Building a loyal enthusiast following from the ground up isn’t something carmakers typically pull off overnight. For Hyundai, a brand that wasn’t exactly on anyone’s radar for fun, driver-focused cars to begin with, establishing its N performance sub-brand was not just about creating engaging machines. It was about cultivating a culture, and that’s a far more elusive achievement.

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However, thanks to a host of owner-focused events, Hyundai Australia has done just that. There are now thousands of tightly-knit N owners across the country, helping the company’s creations become among the nation’s best-selling hot hatches. Not only that, but cars like the i20 N and i30 N have become genuine benchmarks in their respective segments.

In late November, the annual N Festival returned for its seventh iteration, but with a twist. Not only was the event open to N owners, but also to a select number of owners from other brands, so we decided to join in with a bright yellow Renault.

Nvy

Hyundai N Australia

The 2025 event was held at Winton Raceway, roughly two hours north of Melbourne. As interest in the N Festival has increased in recent years, it’s no longer just an event run over Saturday and Sunday, but for the first time, it was extended to a three-day event. For eager owners wanting to get onto the track, there’s no better event.

Read: I Flew To Germany To Conquer The Nurburgring; It Conquered Me Instead

More than 350 cars attended in December. To join in, all that was required was a AU$60 ($40) entrance fee. In return, owners get ample time on the track, a gift bag of N merchandise, and tutelage from experienced driving instructors. This makes it an absolute bargain, particularly since regular track days usually start at upwards of AU$300 ($200).

Newcomers Join the Action

New to the 2025 N Festival were the ‘Nvy Track Sessions.’ These sessions were open to 20 non-N car owners each of the three days. To participate, you needed to receive an invitation from an N owner and to pay the same fee. I managed to secure a spot for my Renault Megane RS275.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, participants were split into six groups of 20 cars, with one group for the non-N cars. Each group had five 15-minute sessions on the track, totaling 75 minutes across the day. For pretty much anyone not named Max Verstappen, that’s more than enough track time.

Read: Riding In The Ioniq 5 N At Hyundai Australia’s N Festival

While I’ve done plenty of track days in the past, this was the first one in my Renault. The chassis and brakes are standard (for now…), although I have had it fitted with sticky Continental SportContact7 road tires, and the engine modified with a new intake, blow-off valve, intercooler, downpipe, and tune. It’s good for 219 kW (294 hp) and 445 Nm (328 lb-ft) of torque at the wheels, a healthy amount for the 2.0-liter turbo.

Hyundai N Australia

The temperatures were hot, pushing over 30° C (86° F) throughout my sessions, but my little French hot hatch performed flawlessly. There were some impressive cars in my sessions, like a new G80 BMW M3, an Audi RS5, a Porsche Cayman GT4, modified Toyota Supras, and a tuned Toyota GR Yaris, but I had no issue reeling each of them in and overtaking.

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Just like the i30 N is considered among the best hot hatches on the market, the third-generation Megane RS275 was held in similarly high regard when it was launched. Honed on the Nurburgring, it felt right at home on the circuit, providing immense levels of grip, combined with superb stability under braking and great straight-line pace. Admittedly, my tires now look a little worse for wear.

Ns On The Track

Of course, it was the Hyundais that were the real stars of the day. Hyundai Australia brought along a slew of press cars for journalists to test out. I managed to snag some seat time in each of the company’s current models, including the i20 N, i30 N hatch, i30 N Sedan, and the potent Ioniq 5 N.

Winton Raceway is quite a tight, short track, perfect for hot hatches like those from Hyundai rather than high-horsepower monsters. The pint-sized i20 N proved to be the perfect companion for the circuit.

While the i20 N only has a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and is down more than 50 kW (67 hp) over the i30 N, it had no issue sticking with its bigger brothers on the circuit. It feels incredibly nimble and responsive, particularly around the circuit’s sweeping bends and tighter corners, often lifting one of its rear wheels as the front tires stick mercilessly to the track.

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As standard, the i20 N comes with Pirelli P Zero NH tires, and they perform brilliantly on the track. As the day progressed, they did start to lose some grip, but importantly, they remained predictable despite the wear. The only issue I encountered was difficulties downshifting from 3rd to 2nd with the auto-rev match function enabled, something I also experienced at the N Festival back in 2022.

Extra Power, Extra Thrills

For those seeking superb on-track handling, combined with on-road comfort, and great straight-line speed, the i30 N hatch and i30 N Sedan remain among the best options on the market. While they may share a name, the i30 N Sedan has a longer wheelbase than the hatch and is based on a different chassis. In most of the world, it’s known as the Elantra.

