2025 Hyundai Venue Elite review

The Hyundai Venue entered 2025 unchanged, aside from price rises of $250 across the range. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Note: This article is based on our most recent review of the Venue, as there have been no major changes to pricing or specifications since it was published.
We have updated the article with the most up to date information available, and you can read our most recent pricing and specs article here. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Despite the hike, it's still one of the cheapest SUVs in the country – at least in base manual form. The flagship Elite, on the other hand, is starting to look a bit exxy within the growing small SUV segment.
After all, you can now get a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro or new MG ZS for less, both of which are better equipped than the Hyundai.
However, sometimes when it comes to cheap cars, less can be more. Does the Hyundai Venue Elite fall into that category, or is it in need of an urgent update to remain competitive within a growing pool of affordable rivals? Read on to find out.
The Hyundai Venue range starts at $22,750 before on-road costs for the base manual, and tops out at $29,500 plus on-roads for the Elite tested here. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
All four variants in the Venue range have been hit with a $250 price rise, after $500 price rises across the board last year.
The car that we are testing is a Venue Elite optioned with The Denim exterior paint ($595), bringing the total recommended retail price to $30,095 plus on-road costs.
To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool
Stepping into the Venue, it's clear where Hyundai has spent its money on this entry-level model. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
You're greeted by a leather wrapped steering wheel that feels soft to the touch, and a 4.2-inch trip computer display sits between digital readouts for speed and revs behind it.
Speed and rev displays can't be moved, while the trip computer shows fuel use and engine temperature readouts in its default setting, but can be configured to show fuel economy, tyre pressure, and lane-keep assistance.
It's a nice inclusion, but the constantly fluctuating digital rev readout made me feel like I was in The Matrix.
Looking left there's a 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which will be familiar to Hyundai and Kia owners. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
It's a responsive unit, and physical shortcut buttons are located below it to boost usability.
Smartphone mirroring requires a wired connection, but Apple CarPlay was responsive and reliable during our testing period. The USB-A port offers smartphone mirroring, USB-C is on hand for fast charging, and there's a 12V port for accessories.
The Venue is equipped with a wireless charging pad, which is handy for those who still prefer to use the native infotainment system. If you're that way inclined, the built-in satellite navigation is easy to use. The maps are detailed and searching for destinations is a quick process.
Elsewhere in the system, settings can be tweaked for the visual displays and safety aids, so the car can work with rather than against you. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
The environment inside the car is controlled by two climate control dials flanking a circular screen that shows temperature and fan speed. The top-spec Elite comes with a sunroof, which is a premium piece of kit for a car in this price bracket.
The Venue may be a budget buy, but in top specification the tech inclusions make it a very functional car in 2025.
In order to keep the car among the most affordable SUVs on the market something has to give, and in the Venue that's quality of materials.
Outside of the nicely trimmed steering wheel and elbow padding on each door card, the cabin predominantly consists of hard plastics, including a dotted plastic dash which looks and feels cheap. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Likewise the door handles, which sit at an angle that makes them feel flimsy.
The air vent and gear lever surrounds are made of white plastic; it's not my style, although some buyers may appreciate the dash of flair.
The manually adjustable seats, finished in denim-coloured cloth with leatherette accents and white stitching, are interesting to look at and provide a decent level of comfort. There's not much side bolstering, though.
Considering the small stature of the Venue, the interior storage options are quite generous. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Up the front you'll find door bins big enough for a small water bottle and other miscellaneous items, while the central cup holders are capable of swallowing a 1L bottle.
A small lined cubby sits under the armrest, and there's an even smaller space located near the window switches in each door.
On the passenger side, above the standard glovebox is a wide tray carved into the dash which is perfect for a phone or other smaller items.
Moving to the second row, both doors feature a cubby capable of fitting a small drink bottle. There's no centre armrest though, and just one map pocket. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
There's not much room for larger people, either. Kids will be able to get comfortable back there, but bigger bodies will struggle on longer journeys because there's very little legroom in this tight package.
I had a few inches of headroom though, and the combination of a sunroof and light-coloured headliner prevents the Venue from feeling claustrophobic.
Overall, you get more room than what's available in similarly priced hatchbacks, and a couple of average-sized adults will fit in the back without issue.
In keeping with Hyundai's focus on technology in the Venue, rear passengers have access to two USB-C ports, which is a rare feature in economy cars. It can get stuffy though, as there are no air vents in the rear. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Boot capacity is quoted at 355 litres, which is more than you'll get in similarly priced rivals.
The space is wide and easy to load items into, while the rear bench folds 60/40 for added practicality. It folds with a minimal step between the boot floor and seatbacks too, so the extra cargo room is usable.
To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool
The whole Hyundai Venue range is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 90kW of power and 151Nm of torque. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Venue may be an 'SUV', but don't expect an insulated, cushy driving experience. MY23 Venue Elite shown Credit: CarExpert
