Suzuki Jimny getting significant safety upgrade
Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports the updated Jimny, which is set to launch in Japan this August, will gain the following equipment:
Of these, only the first will reportedly be fitted to both manual and automatic variants, with the others being exclusive to auto vehicles.
No other changes are expected, according to Creative Trend, apart from what claims will be "significant price increase".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February 2025 that the three-door Jimny, among other vehicles in its lineup, didn't meet newly introduced Australian Design Rules (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems.
At the time, it said investigations were underway into making the popular off-roader compliant and that its "position on this product" had "yet to be confirmed".
Sales of the Jimny, along with other Suzuki models that fell afoul of the new ADR, have continued as the automaker has secured sufficient stock complied before March 1, 2025, when ADR 98/00 came into effect.
The Jimny XL is unaffected by this new ADR. It features a stereo camera instead of a forward-facing monocular camera and laser radar like its three-door sibling, which allows Suzuki to offer both adaptive cruise control and night-time pedestrian detection.
Suzuki Australia confirmed earlier this month that the three-door Jimny would be in greater supply during the first quarter of 2026.
We've contacted the company to confirm exactly when the updated Jimny will arrive here.
From January 1, 2025, the Jimny is unrated by independent safety authority ANCAP. Its three-star rating from 2018 expired on December 31, 2024.
The Jimny is by far Suzuki's best-selling vehicle locally.
To the end of June, it has delivered 4365 examples so far this year. The Swift light hatch was a distant second with 1953 deliveries.
Not only does the Jimny outsell every other Suzuki, it's more popular than almost every other so-called light SUV. The only exceptions are the Mazda CX-3 (8221) and Toyota Yaris Cross (5887).
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Jimny showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Japanese-built Suzuki Jimny three-door is getting a safety upgrade to match its Indian-built Jimny XL five-door sibling.
Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports the updated Jimny, which is set to launch in Japan this August, will gain the following equipment:
Of these, only the first will reportedly be fitted to both manual and automatic variants, with the others being exclusive to auto vehicles.
No other changes are expected, according to Creative Trend, apart from what claims will be "significant price increase".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February 2025 that the three-door Jimny, among other vehicles in its lineup, didn't meet newly introduced Australian Design Rules (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems.
At the time, it said investigations were underway into making the popular off-roader compliant and that its "position on this product" had "yet to be confirmed".
Sales of the Jimny, along with other Suzuki models that fell afoul of the new ADR, have continued as the automaker has secured sufficient stock complied before March 1, 2025, when ADR 98/00 came into effect.
The Jimny XL is unaffected by this new ADR. It features a stereo camera instead of a forward-facing monocular camera and laser radar like its three-door sibling, which allows Suzuki to offer both adaptive cruise control and night-time pedestrian detection.
Suzuki Australia confirmed earlier this month that the three-door Jimny would be in greater supply during the first quarter of 2026.
We've contacted the company to confirm exactly when the updated Jimny will arrive here.
From January 1, 2025, the Jimny is unrated by independent safety authority ANCAP. Its three-star rating from 2018 expired on December 31, 2024.
The Jimny is by far Suzuki's best-selling vehicle locally.
To the end of June, it has delivered 4365 examples so far this year. The Swift light hatch was a distant second with 1953 deliveries.
Not only does the Jimny outsell every other Suzuki, it's more popular than almost every other so-called light SUV. The only exceptions are the Mazda CX-3 (8221) and Toyota Yaris Cross (5887).
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Jimny showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Japanese-built Suzuki Jimny three-door is getting a safety upgrade to match its Indian-built Jimny XL five-door sibling.
Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports the updated Jimny, which is set to launch in Japan this August, will gain the following equipment:
Of these, only the first will reportedly be fitted to both manual and automatic variants, with the others being exclusive to auto vehicles.
No other changes are expected, according to Creative Trend, apart from what claims will be "significant price increase".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February 2025 that the three-door Jimny, among other vehicles in its lineup, didn't meet newly introduced Australian Design Rules (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems.
At the time, it said investigations were underway into making the popular off-roader compliant and that its "position on this product" had "yet to be confirmed".
Sales of the Jimny, along with other Suzuki models that fell afoul of the new ADR, have continued as the automaker has secured sufficient stock complied before March 1, 2025, when ADR 98/00 came into effect.
The Jimny XL is unaffected by this new ADR. It features a stereo camera instead of a forward-facing monocular camera and laser radar like its three-door sibling, which allows Suzuki to offer both adaptive cruise control and night-time pedestrian detection.
Suzuki Australia confirmed earlier this month that the three-door Jimny would be in greater supply during the first quarter of 2026.
We've contacted the company to confirm exactly when the updated Jimny will arrive here.
From January 1, 2025, the Jimny is unrated by independent safety authority ANCAP. Its three-star rating from 2018 expired on December 31, 2024.
The Jimny is by far Suzuki's best-selling vehicle locally.
To the end of June, it has delivered 4365 examples so far this year. The Swift light hatch was a distant second with 1953 deliveries.
Not only does the Jimny outsell every other Suzuki, it's more popular than almost every other so-called light SUV. The only exceptions are the Mazda CX-3 (8221) and Toyota Yaris Cross (5887).
