Car News

Australian pricing for the 2021 Lexus IS range has been announced today, revealing a more streamlined line-up – albeit with the addition of pre-defined 'Enhancement Pack' models to the range. Due in Lexus showrooms from November 6, the 2021 IS range kicks off from $61,500 (up $1500 on current MY20 Redbook-listed prices) and tops out at $78,100 before on-road costs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has officially launched for the US market, however the compact SUV is unlikely to be offered in Australia anytime soon. Set to slot into the line-up below the Tiguan, the model will effectively serve as an unofficial replacement for the standard Golf in North America. Power is derived from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 117kW and 249Nm.

The new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is coming to Australia, as a limited run of 700 vehicles from next year. Price is yet to be announced but the Ford Mustang Mach 1 is expected to be close to or in excess of $80,000, versus $73,688 plus on-roads for the previous limited edition out of the US, the Ford Mustang Bullitt.

UPDATE, 14 October: Pricing for the 2021 Hyundai i30 hatch has been revealed online, with the base model rising by nearly $3000. Replacing the Go, the new entry-level Hyundai i30 (no badge) now starts at $23,420 before on-road costs for a 2.0-litre hatch with a manual transmission – up $2980 from the pre-facelift i30 Go. Adding an automatic transmission will increase the price by $2000.

Lotus is in the process of upgrading its Hethel headquarters and testing facilities, as part of a push to modernise the brand and develop its zero-emission line-up. The most prominent element of the multi-million-dollar investment is a new electric drive unit test cell. According to the Geely-owned manufacturer, this will allow engineers to test EV motors, gearboxes and supporting electronics under simulated real-world conditions.