The new Tesla Model 3 has received a significant redesign with a number of new features which will make the already popular electric vehicle even more in demand.

Tech Guide got behind the wheel of the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 long range edition which starts at $71,900 plus on road costs.

The vehicle has a range of up to 629km with a top speed of 201km/h.

And it can go from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

On the outside there are a few obvious changes with a sleeker and more aerodynamic look.

We noticed there are less curves on the vehicle and a lot more straight lines to give it a more aggressive stance.

It has new wing-shaped headlights which now have integrated fog lamps to help improve night driving.

Around the back there’s also a new style of taillight which is designed as one piece and integrates into the tailgate.

But it’s when you go inside the car that you’ll notice even more changes.

The inside of the Tesla model 3 is already quite minimal and the new steering wheel takes that even further.

You’ll notice there are no stalks on either side of the wheel which normally allow drivers to access the wipers, indicators and to change gears.

These features have been taken away and placed as buttons on the wheel itself or on the large 15-inch central display.

The indicators are now on the steering wheel itself as buttons on the left side that allow you to indicate whether you’re turning left or right.

Drivers will hear and see the indicator on the screen along with the camera on that side of the car to give drivers a clear review of the direction they’re turning.

Naturally the indicator turns off once you’ve completed your turn – but what about when you change lanes?

We found the indicator automatically switched off when the vehicle saw us cross to the lane so there’s no need to press the button a second time to turn off the indicator for those quick lane changes.

The only issue we found with this was that when you are trying to indicate immediately after a turn it was hard to figure out which button to pressed because they were upside down or sideways.

It actually took our focus off the road to work out which was the right button we needed to press.

There’s no such problem with a stationary stalk which can be engaged no matter how far you’ve turned the wheel.

But what about the gear changer which is normally a stalk on the right hand side of the wheel?

To put the car into gear there is a section on the right edge of the display which allows you to slide up to drive, slide down to put the car into reverse and buttons to put the car into park or into neutral.

When you select drive by swiping up on the screen a large arrow is seen giving the driver the directional information.

And when swiping down to go into reverse, the rear cameras are automatically activated.

This didn’t take too much getting used to but if you are making a series of quick turns or reversing out of a tight space your arm is moving a fair bit.

But there is another option near the rear view mirror which give drivers push button controls to put the car into park, reverse and to turn on the hazard lights.

In this position some drivers could see it as a bit of a hassle to have to raise your arm to change gears instead of having the effortless stalks literally at your fingertips while your hands are still safely on the wheel.

Another thing you won’t find in the Tesla Model 3 is a driver cluster – something the previous Model 3 left out as well.

This means drivers have to glance to their left at the centre screen to see their speed and other information while they’re driving.

A feature that the Model 3 is crying out for is a heads-up display (HUD) so drivers can see their speed and other vital information as they are looking through the windscreen at the road.

This would surely make up for the fact that there is no small screen in front of the steering wheel and allow drivers to literally keep their eyes on the road while still seeing how fast they’re going along with navigation instructions and other information.

Inside the new Tesla Model 3 there is plenty of room with plenty of headroom and legroom for yourself and your passengers.

I’m pretty tall and I found there was plenty of room to sit comfortably. And the rear passengers could be seated comfortably as well.

In the central console there’s also a generous amount of storage space including two cup holders and two large storage areas.

There are also two wireless smart phone chargers as well so you can be charging while driving.

The Tesla Model 3 also has an accent light which runs from the passenger door across the dashboard and around to the driver’s door.

And, of course, drivers are able to choose from more than 200 colours via the main display to suit their taste or your mood.

One of the trademark features of the Tesla model 3 is the large 15 inch display which basically puts nearly every control at your fingertips as well as giving you access to the maps, settings and other apps to stream music or to view content.

You can’t view content while you’re driving of course but while charging or waiting you can fire up Netflix or Disney+ and YouTube.

But there is a second screen in the car for the rear passengers.

This 8-inch display allows them to connect their headphones via Bluetooth to stream their own music in the back seat or access the car’s Spotify account.

The rear display also gives those backseat passengers access to Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube so they can enjoy streaming content and keep themselves entertained without disturbing the driver and front passenger.

This rear screen also gives them control of the air conditioning.

On the storage side, the front trunk has adequate space for your groceries or a carry-on bag if you’re taking someone to the airport.

In the back is a surprisingly large boot space which can easily fit your golf clubs and other larger items.

There’s even a sub trunk space below a small panel that also offers a large amount of storage.

It’s now also a much quieter ride inside the Tesla model 3 thanks to the new 360-degree acoustic glass which cuts out a lot of the road noise.

What adds to the silence is the increased suspension bushings and improved seals along with the addition of a lot of other sound dampening materials.

The new Tesla Model 3 offers the same smoothness and driving performance as its predecessor with solid handling and plenty of zip when required.

The new Tesla model 3 is available to order now.

The rear wheel drive model starts at 61,900 plus on road costs and the dual motor all-wheel drive long range model we reviewed starts at $71,900.

According to the Tesla website, customers who order now will have their car delivered between January and April 2024.

VERDICT
The new redesign Tesla Model 3 is a huge step forward for Australia’s most popular electric car. The new design and numerous new features form an impressive upgrade and are certain to increase the already high demand.

The post Tesla 2024 Model 3 review – redesign and new features offer a significant improvement appeared first on Tech Guide.

In the fast-paced digital landscape of online car sales, the road to a successful transaction can be paved with pitfalls. From inadequate vehicle presentation to overlooking market trends, sellers often find themselves navigating a complex terrain. In this in-depth exploration, we’ll delve into the intricacies of selling your car online, shedding light on common mistakes and providing extensive tips to ensure a seamless selling experience.

1. Crafting a Captivating Vehicle Presentation

Selling a car begins with the eyes, and the first impression can make or break a deal. Many sellers fall into the trap of inadequate vehicle presentation, underestimating the impact of well-lit photos and compelling descriptions. To overcome this hurdle, dedicate time to curate an engaging online listing. Invest in professional-quality photos that showcase your vehicle from every angle, both inside and out. Supplement these visuals with a detailed, honest description highlighting the car’s features and condition.

Tip: Elevate your presentation by thoroughly cleaning your car before capturing images, ensuring a visually appealing showcase.

2. Navigating the Pricing Maze: Conducting In-Depth Market Research

An often-overlooked aspect of the online selling process is the pricing strategy. Setting an unrealistic asking price can deter potential buyers and prolong the selling process. To avoid this pitfall, immerse yourself in market research. Leverage online tools and platforms to compare your car with similar models in your area, factoring in variables such as make, model, year, mileage, and overall condition. Pricing your car competitively within the market trends significantly enhances your chances of attracting interested buyers.

Tip: Regularly update your pricing based on market fluctuations to stay competitive in the online marketplace.

3. Securing Your Online Fortress: Prioritizing Security Measures

The online marketplace, while vast and accessible, is not without its risks. Ignoring security measures can expose sellers to potential scams and fraudulent activities. Safeguard your online transactions by choosing reputable platforms with secure payment options. Beware of buyers requesting unconventional payment methods, and never share personal information or conduct transactions outside the designated platform.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the security features of the online platform you choose and report any suspicious activity promptly.