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In a straight line, the i30 N hatch is a little sprightlier. While both cars have the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and are advertised with the same 206 kW (276 hp) and 392 Nm (289 lb-ft), the hatch’s boost pressure peaks at 17 psi, whereas it usually sits around 14 psi in the Sedan. This is because the sedan has Hyundai’s controversial ‘Octane Learning Mode’.

To enable the full 17 psi, you’ll have to either drive in 8th gear between 109-159 km/h (68 -99 mph) for 5 minutes or more, or drive for 5 minutes or more in 44th or 5th gear at 40-70% throttle between 40-120 km/h (25 -75 mph). Obviously, this isn’t achievable on a track. Many owners I spoke to have had their cars tuned to unlock full boost without having to do this procedure.

The duo also feels quite different through the turns. Both stick extraordinarily well, providing enough grip to warp your face. However, the hatch is noticeably stiffer and feels a little lighter. By comparison, the i30 N Sedan feels more stable, owing to the longer wheelbase, and is easier to find the limits in. On the track, we prefer the hatch, but on the road, it’s the Sedan that stands out.

What the Ioniq 5 N Does Best

We also had the opportunity to do a few hot laps in Hyundai’s potent Ioniq 5 N. This is the performance car that has redefined what we thought was possible for an EV. Not only is it extraordinarily quick, but it’s also loads of fun to drive. It’s no surprise that Porsche and Lamborghini have benchmarked their EVs against it.

Obviously, the dual-motor powertrain makes the Ioniq 5 very quick in a straight line. However, because Winton’s straights are quite short, it doesn’t get much room to stretch its legs. Thankfully, it shines in other ways, particularly in its handling dynamics.

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Thanks to some engineering trickery, it’s possible to shift the amount of power sent to the front and rear wheels. As such, the Ioniq 5 N can be driven effectively as a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car. This means it is inherently more configurable and playful than Hyundai’s other N products. The downside? It’s electric, meaning it’s not so practical for track use unless a circuit has a DC fast charger.

Track Day Antics

The 2025 N Festival didn’t just include dozens of track sessions. This year, owners were also able to participate in a series of head-to-head rolling races to see who owns the quicker car in a straight line. There was also a Show’N Shine and an organized drive through some of the circuit’s neighboring country roads.

Australia’s N Festival has established itself as one of the best events on Australia’s track day calendar, and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, well organized, and welcoming. I’m sure it convinced some non-N owners to call up their local Hyundai dealership and place an order. As for me, used Ns remain out of my price range, so I’ll be keeping my French hot hatch.

Hyundai N Australia

If there were an award for the automaker with the least inspiring lineup, Mitsubishi might have a strong claim to it. But change is on the horizon. The Japanese brand is set to add some spark to its range with a new all-electric model, even if, as has become something of a pattern lately, the vehicle won’t be one of its own creations.

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As covered previously, Mitsubishi has teamed up with Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, best known for assembling the iPhone. Together, they’ll introduce an electric hatchback based on Foxtron’s newly unveiled Bria designed by famed Italian studio Pininfarina.

That car, based on the striking Model B Concept, made its production debut in Taiwan and could bring a welcome dose of personality to Mitsubishi’s offerings.

Powering the Bria is a 57.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, and so far, three variants have been confirmed. Both the Elegant and Emerge models use a single 229 hp electric motor at the rear, allowing them to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds.

For those wanting more punch, there’s the dual-motor Pioneer model. With all-wheel drive and a combined 400 hp, it cuts the sprint to 100 km/h down to just 3.9 seconds.

It’s unclear if the Mitsubishi version will retain the same specifications, but we suspect it will. A few months ago, I spotted a prototype of the Model B being tested in Melbourne, Australia, albeit without any Foxtron branding.

This is because the two companies are eyeing Australia as one of the car’s most important markets, and are believed to be fine-tuning the suspension for local road conditions.

The name of the Mitsubishi-branded EV hasn’t been confirmed, but recent trademark filings suggest a direction. According to Drive, the carmaker has secured rights in Australia for the names ‘ASX GT-e’ and ‘ASX VR-e’.

Golf Size

Dimensionally, the Bria measures 4,315 mm (169.8 inches) long, 1,885 mm (74.2 inches) wide, and 1,535 mm (60.4 inches) tall. That makes it slightly longer and wider than a Volkswagen Golf, and comparable in scale to the electric MG 4.

