the new Subaru EV is likely to be 'twinned' with that Toyota machine, according to the website for British motoring weekly, Autocar.

Beyond the use of the shared platform, Subaru has released no further technical details of the new EV, saying that it will divulge more details in 2021.

Dumper says he can be of no assistance either – the announcement to media today has been the only official word. He’d like to know more and that view has been shared with Japan. 

Earlier this year, Subaru displayed an electric concept car (above) at a technology briefing in January, and it's expected that the eventual production EV will take styling cues from it.

Subaru’s first EV is a major step in its electrification plans. The firm has recently introduced mild-hybrid e-Boxer versions of its XV and Forester and is aiming for at least 40 percent of its global sales to be either electric or hybrid by 2030. 

Dumper says those cars are selling satisfactorily and have also raised consumer interest in Subaru product in general. “If people come in to look at the hybrid but don’t buy it they often buy a non-hybrid version instead.”

Autocar says Subaru had previously planned for its first electric car to be based on an existing model on its own Global Platform, but it changed that concept due to its new partnership with Toyota.

PHEV Tucson’s electric range cited

Plug-in tech a first for popular model, but will it come here?

DETAIL is finally out about one derivative of the new-generation Tucson Hyundai’s New Zealand distributor has yet to officially commit to.

When initial specifications were announced at the new generation Tucson’s international unveiling in September, the make only spoke about the purely fossil-fuelled drivetrains.

The Tucson plug-in hybrid will likely be of more interest, however, and not simply because of the growing consumer interest in electrically-assisted drivetrains. It is also a breakthrough for this brand. 

The set-up comprises a 1.6-litre T-GDI turbo petrol four-cylinder engine with a 66.9kW electric motor, and a 13.8kWh battery. Combined, the powertrain produces 197kW and 350Nm of torque. The electric motor on its own develops a peak of 304Nm. 

The Tucson plug-in hybrid drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

It also incorporates some trick aerodynamics. Behind that complex radiator grille, there's an active air intake flap, that opens and closes as needed, improving air-flow into and around the car, depending on how much cooling the engine needs.

 A range of drive modes are on offer, the Tucson's standard mode driving the wheels via the electric motor alone at low speeds, with the combustion engine switching on at higher velocities or when rapid acceleration is required.

Hyundai reckons that the Tucson plug-in's electric-only range will be more than 50km on the WLTP cycle' but the final figure is to be confirmed.

There's a 7.2kW on-board charging system, so it'll charge reasonably briskly from either a home wallbox or a public charger. CO2 emissions figures haven't yet been issued. 

Though Hyundai describes the 13.8kWh lithium-polymer battery as being mounted on the underbody, this installation and the fuel tank has eaten into boot space a little.

While the conventional petrol-engined Tucson that Hyundai New Zealand has confirmed it will introduce in the first quarter of 2021 has a 620-litre boot, the plug-in model has to make do with 558 litres. That luggage space expands 1737 litres with the rear seats folded. 

That four-wheel drive system comes with HTRAC terrain response technology, and there's optional adaptive dampers for the suspension.

The PHEV's interior is all-but-identical to the standard, non-hybrid model, save for a handful of hybrid-specific displays for the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Hyundai BlueLink smartphone app also gains the ability to monitor the Tucson's lithium-polymer battery's state of charge, as well as manage charging settings.

In the safety department, exclusive to the plug-in Tucson is Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, a low-speed reverse autonomous emergency braking system that detects and notifies the driver of hazards behind the moving vehicle, and applies the brakes if necessary.

The new Santa Fe is also set to present to NZ next year in a plug-in hybrid format, as well as in mild hybrid.

Cupra quartet for 2021 release

Three all-new cars are set to land mid-year, plus an updated Ateca arriving next month.

The Cupra family of 2021

PRICING and arrival timing for the next crop of cars from Cupra, the performance arm of Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand element, SEAT, has been announced. 

An update of the Ateca sports utility that has been flying the flag for Cupra for more than a year will be a pathfinder for the main group, with expectation of release next month. 

Three all-new models – the Formentor, the Leon hatch and Leon Sportstourer – are schedule to arrive in June, though that timing is dependent on ongoing effects of the coronavirus on car making and shipping.  

When notifying intention for Cupra today, local brand boss James Yates also reminded that Germany has just gone into a hard lockdown, not expected to lift until early January.

As is, Covid-19 has already caused the distributor, part of Giltrap Group, to delay these announcements for a marque that is intended become the lead product type for private buyers while SEAT product will be presented more toward fleet and rental use.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, thanks to the imprint made by the Ateca in its current form, Cupra is resonating with New Zealanders at a level that leaves Yates confident is a brand that will achieve more focus once the family enlarges. 

“If these three new models replicate the Cupra Ateca’s success, we’ll be seeing a lot of car buyers in New Zealand re-thinking their badge allegiances.” 

Formentor is expected to be the volume and image leader

A striking sports utility coupe, Formentor is the first Cupra car designed exclusively for that make – the others being re-engineered and style editions of VW cars – and is expected to become the volume king.

It will stand to offer a point of difference on more than just the impressive looks: By late next year there’ll be a hybrid version with front-wheel drive that uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to produce 150kW.

In June, however, the focus is on two all-wheel-drive (4Drive in Cupra-speak) models with orthodox petrol drivetrains, in 140kW and 228kW formats, for $54,900 and $68,900 respectively, precluding on-roads. No pricing has been set for the e-Hybrid yet.

The Formentor is based on VW Group’s MQB Evo platform. Yates proposes that styling resembles that of a rugged all-terrain vehicle, but the car’s exterior design features bring a lighter contrast to the vehicle’s silhouette. A striking ingredient of the interior is a panoramic 12-inch floating infotainment screen.

The Formentor has recently entered production for European markets, and it is made at the brand’s facilities in Martorell, on the outskirts of Barcelona.

Yates also believes the Leon models – $59,900 in hatch and $6000 more as a Sportstourer - might also deliver decent penetration, pointing out that sporty station wagons are rare fare. The Sportstourer has no direct equal among other Group brand represented here.

“New Zealand’s growing affection for SUV’s, means there is a distinct shortage of exciting station-wagon models available … those priced well under $100,000 any way.”

He says this model’s 228kW 4Drive setup will catapult the car safely from standstill to 100 kmh in less than five seconds and cites that, as result of being more hunkered than an SUV, it will offer a more dynamic driving experience.

The Leon comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with four different pre-sets (Comfort, Normal, Sport and CUPRA) and the Sportstourer’s 620 litre cargo space is considerably larger than those offered by the Ateca (485 litres) and the Formentor (420 litres).

Meantime, the updated Ateca can be identified by styling revisions inside and out. The $66,900 model retains the current car’s 221kW/400Nm turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and seven-speed auto. It will achieve 100kmh in 4.9s from a standing start. 

Meantime, Cupra’s first electric car, the el-Born, seems still likely to release here in 2022. Based on the same underpinnings as Volkswagen’s ID.3 hatchback and ID.4 SUV, the model has an official range of 498km on the WLTP test cycle.

X marks Sport Plus spot

A new name and fresh look for the mid-level model in the Forester family

IT’S the story of a middle child who figured becoming an extrovert was the best route to drawing more attention to themselves. 