4. The Power of Honesty: Transparent Vehicle History Disclosure 

Transparency is the cornerstone of trust in any online transaction. Failing to provide a comprehensive vehicle history report or deliberately omitting crucial information can erode buyer confidence. Enhance transparency by obtaining a detailed vehicle history report and disclosing any accidents, repairs, or issues your car may have experienced.

Tip: Anticipate buyer questions by addressing potential concerns in your listing, fostering a sense of honesty and reliability.

5. The Art of Communication: Building Trust Through Effective Interaction 

Effective communication is the glue that holds a successful online sale together. Sellers often underestimate the impact of prompt, clear communication. Delayed responses, vague answers, or a lack of availability can deter potential buyers. Cultivate trust by responding to inquiries promptly, providing detailed answers, and being flexible with communication methods to accommodate prospective buyers.

Tip: Set clear expectations for communication and be proactive in addressing buyer queries to maintain a positive rapport.

In conclusion, mastering the art of selling your car online requires a holistic approach. By presenting your vehicle thoughtfully, conducting thorough market research, prioritizing online security, providing a transparent vehicle history, and maintaining effective communication, you’ll not only navigate the common pitfalls but also increase your chances of a successful online car sale. As you embark on this digital journey, remember that attention to detail and a commitment to transparency will set the stage for a seamless and rewarding selling experience.

The post Mastering the Online Car Sale: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls appeared first on Tech Guide.

BYD has revealed its latest electric vehicle – the BYD Seal – a mid-size sedan that offers affordable luxury and priced from below $50,000 plus on road costs.

The BYD Seal will sit in the same class as the Tesla Model 3 – but the BYD starting price will be almost $12,000 cheaper.

In fact, the BYD website and order page for its BYD Seal looks a lot like the Tesla website and order page.

The new BYD Seal has what BYD says is the world’s safest battery which integrates the cell to the body to make the Seal lighter and more efficient.

It has a 2,920mm wheelbase and can comfortably sit five adults.

BYD says the Seal will be available to Australian drivers as early as December.

The BYD Seal is available in three models – Dynamic, Premium and Performance.

The exterior styling is sleek design and aggressive stance and includes floating LED headlights and ripple lamps.

On the inside, users will find full connectivity including Bluetooth, wired CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation and two wireless phone charging docks.

And everything can be controlled by the 15.6-inch infotainment touch screen which can be rotated to either landscape or portrait orientation.

The BYD Seal also has a silver-plated panoramic glass roof as well as heated and ventilated front seats, vehicle climate control air conditioning to ensure maximum comfort.

“This really is a significant moment in the Australian automotive industry. When I first founded EVDirect the objective was to bring the world’s best electric vehicle technology to Australia and do so in an affordable manner,” says Luke Todd, EVDirect CEO.

“I’m confident we have delivered. With the launch of the Seal from just $49,888 drive away.

“This truly is beyond what even I believed we could achieve.

“This now means that BYD has three of the highest quality electric vehicles on sale in Australia for under $50,000.

“This is many years ahead of where most pundits and automotive experts predicted the Australian EV market would be in and I’m very proud of BYD and our team to have been able to achieve this for the Australian public.”

BYD SEAL DYNAMIC – From $49,888

– Ultra-Safe BYD Blade Battery – 61.44 kWh

– Maximum Power – 150 kW

– Maximum Torque – 310 Nm

– Up to 510km range NEDC – 460km WLTP

– AC Charging 7kW

– DC Charging 110kW

– 18 inch Alloy rims

– 0-100km/h in 7.5s

– Rear-wheel drive

– Complimentary 1 Year Roadside Assistance included

BYD SEAL PREMIUM – From $58,798

– Ultra-Safe BYD Blade Battery – 82.56 kWh

– Maximum Power – 230 kW

– Maximum Torque – 360 Nm

– Up to 650km range NEDC – 570km WLTP

– AC Charging 7kW

– DC Charging 150kW

– Heads-up display

– Genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats

– Premium 19 inch Alloy rims

– 0-100km/h in 5.9s

– Rear-wheel drive

– Complimentary 1 Year Roadside Assistance included

BYD SEAL PERFORMANCE – From $68,798

– Ultra-Safe BYD Blade Battery – 82.56 kWh

– 0-100km/h in 3.8s

– Maximum Power – 390 kW

– Maximum Torque – 670 Nm

– AC Charging 7kW

– DC Charging 150kW

– Heads-up display

– Genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats

– Premium 19 inch Alloy rims

– Frequency Selective Dampening (FSD)

– Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (ITAC)

– AWD dual motor system

– Up to 580km range NEDC – 520km WLTP

– Complimentary 1 Year Roadside Assistance included

The post BYD releases the new Seal – a mid-size EV to take on Tesla’s Model 3 appeared first on Tech Guide.

In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, electric cars have taken the centre stage. These eco-friendly vehicles are not only changing the way we think about transportation but also revolutionising the automotive industry itself.

From battery innovations to autonomous driving capabilities, electric cars are powered by cutting-edge tech. In this article, we’ll explore the technology that drives electric cars forward, including insights into electric car lease deals and a closer look at the impressive BMW i4.

The Electric Revolution

Electric cars, once seen as a niche market, have gained immense popularity in recent years. This surge in interest can be attributed to several key technological advancements that have made electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible and practical for consumers.

Battery Technology

At the heart of every electric car is its battery. Battery technology has seen remarkable improvements, resulting in higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer driving ranges. Lithium-ion batteries, which power the majority of EVs, have become more efficient and affordable, making electric cars a viable choice for a broader range of consumers.

The BMW i4, for example, boasts a state-of-the-art battery pack that allows it to cover impressive distances on a single charge. With advancements in battery technology, the i4’s range is competitive with many traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, alleviating the “range anxiety” that was once a concern for EV owners.

Charging Infrastructure

To support the growing electric car market, charging infrastructure has seen significant expansion. Charging stations are becoming more widespread and increasingly efficient. Innovations like ultra-fast DC fast chargers and wireless charging options are making electric car ownership even more convenient.

Additionally, home charging solutions are becoming more accessible and user-friendly. Many EV owners now have the option to install Level 2 chargers in their homes, reducing their reliance on public charging infrastructure. These advancements are not only making electric cars practical for daily use but are also contributing to the growth of the electric car market.

Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving technology is another area where electric cars are making strides. Many EV manufacturers, including BMW with its i4, are integrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving capabilities into their vehicles. These systems use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to enable features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and even hands-free highway driving.

The BMW i4, for instance, offers a suite of driver-assist features that enhance safety and provide a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving. As this technology continues to advance, it’s expected that electric cars will play a significant role in the adoption of self-driving vehicles.

Electric Car Lease Deals

With the growing popularity of electric cars, more consumers are exploring electric car lease deals as a cost-effective way to experience the benefits of EV ownership. Leasing an electric car often comes with lower monthly payments compared to traditional financing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

In addition to affordability, leasing an electric car provides the opportunity to drive the latest models with the most advanced technology. This allows lessees to stay at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation, benefiting from improvements in range, performance, and features with each new lease.

