Motor Torque: Recent Episodes
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Driving the recently upgraded Honda Civic e:HEV-LX five door hatch at $55,900 drive-away not inexpensive but this is one very impressive small hybrid hatchback, highly equipped, frugal and with very engaging dynamics. A 2-0 litre petrol engine with two motor hybrid assistance driving through an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid power train most impressive, prioritising electric power and the move to petrol power under a heavier throttle is seamless quiet and refined. As I said earlier this is one of the best new cars I’ve driven in the last 12 months. Economy, in mainly city driving an impressive 5.0L/100km on 91 grade petrol. Battery charging when coasting and braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel shift paddles. And on top of 11 airbags a full suite of active safety elements via Honda Sensing technology. The drive experience engaging – on 18- inch alloy wheels with premium Michelin Pilot Sport tyres the driving dynamics are first class. Yes, it’s a little pricey at $55,900 drive-away but the Honda Civic e- HEV-L is loaded with equipment apart from a tyre repair kit and no spare wheel. Warranty five-years unlimited km warranty, battery warranty 8 years with service costs class leading – Just $597 over three years.
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Driving the latest Honda Civic hatchback – a model that has evolved since the first generation arrived in 1972 – a small car that established a very strong reputation - the current series refreshed for 2025, the entry petrol engine retired, now in two hybrid variants plus the potent turbo Type R for performance buffs. The entry Civic Hybrid e:HEV- L $49,990 drive-away and the better-equipped Civic e:HEV-LX $55,900 drive-away which I drove. These latest Civics getting small mid- life styling updates - a new grille and bumper, new alloy wheels and a revised range of colours. Inside connected services have been updated with a new Google-based infotainment system. Overall, a very compelling small car package with engaging driving dynamics with clever internal packaging – roomy and well equipped in the e:HEV-LX with full leather interior, power front seats, full panoramic sunroof with power blind, and wireless phone charging. The 2.0-litre petrol engine joined by a two-motor hybrid system driving the front wheels via an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid powertrain prioritises electric running, the petrol engine kicking in only under load, and the transition is seamless. This Honda Civic feels premium in look and feel – simply one of the more impressive hatchbacks I’ve tested in recent times.
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Talking further on Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley and his comments on a recent podcast on Ford’s transformation to improve quality, get its electric vehicle business profitable and compete with Chinese car makers. Ford lost a staggering US $5 billion on EV sales last year and US$3.6 billon in the first three quarters this year. Farley however is determined to give Americans an EV they want, and which is affordable, adding “I was humbled when we took apart the first Tesla Model 3 and other Chinese vehicles – it was shocking what we found – the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E has 1.6 kilometres more electrical wiring to the Tesla, adding 70 pounds of unnecessary weight, requiring a more expensive and larger battery. His decision to create the separate division in the company, called Model e, was designed to address such issues.
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The car industry here has long had a shortage of skilled mechanics, but it seems it also a problem in the US. Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley raised the issue last week saying he had 5,000 open mechanic positions available despite eye watering salaries of US$120,000, nearly double the American workers medium salary. And he suggested it’s not just Ford adding “we’re in trouble in this country and we are not talking about it enough - We have over a million openings in critical jobs, emergency services, trucking, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, and tradesmen. It’s a very serious thing.” He added, jobs in the trades made our country what it is, and allowed people like his grandfather, who worked on the Model T and was employee 389, to have good lives. Somehow, the story seems all too familiar.
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In June Peugeot released the latest edition of its 5008 SUV – the seven-seat hybrid , a stretched version of the popular 3008 hybrid – now featuring a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and 0.9kWhour battery – self charging the electric mode can operated for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation – I like three cylinder engines, but given the 5008’s weight the performance is best described as adequate – a little underwhelming at times when called on to really perform. In the high grade 5008 Premium GT hybrid I tested a visually striking SUV, very well equipped with Nappa leather seats and with great comfort levels in the Peugeot tradition. Ride and handling fine, the latter, on the sporty side with nicely weighted steering. Economy wise, I managed 6.7L/100km with mainly city driving – on the downside it also needs 95 octane premium unleaded. At $67,990 plus on-road costs the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium SUV is not inexpensive and there are other more affordable seven seat SUVs but it deserves to be on your shopping list. It lacks a spare wheel, only a tyre repair kit but apart from that a highly equipped premium SUV.
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Driving a relative newcomer from Peugeot – the seven-seat 5008 GT premium hybrid SUV – a very stylish SUV from the French manufacturer – a stretched version of the latest 3008-model. The Peugeot 5008 utilises a relatively small 1.2- litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and a 0.9kWhour battery – the combination producing 107kW of power. Self-charging the electric mode operates for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The GT Premium is the better equipped of the two 5008 hybrid models priced at $67,990 – a rather handsome 7- seater with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, no less than six drive modes, massaging and ventilated 10-way power front seats, a swag of driver assist features, climate control aircon to all three seat rows and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior practical and well thought out with good access to the third row and very comfortable seats. A great 21-inch curved digital instrument display but its sometimes slow to react while the odd shaped steering wheel is hard to position without blocking a lot of the instrumentation. Warranty five- years/unlimited km. Drive details next.
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In recent times we’ve seen an onslaught of new Chinese models and what seems like a continuing reduction in prices as the competition becomes more intense. By comparison the Korean brands, once cheap and cheerful have climbed up the pricing ladder – Hyundai has just launched a new generation 8-seat Palisade family SUV in one hybrid Calligraphy grade for $89,900 – a $14,000 leap in price over the previous Calligraphy Palisade – highly equipped and finished but one wonders how much the family vehicle market will accept such massive leaps in price. I’m also driving the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 an electric seven-seat luxury SUV, also in one high spec Calligraphy grade – beautifully finished but at $119,750 one wonders if a Hyundai can carry such an exalted price – time will tell I guess but it’s not expected to be a big seller.
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Another new Chinese car brand is about to hit the market – GAC Australia has confirmed its launching here with its Enzoom SUV – just one highly equipped model to start, the GAC Enzoom GL will compete with the likes of the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion in the small/medium SUV market – price around $30,000, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four cylinder with 125kW and 270Nm of torque driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic – said to return 6.6/100km economy on the combined city/cycle. Equipment: a panoramic sunroof, faux leather trim, dual zone climate control, a powered and ventilated driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless phone charging. I’ve been testing cars for 45 years and have never seen the car market more competitive with a swag of new models – but is it sustainable – only time will tell.
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Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s small electric SUV – the Inster, this captivating light five-door SUV is quick to win you over – funky appealing looks, great colours, for both paint and trim, an incredibly spacious cabin for four adults and a great drive experience to boot. Three models, standard range 327km, extended range 360km while an extended Inster Cross version gaining some extra features. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery which took 41/2 hours to charge on my 11kW home charger, on a 120kW fast charger just 30 minutes. Prices run from $39,000 to $45,000 so this is a small car with a big car price. Having said that the Hyundai Inster wins you over the more you drive it – the ladies in the house fell in love with its funkiness, its appealing interior and trim and its ease of driving and parking in a city environment. Its feels strong and solid despite its small dimensions and its extremely comfortable in both seat rows. Its appeal saw it win the 2025 World Electric Vehicle award in April, and it was a Gold winner in the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards – A very appealing light SUV – just a shame about the price.
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Driving an interesting small SUV from Hyundai – the Hyundai Inster, an all- electric light five-door SUV – an interesting small package from the Korean manufacturer, a little funky inside and out, even futuristic. A city focused car, a model designed to give Hyundai a leg up in the battle with the sharply priced Chinese electric cars flooding the market. However, whilst it’s there most affordable model, from $39,000 plus on-road costs it will be a hard sell at that price for a very small SUV. Having said that its appeal, both visually and behind the wheel is captivating – its captures the imagination – ladies especially find it enormously appealing, as I said its funky with some great paint and trim colours, and for a small car it has amazing space for four adults. Three models, standard and extended range and an even funkier extended range Cross model. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery providing a range of 327Kms – charge time on my 11kW home charger 41/2 hours from 10 percent. 30 minutes on a fast charger. With its compact dimensions and versatility, a perfect city car, so easy to drive and manoevre. Hyundai warranty five years/unlimited km, battery warranty 8 years.