Considering this is Foxconn’s first production EV, the Bria makes a strong visual impression. It bears no resemblance to anything in Mitsubishi’s current stable, but that’s unlikely to be an issue. Mitsubishi has a long history with rebadged models, so it’d probably be happy to sell the Bria as is.

Australia may be late to the EV party, but the guest list is growing fast. Despite trailing behind many nations in electric vehicle adoption, recent sales data shows an accelerating shift among local buyers. For the first time, electrified cars have outsold (gasoline) petrol-powered vehicles in a single month.

This could very well mark a turning point, positioning 2026 to potentially become the first full year where battery-assisted cars surpass traditional combustion sales.

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In December, a total of 35,058 hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles found new homes across the country. This was slightly above the 34,559 petrol cars sold over the same four-week period.

China’s Growing Influence on the Numbers

Zooming out to the full year, total electrified sales reached 355,887 vehicles, securing a 28.6 percent share of the overall market. Pure battery-electric vehicles made up 103,270 of that figure, accounting for an 8.3 percent slice.

Much of this momentum can be traced to the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers, whose expanding lineups have proved popular with Australian buyers. Brands such as BYD, Geely, MG, Xpeng, and Zeekr have led the charge.

Demand for EVs from China will likely grow even more this year. A slew of small and affordable electric offerings will soon hit the market, including Nio’s Firefly, the Geely EX2, and the BYD Atto 1, Australia’s Drive reports.

Petrol Still Leads the Pack

Although demand for electrified cars is increasing, petrol cars still represent the largest slice of the market. Indeed, a total of 475,279 were sold in 2025, which was 38.3 percent of the total market. Diesel models also remain popular, accounting for 29.4 percent, a figure which has remained relatively steady for the past five years.

It’s a long way from the market of a decade ago. Back in 2015, petrol cars accounted for a dominant 67 percent share, a clear sign of how much the market and consumer habits have changed in just ten years.

Traditional hybrids also had a strong showing last year. Australians bought 199,133 of them, giving the segment a 16 percent share. Plug-in hybrids, while still a smaller category, made notable progress as well. With 53,484 units sold, they secured 4.3 percent of the market, suggesting growing interest in flexible, transitional technologies

As electric vehicles flood into Australia’s increasingly crowded new car market, the pressure is mounting, particularly from aggressively priced models coming out of China. In response, Hyundai has rolled out some major price cuts to two of its more compelling EV offerings, the compact Inster and the updated Kona Electric.

Starting with the pint-sized Inster, which we drove just a few months ago, price cuts mean buyers can now save upwards of AU$7,288 (equal to US$4,900 at current exchange rates).

The base Inster Standard Range now starts at AU$35,990 (US$24,200), and that figure includes all on-road costs. Even with the adjustment, it’s still undercut by the base BYD Atto 1, which starts from just AU$26,500 (US$17,800) in standard trim, or around AU$30,650 (US$20,600) for the Premium version.

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The Inster itself brings a lot to the table in terms of practicality. It makes excellent use of space and comes with a solid feature set for its size. But those strengths haven’t translated into strong sales, largely due to its steep pricing. Between June and December last year, just 467 units found homes in Australia, according to data from CarExpert.

Slashing Prices Across the EV Board

Even more significant price cuts have been made to the Hyundai Kona Electric and Hybrid. The entry-level Kona Electric Standard Range now lists at AU$45,990 (US$30,900), marking a price drop of more than AU$13,000 ($8,700). The Kona Hybrid also sees a notable cut, with prices falling to AU$39,990 (US$26,900).

The price cuts bring the Kona Electric cost to the Geely EX5, which starts at a touch over AU$44,000 (US$29,500). Elsewhere, Hyundai has slashed prices of the Kona Electric Extended Range by AU$13,357 (US$9,000) to $49,990 (US$33,600), including all on-road fees.

The price of the Kona Electric Premium has also been cut by AU$13,857 ($9,300), meaning it’s no longer available from AU$59,990 (US$40,300).

The sales figures reflect the challenges Hyundai has faced. Just 541 Kona Electrics were sold locally last year, making up only 2.4 percent of total Kona sales, hardly the breakout performance the brand had hoped for.

Lowering the barrier to entry not only helps the Kona Electric stay in the game against newer Chinese models, it also clears space for Hyundai’s incoming Elexio.

Built in China and priced from AU$59,990 (US$40,300), the Elexio now occupies the middle ground between the Kona Electric and the more premium Ioniq 5. Hyundai positions it as a rival to the Kia EV5, BYD Sealion 7, and Tesla Model Y, creating a more layered EV lineup with a clearer progression.