Such change has emphatically come to the Forester Sport Plus that, after, three years in the market, has patently had enough of being known as the quiet one. It undergone a makeover that’s left it with a new name, a more extrovert look and impression of a more rebellious attitude.

What is from now on the Forester X Sport will deliver with a styling pack that Subaru NZ describes as delivering “a special X-factor that helps you get from A to X.”

The core features are a new style of 18-inch alloy, in black, plus a host of orange accents – the front, side, rear under guard and roof rails all get the orange treatment, while on the interior, the orange features extend to the trim stitching and the gear selector surround. X Sport buyers have a choice of six different exterior colours, including the dark blue of the car in today’s photographs – this being a hue specific to this version.

The name change is made permanent by it taking X Sport badging, and with Subaru also now retiring the Sport Plus designation, though in respect to equipment level, everything from the old variant carries into the new, and the price unaltered, so still $47,490.

Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper has confidence this make-over will pull extra focus toward the derivative,  including those that may not have considered a Subaru before and are looking for a distinctive SUV.

“The Forester X Sport is a capable SUV with performance aesthetics. This winning combination of both style and substance will no doubt appeal, particularly to those that require the practicality of an SUV and are shopping for something sporty that sets them apart from the crowd,” he says.

The equipment provision includes an 8 inch touch screen infotainment system, satellite navigation and push button start. Water repellent seat fabric continues.

The enhancement times with Subaru having raised Forester towing capacity by 300kg to 1800kg braked in all models, excepting the e-Boxer Hybrid.

ID check: Why VW’s high-powered effort is so tasty

VW’s electric push is global, but NZ is not yet on the A-list. After seeing what’s on offer, you might wish we were.

The eye-catching ID Buzz concept of 2017 is coming out in 2017 as the ID.7. Let’s hope NZ catches this wave.

THE sooner Kiwis get into the new electric vehicle habit, the sooner they will likely get to enjoy a slew of battery-reliant cars set to unleash from Volkswagen. 

That’s long been the indication from VW’s national distributor, which makes clear that markets that show most support for mains-supported models tend to achieve priority from this maker. 

We’re seeing it already; as is well known, this maker is well into a massive EV ambition; investment of around $122 billion in development of EVs and other new technologies over the next five years has been signed off and hardly a week goes by when yet another car in its bespoke electric family, called the ID range, doesn’t seem to pop up.

ID looks brilliant for NZ; but NZ – for all the attraction of being a world-leader in generation of ‘Green’ renewable electricity (thanks to our rich hydro, geothermal, wind and solar resource) – is not yet brilliant for VW.

The reasons why the e-Golf that has modestly plugged VW electric potentials for the past two years has retired with no direct replacement not set to land until the end of 2022 are multifold, but essentially VW is prioritising places where it has to be or where market opportunity is so obvious it cannot afford not to involve.

Europe is top of the list because of tough European Union emissions fleet-wise standards. Electric cars are a vital off-set to achieving CO2 targets. Failure will mean huge fines.

The second is the gold mine. China is VW’s largest single export market – it’s also the world’s largest EV market. VW is putting a lot of focus into launching eight ID models into China by 2023.  

More recently, it is paying attention to the increasing number of countries, of which the United Kingdom is probably the best known to us, that have set dates for the switch to zero emission-only cars.

These and other reasons – the impact of coronavirus on production, the fact that VW’s electric cars come out of a handful of factories, the limitations in making enough batteries - is why VW New Zealand boss Greg Leet expressed opinion a month ago that he expects “late 2022” is now the best bet for when NZ will start seeing ID cars on sale here.

That’s a huge frustration not least because other makes in the VW family that also have electric cars off the common ID platform (called MEB) are less constrained, to the point their own cars are almost certain to beat the ‘originals’ to local sale. For Skoda, that’s the Enyaq, for SEAT the E-Born and for Audi, which is already establishing increasing presence with its big e-trons, that’ll be the Q4 e-tron.

Regardless, when ID does arrive, we can expect to see an explosion of choice – VW has a much wider choice of MEB-based electric models than any other Group make. 

Let’s go through them:

ID.1 and the ID.2 crossover sister ship are city chic runabouts designed as budget EVs.

ID.1 and ID.2: Respectively a supermini and compact crossover intended to sit alongside the combustion-engined Polo and T-Cross respectively that will hit production in 2023 and introduce on a ‘lite’ version of the MEB platform. 

These models have a firm urban, short journey focus so will run smaller batteries, up to 45kWh, and also sell in a lower price bracket. 

Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstatter intends pricing start at as low as $NZ33,400 in Europe, so $15,000 cheaper than the least expensive wholly electric new car here at the moment, the MG-ZS.

Already here as a parallel import, but not set to be repesented in NZ-new form, the ID.3 is selling well in Europe and the UK.

ID.3: The first of the family to hit production, a hatchback as important, in VW Germany’s view, as the Beetle and the original Golf.

It’s a core car, already well settled into European sale and doing well straight out of the box: In September, it comprehensively the Telsa Model to be Europe’s top-selling EV.

Right-hand drive production for the United Kingdom has begun, so conceivably were cars available, we could source from there. However, although grey importers seem keen to do so (there’s at least one here already), VW NZ has no plans for ID.3, mainly because it is concerned there will be insufficient consumer interest in an electric hatch.

Still, perhaps VW NZ will review if either ID.3 production frees up, or the private imports sell well or if it likes the cut of ongoing developments for ID.3, rolling out from next year. The core improvement is a modest increase in range – the 77kWh edition will gain an additional 38km, taking overall range to 570km, due in part to software improvements and advances in thermal management and cell efficiency.

ID.4 will be the first of the family to be sold by VW New Zealand … at the end of 2022.

ID.4: Revealed in September and closely based on the ID Crozz concept from 2017, this car is more than being simply a crossover version of the ID.3 – it’s the product onto which VW has pinned most international aspiration.

It debuts as Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV – making it a more obvious option for buyers looking to haul their family around in zero-emissions style than the ID.3, VW NZ believes.

At 4.58 metres long, it positions between the regular Tiguan (4486mm) and the stretched seven-seat Tiguan Allspace (4701mm). Specific interior figures are still to come, but VW claims the cabin will have the same sort of room normally the province of larger SUVs (because, no need for drivetrain packaging; it’s a flat-floored environment). Luggage space comes to 543 litres with the rear seats up and 1575 litres when folded flat. For context, the Tiguan lists 615/1775 litres and the Tiguan Allspace 230/1655.

In its initial form, motivation will be provided by a 150kW/309Nm electric motor drawing power from a 77kWh battery pack, with a WLTP-verified driving range of up to 520 kilometres.

However, VW has recently confirmed intent to add a ID.4 GTX, due to hit right-hand-drive production in mid-2021. GTX is VW-speak for ‘performance electric’; the ID.4 in this format will be dual motor (whereas the standard car s rear motor), so all-wheel-drive, with 225kW and 460Nm. VW is talking 0-100kmh in 6.2 seconds – so, 2.3s quicker than the standard rear-drive ID.4 - a top speed of around 190kmh and a range of up to 460km on a standard 82kWh battery.

Charging on a 120kW DC connection can get the ID.4 to 320km range in 30 minutes, while the 11kW on-board charger can deliver 53km of range in about an hour. 