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Audi has returned the potent 2.0-litre turbo all-wheel drive edition of its A3 hatchback and sedan to its 2026 line-up. Not offered with the release of the 2025 A3 line-up earlier this year and previously known as the 40 TFSI, the A3 TFSI quattro 150kW S line will sell for $62,800 plus on-road costs. Available in Sportback or Sedan this all-wheel drive A3 matches a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Power output has increased by 10kW – Audi quoting a 0-100km/hour time of 6.3 seconds. All A3 grades now gain traffic sign recognition, an updated emergency braking system with intersection detection, and an improved automated parking system. The Audi A3 remains our best selling premium small car, selling 1547 examples to the end of September, outselling the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series.
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Subaru will shortly update their Solterra EV SUV and have heralded a $7,000 price cut on the more powerful model. The 2026 Solterrra now starts from $63,990 plus on road costs, down $6,000 while the top-spec AWD Touring model gets a $7,000 reduction to $69,990. The Solterra also gains a new dual motor all-wheel drive arrangement rated at 252kW, up from 160kW making it the most powerful production Subaru to offered to date. The 2026 models gain new front styling, a restyled rear bumper, revised 18 and 20- inch alloy wheels and new rear badging. Inside, a larger 14-inch touchscreen, dual 15-watt smartphone chargers and acoustic glass plus a driver’s knee airbag. The top grade also gains ventilated front seats and vehicle to load functionality. All models get faster AC home charging up to 22kW, up from the current 11.
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Driving the GWM Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV – this newcomer takes to nine models from GWM, now our best-selling Chinese brand. Its had enormous success with its Haval Jolion and H6 SUV and rightly so but the H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV seems a misfit – a rugged looking medium SUV, that visually gives the impression of being a tough off-roader – however with the same excellent underpinnings of Haval H6 Ultra hybrid it’s a city slicker – sharply priced at $46,990 drive-away with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine mated to a 130kW electric motor – it’s loaded with safety, comfort and convenience features, the drive experience excellent with really good economy. Apart from rather annoying indicators there’s little to criticise but the big downside is the driver attention monitor that at the end of even a short drive nearly sends you crazy – its overdone and is simply a buyer turnoff. Momentarily look at the centrally located touchscreen and you’re meet by warning chimes that are just so annoying. How GWM could release a vehicle with this much intrusion to the driver beggar’s belief - at the end of just a short trip its tiring and counterproductive. It’s a shame and a total buyer turnoff to what is otherwise a nice SUV.
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Today, a new model from GWM – the Chinese brand now our seventh best seller and the best performing Chinese brand. With nine models on the market its Haval sub-brand has done well – the Haval Jolion and H6 SUVs both excellent its best performing models – its latest model, the Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid however is somewhat of a quandy – frankly one gets the impression that the Chinese brands are more intent on quickly gaining market share than providing product that suits our market – the Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid is one such SUV – A rugged looking medium SUV with the excellent H6 Ultra hybrids underpinnings – a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor –. Price: $46,990 drive- away well undercutting excellent medium hybrid SUVs like Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander. The Haval H7 has been given rugged styling elements – bolt on wheel arch flares, black alloy wheels and grille while inside the macho look continues –. Equipment and safety features are high, but the downside, the incessant and intrusive driving attention monitor – so much so its counter productive and a buyer turnoff – the Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV a really nice driver spoilt by a totally unnecessary warning message
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I spoke earlier of Hyundai’s micro wagon the electric Inster currently on the market. Now from Honda we hear that next year they are launching their first electric vehicle, called the Super-One – revealed at Thursday’s Tokyo Motor Show it’s a sporty micro hatchback even smaller than the Hyundai Inster – just 1.6 metres wide and 3.6 metres long , the aptly named Honda Super-One is promised by its maker to be fun and playful with a boost mode to maximise outputs, along with taught handling as well as fake engine and transmission sounds. Honda is also set to offer more petrol/electric hybrid grades on its popular CR-V and ZR-V mid-sized SUV’s – currently only the top spec flagship grades of both models offer hybrid power but it will now flow down to more affordable grades offering a total seven new hybrid variants for 2026.
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I’ve been driving Hyundai’s small city slicker – the electric Inster, a funky small five door mini wagon – a really interesting design with a surprising amount of interior room. I had trouble getting my wife out of this small Hyundai – it’s just so comfortable, great seats and despite its small wheelbase offering a really nice ride. Two models, standard range of 327Kms and Extended Range at 360kms – I drove the former with single electric motor and 42kWhour battery pack – a fun car to drive offering a very assured feel – the price the only negative $40,000 plus on-road costs. But a surprisingly nice driver given its size – quiet, solid and well thought out, with rapid charging ability – the Hyundai Inster was also honoured with the title 2025 World Electric Vehicle earlier this year. A fabulous small car with amazing interior room – just a pity its priced so high.
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Further on the large seven-seat MG QS SUV – available in two models – I’m driving the MG QS Essence all-wheel-drive, $50,990 drive-away with electronic adaptive suspension, nine-speed automatic, six drive modes, powered by a 2.0- litre turbo pure petrol 153kW engine with excellent torque. Engine performance is average with noticeable lag from rest although the strong torque makes up for its initial hesitancy. However, the nine-speed automatic can become lazy on a light throttle. The high point, the adaptive suspension, well-tuned and damped with a superb ride, polished in cornering however the steering is over assisted, and lacks feel but grows on you with time. The MG QS needs a diet of 95 RON premium petrol, economy is quoted at 8.8L/100km, the best I could muster was 9.7. But importantly as a value package the MG QS offers much – for a large family three accommodating rows for seven passengers, many comfort and convenience features, quality perforated leather trim and a nice interface of central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. However, some aspects of the touchscreen menu can be frustrating. MG provide a 10-year/unlimited km warranty, conditional on regular servicing through their dealer network, but its expensive - $3,618 over the first five years.
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Driving MG’s large 7-seat SUV today – the QS arrived in July in a segment where there’s some good choices like the Hyundai Sante Fe. Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-80. The Chinese built MG QS in two models both powered by a pure petrol 2.0- litre turbo 153kW engine with 360Nm of torque. The QS front drive Excite at $46,990 drive-away, the all-wheel drive Essence at $50,990 drive-away, both with nine-speed automatic. I drove the latter which gains fully adaptive suspension, larger 21-inch alloys, quality Michelin tyres, leather trim, six drive modes, a power tailgate and sunroof, a 10-year conditional warranty and a huge amount of comfort and convenience features. MG want to be a major player here and the QS takes to 12 its model count. On first impression this large family SUV offers much, surprisingly good build quality and a very comfortable interior with 7 large seats across three rows. The touch screen can be frustrating although you do get a row of touch buttons under for various functions and on face value the MG QS offers a lot for the money.
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The somewhat ageing but still impressive Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV will remain in production for several more years. The company confirming that the slower than expected uptake of electric models was behind the production extension. Speaking to U.K. publication Autocar, the managing director of Stellantis Premium brands Jules Tilestone said that with 80 per cent of the U.K market still internal combustion engines, people are looking for fun-to-drive performance cars and the Giulia and Stelvio still offer that in spades. Alfa Romeo has pushed back replacements for its performance duo originally due for 2026. A new generation Stelvio SUV originally planned as an electric-only model, designed to compete with the all-electric Porsche Macan has been paused. In Australia, the performance Veloce models of both the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV are still highly regarded by those seeking a higher driving experience.
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The once popular Renault Scenic nameplate is to return to Australia by year end – the fifth generation of a model that was popular here as a people mover will arrive as a medium-sized electric SUV. The Scenic the first of a new model onslaught from Renault Australia that will see up to six new and updated models arrive in the next 15 months. The front-wheel drive five- seat Scenic features a single electric motor with two battery size options – long range versions with an 87kWh battery have a range of 625km while the standard ranges 60kWhour battery is good for 430Km. The Scenic E-Tech arrives in a medium battery electric SUV segment that now has a huge range of sharply priced choices so pricing will be critical to its success. Renault remains our largest French car import however sales are currently 16.6 percent behind last year.
