Motoring News

2022 PORSCHE TAYCAN GTS

Published

2 years ago

2 September 2022

JeffG

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2022 PORSCHE TAYCAN GTS

By EWAN KENNEDY

Sleek Porsche hatchback cuts through the air with a minimum of fuss.

Porsche Taycan is a full electric five-door hatchback aimed at those who want a practical family vehicle with plenty of performance, and that does minimal harm to the environment.

That’s right – it’s a family hatch, but there’s a lot more to it than carrying you and the kids around. This is a full-on sports machine that can be taken on track days – or to simply carve your way around your favourite section of country road very early in the morning when there’s nobody else about.

Like all Porsches with GTS badges, it’s a midrange model. There are faster, much more expensive Taycan variants with added performance, but the standard model is relatively affordable starting at just $158,100 for a two-wheel-drive working on the rear wheels.

Prices can go sky high up to $283,000 if you go the whole hog with extra power in the so-called Turbo models. Obviously, the latter don’t have a turbocharger, but we guess that adding a lot of extra grunt does sort-of justify the Turbo tag (your thoughts?)

The warranty is three years and unlimited distance which is on the low side these days. Many vehicles are now covered for five years and no distance limit. Surely Porsche has enough faith in its cars to cover them for five years?

STYLING

Taycan carries a decent resemblance to the famed 911 which isn’t easy to do in a practical family car. We like the shape, as did all of our friends and neighbours who popped around to check it out. Well done the stylists!

The Taycan GTS variant has blacked-out styling elements within the front bar, headlights, door mirrors, side sills and window trim.

INTERIOR

The driver gets a 16.8-inch curved display easy to see at a glance. You can customise it, it’s beautifully laid out and easy to read in all light conditions.

Luggage space is useful, too, with 84 litres in the small front ‘boot’, sometimes tagged as being a ‘frunk’ a shortened version of front trunk … or a ‘froot’. There are 366 litres of space under the rear hatch and it’s easy to load.

INFOTAINMENT

A high-quality Bose audio system is standard. The high-resolution 10.9-inch touchscreen is clear to see in any light and is easy to use.

POWERTRAIN

Power is produced by two permanent magnet synchronous motors. There’s a two-speed transmission at the rear, the front axle has a single-speed.

The Porsche GTS model has 380 kW of power. But if you use ‘overboost’ there’s 440 kW and 850 Nm sent to all four wheels.

The Performance Battery Plus system gives you a 93.4 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 485 km.

During our 340 km week of driving, we averaged 19.8 kWh per 100 kilometres, which is less than the estimates given by Porsche. Perhaps because I tend to be an economical driver in all cars (and have a Guinness Book of Records entry to prove it).

SAFETY

The Porsche Taycan GTS hasn’t been rated by Australasian NCAP. It does score well on the Euro NCAP testing program, gaining the maximum of five stars in 2019

It has an active bonnet system, a full suite of airbags including curtain ‘bags along the entire roof frame and side window sections, and with rollover detection.

There’s lane-change assist and lane-keep assist with corrective steering should the driver not paying attention.

In addition, there’s active lane-keep assist with traffic jam assist and emergency assist, crossroad assist, collision and brake assist rear cross-traffic alert and exit warning.

DRIVING

The zero to 100 km/h time claimed by Porsche is 3.7 seconds. That’s right 3.7 seconds, not that many years back anything under six seconds was considered to be rocketship acceleration, the ultra-low time of the Taycan was due not only to its instantaneous reaction to flooring the right pedal but also the huge torque that’s there from one rpm.

Three driving modes allow you to select Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. The full 440kW comes in when you select launch-control. The 380kW still offers plenty of grunt.

Driver and three passenger get comfortable seats, with a bit of a squeeze in a centre seat in the back. The driver and front passenger have 18-way electric adjustable seats.

There’s a head-up display, which is easy to read even in sunlight.

RATINGS:

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 10/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 6/10 (mainly because of the short fuel range)

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 9/10

Value: 8/10

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Taycan RWD: $158,100

Taycan 4S AWD: $197,200

Taycan GTS AWD: $240,300

Taycan Turbo AWD: $280,300

Taycan Turbo S AWD: $351,000

Taycan Cross 4 Turismo: $178,800

Taycan Cross 4S Turismo: $208,000

Taycan Cross Turbo Turismo: $283,000

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Porsche dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Porsche Taycan GTS AWD EV Coupe)

ENGINE:

Capacity: NA

Configuration: NA

Maximum Power: 460 kW

Maximum Torque: 850 Nm @ rpm

Fuel Type: NA

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): L/100km

CO2 Emissions: Nil

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4963 mm

Wheelbase: 2900 mm

Width: 1966 mm

Height: 1381 mm

Turning Circle: 11.2 metres

Kerb Mass: 2295 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: NA

BRAKES:

Front: Ventilated disc

Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Three years / unlimited kilometres

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Motoring News

2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid-Only Pricing and Updates Announced

Published

20 hours ago

17 October 2024

Liam

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2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid-Only Pricing and Updates Announced

By Jeff Gibbs

Toyota has announced pricing for the 2025 Camry, which now features an all-hybrid lineup. The ninth-generation Camry sees prices increase by up to $2573 across the range, with the entry-level Camry Ascent starting at $39,990—a nearly $5000 jump after the removal of the non-hybrid base model. The Ascent Sport is priced at $42,990, and the top-tier Camry SL comes in at $53,990.