ID.5 is a fastback ID.4, the styling expected to mirror that of the ID Crozz concept of 2017, seen here

ID.5: Based heavily on the ID.4, but with a coupe-style body. Effectively, then, VW’s equivalent of the Audi Q4. VW gave an indication of the look with a concept, the ID Crozz Coupe. The drivetrain has yet to be revealed, yet most pundits are picking it’ll mirror the ID.4’s. VW has indicated rear-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

ID.6 will represent as a sedan as well as in the station wagon form seen here, in its ID Space Vizzion concept form.

ID.6: Actually two cars, a sedan and a station wagon. Also in production from next year, these are derived from the ID Vizzion and ID Space Vizzion concepts, most latterly known as the Aero A and Aero B, are based on an updated MEB platform and will arrive in 2023.

The concepts featured an 82kWh battery pack however it’s thought a 111kWh battery could become available, to provide up to 700km of WLTP-rated range.

A rear-mounted 359kW electric motor will standard while some versions will add another electric motor on the front axle to increase output to 449kW. 

VW has suggested the production editions will largely stay true to the look and format of the concepts it showed off at the 2019 Los Angele Motor Show.

As much as station wagons have become a niche choice because of consumer shift to SUVs with similar spaciousness and practicality, that sharp aesthetic is one reason why the car is worth having, says Brandstatter.

The stronger aerodynamic advantage from a lower-slung wagon is the reason why the car can achieve its range, he says.

“Its aerodynamic design ensures a top drag coefficient and an extremely attractive high-tech look. A feast for the senses — and for all tech and design fans.” 

The concept has a very swish interior that Brandstatter has suggested will also be enjoyed by customers, with comment that the production equivalent will have a cabin as noble and spacious as that of the Phaeton – VW’s thwarted attempt at an unlimited luxury vehicle that released in 2002 and failed to resonate.

ID.7 is the production version of the ID Buzz, inspired by one of VW’s most famous models from yesteryear, the Microbus/Kombi.

ID.7: Set to enter production in 2022, this is the model that has every VW fan particularly excited, if just because of the styling.

The ID Buzz passenger and IZ Buzz Cargo design studies of 2017 that foreshadow the ID.7 plainly draw lots of inspiration from one of VW’s most iconic models, the original Microbus. VW has vowed to keep that spirit alive with the production versions. Conventionally hinged front doors, automatic rear-sliding side doors, wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, according to a recent report by the website for British motoring weekly, Autocar.

ID.7 is destined to be the largest car coming off the MEB underpinning; there are standard and long wheelbase formats. VW has only shared dimension of the first, citing a 4962mm length, 1985mm width and1896mm height.

 The generously dimensioned interior will stretch to 2860mm in length; the passenger model will have seven seats, in three rows.

It’ll be produced in rear or all-wheel-drive and run an 82kWh battery. The large frontal area will impact on range expectation, Brandstatter has warned. “It won’t have 700km but something around 400km.” Still, any sacrifice for this styling is worth it, right?

Autocar reports that ID.7 will provision with the widest range of colour and trim opportunities. Special touches will include a smiling emoji symbol within the door handles, an ice scraper and bottle opener within the front middle stowage box and an umbrella graphic that is made visible within the base of the windscreen when the wipers are in operation.

ID.8 is at this stage just for China and will likely only be built there. This is the ID Roomzz design study from last year’s Shanghai motor show.

 ID.8: A very plush large SUV, purely for China at the moment, derived from the ID Roomzz concept displayed at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show. The concept featured a 82kWh battery and a cited 450km (WLTP) range, with capability of replenishing within 30 minutes to 80 percent of battery capacity on a 150kW (DC) set up.

The design study runs two electric motors a system output of 225 KW, this allowing 0-100kmh in 6.6s and a 180kmh top speed.

Toyota NZ acknowledges vehicle supply issues

No quick fix for stock constraints, market leader warns.

the rav4 hybrid is among models that have become subject to delivery delay

WILL other brands lose reluctance to steer clear of acknowledging how affected they also are by an increasingly obvious problem – diminished new vehicle availability – now that the market’s biggest hitter has opened up about its own situation? 

That rhetorical becomes more valid with Toyota New Zealand’s concession that delivery times for popular models are slowing, to the point where orders are taking more than a month to fulfil.

The Palmerston North-based operator, which still accounts for one quarter of all new passenger vehicle sales nationally even after been hit hardest by the rental car business freeze, has stopped short in comment issued yesterday of being too specific about which model lines are being affected and for specifically how long in respect to individual types.

However, two models it has given as examples of being subject to hold-up – the RAV4 Hybrid and the new Hilux – are among its biggest stars and it has also cited that most of its popular vehicles are subject to some degree of inconvenience.

It also suggests an average wait time of six weeks between orders being lodged and fulfilled is often normal, that deliveries up to March, 2021, are impacted and there is potential for delays to continue until the middle of the year.

“The effects of Covid-19, closed borders and delayed shipping and logistics into New Zealand are severely impacting all operational areas of our business,” says chief executive officer Neeraj Lala.
 
“We have seen greater than a 30 percent reduction in our new and used vehicle sales due to the closure of the borders, and we are forecasting a minimum of 10 years impact to our overall value chain including reduced parts and service.”
 
As much as coronavirus-influenced supply chain disruptions and congested ports are the main cause of vehicle supply delays, TNZ these issues are also exacerbated by high global demand for new Toyota vehicles.

 
There is also further disruption in logistics with global shipping delays impacting new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan and parts, which has an effect on delivery schedules here.
  
Lala says the company is enormously grateful customers are showing patience but accepts that on-going delays will impact future sales as customers become frustrated.
 
“We are doing everything we can, but global demand and supply restrictions combined with shipping delays are fuelling customer frustration. We are providing customers with updates as often as we can but these timeframes are fluid.”
  
“We currently have 3,297 retail orders as at the end of November, which is a good position for Toyota New Zealand to be in but that means 72 percent of vehicles arriving in the country are pre-sold which is unprecedented for Toyota as demand for low emission hybrids continues to surge,” he says.
 

EQC becomes latest NZ COTY star

For a second year running, an electric car wins the nation’s top motoring prize.

Lance Bennett, general manager of Mercedes Benz Cars New Zealand, with the 2020 New Zealand Car of the Year, represented by the Peter Greenslade Trophy, and the EQC.

NEW Zealand Car of the Year 2020 is the Mercedes EQC, the big premium sports utility becoming the third electric vehicle to take this annual accolade.

An award that is in its 33rd year first took an electric turn in 2015, with the BMW i3 being recognised.

Last year the title went to the Jaguar i-Pace, which also operates wholly off the mains.

That run means three of the six most recent winners, including today’s, have been electric.

Richard Edwards, president of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, the organisation behind New Zealand Car of the Year, says the recognition for the $142,000 Mercedes sends a strong signal about electrification’s place in the future for motoring in New Zealand.

Though all the electric cars to so far gain this recognition have come from premium makes and two sell in the $100,000-plus executive sector, he contends the EQC’s placement is an example of how, in some segments, electric vehicles are nearing price parity with their petrol and diesel counterparts.

