FRESH MARQUES

New car news with Chris Nixon.

KOREA’S BENTLEY-BEATER

Hold your breath: this stunning convertible was made by … Hyundai.

Well, actually by Hyundai’s luxury subsidiary Genesis.

The electric Genesis X Convertible is a concept design, but has American car dealers s lavering for a production version after it was unveiled recently in California.

It’s the last in a trio of concepts the Korean maker has released since 2021, the others a GT and Coupe.

Supporters see it rivalling established heavyweights such as the Bentley Continental, but at a far cheaper price.

Genesis has had a low-key start since 2019 to its second tilt at the Australian market, but its products are extremely stylish and have been praised widely for their ability, comfort and quality.

Let

BRING BACK THE BRUMBY?

Decades ago, the little 4WD Brumby ute was a great success for Subaru in Australia.

It was capable, rugged, durable, light and economical and farmers loved them.

Now, as Brumbys genuinely become collectors’ items, vehicle makers are planning a new generation of light utilities to sit in the market below the horde of jumbo-utes that increasingly clog our roads.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick already are on sale in America.

A Santa Cruz has been spotted in Sydney, presumably for local evaluation, while Volkswagen is said to be considering its version.

I think, Toyota’s entry of a mini-HiLux is of greatest interest.

Tipped for reveal mid-year, it could be called the Stout (remember that name?) and feature hybridelectric power.

There’s no word yet on whether it will be built in right-hand drive, but it’s difficult to imagine it not being a huge hit in Australia.

The current crop of utes, competent as they are, defy the supposed social agenda to reduce, not increase, the automotive carbon footprint.

They are the biggest-selling vehicles in Australia.

A return to smaller, practical utes would be a step in the right direction.