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Nissan freshened its small Qashqai SUV range this year adding a new e-Power hybrid N-Design flagship at $58,990 drive-away – hybrid power now available on the two top spec Qashqai’s, petrol power on the lower grades. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol power on the four lower grades replaced on the hybrids by a variable compression 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels. The drive experience is much like a pure electric SUV although at times you hear the petrol motor fire up to charge the battery. I’ve always highly regarded the Qashqai and this new e- Power N-Design further impressed with over a 900km range and a nice drive experience although the larger 20-inch alloy wheels and quality Michelin tyres can display a firmer ride. The Qashqai e-Power N-Design price is high, but this is a very well sorted small SUV with premium features and well sorted active safety prompts. Nissan making it more attractive by trimming previous high service costs and adding a 10-year/300,000km warranty including the battery provided its serviced by a Nissan dealer.
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Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV was freshened earlier this year in a re-aligned model range with a new N-Design grade flagship with hybrid power standard – the Qashqai e-Power hybrid N-Design $58,990 drive-away. Nissan have added new technology and equipment, freshened the styling, at the same time cutting the previous rather high servicing costs and providing a longer warranty – but hybrid pricing remains high compared to petrol Qashqai models. However, the e-Power N-Design is packed with premium features – leather seats with massage function, a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate and a most impressive digital dash and touchscreen, thankfully with a mix of buttons The 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo in the petrol models replaced by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels – this hybrid system adds around 200 kilos over a conventional petrol Qashqai but it offers over a 900km driving range. Despite the e-Power hybrids exalted price tag the drive experience is very rewarding. Warranty including battery five-years unlimited km or an impressive 10-years/300,000km if serviced by a Nissan dealer.
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In the last few years new car prices have scaled upwards perhaps most noticeable at the lower end of the market – if we go back to 2019 before the pandemic there were 52 model variants under the $20,000 barrier – today there is just one – the Kia Picanto hatch sport manual at $18,690. Manufacturers facing stringent new emission and safety regulations, higher costs and shifting exchange rates have not been able to maintain prices at the budget end of the new car market. Take Toyota for example – in 2019 its small Yaris hatchback retailed between $15,390 and $22,690 - today, it spans from $28,990 to $34,590. To counter its small car price rises Toyota is now concentrating on its Toyota Certified Pre-owned strategy, placing emphasis on certain warranties and certain conditions of quality with its dealers.
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The Chinese government is set to tighten controls on electric vehicles bound for export markets. In a mover similar to that applied to combustion- powered and hybrid vehicles the Chinese will introduce conditional export approval measures on EV’s from the start of next year. The idea being to improve the perception of its low-cost EV’s, the export controls designed to lift the quality of vehicles leaving China. In doing so the move could end the price wars at the most affordable end of the market here which has seen a number of the new Chinese entries this year heavily discounted. The rapid growth of Chinese car exports has raised concerns within China’s Ministry of Commerce with the goal of lifting the countries reputation in emerging markets where low-cost vehicles are often rushed to market without proper support for owners.
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Driving Renault’s Megane E-Tech SUV – a small French SUV with a difference, setting it apart from the look alike new breed of Chinese electric cars. At $54,990 plus on-road costs more than competitive, cheaper than Volvo’s EX30 and in a way more charming. The styling impressive, hatch like with large 20-inch wheels tucked into the corners. Step inside and it breathes clever design, quality materials and individuality. With a lightweight 60kWh battery feeding a single electric motor driving the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km which I found accurate. Relatively light for an electric car with a slim lightweight battery under the floor I found the energy consumption excellent at 14.1 kWh/100km. Electric cars tend to ride harder` due to battery weight – not so for the Megane E-Tech, extremely comfortable helped by great seats although disappointing only with manual adjustment. Welcome five-star safety plus four available drive modes that noticeably change the complexion of the drive, while steering feel is a high point. As I said earlier, it feels more premium in all it does apart from some tyre roar on courser road surfaces. I came away very impressed with this electric Renault Megane – appealingly different and a classy small French SUV.
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At last, a French car this week – I was really looking forward to driving the Renault Megane E-Tech SUV. Visually, this electric Megane has a great silhouette more like a hatchback with large 20-inch alloys tucked right into the corners, the styling impressive and giving it a more premium feel although the resultant high tail tends to limit rear visibility. With a 60kWh battery pack feeding a single electric motor with 160kW and 320Nm of torque driving through the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km. Step in and your immediately impressed with a quality and functional interior with great finishes. A wide 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and interconnected 9-inch multimedia touchscreen thankfully combine with switchgear to make it all very user friendly, something the Chinese newcomers could well learn from. There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual zone climate control, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. At $54,990 plus on-road costs the Megane E-Tech is well priced, with combination cloth and leather seats that offer great comfort but lack power adjustment while the interior is a standout in design. Warranty underdone at five-years/100,000km, battery warranty 8- years/160,000km.
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The Chinese Leapmotor B10 will claim the title of the most affordable electric SUV when it goes on sale next month priced from $38,990 drive- away. The small B10 SUV follows the larger Leapmotor C10 launched late last year and will arrive in two models – the B10 Style will offer a 361km range under WLTP standards and feature a 56.2kWhour battery pack while the B10 Design LR with larger 67.1kWhour battery and a 434km range will sell for $41,990 drive-away. Standard features on the entry B10 Style include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a fixed glass roof, wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree camera with built-in dash cam. Leapmotor is part backed by the Stellantis Group. One hopes the Leapmotor B10 is better tailored to our market and doesn’t have the larger C10’s annoying driver assist warning features.
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According to a report published in Autocar, Bentley is the latest company to back pedal on plans to go fully electric – the luxury brand said to be planning pure petrol successors to its Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga SUV. The move reverses the decision it announced in 2022 that it would move to pure electric production by the end of the decade. Porsche and Audi have already announced similar plans with the three companies under the Volkswagen Group sharing platforms, drivetrains and other componentry. It appears the decision by Bentley reflects a dip in demand from key markets including North America and the Middle East where there is a lack of support for an all-electric strategy. Other luxury manufacturers delaying an all-electric strategy include Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes-Benz no word yet on whether Jaguar will do likewise.
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Driving the Lexus GX550 4WD seven-seat wagon – it comes in three grades the entry Luxury, the mid-spec Overtrail and the flagship sports luxury. I drove the entry GX550 Luxury at $130,554 drive-away which shares its underpinnings with the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, but instead of the 2.8- litre diesel engine the GX550 is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine linked to a 10-speed automatic. A 21/2 tonne permanent all-wheel- drive the Lexus GX550 is a serious 4WD and Lexus has given this big 4WD the performance it deserves with 260kW of power and a healthy 650Nm of torque – the 10-speed gearbox silky smooth with the added ability to select different drive modes via a dial on the centre console. But despite its mechanical sophistication it still feels a large heavy 4WD around town and with the need for 95 grade premium fuel its far from fuel efficient. I managed 15.7L/100km around town. Despite its luxury pretensions however the Lexus GX550 still feels like a truck around town and obviously its best performance is off the beaten track. For this reason, whilst its highly equipped, there’s a number of luxury seven seat SUVs better suited to around town motoring for the same money.
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Driving the Lexus GX550 4WD – the GX550, a dressed-up luxury take on the popular Toyota Prado 4WD. Importantly, the Lexus GX550 is a full on 4WD not an SUV – it comes in three seven-seat grades- I tested the entry GX550 Luxury at $130,554 drive-away. It shares the Prado’s proven 4WD underpinnings but instead of the Prado’s 2.8-litre diesel the GX550 is powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine paired with a 10-speed automatic - a full time 4WD with locking centre differential, so a serious off- roader despite its luxury pretensions. And that’s where I have trouble getting my head around it – its loaded with safety gear including nine airbags and a full list of active safety elements, and a number of elements to give it a luxury touch as you’d expect for $130,000. But it still feels and drives like a truck – heavy and cumbersome and best only in the rough – as an around town luxury cruiser it doesn’t work for me – too good to bash off road so why wouldn’t you just buy the more workmanlike Prado and save money. And if you want a luxury 7-seater there are far better car like luxury SUVs that better suit around town motoring.