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Jimny showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The Japanese-built Suzuki Jimny three-door is getting a safety upgrade to match its Indian-built Jimny XL five-door sibling.
Japanese outlet Creative Trend reports the updated Jimny, which is set to launch in Japan this August, will gain the following equipment:
Of these, only the first will reportedly be fitted to both manual and automatic variants, with the others being exclusive to auto vehicles.
No other changes are expected, according to Creative Trend, apart from what claims will be "significant price increase".
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Suzuki Australia confirmed in February 2025 that the three-door Jimny, among other vehicles in its lineup, didn't meet newly introduced Australian Design Rules (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems.
At the time, it said investigations were underway into making the popular off-roader compliant and that its "position on this product" had "yet to be confirmed".
Sales of the Jimny, along with other Suzuki models that fell afoul of the new ADR, have continued as the automaker has secured sufficient stock complied before March 1, 2025, when ADR 98/00 came into effect.
The Jimny XL is unaffected by this new ADR. It features a stereo camera instead of a forward-facing monocular camera and laser radar like its three-door sibling, which allows Suzuki to offer both adaptive cruise control and night-time pedestrian detection.
Suzuki Australia confirmed earlier this month that the three-door Jimny would be in greater supply during the first quarter of 2026.
We've contacted the company to confirm exactly when the updated Jimny will arrive here.
From January 1, 2025, the Jimny is unrated by independent safety authority ANCAP. Its three-star rating from 2018 expired on December 31, 2024.
The Jimny is by far Suzuki's best-selling vehicle locally.
To the end of June, it has delivered 4365 examples so far this year. The Swift light hatch was a distant second with 1953 deliveries.
Not only does the Jimny outsell every other Suzuki, it's more popular than almost every other so-called light SUV. The only exceptions are the Mazda CX-3 (8221) and Toyota Yaris Cross (5887).
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Jimny showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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2025 Mahindra XUV 3X0 vs Chery Tiggo 4: Spec battle
The race for Australia's cheapest SUV recently got a new entrant with the arrival of the Mahindra XUV 3X0. The Indian automaker has temporarily overtaken Chinese rival Chery and its popular Tiggo 4 at the head of the small SUV pack with its first city-sized soft-roader. Both compact SUVs offer exceptional value for money, generous levels of standard equipment and the latest in advanced safety systems, and both have affordable long-term ownership credentials. So, let's dig a little deeper to see how they stack up against each other. The Mahindra XUV 3X0 launched in Australia last month with a special introductory price that expires on August 31, 2025. It is available in two model grades, the AX5L and AX7L, which currently cost $23,490 and $26,490 drive-away. But both will increase by $500 from September 1. When that happens, the Mahindra will line-up exactly on price with the updated Chery Tiggo 4, which arrived in Australian showrooms earlier this year. It is also offered in two variants, Urban and Ultimate, which sell for $23,990 and $26,990 respectively, also including all on-road statutory costs. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering their price, the entry-level variants of both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV3X0 come with a decent level of standard equipment. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The extensive list of standard features in both models includes: The Mahindra also comes with a standard glass sunroof and a cooled glovebox. For the top-spec variants, both get leather trim and larger alloy wheels (from 16- to 17-inch with the Mahindra and from 17- to 18-inch with the Chery), but there are a host more unique differences. The Mahindra XUV 300 AX7L picks up a larger 'Sky Roof', a premium Harman Kardon sound system with amplifier and sub-woofer, and the option of a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof for certain exterior colours. Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate has power adjustment and heating for the front seats, colour interior ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger and a sunroof. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3X0 are equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced driver aids and safety features in all model variants. Standard safety equipment across both models includes: The Chery does go a little further with seven airbags, including a centre airbag between the front-seat occupants, as well as driver fatigue monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance, and door-opening warning. But the Mahindra has a 360-degree parking display in both variants, whereas this is only available in the top-spec Tiggo 4 Ultimate. The Tiggo 4 was given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating in 2024, while the XUV 300 has yet to be tested by the independent safety authority. Mahindra does, however, claim the vehicle has been designed to perform at the highest level in real-world scenarios, and the XUV 300 did receive a five-star rating last year from the India's ANCAP equivalent, Bharat NCAP. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. For small SUVs, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 are surprisingly spacious and well suited to small families thanks to excellent interior ride on a wheelbase with roughly the same space between the front and rear axles, but the Chery is longer in overall length and fractionally wider and taller. But not by enough that makes a significant difference inside the cabin, as both offer room for five with decent headroom and more legroom in the second row than you'd imagine. Both cars have 60:40-split folding rear seats, three top-tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a space-saver spare tyre under the floor of the boot, which are also surprisingly generous and offer enough cargo capacity to cater for weekly family duties and longer holiday road trips. As for the overall aesthetic, the Tiggo 4 is a little more modern with its asymmetric dash top that highlights the floating twin-screen configuration with a separate touchscreen for the climate control system on the curving centre stack. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The Mahindra is more conservative with a digital instrument cluster under its own cowl while the tablet-style infotainment screen juts out at the top of the centre of the dashboard with a row of physical buttons, and a traditional volume knob for the audio within easy reach. It also has rotary dials for the climate control and a convenient bin at the base of the console for small items or mobile devices, with a pair of cupholders behind the upright gear lever. Both the Mahindra and Chery offer decent small-item storage spaces throughout the cabin, with deep door pockets, covered bins in the centre console and flip-down arm rests in the centre of the back seat. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering the size and focus on value for money here, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 have relatively simple powertrains with no variations between Mahindra is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 200Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The Chery has an extra cylinder and a larger-capacity 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that, naturally, delivers higher outputs of 108kW and 210Nm. It too drives the front wheels, but via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable standard unleaded petrol, and the Mahindra is more efficient with a claimed average of 6.5L/100km compared to the Chery's 7.4L/100km , neither of which is particularly exceptional for small cars like these. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. There's not much separating these two when it comes to ownership credentials either, as both are covered by seven-year warranties with free roadside assistance and capped-price servicing packages. However, the Mahindra's coverage is limited to the first 150,000km and its capped-price service offer extends to only six years, whereas the Chery has unlimited mileage coverage and service prices set for the duration of the warranty. In terms of maintenance costs, both are reasonably affordable, with the Chery's yearly average slightly lower than the Mahindra ($310 versus $332), and both require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. The reality is there's not much to separate these two and pick a definitive winner. Both provide Australians affordable access to a new car with the latest safety tech and digital conveniences, and both come equipped with a decent array of standard equipment. Plus, they're relatively cheap to own and have excellent aftersales provisions that provide plenty of peace of mind. If anything, small families and first-time car buyers are the real winners with either choice here. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV 3X0? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereInterested in buying a Chery Tiggo 4? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV3X0 showroomMORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: The race for Australia's cheapest SUV recently got a new entrant with the arrival of the Mahindra XUV 3X0. The Indian automaker has temporarily overtaken Chinese rival Chery and its popular Tiggo 4 at the head of the small SUV pack with its first city-sized soft-roader. Both compact SUVs offer exceptional value for money, generous levels of standard equipment and the latest in advanced safety systems, and both have affordable long-term ownership credentials. So, let's dig a little deeper to see how they stack up against each other. The Mahindra XUV 3X0 launched in Australia last month with a special introductory price that expires on August 31, 2025. It is available in two model grades, the AX5L and AX7L, which currently cost $23,490 and $26,490 drive-away. But both will increase by $500 from September 1. When that happens, the Mahindra will line-up exactly on price with the updated Chery Tiggo 4, which arrived in Australian showrooms earlier this year. It is also offered in two variants, Urban and Ultimate, which sell for $23,990 and $26,990 respectively, also including all on-road statutory costs. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering their price, the entry-level variants of both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV3X0 come with a decent level of standard equipment. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The extensive list of standard features in both models includes: The Mahindra also comes with a standard glass sunroof and a cooled glovebox. For the top-spec variants, both get leather trim and larger alloy wheels (from 16- to 17-inch with the Mahindra and from 17- to 18-inch with the Chery), but there are a host more unique differences. The Mahindra XUV 300 AX7L picks up a larger 'Sky Roof', a premium Harman Kardon sound system with amplifier and sub-woofer, and the option of a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof for certain exterior colours. Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate has power adjustment and heating for the front seats, colour interior ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger and a sunroof. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3X0 are equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced driver aids and safety features in all model variants. Standard safety equipment across both models includes: The Chery does go a little further with seven airbags, including a centre airbag between the front-seat occupants, as well as driver fatigue monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance, and door-opening warning. But the Mahindra has a 360-degree parking display in both variants, whereas this is only available in the top-spec Tiggo 4 Ultimate. The Tiggo 4 was given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating in 2024, while the XUV 300 has yet to be tested by the independent safety authority. Mahindra does, however, claim the vehicle has been designed to perform at the highest level in real-world scenarios, and the XUV 300 did receive a five-star rating last year from the India's ANCAP equivalent, Bharat NCAP. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. For small SUVs, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 are surprisingly spacious and well suited to small families thanks to excellent interior ride on a wheelbase with roughly the same space between the front and rear axles, but the Chery is longer in overall length and fractionally wider and taller. But not by enough that makes a significant difference inside the cabin, as both offer room for five with decent headroom and more legroom in the second row than you'd imagine. Both cars have 60:40-split folding rear seats, three top-tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a space-saver spare tyre under the floor of the boot, which are also surprisingly generous and offer enough cargo capacity to cater for weekly family duties and longer holiday road trips. As for the overall aesthetic, the Tiggo 4 is a little more modern with its asymmetric dash top that highlights the floating twin-screen configuration with a separate touchscreen for the climate control system on the curving centre stack. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The Mahindra is more conservative with a digital instrument cluster under its own cowl while the tablet-style infotainment screen juts out at the top of the centre of the dashboard with a row of physical buttons, and a traditional volume knob for the audio within easy reach. It also has rotary dials for the climate control and a convenient bin at the base of the console for small items or mobile devices, with a pair of cupholders behind the upright gear lever. Both the Mahindra and Chery offer decent small-item storage spaces throughout the cabin, with deep door pockets, covered bins in the centre console and flip-down arm rests in the centre of the back seat. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering the size and focus on value for money here, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 have relatively simple powertrains with no variations between Mahindra is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 200Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The Chery has an extra cylinder and a larger-capacity 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that, naturally, delivers higher outputs of 108kW and 210Nm. It too drives the front wheels, but via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable standard unleaded petrol, and the Mahindra is more efficient with a claimed average of 6.5L/100km compared to the Chery's 7.4L/100km , neither of which is particularly exceptional for small cars like these. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. There's not much separating these two when it comes to ownership credentials either, as both are covered by seven-year warranties with free roadside assistance and capped-price servicing packages. However, the Mahindra's coverage is limited to the first 150,000km and its capped-price service offer extends to only six years, whereas the Chery has unlimited mileage coverage and service prices set for the duration of the warranty. In terms of maintenance costs, both are reasonably affordable, with the Chery's yearly average slightly lower than the Mahindra ($310 versus $332), and both require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. The reality is there's not much to separate these two and pick a definitive winner. Both provide Australians affordable access to a new car with the latest safety tech and digital conveniences, and both come equipped with a decent array of standard equipment. Plus, they're relatively cheap to own and have excellent aftersales provisions that provide plenty of peace of mind. If anything, small families and first-time car buyers are the real winners with either choice here. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV 3X0? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereInterested in buying a Chery Tiggo 4? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV3X0 showroomMORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: The race for Australia's cheapest SUV recently got a new entrant with the arrival of the Mahindra XUV 3X0. The Indian automaker has temporarily overtaken Chinese rival Chery and its popular Tiggo 4 at the head of the small SUV pack with its first city-sized soft-roader. Both compact SUVs offer exceptional value for money, generous levels of standard equipment and the latest in advanced safety systems, and both have affordable long-term ownership credentials. So, let's dig a little deeper to see how they stack up against each other. The Mahindra XUV 3X0 launched in Australia last month with a special introductory price that expires on August 31, 2025. It is available in two model grades, the AX5L and AX7L, which currently cost $23,490 and $26,490 drive-away. But both will increase by $500 from September 1. When that happens, the Mahindra will line-up exactly on price with the updated Chery Tiggo 4, which arrived in Australian showrooms earlier this year. It is also offered in two variants, Urban and Ultimate, which sell for $23,990 and $26,990 respectively, also including all on-road statutory costs. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering their price, the entry-level variants of both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV3X0 come with a decent level of standard equipment. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The extensive list of standard features in both models includes: The Mahindra also comes with a standard glass sunroof and a cooled glovebox. For the top-spec variants, both get leather trim and larger alloy wheels (from 16- to 17-inch with the Mahindra and from 17- to 18-inch with the Chery), but there are a host more unique differences. The Mahindra XUV 300 AX7L picks up a larger 'Sky Roof', a premium Harman Kardon sound system with amplifier and sub-woofer, and the option of a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof for certain exterior colours. Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate has power adjustment and heating for the front seats, colour interior ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger and a sunroof. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3X0 are equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced driver aids and safety features in all model variants. Standard safety equipment across both models includes: The Chery does go a little further with seven airbags, including a centre airbag between the front-seat occupants, as well as driver fatigue monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance, and door-opening warning. But the Mahindra has a 360-degree parking display in both variants, whereas this is only available in the top-spec Tiggo 4 Ultimate. The Tiggo 4 was given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating in 2024, while the XUV 300 has yet to be tested by the independent safety authority. Mahindra does, however, claim the vehicle has been designed to perform at the highest level in real-world scenarios, and the XUV 300 did receive a five-star rating last year from the India's ANCAP equivalent, Bharat NCAP. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. For small SUVs, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 are surprisingly spacious and well suited to small families thanks to excellent interior ride on a wheelbase with roughly the same space between the front and rear axles, but the Chery is longer in overall length and fractionally wider and taller. But not by enough that makes a significant difference inside the cabin, as both offer room for five with decent headroom and more legroom in the second row than you'd imagine. Both cars have 60:40-split folding rear seats, three top-tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a space-saver spare tyre under the floor of the boot, which are also surprisingly generous and offer enough cargo capacity to cater for weekly family duties and longer holiday road trips. As for the overall aesthetic, the Tiggo 4 is a little more modern with its asymmetric dash top that highlights the floating twin-screen configuration with a separate touchscreen for the climate control system on the curving centre stack. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The Mahindra is more conservative with a digital instrument cluster under its own cowl while the tablet-style infotainment screen juts out at the top of the centre of the dashboard with a row of physical buttons, and a traditional volume knob for the audio within easy reach. It also has rotary dials for the climate control and a convenient bin at the base of the console for small items or mobile devices, with a pair of cupholders behind the upright gear lever. Both the Mahindra and Chery offer decent small-item storage spaces throughout the cabin, with deep door pockets, covered bins in the centre console and flip-down arm rests in the centre of the back seat. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering the size and focus on value for money here, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 have relatively simple powertrains with no variations between Mahindra is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 200Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The Chery has an extra cylinder and a larger-capacity 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that, naturally, delivers higher outputs of 108kW and 210Nm. It too drives the front wheels, but via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable standard unleaded petrol, and the Mahindra is more efficient with a claimed average of 6.5L/100km compared to the Chery's 7.4L/100km , neither of which is particularly exceptional for small cars like these. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. There's not much separating these two when it comes to ownership credentials either, as both are covered by seven-year warranties with free roadside assistance and capped-price servicing packages. However, the Mahindra's coverage is limited to the first 150,000km and its capped-price service offer extends to only six years, whereas the Chery has unlimited mileage coverage and service prices set for the duration of the warranty. In terms of maintenance costs, both are reasonably affordable, with the Chery's yearly average slightly lower than the Mahindra ($310 versus $332), and both require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. The reality is there's not much to separate these two and pick a definitive winner. Both provide Australians affordable access to a new car with the latest safety tech and digital conveniences, and both come equipped with a decent array of standard equipment. Plus, they're relatively cheap to own and have excellent aftersales provisions that provide plenty of peace of mind. If anything, small families and first-time car buyers are the real winners with either choice here. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV 3X0? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereInterested in buying a Chery Tiggo 4? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV3X0 showroomMORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 4 showroom Content originally sourced from: The race for Australia's cheapest SUV recently got a new entrant with the arrival of the Mahindra XUV 3X0. The Indian automaker has temporarily overtaken Chinese rival Chery and its popular Tiggo 4 at the head of the small SUV pack with its first city-sized soft-roader. Both compact SUVs offer exceptional value for money, generous levels of standard equipment and the latest in advanced safety systems, and both have affordable long-term ownership credentials. So, let's dig a little deeper to see how they stack up against each other. The Mahindra XUV 3X0 launched in Australia last month with a special introductory price that expires on August 31, 2025. It is available in two model grades, the AX5L and AX7L, which currently cost $23,490 and $26,490 drive-away. But both will increase by $500 from September 1. When that happens, the Mahindra will line-up exactly on price with the updated Chery Tiggo 4, which arrived in Australian showrooms earlier this year. It is also offered in two variants, Urban and Ultimate, which sell for $23,990 and $26,990 respectively, also including all on-road statutory costs. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering their price, the entry-level variants of both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV3X0 come with a decent level of standard equipment. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The extensive list of standard features in both models includes: The Mahindra also comes with a standard glass sunroof and a cooled glovebox. For the top-spec variants, both get leather trim and larger alloy wheels (from 16- to 17-inch with the Mahindra and from 17- to 18-inch with the Chery), but there are a host more unique differences. The Mahindra XUV 300 AX7L picks up a larger 'Sky Roof', a premium Harman Kardon sound system with amplifier and sub-woofer, and the option of a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof for certain exterior colours. Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate has power adjustment and heating for the front seats, colour interior ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger and a sunroof. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Both the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3X0 are equipped with a comprehensive array of advanced driver aids and safety features in all model variants. Standard safety equipment across both models includes: The Chery does go a little further with seven airbags, including a centre airbag between the front-seat occupants, as well as driver fatigue monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance, and door-opening warning. But the Mahindra has a 360-degree parking display in both variants, whereas this is only available in the top-spec Tiggo 4 Ultimate. The Tiggo 4 was given a maximum five-star ANCAP rating in 2024, while the XUV 300 has yet to be tested by the independent safety authority. Mahindra does, however, claim the vehicle has been designed to perform at the highest level in real-world scenarios, and the XUV 300 did receive a five-star rating last year from the India's ANCAP equivalent, Bharat NCAP. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. For small SUVs, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 are surprisingly spacious and well suited to small families thanks to excellent interior ride on a wheelbase with roughly the same space between the front and rear axles, but the Chery is longer in overall length and fractionally wider and taller. But not by enough that makes a significant difference inside the cabin, as both offer room for five with decent headroom and more legroom in the second row than you'd imagine. Both cars have 60:40-split folding rear seats, three top-tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a space-saver spare tyre under the floor of the boot, which are also surprisingly generous and offer enough cargo capacity to cater for weekly family duties and longer holiday road trips. As for the overall aesthetic, the Tiggo 4 is a little more modern with its asymmetric dash top that highlights the floating twin-screen configuration with a separate touchscreen for the climate control system on the curving centre stack. ABOVE: Mahindra XUV 3X0 (left), Chery Tiggo 4 (right) The Mahindra is more conservative with a digital instrument cluster under its own cowl while the tablet-style infotainment screen juts out at the top of the centre of the dashboard with a row of physical buttons, and a traditional volume knob for the audio within easy reach. It also has rotary dials for the climate control and a convenient bin at the base of the console for small items or mobile devices, with a pair of cupholders behind the upright gear lever. Both the Mahindra and Chery offer decent small-item storage spaces throughout the cabin, with deep door pockets, covered bins in the centre console and flip-down arm rests in the centre of the back seat. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. Considering the size and focus on value for money here, both the Mahindra XUV 3X0 and Chery Tiggo 4 have relatively simple powertrains with no variations between Mahindra is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 82kW of power and 200Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The Chery has an extra cylinder and a larger-capacity 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that, naturally, delivers higher outputs of 108kW and 210Nm. It too drives the front wheels, but via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable standard unleaded petrol, and the Mahindra is more efficient with a claimed average of 6.5L/100km compared to the Chery's 7.4L/100km , neither of which is particularly exceptional for small cars like these. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. There's not much separating these two when it comes to ownership credentials either, as both are covered by seven-year warranties with free roadside assistance and capped-price servicing packages. However, the Mahindra's coverage is limited to the first 150,000km and its capped-price service offer extends to only six years, whereas the Chery has unlimited mileage coverage and service prices set for the duration of the warranty. In terms of maintenance costs, both are reasonably affordable, with the Chery's yearly average slightly lower than the Mahindra ($310 versus $332), and both require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Mahindra XUV 3X0. Click here to get a great can save you thousands on a new Chery Tiggo 4. Click here to get a great deal. The reality is there's not much to separate these two and pick a definitive winner. Both provide Australians affordable access to a new car with the latest safety tech and digital conveniences, and both come equipped with a decent array of standard equipment. Plus, they're relatively cheap to own and have excellent aftersales provisions that provide plenty of peace of mind. If anything, small families and first-time car buyers are the real winners with either choice here. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV 3X0? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereInterested in buying a Chery Tiggo 4? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV3X0 showroomMORE: Explore the Chery Tiggo 4 showroom Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
9 hours ago
- West Australian
Federal Government and other creditors facing $300m wipeout on failed mineral sands projects
The Federal Government and other creditors of mineral sands miner Strandline Resources are facing a $300 million wipeout even with the sale of the collapsed company's flagship WA project to Japanese group Iwatani. Iwatani, which already owns South West mineral sands miner Doral, is proposing to take control of the mothballed Coburn mine near Shark Bay from receivers with a $15m cash offer that would see secured creditors repaid less than 5¢ in every dollar they are owed. The deed of company arrangement for Coburn, if approved by creditors next week, would crystallise a loss of about $160m for the project's biggest backer, the government-owned Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. A statutory report by administrators Cor Cordis into the collapse of Strandline and its operating subsidiary Coburn Resources reveals NAIF is owed $167m, having advanced a final $5m just three months before the miner collapsed in February. With bondholders owed $94m and NAB nearly $17m, secured creditors alone are on the hook for Coburn for $277.5m. Under the DOCA, they would likely collectively recover less than $10m, while 224 unsecured mainly trade creditors would share just $1.5m to settle another $49m of claims. Subject to clarification about which company actually employed them, the deed funds would also be used to pay $5 million in outstanding entitlements owed to nearly 170 employees. The ASX-listed Strandline was put into administration on February 21 after its backers ran out of patience with protracted efforts to address Coburn's poor operating performance and restructure the group's hefty debt. Receivers from McGrathNicol took control of the mine under an almost simultaneous appointment by the secured creditors. Strandline spent $260m developing Coburn to exploit a large tonnage, but low-grade deposit, about 300km north of Geraldton. It entered commercial production in November 2022 but struggled from the start, falling well short of the targets assumed in the feasibility study that underpinned the development. Directors sheeted home blame to various factors, including design and construction flaws, unreliable equipment, labour shortages, and higher-than-expected handling and operating costs. However, administrators Thomas Birch and Jeremy Nipps added that Coburn never produced enough to do better than break even. Strandline and Coburn, they said, 'were reliant on funding from lenders to bridge their collective working capital deficit in circumstances where operations were never generating sufficient cash or gross profit'. Iwatani's was one of two proposals received by McGrathNicol after a sale campaign, with the receivers opting for the Japanese company, partly because its offer was better, it had more certainty and it 'would see the continuation of the Coburn project after a short period of care and maintenance'. Iwatani could not be immediately contacted on Friday.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Asian stocks drop as investors brace for crucial week
Asian stocks retreated on Friday and the US dollar headed for its biggest weekly drop in a month ahead of a crucial week for markets that includes Donald Trump's tariff deadline and key central bank meetings. MSCI's global equity index retreated from an all-time high and was 0.2 per cent lower in early European trading while Japan's Nikkei index ended the day 0.7 per cent lower after two days of gains. Data released on Friday showed the inflation rate in Tokyo rose 2.9 per cent year-on-year in July, down from 3.1 per cent in June. Japanese government efforts to moderate inflation are working, though underlying Tokyo price pressures remain elevated, ING Economics said in a commentary. It expects the Bank of Japan to hold interest rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting, but said the central bank would likely raise its forecast for inflation. In the Chinese markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.1 per cent to 25,383.07 and the Shanghai Composite index slid 0.3 per cent to 3,593.38. Europe's STOXX 600 share index also fell 0.5 per cent in early trade. Ahead of the August 1 deadline for US trade deals with Europe and China, stock markets have been buoyed up by firm US economic data and framed the risk of tariffs hitting growth as a reason to expect Federal Reserve rate cuts. "Higher (US) inflation will, in time, result in weaker demand and weaker investment," UBS