Hyundai has just launched a new electric vehicle in Australia, and it’s quite unlike anything else from the brand. Rather than slotting into the familiar Ioniq family, this one takes a different route entirely. It’s called the Elexio, and it was developed through Hyundai’s joint venture with Chinese partner BAIC.

The result is a model that stands apart from the brand’s existing EVs in both design and intent. Could this be the one to stir things up in the local EV scene?

Where It Fits In

Reaching showrooms this quarter, the new Hyundai Elexio has been announced in a single configuration known as the Elite. Priced from AU$59,990 ($40,500), it is positioned between the Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5, taking aim at popular models like the BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5, and Tesla Model Y.

Read: Another Chinese SUV Coming To Australia, This Time From Hyundai

That price point puts it in an interesting position. The Kona Electric starts at AU$45,990 ($31,000), while stepping into an Ioniq 5 requires at least AU$71,990 ($48,600). By landing between them, the Elexio offers an alternative that balances size, range, and price.

Still, it’s not the cheapest option out there. The BYD Sealion 7 undercuts it at AU$54,990 ($37,100), and the Kia EV5 starts just below at AU$56,770 ($38,300).

There’s also the question of pricing disparity with the Chinese domestic market. Over there, the Elexio starts at just 119,800 yuan, or a little over AU$25,000 ($17,100 at current exchange rates). That’s less than half what Australians are being asked to pay. But given how aggressively priced Chinese EVs are within their own market, it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison.

The Specs

Underpinning the Elexio is Hyundai’s E-GMP architecture, but unlike other models including the Ioniq 5, it has a 400-volt electrical architecture, rather than an 800-volt one. This means the 88 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery needs 38 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent at a DC fast charger.

Hyundai hasn’t publicized the EV’s peak charging speeds, but says it can travel up to 546 km (339 miles) on a charge per the WLTP cycle, and average 18.2 kWh/100 km.

Power comes from a single front-mounted motor producing 160 kW (214 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. It’s a front-wheel-drive setup, which helps keep the price down and efficiency up, though it may not appeal to those looking for the dynamics of a rear- or all-wheel-drive EV.

Tailored for Australia

While the Australian-spec Elexio is largely identical to the Chinese version, Hyundai has made one important adjustment. The suspension has been specifically tuned for Australian road conditions, a move that should help it feel more at home.

Standard features are generous. The cabin is anchored by Hyundai’s latest Connect-C infotainment system, presented across a sweeping 27-inch display that covers both infotainment and passenger functions. A head-up display is also included as standard equipment, helping the Elexio stand out in a crowded field of similarly priced electric SUVs.

Given Australia’s long-running affection for off-roaders and the popularity of models like the Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor, it’s somewhat surprising that the Ford Bronco has never officially made it over there. That may soon change.

But rather than bringing in one of the two American-market Broncos, Ford could instead be planning to import a new, unrelated version just launched in China.

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Known as the Ford Bronco Basecamp, or Bronco New Energy, this model is the result of Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC). It’s styled like a mash-up of the full-size US Bronco and the more compact Bronco Sport, yet it’s larger than both.

Importantly, unlike the Bronco sold stateside, Ford will build the Bronco Basecamp in right-hand drive configuration. According to the team from Wheelsboy, it will be exported to markets like Australia, as well as throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

A New Angle on the Bronco

Unlike the American Bronco, which sits on a ladder-frame chassis, the Chinese version uses a unibody construction. That suggests it won’t be quite as competent in hardcore off-road situations, though it could be more agreeable on sealed roads.

And it’s no small thing, literally, as it measures 5,025 mm in length, or just over 197 inches, which makes it 101 mm longer than the Ford Everest already sold in Australia.

This shift in construction doesn’t just affect handling. It also reflects a different sort of appeal, likely aimed at buyers who want rugged looks with more livable day-to-day driving dynamics. As such, it feels less like a direct rival to traditional 4x4s and more like a large SUV with outdoorsy credentials.

EV And Range-Extender Power

The powertrains are particularly interesting. All-electric versions of the Bronco Basecamp are equipped with a sizeable 105.4 kWh battery pack and two electric motors that combine to deliver 445 hp and 424 lb-ft (575 Nm) of torque. This gives it more horsepower than the ICE-powered Bronco Raptor, and almost as much torque.

In China, the Bronco Basecamp is also available as a range-extender, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 43.7 kWh battery pack. It delivers a combined 416 hp and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm), all while being able to travel up to 220 km (137 miles) on a single charge.

It’s not yet clear if Ford could bring both of these powertrain options to Australia, or if it’ll limit the range to just one. While this won’t be the American Bronco that many locals have been clamoring for, it could be the next best thing.