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For many years the Mitsubishi ASX SUV was the firm favourite at the most affordable end of the market - a new generation model is due in showrooms shortly albeit at much higher prices. Three models, the LS, Aspire and top level Exceed the new ASX range features a new 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder engine paired to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Prices start at $37,740 for the LS, $42,690 for the Aspire and top out at $46,490 for the Exceed. Mitsubishi claim fuel efficiency improvements of around 16 per cent compared to the outgoing 2.0-litre engine with a 19 per cent improvement in emissions. Once our biggest selling small SUV the Mitsubishi ASX has been outgunned this year by Hyundai’s Kona and by three Chinese SUV’s the MG ZS, the Haval Jolion and the Chery Tiggo 4.
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The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV arrives this month in one all-wheel drive high grade Calligraphy variant priced at $89,000 plus on-road costs – some $25,000 dearer that the most affordable version of the old model. To be available with all-wheel drive hybrid power and a choice of seven or eight seats the new Palisade will offer new technology, a larger body, a redesigned interior and higher equipment levels. Gone are the petrol V6 and turbo diesel four-cylinder engines, replaced with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder aided by two electric motors and a 1.65kWhour battery pack. Output is rated at 245kW and 460Nm of torque driving all four-wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claim fuel economy at 6.8L/100kms, down from 7.3L/100km for the diesel and 10.7L/100km for the petrol V6. Deliveries to dealers are expected over the next two weeks.
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Driving the new six-generation Subaru Forester SUV – now in seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester hybrid – a new strong hybrid system has made a big difference to this popular constant all- wheel drive SUV – the previous Hybrid Forester was old generation technology and not very fuel efficient - the new system blending the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine with a 90kW electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission allowing you to also motor off-road on electric power for short distances at speeds up to 30km/hour . The CVT automatic has 8 selectable manual modes. This all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid has an all-up range of over 1,000kms and I managed 7.1L/100km in a range of on-road around town driving. Ride and handling has benefited from a torsionally stiffer body, also a new electric power steering system makes for a far more engaging drive. The entry Subaru Forester Hybrid at $46,490 offers a huge improvement – little to criticise apart from a tyre repair kit due to the rear mounted battery pack which on a capable 4WD is a disappointment. Subaru’s top seller just gets better with each generation – a firm family favourite with a great track record.
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Driving the new Subaru Forester SUV – there’s now seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester Hybrid at $46,490, this latest Hybrid a big step up, far more refined, more equipment, more fuel efficient and with sharper ride and handling. Off-road ability a high point. The Forester remains Subaru’s best-seller, highly popular since its first arrived in 1997. The Hybrid’s petrol engine the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine aided by a 90kW single electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission, an 8-speed CVT automatic transmission driving the Foresters symmetrical all- wheel drive system. The hybrid system vastly improved. The styling’s also been freshened and it needed to be – smoother, with more defined wheel arches, slim line running lights, a larger grille and LED headlights. Not too different inside with a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that can show a thing or two to the Chinese newcomers on useability – very intuitive and user friendly with nice clear instrumentation. The cabin hasn’t varied much but it’s very comfortable, with good room for four with handy storage, the hybrid losing some luggage space due to the rear electric motor, and it disappointingly lacks a spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit.
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Volkswagen’s Polo has long been a firm favourite – the European five door hatch will gain a new model come November, a step-up model from the entry Life called the CityLife – this takes to four the number of models in the Polo range. It retains the frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine linked to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Priced at $32,790 plus on-road costs the Polo CityLife borrows some of the features of the more expensive Style grade such as keyless entry, park assist, 16-inch alloy wheels and a wireless phone charger. The Volkswagen Polo hatch comes with a high level of safety – seven airbags, a rear-view camera, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Five-star ANCAP safety with 96 per cent adult occupant protection and 85 percent child occupant protection.
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Czech brand Skoda is adding to its latest Kodiaq SUV range with the arrival next month of the popular flagship Kodiaq RS. This performance skewed favourite representing up to 50 percent of Kodiaq sales promises much for $69,990, some $600 cheaper to the 2024 model. The latest Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat range starts with the entry Select at $54,990, the mid- range Sportline $58,990. The Kodiaq RS’s 2.0-litre turbo engine gets a power and torque boost and like the rest of the range a larger body with more room in the third row and more luggage space. Special RS features include retuned adaptive dampers and a progressive steering rack, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, LED fog lights and taillights and a flat bottom steering wheel. But it’s the drivability of this Skoda favourite that makes it so appealing.
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Driving the latest top end Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD – a simply stunning vehicle, the build quality on the test vehicle exceptional and one could argue at $349,000 it should be. However, keep in mind some upper luxury 4WD’s are twice this price yet the Range Rover Autobiography sets a benchmark. Once its won you over on fit, finish, comfort and materials its ability for a large 4WD on and off the road is simply astonishing. Powered by a BMW sourced 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 with an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and all wheel steering this 2585kg 4WD is breathtaking in the way in provides ride, handling, and comfort. Land Rover have now set a benchmark with the Range Rover that few have come close to. Given its bulk and weight its handling response on a winding road on 23-inch alloy wheels is very reassuring – a fully adaptive electronic suspension and all wheel steering makes it shrink around you, but we shouldn’t forget that Range Rover pioneered electronic air suspension back in 1992. I managed 14.4L/100km without driving for economy. This is one vehicle it is very easy to rave about, yes the price is eye watering but in upper luxury 4WD’s its simply the best.
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Today, the Range Rover, more than 55 years on since its launch in June 1970, has more than earned its success and this upper luxury 4WD has set a benchmark that few have come close to. I’ve just driven the Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD at $349,000. And frankly, at that eyewatering price you’d expect it to be good, but it’s not just good its exceptional. Powered by a BMW sourced twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 with an 8- speed automatic, all-wheel drive and all wheel steering.2385kgs of upper luxury 4WD that is breathtaking in the way it provides ride and comfort. Few if any will venture off road, but I’ve driven these vehicles at Land Rover’s legendary off-road course in the U.K. in mud up to the door handles and they’re exceedingly capable. One criticism - some of the options fitted to my test vehicle should have been standard fare – charging another $1,000 for privacy glass and $360 for a luggage net seems petty when you’re paying a base price of $330,000. Everything about the interior of the Range Rover Autobiography however speaks luxury – top notch seats, materials, fit and finishers. Warranty, five years/unlimited km with complimentary servicing for five years/130,000kms. The best part the driving – details next.
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The Australian New Car Assessment Program, better known as ANCAP has revealed new crash ratings for the popular Suzuki Swift and MG3 hatchbacks. Both fared badly in 1984 crash testing, the MG3 receiving a three-star rating, the Suzuki Swift just one star. The Swift result created an amount of controversy as European testing of the same model resulted in three stars. ANCAP had been informed of physical differences between locally supplied Swift models and those supplied to Europe. However, a second round of testing has now revealed the local Suzuki Swift is built to the same standard as its European counterpart. As to the MG3, now with improvements has gained a four-star rating with a word of caution – during a 50khm/hour head on crash test the right-side seat adjuster failed causing the seat to twist on impact revealing excessive force to the right leg.
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Spanish performance brand Cupra has taken the axe to its Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, cutting more than $20,000 off 2024 model year stock. Now $47,990 drive-away, down from around $67,990. The move follows a 70 per cent drop in sales following the removal of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption in April, which cut around a third off the price of a plug-in hybrid when purchased through a novated lease. With a facelifted Formentor VZe hybrid due early next year Cupra Australia decided to slash remaining stock. The new model will increase the current models electric only range from 50 to 100km and feature a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and larger battery. What this large discount does to re- sale values long term however will be interesting to watch - the Formentor range Cupra’s biggest selling model.
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Driving the Skoda Octavia wagon, the new entry Select model at $43,990 drive- away. This European sports wagon has real appeal, wagons still finding favour with certain buyers despite the shift to SUVs in recent years. I found the drivability of this updated medium sized wagon most rewarding – the 1.4-litre turbo 110kW engine drives the front wheels through a smooth eight-speed torque convertor automatic and its responsive and unstressed. Ride quality commendable but some road noise evident on course surfaces – a nice handling wagon and obviously with a lower centre of gravity to an SUV. Economy wise, I couldn’t match the makers claim of 6.2-litres/100km on premium 95 grade fuel, achieving 7.3L/100km. But as i said the perky nature of the engine and the smooth shifts from the eight-speed automatic makes driving the Skoda Octavia Select a real pleasure and you tend to tap its performance rather than drive for economy. In fact, I found much to like with it overall, the Czech brand has done a nice job with this model over a long period, improving it along the way and it comes with an excellent warranty – seven years/unlimited km. If you like a wagon over an SUV you’ll like the all-round versatility of this Skoda.