“If you look at where the EQC fits into the broader Mercedes-Benz range on size, specification and performance, its price is not out of place at all.”

He also anticipates many more electrified vehicles to follow it as New Zealand Car of the Year and notes that this year’s announcement follows a watershed time, with the Government announcing a ‘Climate Emergency’ and pushing for an increasing uptake of electrified vehicles, including in its own fleets.

The award was decided by a voting process involving two dozen Guild members who actively road test vehicles, with 10 cars making the final cut for consideration.

The others were the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris , Audi Q3, Kia Seltos, Land Rover Defender, Mazda CX-30, Mercedes-Benz GLB, Peugeot 2008 and Skoda Kamiq.

Palisade’s Aus price gives Santa Fe a knock

The Palisade, Hyundai’s new super-large SUV, could present a big deal here if pricing reflects the Australia market strategy.

FAVOURABLE positioning against the just-landed Hyundai Santa Fe could seem a potential for that model’s big brother, the Palisade.

That’s on assumption stickers announced in the only other right-hand-drive market have been a guidance for the NZ distributor.

Hyundai New Zealand has confirmed intent to have the Palisade on sale here next month, but has yet to provision local specifications and prices for what will be the fifth SUV in its line-up and the first to offer eight seats.

It did not respond to a request to offer clarity on where it could stand, but conjecture has been fuelled by announcement of the car’s pricing in Australia.

If transferred here, our neighbour’s strategy would conceivably give the larger model a good start – but perhaps at expense of the Santa Fe, with which it shares a platform, a diesel drivetrain and even a common assembly line in South Korea. 

Across the water, Palisade will sell for the equivalent of $NZ63,850 in entry form and $NZ79,800 in a flagship trim, those recommended retails precluding on-road costs.  

If carried into NZ, that strategy would see a base Palisade siting $50 below the cheapest Santa Fe, but would also leave the top Palisade siting almost $20k beneath the most expensive Santa Fe here, the Limited.

 Australia has decided on an eight-seater entry model, simply called Palisade, and a range-topping version it calls Highlander, available with either seven or eight seats, both in front-drive petrol V6 and four-wheel-drive 2.2-litre turbodiesel.

 New Zealand and Australia are presently the only right-hand-drive markets for the car, which was originally expected to only be sold in North America, so conceivably that’s the full menu for us as well.

It became available for NZ consideration, with sign-off for sale confirmed in June, after Hyundai’s distributor in Australia successfully petitioned Seoul head office to start a right-hand-drive build programme.

Hyundai NZ has previously indicated thought that it sees good potential for Palisade, but has made clear it will not deliver it in as many formats as the Santa Fe. And don’t expect to see the Highlander badge – Toyota NZ obviously already has right to that name for its own SUV. It’ll be a Palisade Limited here, to maintain continuity with Hyundai NZ badging protocols. 

The big selling Palisade has previously been identified as the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel four-wheel-drive. That’s been the top choice for Santa Fe, too. Palisade takes it the virtually identical tune, power output drops by 1kW in Palisade, to 147kW, but torque is identical at 440Nm.

Palisade’s alternate V6 is a 3.8-litre, creating 217kW and 355Nm, whereas Santa Fe runs a 3.5 good for 200kW/331Nm. They all run the same eight-speed automatic transmissions. Only the Santa Fe’s entry petrol, a 2.5-litre, is not in the larger setting.

Hyundai says the Palisade’s V6 uses 10.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, which is just 0.2L.100km worse that the Santa Fe’s claimed optimal. The diesel’s economy suffers in the Palisade – Hyundai cites 7.3L/100km for the larger unit, against 6.1L/100km in a Santa Fe.

The exterior is to Hyundai’s current design language, but reminds of larger American SUVs, according to Australian website CarAdvice.

The entry car runs on 18-inch wheels, the high-end car on 20-inch wheels for the Highlander, together with bi-LED headlights and tail-lights.

Inside, buyers get a choice of black leather with metallic-look trim and a knit headliner in the Palisade, while the high-end model gets burgundy or beige Nappa leather with beech wood-look trim and a suede headliner.

A 10.25-inch infotainment screen featuring satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and multi-connection Bluetooth, which runs through a 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system, is a common fixture.

Due to the expansive cabin, the Palisade also offers 'Driver Talk', which allows the driver to speak to second- and third-row occupants through the car's audio system. The system also has a 'Quiet Mode' which mutes the rear speakers, and sets the front speakers to a low maximum volume.

Front occupants get wireless smartphone charging in the centre console, while second-row passengers have access to USB ports.

As well as three ISOFIX child seat restraints, the Palisade also features four top tether child seat anchor points in the seven-seat Highlander, and five anchor points in eight-seat configuration (all variants). The second-row of seats features one-touch folding to help with third-row loading.

Front occupants get to enjoy heated and ventilated power seats, while the driver gains a 7.0-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. The 10.25-inch, all-digital instrument cluster offered in overseas markets doesn’t feature in right-hand-drive, but a head-up display goes into the flagship.

On the Highlander, a blind-spot view monitor shows a live feed of the Palisade's left and right blind-spot zones within the instrument cluster when the indicator is engaged, as well as a surround view monitor with guidance provides a 360-degree birds-eye view when parking.

A dual-panel power sunroof and hands-free power tailgate are also standard on the more expensive model.

Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite comes standard, featuring blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning with leaving vehicle departure alert, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, safe exit assist (top model only), rear occupant alert, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

Outlander’s official unveiling less revealing

Days after images of the next-gen edition without disguise hit the internet, Mitsubishi sends out a shadowy sneak preview that reveals little.

This and other images of what appears to be the next Outlander were posted on the web days ago.

INTENT by Mitsubishi to maintain an air of mystery with the next Outlander that is expected to come on sale here in 2021 seems set to proceed, regardless that unexpurgated images of the model have already hit the web.

Today distributors, included Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand, sent out an official shadowy image, that of course discloses little detail, as part of a build-up to the car’s full official unveiling, timed for February.

There’s just one catch to keeping the suspense up – the cover asppears to have been completely blown.

Images of a car without any camouflage have been racing around the internet for most of this week.

Mitsubishi distributors sent this extremely shadowy image out today.

Those pictures, seen here, purport to show a car in a public area and were posted first on Instagram account @allcarnews, then subsequently picked up by other websites, including Australia’s CarAdvice.

 The account claims the car was snapped while sitting in an open car park.

The new Outlander looks to share the bulk of its design with the Engelberg Tourer, a concept that was revealed at the 2019 Geneva motor show.

The ‘caught-out’ car carries the brand's current design language, showcasing slim headlights and pointed front facia.

It's expected the vehicle will share its underpinnings with the upcoming Nissan X-Trail, a result of platform-sharing within the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance. Some sites suggest an uncanny resemblance to the Nissan at the D-pillar.

According to a report from a US website, CarBuzz, the new Outlander will be powered by the X-Trail's 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine, producing 135kW and 245Nm in its American tuning.

There will also be a replacement for the Outlander PHEV, but that comes later. The present model uses a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder mated to two electric motors mounted on each axle, with 60kW at the front and 70kW at the rear, and powered by a 13.8kWh battery pack.

Last year’s Engelberg Tourer concept

Electric Caddies for GMSV push?

