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  • New BMW 7 Series facelift ups the luxury and somehow looks even bolder than before

    New BMW 7 Series facelift ups the luxury and somehow looks even bolder than before


    BMW has not confirmed a battery capacity for its new i7 yet, but we expect it to sit at around 110kWh. Alongside the BEV will be the same plug-in hybrid models as today that pair in-line six-cylinder petrol engines with an electric motor and a battery pack. Electric range is rated at around 50 miles, and the PHEV will be available in 750e and high-performance M760e forms. 

    Charging has also been uprated from 195kW to 250kW, but this is still some way short of the EQS’s 350kW, let alone the iX3’s 400kW. BMW still says this will be enough to get from 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes, or add around 146 miles of range in 10 minutes. 

    As well as the new powertrain technology, the new 7 Series has also picked up a totally new dashboard and interior design. Here too, BMW has adopted Neue Klasse elements including the Panoramic Vision system, and a totally new-look dash to house it. Complementing this is the same new touchscreen interface that’s already been a smash hit in the iX3 and i3, plus there’s now a new passenger display too.

    The exterior design has taken a more evolutionary approach, but while its changes are relatively subtle, they do make a big difference. This is likely due to new design leadership that’s overseen this new 7 Series, giving it a more elegant and sophisticated look than its somewhat awkward predecessor. 

    The grilles are no smaller, but they are sharper, cleaner and have lighting all the way around. Meanwhile, thinner and wider upper lighting units are now balanced by more subtle lower headlight units. As before, there are M Sport and Excellence styles to choose between, but BMW is putting a lot of emphasis on personalisation. This will take the form of many new colour options inside and out, plus a world-first two-tone paint finish with matte on the top and gloss on the bottom. 

    New wheel choices, wider rear lights and a reshaped bonnet complete the updates outside, all of which combine with the existing model’s plethora of hi-tech equipment. Air suspension, rear-wheel steering, powered doors and the statement 31.3-inch rear cinema screen remain, albeit with their own detail updates.

    Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.



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  • Hyundai, Kia and Genesis extend charging unit warranty in Australia for some EVs

    Hyundai, Kia and Genesis extend charging unit warranty in Australia for some EVs


    Following customer reports of failures, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis have extended the ICCU warranty of some EVs in Australia to 15 years.

    Hyundai, Kia and Genesis have introduced an extended 15-year warranty in Australia for the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) in some electric vehicles, following customer reports of component failures.

    The extended warranty applies to early versions of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis electric vehicles underpinned by the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.

    It also applies to the Genesis G80 EV and Genesis GV70 EV, which ride on separate platforms but share electric-vehicle components. 

    The ICCU includes a low-voltage DC-DC converter – the EV equivalent of an alternator – and a bidirectional on-board charger for converting alternating-current (AC) power to direct-current (DC), and vice versa for the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function. 

    MORE: Hyundai recalls 2021-2024 Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60, GV70, and G80 models in Australia

    Mirroring Europe, the ICCU will now be warranted for 15 years or 300,000 kilometres from the date of first registration in Australia, up from Kia’s seven years or five years from Hyundai and Genesis.

    A Hyundai Australia spokesperson told Drive the ICCU warranty extension applies to Ioniq 5 vehicles built between 2 April, 2021, and 14 February, 2024, and Ioniq 6 vehicles built from 28 January, 2022, and 12 September, 2024. 

    Kia Australia confirmed the extended warranty applies to all versions of the EV6 from Model Year 2022 (MY22) to MY24, while other E-GMP vehicles, including the EV9 and the newest MY26 EV6 are not involved.

    MORE: 2021-2024 Kia EV6 recalled in Australia due to battery fault

    Genesis GV60s built between 6 March, 2021, and 2 October, 2024, also receive the extended ICCU warranty, along with the G80 EV between 9 June, 2021, and 2 October, 2024, and the GV70 EV between 2 March, 2022, and 10 October, 2024. 

    Some of the affected Hyundai, Kia and Genesis EVs were previously recalled in Australia due to an “internal fault” with their ICCU, which “could result in a loss of motive power”. 

    Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles with an extended 15-year/300,000-kilometre Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) warranty in Australia:

    • Hyundai Ioniq 5 – built from 2 April, 2021, to 14 February, 2024
    • Hyundai Ioniq 6 – built from 28 January, 2022, to 12 September, 2024
    • Kia EV6 – all Model Year 2022, 2023 and 2024 vehicles
    • Genesis G80 EV – built from 9 June, 2021, to 2 October, 2024
    • Genesis GV60 – built from 6 March, 2021, to 2 October, 2024
    • Genesis GV70 EV – built from 2 March, 2022, to 10 October, 2024

    The post Hyundai, Kia and Genesis extend charging unit warranty in Australia for some EVs appeared first on Drive.



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  • Kia EV6 review

    Kia EV6 review



    The Kia EV6 is a vast all-electric family car, but it can’t disguise its dynamic and packaging compromises



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  • I hope the EV era doesn’t mean beautiful cars are a thing of the past

    I hope the EV era doesn’t mean beautiful cars are a thing of the past


    I’m starting to wonder what happened to elegant design, and how the cars of today will be viewed 20, 30 or 40 years from now. 

    The era of the electric car offered stylists the chance to be more creative, with no need for a big lump of an engine at the front, but so far they have largely failed to rise to the challenge.

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    At least the three all-new cars dominating the news this week – the Nissan Juke, Hyundai Ioniq 3 and Mercedes C-Class Electric – are all distinctive, if that’s not damning them with faint praise. But I’m not sure any of them can be described as particularly elegant. 

    It’s certainly not what Nissan was going for with the new Juke, and its origami/egg box surfacing that’s presumably causing production line managers and car photographers equal levels of headache. 

    The first Juke was outlandish and striking, but this new one has stepped things up several notches. You won’t forget the first time one passes you on the road, that’s for sure, and brave design such as this is always welcome. It would have been easy to be conservative with a car as important as the electric Juke, but instead Nissan has gone for something radical and pioneering. While it’s fun for us, it remains to be seen how willingly buyers will embrace it. 



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  • 2026 Toyota GR RAV4 turbo could happen, here’s how

    2026 Toyota GR RAV4 turbo could happen, here’s how


    A 2.4-litre turbocharged engine fits under the bonnet of the new Toyota RAV4, an engineer has revealed, so if customers want it, a GR RAV4 could come to fruition.

    A turbocharged, high-performance GR version of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 could become a reality, if potential customers shout loud enough.

    Chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane told Drive that the new 227kW RAV4 GR Sport, the most powerful iteration in the nameplate’s history, is already “powerful enough” and “very fast”.

    However, he said the barriers standing in the way of a full-blooded GR RAV4 are linked to Toyota management’s awareness of customer demand for a Volkswagen Tiguan R competitor, rather than a technical limitation.

    “We could actually fit a 2.4-litre turbo in that engine compartment,” Futonagane-san revealed via an interpreter.

    MORE: Toyota RAV4 EV is possible, but don’t hold your breath for bZ4X showroom-mate

    “There are no official plans at the moment, but you know, the only bits that are missing is a corporate appreciation of the market demand and the potential wow factor.

    “If people started making a noise and saying, ‘Yeah, we want a 2.4-litre turbo’, it might end up on the agenda.”

    The 2.4-litre turbocharged engine is used in a range of models as diverse as the Lexus NX, the outgoing RAV4’s luxury twin, to a hybrid version of the latest Toyota Prado in the US.

    In the Lexus NX350 and RX350, it produces 205kW/430Nm, while the RX500h F Sport Performance adds hybrid technology and a revised ‘Direct4’ all-wheel-drive system for a system output of 273kW.

    MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport upgrades that help justify Gazoo Racing badge

    Toyota’s 2.4-litre turbo engine.

    It beats the 227kW quoted by the all-wheel-drive RAV4 GR Sport plug-in hybrid, already the most powerful RAV4 ever built, ahead of mid-2000s examples with a 200kW V6.

    Given the RX500h F Sport Performance is a regular hybrid, not a plug-in, it uses a much lighter battery, so it could help trim the GR Sport’s 5.8-second 0-100km/h time further.

    “Controlling the power of a 2.5-litre plug-in… We already think it [the GR Sport] is powerful enough. It’s very fast,” Futonagane-san said through an interpreter.

    The GR RAV4 remains little more than an idea – and, even if Toyota sees a market for an even faster RAV4, it’s not quite as easy as it seems.

    MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 clocks up 10,000 orders, targets top sales spot in line-up

    The 2.4-litre turbo engine is nearing the end of its shelf life, as models from the next-generation Corolla – due late 2026 or sometime in 2027 – will focus on a new range of 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, with or without turbocharging.