Electric SUVs have come a long way in a short time, but in the three-row space, progress has been surprisingly slow. Hyundai made a big impression on the EV market when it unveiled the striking Ioniq 5 in early 2021. A month later, Kia unveiled its related EV6.

However, following the debut of the Ioniq 5 and the later arrival of the Ioniq 6, Hyundai’s rollout of next-generation EVs has slowed, especially compared to Kia. In the same span, Kia has steadily grown its lineup, recently adding the EV3, EV4, EV5, and EV9 to its expanding electric stable.

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This makes the launch of the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 all the more important. You see, it’s related to the three-row Kia EV9, but that model was launched more than 18 months before it, meaning Hyundai has to catch up ground.

QUICK FACTS

Working in Hyundai’s favor is the fact that not much has changed in the three-row electric SUV segment since the EV9 launched. Few contenders have emerged in this particular bracket, especially at the price point where both the EV9 and Ioniq 9 are playing.

We recently had the opportunity to spend a full week living with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 in Calligraphy trim, putting it through its paces not just to see how it stacks up against the EV9, but also to ask a tougher question: can it justify its position as the most expensive Hyundai ever sold?

What Does it Cost?

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

While Kia offers several versions of the EV9 in Australia, Hyundai has only launched a single trim variant of the Ioniq 9, known as the Calligraphy. Buyers can choose between six or seven seats, and pricing starts at AU$128,413 (equal to US$84,000 at current exchange rates) including on-road costs.

There’s no denying that’s a lot of cash for a Hyundai. However, it’s surprisingly good value compared to the Kia EV9 GT-Line, the nearest equivalent to the Calligraphy, which is priced from AU$138,915 ($90,700).

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Shoppers in the US looking to pick up the keys to the new Ioniq 9 can purchase it for as little as US$58,955. The flagship Performance Calligraphy Design tops out at the range, starting at US$76,490. Although Australia’s Calligraphy model lacks the word ‘Performance’ in its name, it has the same powertrain as the American model.

Beneath the concept-car-like looks of the Ioniq 9 is a huge 110.3 kWh battery, larger than the flagship 99.8 kWh pack in the EV9. This battery feeds a pair of electric motors, each rated at 157 kW (210 hp), or a combined 314 kW (421 hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. That gives it a healthy edge over the EV9 GT-Line’s 283 kW (380 hp), although torque remains identical.

A High-Class Cabin

Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

As you’d expect for a vehicle at this price point, the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy’s cabin is exceptionally plush and feels more premium than the EV9, which has too much plastic for our liking.

Like other Hyundai models, there are two 12.3-inch screens in front of the driver, housed within a single curved display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Whereas Kia insists on continuing to employ an inconveniently located third screen on the dash for the climate controls, the Ioniq 9 uses a dedicated display under the dash with a touch panel and physical temperature dials.

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Our Ioniq 9 was equipped with the eye-catching Dark Wine and Dove Grey two-tone Nappa leather, one of three available two-tone options for those not interested in the standard Obsidian Black trim. The Ioniq 9 is available with digital wing mirrors, but fortunately, our car didn’t have them. By comparison, the EV9 GT-Line is sold exclusively with cameras instead of mirrors.

There are plenty of luxuries found within the cabin, making the Ioniq 9 perfectly suited to any kind of journey. This includes a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats and a wireless phone charger.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

There’s also a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, configurable ambient lighting, and a head-up display. Tech enthusiasts will be pleased to know that in addition to having two high-powered 100-watt USB-C ports in the dash, there are also 100-watt USB-C ports on the backs of the front seats for rear passengers.

Those seeking the ultimate in comfort would be wise to opt for the six-seat version, as it replaces the second-row bench seat with a pair of captain’s chairs, which are very similar to the front seats.

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However, even in 7-seat guise, the Ioniq 9’s second row is more than large enough to carry three adults in comfort. Even the third row is surprisingly practical. I’m 6’2” (189 cm) and my hair only brushed the headliner, but I did have to slide the second-row seats forward to get any leg room.

There’s no question this ranks among the most premium interiors Hyundai has ever put together. Even so, it doesn’t feel dramatically more upscale than the far more affordable Santa Fe. It shares quite a few components too, including the dual screens, steering wheel, and HVAC controls. Cabin space is only slightly more generous as well. The latest Palisade, for that matter, feels every bit as polished as the Ioniq 9.