General Motors’ electric strategy affects every brand, so what possibility GMSV could provide a conduit for the NZ market?

Lyriq kicks off the Cadillac electric push … and other models are close behind

HOW would you feel if the new General Motors Special Vehicles’ operation, in addition to selling NZ market-prepped Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups and Corvettes, also started supplying electric Cadillacs?

Conceivably, that it could happen. Insomuch as, when asked about this very scenario, the reply from the retail organisation that fills in the gap left by Holden Special Vehicles departing the scene was … well, intriguing. 

Here’s a hard fact: No maker is resisting the shift away from fossil fuels and toward battery-compelled products, Cadillac included. General Motors’ high-end marque figures in a GM commitment to having 30 electric vehicles by 2025, including 10 for availability outside of North America. One of those is Cadillac’s first battery-compelled car, the Lyriq crossover, due out in the US next year. 

Bear in mind this, also. Even though GM determined in mid-February to leave all right-hand-drive markets – a decision that finished off Holden – it remains in that game. 

The C8 Corvette coming in 2021 is factory-built in that format (it was basically production-ready when GM announced its exit strategy) and GMSV will distribute it. It is also continuing availability of Silverado pickups locally converted to right-hand drive – a business previously handled by Holden Special vehicles.  

And there’s this: Media speculation – never outright denied by GMSV – is that if it is to add more US-sourced models for Australasia, they will be Cadillacs.

Cadillac is now in the EV business. Its first battery model, the Lyriq crossover, is on sale in 2022 and the Celestiq, a fastbacked large luxury car, and a full-size SUV are also confirmed. There’s also been talk of a sports car.

Some of America’s Cadillac dealers are declining electric plug ‘n play.

Tasty? There’s no confirmation of any of these every selling outside of North America, but it’s worth keeping in mind that EVs are a relative cinch to transform from left to right hand drive because … well, no pesky engine under the bonnet to work around. 

So with all that, it seemed relevant to ask GMSV whether those potential products might include electric vehicles. 

The response? “We will continue to examine opportunities to bring vehicles to Australia and New Zealand that we believe can compete strongly in their segments, but we don’t have anything to announce at the moment.” 

Not everyone in Cadillac support club likes the idea of a mains electricty-refreshed future. Subsequent to the Lyriq being unveiled in August, around 150 of the marque’s 880 domestic US dealers have decided they’d rather take buyouts from GM than make upgrades required to sell electric vehicles. The estimated spend to include charging stations, training of employees and lifts that can carry EV batteries comes to around $NZ284,000 per dealership.

The cost to prepare at retail level is but a fraction of what GM intends to spend over the next few years; in November it made clear that targets established at the beginning of 2020 have changed. Now intention is to unveil more electric cars, trucks and SUVs than previously announced and that it will produce many of them sooner than originally planned.

GM will also lift the budget for all-electric, autonomous vehicles and battery development over the next five years to $NZ39 billion, an increase of $NZ10.1 billion over initial plans announced in March. 

GM has high confidence in its Ultium battery programme.

All its US domestic market brands will provision electric cars to ensure availability at “all price points for work, adventure, performance and family use.”

GM has also created a new division, EV Growth Operations, dedicated to creating new electric vehicle models and the software and services to go with them. It anticipates that within five years, 40 percent of GM models sold in the US will be electric.

Some will have a new proprietary battery system, called Ultium, which GM believes presents a breakthrough for cost, packaging and range. GM says Ultium cars can clock 750kms before need for recharging.

Cadillac aside, there are also big plans for Hummer, GMC, Chevrolet and Buick.

In addition to the Hummer EV pickup, GMC will add a Hummer EV SUV and these will eventually be joined by a mainstream electric pickup, also with GMC branding.

Chevrolet will release a replacement for the Bolt electric hatchback it presently sells in the US and Canada. Additionally, it will have an electric full-size pickup plus several SUVs and cars, though there’s never been an indication Corvette will join the electric charge. Buick has two SUVs.

All these brands have previously represented in New Zealand, though it’s been a long time between drinks for some.

Hummer has been reborn as an electric vehicle brand.

Top three of 2020

This site’s three writers were asked a simple question … of all the vehicles driven in 2020, which one resonated the most?

ANNOUNCEMENT tomorrow night of New Zealand Car of the Year seemed a good opportunity to put a simple question to the three contributing writers to MotoringNZ.com.

Which was? “Select, from all the New Zealand-new vehicles they tried in 2020, the one you’d most wish could take permanent residence in your garage and explain why, in no more than 50 words”.

Let’s lift the garage door and see what’s behind.

Rob Maetzig – Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid

Why did this car impress? Three reasons. First, it is a compact sports utility, which means it competes in the hottest market segment. Second, it is electrified which is extremely important in these carbon footprint-centric times. And thirdly, it’s a little beauty to drive. 

Colin Smith – Ford Focus ST

 Because? It continues the ST hot-hatch bloodline and edges a step closer to the car you can’t buy any more – the Focus RS. The Toyota GR Yaris is a touch more exciting but the space and practicality of the Focus ST makes it a performance car all-rounder.

Richard Bosselman – Land Rover Defender

 … or the Toyota Yaris GR. They’re both astounding, engaging. Yet, it has to be the Land Rover. No disrespecting the hot Yaris, but Defender is more serious; it’s a tool, it’s a family, with a range of styles and engines, including a plug-in hybrid. Reaching a broad audience, it is also more vital and more from the maker’s heart. One other plus. It makes every rival feel even more ancient than some already are. My pick for NZCOTY.

Crash test plaudits for Defender and Sorento

Five star results for large sports utilities in NZ market form.

TWO large sports utilities recently introduced to New Zealand have both received five star scores from the nationally-recognised safety ratings agency, one from testing in Europe and the other as result of a process undertaken in Australia.

The Land Rover Defender’s score comes from a test undertaken by European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) and applies to the long-wheel-based, five-door 110 model that is on sale in NZ, and not the short-wheelbase three-door 90 yet to release.

The Kia Sorento’s outcome was also determined by the European agency, however the score it gets comes with stamp from its Australasian sister organisation, ANCAP.

This is a procedural process but means that the ANCAP rating is only relevant to the 2.2-litre turbodiesel, all-wheel-drive variants – the only choice in Europe - and not any front-wheel-drive, 3.5-litre petrol V6 Sorentos that are built for other places. Those go unrated.

Helping the Sorento achieve its five-star safety rating and 82 per cent score in the Adult Occupant Protection category is the inclusion of a centre airbag, designed to prevent front occupants colliding with one another in a severe side impact.

It is only the third vehicle – and the first family SUV – with such a technology to be tested by Australasian or European safety authorities.

The Sorento received an 89 percent score in the Safety Assist category – the highest since the introduction of ANCAP's stricter 2020 testing protocols – with the safety body celebrating Kia's inclusion of driver attention monitoring as standard, and an autonomous emergency braking system capable of braking for cars turning across intersections.

Kia's new-generation family SUV also earned scores in the Child Occupant Protection and Vulnerable Road User Protection (i.e. cyclists and pedestrians) categories of 85 per cent and 63 per cent respectively.