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With SUVs now commanding 60 percent of the market station wagons have fallen from favour. One that still finds favour with buyers is the Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Octavia recently received an update, both liftback and wagon now available in three grades, a new entry Select grade plus Sportline and sporty RS. I tested the Octavia Select wagon at $43,990 drive-away, a nicely styled European wagon with a sports flair powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic. The whole package freshened on the outside with new LED headlights and taillights, inside, gaining a bigger 13-inch touchscreen with upgraded software, a 10-inch digital instrument display and the latest active safety elements. The package roomy and comfortable in a well sized body on fabric seats with synthetic leather accents. The second-row well served by air vents and a pair of USB ports while the cargo bay gains welcome tie down points, hooks and cargo nets. You even get an umbrella in the driver’s door. Wagon buyers have very few options these days, the Skoda Octavia a fine choice offering a lot of features for the money, but it’s in the driving where it really excels. Excellent Warranty at 7 years/unlimited kms.
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News out of China suggests discussions have taken place re a possible ban on pop-out retractable door handles over safety concerns. The concern over door handles that are flush with the body until activated by a pop-out mechanism or by a lever that, when one side of the handle is pressed, allows the other end to pop out. I experienced the latter on the Leapmotor C10 SUV , while several Range Rovers I’ve driven have fully powered pop-out door handles. Other car makers with these handles include Zeekr, Deepal and Xpeng as well as Tesla. The main concern, their suitability in extreme conditions, reports suggesting they can malfunction with water ingress, can freeze in cold weather or fail outright leaving the car’s occupants trapped. Also, buttons on the inside replacing mechanical levers can be difficult to access in an emergency.
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The continued onslaught of new Chinese models each pushing the boundary of new technology at a lower price has really made the established car makers sit up and take notice. BMW is the latest car maker to announce a massive investment in new technology with a $17.8 billion dollar investment in new and updated high tech electric models. The radically styled high tech electric models are said to offer an extended driving range of up to 800km. First all-new model is the 2026 IX3 SUV sitting on a dedicated electric car platform unlike the current model which is a petrol car converted to run on batteries. The new iX3 to be built at a new factory in Hungary will spearhead a new family of BMW models with longer ranges, super brain computers, super fast charging, all new styling with narrower kidney grilles and more interior room.
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I spoke earlier of MG’s hero model – the Cyberster Sports Roadster – a striking two door electric all-wheel drive launched last year to celebrate 100 years of the brand. The Chinese have done a great job with MG since 2007 and the local company now has 12 models in the market. The MG Cyberster features dual electric motors fed by a 77kWhour battery and a range of 443km - with 375kW and a thumping 725Nm of torque it powers to 100km/hour in 3.2 seconds. It’s no lightweight at just under 2 tonnes, the underfloor battery meaning you sit a little higher to a traditional sports car. Three drive modes, Comfort, Sport and Super Sport plus a launch mode which is a little gimmicky. Its not tuned suspension wise to hard-nosed levels with enough suspension travel and damping to make it a comfortable day to day driver and not an over-the-top sportscar. Price $120,000 drive-away with a 10-year/250,000km warranty, and the same for the battery. The quality is the best I’ve witnessed in a Chinese car as you’d expect given the sticker price. The MG Cyberster a beautifully styled and executed sports roadster with its power scissor doors giving it an air of sophistication and setting it apart.
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Driving the electric MG Cyberster sports roadster - launched last year to commemorate 100 years of the MG Brand. The former British brand has been in the hands of the Shanghai Automotive industry Corporation since 2007 – the MG Cyberster, a hero model, as they say, marking a ground-breaking evolution for the MG Brand fusing technology of the future with the legacy of the past. And that is does, beautifully styled in London by the company’s European design director it’s a striking two door roadster highlighted by power scissor doors that create enormous interest. An all-wheel-drive powered by dual electric motors fed by a 77kWh lithium-ion battery – 375kW of power, a thumping 725Nm of torque and a 0 to 100km acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds. For the money its highly specified – the interior a standout in terms of design and execution – beautifully finished and detailed with paint quality a high point – the quality the best I’ve witnessed in a Chinese car. The cabin snug, I’d have liked another 20mm of legroom, the three- screen instrument cluster giving you the impression you’re sitting in a fighter jet. Warranty impressive; 10 years/250,000kms including the battery.
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Last month’s official new car sales figures released this week reflect the second-best August on record with 103,922 vehicles registered. Of these, 23,225 or nearly a quarter were Chinese-made – BYD, GWM, MG and Chery making it into the top ten sales list. Petrol vehicles still dominated with 38,515 sales followed by diesel with 30,459 while hybrids continue their march posting 17,381. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 10,231, or around 9.8 percent of the market while plug-in hybrids tallied 3,906. SUVs continue to gain market share, now representing 60 per cent of sales while passenger cars continue to lose ground, down 25 percent compared to the same time last year. What is clear, consumers have a growing number of choices in the automotive market, more than 400 models, around 100 of which are EVs.
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Whilst we’ve been captivated this year by the success of our Oscar Piastri in Formula One racing, we shouldn’t overlook the incredible international success this year by a young speedway rider from country N.S.W. 28-year old Brady Kurtz from Cowra has a chance next Saturday night in Denmark to take out the World Speedway Championship in his rookie year. Last Saturday night in Poland Kurtz took his fourth consecutive win of the season. His win in Poland has set him up for a showdown with Poland’s defending five-time world champion Bartosz Zmarlik – the young Aussie trailing Zmarlik by just three points. Veteran Speedway Journalist Dennis Newlyn tells me Kurtz’s success is much like Piastri’s in that he has much the same cool head and demeaner. You can catch the Denmark race on Fox Sport next Sunday morning from 2.30am.
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We’ve seen many new Chinese EV’s and plug-in hybrid SUV’s arrive but few are set up to suit our driving environment, I’ve just driven the Leapmotor C10 - REEV – standing for range extender electric vehicle – as distinct from the pure electric C10 EV model, the C10 REEV gains a 1.5-litre petrol engine which acts only as a generator to charge the battery – 170 km of electric driving on a full charge, anD impressive total range of 1150km. There’s much to like on the Leapmotor C10 REEV plug-in hybrid – roomy, well built, very highly specified with great seats already heavily discounted by up to $6,500 to $43,490 drive-away. But it has a number of annoyances that make driving a total disappointment – especially incessant warning chimes and speed limit warnings, poorly calibrated at that, overzealous lane keep assist, also no key, a key card which you need to tap on the driver’s side rear view mirror and place on the phone charger for starting, the steering and suspension has little or no feel, and the total lack of buttons for the touchscreen makes it a nightmare to navigate simple tasks quickly and safely. A difficult SUV to live with.