Though branded as the ninth generation, the 2025 Camry is largely a facelift of the previous model, retaining its TNGA-K architecture and critical dimensions. However, significant mechanical upgrades include retuned MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension for improved handling, along with a new steering rack for better responsiveness.

The 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid powertrain has been refined, boosting power by 10kW to 170kW. The lighter, more compact transaxle assembly, updated motor with six magnets, and a new 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery contribute to the Camry’s improved fuel efficiency of 4.0L/100km, down from 4.2L/100km. Brake feel and regenerative braking capacity have also been enhanced.

Inside, the cabin gets a modern redesign, with new dashboard elements, updated air vents, and a reconfigured centre console. The 8.0-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch LCD instrument panel now come standard on the Ascent, alongside dual-zone climate control for all variants.

The 2025 Camry is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Toyota’s capped-price servicing program offers maintenance every 12 months/15,000km at $255 per service for the first five years. The updated Camry is available now.

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Motoring News

2025 Hyundai i20 N: A Hot Hatch Powerhouse with Thrilling Performance and Tech

Published

2 days ago

15 October 2024

Liam

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2025 Hyundai i20 N: A Hot Hatch Powerhouse with Thrilling Performance and Tech

By Jeff Gibbs

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it produces 150kW of power and 275Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This compact powerhouse delivers a thrilling driving experience, with a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class.

The i20 N’s sharp handling is enhanced by a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension, and a lightweight chassis, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads or the track. Its aggressive styling, featuring bold lines, a large rear spoiler, and red exterior accents, adds to the sporty appeal.

Inside, the i20 N is equipped with a modern, driver-focused cabin. It features a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Sporty touches like N-branded seats and a steering wheel reinforce its performance-oriented nature.

However, the stiff suspension might be a drawback for those seeking everyday comfort. Despite this, the i20 N offers excellent value for enthusiasts, combining performance, practicality, and advanced tech at a competitive price point.

This hot hatch remains a standout for those looking for fun and functionality in a compact package.

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Local News

2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure

Published

3 weeks ago

25 September 2024

Liam

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2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure

By Jeff Gibbs

The all-new 2025 Smart #5 electric SUV is set to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors, combining cutting-edge electric technology with features designed for adventure. Created through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely (Volvo’s parent company), the “hashtag five” is poised to change weekend getaways with a unique blend of off-road capability, luxury, and tech.

Power and Range At the heart of the Smart #5 is a massive 100kWh battery, offering an impressive range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge. But this vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s equipped to power outdoor adventures. The Smart #5 can run a variety of appliances, including a fridge, movie projector, and a high-fidelity stereo, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and outdoor escapes.

Design and Off-Road Capability Sized similarly to a Subaru Forester, the Smart #5 is designed for mild off-road tasks with all-wheel-drive traction and ample ground clearance. For those looking to push further into the wild, an optional off-road pack draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, featuring practical additions like a fold-down ladder, rooftop cargo tray, and external storage for muddy or wet gear.

Luxurious Interior and Advanced Technology Inside, the Smart #5 offers a premium experience with a digital dashboard and two high-resolution AMOLED displays. The SUV also boasts an augmented reality head-up display, giving drivers enhanced navigation and information at a glance. Powered by a water-cooled computer processor, the system can run movies and video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub for remote locations.

2025 Smart #5 Interior

The vehicle’s heated seats come with a massage function and can fold flat to create a “king size” sleeping space — perfect for overnight stays, though likely not quite as large as a traditional mattress. Adding to the luxurious feel, the Sennheiser surround sound system provides immersive audio, while a cute electronic avatar acts as a digital assistant, similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri.

Innovative Features for Outdoor Adventures One of the standout features is the built-in movie projector, which, combined with the climate-controlled cabin, offers a unique way to relax under the stars. The SUV’s robust electrical system also allows it to power various appliances, transforming campsites into high-tech getaways.

Launch and Market Plans Though pricing details have not been confirmed, industry expectations suggest the Smart #5 could approach the $100,000 mark, especially given its extensive features and capabilities. This places it above the smaller Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.

The brand’s decision to debut the model globally in Byron Bay, Australia, underscores its intent to bring the Smart #5 to the Australian market. After its initial release in China later this year, production for Australia is expected to begin in 2025, with journalists from Europe and Asia already traveling to see the model in person.

With its combination of eco-friendly electric power, innovative tech, and off-road capability, the 2025 Smart #5 promises to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, catering to those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.

For more motoring news, click here.

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