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Mazda’s EV evolution
Like many car makers today, Mazda is busy reinventing itself and its product line-up in response to the shift to electric vehicles (EVs). The company has said a quarter of all its new models globally will be pure EVs by 2030, with all other models to have some elements of electrification. One of the first fruits of this labour arrived earlier this year in the form of the MX-30 M Hybrid, which has now been joined by the MX-30 Electric E35. The pair share the same attractively styled compact SUV body, with its coupe-like profile and unconventional reverse-opening ‘freestyle’ doors. Available in a single high-grade Astina variant, the MX-30 E35 costs a hefty $65,490, plus on-road costs, but boasts an excellent ANCAP five-star safety rating. Performance is brisk, courtesy of a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack and synchronous electric motor sending 107kW/271Nm to the front wheels. However, with a range of 224km, Mazda’s first EV lags behind rivals such as Hyundai’s Kona EV, which can cover 484km on a charge.
P For more, visitmazda.com.au
auto news. The latest developments in the car world
Toyota Land Cruiser goes platinum
The Toyota Land Cruiser marked its 70th anniversary on 1 August. It debuted in Japan on that day in 1951, badged the Toyota BJ. It would be another three years before the Land Cruiser name appeared on the side of the ruggedly utilitarian off-roader, but the moniker has since gone on to adorn more than 10 million vehicles worldwide. Toyota Australia is marking the Cruiser’s platinum anniversary with a special-edition 70 Series, available in three body styles and with unique interior and exterior features. Arriving in dealerships in September, just 600 examples of the 70th Anniversary Land Cruiser will be built, including 320 double cabs, 200 single cabs and 80 wagons, with prices starting from $78,500 (MRLP*). Land Cruiser fanatics who miss the cut can console themselves with the knowledge the all-new 300 Series arrives in the fourth quarter. For more, visit toyota.com.au
*manufacturer’s recommended list price
Land Cruiser, by numbers 1951
The year Toyota released the BJ 4WD for use by Japan’s National Police Reserve Forces. The military-style 4x4 featured open sides, a folding fabric roof and a 3.4-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.
3775
The height in metres of Mount Fuji, upon which fearless Toyota test driver Ichiro Taira steered a prototype BJ to the sixth of 10 checkpoints during the vehicle’s development.
1955
The year that the secondgeneration Land Cruiser was released, following the adoption of the name in 1954. It featured a redesigned look, more suited to civilian use.
24
The years the legendary 40-Series Land Cruiser remained in production, following its 1960 launch. Although not the first Land Cruiser to land in Australia, it marked the beginning of the model’s acceptance as a mainstream workhorse.
Haval’s second take
Chinese automotive brands have been powering ahead in Australia, with the likes of MG (+233%), LDV (+116%) and GWM (+268%) all registering impressively strong year-to-date results. Boosting those figures for GWM (formerly Great Wall Motors) is the Haval Jolion, a new compact SUV that replaces the unloved Haval H2 and competes with Hyundai’s Kona and MG’s ZS. Roomier than most rivals, thanks to a wheelbase closer to a mid-sized SUV, the Jolion is well equipped and sharply priced, starting from $25,490 driveaway for the entry level ‘Premium’, rising to $30,990 driveaway for the ‘Ultra’. It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine, putting 110kW/210Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s no ANCAP rating yet, but every model boasts an impressive array of advanced electronic safety aids, including a camera-based driver fatigue monitoring system. There’s peace of mind for prospective buyers too, with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and a competitive Capped Price Service program. For more, visit gwmhaval.com.au
Tassie takes charge
Tasmanian electric vehicle (EV) drivers will soon find it easier to charge their vehicles here and on the mainland, thanks to a new initiative that will see more than 400 public fast-charging stations for EVs rolled out nationwide. In what the Electric Vehicle Council described as “great news for Australia’s electric vehicle sector”, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) recently announced $24.55 million in funding to five applicants across 19 projects, to expand Australia’s fast-charging network for battery electric vehicles. Cofunded by the Federal Government’s Future Fuels Fund, the initiative will see Evie Networks install five new public fast-charging stations, each featuring two fast chargers, in Hobart and surrounding areas, while Electric Highway Tasmania (EHT) will build five more fast-charging stations in Hobart. For more, visit arena.gov.au
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NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT
NET RETURN ON INVESTMENT
CURRENT PERFORMANCE:
LAST QUARTER PERFORMANCE:
2.45%p.a* 2.47%p.a*
LAST YEAR PERFORMANCE: 2.52%p.a*
Returns are net of fees and are likely to change in line with changes in market interest rates. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. There is a risk that an investment in the fund will achieve lower than expected returns. An investment in the fund is an equity investment in a managed investment scheme. It is not a bank deposit. An investor faces a higher risk of losing some or all their investment than is the case with a bank deposit. This information does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any investor. Before making any investment decision, investors should consider taking professional advice.