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Driving the Leapmotor C10 range extender petrol/electric hybrid SUV. The second Leapmotor C10 to grace our shores – the first, the C10 EV – then this C10 REEV, or range extender EV, is a plug-in hybrid, also with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, but adds a 1.5-litre petrol engine which acts purely as a generator to charge up the battery. Leapmotor claim 170km of electric driving on a full battery charge and with a 50-litre fuel tank, producing a total range of 1150km. The styling rounded, very accommodating inside, I drove the top-spec C10 REEV Design with faux leather seats that are extremely comfortable, heated and ventilated plus a , heated steering wheel, but no spare wheel and a dreaded puncture repair kit. And no Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The door handles are awkward, there’s no key – you get a key card to tap on the driver’s side mirror to open the car, then place it on the wireless charger pad to start the car. Price – currently discounted by $4,000 to $45,990 drive-away plus if you’re a Cosco member a further $2,500 discount. There’s much to like with the Leapmoter C10 REEV hybrid SUV but equally there’s much to dislike
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Driving Audi’s upper luxury SQ8 SUV – a coupe style SUV now with 4.0-litre twin
turbo petrol V8 power. Unlike the seven-seat Audi SQ7, the sportier SQ8 is a five-
seater with a sloped rear roof line, the SQ8 61mm shorter, 25mm wider and 85mm
lower. An upper luxury SUV at $168,800 it sells in relatively small numbers. A
distinctive SUV with four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive powered as I said by a
4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 driving through an 8-speed automatic. Visually big
and imposing with a wide stance sitting on 22 wheels it tips the scales at 2480
kilos with a braked towing capacity of 3,500kilos. The interior best described as
sumptuous and built for comfort, Nappa leather quilted power heated and cooled
seat, lashings of black piano finishes and two large touch screens, in this case
surprisingly user friendly. With a gutsy 770Nm of torque between 2 and 4,000 revs
the Audi SQ8 is a very docile driver about town with a cosseted ride and
surprisingly fuel efficient. But with its adaptive air suspension on an open
winding road it transforms into a taut driving machine offering amazing cornering
stability and performance. Expensive yes but just so competent. I’m David
Berthon
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German car maker Audi has 37 models in its portfolio, some very low volume like its upper luxury SQ8 TFSI SUV, a large boxy yet handsome coupe style SUV – now with 4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 power – 373kW of power in fact driving through a conventional 8-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive. At $168,800 this is a specialist upper luxury SUV, big, sporty with a large footprint on the road, sitting on 22-inch wheels and an adaptive air suspension. Its wide with a wide track offering enormous confidence on a winding road with great stability. Despite it 2480 kilos it jumps to 100km/hour in just 4.1 seconds with braking to match. What I like about this luxury Audi SQ8 is its ability to be docile around town with a supple ride yet unleashed on a winding country road it provides sports car handling – sensors on the steering, chassis and adaptive air suspension translate inputs to the anti-roll bars and the overall stability for a large heavy SUV is amazing. Of course, drive it hard and economy suffers, up to 16L/100kms but on a softer throttle down to 11 litres when cruising. I found this Audi SQ8 SUV very hard to criticise. I’m David Berthon
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A recent survey of 1,013 respondents by Finder has found more than half the motorists on the roads are guilty of multitasking while driving. The research found a wide variety of distractions that can put lives at risk – topping the list at 43 per cent was eating whilst driving, driving in thongs came in second at 20 percent. 13 per cent of respondents admitted to texting while driving, 11 per cent to accessing social media. 7 percent said they’d watched a TV show or a movie, 9 per cent had replied to an email and 6 per cent had applied makeup. 5 percent had even shaved behind the wheel. I’ve personally witnessed a driver on the M1 reading the newspaper on the steering wheel at 100km/hour. The survey proves that many drivers wrongly consider getting behind the wheel is a casual endeavour. I’m David Berthon
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Kia has finally launched its mid-sized EV5 SUV after it was delayed at the last minute due to some wheel and software updates. Very much a clone of the larger and highly awarded EV9 the EV5 arrives in three model grades, firstly as the Air and Earth models and followed in December by the GT-line. The standard range EV5 Air with a claimed range of 400Km is priced at $56,770 drive-away while the mid-grade EV5 Earth sells from $68,990 drive-away. The flagship all-wheel-drive GT line will sell from $75,990 drive-away. Kia Australia has undertaken extensive suspension tuning on the EV5 which is the Korean car company’s first model to be built in China for the local market utilising a lithium iron phosphate battery developed by BYD. Kia targeting an annual sales rate of 10,000 units for the electric SUV. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Kia’s EV6 GT-line at $87,590, the third-tier model in the four-model range
which is now topped by the high-performance EV6 GT flagship at $99,590. The
dual motor GT-line however will satisfy most drivers looking for a performance
EV with a 0 to 100km/hour time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad when you consider it tips
the scales at 2105 kilos. Yes, its premium priced which has no doubt slowed
sales but it’s as good as it gets in a family sized electric SUV – offering less range
at 484km compared to rear drive EV6 models at 528kms but I found the stated
range to be fairly accurate despite a mix of urban and country driving in hot
conditions with the air-conditioning on. I’ve also driven the top spec high-
performance EV6 GT – too hard-nosed for me - the GT seats hard and
unaccommodating while its non-compliant suspension tune provides a too hard
ride for comfortable day to day use. However, as i said, the drive experience of
the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most new drivers – smooth, quiet with assured
handling and a very comfortable ride and for me the one to own. An electric car
with great styling and presence and superbly built. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today. The Kia EV6 comes in four models. I drove the EV6
GT-line dual motor all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery the
GT-line with two electric motors and weighing 100 kilos heavier to the rear drive
models provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque. Delivering a driving range of
484km which I found most accurate with a mix of urban and country driving.
Energy consumption varied and ran from around 15kWh/100km to
18.5kWh/100km. Charging, on a standard 7kW home charger around 71/2 hours,
on a 350kW fast charger if you can find one not in use around 20 minutes. The Kia
EV6 styling a standout, sharp edge styling that gives it a premium feel and in my
eyes it’s the best-looking EV on the market. Large well shod 20-inch alloy wheels
are tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy interior with great
seats. Despite an impressive dash and instrumentation, the interior is somewhat
bland in terms of finishes. Premium specified however with all the driving aids
and safety elements and Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The drive
experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most drivers. More drive details in
my next segment. I’m David Berthon
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Skoda has reduced the price of its run-out small Kamiq automatic SUV to just $29,990 drive-away, its lowest price in more than three years. With a new Kamiq model now in showrooms Skoda Australia has applied the discount to the final 250 examples of the pre-update base model. The Kamiq is Skoda’s best seller and represents around a quarter of the Czech-based car brands sales here. Although year to date Kamiq sales are running 26 percent behind the same time last year. The price reduced model is also available with a special guaranteed future value finance program for $69 per week, at a 6.99 per cent interest rate over a 60-month term and a $2,990 deposit. Kamiq standard features include a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full range of active driver assist functions. I’m David Berthon
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Australia’s top-selling family carrier, the Kia Carnival people mover is the subject
of a recall notice relating to its power steering. A manufacturing fault in the
wiring harness on 2024 model year Carnivals may affect the power steering. A
total of 6155 Carnivals are affected by the recall notice which states “the main
wiring harness my come into contact with the steering column shaft and become
damaged which may result in the loss of power assisted steering.” The recall
affects both petrol and hybrid versions of the Carnival across all variants. Owners
of affected vehicles will be contacted in writing asking them to contact their Kia
dealer for an appointment to reposition the main wiring harness or if required to
replace it free of charge. VIN numbers of cars affected are listed on Kia
Australia’s recall info site. I’m David Berthon
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Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – I
drove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combined
output of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all-
wheel-drive combination knocks the weight up to 1415kgs. A classy small SUV
which Lexus Australia Chief John Pappas says, breaks new ground for Lexus and