Performance and Comfort

Despite not being marketed as a performance vehicle in Australia, that’s exactly what the Ioniq 9 feels like, at least in a straight line. It can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, an impressive figure considering the seven-seater weighs a portly 2,721 kg (5,998 lbs). Pin the throttle and it lurches forward, squatting at the rear and leaving hot hatches for dead.

However, show the Ioniq 9 a set of corners, and it doesn’t match the surprising agility of the EV9 GT-Line. That isn’t to say it can’t be hustled through corners at impressive speeds, as it can, thanks in part to the Continental PremiumContact tires. But the Ioniq 9 clearly prefers a calmer approach, and with the massaging seats doing their thing, it feels most at ease settling into a smooth cruise.

Hyundai has done a good job of calibrating the steering of its new flagship SUV and it is beautifully light, perfect for a vehicle of this size, ensuring it’s easy to park. While driving the Ioniq 9, I quickly forgot about its weight, although it was a little harder to forget about the sheer size of the thing.

Measuring it at 5,060 mm (199.2 inches) long, it’s 50 mm (1.9 inches) longer than the EV9, and matches the Kia’s 1,980 mm (77.9-inch) width. It’s even 8mm (0.3 inches) longer than a full-size Range Rover.

Range to Match The Speed

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Thanks to the big battery pack and respectable efficiency, the Ioniq 9 has good, real-world driving range. Hyundai claims it can travel up to 600 km (373 miles) between stops and quotes average efficiency of 20.6 kWh/100 km. During my week with the Ioniq 9, I averaged 22 kWh/100 km, traveled 210 km (130 miles), and had 298 km of remaining range (185 miles).

As with other EVs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, charging is a strong suit of the Ioniq 9. It supports charging speeds of up to 233 kW, meaning the battery can be topped up from 10-80 percent in 24 minutes through a 350 kW charger. AC charging is capped at 10.5 kWh, which is enough for an overnight charge at home.

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Given the Ioniq 9’s considerable weight, I expected the ride to be on the firmer side, as is often the case with electric vehicles. Instead, it turned out to be surprisingly comfortable and noticeably softer than the EV9 GT-Line. That said, the lighter and more compact Santa Fe still manages to deliver an even smoother ride.

Brake regeneration is handled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, allowing you to cycle between four different levels, including a one-pedal driving mode which works superbly.

Hyundai has also equipped the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy with its Highway Driving Assist 2 system, which includes radar cruise control and an automatic lane-change function. It can even shift the EV to the edge of the lane when passing a truck for added safety. As we’ve come to expect from the South Koreans, the HDA2 system works flawlessly on the highway.

Verdict

As a standalone EV, especially when stacked against pricier rivals like the troubled Volvo EX90, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 makes a compelling case for itself. Yes, it carries a price more commonly tied to Hyundai’s luxury arm, Genesis, but large electric SUVs come at a premium, particularly those that blend comfort, refinement, and capability as well as this one.

However, as we saw with the Kia EV9, it is the competition from within Hyundai’s own lineup that will likely limit the Ioniq 9’s appeal.

For roughly AU$50,000 (US$32,600) less, you can get a seven-seat Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. And if you’re looking for something larger, the all-new Palisade is available as a seven-seater or even an eight-seater, and costs around AU$30,000 (US$19,500) less. Still, if you’re dead set on an electric SUV for the family, the Ioniq 9 is an easy one to recommend.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Earlier this month, Toyota pulled the covers off its long-awaited battery-electric Hilux, built on the thoroughly reworked ninth-generation platform. While powertrain specifications for the model have been released, Toyota has yet to confirm pricing, saying only that it will be “attainable.”

Read: New Toyota Hilux Brings Sumo-Inspired Looks And EV Option

The complete list of markets where the Hilux BEV will be sold is unclear, but we do know that Australia will be among them. Local buyers will see the Hilux BEV arrive in the first half of 2026, with Toyota initially targeting fleets rather than private owners.

Large mining operations are expected to be the main customers, given the suitability of electric drivetrains for underground work.

Pricing Expectations

While recently speaking with local outlet Drive about the new truck, Toyota Australia vice president for sales and marketing Sean Hanley acknowledged the Hilux BEV will “be dearer than the diesel cars we’ve got right now.”

Prices for the new Hilux equipped with the mild-hybrid diesel engine will start at AU$65,990 ($42,800), and it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the BEV could add AU$15,000 ($9,700) to that figure, meaning this model could be positioned near the top of the Hilux range.

“We know this is not going to be our biggest seller, but it’s got to be competitive and affordable for those that want it, so it’s got to be attainable,” Hanley added.

