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2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza get safety upgrades, price rises

2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza get safety upgrades, price rises

Canberra Times18-06-2025
The Impreza hatch – which isn't offered with a hybrid powertrain locally – remains more expensive than both the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 hatch, though the Crosstrek still undercuts the most affordable all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross.
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Hyundai Kona N Line: Redefining small SUVs
Hyundai Kona N Line: Redefining small SUVs

The Advertiser

time24-06-2025

  • The Advertiser

Hyundai Kona N Line: Redefining small SUVs

SPONSORED: The small SUV segment is bursting at the seams. Every brand has a player, but few have struck the same chord with Aussie buyers as the Hyundai Kona – and after living with the latest generation, it's obvious why. In a sea of sameness, the Kona is different. It doesn't just follow trends – it boldly veers off-course, setting a new design benchmark in a segment that often plays it safe. That bold, ultra-modern front-end, punctuated by Hyundai's Seamless Horizon Lighting – a full-width LED strip straight from the Ioniq playbook – sets the tone. There's nothing conservative about it. It's clean, sculpted, progressive… It's a very cool light signature that's just as visually captivating at the rear. Look closer and you'll notice split LED headlight clusters up front, sculpted wheel-arches, and even active aero flaps in place of a traditional grille. It looks like a concept car brought to life – not in 2030, but now. And in eye-catching hues like the Soultronic Orange paint you see here, it's likely to generate FOMO. Want more edge? The N Line package dials up the aggression, adding exclusive bumpers and side skirts, plus twin exhaust outlets and a centre-mounted rear-positioning LED. Inside, it's just as sharp. There's quality leather and Alcantara trim, dark metal accents, and sporty touches that wouldn't look out of place in a hot hatch. And, crucially, the N Line look and feel isn't locked away only for top-end variants. You can spec it across multiple trim levels – a clever move that Hyundai's rivals haven't quite matched. Step inside, and the Kona continues to punch well above its price tag. Even the base model feels tech-rich and well-finished, with standard features that would've been luxuries a few years ago – like dual-zone climate control, Smart Cruise Control with stop/go, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, stylish 18-inch alloys, LED lighting, remote engine start and both front and rear parking sensors. But go Premium and the whole Kona experience is noticeably elevated. You get ventilated and powered front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, a BOSE premium audio system, powered tailgate, and Hyundai's clever Remote Smart Parking Assist – yes, the Kona can reverse itself out of a tight spot while you stand beside it. Forwards too. Even the interface feels high-end. Twin 12.3-inch displays (in the Premium grade) stretch across the dash, offering slick graphics and intuitive menus. The shift-by-wire gear selector not only looks and feels modern – it frees up space in the centre tunnel for open storage. Everything feels designed, not just assembled. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services come standard across the range and improve everyday usability. Forgot to lock your car? Do it from your phone. Want to start the engine and cool the cabin before you leave the café? Easy. Can't find it in the Westfield carpark? Flash the lights and beep the horn remotely – it's dead easy. You can even use the smart key to move the car forward or back into a tight space without sitting inside. It's intuitive, seamless and once you have it you won't want to live without it. The Kona also benefits from over-the-air updates (OTA), delivering the latest software (including new features) wirelessly. Despite being under 4.4 metres long, the new Kona is deceptively spacious. Hyundai has stretched the wheelbase and widened the cabin, meaning more legroom, headroom and shoulder room for everyone – even with the optional sunroof. Hip room is up on its predecessor, too. Cargo space has also improved. The boot has grown by 33 litres to 407L, and with the rear seats folded you get a massive 1241L. Load height is lower and the opening is wider, making it far easier to handle groceries, prams or gear. It's practical in all the right ways. Where the Kona really blows past its rivals is powertrain diversity. There are three distinct drivetrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (with 2WD), a punchy 1.6L turbo-petrol engine (with AWD), and the hero of the lineup – the 1.6L hybrid. The hybrid offers the best of both worlds: strong off-the-line performance (even in Eco mode), paddle-controlled regenerative braking, and outstanding economy – Hyundai claims just 3.9L/100km (we saw 4.0L/100km). Even more impressive? You can get the electrified drivetrain from the base grade. There's also an all-electric Kona and it's available in multiple trim grades, but the petrol and hybrid variants are compelling enough on their own. The Kona doesn't just look and feel like a premium car – it drives like one, too. Built on Hyundai's