However, ANCAP's technical report notes 'weak' protection of the driver's chest and upper legs in the frontal offset crash test, and 'poor' protection of a pedestrian's pelvis and head, the latter applying if their head strikes the base of the stiff A-pillars.

The Defender 110 received a solid 85 percent rating in the Adult occupant protection test (scoring 32.5 of 38 points).

 In this test, the Defender scored well in the lateral impact (scoring 15 of 16 points), rear impact (scoring 3.8 of 4 points) and rescue and extrication categories (scoring 2 of 2 points). It was the frontal impact category that the Defender 110 lost points, in scoring 11.7 of 16 points.

In the child occupant test, the Defender scored 85 percent yet again (scoring 41.7 of 49 points). In the Crash Test Performance based on 6- and 10-year-old children category, the Defender received a perfect score (24 of 24 points).

 It scored well in the child restraints (CRS) installation check as well, securing 10.7 out of 12 points. The only area the SUV lost out on was the safety features category (scoring 7 of 13 points), as it doesn’t have integrated child restraints and doesn’t have child-seat mounting points in the middle seat of the second row or in the third row.

The Defender scored 71 percent (38.4 of 48 points) in the vulnerable road users test, with the only major area of concern being the front edge of the bonnet, which provided poor protection to pedestrians. Lastly, it scored 79 percent (12.7 of 16 points) in the safety assist system category.

NZ Car of the Year countdown begins

Contenders for the country’s annual motoring title are starring on television tonight

THE PRELUDE to the announcement of the New Zealand Car of the Year features on a high-rating television show tonight.

The 10 contenders for the 33rd winner of the national title, meted annually by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, will be assessed tonight by hosts of Television One’s ‘Seven Sharp’ programme.

The programme continues its COTY coverage tomorrow night, announcing the winner live at the culmination of the half hour current affairs programme, which screens from 7pm. 

The Guild membership comprises automotive journalists from around the country. The NZCOTY has established as the country’s most coveted motoring award and it has an unequalled history among various motoring prizes, with announcement annually since 1988.

Guild president Richard Edwards suggests the award’s mana comes down to it and the provider organisation having a good reputation. 

The selection of finalists is a robust and comprehensive process, which culminates in a vote involving more than 20 journalists and the Guild is fiercely independent “which not only adds to its credibility but also the high regard in which the award is held by the entire industry.” The input from Seven Sharp hosts Hilary Barry and Jeremy Wells is extramural to the voting process, but has added an extra flavour in the three years of the programme’s involvement.

The 2020 finalists were announced in November. Eight of the 10 finalists are from the SUV sector, which now commands huge interest from consumers, and two are from the small car segment. One is a full electric vehicle.

The award involves the local distributor of the winning vehicle receiving the Peter Greenslade Trophy, named after a founding Guild member. The present holder is Jaguar New Zealand, whose i-Pace electric SUV won in 2019.

Contenders, in alphabetical order, are Audi Q3, Ford Fiesta, Kia Seltos, Land Rover Defender, Mazda CX-30, Mercedes EQC, Mercedes GLB, Peugeot 2008, Skoda Kamiq and Toyota Yaris.

South Island enthusiast snares single special F-Type

The Heritage 60 Edition seems likely to carry a hefty premium over the standard supercharged V8 donor.

SIXTY are being created to celebrate the E-Type's 60th birthday, just one is earmarked for New Zealand … and it’s already been spoken for.

 That’s the synopsis for the 2021 Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60 Edition, a special edition officially unveiled yesterday.

Coupes and convertibles are being produced, but it appears the open-air editions aren’t destined for this part of the world.

The single coupe locked in for Kiwi consumption has been signed off to a South Island fan, with mid-2021 delivery looking likely.

The deal appears to have been achieved regardless that final pricing has yet to be resolved, Jaguar New Zealand has indicated.

It won’t be cheap. Jaguar Australia reckons the five coupes it has been allocated will each sell for around $NZ350,000, before on-road costs.

That’s a significant premium over the most raucous version of the donor F-Type R, the P575 R, which is a $214,900 ask here and has the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 sending 423kW of power and 700Nm of torque to all wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance figures carry over; so a 3.7-second sprint from zero to 100kmh, towards an electronically-limited top speed of 300kmh.

All examples of the special are finished in Sherwood Green – an original E-Type colour, last offered on a new Jaguar in the 1960s – with duo-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather, a combination exclusive to the Heritage 60 Edition.

The cars feature 20-inch gloss black forged alloy wheels, black brake calipers and gloss black and chrome exterior trim accents.

Unique highlights include aluminium centre console trim inspired by the E-Type's rear-view mirror housing, E-Type 60th Anniversary logos embossed into the seat headrests and above the infotainment display, commemorative sill plates, Caraway-edged floor mats and an SV Bespoke 'One of Sixty' plaque.

The anniversary logo is shared shared with six matching pairs of restored, 3.8-litre 1960s E-Types, that are being delivered by Jaguar Classic, the brand’s refurbishment division that dedicates to yesteryear fare.

The resto projects pay tribute to two of the most famous E-Types built, which wore British registration plates '9600 HP' and '77 RW'. These will be known as the E-Type 60 Collection. It’s not known if any of these are earmarked for NZ buyers.

Gymkhana star car also a sneak peek?

US media wonder if the wildest WRX ever built is a test bed for the next STI’s engine.

MORE than just a great video – perhaps also an ultimate pre-release test for the engine set for the next Subaru WRX STi.

So goes speculation in respect to the powerplant in the STI Travis Pastrana’s drives to the limit – and occasionally almost beyond – in the latest of the wild Hoonigan videos, Gymkhana 2020, released today.

Concurrent with the film’s release, Subaru of America has released information about the American driving talent’s brand-provisioned car and the engine under the bonnet – an all-new 2.3-litre boxer four-cylinder making 642kW, the work of Subaru Motorsports USA and technical partner Vermont SportsCar.

As astounding as the output is – and no WRX has had more - it’s the engine’s capacity that has raised even more interest. 

 Subaru does not have a 2.3-litre turbocharged boxer engine in any of its cars; however it’s speculated that the next-gen STI, due out in 2022, will have a version of the new 2.4-litre that runs in the US market Ascent SUV and will debut here next year in the new Outback.

US website TorqueNews says reports “from many sources” say the next-generation Subaru STI will be powered by an Ascent-sourced engine, but with plenty of Subaru Tecnica International upgraded internals to produce close to 390kW.

It speculates “Subaru would use the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine in the 2022 WRX and possibly the all-new 2.3-litre … in the STI. This new engine would give separation to the two performance models, like the current generation.” 

Adds the website: “The Gymkhana STI is the perfect car to test the new powerplant’s reliability and performance capabilities. It gives Subaru plenty of time to tweak the engine before the launch of the next-generation model.”

As you can see from the film, Pastrana gives his new ride a total workout in stunt sequences with planes, boats, action sports athletes, and significant landmarks in the driver’s home town of Annapolis, the historic capital of the US state of Maryland. 

The high-flying gap jump over a racing speedboat that kicks the action off is over Annapolis’ famous Ego Alley waterway.

Subaru says they started with a production Subaru WRX STI shell. The car was fully caged and lightened to just 113kg. That’s around 360kg lighter than a standard STI as sold in the US.