“There’s no point putting it out there if it’s going to be a hundred grand (AU$100,000), you know what I mean, like maybe you’re referencing. It’s got to be achievable, it’s got to be attainable.”

Toyota has equipped the Hilux BEV with a small 59.2 kWh battery pack and dual electric motors delivering 193 hp. The pickup has a quoted range of just 149 miles (240 km).

A Niche Future

Despite some interest from private buyers, Hanley is realistic about where this model fits. He describes it as a niche vehicle, built with clear intent rather than broad market ambition.

“Where this will appeal will actually be mining – massively. Again, I don’t wanna sit here and say to you ‘it’s gonna take the world by storm and volume’. [It’s] not going to do that. It’s not meant to do that. That’s not why we’re launching it,” he said.

Still, he admits there could be some crossover appeal. “There is a niche market out there where we can put this car, and in mining it will be, I think, our biggest target market. Now, that’s not to say some tradies may not want it. They may… it’s possible.”

Australia has long been a stronghold for pickup trucks, but Rivian’s all-electric lineup remains out of reach for local buyers. For now, at least. Without any right-hand-drive models in its range, the American EV maker hasn’t officially broken into the Australian market.

More: Rivian Is Getting Bigger But Its Service Workforce Is Getting Smaller

That could shift in a roundabout fashion, courtesy of a batch of Rivian R1T trucks that ended up stranded Down Under. They might soon be offered to the public. Just one small hitch; you can’t legally drive them on the road, which tends to put a dent in the whole ownership experience.

How Did They Get Here?

So, how did a bunch of Rivianland in Australia in the first place? The short answer is MEVCO, a Perth-based startup launched in 2022 with plans to supply fully electric light commercial vehicles to the mining sector.

The company purchased 13 Rivian R1Ts in 2024 for local trials, alongside three electric Toyota Hilux utes converted by SEA Electric. But MEVCO’s ambitions didn’t last. After struggling to raise funds and drowning in debt, the company collapsed into administration in September 2025.

As part of the liquidation, the entire fleet is now heading to auction. The Rivians will be sold through Grays Auctions in Western Australia, giving local EV enthusiasts a rare chance to pick up one of the U.S.-built trucks, if they can live with some serious restrictions.

Can You Actually Use One?

MEVCO via Drive.com.au

Under Australian law, left-hand-drive vehicles can only be registered for road use if they’re over 30 years old. There are limited exemptions for rare imports, but as these Rivians are mass-produced, they likely won’t qualify.

That means buyers will be confined to using them on private property, think farms, mine sites, remote tracks, or driveways outside the public road network.

More: Rivian CEO Gets A Musk-Style Pay Deal, But Minus A Few Zeros

Technically, converting them to right-hand drive could make them street legal, but that’s not a cheap process.

As reported by Australian outlet Drive.com.au, which broke the story, the Rivians will go under the hammer in Western Australia through Grays Auctions.

The Rivians in MEVCO’s fleet are second-generation models equipped with dual electric motors, with several adapted for use in Australian mining operations.

Press photos show a range of added gear, including a bull bar, sports bar, Kevlar underbody protection, wiring harnesses for auxiliary equipment, and a custom sliding drawer mounted behind the cabin.

Michael Fernandes, State Operations Manager for Grays Auctions in WA, told Drive.com.au, “We’re currently working closely with the administrator and completing our legal and compliance due diligence to ensure that when these vehicles hit the open market, ownership will pass to buyers as smoothly as these vehicles drive.”

He added that more details about the auction sale would be made available once the formal process allows.

It’s been six long years since Ford unveiled the Mustang Mach-E, its first mainstream electric SUV and a direct challenger to the Tesla Model Y. The model has become an important part of Ford’s global lineup, even if it hasn’t reached the same sales heights as its Californian rival.

However, in Australia, things are looking particularity bleak for the electric pony car.

Read: Ford’s Electric Pony Car Gets A Classic Gas Mustang Package

Ford started selling the Mustang Mach-E in Australia in 2023 and in that time, has managed to sell just 1,113 units. This year, just 380 of them have been sold.

To put those numbers into perspective, Tesla has sold forty-six times more Model Ys this year than Ford has managed with the Mustang Mach-E. The gap is wide enough to make clear that Ford’s electric SUV won’t be troubling Tesla’s dominance anytime soon.

Everything’s Fine

Despite these meek sales, Ford Australia doesn’t seem too bothered. According to Ford’s local marketing director Ambrose Henderson, the Mach-E is different than its competitors and has been made all the more appealing thanks to recent upgrades.

