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AJ Film and Photography, Perth (2024)

21/08/2024

The Final Drive - Kia Australia Sorento GT-Line by Midland Kia

Earning itself a solid reputation in the family SUV lineup, the Kia Sorento has recently undergone a mild mid-life facelift, with a sprinkling of new technology and features here and there to bring it in line with the fast-evolving new competition in the market around it. Tough and dependable, this new GT-Line trim adds and removes some minor inclusions here and there to make it quite the classy offering. Is the Sorento GT-Line still in touch, or has it become sanitised in quite the rile market segment? Let’s find out in this final drive review of the Kia Sorento GT-Line, thanks to Midland Kia.

As part of this mid-life refresh, the Sorento has become more spacious and more spacious, reaffirming its strong hold in the market segment as a class leader. Not only do Kia boast and claim it to be one of the most high-tech vehicles they’ve made, but be a bit of a market leader in some areas. As part of this refresh, the biggest changes have actually come about to the exterior of the vehicle, with the new Sorento donning a revised grille and front headlight design more so inline with the current crop of Kia vehicles including the EV9. The GT line also includes a set of indiscreet fog lamps in the lower grille, as well as revised wheel designs which look particularly striking in the GT-Line trim pictures, while the rear of the vehicle also receives a set of LED rear tailights. A noticeable change is the removal of the GT-line badging which was prominent on the previous generation, with the replacement of a 4X badge to symbolise its AWD capabilities.

Inside, the GT-Line receives some subtle changes and tweaks to its already masterful interior layout, including revised quilted leather and the latest version of Kia’s infotainment system which includes the latest version of Kia Connect with wireless smartphone mirroring as well as the second iteration of Smart Highway Driving cruise control which can even assist with lane changes if required. Beyond these changes, the Sorento still boasts all the features one could truly ask for in a family-sized SUV, including plentiful USB-C charging points, dual zone climate control, plenty of space for seven occupants, heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated second row and heads up display. Being an AWD, there are also variable off-road modes to select which makes it capable for when the odd occasion arises where you may need to test its abilities.

One thing that remains unchanged is the impressive 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine from the previous generation, which provides 148 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque, along with an average real world fuel range starting with a 6, which is super impressive for a car of this size. Additionally around town, thanks to its low-down torque, the Sorento picks up nicely and can get you out of any sticky situation you may find yourself, with visibility and width being quite impressive and manageable. But thanks to its width, what you can do with ease is seat 5 in the second and third row with ease and comfort, making this one a super capable car. Whether you are a family or looking for a future-proofed car, then the Sorento is a hard one to pass up.

Other creature comforts, well not only can it seat seven in supreme comfort, it includes other luxury refinements like a panoramic sunroof, digital centre mirror, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, third row fan controls and air vents and even remote smart parking assist which allows you to use the key to move the vehicle forwards and backwards, meaning the kids have no excuse to smash your doors into other vehicles or poles and you can literally be the coolest cat in town!

While the Sorento is beginning to show its age in the segment, it still offers a vast amount of refinements and features to make it one of the most attractive purchases in the larger SUV market segment. Boasting a 7-year warranty and fresh new looks, it still can walk the walk and talk the talk.

For more on the Sorento, visit the AJ Instagram page.

10/08/2024

The Final Drive - GWM Tank 300

Unique, rugged and tough are just some of the words that spring to mind when I look at the GWM Tank 300. Combining luxury and on and off-road capabilities well beyond it’s price tag. With features as long as my right arm, just how good is this thing on the black stuff, and even when the black stuff runs out? Let’s find out!

One of the things I absolutely love about the Tank 300 is its potential. Whether you’re buying this to use it as intended (off the beaten track) or just pavement crawl, the Tank offers the perfect combination of refinement and capability. From its super smooth suspension set up to its highway terrain tyres, everything serves a purpose for a more smoother and comfortable drive. For the driver, the driving position is excellent with visibility all round being really impressive. Sure, in typical Jeep fashion you have small and narrow door mirrors, however blind spot monitoring and the 360-degree camera system you get as standard make up for this. Whilst some vehicles from China tend to have super soft and bouncy suspension tunes, the Tank 300, being more off-road focused, has quite a well-rounded set up, with it handling highway and rougher road terrains quite well, with the sound insulation being particularly impressive. For when the going gets rough, the Tank 300’s ride is super impressive, boarding on being almost air suspension like, making it quite the leader in its class.