    These ‘modular’ engines are designed to replace all of Toyota’s four and six-cylinder engines, plus the turbo three-cylinder in the GR Corolla, by applying varying levels of hybridisation and turbocharger boost depending on the car the engine is in.

    Engine aside, the RAV4 GR Sport’s chassis upgrades are comprehensive enough as to require any future GR RAV4 to raise the bar even further.

    GR Sport versions add lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels, retuned suspension and electric power steering, a 20mm-wider wheel track, stiffened rear suspension brace, and new “high-performance” chassis dampers to further increase body rigidity.

    The post 2026 Toyota GR RAV4 turbo could happen, here’s how appeared first on Drive.



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  • Used Volkswagen Passat (Mk8, 2014-2021) review

    Used Volkswagen Passat (Mk8, 2014-2021) review


    The Mazda 6 is another tough adversary, thanks to its smart styling, excellent dynamics and appealing interior, along with decent equipment and superb build quality at reasonable prices. The Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40, Skoda Octavia/Superb and Vauxhall Insignia are also hard to beat. All offer hatchback or estate practicality with lashings of equipment and at keen prices. 

    What to look for

    Spare wheel

    Most Passats come with a steel space-saver spare wheel, but the GT-specification car is fitted with a full-size alloy spare.

    Filling up

    You can’t put the wrong fuel in your Passat; a misfuel prevention device is fitted to every oneof the cars, regardless of trim level. 

    Equipment

    Volkswagen upgraded the Passat in January 2018, with all cars in the range benefitting from an extra helping of standard equipment.

    Rear rattles

    Rattling sounds from the back of the car can be down to a loose undertray – that or the suspension needs to be lubricated.

    Interior

    VW interiors are designed for ease of use rather than creative flair, and the Passat is no different. There are first-rate materials throughout, plenty of standard equipment and lots of head and legroom for rear-seat passengers. Boot space is good, too, at 586 litres for the saloon, and SE cars and above get a load-through facility. The Estate can stow 650 or 1,780 litres (seats up/down).

    Running costs

    Owners can choose fixed or variable servicing, at every 12 months/10,000 miles, or two years/18,000 miles. Fixed services alternate between minor and major. Brake fluid needs to be changed every two years. The cambelt should be replaced every 130,000 miles on TDI units or 75,000 miles on BiTDIs. Petrol engines have no set schedule.

    Recalls

    The Mk8 Passat has had 13 recalls. Early cars could be affected by braking problems because of wiring glitches, and airbags going off. Issues with panoramic sunroofs on Estates and faulty child locks led to actions in 2016. Recalls were also made for the ESP and lighting, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, back seats, sunroof joints, wheel bearing housings and head restraints.

    Driver Power owner satisfaction

    The Passat Mk8 wasn’t in our last Driver Power used-car survey, but it notched up a 54th-place finish in the 2019 new car poll. That’s a respectable result rather than a spectacular one, with owners liking boot space, all-round visibility and ride quality. The infotainment system also gets a thumbs up, but owners aren’t so keen on refinement, the gearchange or running costs.

    Verdict

    For years the Passat has been a staple part of VW’s line-up, and in the UK it’s the brand’s third most popular model after the Golf and Polo hatchbacks.

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  • Car Deal of the Day: a fully-loaded Jeep Compass SUV for under £230 a month

    Car Deal of the Day: a fully-loaded Jeep Compass SUV for under £230 a month


    The latest Compass shows Jeep is back to building more charismatic cars. Its blocky design is both stylish and distinctive, and manages to hide its Citroen C5 Aircross and Vauxhall Grandland underpinnings very well. A 200mm ground clearance ensures the Compass sticks to its Jeep credentials, even if it’s more likely to be scaling the heights of a kerb in a Sainsbury’s car park.  

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    This Jeep charm also continues to the interior, with plenty of little design quirks evident, while also remaining solidly constructed and ready for family life. There’s plenty of interior space, and this is topped off by a roomy 550-litre boot. 

    Power comes from a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid, which is an engine shared with the aforementioned Citroen and Vauxhall SUVs, and it’s a perfectly fine, if unremarkable engine. Jeep claims nearly 50mpg, though, which is impressive.