Bentley’s assault with battery outlined

It all starts with a slightly lofty, swoopy sedan with leading edge tech smarts.

IMAGINE the EXP 100 GT concept as a four-door sedan with a crossover stance and, according to an overseas report, that’s a fairly accurate representation of the direction being taken by Bentley’s first full electric car.

The pioneering model will be the first of a number of battery-reliant products the Volkswagen Group-owned high-brow Brit brand will deliver into showrooms from 2025, according to latest information rolling out. 

This builds on the November 5 announcement that Bentley will drop all combustion engines in the next decade, will produce plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars starting in 2026 and aim to be all-electric from 2030. 

A new report by the website for top British motoring weekly Autocar suggests Bentley’s first EV will be in the same vein as a Jaguar I-Pace; standing slightly taller to accommodate the underfloor batteries. However, it won’t push up to the extent of a traditional SUV.  

It will also be an electric with a smart edge, being one of the first cars to use a new Audi-developed luxury car platform. 

The architecture is from Project Artemis, an Audi-led initiative aimed at developing new technologies for electric, highly automated cars. 

Artemis cars – the Bentley, an Audi and probably a Porsche at this point - all base off a single reference, which VW Group has recently identified as Landjet, that is less an underpinning in an engineering sense and more a technology set.

Landjet will enable 5G connectivity functions, including extensive use of ‘car-to-X’ features, over-the-air upgrades, and augmented reality, as well as top-of-the-line battery cell, electric drivetrain, and autonomous driving technology.  

Bentley’s specific model plan, Beyond 100, is already under way with two plug-in hybrid models coming out next year, but the bigger step is that breakthrough electric vehicle, coming to market in 2025.

It will have more generous ground clearance than the EXP 100 GT, a highly-acclaimed styling study Bentley revealed last year, but will draw design cues from that car (seen here) and might also have some links with an Audi concept of 2018, called Aicon.

Bentley bosses are not expecting a major leap in battery technology any time soon so the firm’s first electric models will be designed to match the range and weight limitations of current systems with Bentley’s luxury positioning, the report says. The result will be models that differ significantly from Bentley’s current line-up.

Bentley chairman Adrian Hallmark has told Autocar his company hasn’t decided whether future electric models will take on the nameplate and lineage of existing combustion-engined cars.

“Our position is to look at customers and segments. As well as moving to electric, we’re going to adapt our product range because the world is changing.

 “We want to appeal to more women and be more relevant in future urban environments which are very much different to today, and we want to appeal to modern luxury values which are different to ones from 20 years ago.”

Bentley’s ambition synchs into Volkswagen Group’s broader strategy to become a leading producer and seller of electric, connected cars. The Group has set a target to sell about one million electric cars per year by 2025.

Wham bam grand slam ‘super’ Ram for right-hand drive

Australian website says the 523kW TRX monster model is among variants of the new-gen Ram 1500 that’ll be on sale next year.

 RAM-BUNCTIOUS stomp is part of the scenario when New Zealand switches across to the latest generation of Fiat Chrysler’s giant pick-up truck – with confirmation that the TRX supercharged flagship is in the mix. 

The monster truck rival to the Ford F150 Raptor is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 – shared with the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk – with an astonishing output of 523kW and 881Nm.

 Even though the TRX is bluff, massive and weighs 2.7 tonnes, Ram claims it’ll still hammer out the 0-100kmh dash in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile (400m) run in 12.9 seconds at 174kmh. Top speed is rated at 189kmh. That makes it one of the world’s fastest production pick-ups.

Talk of the TRX being in the mix comes as production transition from the Ram 1500 offered brand-new to Kiwis now – the old DS generation model that still circulates Stateside, but as a ‘classic’ variant – to the latest ‘DT series’ RAM 1500 that introduced to America over a year ago is all but complete.  

The Melbourne facility where factory-fresh product is converted into right-hand-drive format for New Zealand and Australia is deep into re-jigging for the new model, which is far more advanced than the one Kiwis are enjoying – and still can. DS availability will continue, in a lower price slot than DT, which can be expected to deliver with a bigger sticker than the current range carries, a reflection of it being vastly more modern. Regardless, with DT comes a new opportunity that’s sure to create extra excitement.

According to Australia’s CarAdvice website, the TRX has been signed off for right-hook reconfiguration, initially as a limited production run from next year. Two are arriving within weeks for early tooling and engineering work.

The website says Ram Trucks Australia has advised its dealers to initially expect a limited run of 200 to 250 vehicles priced between $NZ189,000 and $NZ210,000 – making it the priciest Ram ever offered here, assuming it will be.

 New Zealand’s Ram distributor, Ateco, has yet to speak about the programme and whether it is involved. Given the interest in Ram here, however, it’s difficult to imagine why they wouldn’t want to be.

Pluses, no penalties, with driver monitoring app

Insurer-promoted tech will only reward.

Less proficient drivers who do not score well with the app won’t be penalised, Tower assures.

A LEADING car insurance provider proposing customers adopt phone app that judges their driving style and rewards good habits with a discount on car insurance has assured those who don’t make the cut won’t be censured.

The possibility of drivers being hit with elevated excesses on strength of how they are scored by such technology has become an experience for motorists in the United States.

The GoCarma app advocated by Tower Insurance here appears to be among those available to America’s motoring public, and Tower has confirmed it can access and assess the driving habit data accrued about individual users.

But it has no intention of penalising those who are shown up for doing poorly. 

“If poor driving behaviours are detected it won’t impact the premium that you pay,” a spokesperson said today. 

 “You will earn a lower score on the app but this won’t impact any currently agreed premium. Your score will not affect the premiums you pay or any other conditions of your policy cover.”

 The potential of that was raised in a recent assessment by a top US publication, Forbes magazine, which reminded its readers that data from phone-tracked metrics are commonly shared with the app provider and can work both ways in the US.

It concurs with the proposal that a system that rewards with lower premiums for better driving can be a smart way for good drivers to take advantage of their daily safe driving skills and highlights that, in the US, such apps stand as a useful tool for parents to track new drivers’ behaviour, particularly teenagers. 

However, in the US, there is a catch: Some insurance companies will increase premiums if a driver on the policy scores poorly, Forbes says. 

Its advice: “If you are interested in usage-based insurance, check with your insurer to determine if bad scores will result in higher rates.” 

Tower is thought to be the first insurance provider to tout this technology to Kiwi motorists.

Questions about the potential of penalties, and also much data accrued by individual motorists is used by insurers and how often it is collated, were put to Tower via Auckland public relations firm, We Are Pead, which sent out a release on the insurer’s behalf yesterday. 

It assured there will be no brickbats – just bouquets.

GoCarma works on Android and IOS (so Apple) systems and is operates via Bluetooth. It monitors driving habits in areas like acceleration, braking, cornering and driver distraction (including phone use). 

The PR material says every time users make a trip the app, which is available to people who aren’t customers of the company as well as those who are, scores their driving out of 100 and provides them with personalised feedback on their habits and where they can improve.

Tower specifically says that for its customers, the app can help reduce their insurance excess based on how safely they drive as certain scores will earn them discounts. Scores of 70 plus, 80 plus and 90 plus would earn $100, $200 and $300 off the excess respectively.

Tower acknowledged it has access to the GoCarma data.