For those looking for a car to shatter quarter mile records in, then you’re definitely in the wrong place. However, the Tank 300 does come with a 2.0 liter turbo petrol, four cylinder engine which produces 162kW and 380 Nm of torque, with peak torque being between 1800 to 3600 RPM. When the vehicle is switched into four high or four low, it prioritises keeping revs in this range to maximise engine responsiveness and performance. I also loved just how silky smooth the 8 speed auto is - particularly when off-roading, with the benefit of paddle shifters making it extra ideal for those longer journeys.

Where this vehicle truly sets itself apart however from other capable off-roads is in terms of driver comfort and technology. Compared to others, the Tank 300 still upholds a luxury element to its drive, with all the refinements you’d expect in a high-end european vehicle, such as adaptive cruise control, smartphone mirroring, 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring - I seriously could go on all day. Some of the standouts however for me were the heated and ventilated front seats, the massage drivers seat and the third row space. While it may not have a power rear barn door, the electric front seats were a great touch and the faux Nappa leather accented seats offered great support for all occupants.

Of course, I had to take the Tank off road, just to see if it really could talk the talk. And sure enough, it could. With a plethora of different drive modes, the Tank can conquer any situation you throw at it, and its diff locks make it super capable, particularly in softer sand. Throughout my journey along soft sand tracks, I spent the majority of the time in two-wheel drive with the odd occasion of switching into four high and low range, however regardless of mode, it kept going. The Tank even managed a steep incline, thanks to its low-end torque and ride set up meaning I barely felt a thing. Thanks to its exceptional quality, the 360-degree round view camera also came in handy when navigating tougher obstacles such as rocks and tree branches.

In terms of fuel and urban driving, don’t expect to be winning any eco-warrior badges, with the tank being designed and shaped like a brick house, it necessarily isn’t going to save you tonnes in fuel bills, however you can expect an average in the high 9’s across all types of driving conditions and environments. To a tank, you can also expect around 700’s, however this also depends on the driving environment you put it in. Uncommon for a vehicle of this nature, the cruise control set up was also much more user friendly than some of GWM’s other vehicles, with it being quite tamed and understanding of changed and poor weather conditions.

But the best part about the Tank 300 would have to be its price tag. With a legit stack of features to its name, the Tank 300 is quite the bargain, coming in at just over $50k driveaway in the pictured spec, it really is a lot of car for its money. When considering its direct competition, such as a Land Cruiser or Jeep are priced some twenty or thirty grand higher, it really is quite the bargain. Sure, it may not offer the same levels of performance or come with a diesel engine, and can only two 2.5 tonnes, it does however offer a lot of cars and features and capabilities for its price. And best of all, it actually looks the part and is quite attractive, regardless of the environment you throw it into. So from me, it’s a massive yes!

For more on the Tank 300, visit the AJ Instragram page.

09/08/2024

GWM Tank 300 - Technology

Designed to blend a rugged and initiative design, one would hope that the Tank 300 would offer more refinements than some of its ‘tough’ and stripped out vehicle competitors. However I’m delighted to say that it offers far more than what one would have expected. From driver technology to cutting edge safety tech both on and off-road, the Tank 300 includes it all to ensure each and every drive is both memorable and comfortable. Let’s check out what you get for your money in the Tank 300.

Despite looking like a car that will break your neck, the Tank 300 actually flaunts a variety of driver comforts, from a full Nappa leather interior to a massaging driver seat and plenty in-between. There is a wireless charger up front which is grippy enough to hold your phone in place, as well as a heated steering wheel, a USB and USB-C point up front and a generous sunroof to help add a lovely ambience and sense of space. Centralised and to add an odor of elegance, there is an analog clock in the centre round dial which also houses some of the climate control shortcuts, however one of my most favourite aspects to the interior cabin is the sheer level of ambient lighting inside the vehicle. Not only is it even inside the air vents, but you can vary the colours or even have a self-changing mode where it filters through the various different colour options by itself - very classy. Beyond this, there is a super sharp 12.3 inch infotainment system that includes wired smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth, as well as another 12.3 inch display for the driver, with it even including a filter to reduce visibility for the passenger and help improve sharpness and visibility for the driver. The layout of both is classic GWM however it has definitely come afar and offers a super easy to read layout these days with your speed being digitised and visible from any driving height of position.