third-generation K platform, Hyundai's latest small SUV is quieter, more rigid, and more responsive than before. Wind and road noise are down thanks to better insulation – including sound-absorbing pads under the carpet. It's next-level refinement for the category. Handling is tidy, steering is accurate, and the ride is composed – whether you're navigating backstreets or chewing through highway miles. There's confidence in the chassis and maturity in the way it responds to Aussie roads. It's comfortable, too, thanks to the softness of the Alcantara trim and generous seat support, even after hours behind the wheel. Of course, all this is backed by a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features and seven airbags. The long list of safety features includes Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Assist. It's not just safe – it's cleverly safe. The suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) work smoothly and don't over-police the driver like some rivals do. Hyundai gets the balance pretty much right. With its head-turning design, feature-rich cabin, generous space, and unmatched drivetrain choice, the Hyundai Kona feels like it belongs in a class of its own. It's premium without the price tag, smart without being complex, and practical without sacrificing personality. There really is a Kona for everyone – from tech-savvy urban drivers to families wanting safety and space, and hybrid converts demanding efficiency without compromise. And all of them will find it genuinely fun to drive. Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from: SPONSORED: The small SUV segment is bursting at the seams. Every brand has a player, but few have struck the same chord with Aussie buyers as the Hyundai Kona – and after living with the latest generation, it's obvious why. In a sea of sameness, the Kona is different. It doesn't just follow trends – it boldly veers off-course, setting a new design benchmark in a segment that often plays it safe. That bold, ultra-modern front-end, punctuated by Hyundai's Seamless Horizon Lighting – a full-width LED strip straight from the Ioniq playbook – sets the tone. There's nothing conservative about it. It's clean, sculpted, progressive… It's a very cool light signature that's just as visually captivating at the rear. Look closer and you'll notice split LED headlight clusters up front, sculpted wheel-arches, and even active aero flaps in place of a traditional grille. It looks like a concept car brought to life – not in 2030, but now. And in eye-catching hues like the Soultronic Orange paint you see here, it's likely to generate FOMO. Want more edge? The N Line package dials up the aggression, adding exclusive bumpers and side skirts, plus twin exhaust outlets and a centre-mounted rear-positioning LED. Inside, it's just as sharp. There's quality leather and Alcantara trim, dark metal accents, and sporty touches that wouldn't look out of place in a hot hatch. And, crucially, the N Line look and feel isn't locked away only for top-end variants. You can spec it across multiple trim levels – a clever move that Hyundai's rivals haven't quite matched. Step inside, and the Kona continues to punch well above its price tag. Even the base model feels tech-rich and well-finished, with standard features that would've been luxuries a few years ago – like dual-zone climate control, Smart Cruise Control with stop/go, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, stylish 18-inch alloys, LED lighting, remote engine start and both front and rear parking sensors. But go Premium and the whole Kona experience is noticeably elevated. You get ventilated and powered front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, a BOSE premium audio system, powered tailgate, and Hyundai's clever Remote Smart Parking Assist – yes, the Kona can reverse itself out of a tight spot while you stand beside it. Forwards too. Even the interface feels high-end. Twin 12.3-inch displays (in the Premium grade) stretch across the dash, offering slick graphics and intuitive menus. The shift-by-wire gear selector not only looks and feels modern – it frees up space in the centre tunnel for open storage. Everything feels designed, not just assembled. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services come standard across the range and improve everyday usability. Forgot to lock your car? Do it from your phone. Want to start the engine and cool the cabin before you leave the café? Easy. Can't find it in the Westfield carpark? Flash the lights and beep the horn remotely – it's dead easy. You can even use the smart key to move the car forward or back into a tight space without sitting inside. It's intuitive, seamless and once you have it you won't want to live without it. The Kona also benefits from over-the-air updates (OTA), delivering the latest software (including new features) wirelessly. Despite being under 4.4 metres long, the new Kona is deceptively spacious. Hyundai has stretched the wheelbase and widened the cabin, meaning more legroom, headroom and shoulder room for everyone – even with the optional sunroof. Hip room is up on its predecessor, too. Cargo space has also improved. The boot has grown by 33 litres to 407L, and with the rear seats folded you get a massive 1241L. Load height is lower and the opening is wider, making it far easier to handle groceries, prams or gear. It's practical