Our tester never quite felt settled on regular suburban streets, transmitting harsh vibrations into the cabin. The car was also crashy over speed humps, which caused me to flinch on approach.
Base model examples are equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, but the Active and Elite feature 17-inch alloys which may have played a role in the harsher ride.
At least its compact dimensions and reversing camera make parking simple, especially in tight confines.
The automatic transmission is smooth and smart for the most part, keeping revs down where possible at lower speeds. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
However, we found the steering requires a lot of effort before the car responds, which undermines your confidence navigating city laneways and narrow country roads. It's all a bit vague.
You have to be gentle with the Venue, because it doesn't like to be rushed. That sentiment extends to the engine, which is underpowered outside of urban environments.
With just 90kW and 151Nm, the naturally aspirated four-cylinder under the bonnet has to work particularly hard to reach highway speeds. It's okay once you're cruising, but getting past a dawdler requires some planning in advance.
With that said, one of the Venue's key rivals – the Kia Stonic – makes do with 74kW, and is even slower to accelerate to 100km/h. It's not exactly a segment packed with traffic light drag racing royalty. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Highway driving in the Venue reveals another issue, in the form of noise. Weighing in at just 1225kg it's a lightly built machine, and that is noticeable in the road and wind noise it produces.
We had to turn the stereo right up to drown out tyre roar and wind buffeting which peaked at speeds over 80km/h.
The Venue is more at home in the city, where its little engine doesn't need to work as hard.
We achieved an average fuel economy figure of 8.5L/100km, which is just ok for a naturally aspirated small SUV, and definitely not standout when you consider a hybrid-powered Toyota Yaris Cross will achieve less than half that. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
The integration of safety technology into modern cars can't necessarily make them, but it can break them, which isn't the case for the Venue.
We barely noticed the safety systems during our time with the car, and the lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention warning functions worked seamlessly.
That makes the Venue an easier car to drive on road trips, if you can tolerate the noise and firm ride.
While the Venue is no rugged off-roader, adventurous owners can select sand, mud and snow traction control modes via a rotary dial on the centre console. The same dial can also be used to switch drive modes.
There are three trim levels in the Venue range. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
2025 Hyundai Venue equipment highlights: 4.2-inch colour instrument cluster screen
Qi wireless phone charger
8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
1 x 12V outlet, 1 x USB-A outlet, 1 x USB-C outlet
4-speaker sound system
Cruise control
Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
Tyre pressure monitoring
Remote central locking
60:40 split/fold rear seat
Cloth upholstery
Power windows
Manual air-conditioning
15-inch alloy wheels
Space-saver spare
Halogen daytime running lights
Auto halogen projector headlights 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Venue Active adds: 6-speaker sound system
'Premium' seat bolsters
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
Power-folding exterior mirrors
17-inch alloy wheels
LED daytime running lights
LED positioning lights
Static bending lights
Venue Elite adds: Bluelink connected services (5yr subscription)
2 x USB-C outlets (rear)
Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Sunroof (not available with two-tone roof option)
Keyless entry and start
Rear privacy glass
Single-zone climate control
LED rear combination lights
To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Hyundai Venue has a four-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
The following safety equipment is standard on all Venue models: Autonomous emergency braking (camera-based)
Automatic high-beam
Lane keep assist
Rear occupant alert
Driver attention warning
Leading vehicle departure alert
Reversing camera
Front, front-side and curtain airbags
Venue Active adds:
Venue Elite adds: Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Hyundai Venue is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Hyundai Australia is preparing to introduce a longer seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty across its local lineup.
CarExpert understands the Korean manufacturer is aiming to increase the warranty period from five to seven years from July 1 this year, with the changes backdated to January 1. All models will be covered by the new warranty, which is a base coverage period free of extension conditions.
The introduction of a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty brings Hyundai in line with sister brand Kia, as well as competitors Chery and Skoda.
To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Hyundai Venue Elite is a serviceable small SUV for younger (or older) buyers who appreciate practicality and having user-friendly tech at their fingertips. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
It's got plenty of infotainment and safety gadgets, while still coming in at an affordable price point. Cargo room and second row space is also superior to most comparable city hatchbacks.
The driving dynamics leave some room for improvement, though – the ride is firm in the Elite on its big wheels, and the engine runs out of puff when you get away from the city. There's also work to be done on the steering, which undermines this car's credentials as an easy-to-park option for urban dwellers.
Given that the going rate for a well-equipped compact SUV has dropped below $27,000 drive-away with the introduction of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate and MG ZS Excite, the top-spec Venue Elite doesn't make a whole of sense in 2025.
If you're set on the Hyundai, it's probably worth dropping down to the base model which doesn't undermine many of the Venue's strengths. It's an absolute bargain at $22,750 before on-roads, as long as you know how to drive a manual. 2025 Hyundai Venue Elite Credit: CarExpert
Interested in buying a Hyundai Venue? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here
MORE: Explore the Hyundai Venue showroom More practical than rivals
Modern tech
Useable second-row seating Harsh ride
Cheap cabin materials
Underpowered engine Power: 90kW
Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol
Economy: 7.2L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 165g/km
ANCAP Safety Rating: 4

