Every year, around 1 million people purchase a new car in Australia – but which models of car are the most popular with local buyers? Each month, we report on the top-selling cars, SUVs and utes in Australia, keeping track of which vehicles Australians like the most.

Fleets and small business buyers contribute a huge number of purchases in Australia, but private buyers also dictate many of the models that fall in the top ten each month.

Which cars are competing the most fiercely in 2023? Last year, in 2022, the big winners were the Toyota Hilux ute, the Ford Ranger ute, and the Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV.

Best selling cars in Australia, August 2023

1. Toyota Hilux – 5762
2. Ford Ranger – 5760
3. Toyota RAV4 – 3317
4. Isuzu D-Max – 3281
5. MG ZS – 3193
6. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2743
7. Toyota Corolla – 2717
8. Tesla Model Y – 2314
9. Hyundai Tucson – 2084
10. Mitsubishi Outlander – 2030

The Toyota Hilux/Ford Ranger battle for nation’s best-selling vehicle could barely have been closer in August, with just two sales the difference between these heavy-hitting utes.

After the Ranger snared top spot in July, it was the Hilux reclaiming honours in August with 5762 sales versus Ford’s 5760.

It was another ute, Isuzu’s D-Max, registering arguably the most eye-catching monthly numbers. With 3281 sales it enjoyed its best month of 2023 so far, knocking the MG ZS small SUV down to fifth (3193 sales).

Rounding out the podium was Toyota’s ever in-demand RAV4 midsize SUV (3317 sales), while our best-selling brand also filled sixth and seventh spots with its Land Cruiser (2743) and Corolla small car (2717).

Tesla’s Model Y midsize SUV had a relatively subdued month, registering 2314 sales for eighth place. This is down from July’s 3330 sales, June’s massive 5560 and May’s 3178. 

Even so, it remained runaway best-selling EV in the land, with its stablemate Model 3 sedan next up with 995 sales, then BYD’s Atto 3 small SUV with 803.

In ninth place was Hyundai’s only entry, the Tucson midsize SUV selling 2084. In tenth was Mitsubishi’s Outlander midsize SUV, also breaking 2000 sales with 2030.

In good news for the industry, customers took delivery of 109,966 new vehicles – the highest August result on record. 

Electric vehicles (6984 sold) accounted for 6.4 per cent of the market, and hybrids (11,584) 10.5 per cent – mainly all Toyota badged.

Best-selling marque was (as ever) Toyota with 22,321 sales, for a 20.3 per cent market share. For the year to date its share is 17 per cent, with 133,747 cars sold.

Mazda was August’s second-best selling brand with 8458 units shifted (despite no individual models in the top ten), followed by Ford (7898), Hyundai (6513), Kia (6510), MG (5368), Mitsubishi (4961), Isuzu (4712), Subaru (4706) and Nissan (4233). 

Nissan in tenth place is a welcome return to form for the brand, on the back of support for its new generation X-Trail midsize SUV (1533 sales) and Qashqai small SUV (512). 

The Japanese brand also shifted an impressive 1032 V8 Patrols – timely, with our recent story on the likely demise of the bent-eight to be replaced with a V6 for the next generation.

Best selling cars in Australia, July 2023 

1. Ford Ranger – 5143
2. Toyota Hilux – 4670
3. MG ZS – 3852
4. Tesla Model Y – 3330
5. Toyota RAV4 – 2750
6. Toyota Corolla – 2145
7. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2122
8. Isuzu D-Max – 2070
9. Hyundai i30 – 1865
10. Toyota Prado – 1836

Toyota might not have the number one spot this month – that goes to the Ford Ranger ute – but the Japanese automaker has managed to push five of its models into the top ten sales leaderboard for July 2023. 

The Hilux ute (2nd), RAV4 midsize SUV (5th), Corolla small car (6th), Land Cruiser four-wheel drive (7th) and the Toyota Prado (10th) all made the list this month. 

However, the Ford Ranger powered past the Hilux with 5143 registrations, compared to the 4670 registrations of the Toyota model over the same time period. 

The MG ZS lifted from fourth to third spot on the ladder with an impressive 3852 units shifted, closely followed by the all-electric Tesla Model Y with 3330 units in July. 

The Isuzu D-Max ute has risen up to eighth position with 2070 units shifted, but it couldn’t beat its June sales figure of 2500. 

The Toyota Prado has rejoined the top ten leaderboard for July 2023 with a significant 1836 units over the past month – a new generation will launch in mid-2024. 

Toyota continues its reign as the best-selling automaker in Australia, moving 19,191 vehicles during July. Mazda followed with 8307 units shifted, then Ford with 7109 and finally Hyundai with 6521. 

According to VFACTS, battery-electric vehicles accounted for seven percent of all new car registrations during July 2023. A total of 17.9 percent overall comprised battery electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Best selling cars in Australia, June 2023

1. Toyota Hilux – 6142
2. Tesla Model Y – 5560
3. Ford Ranger – 5334
4. MG ZS – 3756
5. Toyota RAV4 – 2858
6. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2724
7. Hyundai Tucson – 2667
8. Hyundai i30 – 2523
9. Mazda BT-50 – 2560
10. Isuzu D-Max – 2500

The news is in: there has been a big upset in the Australia sales charts in June 2023 with the Tesla Model Y midsize SUV unseating the Ford Ranger ute to become the second biggest-selling vehicle in Australia in June, shifting 5560 units of its midsize electric car. 

The Toyota Hilux remains in top-spot with an impressive 6142 sales during the same period. Ford managed to sell 5334 units of its popular Ranger ute. 

On the topic of Toyota, the Japanese automaker had three models in the top ten for June, including the RAV4 midsize SUV (2858 units) in fifth place and the Land Cruiser SUV (2724 units) in sixth place. 

Of all vehicles in the top 10 VFACTS leaderboard, four of the models were utes and five were SUVs. 

The Isuzu D-Max ute, now sitting in tenth position, dropped significantly from sixth position last month, while the Mitsubishi Outlander midsize SUV was pushed out of the top ten completely.

The Hyundai i30 small car maintained the same position as May, sitting in eighth position with 2523 units shifted. 

How’s the big sales picture looking in Australia?

In June 2023, 124,926 units were delivered to customers here in Australia. 

Post-COVID life is booming yet again and is showing in the numbers, with a 25 percent increase in sales from this time last year. VFACTS says it is the highest June result since 2018. 

EV and hybrid vehicles continue to succeed, with 16.6 percent of all new cars sold in June being battery electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. 

So far in 2023, Toyota remains the market leader and has sold the most cars, with a total volume of 92,235 units. Toyota’s market share has dropped to 15.9 percent when compared to the 22.6 percent total share it had in June 2022. 

Following behind is Mazda with 50,424 units and Kia with 39,160 units.

Best selling cars in Australia, May 2023

1. Toyota Hilux (5772)
2. Ford Ranger (4110)
3. Tesla Model Y (3178)
4. Toyota RAV4 (2616)
5. MG ZS (2502)
6. Isuzu D-Max (2371)
7. Toyota Land Cruiser (2303)
8. Hyundai i30 (2163)
9. Hyundai Tucson (1911)
10. Mitsubishi Outlander (1880)

It was a great month of May for new car sales, with 105,694 vehicle registrations over the month, a 12 percent increase over May 2022 figures. 

In terms of individual models, Toyota took back the reins with its Hilux as the best-selling vehicle in Australia during the month of May, with 5772 units shifted into Aussie homes and workplaces. 

The Ford Ranger fell some way behind the Hilux in second place with 4110 units sold, however this was an improvement over April’s 3567 units sold. 

The Tesla Model Y is taking the local EV market by storm, sitting in third place with a total of 3178 units sold. 

Toyota managed to have three vehicles in the top ten, including the RAV4 SUV (2616) and the Toyota Land Cruiser (2303). 

Both the Hyundai i30 hatch and the Hyundai Tucson midsize SUV continue to impress in the sales charts with two top 10 appearances in eighth and ninth place respectively. 

The Isuzu D-Max ute shifted up one place when compared to April figures, selling a total of 2371 units. 

EVs continue to become bigger force in Australia 

As of May 2023, battery electric vehicles account for 7.7 percent of the Australian new car market, while all electrified models – meaning hybrids, plug-in hybrids, etcetera – held 15.6 percent of the market in May. 

Back in May 2022, there were 925 fully electric cars sold, while in May 2023, there was a significant increase, with 8124 battery-electric units sold. 

There was a slight increase in the volume of plug-in hybrids sold, with 695 units sold in May 2022 versus 791 units sold in May 2023.

Best selling cars in Australia, April 2023

1. Ford Ranger (3567)
2. Toyota Hilux (3526)
3. Toyota RAV4 (2198)
4. Tesla Model Y (2095)
5. Hyundai i30 (2029)
6. Mitsubishi Outlander (1829)
7. Isuzu D-Max (1809)
8. Hyundai Tucson (1678)
9. MG ZS (1588)
10. Tesla Model 3 (1581)

The month of April continued an eyebrow-raising trend in the market: the Australian-developed Ford Ranger ute is still the overall sales winner and most popular vehicle in Australia so far in 2023.

It seems there is no stopping Ford’s new-gen ute from overtaking Toyota’s beloved but aging Hilux, with the pair reporting 3567 and 3526 sales respectively. It’s a thin margin for the Ranger, but a win is a win.