To keep you safe, there are a variety of features and inclusions - from blind spot monitoring to a super crisp and sharp 360-degree round view camera which even includes a birds eye function. Rear cross traffic, Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control and even street sign recognition all come as standard on the Tank 300 and to finish things off, you even have safe exit warning and rear autonomous braking for good measure.

For when the tarmac ends however, the technology doesn’t stop, with a vast array of off-road technology being integrated into the vehicle to make the Tank 300 one super capable off-roader. Kicking things off, there is not only a 4-high and 4-low function, but a crawler mode, as well as various differing terrain modes such as rocks and mud. On top of this, as standard across the 300 range you get front and rear diff locks, as well as off-road cruise control to help limit your speed and ensure the car can remain moving, particularly ideal for when the terrain gets super soft. Additionally, thanks to their extremely impressive clarity, the round view camera system is excellent for avoiding obstacles and large rocks, and the tank finishes things off with an off-road cooling system, which runs an additional cooler to keep your oil and other vital items cooled during longer periods of higher RPM and tougher situations - again quite impressive for a vehicle of this price and nature. And thanks to all this technology, it does in fact make the Tank 300 one capable off-road vehicle.

However, just how does it all blend together on the road and during everyday situations? Let’s find out tomorrow in the Final Drive review.

08/08/2024

GWM Tank 300 - Design

With a look and figure pretty much like nothing else on the market, the GWM Tank 300 hits the ground running with its fusion between luxury and ruggedness. Equipped with more features then one would expect, it offers a ride well beyond its price point in a body and figure that offers what GWM label as ‘crushing’ performance. Standing out as an off-road vehicle for on road experiences, let’s dissect what has gone into making the Tank 300 one of GWM’s most unique offerings to date.

For those of us wanting a rugged, tough and stiff upper lip-looking vehicle, the GWM Tank 300 is definitely the one for you. Think a old school Jeep Wrangler or FJ Land Cruiser in a tuxedo is the best way to describe this car. Designed to conquer anything you throw at it, the Tank 300 definitely looks the part from any angle you look at the exterior, from its chunky front and rear bumper bars to its spare wheel being located on the flip out tailgate - it definitely looks tough. Up front are a pair of LED daytime running laps slicing through rough LED headlamps for that true retro look, while a giant gloss black grille takes centre stage with a commanding Tank badge smack bang in the centre. I can’t help but feel the Tank logo appears to look like the top view of someones face in 2D. However, beyond this are square door mirrors again for that classic modern retro fusion, black and silver 18-inch alloy wheels and user-friendly side steps along the side. At the back, things are very classic with a high-sculpted rear bumper and a pair of pillar style brake lights.

Despite the old school look on the outside, things are quite the opposite on the inside, with leather and soft touch materials for as far as the eye can see. For seating, you have five super soft and plush Nappa leather chairs which up front are heated and ventilated, with the drivers even flaunting a massage function, while the rest of the interior is a wash of quilted Nappa leather and soft materials. From the chrome Infinity speaker covers right through to the textured material along the passenger side of the dashboard, this doesn’t feel like a car of this price tag. Up front, there are a pair of screens, with the infotainment boasting 12.3 inches in size and offering a variety of functions. Whilst not directly being within arms reach, it still offers easy access to all your refinements and equipment you’d need during the day to day. Below your Mercedes inspired LED-lit air vents is a row of discrete shortcut buttons, while below that is one of the most interesting-looking gear selectors we’ve seen to date. Inspired by a fighter jet, the selector is tough and tall, and includes a gills of buttons on either side for some of your off-road settings as well as two dials for selecting your off-road settings. Along with two versatile cup holders, the centre console is deep and practical and is even cooled, ideal for those longer drives.

However it’s in the back where the real impressiveness of the interior comes alive. Thanks to its Chinese origins, one area of the vehicle where it has been thoroughly thought out is in terms of rear seat space, with acres of head, leg and foot room and thanks to the width of the vehicle, enough space for three adults. Designed for both brief commutes and extensive adventures, there are also ISOFIX anchor points and top tethers, as well as rear air vents to keep those rear passengers comfortable.

While it has been intelligently designed, does it include some intelligent technology? Find out in tomorrow's technology review!

18/07/2024

The Final Drive - MG4 X-Power

When the MG4 X-Power recently launched, it made quite the stir. Boasting over 300kW of power and 600 Nm of torque, a 0-100 time of less than 4 seconds in a car which could keep up and monster most V8 powered cars, it was almost dubbed the EV-equivalent of a SS Commodore or XR6 Turbo Falcon - the affordable performance vehicle for the masses. But just how incredible is it to drive, and does it give you the sense of satisfaction that those Aussie big bangers give you on the road? Let’s find out in the final drive review on the MG4 X-Power.

Sure, whilst opinions on EV’s and their place moving forward is divided, there is no denying that the MG4 X-Power is a giant middle finger to the competition. A car, with sheer performance and technology up its sleeve for the price of what your SS-V Redline cost is quite remarkable. Sure, it may be electrified, but the main takeaway here is that the eco-conscious have a car to tickle their performance needs. For those of us who adored the big banger V8’s and have an inkling of doubt when things do become electrified, it’s great to see what fun and energetic cars will remain in the future.

And those two last words - ‘energetic’ and ‘fun’ are exactly how every drive in this car feels. Whether you be plodding around town, heading on a long drive or simply commuting to the shops and back, it offers energy and fun. It may not be the softest EV going round, or perhaps the largest, but for its price tag, it's definitely quite a fun offering. In the corners or just off the line, it's remarkable and just how quickly it gets moving. On more coarse or bumpy roads, the X-Power isn’t quite as refined as other offerings but it’s not all bad and thanks to its dynamic suspension set up it feels very settled and quite sporty. Its rapid acceleration is also worth making note of and just how quickly this car can sprint is incredible, with I actually recording a 0-100 time of 3.6 seconds. However if you’re planning on sprinting everywhere, a range of 400 km may be a stretch, however across my time driving in a mixture of driving conditions throughout Melbourne, I actually managed 425 kms off a full charge, which was quite remarkable!

Inside the cabin, despite being a hardcore-focused sports car, the MG4 X-Power gives off the feelings you’re cocooned in luxury, thanks to a raft of leather and alcantara accents here and there. Materials are mostly soft touch, with a helping of harsh plastics here and there but overall, it’s a really nice place to sit. The seats aren’t super aggressive which you’d expect them to be but isn't necessarily a bad thing, but what they are is comfortable. The steering is also not overly firm which is great for everyday driving and all round visibility is decent, except for the rear view which is slightly obscured due to the shape of the vehicle.

On the road, the MG Pilot safety tech has also come a long way - with it better understanding our road environments better thanks to various updates and refinements from MG. The blind spot monitoring wasn’t triggered by vehicles in two lanes across or walls, and the adaptive cruise control is responsive and less pervious to roadworks and old road markings, however on the odd occasion it will still wrestle you out of a turning lane. Despite the camera system lacking in resolution and quality, for a car of this caliber to include this much technology as standard, you can’t quite knock it.

Priced from $60,990 driveaway, the MG4 X-Power really is the bargain performance car of the century - with charming good looks and a practical cabin and a list as long as your arm in terms of technology, it’s a hard one to knock. Sure - for those looking for a fun and practical family hauler, then perhaps consider other options due to the slightly cramped rear seats, the MG4 X-Power is more suited to those that simply wanted an electrified pocket rocket that not only comes with FBT exemptions, but a car that you know you can put against a big banger V8 at the lights and simply walk away in a hurry. For me however, the MG4 X-Power is undeniable proof that when the oil does run out, things are looking super positive in terms of performance and fun.

For more on the MG4 X-Power, head to the AJ Instagram page.

17/07/2024

MG4 X-Power - Technology

While certain elements of the MG4 X-Power are undeniably a nod to tradition, the X-Power grasps the latest and greatest offerings from MG in terms of the technology department to create a one-of-a-kind driving experience no matter the experience you’re after. Whether it be safety, driver enhancements or performance orientated, the MG4 boasts the tech to get you there with a massive smile on your face. But just how good is it? Let’s find out!

With the X-Power being your top of the line option with a performance flavor in mind, the X-Power boasts some incredible driver technology and feats. At its core, the X-Power packs in a 64 kW batter with an all-wheel drive electric powertrain to give it 400 kms of range and up to 320 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque, which propels this weapon from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds claimed. Impressive, considering the size and price tag of this car. Adding to its performance pedigree, the X-Power also features a trick suspension set up including MacPherson struts up front and a five-multi-link rear suspension set up at the back, as well as a 50:50 perfect weight distribution and low centre of gravity. The X-Power also boasts MG’s new Dynamic Cornering system, featuring an electric differential which allows torque vectoring between all four wheels to deliver power in the most seamless and effective way possible. The X-Power also sees its steering completely overhauled thanks to damper tuning and stiffer anti-roll bars ensuring precision for every corner. And for good measure, there is also a Track Mode function which allows you to read your lap times, real time diagnostics information on speed, distance and throttle performance and even your acceleration data.