Environmental Impact

One of the primary drivers behind the adoption of electric cars is their positive impact on the environment. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This eco-friendly aspect of electric cars aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.

Furthermore, advancements in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are helping to make the charging of electric cars even more sustainable. As the grid becomes cleaner, the overall environmental benefits of electric cars continue to grow.

The Future of Electric Cars

The journey of electric cars is far from over. With ongoing research and development, we can expect even more exciting innovations in the near future. Manufacturers are working tirelessly to improve battery technology, aiming for faster charging times, increased energy storage capacity, and longer-lasting batteries. These advancements will not only make electric cars more practical but also accelerate the transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet.

Moreover, electric cars are likely to play a pivotal role in the transformation of urban transportation. As cities around the world grapple with traffic congestion and pollution, electric vehicles are seen as a sustainable solution. Electric buses and rideshare services powered by EVs are becoming increasingly common, reducing emissions and improving air quality in urban areas. The convergence of electric cars, autonomous driving technology, and shared mobility services promises to reshape the way we move within cities, making transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Electric cars are not just a mode of transportation; they are a showcase of cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of the automotive industry. From advancements in battery technology to autonomous driving capabilities, electric cars like the BMW i4 are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the road.

If you’re considering making the switch to electric, exploring electric car lease deals can be a practical and affordable way to experience the latest in EV technology. As electric cars continue to evolve and become more accessible, they are undoubtedly playing a pivotal role in the shift towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced automotive landscape. So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or an eco-conscious driver, the world of electric cars offers something exciting and innovative for everyone.

The post The Cutting-Edge Tech Driving Electric Cars appeared first on Tech Guide.

MG Motor Australia has unveiled its new MG4 EV XPOWER model which features dual motor all-wheel drive and that can zip from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The new MG4 XPOWER is priced at $59,990 plus on road costs.

The XPOWER is the company’s highest performing all-wheel drive electric hatchback – in fact it will be its most powerful production car ever.

The company’s approach with the MG4 XPOWER is all about delivering to Australian drivers impressive power and dynamics at an extremely competitive price.

With 320kW of power and up to 600Nm toque, the MG4 XPOWER is up there with some of the highest performing EVs on the market and offers plenty of bang for your buck.

The MG4 XPOWER can go zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds so you’re definitely ticking the box when it comes to performance.

The car also has several understated exterior design revisions which also helps it stand out from the crowd.

On the outside you’ll see orange XPOWER brake callipers, two tone black roof with 18-inch alloy wheels and polished trim accents and an all-new colour option – Hunter Green.

“The MG4 XPOWER has supercar performance packed with features including launch control and a track mode inspired lap timer showing that a compact EV can be affordable, practical and spirited to drive,” says MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao.

“We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a true performance car with plenty of technology and space to match.

“The MG4 XPOWER EV also retains the generous safety equipment levels, as well as practical hatchback features, of the award-winning MG4 range.

“The MG4 XPOWER is available to register your interest from this week and promises to be one of the most exciting new electric cars of 2023, marking a new milestone in MG Australia’s highly anticipated return to the performance car market.”

The MG4 XPOWER is based on the Modular Scalable Platform and has a dual motor configuration to deliver to all four wheels via 150kW at the front and rear 170kW electric motors for a total of 320kW.

On the safety side, there are new upgrades including a new Dynamic Cornering Control System available for the first time in an MG vehicle plus an Intelligent Motor Control to control torque vectoring between all four wheels to gain maximum traction in all driving conditions.

The 64kWh battery is capable of charging at up to 140kW so users can go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent using 150kW DC rapid charger in just 26 minutes.

The post The new MG4 XPOWER EV delivers exhilarating performance at a competitive price appeared first on Tech Guide.

Tesla has revealed its upgraded Model 3 electric vehicle which includes an updated design and a range of new features inside and out.

Australian customers can configure the new Model 3 on the Tesla website with delivery expected between January and March 2024.

The most obvious change is the look of the vehicle which has a sleek and more aerodynamic look to help reduce drag and noise and increase range.

It has new wing-shaped headlights with integrated fog lamps to improve safety while driving at night.

The new Tesla Model 3 sports a new taillight which is designed in one piece and integrated into the boot.

And there are also two new paint options in Australia and New Zealand – Ultra Red and Stealth Grey.

There are numerous changes in the interior including a redesigned centre console to offer more space for the driver and passengers.

EVs are already quiet but the Model 3 will offer an even quieter ride courtesy of the 360-degree acoustic glass technology.

Noise will also be reduced with increased suspension bushings, improved seals and the addition of sound dampening materials.

The new Model 3 interior now incorporates ambient lighting which is customizable from over 200 different colour combinations to offer yet another level of personalization.

Rear passengers will have access to an 8-inch touch screen so they can control air conditioning and entertainment from their rear seats.

Up front the 15-inch touch screen has also been improved with increased brightness and faster responsiveness along with a customizable user interface that will be improved constantly thanks to Tesla’s regular over the air updates.

The new Model 3 has taken a leaf out of the Model S Plaid’s (not available in Australia) book by eliminating stalks and the drive selector and replacing them with on-wheel and touchscreen controls.

Smart shift, first seen in the Model S plaid, can automatically select the correct driving direction for you instead of manually choosing it yourself.

On the safety side, the new Tesla Model 3 has energy absorbing side sills, a fortified battery pack mounted low in the vehicle to eliminate rollover risks as well as a super strong metal body structure that can withstand tremendous weight far beyond the actual weight of the car.

Drivers will enjoy new comfort and driving quality thanks to next-generation vehicle stability, improved power distribution and Tesla’s impressive traction control.

There are also upgraded wheel configurations in 18 inch and 19 inch options.

The new Tesla Model 3 starts at $61,900 plus on road costs. It offers up to 513km range.

The new Model 3 Long Range model starts at $71,990 plus on-road costs and offers up to 629km of range.

The post Tesla reveals the upgraded and redesigned Model 3 appeared first on Tech Guide.

Nearly half of Tesla’s Superchargers across Australia will now be available to charge non-Tesla electric vehicles which will go a long way in easing range anxiety and encouraging drivers to make the switch to EVs.

Now 30 of Tesla’s 63 Supercharger sites around the country can now be used by all EVs.

Until today, Tesla’s Superchargers would work exclusively only with Tesla vehicles.

Tesla says it was always the company’s mission to open its wide network of superchargers to make it more attractive to driver to make the transition to electric vehicles.

“I think we do want to emphasize that it is our goal to support the advent of sustainable energy, it is not to create a walled garden and use that to bludgeon our competitors, which is sometimes used by some companies.” Tesla boss Elon Musk said in an earnings call in July 2021.

Tesla owners will keep their existing privileges while the company will still manage congestion and enforce idle charges per minute if a vehicle remains at the Supercharger five minutes after their charging session is completed.

Tesla’s chargers are known for their consistency and have delivered a global uptime of 99.95 per cent in 2022.

The Superchargers can add up to 275 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes and are located along major freeways and near amenities so you can grab a coffee or a meal while your EV is charging.

Here are the Supercharger Locations Open to Non-Tesla EVs:

Tuggeranong, ACT

Tailem Bend, SA

Mount Gambier, SA

Clare, SA

Berry, NSW

Blaxland, NSW

Campbelltown, NSW

Knockrow, NSW

Tenterfield, NSW

Wollongong, NSW

Bathurst, NSW

Dubbo, NSW

Hollydene, NSW

Narooma, NSW

Tamworth, NSW

Gympie, QLD

Rochedale, QLD

Toowoomba, QLD

Bendigo, VIC

Box Hill, VIC

Cann River, VIC

Colac, VIC

Geelong, VIC

Moe, VIC

Mornington, VIC

Shepparton, VIC

Yea, VIC

Warrnambool, VIC

Margaret River, WA

Williams, WA

How do I charge if I don’t drive a Tesla?

– Download the Tesla app for iOS or Android and create a Tesla Account.

– Select ‘Charge Your Non-Tesla’ and find your Supercharger site.

– Add your payment method, select a stall, unlock the adapter, plug-in your car, and tap

Start Charging.

– Select ‘Stop Charging’ to complete your session.

The post Tesla opens up its Supercharger network to other electric vehicles appeared first on Tech Guide.

Dash Cams are quickly becoming a must-have product for vehicles to document what happens on the road in the event of an incident or accident – but not all dash cams are the same.

Tech Guide has spoken to Navman Australia’s product manager Elvis Tran about what customers should look for in a dash cam and how the technology has evolved.

Navman sold more than 3 million sat nav products across Australia and New Zealand but has decide to focus solely on dash cams and develop new models of the MiVue dash cam range and develop connected dash cams for enterprise and business customers.

The latest Navman MiVue Alta dash cam that can blend in to your car and there’s also the MiVue Alta Workmate XDC dash cam for utes and work vehicles and the latest MiVue Pro 4K.

TECH GUIDE: More and more Australians are driving with dash cams these days, but aren’t they all the same? What makes a good quality dash cam?

ELVIS TRAN: While dash cams basically all do the same job, they’re really not all the same and you can see this in any of those dash cam compilation videos on social media. You’ll see headlights causing light to flare, or sunlight flaring after exiting a tunnel or an overpass, impossible to read number plates and street signs particularly in dark situations, which is when many accidents happen.

Navman dash cams are specifically designed for our region, they aren’t sourced as an international model and renamed. We ensure they go through the strict and vigorous testing and quality control processes of heat tolerance, excessive vibration and thermal shock testing as we know how hot it can get in-vehicle during the Australian summer.

TECH GUIDE: You’ve been a product manager for Navman for a number of years, how have you seen dash cam technology evolve and change in that time?

ELVIS TRAN: As you would know well Stephen, there are always early adopters in technology who want to get the latest gadget and that is certainly true in the early days of dash cams. I can still look back with pride to the first dash cams we developed, knowing that many of the features – HD video, GPS tagging for precise location and speed, 3-Axis G-Sensor to show direction of impact– all are still there.

What has changed is the breadth of features packed into each device and the variety of designs. We’ve incorporated the safety features from our PND (portable navigation device) into our dash cams including Premium Safety Alerts which include school zones, accident blackspots, railway crossing and speed zone changes on motorways to ensure the drivers are warned and can proceed with caution in these specific areas.

With the addition of voice activated commands, you can now control specific commands of the MiVue PRO 4K with the power of your voice for a hands-free experience, allowing you to focus on the road.

TECH GUIDE: What do you think are the most important features that every driver needs to have in their dash cam?

ELVIS TRAN: You have to have Full HD 1080P recording as a minimum and you must have footage that is stamped with GPS location and speed and information gained from the 3-Axis G-Sensor that shows the direction of impact of the vehicle. This is absolutely critical in providing evidence of fault in any accident.
I also think school zones and speed camera alerts are a must. No one wants to get a speeding ticket if they can help it, but even more so, no one wants to speed through a school zone and hit a child. If you have a dash cam that reminds you to slow down, then it is worth its weight in gold.

TECH GUIDE: The claim that the Pro 4K is the best dash cam Navman has ever produced is a big one, what have you got to back this up?

ELVIS TRAN: I know it’s a big call! We’ve designed, manufactured and sold a lot of dash cams over the years but honestly, I’m incredibly proud of this one. It really is the best combination of good design, latest technology and the most useful features for Australian drivers who want the best quality footage. We’ve learnt a lot and improved from the successful predecessor – the MiVue SENSOR XL to develop the PRO 4K range.

In developing the PRO 4K and PRO 4K DC, we really focused on the image sensor – a large 1/1.8” format 8-megapixel CMOS sensor that helps capture the 4K Ultra HD quality and detail needed. We’ve incorporated this sensor into a small footprint dash cam while still retaining a large 2.7” IPS LCD screen. Sensors of this size are normally found in premium compact digital cameras or high-end smartphones. The device is designed to fit unobtrusively onto the window, flat mounted with a 3M detachable mount.

It also has voice activation for emergency recording, and the rear camera is a useful 2.5K Quad HD all thanks to the 5-megapixel Premium STARVIS sensor. We’re proud to be one of the leading brands in the market with a true 4K front and 2.5K rear dual channel dash cam.

With 4K being the benchmark in TVs, you can even playback the footage on your 4K TV without any compromise on quality or upscaled footage.

Like all our top of the range dash cams, it comes with Smart and Low power parking modes. But what’s new in the PRO 4K DC is front and rear motion detection zones, giving you nose to tail protection to detect any movement when your car is parked, with the detection zones, it minimises the chance of false recordings that can be caused by clouds moving or birds flying past.

Combined with the new addition of H.265 (HEVC or High efficiency Video Codec) compression, each recording file only uses half the storage space needed compared to the conventional H.264 so it can capture and store twice as much footage than ever before without any compromise to the video quality.

Super MP4 recording is another new technology in our dash cams that ensures footage is reliably saved and minimising chance of file corruption by writing the files to the microSD card every 2 seconds. In conventional dash cams, the files are written and saved at the end of each recording duration so if the card was ejected, you’d lose the entire recording whereas with Super MP4, you would only lose the last couple of seconds.

One of the top faults our service department hears is file/data loss due to corruption or microSD card being ejected. You don’t want to be caught out at time when saving the footage is crucial and with Super MP4 recording, this new feature reduces the likelihood of this occurring.

TECH GUIDE: Is 4K really necessary in a dash cam? Many of your models are Full HD 1080P, isn’t that sufficient?

ELVIS TRAN: Full HD 1080P is the resolution standard in dash cams and really pretty good, 4K Ultra HD is four times that resolution and produces higher quality and clarity footage that’ll allow you to zoom in and see any necessary details to provide clear evidence if you’re involved in an accident.

Our lens is designed with multi-layer glass to ensure high picture quality and reliability in all conditions, without the risk of distortion, hazing or cracking that commonly occur in low quality and plastic lenses.

TECH GUIDE: Why do sensors make a difference?

ELVIS TRAN: Dash cams work in many ways like regular cameras where the quality of the image depends on the size of the sensor, and how much light is pulled into the lens. Put simply, the larger the sensor the brighter and clearer vision and images are at night or in low light or car parks, and this can make the difference in your evidence of who was at fault.

TECH GUIDE: What feature of today’s dash cams do you think people need to know more about?

ELVIS TRAN: For me, parking mode is top of the list. Virtually all models in our range come with the ability to record when the vehicle is parked, and the engine is switched off.

So many accidents occur in car parks or on the street. This could be someone knocking your vehicle and driving off without leaving a note, or someone trying to break into your car or doing some sort of malicious damage, leaving you to fork out your excess on your insurance premium.

If your MiVue dash cam does have parking mode, it is absolutely worth buying the accessory you need to enable this to work – our SmartBox (which retails for $79) and have an auto-electrician professionally install it for you. This allows the device to sense motion, wake up and start recording with smart voltage and timer monitoring ensuring the dash cam shuts down safely when it reaches a selected threshold without draining your vehicle’s battery.

I think people also need to know that whatever their budget or the style of car – whether it is a high-end luxury vehicle that demands a discreet design, or an older car that is missing technology that can be found on newer cars like lane departure warnings, there is a style of MiVue dash cam to suit.

The post What to look for in a dash cam – they are not all the same according to Navman appeared first on Tech Guide.

MG has launched one of Australia’s most affordable EVs – the MG4 – and Tech Guide got a chance to get behind the wheel ahead of its official launch earlier this week.

The vehicle was officially unveiled at the South Sydney Rabbitohs High Performance Centre at Heffron Park – MG is, after all, South Sydney’s major sponsor.

The MG4 is the first MG model built with its new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) which means it was designed as an EV from the ground up.

The previous MG ZS EV was an electrified version of the petrol model but the MG4 was an EV from the moment it was conceived.

The hatchback has a sleek eye-catching design. MG said the goal was to make the car look fast even when it was standing still.

It’s also available in a range of standout colours including Brixton Blue and Volcano Orange.

The MG4 Excite 51 that we drove starts at $38,900 plus on-road costs and has a range of 350km and can move from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

MG Motor is also offering the MG4 64kWh Excite ($44,990 plus on road costs, 450km range), MG4 64kWh Essence ($47,990 plus on road costs, 435km range) and the MG4 77kWh Essence Long Range ($55,990 plus on road costs, 530km range).

One of the most attractive features of the of the MG4 is the price which is now within reach of most drivers shopping for a new car.

EV adoption has been slow in Australia because they were priced like luxury cars but with models like the MG4 coming to market it will certainly move the needle and be seriously considered by customers who were previously on the fence.

Range anxiety is also a factor but the MG4 models offers impressive range.

Some of the things that drive up the price of EVs is the size of the battery which also translates to range, the performance (speed from 0-100km/h) and the sheer size of the car.

What was achieved with the MG4 is bringing together quality, performance and value to make it a real competitor and make it on the list for customers considering the switch to an EV.

We drove the car for just under a week and found it to be an excellent drive.

The car is rear wheel drive and has a smooth ride and power when you need it.

It was a lot zippier than when we expected. It has 125kW of power and 250Nm torque.

The onboard battery, which is shorter than a can of coke, sits across the case of the car and provides a 50/50 weight distribution over both axles which is responsible for the stable ride.

On a road trip you can charge the battery to 80 per cent capacity in under 40 minutes.

But it is recommended if you are considering an EV purchase is to install a charger at home that can top up the battery overnight.

Considering Australians on average drive 35km a day the range of the MG4 Excite 51 will certainly coverage most people’s daily driving needs.

On the safety side the MG Pilot is included as standard on all MG4 EV models and offers a range of safety equipment and features including Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Alert, Intelligent High Beam Assist.

It has LED headlights and taillights and a reversing camera along with 17-inch alloy wheels with an Aero Cover.

It also offers keyless entry and Auto Start/Stop.

The MG4 has a solid feel to it as well. The doors close with a reassuring thunk which reflects the outstanding build quality.

The interior is as sleek and stylish as the outside with plenty of room for the driver and passengers.

I’m 184cm tall and I could fit in the driver’s seat with ease and the back seat was also quite roomy.

Plenty of space in the boot too – 363L with the back seats up, 1177L with the back seats down.

I could easily fit my golf clubs and buggy when the back seats down.

The interior features a 7-inch digital cluster in front of the driver as well as a 10.5-inch main touchscreen.

The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when you connect your device with a USB cable.

The MG4 doesn’t actually have its own GPS navigation so you need to rely on either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to get around.

And being designed as an EV, there is no lump in the middle of the car which usually accommodates the drivetrain of a petrol car.

With the added space there is more room to store things alongside the conveniently located cup holders.

There are also USB-A and USB-C charging ports as well.

The MG4 Excite 51 might be priced at the lower end of the EV scale but it most certainly punches above it weight.

It would be an ideal first EV for anyone thinking of making the switch.

The post Tech Guide gets behind the wheel of the new MG4 electric vehicle appeared first on Tech Guide.

Navman has released the new MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC (dual camera) and the company is calling them the best dash cams it has ever built.

Navman has brought together industry leading features into a single unit so they can act as the driver’s high quality eyes on the road.

The MiVue Pro 4K records in true 4K resolution – 3840 x 2160P at 30 frames per second.

It also has on board 1/1.8-inch low light sensor that draws in a greater amount of light to improve clarity even in low light situations.

Having that improved resolution provides far more detail in your footage so it’s even easier to make out things like number plates, street signs and car makes and models.

Each video is GPS tagged with the exact coordinates of any incident site along with other details like the direction of impact thanks to the onboard 3-axis G-Sensor.

The rear camera has a premium Starvis sensor and a 135-degree field of vision with the ability to record in 2.5K (2560 x 1440P) at 30 frames per second.

The MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC (which includes the rear camera) can be operated hands free with your voice which means saving a recording requires the driver to simply tell the device to start recording.

The front camera has a 2.7-inch LCD screen which makes it possible to review footage right there on the device while also offering fast file download via Wi-Fi to the MiVue Pro app.

In the event of an accident, the app allows you to download and share footage instantly from the accident site.

There are a number of safety features built into the MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC that will benefit even drivers of older cars.

These features include front collision warnings along with stop and go warnings when the vehicle in front of you has moved away If you’re still stationary.

There is also a lane departure warning system and even rear collision warnings which will offer an alert if someone is following too close behind you.

The MiVue Pro 4K also advises when you’re approaching safety cameras, red light cameras, school zones and railway crossings.

Drivers can also add the SmartBox for an additional $79 which will provide a continuous power source for the dash cam to operate in parking mode.

This means the MiVue Pro 4K can trigger recordings if someone hits your parked car and drives away.

The MiVue Pro 4K is priced at $369 while the MiVue Pro 4K DC (dual camera) is priced at $529.

The post Navman is calling the new MiVue Pro 4K the best dash cam it has ever built appeared first on Tech Guide.

My affair with Tesla is over. It was great while it lasted but I’m now I’m back in the arms of my ex – Mercedes Benz.

My five years driving a Tesla felt like a fling. I was loving it until Tesla suddenly said it was all over and turned its back on me.

My intention was to upgrade my current Model S to the Model S Plaid – I actually placed my order two years ago – but Tesla sent me an email that basically said “look, we need to talk”.

The affair was over. In the email Tesla said, “it’s not you – it’s me”.

They said they weren’t going to make the new Model S in right hand drive. I was heartbroken. They said they appreciated everything we’d done together but it was over.

To make me feel better they even offered my one of their siblings – the Model 3 or Model Y – if I wanted the relationship to continue.

But that’s not who I fell in love with.

I bought my Tesla Model S five years ago in 2018 when you could count the number of car companies making EVs on one hand.

Tesla first caught my eye back in 2017 when I was offered the Model S to drive so I could write about my experience on Tech Guide.

Here was this amazing car that represented the future. I was immediately smitten.

At that time I was driving a Mercedes Benz E Class – a beautiful luxury car – but at that moment it felt old school in comparison.

The younger and sexier vehicle suddenly had all my attention and, when my lease on the Merc ran out in 2018, I decided it was time to make the move.

The new car was all electric, had a sleek design and was filled with tech. This was the car I was meant to own – and it felt like I’d know it all my life.

At the time Tesla was an up and coming brand that had a huge cool factor – it was the new kid on the block taking on the old and stuffy car manufacturers.

When kids are fascinated by your car and wave to you because you drive a Tesla it said to me that the brand is cool and therefore I must be cool as well, right?

I was gulping the Kool Aid by the bucket, and it felt like I was part of a movement.

The rise of Tesla has been remarkable. The point of difference was Tesla was only making electric cars and approaching car manufacturing from a completely different direction than the traditional car manufacturers.

It reminded of when Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007 and turned the smartphone market on its head.

Apple approached the iPhone from the computer side – it was a computer that made phone calls while everyone else was trying make a telephone more like a computer.

Tesla and Apple have a lot in common – a tech company with visible and easily recognisable CEOs and millions of fanatical fans of their respective brands.

But ironically Tesla cars were never compatible with Apple’s CarPlay – a feature I have never really enjoyed until I got into my new EV – the Mercedes Benz EQE 350.

Over the years, Tesla made a lot of ground and endeared themselves to customers because they were the underdog in the industry.

This was despite the fact that investors were death-riding them and they were months behind in their manufacturing and were really struggling to meet the increasing demand.

What saved Tesla was that customers were patient. And loyal.

The wait for a Tesla was like a badge of honour. It showed you were up with the times and wanted to help save the planet.

Tesla put the blowtorch to the other major car brands and forced them into creating their own roadmaps to coming up with their own electric vehicles.

And that’s exactly what we’re seeing now. Hundred year-old car companies now have EVs and a plan to be full electric in the next decade.

If there was no Tesla to not only rock the boat but capsize it – we’d still be shopping for petrol cars.

Tesla also had first mover advantage when it came to creating a network of electric vehicle chargers at a time when most drivers weren’t even considering an EV. Their impressions of an electric car were the equivalent of a golf cart.

But five years is a long time in the auto industry and today it’s an entirely different story.

If Mercedes Benz had an EV five years ago, I would have bought that – but they didn’t and that’s why I told them I want to see other people.

In the five years Mercedes Benz and I were apart a lot has changed. Mercedes Benz had made a lot of changes and looked better than ever before.

I see that Tesla breaking up with me was probably a blessing in disguise.

It forced me to consider other brands and naturally Mercedes Benz (I had four Mercs before I bought the Tesla) was at the top of the list.

The Model S Plaid I ordered was going to cost more than the Mercedes Benz EQE 350, but it was still pretty spartan and minimal and, frankly, lacked the luxury that Mercedes Benz offered.

But I don’t regret buying the Tesla – it wasn’t as luxurious or as well built as a Merc – but I looked beyond that.

What it lacked in luxury and build quality – it made up for it with the cool factor, performance, technology, software updates and new features appearing overnight.

My new Mercedes Benz EQE 350 is amazing and it has so many features that surprise and delight with nearly every feature I had with the Tesla now onboard – and in many cases features and luxuries and safety features that were lacking in the Tesla.

Today everyone has now caught up with Tesla in terms of EVs.

For a first time EV driver, Tesla still has extraordinary appeal because they were first cab off the rank and are top of mind when customers think of an electric vehicle.

I think the biggest worry for Tesla is whether they can keep their customers. They sell their cars online – there is no face to face dealing with anyone.

It’s the same deal if you have an issue or need a repair – it’s all done through the app and really lacks the human touch.

Mercedes Benz, and all the other established brands, don’t want to sell you one car – they want to sell you your next five cars.

The delivery of my Mercedes Benz EQE 350 was like a ceremony – it felt like an occasion.

To be fair my Tesla delivery in 2018 felt the same – it was a momentous occasion.

But today Tesla is delivering so many cars in Australia – only Model 3 and Model Y – the delivery is usually short and sharp.

Tesla, it was great while it lasted, and I want you to be happy. I don’t regret the time we had together.

Mercedes Benz, it’s great to be back.

The post Hey Tesla the affair is over – I’ve now gone back to my ex appeared first on Tech Guide.

The 2024 model of the Polestar 2 electric vehicle is going to see a vast improvement in performance and range and a significant reduction to its carbon footprint with orders starting from $67,400 on July 5.

Polestar 2 will have a huge 22 per cent improvement in range – the Long Range single motor model is now certified for up to 654km.

The EV has a new motor on the rear-wheel drive model and a rear-bias for the dual motor version which offers weight shift over the driven wheels to offer even more efficient performance to consume up to nine per cent less energy.

“We absolutely love Polestar 2 – such a stylish, fun car to drive. Our engineers have worked hard to integrate important upgrades that really enhance the overall package, and they’ve made it even better,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

“We are proud to see we can do this without increasing its carbon footprint, but rather reducing it.”

The next-generation electric motors are powered by a new permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter and have a power output of up to 220kW – that’s an increase from 170kW.

The time to go 0-100km/h has also been reduced by 1.2 seconds to 6.2 seconds.

And it’s even better with the dual motor model which can produce up to 310kW to go 0-100km/h in a blistering 4.2 seconds.

“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear- wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” says Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar.

“The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”

The entry-level package of the Polestar 2 has also been improved with Driver Awareness features now standard.

These include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation plus the 360-degree surround view camera.

And wireless smartphone charging is also now standard on all models.

On the charging side, the new Polestar 2 will charge up to 34 per cent faster thanks to the upgraded lithium-ion batteries.

Long range models come with 82kWh batteries and 69kWh for the standard model.

The redesigned battery unit allows for faster charging at rate of up to 205kW DC for the long range batteries and 135kW for the standard range.

The post Latest Polestar 2 EV model offers improved performance, range and efficiency appeared first on Tech Guide.

BYD has undercut the MG Motor MG4 by $100 to make its new Dolphin Dynamic now the cheapest electric vehicle in Australia when it hits the road before the end of 2023.

Earlier this week, MG Motor revealed the price of its MG4 51kW at $38,990 plus on road costs.

But today BYD snuck in under that price for the Dolphin Dynamic at $38,890 plus on road costs.

“We are proud to introduce an EV of such high quality and safety that is now within reach for more Australians,” said EVDirect CEO, Luke Todd.

“With state government rebates as high as $6,000 in Queensland, this makes the Dolphin Dynamic as low as $32,890 plus on-road costs.

“In some instances, this positions it at a lower price point than similar petrol-powered vehicles, a circumstance that has been unprecedented until now.”

The Dolphin Dynamic is a 5-door hatchback with a 2700mm wheelbase with enough space to fit five adults comfortably and cater for their luggage with 345 litres of storage space.

With the rear seats folded flat that space increases to 1,310 litres.

The BYD Dolphin Dynamic has a sleek design and impressive interior styling and maintains BYD’s design language.

Inside is a 12.8-inch touchscreen which can be rotated to either landscape or portrait orientation and with full connectivity including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Sat Nav and wireless phone charging.

Also on board the BYD Dolphin is a large panoramic moonroof, voice control and USB charging ports throughout the cabin for both front and rear passengers.

The vehicle also includes heated seats with climate-controlled air conditioning supported by BYD’s advanced heat pump system to maximise thermal management and provide the efficiency for maximum driving range in all weather conditions.

On the safety side, there are seven airbags, autonomous emergency breaking (AEB), driver fatigue monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

BYD opened expressions of interest for the new dolphin on June 12 and have had a great response.
“We’ve received an exceptional number of expressions of interest for the BYD Dolphin,” Todd said.

“We anticipate a substantial volume of pre-orders. Given BYD’s proven supply chain capabilities, we eagerly look forward to delivering many thousands of Dolphins, with shipments scheduled to begin in Q4 2023.”

The post BYD’s new Dolphin undercuts the MG4 by $100 to become Australia’s cheapest EV appeared first on Tech Guide.

MG Motor has announced one of the most affordable EVs in Australia – the MG4 51kWh Excite – will hit the road in August at $38,990 plus on roads costs.

It is the first EV priced under $40,000 in Australia and brings it within reach of all Australians who are thinking of switching to an electric vehicle.

The MG4 Excite 51 hatchback has a range of 350km and comes with MG’s 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

MG Motor Australia has made the decision to discontinue the ZS EV Excite to make room for the MG4 51 Excite.

The ZS EV Essence and Long Range models will still be available.

“Australians are doing it tough amid cost of living pressures, I know they are feeling those rising pressures at supermarkets, when they’re buying fuel, when they’re paying their energy bills,” says MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao.

“Like I did when I launched the ZS EV, and as MG has done with our other models, we are creating affordable and accessible cars and the MG4 is helping Aussies get into an electric vehicle sooner than later.”

“There is no doubt that the cost of living is the number one issue right now for Australians and we’re trying our best to help by making EV affordable with the release of MG4 at $38,990 plus on road costs.”

The MG4 is the first to use MG Motor’s new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) which includes rear wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution and thin battery technology.

MG Motor is also offering the MG4 64kWh Excite ($44,990 plus on road costs, 450km range), MG4 64kWh Essence ($47,990 plus on road costs, 435km range) and the MG4 77kWh Essence Long Range ($55,990 plus on road costs, 530km range).

MG offers three battery capacities in their line-up – 51kWh, 64kWh and 77 kWh.

The 64kWh battery can recharge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent using a 150kW DC rapid charger in just 26 minutes.

The MG4 EV has a sleek aerodynamic design with 17-inch alloys with aero covers on the 51kWh and 64kWh and 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels with aero covers on the 64kWh Essence and 77kWh Essence.

There are seven exterior colour options: Dover White, Brixton Blue, Black Pearl (Metallic), Camden Grey (Metallic), Dynamic Red (Tri-Coat) and Volcano Orange (Tri-Coat) and Sterling Silver (Metallic).

MG Pilot is included as standard on all MG4 EV models and offers a range of safety equipment that features:

– Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection

– Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist

– Intelligent Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition

– Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System

– Driver Attention Alert

– Intelligent High Beam Assist

Essence models are also come with Door Open Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist.

The post The new MG4 EV entry model has become Australia’s cheapest electric car appeared first on Tech Guide.

Aston Martin has announced it will join with Bower & Wilkins as its official audio partner for its new DB12 vehicle to offer drivers a superior audio experience.

The DB12 is the first Aston Martin to feature the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

It’s a 15-speaker double-amplified 1,170W system that includes proprietary technologies like aluminium double dome tweeters and Continuum mid-range drive units.

A dedicated 3D headline speakers along with a powerful subwoofer completes the sound experience.

There are five 25mm Nautilus aluminium double dome tweeters located in the dashboard, doors and behind the B-pillar – inspired by the iconic Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers with spiralling diffusion channels that reduce reflected sound.

Close to the tweeters are five Bowers & Wilkins 100mm Continuum mid-range speakers to deliver super mid-range performance and the reproduction of voices.

The tweeter-on-top technology minimises acoustic reflection from the windscreen and aims sound directly at the occupants.

 “The alignment of Bowers & Wilkins with Aston Martin is an entirely natural one, with both celebrating their British heritage while being renowned for innovation and creating thrilling experiences,” says Dan Shepherd, Vice President of Licensing and Partnerships at Bowers & Wilkins.

“As well as car-audio integration, this exciting new partnership will also lead to elevated brand co-operations in the future. We proudly look forward to the next chapter.”

The post Aston Martin names Bowers & Wilkins as its official audio partner appeared first on Tech Guide.

Samsung has launched a Digital Key feature for Samsung Wallet that will enable your Galaxy smartphone to be used to lock and unlock your car.

Samsung will launch the feature with BMW vehicles with Australian drivers able to lock and unlock the car and start the engine.

The Samsung Digital Key will also make it possible to share the key with other drivers through their Samsung smartphone.

Available now in the Samsung Wallet, Digital Key utilises NFC (near field communication) and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) capabilities.

With the Digital Key onboard the Samsung Wallet, users just need to walk up to the car and won’t need to take their phone out of their pocket.

Once inside the vehicle, users simply place their smartphone on the wireless charging pad to start the engine when the Digital Key is recognised and authenticated.

Users need to be running Android 13 or later on compatible Galaxy devices (see table below).

“The Samsung Wallet Digital Key solution helps simplify the everyday experience for our customers and provides them with convenience and peace of mind through a central and secure hub within their smartphones,” said Garry McGregor, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electronics Australia.

“Our launch partnership with BMW allows Australians to use their Galaxy devices to seamlessly unlock car doors, start their engines and even share their Digital Keys, thereby offering our customers greater flexibility and convenience. We look forward to working with more car manufacturers in the future and onboarding them onto Samsung Wallet Digital Key.”

Eligible smartphones must run the latest Android S(13) OS or higher software.

Compatible Samsung devices include:

– Galaxy S20 series: all models apart from S20FE

– Note 20 series: Note 20, Note 20 Ultra

– Galaxy S21 series: S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE

– Galaxy S22 series: S22, S22+, S22 Ultra

– Galaxy S23 series: S23, S23+, S23 Ultra

– Galaxy Z-Flip: Z-Flip 5G, Z-Flip3, Z-Flip4,

– Galaxy Z-Fold: Z-Fold2, Z-Fold3, Z-Fold4

The post Samsung launches new Digital Key that can unlock and start your car with your phone appeared first on Tech Guide.

The MG ZS EV midsize SUV is a leading the way in affordable electric vehicles – but it is also full of surprises.

We met up with the South Sydney Rabbitohs – MG Motor is their major sponsors – to get a tour of their new performance centre but to also show them a cool feature of the MG ZS EV called V2L – Vehicle To Load.

Basically what this means is that you can power other things from the battery of the MG ZS EV.

When the car is plugged in to a charger the battery is recharging – think of it like a larger version of a smartphone.

V2L is a discharging feature and allows users to attach a cable to the charging port and plug in and power other devices and appliances.

We met up with Rabbitohs players Tom Burgess, Campbell Graham, Jai Arrow and Ben Lovett to demonstrate V2L with a ball cannon, a ball pump and the Game Ready recovery device to treat injuries.

Take a look at the video above to see the Rabbitohs and MG’s V2L in action.

The post Showing the South Sydney Rabbitohs a surprise feature of the MG ZS EV appeared first on Tech Guide.

Elon Musk – you broke my heart. I am one of many Tesla owners who feel like the company has turned their back on Australian customers after the cancellation of the Model S Plaid Right Hand Drive (RHD) model.

Tesla sent me and other eager and patient Model S customers an email saying they were not going to manufacture RHD and that my order, which was placed in August 2021, will be cancelled.

And to thank me for my support of their “mission” they have offered me a $3,000 discount on the much cheaper Model 3 or Model Y.

That’s like being offered a chicken wing when the lobster has been taken off the menu.

Tesla has made no other formal statement outside the emails sent to owners which mention “changes to the vehicle program”.

This Tesla Model S Plaid edition went on sale in the US in July 2021 and have rolled to LHD drive countries around the world.

Australians, me included, have waited patiently for the release of the RHD model.

Between the release of the Model 3 and Model Y in the US before it is available in Australia was usually between 18 months and two years.

Going by that, the Model S Plaid should have arrived in July.

When the Model S Plaid went on sale on the Australian website it estimated a December 2022 delivery but as that deadline slipped the impatience grew.

Just a few weeks ago, Tesla stopped taking new orders for the Model S which I took to mean they wanted to manage the first wave of deliveries.

How wrong I was.

I have been a Tesla owner for 5 years since I took delivery of the Model S back in May 2018.

In fact, my five years lease is up at the end of May and I was hoping to sell my Model S, pay the vehicle out and use the remainder as a deposit on my upcoming Model S order.

Now I don’t know whether to keep the car for sale (you can see it on CarSales) or to just keep it.

One effect in my favour is that my Model S has just become even rarer and possibly even more valuable.

Now I’m not sure if I want to stick with Tesla.

Sure I can spec up a Model 3 performance with every possible feature to get closer to the Model S standard – and I’ve seriously thought about this.

But another side of me feels like turning away from Tesla.

The company has stood me up like a teenager the night before the prom.

The other option I’m looking at is the Mercedes EQE EV. I owned four Mercs before I bought my Model S five years ago – and they could be getting me back.

I’m pissed off that Tesla hasn’t really fought to keep me as a customer after my decision to buy the Model S five years ago, when no one was buying EVs, helped them become the gigantic company they are today.

Now they turn around and keep me hanging for close on two years and drop me like a hot potato.

There are a lot of RHD countries around the world and the question is how can Tesla not make money with a RHD drive model. Or do they not want to try?

Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, hell even Ferrari and Lamborghini make RHD models so why can’t Tesla offer a RHD Model S.

I know the company can’t make RHD Model 3s and Model Ys fast enough right now.

It absolutely baffles me why Tesla can’t supply a RHD Model S to Australia.

Maybe Elon Musk should spend less time writing obscure tweets and sharing conspiracy theories and spend more time working on his Tesla business.

The post Elon Musk, you broke my heart. Tesla cancels the new RHD Model S for Australians appeared first on Tech Guide.

MG Motors Australia has announced official pricing for the variants of the eagerly awaited MG4 EV hatchback starting at well under $50,000.

MG4 EV variants will include the 64kWh Excite, the 64kWh Essence and the 77kWh Essence.

The 64kWh Excite will be priced at $44,990 plus on-road costs while the 64kWh Essence will be $47,990 plus on-road costs.

The 77kWh Essence will be $55,990 plus on-road costs.

Range of the models will be 530km (77kWh Essence), 450km (64kWh Excite) and 430km (64kWh Essence).

The 64kWh battery can also be charged at up to 138kW which means it can go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 28 minutes using a 150kW DC rapid charger.

MG4 EV will be the first MG model to introduce the new Modular Scalable Platform which will form the base of MG’s next generation all electric vehicles.

The models will be rear-wheel drive with a 50:50 weight distribution and thin battery technology.

MG4 will also feature the new MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system with automatic emergency braking, speed assistance system, rear traffic alerts, lane keep assistance, adaptive cruise control and intelligent high beam control.

The MG4 EV will also come with a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

The post MG Motors releases pricing of its highly-anticipated MG4 EV hatchback appeared first on Tech Guide.

Ford Australia has confirmed pricing and opened orders for the new Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle which is expected to hit Australian roads before the end of the year.

Customers can reserve a vehicle with a $1000 deposit through the online portal.

There will be three variants for the Mustang Mach-E – Select, Premium and GT.

Here’s an overview of the Mach-E line-up:

– Mach-E Select: Priced from $79,990 (MLP), this model features a 71kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing up to 470km of driving range1 and an output of 198kW and 430Nm of torque.

– Mach-E Premium: Priced from $92,990 (MLP), the Premium model has a 91kWh battery, delivering up to 600km of driving range1 and an output of 216kW and 430Nm of torque.

– Mach-E GT: Priced from $108,990 (MLP), the GT boasts a 91kWh battery and two electric motors, offering up to 490km of driving range and an impressive 358kW and 860Nm of torque.

The flagship GT model has a 91kWh battery and dual electric motors with a range of 490km.

It can go 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds which makes it the fastest accelerating vehicle Ford will offer in Australia.

The GT will also include MagneRide suspension and performance brakes to take your driving experience to a new level.

All models with come with the special Untame drive mode to unleash the car’s potential with improved acceleration and braking and a refined steering response.

Inside is a comfortable and luxurious interior which includes a 15.5-inch infotainment screen running Ford’s Sync4 operating system alongside a 10.2-inch digital cluster and a ten speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The vehicles have room for five people with plenty of leg and headroom in the front and back.

Select includes 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass roof.

Mustang Mach-E GT has 20-inch alloy wheels and bespoke Pirelli tyres.

All models have the Mach-E’s one pedal drive system which allows you to drive just using the accelerator.

To slow down, the driver simply takes their foot off the accelerator and the Mach-E will begin slowing down and recapturing energy usually lost during deceleration.

This is similar to Tesla’s regenerative braking.

“Mustang Mach-E represents a shift from the traditional and will appeal to a wide range of buyers,” added Danni Winter, Marketing Director, Ford Australia.

“This is why we’ve made the decision to offer customers the chance to reserve their vehicle online.

“It’s a natural part of our digital evolution and allows our customers to shop with their Authorised Ford EV Dealer 24/7.”

To purchase a Mustang Mach-E, customers will need to access the Ford Australia online reservation portal.

When they chose the model they will be required to create a Ford Account and pay a $1000 reservation fee.

The post Ford reveals pricing and opens sales portal for Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle appeared first on Tech Guide.