Earning a second place isn’t likely to cause a major headache for Toyota given it has a slew of Hilux updates on the way – and it also pinched third, with the RAV4 midsize SUV (2198) returning to the bronze position on the ladder. The RAV4 with its popular hybrid option is looking likely to remain Australia’s favourite SUV this year. 

Despite being a newcomer to the market, the Tesla Model Y (2095) is still facing huge demand taking fourth place, while the closely-related Model 3 EV sedan (1581) took 10th position.

In a win for passenger cars, Hyundai’s i30 (2029) came in fifth, even after the Korean car manufacturer was forced to pause orders on hot N models in hatch guise.

Taking sixth position, was the Mitsubishi’s Outlander midsize SUV (1829) followed by the Isuzu D-Max ute (1809) and another midsizer in the form of the Hyundai Tucson.

Keen pricing of its fully electric variant, and a plethora of government rebates, has helped the MG ZS take ninth (1588) and, as previously mentioned, the Model 3 rounded out the top ten.

Electrified vehicles continue to gain popularity

A total of 82,137 cars were purchased in April showing a growth of 1.1 percent over this time last year, bolstering the year-to-date tally to 351,139 – which itself is 2.2 percent up over the 2022 results.

The tastes of Australian buyers appear to be moving consistently towards electric vehicles, which made up eight percent of overall sales – up 1.1 percent compared with April last year.

When looking at all ‘electrified’ vehicles (meaning hybrids are included) that number grows to 15.4 percent (up from 9.5 percent).

This is reflected in the top ten, with half of the list made up of vehicles that offer particularly or fully electrified drivetrains.

When looking specifically at car makers, Toyota recorded 12,029 sales and was the overall winner, followed by Mazda (6926), Kia (6200), Hyundai (5732) and Ford (5047). 

Best selling cars in Australia, March 2023 

1. Toyota Hilux – 4583
2. Ford Ranger – 4508
3. Isuzu D-Max – 2789
4. Mitsubishi Outlander – 2169
5. Tesla Model Y – 1938
6. Mazda CX-5 – 1917
7. Subaru Forester – 1881
8. MG ZS – 1844
9. Toyota RAV4 – 1778
10. Isuzu MU-X – 1745

March has well and truly flown past us and at the top of Australia’s new car sales leaderboard, things look very familiar. 

The Toyota Hilux (4583) beat the Ford Ranger (4508) and landed the title of the best-selling new car in Australia for the first time in 2023. 

Isuzu had a great month, with both its D-Max ute (third, 2789 units) and MU-X SUV (10th, 1745 units) products both landing in the top ten leaderboard. 

The duo pushed out cars such as the Toyota Land Cruiser off-roader and Tesla Model 3 sedan out of the top ten leaderboard for March. The D-Max ute climbed to third place from eighth place last month.

Other highlights include a strong performance from the Tesla Model Y midsize SUV (1938 units) and the Mitsubishi Outlander midsize SUV remaining one of Australia’s best selling new cars with 2169 registrations. 

The Toyota RAV4 saw a drop from sixth to ninth place, in this month selling 1778 units, however it’s often seen that a lull like this from Toyota is only temporary. 

The Subaru Forester SUV (1881), MG ZS SUV (1884) and Toyota RAV4 SUV (1774) all held on to remain in the top ten sales for March 2023. 

Other points to note for sales in March 2023 

Toyota remains the dominant force in Australia for new car sales with 40,918 vehicles registered in the year so far. 

Toyota is followed, but by some margin by Mazda and Ford with 25,317 and 19,131 registrations respectively. 

Tesla has pushed itself into the top ten car manufacturers and is currently sitting in ninth place with 10,407 sales so far in 2023. Tesla has sold more cars than Isuzu so far this year.  

VFACTS also reported that sales for battery-electric vehicles grew by 19.5 percent compared to March 2022 figures, while plug-in hybrids grew by 33.3 percent over the same period of time. 

The three best selling vehicles for March were utes and there were no passenger sedans in the top ten leaderboard, showing Australian preference towards SUVs and utility vehicles.

Best selling cars in Australia, February 2023

1. Ford Ranger – 4473
2. Toyota Hilux – 3939
3. Tesla Model 3 – 2671
4. Mazda CX-5 – 2600
5. Mitsubishi Outlander – 2166
6. Toyota RAV4 – 2115
7. MG ZS – 2047
8. Isuzu D-Max – 1931
9. Toyota Land Cruiser – 1783
10. Subaru Forester – 1709

The short month of February has quickly been and gone, but in that time, 86,878 new vehicles were registered across the country. 

That figure is slightly up from what was achieved during February 2022 (85,340). 47,888 of vehicles sold during February 2023 were SUVs – the most popular vehicle segment. 

The month of February looks very similar to January when we look at the vehicle sales leaderboard, with the Ford Ranger (4473), Toyota Hilux (3939) and Tesla Model 3 (2671) all retaining their positions from January as the top three best selling cars in Australia. 

Those three vehicles were followed by the Mazda CX-5 (2600), Mitsubishi Outlander (2166) and Toyota RAV4 (2115). 

Rounding out the pack was the MG ZS (2045), Isuzu D-Max (1931), Toyota Land Cruiser (1783) and Subaru Forester (1709). 

Of the top ten models, three were Toyotas, however its Corolla small car has dropped out of the top 10 charts. 

In terms of which companies are selling the most cars in Australia, Toyota is the king here, selling 27,695 cars so far in 2023. The Japanese brand currently has a 16 percent share of sales locally.  

Behind Toyota by quite some margin was Mazda (17,074), followed by Ford (12,646) and Kia (12,006).

Best selling cars in Australia, January 2023

1. Ford Ranger
2. Toyota Hilux
3. Tesla Model 3
4. Mazda CX-3
5. Mazda CX-5
6. Toyota RAV4
7. Isuzu D-Max
8. MG ZS
9. Mitsubishi Outlander
10. Toyota Land Cruiser

January marks the beginning of a new year and, importantly for car manufacturers, a new opportunity to offer the best-selling car or perhaps even become the best-selling brand in Australia.

Last year the winner on both fronts was Toyota; with its Hilux ute taking the crown as the best-selling overall vehicle but after years of living in its shadow, Ford is eyeing that position with its new-generation Ranger.

It’s still early days but the Ranger pulled ahead of the Hilux this month, recording 4749 and 4131 sales respectively.

A surprise third place goes to the Tesla Model 3 (2927), which is an impressive achievement but primarily due to the inconsistent flow of Tesla cars into Australia. We’ve written a separate article to break down these results.

It might be getting on in years but the Mazda CX-3 (2417) is still one of the most popular options in the small SUV segment, with its big brother the CX-5 midsize SUV (2189) coming in fifth overall. 

Toyota’s RAV4 (1958) took sixth place following its seller performance last year when it became Australia’s best-selling SUV.

A regular of the top ten, the Isuzu D-Max ute (1843) took seventh place, followed by the MG ZS (1842), which has gained considerable popularity with its affordable electric variant.

The Mitsubishi Outlander (1674) saw a boost in sales over same time last year as did the Toyota Land Cruiser, which includes both 70 Series and 300 Series volume.

As far as overall results, Toyota is so far the most popular brand accounting for 15.7 percent of sales though that’s down on this time last year when it made up 20 percent.

Second was Mazda (11.1 percent), Ford third (7.8 per cent), Kia fourth (7.1 percent) and Hyundai fifth (6.8 percent). The Aussie love affair with MG continues: the Chinese brand was in seventh place with 4.7 percent market share.

As usual, SUVs (46,698) and light commercial vehicles (18,546) made up the majority of sales: 77 percent of the total were from these two segments alone.

Best selling cars in Australia, December 2022

1. Ford Ranger – 4663
2. Toyota Hilux – 4271
3. MG ZS – 3056
4. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2482
5. Toyota RAV4 – 2193
6. Mazda CX-3 – 2068
7. Mitsubishi Outlander – 2052
8. Toyota Corolla – 1843
9. Tesla Model 3 – 1806
10. Hyundai Tucson – 1643

The year that was 2022 has come to an end and it was Toyota at the top of the sales ladder with a whopping 231,050 units shifted in 2022. In second place and a long way behind was Mazda with 95,718 sales. 

In terms of individual model sales for December 2022, the Ford Ranger was able to unseat the Toyota Hilux from its crowning spot, selling 4663 units for the month. 

However, the Hilux wasn’t far behind, selling an impressive 4271 units of its popular utility vehicle. 

With 2022 now all wrapped up, the Toyota Hilux has become the best-selling model in Australia, moving a significant 64,391 utes over the span of 12 months. Ford, in comparison, sold 47,479 units of its Ranger ute in the same period, nabbing second place. 

For the year, Toyota managed to take four of the top ten seller positions in the charts, yet again cementing the brand’s popularity on Australian shores. 

The MG ZS was able to bump the Toyota Corolla off its perch for third place, selling 3056 units during the December period. The Corolla fell massively to eighth place in the charts, selling just 1843 units. 

The Toyota Land Cruiser and RAV4 nabbed fourth and fifth positions, selling 2482 and 2193 units respectively. Both vehicles are proving to be very popular with Australian buyers thanks to proven reliability, space for families and fuel efficient engines. 

Of all vehicle segments, it was SUVs that were the most popular. 574,632 SUVs were sold during the year of 2022, making up 53.1 percent of the total Australian new car market. 

Since 2010, there has been a rapid decline in passenger vehicles and a significant burst of energy from SUVs according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. 

A grand total of 1,081,429 vehicles were sold in Australia in the 12 months of 2022, an increase of 31,598 cars over 2021’s 1,049,831 figure.

Which manufacturer sold the most cars up to December?

Toyota was the winner here, selling 231,050 cars up to and including December. Next was Mazda with a much lower sales figure – 95,718 units over 12 months. 

Next followed Kia, Mitsubishi and Ford, while at the other end of the leaderboard, Isuzu and Volkswagen found themselves at nine and tenth on the ladder. However, both automakers still managed to sell a solid chunk of vehicles, with Isuzu moving 35,323 units and Volkswagen 30,946 units.

Best-selling cars in Australia, November 2022:

1. Toyota Hilux – 5440
2. Ford Ranger – 5073
3. Toyota Corolla – 3732
4. MG ZS – 3051
5. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2296
6. Toyota RAV4 – 2282
7. Mazda CX-5 – 1949
8. Mitsubishi Outlander – 1875
9. Kia Sportage – 1844
10. Tesla Model Y – 1805

The mighty Toyota Hilux ute has taken the top sales spot back from its closest rival, the Ford Ranger, in November 2022, shifting 5440 units over the past month. 

The Ranger still managed an impressive 5073 units, but it could not keep up with its fiercest competitor in the extremely popular dual-cab ute segment here in Australia. 

It follows the launch of the popular top-spec Rogue variant of the HIlux, which surprised pundits by making significant modifications to the suspension and brakes.

Toyota’s popular Corolla small car found its place in third position with 3732 unit sales and was followed by the MG ZS small SUV. 

The Toyota Land Cruiser saw a boost in sales with 2296 units sold – up from 1767 registered in October 2022. This is due to increased demand for new 300 Series Land Cruisers, a popular model for families in Australia.

A total of 13,415 full EV and hybrid vehicles were sold in November 2022 – an area that continues to grow month on month. A total of 108,507 electrified cars have been sold during 2022 so far. 

SUVs continue to be a popular choice with Australian buyers and are up by 12,662 sales when compared to this time last year. SUVs are the biggest segment in the new car market, making up 52 percent of the entire market. 

In December, there will have been one million vehicles sold in Australia during 2022.

Which manufacturer sold the most cars in November?

Toyota continues its dominance in the new car market, selling 20,107 vehicles in November alone, more than double the amount of cars sold by the next biggest automaker, Mazda, that sold 7,549 units in the same month. 

In the year of 2022 so far, Toyota has sold 214,776 vehicles, around 7000 more than what it accomplished in 2021. 

Mazda was followed by Kia, Mitsubishi and Hyundai in the total sales charts for November 2022.

Best-selling cars in Australia, October 2022:

1. Ford Ranger: 5628
2. Toyota Hilux: 4884
3. Toyota RAV4: 3222
4. Mazda CX-5: 2352
5. MG ZS: 2293
6. Isuzu D-Max: 1951
7. Kia Sportage: 1877
8. MG MG3: 1823
9. Toyota LandCruiser: 1767
10. Mitsubishi ASX: 1734

After four months on sale, the slow trickle of Ford Ranger supply has gained considerable momentum with the new-generation ute officially overtaking the Toyota Hilux, at 5628 sales compared to 4884 for its compatriot. 

It’s not the first time the pair have traded places on a monthly basis, but it remains to be seen if the new-generation Ranger armed with updated safety and cabin tech – as well as that grunty new V6 – has what it takes to outmuscle the Toyota in the showroom in yearly sales, which has held the crown as Australia’s best-selling vehicle for six years in a row.

The battle for the top spot is reflective of Australian buyer habits as a whole, with light commercial vehicles  and SUVs making up 80.1 percent of overall sales. 

The monopolisation of high-riding transport left just 15.3 percent remaining for passenger vehicles, which once dominated the market, and 4.7 percent for heavy commercial vehicles.

A total of 87,299 vehicles were sold in October according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, reflecting an increase of 12,649 additional sales when compared to the same time last year. 

Year-to-date results in October saw the industry collect 898,429 sales, beating out its 2021 figure by 0.9 percent. 

When looking at the market on a per-vehicle basis, a large batch of vehicles saw the Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV return to its place as the most popular SUV in Australia with 3222 sales, as wait lists of 12 months or more persist for local buyers.

The Mazda CX-5 found itself in fourth place again this month with 2352 sales, with the MG ZS small SUV keeping close company at 2293 vehicles sold.

At sixth place, the Isuzu D-Max recorded 1951 sales with yet another consistent result in the top ten as the Kia Sportage became the third-most popular midsize SUV with 1877 sales.

Sharp pricing and increasing popularity saw the MG 3 become Australia’s most popular small car in October, beating out the likes of the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla that both failed to make the top ten. 

Toyota appears to be getting back on top of LandCruiser supply with 1767 units shipped to customers this month, with the Mitsubishi ASX (1734) renewing its popularity as a value-driven option in the small SUV space despite its 13-year vintage.

Which manufacturer sold the most cars up to October 2022?

Toyota widened its margin over its competitors in October, selling a total of 194,669 cars so far this year with Mazda showing a strong, but still distant, second place with 79,669 sales. 

Kia jumped two places over Mitsubishi (66,505) and sister brand Hyundai (63,392) with 66,580 sales, as the trio tussled for third place.

A changeover in generation for Ford’s best-selling vehicles, the Ranger ute and Everest 4WD, has seen the Blue Oval record a 12 percent drop with 53,298 cars sold. Chinese brand MG nabbed seventh place with 38,891 sales.

Isuzu retained its eighth-place ranking 30,020 in a near-identical result to its efforts at the same time in 2021, followed by Subaru (28,264) and Volkswagen (24,842). 

Best-selling cars in Australia, September 2022:

1. Toyota Hilux: 5170
2. Ford Ranger: 4890
3. Tesla Model Y: 4359
4. Mazda CX-5: 2439
5. Mitsubishi Triton: 2319
6. Isuzu D-Max: 1924
7. Mitsubishi Outlander: 1879
8. Toyota RAV4: 1856
9. Kia Sportage: 1775
10. Hyundai i30: 1733

The month of September was a key marker of success for fully electric vehicles, which are quickly gaining momentum in Australia with the recent arrival of more affordable offerings including the Tesla Model Y midsize SUV and BYD Atto 3 small SUV.

VFacts reports that 7247 battery electric vehicles were sold – eclipsing the total sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles at 5141 – contributing to almost half of the 21,771 EVs sold this year.

Despite this, the Toyota Hilux continues its reign as the best-selling vehicle in Australia with 5170 units sold followed by the Ford Ranger at 4890. The Model Y did come close with 4359 sales though this is likely assisted by the batch-delivery style of its maker, Tesla, coupled with the highly anticipated nature of this globally popular SUV. 

The podium positioning also saw the Model Y branded as the most popular midsize SUV on sale, leaving rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 (2439) in fourth place, while others such as the Mitsubishi Outlander (1879), Toyota RAV4 (1856) and Kia Sportage (1775) took seventh to ninth place respectively. 

The Outlander wasn’t Mitsubishi’s only success with the Triton ute also taking fifth place, with 2319 units sold, followed by the popular Isuzu D-Max (1924). 

The Hyundai i30 was the only small car which made it into the top ten, rounding out the field with 1733 sales.

Which manufacturer sold the most cars up to September 2022?

The market overall was strong in September 2022 with 93,555 sales recorded that month, some 10,243 more when compared to the same time last year, though year-to-date sales still sit at 811,130 – 5010 down on where it was last year. 

As expected, Toyota has taken the top spot with 176,410 sales (just 361 fewer than last year) with Mazda a long way behind in second place with 73,894 sales – reflecting a 9671 drop compared to its previous result in September, 2021.

Mitsubishi continues its ascent up the sales charts, narrowly beating out Hyundai with 60,523 sales compared to the Korean giant’s 60,200 – despite both undergoing a circa-7000-vehicle sales jump this year. 

Kia recorded 58,103 sales and took fifth place, followed by Ford (45,475) and relative newcomer to the Australian market, MG, continued its steady rate of growth with 33,860 sales recorded.

In eighth place was Isuzu with 27,155 sales recorded across its line-up of only two vehicles, followed by Subaru (25,946) and Volkswagen (21,643) – with the German brand losing almost 10,000 sales amid considerable manufacturing issues in Europe. 

Best-selling cars in Australia, August 2022:

1. Toyota Hilux ute – 6214 (-227)
2. Ford Ranger ute – 4497 (+1563)
3. Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV – 2482 (+45)
4. Tesla Model 3 sedan – 2380 (+2376 additional context below)
5. Toyota Land Cruiser four-wheel drive – 2379 (+236)
6. Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV – 2325 (+21)
7. Toyota Corolla small car – 2115 (+133)
8. Mitsubishi Triton ute – 2087 (+208)
9. Hyundai i30 small car – 1975 (+217)
10. Isuzu D-Max ute – 1928 (-2)

The bumpy ride continues for Australian new car sales, but it appears that the semiconductor-induced delays affecting the industry have eased slightly, with a 17.3 percent increase in sales for August 2022 when compared to August 2021. 

So far this year, Australians have registered 717,575 new vehicles according to official FCAI data, and the most popular among those has been the Toyota Hilux ute. The commercial vehicle has once again taken the best-selling spot in August 2022. 

Toyota sold twice as many Hiluxes as Ford did Rangers in July, however as Ford’s new-gen Ranger lands in dealerships the Hilux’s stranglehold is looking to loosen. 

This month Ford sold 4497 Rangers to Toyota’s 6214 Hiluxes. As more T6.2 Rangers are delivered, this gap is likely to narrow further but the seven year-old Hilux won’t go down without a fight. 

Toyota yet again dominated the top-10 sellers list with RAV4 midsize SUV holding steady with 2482 registrations. 

Two more Toyotas feature in the list; the Land Cruiser wagon range (300 Series and 76 Series), which sold 2379 units, and the Corolla small car (2115) which jumped 20 percent over July 2022.

There’s an elephant in the room: Tesla’s Model 3. As in March (4416), the Model 3 sedan made a huge showing with 2380 registrations, however this doesn’t tell the full story. In July, the FCAI’s data shows a total of just four Model 3s were sold in Australia, and in June 172 were delivered. 

Tesla reports its global sales quarterly, but according to FCAI manager of public affairs, Doug Wyllie, the monthly variation is down to shipping batches rather than dodgy reporting. 

Mr Wyllie said last month Tesla must have had “a big canoe” turn up that directly translated into its strong sales and deliveries. Supplementing the huge Model 3 result were 1017 Model Ys in that car’s first month on sale here. 

Dividing year-to-date Model 3 (7037) by right months gives a smoothed number of 780 Model 3s per month. That’s still seriously impressive for what is a premium electric vehicle. Not only did the Model 3 beat Polestar 2 (38), but also established luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz C-Class (306). 

In sixth was the Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV (2325) followed by Toyota Corolla small car (2115) and another strong showing from the Mitsubishi Triton ute (2087).

The Hyundai i30 small car clambered back into the top-10 this month (1975) and the Isuzu D-Max rounded it out with a steady sales showing of 1928.

Two notable drops this month were the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage midsize SUV cousins. Kia sold 1237 Sportages compared to 1837 last month, while Tucson sales slipped 22 percent to 1719 in August. 

Hyundai Australia public relations and senior manager, Guido Schenken, said that in June and July Hyundai secured extra production of diesel Tucsons, leading to increased sales which have now slowed due to restricted supply. 

It’s a similar story with Sportage, which was hamstrung this month by shipping delays despite order rates remaining strong.

The next update is coming early October 2022

We’ll report Australian sales numbers for September 2022 early next month as the industry works to pull itself out of production chaos. 

Best-selling cars in Australia, July 2022:

1. Toyota Hilux – 6441
2. Ford Ranger – 2934
3. Toyota RAV4 – 2437
4. Mazda CX-5 – 2346
5. Hyundai Tucson – 2186
6. Toyota Land Cruiser – 2146
7. Toyota Corolla – 1982
8. Isuzu D-Max – 1930
9. Mitsubishi Triton – 1879
10. Kia Sportage – 1837

Australia continues its love of a dual-cab ute, with the Toyota Hilux ranking as the best-selling model on sale locally for the month of July.

Toyota sold more than double the amount of its popular ute range than Ford sold Rangers in July, totaling an incredible 6441 Hilux units sold. That works out to be 3507 more units than what Ranger could accomplish in the same amount of time.

All being said, deliveries for the new T6.2 Ranger have begun, so we will likely see sales of the Ford’s newcomer take over in the coming months.

Toyota’s eighth-generation Hilux has been around for seven years now, but that clearly hasn’t greatly impacted its sustained popularity.

Toyota had four top-ten sellers in July, the RAV4 midsize SUV (2437), Land Cruiser large SUV (2146), Corolla small car (1982), and of course, the Hilux ute.

Other highlights from the top 10 list include the Kia Sportage, which has seen an explosion of new sales, with buyers scooping up 1837 examples, up dramatically from the 609 sold in July 2021. 

Other movers were the Toyota Corolla, which didn’t perform as well in July 2022, selling 553 units less than July 2021, where the small car sold 2535 units. 

Which manufacturer sold the most cars up to July 2022?

That award goes to Toyota, who sold 140,942 units up to the end of July 2022, dominating nearest rival Mazda with 57,811 cars and Mitsubishi with 47,359 cars.

Toyota is slightly ahead on its figures from July 2021 (it sold 136,596 units in the time up to July 2021) and holds a 22.6 percent total share in the current new car market. 

One of the manufacturers not doing so well in terms of overall sales is Ford, which is significantly down on its July 2021 YTD figures, selling 33,001 units so far in 2022, but had sold 43,452 in the same amount of time last year. 

Nissan is also struggling, having only sold 17,438 cars so far this year, when last year it sold 26,673 in the same amount of time.

The next update is coming early September 2022

We’ll report Australian sales numbers for August 2022 early next month as the industry works to pull itself out of production chaos. 

Most popular cars and utes in Australia: June 2022

June 2022 marked another month of woe for the Australian car industry with 99,974 sales recorded marking a 9.7 percent drop over the same month last year. While demand for new cars remains strong, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said the flow of stock was severely hampered by a shortage of semiconductors and logistical challenges brought on by the invasion of Ukraine. 

In June 2022, the top-ten best-selling models were the following:

• Toyota Hilux ute – 7582
• Hyundai Tucson midsize SUV – 2840
• Ford Ranger ute – 2802
• Toyota Land Cruiser large SUV – 2783
• Toyota Corolla small car – 2605
• Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV- 2586
• Isuzu D-Max ute – 2383
• Kia Sportage midsize SUV – 2044
• Mitsubishi Triton ute – 2014
• Hyundai i30 small car – 1801

With the current-generation Ford Ranger in run-out mode ahead of the arrival of its successor in July, the Toyota Hilux has seemingly absorbed the Blue Oval’s buyers at the end of the financial year, with an impressive haul of 7582 sales – more than twice that of the next best-selling vehicle.

The Hyundai Tucson was the second-best-selling vehicle with 2840 cars sold, dethroning the supply-plagued Toyota RAV4 (2586) as Australia’s best-selling midsize SUV. 

Despite struggles at the factory level, Toyota has secured a healthy supply of the Land Cruiser 300 Series and 70 Series, which combined, brought in a total of 2783 sales for the brand.

The Toyota Corolla continues to be Australia’s best-selling small car with 2605 sales, with the Hyundai i30 the next most popular with 1801 vehicles sold. 

Isuzu continues to prove it’s more than just a flash in the pan with the D-Max ute cementing its place in the top 10 with 2383 sales, and the stock-rich Mitsubishi Triton wasn’t far behind with 2014 utes sold.

Sales across the total Australian new car market recovered slightly from the May 2022 figures (94,383), with 99,974 new cars sold in June. However, all states and territories aside from the Northern Territory recorded a decrease in sales, with the ACT recording the biggest annual drop of 9.3 percent compared to the same period last year.

At this point, Australia is not set to exceed the total 2021 sales result of 1.049 million new car deliveries, but there are still six months to be reported.

Next update coming in early August

We’ll report Australian sales numbers for July 2022 early next month as the industry works to pull itself out of production chaos. 

The best sellers in June 2022 for each segment were:

Most popular cars and utes in Australia: May 2022

Continual stagnation at the factory level has seen sales drop by 6.4 percent compared to last year, with 94,383 cars, SUVs and utes registered during the month of May, however that figure is still a circa-15,000 sales jump over the results released last month. 

Year-to-date sales sit at 437,884, reflecting a 4.1 percent decrease over the result recorded in May 2021, in what ultimately turned out to be a bumper year for the car industry.

In May 2022, the top-ten best-selling models were the following:

• Toyota Hilux – 4493
• Ford Ranger – 3581
• Toyota RAV4 – 3373
• Mazda CX-5 – 2701
• Isuzu D-Max – 2374
• Mitsubishi Triton – 2357
• Toyota Corolla – 2202
• Hyundai i30 – 2071
• MG ZS – 1923
• Toyota Land Cruiser – 1665

With the new-generation T6.2 Ford Ranger ute now just weeks away from going on sale, supply of the old model is being wound down and the Toyota hasn’t hesitated to pick up these missing sales with the Hilux, shifting 4493 utes off the lot this month.

The Ranger wasn’t far behind with 3581 sales, and the Toyota RAV4 looks to continue its reputation as Australia’s best-selling midsize SUV with 3373 sales after a glut of deliveries.

Following hot on its heels was the Mazda CX-5 with 2701 sales after the Japanese brand placed the Australian market as a priority in its distribution.

The Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton battled for fifth place with 2374 and 2357 sales respectively, with the Toyota Corolla (2202) and Hyundai i30 (2071) showing the small car segment still has some staying power in the top ten.  

The MG ZS small SUV enjoyed its second month straight in the top ten with 1923 units sold, while the Toyota Land Cruiser (consisting of the 70 and 300 Series models) rounded out the list with 1665 sales. 

When looking at sales around Australia, the Northern Territory was the only state or territory to see an increase in sales (of just 23 cars), with Queensland seeing the biggest drop in sales at 11.3 percent.

The best sellers in May 2022 for each segment were:

Most popular cars and utes in Australia: April 2022

The new car market was weak in April 2022, with numbers down a staggering 12 percent when compared to April 2021. Total sales were 81,065 for the month, bringing the 2022 year-to-date tally to 343,501 cars. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) blamed industry shortages, particularly of semiconductors.

In April 2022, the top-ten best selling models were the following:

• Toyota Hilux ute: 4493 sales
• Ford Ranger ute: 3581 sales
• Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV: 3373 sales
• Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV: 2701 sales
• Isuzu D-Max ute: 2374 sales
• Mitsubishi Triton ute: 2357 sales
• Toyota Corolla small car: 2202 sales
• Hyundai i30 small car: 2071 sales
• MG ZS small SUV: 1923 sales
• Toyota Land Cruiser large SUV

Four of the top ten vehicles were utes, made up of 4×2 and 4×4 models in all cab styles. Fleet and business sales contribute a significant chunk of ute sales in Australia. Toyota’s Hilux remained firmly on top – in both 4×2 and 4×4 variants – but the incoming T6.2 Ford Ranger upgrade should bolster that model’s performance in coming months.

The supply-embattled Toyota RAV4 midsize SUV continued to be Australia’s favourite car (or perhaps ‘non-ute’), but its result represented a huge 25 percent drop when compared to its performance at this time last year, allowing Mazda’s CX-5 to draw near.

While the CX-5 has just been facelifted, the RAV4 is set for significant tech and safety upgrades at the end of 2022.

Both small cars in the top ten – the Corolla and i30 (read our comparison!) – are putting on strong performances this year, defying the general shift to SUVs.

The biggest winner was the Chinese-made MG ZS small SUV, which nearly broke through 2000 sales in April, while Toyota’s struggle to secure sufficient numbers of Land Cruiser saw the model (which blends the 70 and 300 Series) fall to just 1665 sales – essentially halving its performance compared to last year.

Sales across the total Australian new car market dropped perilously from the March 2022 number (101,233) to just 81,065 for the month of April. All states were down compared to April 2021, especially Western Australia (down 20%) and the ACT (down 14%).

At this point, Australia is not set to exceed the total 2021 sales result of 1.049 million new car deliveries, but there are still eight months to be reported.

The best sellers in April 2022 for each segment were:

Next update coming in early June

We’ll report Australian sales numbers for May 2022 early next month as we approach the bumper end of financial year month in June.

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Peugeot’s 2008 is the smallest SUV in its range; the smaller cousin to its 3008 and 5008 medium SUVs.

An E-2008 GT version is Peugeot’s first battery electric passenger vehicle in Australia, a new flagship grade above the existing petrol versions.

The 2008 in all its forms is a niche offering: fewer than 200 have sold in 2023 to date. With the small SUV segment-leading MG ZS shifting 20,000 over the same time, the gulf between the little French SUV and strong-selling rivals is mighty.

The 2008’s relatively high price is a stumbling block, with the entry-level grade almost $40,000 before on-roads.

There are four variants to choose from: an entry-level Allure ($38,945), mid-spec GT ($43,397), petrol flagship GT Sport ($51,188) and the new fully electric E-2008 GT ($59,990).

The GT Sport has been retired for this model year, although Peugeot Australia’s online configurator still includes the MY22 2008 GT Sport model as some examples remain with dealers. 

While the GT Sport exists, the price difference between it and the full electric E-2008 is $8800. Once it goes, moving from the GT into the E-2008 is a hefty $16,600 jump, but that’s before any EV rebates are actioned (this varies depending on state).

A facelifted 2008 has been revealed in Europe, but it’s not yet known when this will arrive in Australia.

What does the Peugeot 2008 include in each grade?

The petrol versions have Peugeot’s 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine.

Base Allure and GT use a 96kW/230Nm PureTech 130 example, mated to a six-speed automatic, while the GT Sport employs a PureTech 155 with 114kW and 240Nm, mated to an eight-speed auto.

The Allure and GT’s economy is 6.5L/100km; the GT Sport a more efficient 6.1L/100km.

The E-2008 GT has a single electric motor turning its front wheels, offering 100kW and 260Nm. Its 50kWh battery gives range of 328km (WLTP), with charge speed up to a maximum of 100kW.

Charging with a 10A domestic plug (2.3kW) from 0-100 per cent takes approximately 24 hours. Using a single phase (7.4kW) wallbox does the same in around 7.5 hours, and a three phase (11kW) wallbox approximately five hours.

Using a 100kW DC fast charger can boost the battery from 0-80 per cent in 30 minutes.

The petrol models weigh a lightweight 1247kg, but the E-2008 GT is a heftier 1548kg.

Maximum braked towing is 1200kg, but the tow ball weight’s a tiny 48kg. The electric E-2008 isn’t rated for towing, like many EVs.

Boot space is 434L – including the E-2008 GT. A 16-inch steel space saver spare is given to the petrol models, while the electric 2008 has a tyre repair kit.

Standard equipment of the 2008 Allure includes:

• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED ‘Claw Effect’ rear lights
• 17-inch alloys
• Chrome radiator grille
• Body coloured rear spoiler
• Power folding mirrors
• Traxx fabric with leather effect seat trim
• Keyless start 
• Multifunction leather steering wheel
• LED interior lighting
• Carbon effect interior trim
• Configurable 3D i-Cockpit digital driving cockpit
• Eco, Normal, Sport driving modes
• 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 4 x USB sockets
• DAB radio
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Voice recognition
• myPeugeot App
• Six speaker sound system
• Climate control air conditioning
• Rear parking sensors
• 180-degree reversing camera with birds eye view
• Push button start
• Keyless entry

Safety across all grades includes:

• Six airbags
• Traction control with Snow, Sand, Mud modes
• Auto emergency braking (AEB)
• Forward Collision Warning
• Multi-collision braking
• Emergency Brake Assistance
• Lane Departure Warning
• Driver Attention Alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Hill Decent Control
• Programmable cruise control

Moving into the 2008 GT, owners have the above features, plus:

• Black contrasting roof and exterior mirrors
• Full LED adaptive headlights
• Auto high beam function
• LED projection puddle lights
• Twin chrome exhaust pipes
• Diamond black rear spoiler
• Heated front seats
• Driver seat massage
• Driver seat electric adjustment
• Alcantara and leather effect trim
• Chrome trimmed foot pedals
• Carpet mats
• Multi-function full grain leather steering wheel
• Stainless steel front scuff plates
• 8 colour ambient lighting
• Smartphone cradle
• Front parking sensors
• Proximity locking and unlocking
• Rear privacy glass
• Blind spot detection

An optional Tech Pack ($1990) adds a 10-inch touchscreen with 3D satellite navigation, while a panoramic roof ($1990) is also available.

Next up is the 2008 GT Sport that adds to the above features: 

• Nappa leather upholstery
• 10.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation
• Wireless phone charging
• Semi-autonomous parking assist
• 18-inch black alloys
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane Centring

The Flagship E-2008 also adds (over GT):

• 18-inch black alloys
• Body coloured chequered radiator grille
• Panoramic opening glass roof
• 10.0-inch touchscreen with 3D satellite navigation
• AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
• Two position boot floor
• Mode 3 Type 2 charging cable

Metallic paint options cost an additional $650, while premium paints add $1050.

Peugeot 2008 2024: servicing costs

Pre-paid servicing plans are available.

The 2008 Allure and GT are $950 for three years, or $1700 for five years. This saves $386 and $636 respectively against individual services.

The 2008 GT Sport’s plans are $1100 (saving $410) or $1800 (saving $799).

The e-2008 GT is $600 for three years or $1000 for five years. Paying for each service individually costs $1522 for the first 125,000km/five years.

Peugeot 2008 2024: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 2008 Allure: $38,945
• 2008 GT: $43,397
• 2008 GT Sport (MY22): $51,188 (soon to be withdrawn from sale)
• E-2008: $59,990

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If approval of the Volkswagen Group is gained to build its halo sports car, the Cupra Dark Rebel shooting brake would cost less than 100,000 euros ($160,000), the brand’s chief operating officer says.

Cupra revealed its two-seat Dark Rebel in digital form earlier this year and showed off a physical concept car at Volkswagen’s Group Night ahead of the 2023 Munich motor show. 

The Dark Rebel concept is a two-door sports car, but it takes the form of a shooting brake while featuring sustainable materials such as bamboo. The Dark Rebel show car has scissor-opening doors.

Speaking to Chasing Cars in Germany, Cupra COO Sven Schuwirth said the new sports car would be the most expensive model the brand has produced. 

“If we get the car, yes, it will be,” he smiled.

Schuwirth said Cupra was targeting a sub-€100,000 price, which would put it in the realm of $160,000 – and potentially lower again.

“It would not make sense to go for a €200,000 car,” he said. “It will be significantly below 100 [thousand euros], for sure. Otherwise we enter the territory of luxury brands which is not our aim. 

“Keep in mind [that] we are positioned as a contemporary brand always looking out for the younger generations…[Selling to the] sons and daughters of billionaires…that’s not our direction.”

Dark Rebel would sit on future Volkswagen platform, not MEB or PPE

Despite its lower price, Schuwirth confirmed the vehicle would not be built on Volkswagen’s existing electric MEB platform – the rear-wheel drive chassis that underpins cars like Cupra Born and VW ID3. 

“No,” he said. “It’s not an MEB car. I can tell you, the car will drive like it looks”.

When pressed on whether the car would use Porsche’s new Performance Premium Electric (PPE) platform – on which future electric Boxster and Cayman will be built – or Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), Schuwirth said “could be…let’s see”. 

“That’s the good thing about Volkswagen Group, there are many, many different platforms and technologies … we need a low [platform] and also an affordable platform in order to achieve that price-point”.

Mechanical details on the Dark Rebel are scant, Cupra only confirming it will be all-electric. Porsche’s PPE will be available in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations and capable of outputs “around 450kW and torque over 1000Nm”, Porsche has said.

Additional reporting by Tom Baker

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The global boss of Skoda, Klaus Zellmer, has acknowledged criticism of rapid price increases in Australia, and says the Czech brand must do “homework” to emphasise the value for money of its cars locally.

The Volkswagen-owned marque has come under fire in recent years for frequent price increases, such as the Skoda Kamiq 85TSI – which leapt from $30,990 to $37,990 (both driveaway) during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prices of other Skoda models have risen by up to $2000 to $2700 in a similar timeframe. Local representatives of the brand blamed COVID-related “cost pressures” for the increases.

Skoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer told Chasing Cars that value is a “work in progress” and that the criticism is understood.

“We all know the crazy times we went through with COVID and the semiconductor shortages,” he said. “You have to optimise the restricted number of cars you can sell and the profit you need to stay above the water. 

“We did reasonably well at Skoda – our profitability also through COVID, semiconductor (shortages), loss of production capacity, we did that well, but we’re very well aware that there’s a bit of homework to do there for Australia.”

When asked if Skoda was still the budget brand of the Volkswagen Group, Zellmer said it is now equal to Volkswagen – in what is a shift from the brand’s traditional affordable positioning.

“I think we’re now on eye-level,” he said. “It used to be [the budget brand]; the differentiation between Skoda and Volkswagen, and then Seat–Cupra, is the design.

“If you take one very good example … the [Skoda] Enyaq versus the [Volkswagen] ID4. They are completely different cars, they share the same platform, they share many synergies, many cost-saving potentials were lifted, and this is where we’re going.”

Zellmer said the MEB-based electric Vision 7 seven-seat SUV – due around 2026 – will “change our identity in a way” but went on to clarify that value was still core to the Skoda brand. “Value for money is always important for Skoda and will remain important,” he said.

In 2023, the cheapest Skoda you can buy in Australia is the $32,190 Scala 85TSI Ambition. In 2013, it was the $18,990 Fabia 77TSI.

Additional reporting by Tom Baker

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The first-ever Skoda electric station wagon is confirmed for a 2026 release date – but the EV estate probably won’t be called the Octavia, the brand’s global CEO told Chasing Cars.

That’s because Skoda will continue producing petrol-powered and hybrid combustion cars as long as there is demand, including the Octavia wagon – which accounts for one-third of Skoda’s global sales.

Skoda first introduced the Octavia nameplate in 1959 on a small family car – Octavia because it was the eighth model produced by the then-Czechoslovakian automaker. Octavia is a female name of Latin origin meaning eighth.

It was reintroduced in 1996 and has been a constant in the Skoda line-up since.

In a major shake-up of Skoda’s expertise in station wagons, the brand will launch a 4.7-metre long estate that is fully-electric in 2026 – alongside the combustion Octavia model.

However, Skoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer told Chasing Cars in Germany that a new name was on the cards as Skoda prepares the BEV car.

But Skoda has closely considered calling the BEV wagon the Octavia, even if it is a fundamentally different car to the continuing petrol model.

“This is a big debate and we have made a decision but let’s see,” said Zellmer. 

“Giving up those names – Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq, for example – they’re well established, they’re worth a lot, and replace them with something starting with an E and ending with a Q is something that is [difficult]. 

“Still there is a decision, this the logic, but we have a little bit of a pain inside us giving up on established names as well. So let’s see. I don’t think we’ll use Octavia but let’s see”.

The vehicle is expected to follow Skoda’s new electric vehicle naming convention that has produced the Enyaq upper-midsize electric SUV – and the forthcoming Elroq small electric SUV.

The Octavia replacement, currently codenamed the ‘Combi’ (Skoda-speak for wagon), is due around 2026. All-electric, it will buck the SUV trend with its low-slung wagon figure measuring approximately 4.7 metres long. 

Skoda designers have said the car would have the exterior dimensions of a compact wagon with the interior space of a larger segment vehicle. 

Additional reporting by Tom Baker

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BMW Australia has announced it will bring three new vehicle variants to Australia that will all fall under the current Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $89,332. 

The importer of the German automotive brand will introduce the new iX1 eDrive20 priced from $78,900, the i4 eDrive35 priced from $85,900 and, finally, the iX3 M Sport priced from $89,100 (all before on-road costs). 

Importantly, by undercutting this threshold buyers will not just pay less tax on the purchase price of these models will also quality for the fringe benefits tax exemption for electric cars, which is important for those considering ‘purchasing’ a new EV under a novated leave program. 

BMW anticipates that by next year, one in five of the company’s new vehicles will have a fully-electric drivetrain, and by 2026, one in three vehicles sold will be electric. 

The brand aims to have more than two million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. 

The new iX1 eDrive20 will arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2024, while the i4 eDrive35 and iX3 M Sport will arrive locally by the end of 2023. 

Grade breakdown for BMW’s cheaper EVs in Australia

BMW iX1 eDrive20

Starting with the new iX1 eDrive20, this variant will be powered by a 150kW/247Nm electric motor mounted on the front axle. Usable battery size for this particular variant is 64.7kWh. DC charging of up to speeds of 130kW is possible with this electric system. 

The new base iX1 model, which sits below the xDrive30 ($84,900 before on-roads) in the range, and will include the following standard features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-zone climate control
• LED headlights
• BMW Live Cockpit with 10.7-inch and 10.25-inch displays 
• BMW Head Up Display 
• Parking Assistant 
• Roof rails 
• Tyre pressure monitoring 
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• BMW Iconic Sounds 

BMW i4 eDrive35

Next to arrive will be the i4 eDrive35 variant which will be powered by a 210kW/400Nm electric motor positioned on the rear axle in classic BMW style. The eDrive35 has a net battery size of 64kWh. 

180kW maximum DC charging speeds are possible with this variant, or up to 11kW of AC charging. 

As standard, the eDrive35 will include the following features:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights 
• High beam assist 
• Adaptive cruise control
• BMW Iconic Sounds 
• Three-zone climate control
• Electric seat adjustment – front 
• Parking assistant 
• Front sport seats 
• BMW head-up display 
• BMW Live Cockpit 

BWW iX3 M Sport

The last of the new models is the iX3 M Sport which is powered by a 210kW/400Nm rear drive electric motor, much like the i4 eDrive35. The M Sport is capable of sprinting to 100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds. 

Driving range for the model is a claimed 461km thanks to a larger 74kWh battery pack. 

Standard specifications for the M Sport includes:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• M Sport package 
• Panoramic sunroof 
• Metallic paint 
• Sports seats with leather upholstery 
• Adaptive suspension 
• Parking assistant including reversing camera 
• Seat heating for front row 

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Peugeot bolsters Australia’ electric choice with its first ever EV passenger car that proves good and not so great in roughly equal parts

Peugeot has finally launched an electric version of its 2008 small crossover locally.

And in doing so, the French brand debuts its first-ever passenger EV, beating electro-chain-dragging rivals such as Toyota and Mazda to the punch with an offering that sits, price wise, neatly between today’s cheap ‘entry’ EVs and pricer nameplates accustomed to the lion’s share of fully electric attention.

The sole high-spec GT variant of the E-2008 clocks in at $59,990 list, presenting a fair chunk of change over entry-level versions of Tesla’s Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV and the likes of Polestar 2, if wanting for more outlay than the buck-banging champions such as BYD Atto 3 small SUV and MG4 hatch.

This $60K sweet spot is bang on Cupra Born money, the Spanish-branded hatchback a model that Chasing Cars rates highly, if a choice lacking the long motoring and brand providence of the French newcomer.

Even a cursory glance suggests that Peugeot hasn’t meddled by much measure with styling, the ‘e’ version adopting a fancy, wedge-like exterior appeal of the regular 2008, complete with a cabin that is a dead-ringer for the petrol versions that still line the four-strong local small crossover ranks.

This is both good and not so great. For one thing, the E-2008 looks and generally feels familiar to those partial to its three-piston-powered twin, without the ostentatious EV stylisms celebrated by Tesla, Polestar and the likes of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 midsize SUV that mightn’t be to some electro-curious buyer tastes.

The flip-side is that the sole E-2008 is pretty much like the petrol flagship, the 2008 GT Sport, in most respects, with a roughly nine-grand pricier ask for electron power.

Thing is, the GT Sport – of MY22 vintage – is being phased out of the local lineup, soon to leave the regular petrol GT as the next rung down from the electric version. And the petrol GT is, at $43,397 list, a whopping $16,500 saving against the EV…at least before government rebates.

But you’re buying into vastly superior electric performance, right? Well…

With just 100kW and 260Nm from its sole front-driven electric motor, the E-2008 GT actually offers just four additional kilowatts and 30 extra Newton metres over the little 1.2-litre three-cylinder powering the petrol Allure and GT variants. And has less power than the outgoing 114kW GT Sport…

Further, this is nowhere near the 170kW/310Nm outputs offered by the E-2008 GT’s logical electric Cupra Born cross shop.

Then there’s range. Where a Born will get you around 470 kilometres between stints on the charger, the Peugeot’s peak range is rated at 328km WLTP. And that’s because the E-2008 fits a modest 50kWh (gross) – or around 46.3kWh usable – battery in the company of a rival fitting a 77kWh unit.

Still, as it is becoming ever clearer with the more prolific roll out of EV choices, on-paper credentials don’t necessarily reflect real-world usability and drivability.

For on thing, at just 1548kg tare, the E-2008 is certainly one of the most lightweight electrics on the block, which can certainly impact the on-road experience in positive ways, often by no small measures.

In fairness, the mild outputs and unremarkable range offered by E-2008 does reflect French motoring tendencies – just look at the modesty of those 1.2L petrol threes – even if the stats do appear underbaked through a power- and range-hungry Aussie lens in an era where stonking EV performance is still a helluva novel party trick.

Clearly, the E-2008 positions itself as an urban-centric EV with enough of the right stuff specifically for that role. And figuring out whether it’s good or not should really be in sympathy of that pitch.

What are the E-2008 GT’s features and options for the price?

As mentioned, at $59,990 the E-2008 GT mostly covers off the spec and features also offered in the outgoing petrol GT Sport (circa $52K).

Key E-2008 features include:

• 18-inch wheels
• (Semi-) Panoramic glass roof
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Dusk-sensing adaptive LED headlights
• Heated power mirrors with puddle lights
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Electric front seat adjustment
• Alcantara and leather-appointed trim
• 180-degree camera system
• 10.0-inch 3D digital instrumentation
• 10.0-inch touchscreen media system
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Proprietary sat-nav
• Four USB-A outlets
• Dual-zone climate control
• Ambient lighting

Absent from the equipment list are some features that ought to be fitted standard to a $60K vehicle, including rear air vents, wireless smartphone mirroring, inductive phone charging and a powered tailgate.

Due to the EV packaging limitations, the E-2008 does not fit a space saver spare wheel like its petrol twins do.

EV specific standard features include a two position boot floor, a Mode 3 Type 2 wallbox/public charge station cable (a domestic Mode 2 Type 2 cable is optional), an ‘E-remote’ charging control app and an AVAS sonic alert system for pedestrian safety during low-speed driving.

How does the E-2008 GT drive?

While the EV version is largely identical to the petrol 2008 outside, differing mainly in grille mesh colour-coding and select ‘e’ badging.

However, it does sit on an enhanced version of the Stellantis Common Modular Platform called, predictably, e-CMP. And at 1548kg tare, it’s about a quarter tonne heavier than its petrol model mates.

Disclosure: your reviewer isn’t a big fan of the regular versions’ 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and six-speed auto combination. Despite clear and evident charm, it suffers from a peaky engine sweet spot that the auto struggles to harness smoothly and effectively.

Electric single-speed drive ought to cure some of these ills and it does. And even if 100kW and 260Nm, by usual EV measure, isn’t much to work with.

You need to bury the right foot for the E-2008 to really boogie, as there’s none of that typical electric instant and dynamite thrust. And that’s no bad thing. In fact, having the full throttle swing available to modulate forward velocity is ideal for around town driving.

It’s more progressive under foot and allows less concentrated throttle application than some peaky EVs (such as any Tesla). And yet, that instant torque character remains, with low-to-mid-rpm response akin to, say, a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. It’s not lacking for off-the-mark shove.

The motor winds up progressively and in a typical linear EV manner. And while it does take its time to get to triple figures – 8.85sec 0-100km/h was our test track best – it doesn’t lack for enthusiastic progress or flexible drivability.

It is a straightforward EV system. Eco, normal and sport drive modes return the expected characteristics with the middling setting returning the mostly balanced drivability, the setting we favoured for most commuting and touring.

Be it set to eco on the open road or normal around town, consumption clung obediently to 16.3-16.4kWh…pretty much for the entire week of our custodianship.

There’s no adjustable energy regeneration per say: just D-for-drive for a close approximation of internal combustion driving with moderate motor braking effect, or the option of B-for-brake for a strong one-pedal-like calibration.

At 328kms claimed, the E-2008 actually falls short on outright range for Chasing Cars’ typical EV range testing regime typically requiring 350kms or range in the ‘tank’.

However, we did test along a shortened section of our usual road loop and calculated real-world range accordingly, where the Peugeot returned a figure of 284km.

That’s ought to be plenty of range for some buyers’ daily running about, though not nearly enough for others.

Thanks to the relatively light kerb weight, there’s a natural lightness to the drive. The chassis isn’t overly sprung in compensation of maintaining body control in the face of hefty inertia, so it’s both reasonably crisp in cornering response and inherently rides quite nicely.

It’s not ponderous in dynamic reaction and overly reliant on tyre grip for handling, as many porky EVs tend to be.

That stated, the E-2008 isn’t exactly the plush when it comes to outright compliance, and those 18-inch wheels do jar occasionally across urban road acne.

Further, there’s about as much spirited sportiness as your average small-stature crossover, in that it’s perhaps more cooperative than it is encouraging when it comes to tackling backroad curves.

It steers fine, the brakes well enough, in manners are unremarkable if foible free. In short, there’s not a lot to cloud the daily urban punt between office and home, at least when it comes to underpinnings.

The interior, though, is another story entirely…

What is the E-2008 GT’s interior and tech like?

Where the E-2008 – and indeed the whole 2008 lineup – comes a little unravelled is with first-row accommodation.

The interior certainly dishes out styling flamboyant enough to back up promises pitched by the vehicle’s fetching exterior. But in terms of design – by the classic definition, in terms of usability terms – the E-2008 is a strong case of form over functionality.

When it comes to gripes, the conspicuous low-hanging fruit is Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, a unique selling point now in its digital second generation and critical bone of contention since it first lobbed in analogue form eons ago.

This i-Cockpit arrangement attempts to locate the in-dash instrument binnacle above an undersized, oddly hexagonal shaped wheel. Except, unless you drop the wheel into your lap the wheel rim completely obscures the (now-digital) display, which is three-dimensional and offers a choice of six different display skins…apparently.

I don’t actually know as I can’t see the display that (one presumes) includes need-to-know stuff such as a speedometer.

Awkward wheel placement is exacerbated by quite proud pedal placement in the footwell, that jams your knees – if you’re 170cm or taller like I am – into the back of the low-positioned steering wheel.

Compounding this profound take on driver ergonomics is that there’s no seat-base height adjustment at the seat base’s leading edge. Instead, the seat base tilts, lowering your bum while offering no facility to dial in under-thigh adjustment.

In concert, the wheel/pedal/seat relationship is awkward at best, tiring and fatiguing at worst. It also severely lacks any sense of natural driver control at the helm.

The seats themselves aren’t back, a combination of Alcantara, leather and cloth that’s nicely stitched and brings a sense of occasion to meet the semi-premium ambience that the E-2008 tried hard to muster up.

However, the acres of mid-grey plastic and unconvincing faux carbon-fibre look texture won’t cause Audi interior designers any lost sleep.

The centre stack is…interesting. There’s a lot of piano black, a neat sliding transmission selector switch and the console rises to an array of shortcut buttons for feature adjustment that looks fancy and feels slickly tactile yet is a little confusing to actually use.

Take, for instance, HVAC control. Most of the aircon adjustment is (distractingly) made through the modest 10.0-inch media touchscreen. Except, to access it, you need to flip the toggle switch on the centre stack array, creating an unnecessarily cumbersome route to what ought to be a simple adjustment.

The media system, for its part, is pretty ordinary by most critical measures of sharpness, processor speed and usability. DAB+ and proprietary sat-nav are included, though letting the team down is the fisheyed reversing camera that does expand to 360-degree viewing, though the displayed imagery is quite small and grainy.

For its $60K ask the lack of wireless phone mirroring and the absence of inductive phone charging are glaring omissions. You do get four USB outlets of the older A type shared across both rows.

Row two doesn’t improve much on the in-cabin experience. The door aperture is awkward to negotiate, knee room is slim, and while the rear bench is comfy enough once you’ve nestled in there are few frills and no rear air vents.

The so-called panoramic roof also only covers the first row – it’s just a sunroof – and the high-swept door cards tend to block light and outward vision for shorter rear occupants, which leaves the E-2008 feeling somewhat claustrophobic.

Frankly, the 2008 format does feel skewed more towards couples who rarely need space for rear passengers, rather than a bona-fide SUV intended for small families.

In terms of boot space, the E-2008 officially offers the same 434L as the petrol versions, though there is a caveat here. The EV fits a dual floor and the cubby space this creates is ideal for storing the EV’s charge cable. However, it does eat into overall luggage space for what is effectively a much smaller boot than its stablemates by comparison.

Further, unlike the space-saver-equipped petrol alternatives, the EV doesn’t fit any spare wheel.

Is the E-2008 GT a safe car?

While the Peugeot 2008 earned a five-star ANCAP rating in 2019, the result only applies to internal combustion versions and, thus, excludes the electric E-2008.

That said, the electric newcomer does fit a more comprehensive features set than what is offered in the current Allure and GT petrol variants.

Standard features across the range include:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Multi-collision braking
• Lane departure warning
• Driver attention alert
• Distance alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Blind spot detection (GT only)

The E-2008 GT specifically adds:

• AEB low light pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane following assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (low-speed notification for pedestrians)  

No variants currently on offer fit reversing AEB, rear cross traffic alert or forward  junction alert. 

What are the E-2008 GT’s ownership costs?

Ownership credentials are quite enticing. Particularly when it comes to servicing.

Peugeot offers both a three-year and and five-year servicing pack that can be had for an up-front cost of $600 and $1000 respectively. Impressively, the intervals are a long 25,000kms between visit (or 12 months, whichever comes first).

Meanwhile, warranty is a typical five years of unlimited-kilometre coverage, while the battery is covered for eight years and up to 160,000kms.

Consumption wise, the E-2008 returned a consistent 16.3-16.4kWh. However, its small battery pack only manages to provide enough juice for an as-tested 284km of maximum range.

Recharging wise, 10-80 percent charge takes around 30 minutes at its 100kW DC fast charging peak. If you have access to a wallbox (an additional cost) it takes around five hours to charge to 100 percent at 11kW three phase and around 7.5 hours at 7.4kW single phase. Using a 10-amp domestic outlet takes 24 hours.

The honest verdict on the E-2008 GT

It’s fair to say that the E-2008 is Peugeot easing rather than diving into electric passenger car waters.

That said, it follows on quickly from the E-Partner small commercial van launched a few months back with largely similar EV motivation and the small SUV newcomer will be followed soon by the arrival of the compact E-208 electric hatchback.

None are pillars of electric performance or range, though in the case of the E-2008 – and the E-Partner – evidence suggests that the French importer is gently breaking new ground for itself by merely offering what it hopes are viable electric alternatives for their existing ICE-based models.

That this particular EV looks, feels and smells much like the petrol version is by design and is definitely enticing for those after French flair electrified but who don’t necessarily want to flaunt their electro-sensibilities.

Further, the modest EV means and limited range capabilities won’t deter certain buyers intent on using the E-2008 how Peugeot has pitched it: as a daily urban runabout for those who don’t habitually clock up big kays in their usual routines.

The E-2008 would likely make an ideal second car for those after a stylish runabout to sit alongside an ICE or hybrid vehicle slated for longer touring and motoring’s heavier lifting.

However, the 2008 as a breed does remain a mixed bag in outright terms. Sure, the EV motivation smooths over some rough patches paved by the 1.2L petrol three-pot versions and makes the crossover even more charming and likable, but it’s not without flaws and compromises.

That $16,500 walk-up from the petrol GT is a huge step, even when partially offset by many of the state and territory government rebates, and will surely deter many buyers keen to dip their toes into EV waters.

And while Peugeot boasts a much grander motoring providence, the Born nemesis from upstart Cupra outpunches the E-2008 on too many levels to be seriously ignored.

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With less than a year to run until the Volkswagen ID4 and ID5 midsize electric SUVs arrive in Australia, the brand says it will explicitly target the Tesla Model Y.

The push to pinch some of the Model Y’s significant market share in Australia’s EV segment will be bolstered by a newly-announced motor upgrade, the company says.

“Our clear aim for [the ID4 and ID5] will be the sales leader – that is the Tesla Model Y – and this [upgrade] will bring us the motor to be able to position [them] correctly,” said Volkswagen product and PR communications manager Daniel Degasperi.

“Our target is Model Y. We think we have the better car – we are an engineering-led company. In the way that they ride [and] drive, the ID4 and ID5 will be really good players in that segment,” said Degasperi.

The motor in question produces 210kW of power and 545Nm of torque and is positioned on the rear axle of the ID4 and ID5 for rear-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive GTX models likely to get 250kW power bump

Volkswagen will initially bring two flavours of both the ID4 midsize SUV and ID5 coupe-SUV for Australia. The rear-wheel drive models will use the aforementioned 210kW/545Nm motor, while AWD will be available in the GTX trim.

Final outputs for the Australian-specification GTX are yet to be determined.

Currently, the dual-motor ID4 GTX and ID5 GTX models produce 225kW – more power than the new single-motor RWD version – but the AWD GTX has just 460Nm of combined torque.

In order to keep the GTX versions clearly positioned above the RWD cars, outputs could grow to a combined 250kW/545Nm to match the related Cupra Tavascan which will arrive in Australia about a year later, in 2025.

Model Y pricing as a guideline

“We need to be [competitive on price],” acknowledged Degasperi.

“If you look at what the Model Y offers, with optional 20-inch wheels, we will come to the market very highly specified. We don’t want complexity.

“There may be an option pack here and there but generally, we will be highly specified.”

The Model Y has three trim grades – a 220kW/420Nm RWD model with 455km range (review), a 378kW/493Nm AWD long range with 533km, and a 393kW/660Nm Performance AWD with 514km (review).

These flavours are sold for $65,400, $78,400 and $91,400 before on-road costs respectively.

While Volkswagen won’t have a rival for the Model Y Performance, it should offer somewhat longer range. A high-spec ID4 RWD claims 481-537km range from a 77kWh-usable battery, while the ID4 GTX slips to 490-509km.

ID4 no longer planned to be Tiguan’s equivalent on price

The ID4 RWD model will mainly target the long range AWD version of the Model Y from a price perspective – around the $80,000 mark.

Initially, Volkswagen’s plan was to sell an ID4 model for about the same price as a petrol-powered Tiguan 162TSI R-Line SUV, but the brand has reset those expectations.

“I think it will be a very different market in 2024, with an all-new Tiguan that is more advanced with greater technology than before – I think [Tiguan and ID4 pricing] won’t be as close as we were predicting back then,” Degasperi told Chasing Cars this week.

Degasperi says that Volkswagen plans to import meaningful volumes of the ID4 and ID5 to Australia.

Volkswagen will not have a competitor for the Model Y Performance for the foreseeable future.

Australian-specification ID4 and ID5 models will start to be built in Germany in the middle of 2024, with the first deliveries set to occur in the third quarter of 2024.

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The smallest-ever Lexus SUV is coming to Australia.

Lexus confirmed today its LBX hybrid city SUV will arrive on local shores in the “first half of next year”, and be the brand’s new entry-level model.

A small crossover, the LBX intends to take the fight to cars like Audi’s Q2 and is built on Toyota’s GA-B platform, which also underpins the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross.

With styling inspiration borrowed from the 2003 LS-F concept, Lexus said the LBX previewed the “latest interpretation of the trademark Lexus spindle body” – hinting at the design direction for other models.

To be offered in both front-drive and all-wheel-drive variants, the LBX is powered by a 1.5-litre inline-three mated to a CVT and hybrid powertrain. In overseas guise, the LBX’s internal combustion engine produces 101kW and 184Nm, while all-wheel-drive is achieved by mounting an electric motor to the rear axle. Final outputs are yet to be confirmed.

The nickel-metal hydride battery, meanwhile, can offer “EV mode” for short periods and under light loads. Front-drive models are expected to use a rear Torsion beam, while all-wheel-drive models get more sophisticated independent rear suspension (IRS).

Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument display paired with a 9.8-inch, almost portrait touchscreen infotainment system; and vegan leather is available.

The LBX will come with Lexus’s full active safety suite including radar cruise control, lane tracing assist and advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

To be first shown in Australia at the Melbourne Cup Carnival early November (of which Lexus is a major sponsor) the LBX will sit below the current entry-level model, the $79,990 (before on-road costs) UX 300e Luxury. Lexus said Australian pricing will be confirmed early next year.

Lexus said LBX stood for “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover” and was eager to highlight the LBX is only the second Lexus model to use the fabled three-letter nomenclature, the only other being the LFA supercar.

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BMW’s Neue Klasse – the company’s biggest consolidation of design and technology principles in 60 years – will quickly infiltrate the entire BMW family and could even breech family lines, donating technology to other BMW Group brands as well.

Revealed at the IAA Mobility show in Munich this week, BMW’s all-encompassing Neue Klasse design and development direction will deliver its first model in 2025, followed by five other all-new models in the 24 months that follow.

However, the significant investment and research the German car maker is committing in the venture could realise greater economies of scale by contributing technological advances to Mini and Rolls Royce models.

Speaking at the reveal of the Neue Klasse in Munich, BMW Group head of design Adrian van Hooydonk said while the latest advances in technology, performance and sustainability would first be applied to the BMW family, the company’s size means it has to be ‘clever’ with its investment.

“Let’s firstly focus on BMW but as you know, in the global car world we are relatively small players so we have to be clever,” he said. 

“We have to be clever with certain components and that could be an electric engine, it could be battery cells, it could be some parts of the electric looms or that kind of thing, but we have always been very conscious in terms of design, not to carry over switch gear or anything.”

So while Mini and Rolls may borrow components including the revolutionary “heart of joy” which incorporates the electric drivetrain and dynamics control computers into the same single electronic control unit, it won’t impact the elements that make each brand individual, says Hooydonk.

“If there is anything shared, you won’t notice. It’s for us to get some economies of scale compared to some other big, big companies that are out there.”

If the Neue Klasse advances are shared, it won’t be until the BMW family is given a head start and Hooydonk confirmed that results of the new company direction would be seen in the line-up soon.

“After we launch the first car in 2025, within the space of two years we’ll change the face of the BMW brand completely in that direction,” he said. “It’s the biggest amount of change that we’ve ever done in the time I’ve been here.

“I hope, like Mini, you’re seeing that we are taking the brand back to its origins and its very assets. We’re cleaning everything up but we are keeping the essence. It’s a big leap forward.”

The Vision Neue Klasse concept is a more traditional looking BMW three-box sedan in form – an unexpected move given SUVs are expected to dominate the new range of models, but Hooydonk explained that it was an important step to forge the New Class with a sedan.

“Of course we do SUVs but if you want to show that you’re changing the core of the brand you can show it best in a sedan. Of course it stands for a whole range of vehicles – we’re going to roll that form language out over the entire brand and it’s going to happen quite quickly.”

As to what form the first production model will take, that’s still very much a secret but BMW’s head of design said the model will take a bigger step forward than almost any BMW before it, seeing a trend for all that follow.

“The new vehicle generation that’s coming in 2025 will look like we skipped a generation. It will be that new. We have to start early showing and explaining what we’re doing.

“Design, taste and even how they feel when you drive them will be very different.”

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