“The users’ data is security managed with Tower's app partner. Tower use the driving info to improve the scoring, product development and offer targeting.  

“The data is collected and collated in real time so customers can see their score in the app shortly after they finish their drive.” 

It suggests its concern is that, as much as most Kiwis think they are great drivers, the country’s road toll suggests many over-estimate their abilities.

It says its own research shows nine out of 10 people believe they drive better than the average New Zealander and that just one percent are willing to admit their driving is below average. Almost all – 96 percent - reckon other people need to sharpen up.

Tower does not say how expansive its research programme was but suggests the results show men to be more likely to rate their driving as above average (92 percent) than women (86 percent), and that Kiwis aged 21-30 and 61-70 rated their driving skills highly with 92 percent in each group rating themselves above average.

Tower managing director Michelle James acknowledges in the release that tracking and assessing driving skills has become normalised in insurance in the United States and England. 

She expressed confidence 82 percent of drivers will possibly or absolutely use an app to track their driving, while 85 percent have indicated they’ll give it a go if it leads to better premiums and rewards.

Aston builds a booze bus

DBX by Bowmore is fuelled by the maker’s association with the well-known maker of single malt whiskey.

DRINK drive sensitives are potentially never higher than at this time of the year, so perhaps announcement of an Aston Martin that earns ‘limited edition’ status through a tie-up with a high-end whiskey is bound to raise … well, eyebrows as much as any cheer. 

Aston has explained the impetus for the Bowmore Edition of its DBX sports utility all about capturing the essence of two luxury British brands. 

Bowmore is a known single malt whiskey distillery, sited in Islay, Scotland.

This version of the $330,000 DBX, Aston’s first SUV and considered vital to its maker, was created by the in-house bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, and only 18 will be made. 

Although Bowmore Edition models are globally available, part of the buy-in is that an owner achieves delivery during a private lifestyle experience at the distillery.

“Aston Martin DBX has provided the perfect canvas for the highest level of Q by Aston Martin customisation,” Aston Martin boss Marek Reichman is quoted in an overnight release.

“The Aston Martin and Bowmore brands share the same vision of creating timeless beauty and a lasting legacy, loyal to their heritage but also embracing new methods and this is reflected in the DBX Bowmore edition.”

A car fuelled by whiskey isn’t to be taken literally – the DBX’s V8 drop of choice is s high octane petrol – but there are plenty of cues.

For instance, Bowmore-branded strips from the copper whiskey stills are inlayed into the side strakes and Bowmore Tweed accents the interior.

Inside, there are polished copper cup holders, while the sill plaques are made from recycled copper from the Bowmore still.

There’s also hand-laid copper foil detailing on the gloss black centre console trim inlay, and each car features a selection of specially designed Q by Aston Martin accessories such as the Bowmore tweed picnic blanket and leather holdall.

One of the bespoke paint colours is called Bowmore Blue, while the other is Xenon Grey.

“We cannot wait to welcome each of the owners of this beautiful car to our distillery on Islay and show them all that Bowmore and our island home have to offer,” says Francois Bazini, global managing director of Scotch at Beam Suntory, owners of Bowmore.

“Although we make entirely different products, our shared values and passion are very much aligned so you can expect more exciting announcements in the future.”

Customer deliveries are planned to take place in the final quarter of next year.

Electric Toyota, Lexus just a year away?

A line drawing and a shadowy image are the latest elements of an information rollout about the new platform-sharing products.

The Toyota BZ series (above) and the as yet unnamed Lexus base off a common platform.

TOYOTA and upmarket spin-off, Lexus, have released additional clues about their first bespoke electric cars, developed off a common platform for potential release next year. 

The brands have each released shadowy images giving a hint of how the Toyota BZ - for ‘beyond zero’ – series and the as-yet-unnamed Lexus will look on release, with industry experts immediately seeing some styling connection between the latter and the LF-30, a concept Lexus displayed at the 2019 Tokyo motor show.

Toyota’s been slow to join the electric car field and for a long time was historically disparaging of the technology, saying it was an unnecessary stop on the journey between the mild-hybrid (so, non-mains replenishable) tech that kicked off with the first Pruis and now proliferates its family and is Kiwi-favoured, to the ultimate future of hydrogen fuel cell motivation.

However, that sentiment ceased when new boss Akio Toyoda took the reins; these brands now have more plug-in hybrid cars – which do rate as EVs – and also have developed the NX300e, a fully battery-reliant version of the smallest Lexus crossover, coming on sale in New Zealand next year. 

The latest announcement from Toyota overnight represents further confirmation of a bigger investment into battery driving.

 Even though the platform they build upon appears related to the new TNGA underpinning now used by many popular Toyotas, these are not conversions of existing products but new cars designed from the get-go to only be compelled by batteries. In short, they’re bespoke. 

Overseas’ reports suggest the BZ series and Lexus are timed to make their public emergences at a common time, but no-one yet quite knows when that will be.

However, 2021 is looking good. Toyota says that it will announce final details on the BZ “in the coming months” and that the model “has already been developed and is being readied for production”. 

Toyota New Zealand’s boss Neeraj Lala, in an interview in June on his first day as chief executive, promised “we’ll have an EV here within the next 18 to 24 months. Just in time for demand.”  

He would not be drawn into saying which badge that tech would sit behind. In hindsight, it’d surely have to be both. 

the LF-30 concept was revealed last year.

A strong styling feature of the Lexus concept is an aggressive bonnet lip over what seems to be a typically complex ‘spindle’ front grille. 

The BZ, meantime, is are expected to roughly the same size as the RAV4 SUV - although the wheelbase is almost certainly likely to be longer than that of the conventionally-powered vehicle, and the front and rear overhangs should be shorter. 

There’s another string to the BZ bow in that it is likely to also be the basis for an electric Subaru; the brands are, of course, partners already with the current and new 86/BRZ – only the latter coming to NZ, next year, as the GR86 (because it’ll be part of the Gazoo Racing tribe).

Onlookers say panel creases highlighted in the BZ sketch make it clear that it and Subaru’s effort, which has been spoken of in the past, are going to share more than their underpinnings.

Says Britain’s AutoExpress: “The lines should translate into a distinctive-looking model with an image unlike anything else in the Toyota range - much as the Prius hybrids have their own identity.”

Toyota calls its new EV platform e-TNGA, and says it is designed to support a wide range of vehicles, since only a few areas of the architecture - notably the space between the front axle and the base of the windscreen - are fixed.

Toyota claims this allows difference widths, lengths, wheelbases and heights - and also says e-TNGA can be fitted with front-, rear- or four-wheel drive, and a range of battery and electric motor capacities. Some of the trademarks registered by Toyota - including BZ4X and BZ5X - would sit easily on a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Lexus is reportedly hoping that its defined styling and a sophisticated new four-wheel drive system, called DIRECT4, will lend enough distinction between its model and the Toyotas.

The new Lexus set-up uses a motor on each axle and features sophisticated computer hardware and software that can split power and torque depending on the dynamic experience required.

As all this unfolds, Toyota has also stated intention to build another conventional – so petrol and petrol hybrid – SUV to slot between the C-HR and the RAV4.

toyota has displayed various electric car design studies over recent years, including this one from 2018.