“The Mach-E is something that is iconic and clearly different from most of the other EVs in the market,” Henderson told Drive.

“The market’s immensely competitive. We think, with the updates that we’ve made in terms of design, technology and the drive feel and dynamics, that it will resonate with customers. We’re really excited about what that will do going forward.”

He added that Ford’s intent was never to produce another anonymous, efficiency-shaped crossover. “There are a lot of aerodynamically designed white boxes on the road that are EVs, right? And that’s not us. That is not what we wanted to deliver. We wanted something that was authentic and really leverages off what is a global icon with Mustang,” he explained.

A Real Mustang Alternative?

According to Henderson, the Mustang Mach-E wasn’t necessarily created to chase huge volumes, but rather engineered as a compelling electric alternative to the V8-powered Mustang. According to him, the Mach-E “delivers the same excitement, the same emotion, same thrill of the drive, and the same sort of design,” as the pony car.

Of course, if you ask any car enthusiast if they’d rather drive a Mustang GT or Mustang Mach-E up a mountain pass, or along a coastal road, we suspect the vast majority would opt for the ICE model. While the Mach-E is good, few would consider it to be the same kind of sports car.

Who Is It For?

Interestingly, Henderson also hesitates to position it as a family vehicle. “The primary audience is couples, just from a demographic and opportunity perspective,” he said, suggesting Ford envisions the Mach-E less as a people mover and more as a lifestyle choice for drivers who still want a bit of Mustang spirit, even without the roar.

When Hyundai pulled the wraps off the Elexio, a new electric SUV developed with joint venture partner BAIC and standing apart from the Ioniq lineup, most assumed it would remain a China-only model. That would have made sense, given how often collaborations like this one are designed for domestic markets.

Now, though, Hyundai has confirmed that the Elexio will also make its way to Australia. It’s expected to arrive next year, sitting between the Kona EV and the Ioniq 5 in the local lineup.

Read: Hyundai’s New Electric SUV Skips Physical Buttons Nearly Entirely For Massive Screen

Positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y and BYD’s Sealion 7, the Elexio marks new territory for Hyundai in Western market.

Whether Australian drivers will warm up to its distinctive styling and unconventional cabin design is still an open question. Yet with Chinese-built electric SUVs rapidly gaining traction Down Under, the Elexio could soon become a common sight on local roads, especially if the price is right.

Lineup And Power

Underneath, it rides on the Hyundai Group’s familiar E-GMP platform and comes with a single 88.1 kWh battery pack. Charging from 30 to 80 percent takes about 27 minutes, which is a slower than the Ioniq 5’s 10-to-80 percent top-up in about 18 minutes.

In China, the Elexio has a quoted driving range of 722 km (449 miles), but under the (considerably less generous) WLTP cycle, Hyundai is simply quoting a range of “over 500 km” (311 miles).

Australia is expected to receive three different versions of the Elexio. The base model will be a single-motor standard-range variant, the middle version will be a single-motor long-range model, and the flagship will be an all-wheel-drive long-range one, according to Drive.

Both two-wheel-drive options use a 160 kW (215 hp) motor, while the AWD variant steps up to around 230 kW (308 hp). The configuration mirrors that of the Kia EV5, which shares similar output figures across its own lineup.

Review: BYD Sealion 7 Performance Could Be Tesla’s Worst Nightmare

Inside, the Elexio wears clear Chinese design cues, though in this case, that’s not a bad thing. A 27-inch panel spans the dashboard, merging the main infotainment screen with a separate passenger display.

The driver gets a smaller readout set low near the windshield, while wireless charging pads and an eight-speaker Bose audio system round out the cabin’s tech package.

What Will It Cost?

In China, the Elexio starts at 119,800 yuan and tops out at 149,800, roughly US$16,900 to US$21,100 or about AU$25,700 to AU$32,200 if you’re counting in local currency. Tempting figures, but don’t get too comfortable. Those kinds of prices never make it past customs.

Hyundai hasn’t disclosed Australian pricing yet, though it’s safe to assume the local figure will be less charitable. Expect something between AU$55,000 ($36,000) and AU$65,000 ($42,600), a range that drops the Elexio right into the thick of the mid-size electric SUV contest.

It’s a crowded corner of the market, but one Hyundai seems quite happy to elbow its way into.

New Poll: American Voters Support Federal Investments in Electric Vehicles Broad, Bipartisan Support for EV Investments and Incentives that Lower Costs, Expand Access, and Help the U.S. Beat China in the Race for Auto Manufacturing WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bipartisan national poll conducted by Meeting Street Insights and Hart Research finds broad public support …

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