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Perth Now

3 hours ago

• Perth Now

2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive review

The new-generation BMW X3 lineup is here, and the range-topping variant is the X3 M50 xDrive. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert This six-cylinder sweetheart is the most powerful version in the mid-size premium SUV model range – for now, at least – and it's also the most expensive. So is it worth considering? And does it offer 'M' levels of performance for the price? Read on and find out. The flagship BMW X3 M50 xDrive isn't cheap, but it does offer a pretty impressive value for money equation if you're looking for a six-cylinder super-SUV. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The new-generation X3 is a massive step up in terms of interior design and finish compared to the previous model. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The last one was pretty good, but this? In a lot of ways, it looks and feels genuinely premium… but even so, I noticed a couple of ill-fitting plastics around the console, and there has been a bit of criticism around the material finishes more generally. Is it a $130k car interior? Well, I think it's pretty good, but maybe not as good as it should be for that kind of cash. The design is neat though, with a really big focus on lighting and tech as the mainstays of this cabin treatment, and if that's your thing, it's got that bling. There's a head-up display, which is excellent, and a fully digital instrument cluster with loads of menu controllability. You can manage it via the steering wheel buttons – just note that the glossy finish on those controls can look a bit grubby over time. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert I'm not a huge fan of the reflective surfaces, but functionality-wise, everything's where you'd expect. You've also got cruise control and paddle shifters, including a Boost paddle that delivers maximum power when held down. It's pretty fun to use, let me tell you. There's also a 14.9-inch touchscreen media system which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus it has a heap of built-in functions, including cloud-based satellite navigation. The system is packed with menus, some of which you can unlock through subscriptions for extras like Audible, YouTube, and more. It's pretty intuitive overall, though some features might take a bit of learning, and I still found it a bit confusing for some of the things I wanted to see quickly, like a trip computer display (which, unless I'm wrong, can't be shown up on the driver info screen!). 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's also a drive recorder (though you'll need to be logged in to access it), a favorites tab, and a recently used panel for quicker navigation. Climate control is handled through a fan button that opens up further settings, including air direction and speed, so yeah, in that way it's like a lot of new cars with menus on menus to adjust simple things, but there is a voice control system that seems to get it right more often than not. Surprisingly, the ventilation system is one of the highlights. You get haptic sliders for fan speed and toggles for vent direction. It is a clean, clever design. Even the door-mounted vents have touch controls and adjust the airflow direction with motorised fins. Open the door, and you'll notice more thoughtful details: illuminated controls, memory seat settings, and even light-up hazard indicators integrated into the door and dash trim. It's impressive and adds a futuristic, high-end feel. You can option a textile dashboard made from recycled materials, but even the standard soft-touch finish feels refined. The seats are trimmed in high-quality synthetic leather. Convincing, soft, and comfortable – and if you want real leather, you can get it for an extra fee. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and include driver memory settings as standard. There's a centre console area BMW calls the 'jewellery box', which includes a wireless phone charger, a second phone pad, USB ports, and dual cupholders. You'll also find an iDrive controller, which is a bit old-school maybe, but it's a great alternative to the touchscreen for navigating menus. The only downside is the glossy finish, which is a fingerprint magnet. You'll appreciate that there's a volume dial, drive mode selector, and quick-access buttons for your car settings. Switch to Sport mode, and the cabin lighting, instrument display, and even the character of the car change. It's a small touch that makes a big difference. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's also a shortcut to car settings, where you can disable lane-keeping assist or adjust driving characteristics. The central-screen camera system is fantastic, offering multiple views, including 3D mode, car wash alignment, and a reversing assistant. It's genuinely one of the best systems I've used. And it has the Reversing Assistant feature, which can back the car out of a situation you've driven into, if you're not confident you'll be able to do it (there's up to 50m of reversing possible!). You've got a toggle-style gear selector, electronic park brake, idle start/stop button, a decent centre console bin, and a fairly spacious glovebox. The door pockets easily accommodate large bottles. Up top, there are illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SOS call button, interior camera, and your overhead light controls. It all feels smartly designed and pretty posh. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert Now, to the back seats. With the driver's seat set to my driving position (I'm 182cm/6'0' tall), there was decent foot room, and the scalloped seatbacks help with knee space, but it's not the roomiest back seat in the segment. Headroom was also a little tighter than expected. But in terms of features, it's excellent for families. You get grab handles, coat hooks, overhead lights, map pockets, and ventilation with stylish controls. Rear climate settings and USB-C ports are there, too. There is a large transmission tunnel, so squeezing three adults across might be a challenge. But you do get ISOFIX child seat anchors on the window seats, three top-tether points, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The door pockets are big, and the doors have soft padded trim, keeping things comfortable and premium-feeling. The boot is bigger this time around, too. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's 570 litres of cargo capacity in the new-gen X3 with the rear seats up (20L more than the last version) and that expands to 1700L with the seats folded down (up 100L compared to before). A bonus thing to note is the rear seat has a 40:20:40-split folding design, so you can make the space more useable than in some other vehicles in this segment. There are numerous shopping bag hooks, a 12V port, storage netting and good lighting in the cargo zone. There is no spare wheel, though. Just a tyre repair kit, despite the fact there is a space-saver-style shape in the boot area. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool As I've made clear, this one is the six-cylinder variant in the range, with petrol power and a whole heap of horses. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There is a much more affordable four-cylinder variant (the X3 20) with rear-wheel drive, and the mid-range plug-in hybrid X3 30e is a lovely vehicle too, and it has AWD if you need it. But this one is a honey. However, it's also the thirstiest version in the range, with a claimed official combined fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km. On test, I saw above that – with a mix of driving returning a still-respectable 9.3L/100km. It needs premium 98-octane unleaded, so that'll add to the running costs, and the fuel tank capacity is 65 litres. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The straight-six turbo-petrol engine in the M50 is a cracker, with a huge amount of shove and some serious theatre to it, too. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's a lovely engine note, and it amasses speed with such effortlessness that you will need to be mindful of your licence. It's seriously fast. What I love about the drive experience in the more aggressive drive modes is that the assertiveness of the transmission when it upshifts is fantastic. It's a very involving experience, and properly forceful. You can take matters into your own hands if you want to, of course. There is a set of paddle shifters but, honestly, I don't think you need them. This eight-speed auto is a winner. It's so predictable and smart in the way it shifts – and speedy, too. I really, really like this powertrain. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The M50 does have adaptive M suspension to set it apart, and it feels super sporty in the way it behaves. It's not necessarily punishing in its firmness, but it's a little less forgiving over sharp edges and bumpy bits. This is particularly noticeable around town, where it can feel a little bouncy over bumps and lumps in the road, and pogo-ey through slow-speed, offset intersection moments. The steering is excellent, too – it has a bit of a weighty feel, but it's not too heavy, and it's very manoeuvrable in low-speed situations as well. There's no silly all-wheel steering here, either, so it is a more natural and pure drive than some rivals. You can really feel the rear-bias of this powertrain. It definitely eggs you on, and certainly lives up to the notion of it being an M-Lite car. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert It brakes beautifully as well, with positive and enjoyable responsiveness, and you can really trust the pedal action in this vehicle. It is tuned to be enthusiastic, but it's not overbearingly sporty. The only real downside is that, on country roads or over really coarse-chip surfaces like some parts of the M4 motorway in Sydney, it can be a bit loud inside. Sports over luxury, in that instance, then. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard equipment across all three grades currently available in the G45-series BMW X3 lineup. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Run-flat tyres M Sport package Adaptive suspension Adaptive LED headlights BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille Acoustic glazing Power tailgate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Operating System 9 BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial) Remote software updates Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB+ digital radio Six-speaker sound system Wireless phone charger Head-up display Tri-zone climate control Anti-dazzle exterior and interior mirrors Comfort Access and Digital Key Plus M Sport leather steering wheel Anthracite M headliner Veganza upholstery Power-adjustable front seats Heated front seats X3 30e xDrive adds: Fixed panoramic glass sunroof Roller blinds for rear side windows Heated steering wheel Ventilated front seats Heated outboard rear seats 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert X3 M50 xDrive adds: 21-inch alloy wheels Metallic paint M-specific kidney, mirror caps and aerodynamic elements Quad exhaust outlets M Sport Pro package M braking system with red calipers Privacy glass M Shadowline headlights and extended contents 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system M seatbelts If you're shopping up to this grade, you can also accessorise it a bit, with a choice of a few different wheel finishes, interior trims and more. The towing package costs $2200. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's still no safety rating from Euro NCAP or ANCAP for the new-generation BMW X3. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert However, it has a host of standard safety technology and equipment, including the following highlights: Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Lane departure warning Steering and Lane Control Assistant Adaptive cruise control with stop and go Surround-view camera Parking assistant Reverse Assistant Drive recorder Tyre pressure monitoring system Other tech includes a speed sign recognition system, but thankfully it's not frustrating, and nor is most of the active safety tech, making this a rather agreeable vehicle to live with. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool BMW Australia offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The German brand doesn't have set service intervals for its models; instead its vehicles have 'condition-based maintenance' requirements, meaning the car will tell you when it's time for a service. Typically, you can bank on it being every year or so, and there's a five-year/80,000km prepaid service package you can choose, for $2475. The X3 comes with three years of roadside assistance included at no cost, too. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There is no doubt the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is a dynamic and joyous thing to drive in the right situation, and it's the sort of SUV that encourages you to go and find that situation, too. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert More than just a family-friendly luxury SUV, it's a fun one. And I think it's well worth the money for someone who's looking for exactly that. Interested in buying a BMW X3? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the BMW X3 showroom Terrific engine Delightfully potent Decent value for money Some interior fit and finish qualms Bouncy ride in urban driving Complex and layered media menus Power: 293kW Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol Economy: 8.9L/100km CO2 Emissions: 204g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: Untested

The Advertiser

15 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Lamborghini tech boss hails e-fuel as ICE ‘saviour'

Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from:

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15 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec

Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: