This is the Motoring Minute weekly news for Saturday 6 November 2021 with a roundup of all that is new or interesting in the Australian Automotive landscape.
Toyota Upgrades Gr Supra With Wireless CarPlay
First up this week is the news that Toyota has updated its rear-drive GR Supra performance coupe, with the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay® as standard
Offering seamless smartphone integration, apps such as music streaming services are enhanced by a 205W 10-speaker HiFi sound system on the GT, or a sophisticated 425W 12-speaker JBL®4 surround sound system on the GTS.
This latest technology update follows a substantial mechanical upgrade introduced in late 2020 that saw peak power output for the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine boosted from 250kW to 285kW from 5800-6500rpm.
Peak torque remained steady at 500Nm, however was made available over a wider band, from 1800-5000rpm.
Driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, the GR Supra is able to complete the sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 250km/h.
VW Corporate Social Responsibility
Amarok V6 Walkinshaw Series #0001 to be auctioned off for the Black Dog Institute
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia has announced that its very first ‘Big Bad Wolf’, the Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok V6 W580S, will be auctioned off to raise money for the Black Dog Institute and its work in mental health.
Volkswagen Australia will be collaborating with ebay’s preferred charity partner, Bid for Good, and hosting a five-day timed auction on the Amarok website, www.walkinshawstation.com.au/amarok-auction, from 23rd to 28th November 2021. All proceeds of the first Volkswagen Amarok V6 W580S auction will go directly to the Black Dog Institute to help with its work in providing support, research and discussion around mental health.
KIA all new Sportage has arrived and Pricing details announced.
Kia Australia has announced pricing for the all-new Sportage due to hit dealer showrooms next week.
In response to high consumer interest the ‘Build and Order Tool’ on Kia Australia’s website (https://www.kia.com/au/shopping-tools/build-and-price.trim.sportage.html) has now gone live.
KIA Sportage Pricing:
| Fuel Type | Powertrain | Transmission | Trim | RRP | D/A |
| Petrol | 2.0MPI FWD | 6MT | S | $32,445 | $34,690 |
| SX | $35,000 | $37,490 | |||
| 6AT | S | $34,445 | $35,690 | ||
| SX | $37,000 | $38,490 | |||
| SX+ | $41,500 | $44,490 | |||
| 1.6T-GDI AWD | 7DCT | SX+ | $43,500 | $46,990 | |
| GT-Line | $49,370 | $51,990 | |||
| Diesel | 2.0 CRDI AWD | 8AT | S | $39,845 | $42,690 |
| SX | $42,400 | $45,490 | |||
| SX+ | $46,900 | $49,990 | |||
| GT-Line | $52,370 | $54,990 |
Stay tuned for further details on November 12
Car sales still strong despite lower numbers
The Australian automotive market recorded sales of 74,650 new vehicles which is a decrease of 8.1% on October 2020 figures.
This decrease represents the impact of ongoing microprocessor shortages on international supply chains, but the supply of vehicles to Australia is expected to stabilize in 2022.
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were down 22.3% on October 2020. Western Australia recorded a decrease in sales of 15.4%, followed by the Northern Territory with a decline of 12.4% in vehicles sold. NSW recorded a fall of 12.2 % and South Australian figures were down 11.9% compared to the same month last year. Queensland recorded 10.3% less vehicles sold on October 2020 figures. Tasmania recorded a decrease of 1.6% vehicles sold and Victoria saw an increase of 6.3% on last year’s figures.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said it was clear manufacturers were having challenges with supply chains.
“Automotive manufacturers like all those in the global manufacturing sector are dealing with a microprocessor shortage which is leading to longer wait times to get products to market. Australians are continuing to purchase vehicles, and carmakers are working to deliver products to our shores,” Mr Weber said.
While sales were down overall, the number of electric vehicles sold continues to rise. This correlates with more State and Territory incentives for EVs coming online throughout the country.
Toyota was the market leader in October with 15,395 vehicles sold. This was followed by Hyundai with 6,115 and Ford with 5,462. Mazda was fourth place selling 5,181 cars and Kia came in fifth with 4,853.
The Ford Ranger was the highest selling model with 4,135 sold. The Toyota Hi-Lux came in second with 3,961 and the Toyota Landcruiser was third with 2,031 vehicles in the hands of customers. This was followed by the Toyota Corolla with 1,989 sold, and the Hyundai i30 with 1,946 sold.
SALES RESULTS
Source: VFACTS
All-New Honda Civic gets set for launch
The wait for the all-new 11th-generation Honda Civic is almost over, with a small initial lot of vehicles arriving in Australia last week to begin the countdown to launch.
More shipments of the all-new Civic are scheduled to arrive over the coming weeks, ahead of officially going on sale at Honda Centres around the country before the end of the year.
Honda tells us “The all-new Civic has been reimagined for a new generation of drivers, with a clean and modern interpretation of Honda’s longstanding ‘Man-Maximum/Machine-Minimum’ design philosophy.”
First revealed in late June, the all-new Civic five-door boasts a clean, modern design paired with a high-tech, human-centred interior and equipped with the latest advanced active and passive safety systems.
Under the bonnet sits the latest development of the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine, which has been updated for more power and torque, quicker response, improved fuel efficiency and quieter operation.
The new Civic has a more rigid body structure that provides an improved basis for dynamic excellence.
Tuned on European roads, the chassis has been updated for improved handling and sharper steering to create a refined and fun driving experience, while still delivering a comfortable ride.
The all-new Civic for Australia will be produced at the Saitama Factory Yorii Automobile Plant in the Saitama Prefecture in Japan.
What have we been driving this week?
To finish off for the week, we have been driving a real mixed bag of cars. First up is the all new LDV T60 Dual Cab Ute that is being released on the 10th November. As it’s a pre-release drive we can’t give out too much at this stage but stay focused for our drive impressions on the 10th.
Secondly we have the top spec Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDi Highlander as part of OzRoamer’ s ongoing COTY testing. The Highlander comes with a full suite of comfort, luxury and safety features and is incredibly comfortable around town and on the highway.
Lastly we have the KIA Rio GT which is a smaller hatchback jam packed with extras for a fun drive around town.
This is the Motoring Minute weekly News
Im Rob Fraser
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