    What we really like about this deal is that it’s for the top-spec First Edition model. This brings matrix LED headlights, an illuminated seven-slot grille, interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and a hands-free electric tailgate. 

    Jeep Compass - dashboard

    The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Buy A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. 

    Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Jeep Compass leasing offers from leading providers on our Jeep Compass page.

    Check out the Jeep Compass deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…



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  • Ford Transit Custom recalled due to incorrect owner’s manual

    Ford Transit Custom recalled due to incorrect owner’s manual


    The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “The vehicle’s digital owner’s manual may contain incorrect information regarding the location of the child seat anchor point, airbags, seatbelts, and emergency assistance information.



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  • Car Deal of the Day: £100k BMW 7 Series for an eye-catching £650 per month

    Car Deal of the Day: £100k BMW 7 Series for an eye-catching £650 per month


    This deal gets you the plug-in hybrid 750e model which features a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine paired with one electric motor and a 18.7kWh battery. This set-up provides a generous 489bhp for 0-62mph in less than five seconds and a pure-electric range of 49 miles on offer, so you can glide along elegantly and silently.

    The interior of the 7 Series is a lot less polarising than the exterior, and among the best in the luxury limo world. As you’d expect, there’s a lot of cutting-edge technology, plus the highest-quality materials and acres of space. 

    BMW 7 Series dashboard

    Equipment includes air-suspension, soft-closing doors, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 12.3-inch central touchscreen, 14.9-inch digital driver’s display, ambient lighting and more. There’s also what BMW calls an Interaction Bar that stretches across the dashboard and onto the doors and features various controls.

    The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Buy A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. 

    Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top BMW 7 Series leasing offers from leading providers on our BMW 7 Series page.

    Check out the BMW 7 Series deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…



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  • I drove a 1996 Holden Commodore V8 and was shocked at the fuel bills

    I drove a 1996 Holden Commodore V8 and was shocked at the fuel bills


    Here’s how our Melbourne Motor Show-bound Holden Commodore SS performed at the pumps. You might well be shocked.

    Okay, so ‘man drives 5.0-litre V8 and goes broke at the bowsers’ is a very 2026 sort of story. So far, so predictable. But what amazed us was how much fuel ‘our’ Commodore VS SS that we took to the show stand at the Melbourne Motor Show drank even when we were feather-footing it.

    Of course, if you were to drive it like you stole it, you’d expect a crippling fuel bill. But when you’re just rumbling around for a photoshoot on country roads, I was fairly confident that I’d be writing a story about how economical a V8 could be if you were a bit circumspect.

    Sadly not. Or at least not this one.

    RELATED: How a simple car tweak dramatically changed my fuel use

    This VS version of the Commodore featured Holden’s ‘Iron Lion’ V8, built in Fishermans Bend, Melbourne, before the 1999 VT Series II ushered in the era of the 5.7-litre ‘Generation III’ small-block.

    The Iron Lion V8 could trace its history right back to the 1969 HT, being enlarged and improved along the way. While performance and response undoubtedly improved across those 17 years to 1996, fuel economy clearly wasn’t a priority.

    Road tests back in the day saw fuel figures of over 17 litres per 100 kilometres, but those doubtless included some performance testing and what my partner would probably call ‘exuberant driving’.

    We did nothing like that. On our suburban and country test route, we ran the car up towards its redline once or twice, and that was it. The rest of the time, we were rumbling along at barely more than tickover, performing passes for photography and manoeuvring the car for static pictures.

    The result? A hefty 15.1L/100km when we went back to the fuel bowser and refilled.

    A full refill of the 80-litre tank at $2.40 per litre would have set us back an eye-watering $192 for 530km of low-revs noodling.

    It’s fair to say that things have certainly progressed in that regard.

    When you compare this 168kW Holden to a modern 350kW Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which are both normally aspirated V8s, the Commodore has 50 per cent of the power but consumes 50 per cent more fuel. There’s progress for you.

    Or, if you prefer, it emitted 360g of carbon dioxide per kilometre driven, which would surely give the people who devised NVES an aneurysm.

    Would I want to drive it every day? Maybe not. Like you, I’ve got a queue of other claimants on my disposable income.

    Was it worth it to drive back in time for a day? You bet. It was magnificent and, as much as anything else, reminds us how great ’90s cars were.

    The post I drove a 1996 Holden Commodore V8 and was shocked at the fuel bills appeared first on Drive.



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