However this car isn’t just all go go real quick, it also blends a cabin that will rival some of the Germans, including a floating 7-inch infotainment display with a sleek row of buttons below for shortcuts such as demisters. Below this is a wireless charging pad which I was a massive fan of - for simply not being located in direct sunlight which is often an oversight. There is wired smartphone mirroring, built-in Sat Nav and Bluetooth, as well as a heated steering wheel and electronically adjustable drivers seat. The MG4 also offers the latest intelligent steering wheel design from MG, with its dual-spoke floating design and offers a variety of buttons for shortcuts. For the driver there is also a instrument display to display your speed and additional information however it isn’t the most elegant of designs.

One area that really blew me away however was the amount of safety tech the MG4 offered. Thanks to MG Pilot, there 14 different featuring sensing your surroundings at any given moment, from intelligent speed limit assist to actively detect speed limit signs and alert you if you’re over speed to traffic jam assist to detect heavy traffic and automatically follow the vehicle in front to control things such as speed, steering and braking, it made every A to B journey a safe one. Additionally, the X-Power boasts adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and safe exit warning, it did include a 360 degree camera system, however it wasn’t quite much to write home to, with the quality of the cameras reminiscent of the image quality I got from Gran Turismo 3, and a front camera which looked like it had been stolen from your neighbors Ring. However, it could boast it had these features as standard, which is something some other high end EV’s cannot do.

Embracing MG’s new ‘one pack’ battery design, the X-Power utilises a horizontal cell structure, resulting in a ultra-thin and super impressive 110mm thick battery pack which stores under the floor to reduce battery intrusion. Not only can the MG4 charge at both AC and DC charging stations at speeds up to 150 kW, it also is one of very few EV’s on the market in this price point that can boast vehicle 2 load capabilities - allowing you to essentially charge appliances and items from the vehicle, conveniently making the vehicle a massive power pack, something that only the CUPRA Born and Hyundai and Kia offerings in this price point can offer.

So now the big question remains - does all this design and technology fuse together to create a truly remarkable masterpiece? Let’s find out in tomorrow’s final drive review on the MG4 X-Power.

16/07/2024

MG4 X-Power - Design

While the market in Australia is simply a wash with EV offerings, the team tasked with designing and building the MG4 X-Power wanted to create something truly unique and remarkable to distinguish itself from the EV flock. In X-Power trim, it blends European artistry with cutting edge engineering to make it both small and mighty. But what makes it so unique and special, let’s deep dive and dissect the new MG4 X-Power.

One of the most unique aspects of the X-Power is that it truly harps back to MG’s rich and proud 75 year history, with the MG4 being inspired by the classic EX-181, which once shattered land-speed records. Beyond this, the X-Power gets a host of design cues over the standard MG4, including this gorgeous Hunter Green Satin finish as well as the aggressive side trimmings and striking black and silver 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels which come wrapped in Bridgestone tyres. Up front, the X-Power has chiseled LED daytime running lights to give this a pointed and aggressive front end. Up front are slanted headlights which are all LED, as well as real air vents feeding and channeling air to the brakes, as well as a lower grille and two vessel lines in the bonnet to create a smoother air flow. On the side are black mirror covers as well as some slick and sporty side panels which run along the bottom of the doors and the all controversial orange brake covers which sit on top of the actual brake rotors to make them look larger than they actually are. At the back is quite a sharp tail end, with a double roof spoiler which funnily enough also increases drag thus reducing range, while a slightly sloped rear tail light strip helps improve drag. Beyond the high-brow LED tail light which runs the entire curvature of the rear end, there is a rear diffuser which comes quite high up to add a sporty element to the vehicle.

Inside, despite the chiseled tough guy looks of the exterior, the interior is soft and comfortable, with a pair of leather and alcantara seats up front which offer plentiful adjustment and have been crafted from eco-friendly materials which makes them resistant to wear and scratches. I loved that in the MG4, everything remained within arms reach - from your infotainment display right through to a variety of options right at your fingertips - everything was where you expected it to be. Standing tall and proud atop of the dash is a floating design for the infotainment screen which helps keep things streamlined, and below is a wireless charging pad for your phone in a spot which is actually not in direct sunlight - again the small details always prevail.

Despite having the ability of a sports car, the X-Power remained versatile and practical for day-to-day use, with plentiful storage options in the form of generous door bings and a massive storage box between the front two seats, as well as two cup holders and additional storage for things like your mobile phone or keys. In the rear, space was plentiful in the door bins and the boot offered a decent offering of 363 litres with the back seats up and extended to 1165 litres with the seats folded down - making it the ideal everyday driver. Despite no power tailgate at the rear, the boot was also extremely light, making it super easy to open and close.

While the X-Power may look like the tough guy on the streets, it truly has been designed to be the perfect suburban cruiser. But what exactly does it offer in terms of tech, well let’s find out in tomorrow's Technology review.

15/07/2024

The Final Drive - Hyundai Australia Ioniq 5 N

You could only imagine my excitement when I found out that I had access to this absolute beast - the Ioniq 5 N. Easily one of the fastest cars to feature on AJ to date, it not only packs a punch in terms of looks and EV technology, but sheer performance. Sure it may be pricey, however the level of fun and performance you get with this car is second to none. So what exactly does it all feel like, well let’s find out in the final drive on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

So to get started, let’s discuss the big boy numbers. So, as standard, the Ioniq 5 N boasts 448 kW and 740 Nm of torque to propel this 2.2 tonne beast from 0-100 kilometres an hour in 3.5 seconds. Activating the N Grin Boost function for 10 seconds will bump up power figures to 478 kW and 770 Nm of torque, with a 0-100 time of 3.4 seconds claimed. Now those numbers definitely are nothing to laugh at, with it being able to accelerate as quickly as most mid-hundred thousand dollar cars plus, for well under their price tag. I think for me, most would say it's still a Hyundai, however this alone needs to be an acknowledgement of just how far they’ve come over the years. Along with the performance, the N includes super freaky acceleration - with a small tap of the throttle being able to jump you 20 kilometres an hour in a matter of a second, and better still you can actually make people feel ill because of just how fast it really is.

On any drive, whether it be around town, in stop start city driving or up and down the highway, the Ioniq 5 kicks you and others around in the face with its dashing good looks and sheer performance. The rapid acceleration is great for cutting into the smallest of gaps and despite being a performance focused vehicle, the ride is surprisingly comfortable. I am a bit of a fan of the manualised gearbox feel and sounds however I do like how they’ve given it the ability to alter between manual and auto. However beyond this, all the other regenerative settings are much the same as your ordinary Ioniq 5. Other refinements which come in super handy include the blind spot view system which displays the camera on the side of the vehicle in your dash display and the 360-degree camera system which is crisp and crystal clear.

One area I found the Ioniq 5 N to not be so good was in terms of its range. Sure, this has a massive EV battery, boasting a 84 kW battery and a range of 448 km (AER), however in my tests across a full charge the most I managed to achieve was 352km - and that was running the car down to pretty much 2% and a butt clenching drive to a charger. So obviously for those looking for range, this is not the car for you, thanks to its massive wheels and performance capabilities, however with an average battery range looking to be between 300 and 350 kilometres, I’d hope home charging is established well before the new toy arrives.

My biggest question with this vehicle however is, who is the intended customer? Coming in at around $120k driveaway in WA, this is quite the expensive bit of kit and thanks to its performance nature and focus, it is in theory for a specific kind of customer, one who would be forgoing your ordinary Ioniq for more performance and looks which is definitely a special someone. Whilst the price jump is justified in the technology and performance, it still is a big price for a Hyundai. However for the purists and petrol heads amongst us who want that next step of fun and laughter, a toy car in essence, then there is nothing better on the market. I think for me also, as someone who is a petrol head to the core, it’s reassuring to see that when the oil does run out and this becomes the new norm of drive, that the fun won’t run out. Hyundai with this car are almost pioneering the next generation of road going performance EV’s with this car, with it manualised gearbox system, its track and racing technology, ability and capabilities and of course the sound, it’s great to see where things are heading and it excites me. And for now, this is an amazing car, one that is super hard to pass by. So if you are in the market for a fun electric toy and have some serious coin to blow, then this is the one to have.

For more on the Ioniq 5 N, head to the AJ Instagram page.