Wealth Management economist Dean Turner said. Van Luu, head of solutions strategy, fixed income and foreign exchange at Russell Investments, said he was waiting for a buying opportunity in US Treasuries for this reason. "US data looks astonishingly resilient," he said, but this likely reflected a spending rush before tariffs pushed business input costs and retail sticker prices higher. The past week saw US trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, while deal talks continued with South Korea. Next week brings the next Fed interest rate meeting, the closely watched monthly payrolls report, and earnings from Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft. Trump has kept up pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates after a rare presidential visit to the central bank on Thursday, although he said he did not intend to fire Powell, as he has frequently suggested he would. US 10-year Treasury yields were steady at 4.41 per cent while two-year yields, which track monetary policy bets, were also flat at 3.923 per cent. Robust earnings from Google parent Alphabet took Wall Street's Nasdaq to a record high on Thursday but futures trading signalled the tech-heavy index would flatline at the start of cash trading in New York. Contracts tracking the blue-chip S&P 500 index were also flat in early European dealings. The Bank of Japan has its own policy announcement on Thursday, and Prime Minister Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party holds a meeting on the same day. That's after the European Central Bank held rates steady on Thursday, pausing its easing campaign as it waited to assess the impact from US tariffs. The euro was steady against the dollar on Friday at $US1.1745 , although German government debt sold off, with the yield on benchmark 10-year Bunds up five basis points (bps) in early dealings to 2.74 per cent, the highest since March 28 . Japanese government bond yields were steady on Friday at about 1.6 per cent, a level last seen in October 2008, having ratcheted higher on concerns the political scale is tilting more towards fiscal stimulus. This came after big gains for opposition parties backing consumption tax cuts in Sunday's upper house election. Pressure is building on the more fiscally hawkish Ishiba to quit after his coalition lost its majority in the vote, having done the same in lower house elections last October. Gold eased 0.3 per cent to around $US3,356 an ounce. Brent crude futures gained 0.7 per cent to $US69.65 a barrel. with AP Asian stocks retreated on Friday and the US dollar headed for its biggest weekly drop in a month ahead of a crucial week for markets that includes Donald Trump's tariff deadline and key central bank meetings. MSCI's global equity index retreated from an all-time high and was 0.2 per cent lower in early European trading while Japan's Nikkei index ended the day 0.7 per cent lower after two days of gains. Data released on Friday showed the inflation rate in Tokyo rose 2.9 per cent year-on-year in July, down from 3.1 per cent in June. Japanese government efforts to moderate inflation are working, though underlying Tokyo price pressures remain elevated, ING Economics said in a commentary. It expects the Bank of Japan to hold interest rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting, but said the central bank would likely raise its forecast for inflation. In the Chinese markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.1 per cent to 25,383.07 and the Shanghai Composite index slid 0.3 per cent to 3,593.38. Europe's STOXX 600 share index also fell 0.5 per cent in early trade. Ahead of the August 1 deadline for US trade deals with Europe and China, stock markets have been buoyed up by firm US economic data and framed the risk of tariffs hitting growth as a reason to expect Federal Reserve rate cuts. "Higher (US) inflation will, in time, result in weaker demand and weaker investment," UBS Wealth Management economist Dean Turner said. Van Luu, head of solutions strategy, fixed income and foreign exchange at Russell Investments, said he was waiting for a buying opportunity in US Treasuries for this reason. "US data looks astonishingly resilient," he said, but this likely reflected a spending rush before tariffs pushed business input costs and retail sticker prices higher. The past week saw US trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, while deal talks continued with South Korea. Next week brings the next Fed interest rate meeting, the closely watched monthly payrolls report, and earnings from Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft. Trump has kept up pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates after a rare presidential visit to the central bank on Thursday, although he said he did not intend to fire Powell, as he has frequently suggested he would. US 10-year Treasury yields were steady at 4.41 per cent while two-year yields, which track monetary policy bets, were also flat at 3.923 per cent. Robust earnings from Google parent Alphabet took Wall Street's Nasdaq to a record high on Thursday but futures trading signalled the tech-heavy index would flatline at the start of cash trading in New York. Contracts tracking the blue-chip S&P 500 index were also flat in early European dealings. The Bank of Japan has its own policy announcement on Thursday, and Prime Minister Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party holds a meeting on the same day. That's after the European Central Bank held rates steady on Thursday, pausing its easing campaign as it waited to assess the impact from US tariffs. The euro was steady against the dollar on Friday at $US1.1745 , although German government debt sold off, with the yield on benchmark 10-year Bunds up five basis points (bps) in early dealings to 2.74 per cent, the highest since March 28 . Japanese government bond yields were steady on Friday at about 1.6 per cent, a level last seen in October 2008, having ratcheted higher on concerns the political scale is tilting more towards fiscal stimulus. This came after big gains for opposition parties backing consumption tax cuts in Sunday's upper house election. Pressure is building on the more fiscally hawkish Ishiba to quit after his coalition lost its majority in the vote, having done the same in lower house elections last October. Gold eased 0.3 per cent to around $US3,356 an ounce. Brent crude futures gained 0.7 per cent to $US69.65 a barrel. with AP Asian stocks retreated on Friday and the US dollar headed for its biggest weekly drop in a month ahead of a crucial week for markets that includes Donald Trump's tariff deadline and key central bank meetings. MSCI's global equity index retreated from an all-time high and was 0.2 per cent lower in early European trading while Japan's Nikkei index ended the day 0.7 per cent lower after two days of gains. Data released on Friday showed the inflation rate in Tokyo rose 2.9 per cent year-on-year in July, down from 3.1 per cent in June. Japanese government efforts to moderate inflation are working, though underlying Tokyo price pressures remain elevated, ING Economics said in a commentary. It expects the Bank of Japan to hold interest rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting, but said the central bank would likely raise its forecast for inflation. In the Chinese markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.1 per cent to 25,383.07 and the Shanghai Composite index slid 0.3 per cent to 3,593.38. Europe's STOXX 600 share index also fell 0.5 per cent in early trade. Ahead of the August 1 deadline for US trade deals with Europe and China, stock markets have been buoyed up by firm US economic data and framed the risk of tariffs hitting growth as a reason to expect Federal Reserve rate cuts. "Higher (US) inflation will, in time, result in weaker demand and weaker investment," UBS Wealth Management economist Dean Turner said. Van Luu, head of solutions strategy, fixed income and foreign exchange at Russell Investments, said he was waiting for a buying opportunity in US Treasuries for this reason. "US data looks astonishingly resilient," he said, but this likely reflected a spending rush before tariffs pushed business input costs and retail sticker prices higher. The past week saw US trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, while deal talks continued with South Korea. Next week brings the next Fed interest rate meeting, the closely watched monthly payrolls report, and earnings from Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft. Trump has kept up pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates after a rare presidential visit to the central bank on Thursday, although he said he did not intend to fire Powell, as he has frequently suggested he would. US 10-year Treasury yields were steady at 4.41 per cent while two-year yields, which track monetary policy bets, were also flat at 3.923 per cent. Robust earnings from Google parent Alphabet took Wall Street's Nasdaq to a record high on Thursday but futures trading signalled the tech-heavy index would flatline at the start of cash trading in New York. Contracts tracking the blue-chip S&P 500 index were also flat in early European dealings. The Bank of Japan has its own policy announcement on Thursday, and Prime Minister Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party holds a meeting on the same day. That's after the European Central Bank held rates steady on Thursday, pausing its easing campaign as it waited to assess the impact from US tariffs. The euro was steady against the dollar on Friday at $US1.1745 , although German government debt sold off, with the yield on benchmark 10-year Bunds up five basis points (bps) in early dealings to 2.74 per cent, the highest since March 28 . Japanese government bond yields were steady on Friday at about 1.6 per cent, a level last seen in October 2008, having ratcheted higher on concerns the political scale is tilting more towards fiscal stimulus. This came after big gains for opposition parties backing consumption tax cuts in Sunday's upper house election. Pressure is building on the more fiscally hawkish Ishiba to quit after his coalition lost its majority in the vote, having done the same in lower house elections last October. Gold eased 0.3 per cent to around $US3,356 an ounce. Brent crude futures gained 0.7 per cent to $US69.65 a barrel. with AP Asian stocks retreated on Friday and the US dollar headed for its biggest weekly drop in a month ahead of a crucial week for markets that includes Donald Trump's tariff deadline and key central bank meetings. MSCI's global equity index retreated from an all-time high and was 0.2 per cent lower in early European trading while Japan's Nikkei index ended the day 0.7 per cent lower after two days of gains. Data released on Friday showed the inflation rate in Tokyo rose 2.9 per cent year-on-year in July, down from 3.1 per cent in June. Japanese government efforts to moderate inflation are working, though underlying Tokyo price pressures remain elevated, ING Economics said in a commentary. It expects the Bank of Japan to hold interest rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting, but said the central bank would likely raise its forecast for inflation. In the Chinese markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.1 per cent to 25,383.07 and the Shanghai Composite index slid 0.3 per cent to 3,593.38. Europe's STOXX 600 share index also fell 0.5 per cent in early trade. Ahead of the August 1 deadline for US trade deals with Europe and China, stock markets have been buoyed up by firm US economic data and framed the risk of tariffs hitting growth as a reason to expect Federal Reserve rate cuts. "Higher (US) inflation will, in time, result in weaker demand and weaker investment," UBS Wealth Management economist Dean Turner said. Van Luu, head of solutions strategy, fixed income and foreign exchange at Russell Investments, said he was waiting for a buying opportunity in US Treasuries for this reason. "US data looks astonishingly resilient," he said, but this likely reflected a spending rush before tariffs pushed business input costs and retail sticker prices higher. The past week saw US trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, while deal talks continued with South Korea. Next week brings the next Fed interest rate meeting, the closely watched monthly payrolls report, and earnings from Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft. Trump has kept up pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates after a rare presidential visit to the central bank on Thursday, although he said he did not intend to fire Powell, as he has frequently suggested he would. US 10-year Treasury yields were steady at 4.41 per cent while two-year yields, which track monetary policy bets, were also flat at 3.923 per cent. Robust earnings from Google parent Alphabet took Wall Street's Nasdaq to a record high on Thursday but futures trading signalled the tech-heavy index would flatline at the start of cash trading in New York. Contracts tracking the blue-chip S&P 500 index were also flat in early European dealings. The Bank of Japan has its own policy announcement on Thursday, and Prime Minister Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party holds a meeting on the same day. That's after the European Central Bank held rates steady on Thursday, pausing its easing campaign as it waited to assess the impact from US tariffs. The euro was steady against the dollar on Friday at $US1.1745 , although German government debt sold off, with the yield on benchmark 10-year Bunds up five basis points (bps) in early dealings to 2.74 per cent, the highest since March 28 . Japanese government bond yields were steady on Friday at about 1.6 per cent, a level last seen in October 2008, having ratcheted higher on concerns the political scale is tilting more towards fiscal stimulus. This came after big gains for opposition parties backing consumption tax cuts in Sunday's upper house election. Pressure is building on the more fiscally hawkish Ishiba to quit after his coalition lost its majority in the vote, having done the same in lower house elections last October. Gold eased 0.3 per cent to around $US3,356 an ounce. Brent crude futures gained 0.7 per cent to $US69.65 a barrel. with AP
