Auto news: spring 2025
The latest developments in the car world.
Superbly positioned
The saying ‘the last of the dinosaurs ate well’ seems especially apt when it comes to the Skoda Superb, flagship of the Volkswagen-owned Czech Republic-based brand that recently launched the fourth-generation version of its large car. The new Superb is the last surviving member of the sub-$70k large car segment that once included the locally manufactured Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion, as well as the more recently departed Kia Stinger and Citroen C5 X. There’s still plenty of similar-sized rivals north of this price, including the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, but you’ll need to find an extra $30k-$40k over the Superb Sportline sedan’s $67,990 (MRLP) price, or $69,990 (MRLP) for the wagon.
Combining European design and engineering at a keen price isn’t the Superb’s only attribute, with this new model building on its predecessors’ reputation for generous interior space, strong performance and good dynamics. Both sedan and wagon come in a single highly specified Sportline trim, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo engine, driving all four wheels via seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Performance is brisk and handling dynamics are excellent in either body style, thanks in part to Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus) system, which automatically adjusts the adaptive dampers according to driving style and road conditions. As seen with previous generations, most buyers are expected to opt for the wagon with its generous 634-litre boot, expanding to 1920 litres when the second row is folded down.
Special K4
Dropping popular and well-established vehicle nameplates can be perilous – just ask Nissan Australia, which experienced a steep sales decline after changing the name of its popular Pulsar small car to Tiida in 2006. The decision was reversed six years later but not before the Tiida had lost a good chunk of the Pulsar’s market share.
Kia will be hoping for a different outcome after replacing its popular Cerato nameplate with the all-new K4 earlier this year, in a decision mandated by the brand’s global bosses. While the Cerato name may be missed by some, the new K4 is a better vehicle in practically every area, with the possible exception that it’s initially offered only as a sedan, with a hatchback to follow later this year.
Available in four trimlines (S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line) and with a choice of two petrol engines, the K4 goes head to head with Toyota’s segment-leading Corolla, with pricing starting at $30,590 for the K4 S and rising through four variants to the range-topping K4 GT-Line at $42,990. There’s no hybrid variant to battle the Corolla, though, with engines limited to a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder or a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder in the top-grade GT-Line.
A safer Targa
The internationally renowned tarmac rally Targa Tasmania returns to the Apple Isle in November after a three-year hiatus, with organisers saying the time was used to undertake a detailed review and implement significant changes to improve safety.
Regarded as one of the world’s most iconic motoring events, it was postponed indefinitely following the tragic deaths of four competitors in 2021 and 2022. Among numerous changes implemented by organisers to improve safety is a move from the traditional April/May date with its challenging wintery weather to a new start date of Sunday 16 November. Targa 2025 will get underway in Hobart with a ceremonial start followed by competition on several revamped stages across the state’s south.
The event then heads to Devonport for an overnight stop on Monday 17 November before moving to Launceston the following day, where it remains until the official finish on Friday 21 November.
With more than 30 sections of road closed to the public and more than 2000 kilometres of sealed roads traversing amazing landscapes, Targa Tasmania promises everything from rally competition to more genteel Targa Tours, designed for people who want to enjoy driving on some of Australia’s best roads without the competition element. For more, visit targa.com.au