in all the right ways. Where the Kona really blows past its rivals is powertrain diversity. There are three distinct drivetrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (with 2WD), a punchy 1.6L turbo-petrol engine (with AWD), and the hero of the lineup – the 1.6L hybrid. The hybrid offers the best of both worlds: strong off-the-line performance (even in Eco mode), paddle-controlled regenerative braking, and outstanding economy – Hyundai claims just 3.9L/100km (we saw 4.0L/100km). Even more impressive? You can get the electrified drivetrain from the base grade. There's also an all-electric Kona and it's available in multiple trim grades, but the petrol and hybrid variants are compelling enough on their own. The Kona doesn't just look and feel like a premium car – it drives like one, too. Built on Hyundai's third-generation K platform, Hyundai's latest small SUV is quieter, more rigid, and more responsive than before. Wind and road noise are down thanks to better insulation – including sound-absorbing pads under the carpet. It's next-level refinement for the category. Handling is tidy, steering is accurate, and the ride is composed – whether you're navigating backstreets or chewing through highway miles. There's confidence in the chassis and maturity in the way it responds to Aussie roads. It's comfortable, too, thanks to the softness of the Alcantara trim and generous seat support, even after hours behind the wheel. Of course, all this is backed by a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features and seven airbags. The long list of safety features includes Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Assist. It's not just safe – it's cleverly safe. The suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) work smoothly and don't over-police the driver like some rivals do. Hyundai gets the balance pretty much right. With its head-turning design, feature-rich cabin, generous space, and unmatched drivetrain choice, the Hyundai Kona feels like it belongs in a class of its own. It's premium without the price tag, smart without being complex, and practical without sacrificing personality. There really is a Kona for everyone – from tech-savvy urban drivers to families wanting safety and space, and hybrid converts demanding efficiency without compromise. And all of them will find it genuinely fun to drive. Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from: SPONSORED: The small SUV segment is bursting at the seams. Every brand has a player, but few have struck the same chord with Aussie buyers as the Hyundai Kona – and after living with the latest generation, it's obvious why. In a sea of sameness, the Kona is different. It doesn't just follow trends – it boldly veers off-course, setting a new design benchmark in a segment that often plays it safe. That bold, ultra-modern front-end, punctuated by Hyundai's Seamless Horizon Lighting – a full-width LED strip straight from the Ioniq playbook – sets the tone. There's nothing conservative about it. It's clean, sculpted, progressive… It's a very cool light signature that's just as visually captivating at the rear. Look closer and you'll notice split LED headlight clusters up front, sculpted wheel-arches, and even active aero flaps in place of a traditional grille. It looks like a concept car brought to life – not in 2030, but now. And in eye-catching hues like the Soultronic Orange paint you see here, it's likely to generate FOMO. Want more edge? The N Line package dials up the aggression, adding exclusive bumpers and side skirts, plus twin exhaust outlets and a centre-mounted rear-positioning LED. Inside, it's just as sharp. There's quality leather and Alcantara trim, dark metal accents, and sporty touches that wouldn't look out of place in a hot hatch. And, crucially, the N Line look and feel isn't locked away only for top-end variants. You can spec it across multiple trim levels – a clever move that Hyundai's rivals haven't quite matched. Step inside, and the Kona continues to punch well above its price tag. Even the base model feels tech-rich and well-finished, with standard features that would've been luxuries a few years ago – like dual-zone climate control, Smart Cruise Control with stop/go, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, stylish 18-inch alloys, LED lighting, remote engine start and both front and rear parking sensors. But go Premium and the whole Kona experience is noticeably elevated. You get ventilated and powered front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, a BOSE premium audio system, powered tailgate, and Hyundai's clever Remote Smart Parking Assist – yes, the Kona can reverse itself out of a tight spot while you stand beside it. Forwards too. Even the interface feels high-end. Twin 12.3-inch displays (in the Premium grade) stretch across the dash, offering slick graphics and intuitive menus. The shift-by-wire gear selector not only looks and feels modern – it frees up space in the centre tunnel for open storage. Everything feels designed, not just assembled. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services come standard across the range and improve everyday usability. Forgot to lock your car? Do it from your phone. Want to start the engine and cool the cabin before you leave the café? Easy. Can't find it in the Westfield carpark? Flash the lights and beep the horn remotely – it's dead easy. You can even use the smart key to move the car forward or back into a tight space without sitting inside. It's intuitive, seamless and once you have it you won't want to live without it. The Kona also benefits from over-the-air updates (OTA), delivering the latest software (including new features) wirelessly. Despite being under 4.4 metres long, the new Kona is deceptively spacious. Hyundai has stretched the wheelbase and widened the cabin, meaning more legroom, headroom and shoulder room for everyone – even with the optional sunroof. Hip room is up on its predecessor, too. Cargo space has also improved. The boot has grown by 33 litres to 407L, and with the rear seats folded you get a massive 1241L. Load height is lower and the opening is wider, making it far easier to handle groceries, prams or gear. It's practical in all the right ways. Where the Kona really blows past its rivals is powertrain diversity. There are three distinct drivetrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (with 2WD), a punchy 1.6L turbo-petrol engine (with AWD), and the hero of the lineup – the 1.6L hybrid. The hybrid offers the best of both worlds: strong off-the-line performance (even in Eco mode), paddle-controlled regenerative braking, and outstanding economy – Hyundai claims just 3.9L/100km (we saw 4.0L/100km). Even more impressive? You can get the electrified drivetrain from the base grade. There's also an all-electric Kona and it's available in multiple trim grades, but the petrol and hybrid variants are compelling enough on their own. The Kona doesn't just look and feel like a premium car – it drives like one, too. Built on Hyundai's third-generation K platform, Hyundai's latest small SUV is quieter, more rigid, and more responsive than before. Wind and road noise are down thanks to better insulation – including sound-absorbing pads under the carpet. It's next-level refinement for the category. Handling is tidy, steering is accurate, and the ride is composed – whether you're navigating backstreets or chewing through highway miles. There's confidence in the chassis and maturity in the way it responds to Aussie roads. It's comfortable, too, thanks to the softness of the Alcantara trim and generous seat support, even after hours behind the wheel. Of course, all this is backed by a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features and seven airbags. The long list of safety features includes Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Assist. It's not just safe – it's cleverly safe. The suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) work smoothly and don't over-police the driver like some rivals do. Hyundai gets the balance pretty much right. With its head-turning design, feature-rich cabin, generous space, and unmatched drivetrain choice, the Hyundai Kona feels like it belongs in a class of its own. It's premium without the price tag, smart without being complex, and practical without sacrificing personality. There really is a Kona for everyone – from tech-savvy urban drivers to families wanting safety and space, and hybrid converts demanding efficiency without compromise. And all of them will find it genuinely fun to drive. Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from: SPONSORED: The small SUV segment is bursting at the seams. Every brand has a player, but few have struck the same chord with Aussie buyers as the Hyundai Kona – and after living with the latest generation, it's obvious why. In a sea of sameness, the Kona is different. It doesn't just follow trends – it boldly veers off-course, setting a new design benchmark in a segment that often plays it safe. That bold, ultra-modern front-end, punctuated by Hyundai's Seamless Horizon Lighting – a full-width LED strip straight from the Ioniq playbook – sets the tone. There's nothing conservative about it. It's clean, sculpted, progressive… It's a very cool light signature that's just as visually captivating at the rear. Look closer and you'll notice split LED headlight clusters up front, sculpted wheel-arches, and even active aero flaps in place of a traditional grille. It looks like a concept car brought to life – not in 2030, but now. And in eye-catching hues like the Soultronic Orange paint you see here, it's likely to generate FOMO. Want more edge? The N Line package dials up the aggression, adding exclusive bumpers and side skirts, plus twin exhaust outlets and a centre-mounted rear-positioning LED. Inside, it's just as sharp. There's quality leather and Alcantara trim, dark metal accents, and sporty touches that wouldn't look out of place in a hot hatch. And, crucially, the N Line look and feel isn't locked away only for top-end variants. You can spec it across multiple trim levels – a clever move that Hyundai's rivals haven't quite matched. Step inside, and the Kona continues to punch well above its price tag. Even the base model feels tech-rich and well-finished, with standard features that would've been luxuries a few years ago – like dual-zone climate control, Smart Cruise Control with stop/go, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, stylish 18-inch alloys, LED lighting, remote engine start and both front and rear parking sensors. But go Premium and the whole Kona experience is noticeably elevated. You get ventilated and powered front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, a BOSE premium audio system, powered tailgate, and Hyundai's clever Remote Smart Parking Assist – yes, the Kona can reverse itself out of a tight spot while you stand beside it. Forwards too. Even the interface feels high-end. Twin 12.3-inch displays (in the Premium grade) stretch across the dash, offering slick graphics and intuitive menus. The shift-by-wire gear selector not only looks and feels modern – it frees up space in the centre tunnel for open storage. Everything feels designed, not just assembled. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services come standard across the range and improve everyday usability. Forgot to lock your car? Do it from your phone. Want to start the engine and cool the cabin before you leave the café? Easy. Can't find it in the Westfield carpark? Flash the lights and beep the horn remotely – it's dead easy. You can even use the smart key to move the car forward or back into a tight space without sitting inside. It's intuitive, seamless and once you have it you won't want to live without it. The Kona also benefits from over-the-air updates (OTA), delivering the latest software (including new features) wirelessly. Despite being under 4.4 metres long, the new Kona is deceptively spacious. Hyundai has stretched the wheelbase and widened the cabin, meaning more legroom, headroom and shoulder room for everyone – even with the optional sunroof. Hip room is up on its predecessor, too. Cargo space has also improved. The boot has grown by 33 litres to 407L, and with the rear seats folded you get a massive 1241L. Load height is lower and the opening is wider, making it far easier to handle groceries, prams or gear. It's practical in all the right ways. Where the Kona really blows past its rivals is powertrain diversity. There are three distinct drivetrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (with 2WD), a punchy 1.6L turbo-petrol engine (with AWD), and the hero of the lineup – the 1.6L hybrid. The hybrid offers the best of both worlds: strong off-the-line performance (even in Eco mode), paddle-controlled regenerative braking, and outstanding economy – Hyundai claims just 3.9L/100km (we saw 4.0L/100km). Even more impressive? You can get the electrified drivetrain from the base grade. There's also an all-electric Kona and it's available in multiple trim grades, but the petrol and hybrid variants are compelling enough on their own. The Kona doesn't just look and feel like a premium car – it drives like one, too. Built on Hyundai's third-generation K platform, Hyundai's latest small SUV is quieter, more rigid, and more responsive than before. Wind and road noise are down thanks to better insulation – including sound-absorbing pads under the carpet. It's next-level refinement for the category. Handling is tidy, steering is accurate, and the ride is composed – whether you're navigating backstreets or chewing through highway miles. There's confidence in the chassis and maturity in the way it responds to Aussie roads. It's comfortable, too, thanks to the softness of the Alcantara trim and generous seat support, even after hours behind the wheel. Of course, all this is backed by a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features and seven airbags. The long list of safety features includes Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Warning, and Safe Exit Assist. It's not just safe – it's cleverly safe. The suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) work smoothly and don't over-police the driver like some rivals do. Hyundai gets the balance pretty much right. With its head-turning design, feature-rich cabin, generous space, and unmatched drivetrain choice, the Hyundai Kona feels like it belongs in a class of its own. It's premium without the price tag, smart without being complex, and practical without sacrificing personality. There really is a Kona for everyone – from tech-savvy urban drivers to families wanting safety and space, and hybrid converts demanding efficiency without compromise. And all of them will find it genuinely fun to drive. Interested in buying a Hyundai Kona? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Hyundai Kona showroom Content originally sourced from:

Watch: Speed bump caused by hot weather sends Toyota Corolla flying
Watch: Speed bump caused by hot weather sends Toyota Corolla flying

7NEWS

time24-06-2025

  • 7NEWS

Watch: Speed bump caused by hot weather sends Toyota Corolla flying

A heatwave has wreaked havoc on some roads in the US state of Missouri, and the moment one of them buckled in the heat has been caught on camera. In footage taken by Albert Blackwell over the weekend, we can see a road in the city of Cape Girardeau suddenly pop up just as a Toyota Corolla reaches it, sending the small sedan airborne. Temperatures in the city have been above 30 degrees Celsius in recent days, prompting a heat advisory. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. As the Missouri Department of Transportation has previously explained to Fox2Now, this buckling can occur when the roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has crept in. These cracks can in turn weaken the pavement and lead to such incidents. The City of Cape Girardeau subsequently confirmed two more streets have buckled in the heat wave, and warned more incidents could occur. In the meantime, work crews have been deploying temporary street patches.

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