News

2026 Kia Stonic: What Australians Can Expect from the Refreshed Compact SUV

News /

Kia has unveiled the updated Stonic, bringing design changes, upgraded tech, and more safety features to its compact crossover. Positioned in the highly competitive small SUV market — a segment that accounts for more than 15% of new vehicle sales in Australia — the Stonic remains an entry-level choice for buyers wanting SUV practicality without […]

2026 Kia Stonic: What Australians Can Expect from the Refreshed Compact SUV Read More »

AI in cars: new tech boosts driver experience but brings challenges, study shows

News /

A new J.D. Power study highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping in-car technology, with smart features making vehicles easier to use but also introducing new frustrations. The 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, now in its 10th year, analysed 76,230 owners of 2025 model-year vehicles, surveyed after 90 days of ownership. While it’s

AI in cars: new tech boosts driver experience but brings challenges, study shows Read More »

Kia rules out car-derived ute as Korean competitor steps up

News /

Kia has categorically ruled out the development of a car-derived utility vehicle, extinguishing hopes it might follow Hyundai’s lead with its Santa Cruz. When questioned by Drive whether a monocoque-based ute — one that shares more in common with a passenger car than a traditional pickup — was under consideration, Dong Hoon Kang, Vice President

Kia rules out car-derived ute as Korean competitor steps up Read More »

42dot Secures ₩500.3 Billion Investment to Strengthen Software-Defined Vehicle Bid

Industry /

42dot, a Seoul-based developer of software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms, has obtained ₩500.3 billion from Hyundai Motor Company and Kia. The injection is intended to bolster the firm’s international competitiveness, attract engineering talent, enhance AI infrastructure, and refine its proprietary systems. Software-defined vehicles rely on software-centric architectures—rather than bespoke hardware—to manage core systems such as powertrain

42dot Secures ₩500.3 Billion Investment to Strengthen Software-Defined Vehicle Bid Read More »

Hyundai N pivots to hybrid performance models alongside electric flagships

News /

Hyundai’s high-performance N division is revising its development strategy, adding petrol-electric hybrid models to its portfolio alongside fully electric vehicles. Speaking to Auto Express, Joon Park, Vice-President of Hyundai’s N Management Group, said the shift would allow the brand to build performance cars that combine the immediacy of electric torque with the responsiveness of internal

Hyundai N pivots to hybrid performance models alongside electric flagships Read More »

Chinese ultra-luxury SUV to rival Rolls-Royce in Louis Vuitton camouflage

Luxury /

Dongfeng Motor’s premium marque Voyah is preparing to enter the ultra-luxury SUV segment with a model known internally as the Taishan, aimed squarely at competitors such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A prototype of the vehicle, wrapped in camouflage patterned after the Louis Vuitton monogram, was recently seen in downtown Shanghai. Parked outside “The Louis” exhibition

Chinese ultra-luxury SUV to rival Rolls-Royce in Louis Vuitton camouflage Read More »

Hyundai ute coming to Australia & America, won’t be based on Tasman

News /

Hyundai is moving towards petrol and electrified powertrains for its forthcoming mid-size ute, a direct competitor to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. The decision marks a deliberate departure from diesel, with the company aiming to appeal to both Australian and United States buyers. The announcement comes as Hyundai and General Motors confirm a joint

Hyundai ute coming to Australia & America, won’t be based on Tasman Read More »

Do EVs attract lightning? Video shows BYD hit during thunderstorm

Electric /

In southern China, a dashboard camera has captured a rare and unsettling sight: two lightning bolts striking the same moving electric vehicle in quick succession. Internet users have questioned the safety of EV’s during thunderstorms. The incident occurred in Beihai, Guangxi, where a BYD Song Plus EV — a model similar to the BYD Seal

Do EVs attract lightning? Video shows BYD hit during thunderstorm Read More »