is proof luxury is not dictated by vehicle size. It is however tight in the rear, best
viewed as a personalised compact luxury two-seater. It’s no fire breather in this
heavier all-wheel drive Sports Luxury variant however with parent company
Toyota’s enormous success with hybrid technology it offers a very satisfying and
practical hybrid performance with frugal economy – I managed a best of 4.6L/100
with 91 grade petrol in mainly city driving. Few gripes, I don’t like Lexus interior
door latches, their awkward at best and disappointingly there’s no aircon vents in
the rear. But the Lexus LBX really is a classy compact SUV, as I said earlier
perfect for the lady in the house with five-year/unlimited km warranty and battery
warranty up to 10 years with annual hybrid dealer checks. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the small Lexus LBX SUV today, an attractive small hybrid luxury five
door SUV – three variants, the LBX Luxury front wheel drive at $47,550 and the
LBX Sports Luxury, both front and all-wheel-drive, priced at $52,990 and $56,990
respectively. The Lexus LBX a compact luxury cross-over SUV, a personalized
compact SUV that’s rather tight in the rear, but with emphasis on luxury and
finishes that Toyota’s luxury brand always does well and it stands out on the road
especially in the sonic copper colour as per the TV commercial. I drove the
Sports Luxury AWD with 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual
electric motors, a fuel sipping assembly with a combined output of 100kW driving
through a CVT transmission. The interior with pseudo leather and suede
accentuated trim looks classy, the dash with a well-designed and functional
touch screen. Nice front seat comfort with roomy, comfortable eight-way power
seats not so in the rear which is best for kids. The Lexus LBX best perhaps as a
classy compact luxury SUV for the lady in the house. No spare wheel just a tyre
repair kit but it’s got all the active and passive safety gear and a 360-degree
camera. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon
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Electric vehicle sales may be currently on the wane however hybrid vehicle sales are enjoying boom conditions with 129,895 national sales in the first nine months, an increase of 87 percent on the same time last year. Petrol electric hybrid vehicles are clearly far more popular than plug-in hybrids which achieved 15,546 sales in the same period. Toyota which accounts for around 20 per cent of the total new vehicle market has had enormous success with its petrol/electric hybrid models which now represent around half its sales. Its RAV4 hybrid our top selling hybrid vehicle with 40,754 deliveries in the first nine months. Apart from the RAV4, Toyota now has five top selling petrol electric hybrids in Corolla, Camry, Kluger, Corolla Cross and Yaris Cross suggesting it has chosen the right sales strategy going forward. I’m David Berthon
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A recent study by Compare the Market of 12 insurers have found the top five
best-selling electric vehicles are 43 per cent more expensive to insure over
similar sized combustion engine models. The comparison site found that many
EV motorists were paying higher premiums which obviously offset their benefits
of lower running costs. Hybrid vehicles have also been found to carry a premium
compared to their petrol-only equivalents. Taking the top five best-selling EV’s
and 12 car insurance providers you could be paying between $98 and $1,788
more to insure your electric car. Electric vehicles are generally more expensive to
insure due to the battery pack which creates more complexity for repairers – in
some cases the battery pack frame is a structural member of the car making it
more than likely the insurer will right the car off. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Alfa Romeo stylish Tonale SUV – the Italian performance brand’s first small SUV. Two front wheel drive petrol mild hybrids, Ti and Veloce – I drove the highly equipped and sportier Veloce at $57,900, a sharply priced compact performance skewed SUV on larger 19-inch allow wheels. Alfa pairing a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The Veloce also gaining an electronic adaptive suspension. After years of driving sporty Alfa cars how does the Tonale perform in a small SUV – Alfa’s hybrid system is unique in that it can drive the wheels up to 40km/hour. There’s three designated DNA drive modes - best in the D for Dynamic mode where it’s very lively but in the N or Natural mode and A for Advanced Efficiency mode the transition between hybrid and petrol power at times confuses the dual /clutch automatic – and creates a performance lag. Ride is on the firm side while steering is as good as it gets. Economy, 7L/100km on 95 RON petrol despite some fast open road touring. The Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce won’t appeal to everyone wanting a small premium SUV but it has a certain appeal, my wife actually fell in love with it. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Alfa Romeo’s first small SUV today – the stylish Tonale now Alfa Romeo’s biggest seller. The Italian performance brand celebrating its 115th year has struggled here in recent years, but its first compact SUV has a chance to lift the brands profile, prices starting at a rather sharp $49,990 for the Ti model. Step up to the Tonale Veloce and its still very competitive at $57,900 – both models feature a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with mild hybrid assistance driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. I tested the better equipped Veloce which gains larger 19-inch wheels, adaptive electronic suspension, Alcantara and faux leather trim and a swag of active safety systems including rear cross traffic alert, and a welcome 360-degree parking camera. The interior best described as cosy and functional with elements of Alfa Romeo sporty character evident in the instrumentation cluster, the Tonale more skewed as a personal urban SUV rather than a small family carrier with rear space tight – seating configured for four adults rather than five. Warranty: five years/unlimited kilometre. The Tonale a premium compact SUV sharply priced, appealingly different and well equipped but how does it drive – details next segment. I’m David Berthon
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In recent months we’ve seen a number of Chinese electric car imports discount their products. The arrival of more Chinese brands in the next six months is behind the move as the competition intensifies. With the car market already subdued due to cost-of-living pressures and with electric car sales currently on a slide the discounts are set to continue putting pressure on the established competition. Spanish brand Cupra, which arrived on the market here in 2022 with non-negotiable pricing, has indicated it won’t be following the discounting trend with its small Born electric hatch suggesting it is worthy of a price premium – this despite the fact that after getting off with a flying start Cupra sales have slowed, down by 36 per cent against the same time last year – the small Cupra Born showing the biggest decline, down by 43 percent. I’m David Berthon
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Go back several years and electric cars looked to have a big future with a strong surge of early adopters. And it was the same the world over. But this year sales have plateaued leaving many industry pundits pondering as to why. In February, the NRMA conducted an on-line survey with some 2079 motorists about their car buying habits, with a particular focus on EVs. They found that EVs have an image problem which in the eyes of new car buyers makes them seem inferior to internal combustion engined and hybrid vehicles, many are not convinced they’re the most environmentally friendly choice with 68 per cent also believing petrol and diesel vehicles easier to sell. Also found, while EV’s narrow the cost gap in terms of running expenses only 30 per cent of respondents believed they are the most economical option. I’m David Berthon.
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Chinese brand Chery has released what it considers to be the best value
compact SUV on the market with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – the 1.5-litre turbo
automatic Urban variant kicking off at $23,990 drive-away with 17-inch alloy
wheels, 7 airbags, a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto, Bluetooth connectivity rain sensing wipers, and a swag of driver assist
features. To sweeten the SUV’s arrival Chery Australia has a special introductory
finance deal at $99 a week for the Urban model based on a 20 per cent deposit
and a comparison interest rate of 9.76 per cent. A higher equipped Tiggo 4 Pro
Ultimate model is priced at $26,990 drive-away. This is the fourth model in
Cherry’s SUV line-up, the Chinese company enjoying sales growth to the end of
September of 105 percent on the same time last year. I’m David Berthon
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With Volvo’s parent company scrapping plans recently to become fully electric
by 2030 Volvo Australia has followed suit, dropping its previously announced
commitment to an all-EV portfolio by 2026. The current tight economic
conditions, slower than expected EV sales, a volatile market and a somewhat
discontented dealer network is believed to be behind the change of heart by the
local company. Volvo Sweden has now declared it will still have plug-in hybrid
and mild hybrid models in its range post 2030 after previously declaring it would
be fully EV by that date. Volvo Australia sales year-to date are 20.9 percent below
the same time last year and whilst it currently carries electric models like the
popular new small EX30, buyers have shown a marked preference for the mild-
hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in the range. I’m David Berthon.
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Sometimes you drive a new vehicle and from the very start it just impresses.
Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV did this for me – just a great allrounder – I tested
the mid-spec ST-L, all models front wheel drive powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four-
cylinder petrol engine linked to a CVT automatic, the drive experience a good one
with minimal slip through the continuously variable automatic generally offering a
nice blend of power and torque with three available drive modes– I managed
6.5L/100km with mainly around town motoring, but it does need 95 grade
premium fuel. Importantly, the Nissan Qashqai feels light and nimble on road –
Nissan have stripped a lot of weight out of this latest model, around 60 kilos,
using many aluminium body panels yet with advanced stamping and welding
techniques it has a 48 percent increase in structural rigidity. It feels so on road
with excellent steering response, a somewhat effortless SUV to drive with 250Nm
of torque from as low as 1600 revs. The ST-L a nice choice for a small family
however at $45,900 drive-away not the most affordable small SUV but its quality,
well equipped and nicely packaged apart from the lack of a rear power door, just
so handy when shopping. I’m David Berthon
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Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV impressed me recently. A great small SUV
engineered by Nissan UK, and with lightweight aluminium body panels now 60
kilos lighter yet 41 per cent torsionally stiffer – four front-wheel drive models
powered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder linked to a CVT automatic. I’d
previously tested the top spec Ti but recently drove the next model down the ST-
L, perhaps the Qashqai’s best seller at $45,900 driveaway, not the most affordable
in small SUV’s but nevertheless well-equipped and packaged. The ST-L gaining 1-
inch larger 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated combination
cloth / synthetic leather seats, power driver’s seat and manually adjustable
passenger seat, thankfully with height adjustment, front parking sensors, a
wireless smartphone charger, privacy glass, rear air vents but disappointingly
lacking a rear power door which is just so handy. The Nissan Qashqai cabin well
sized and packaged for a small family with excellent ISOFIX child tether points
and with above average boot space and importantly, a five-star ANCAP crash
safety rating. The Qashqai ST-L gains a great 12.3-inch touch screen, the usability
and clarity of which is first class with great menus. Warranty five-year/unlimited
km. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Audi’s best seller today – the compact Q3 40 TFSI quattro S-Line
Sportback SUV – a 2.0-litre turbo 132kW four-cylinder seven-speed dual clutch
automatic with all-wheel-drive. I’ve always highly regarded the Audi Q3 and the
sloped roof Sportback variant adds another perspective – these days its grown in
price like a lot of cars – now $78,245 drive-away but fortunately still under the
luxury car tax threshold. A roomy cabin and nicely proportioned power front
seats make this a very comfortable compact SUV – it’s the perfect package size
for four good sized adults. And despite the sloped roof, headroom in the rear
remains nearly as good as the wagon version. A flat bottom steering wheel gives
it a sporty feel while an excellent dash and instrumentation with large touch
screen and a driver’s display can be configured in different ways. The driving
side features a nice torque band from 1400 to 3900 revs while Sports mode steps
up the enjoyment level making it real driver’s car. Push it hard however and it can
become a little thirsty, I managed 8.9l/100 on 95 grade petrol. But with a stack of
convenience, comfort and driving features the compact Audi Q3 Sportback offers
just so much despite its hefty price tag. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Audi’s compact Q3 SUV today – available in both five-door Wagon and Sportback. The Q3, Audi’s best seller, and the biggest selling small prestige SUV. I’m driving the Audi Q3 2.0-litre turbo 40TFSI quattro S-line Sportback, $78,245 drive-away, not inexpensive today but importantly, still under the luxury car tax threshold. The Audi Q3 Sportback has always appealed, the perfect package size, the sloped roof giving it a sporty feel. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo driving through a seven-speed automatic to all four wheels plus Audi drive select with four different drive modes – this aspect so rewarding – all-wheel drive giving it a solid footprint on the road with well shod 20-inch alloy wheels. The Audi Q3 Sportback excels in interior room, seat comfort, 360-degree cameras, power front seats, leather trim, a great dash and instrumentation and thankfully knobs and buttons for temperature and fan speed, far superior to the touchscreen functionality of many cars today. It also features a full gamut of infotainment services like weather, fuel prices and Google services plus Audi virtual cockpit plus with a digital configurable instrument cluster and much more. Warranty five- years/unlimited kilometre. The Audi Q3 Sportback remains an impressive compact premium SUV and one can see why it is so popular. I’m David Berthon
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Korean manufacturer Hyundai celebrated the production of its 100 millionth
vehicle recently, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 rolled off the production line at the
company’s Ulsan Plant, this facility recognised as the birthplace of the Korean
car industry. Here in 1975 Hyundai produced its first independently developed
model the Pony. For the record Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967,
building its first car, a Ford Cortina under license, before moving on to its own
car design a year later. I well remember the brand’s arrival in Australia under Alan
Bond’s distribution in 1986 where it became one of our fastest growing brands
with the cheap and cheerful small Excel hatchback. The company snapped up Kia
in the mid-nineties – last year becoming the world’s third biggest producer
delivering 7.1 million vehicles behind Volkswagen with 8.8 million and Toyota
with 10.8 million. I’m David Berthon
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A recent school holiday road safety blitz in Queensland saw 9584 people charged with offences including more than 800 driving under the influence – 446 caught under the influence of alcohol came from 40,506 roadside breath tests representing 1.1 percent of those tested. However, the 417 caught under the influence of drugs came from just 2,265 roadside drug tests representing a staggering 18.4 percent of those tested – a very concerning result so too the fact that 1 in 10 Queenslanders still admitted to not wearing a seat belt. 212 people lost their lives on Queensland roads in the first 9 months of this year, up 17 percent on the five-year average – 18.6 percent of those fatal accidents were contributed to speeding and the same percentage to drug driving, 16.5 percent to drink driving. Quite clearly drug driving is becoming a growing concern. I’m David Berthon
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Talking about Chinese brand GWM and their small Haval Jolion Hybrid SUV
which arrived in 2021 and was upgraded in July – there’s three Jolion Hybrids, I
drove the flagship Hybrid Ultra, now $3,000 more affordable at $37,990 drive-away
combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and a
two-speed hybrid automatic transmission. The transition between electric and
petrol power well managed, smooth and imperceptible. The steering adjustable in
three steps lacks a little feel but perhaps best in comfort mode. Using 91 regular
unleaded I managed a best economy of 5.6L/100km with a mix of city and country
driving. That aspect of the Jolion Ultra Hybrid is well sorted, not so some of the
driver assist elements like lane keep assist and active cruise control. Far too
reactive and in need of refinement. Road noise also is most noticeable on a
coarse surface. Overall, this is a very easy to drive small SUV, good build quality
with comfortable seating although front legroom somewhat tight – as the Ultra
name implies it has all the features including panoramic sunroof, LED headlights,
360-degree camera, head up display and much more. And it comes with a 7-
year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 8-year/unlimited kilometre battery
warranty. I’m David Berthon
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Chinese brand GWM has been enjoying strong success this year, on the back of
its best seller – the small GWM Haval Jolion SUV. I’ve just tested the upgraded
2024 Hybrid Ultra model, $37,990 drive-away. GWM distinguishing it from the pure
petrol model with styling updates yet inside it remains as before. And the hybrid
gains a most welcome multi-link rear suspension. This front drive hybrid
combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, combined outputs of
140kW and 375 Nm of torque driving through a 2-speed hybrid automatic
transmission. A nice cabin however front legroom is tight, rear legroom excellent
and well serviced by dual air vents. Luggage space smaller to the pure petrol
model due to the battery pack and disappointingly a tyre repair kit replaces a
spare wheel. The infotainment screen well sized but vehicle functions need too
many frustrating presses and a combination of buttons for climate would be far
more user friendly and there’s no wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The
GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid offers much for the money though including a
panoramic sunroof, a head up instrument display, a 7-year unlimited kilometre
warranty and service costs of $810 over three years, $1550 over five years. I’m
David Berthon
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Nissan Australia boss Andrew Humberstone made some interesting comments
last week regarding the company’s ‘Australianness” in a market that’s being
rapidly disrupted by new Chinese brands, new regulations, and economic
pressures. Mr. Humberstone, in outlining his new long-term business strategy,
said he had to move Nissan Australia from mediocrity to excellence to avoid
falling out of a market which he forecast will see up to 100 brands fighting for a
slice of only 1.2 million sales. His plan to lift Nissan permanently into the top six
sellers and guarantee its long-term profitability. He made it clear that reinforcing
Nissan Australia’s identity and heritage is at the heart of his bold new strategy,
also pointing out that Nissan is the only local manufacturer – its Casting Plant in
Dandenong producing around 1.2 million components for 80 global markets as
well as 160,000 tow bars. I’m David Berthon
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Another new Chinese electric brand is due to hit the market in the fourth quarter.
Deepal, a new all-electric brand from Chinese manufacturer Changan Automobile
will launch here initially with the mid-size S07 SUV. The Deepal brand distributed
by the Inchcape Group which already handles the distribution of Subaru,
Peugeot, and Citroen brands in Australia. Deepal, one of around 12 new Chinese
brands to hit our market in the next 12 months, tells us “it pushes boundaries to
transform cars from modes of transportation into intelligent mobility companions,
embracing the harmony between technology, nature and human experiences.”
Which all sound rather romantic but it will be interesting to see what this new
electric SUV has to offer the consumer over the established opposition. Clearly,
the automotive landscape in Australia is going to look a lot different in the 12
months time. I’m David Berthon
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More on Peugeot, with the local importer announcing it has dropped the Peugeot
508 sedan and sportswagon from its line-up after a major revamp of its model
portfolio moving forward. Dropping plug-in hybrid models in lieu of a new breed
of petrol/electric hybrids and slowing the release of pure electric models due to
poor demand. The Peugeot 508 arrived in 2018, a sedan and sportswagon with
real French style and panache, later introducing plug-in hybrid variants with a
substantial price penalty of around $17,000 over the pure petrol models yet
offering only 55km of pure electric range. Just 53 508 models have been sold this
year and the remaining stock is being sold off at huge discounts. Unfortunately,
customers who paid full price for Peugeot 508 models in the last two years are
going to take a big drop in resale values. I’m David Berthon
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Peugeot has announced details and pricing on a new 3008 SUV line-up due early
next year. The mid-sized Peugeot 3008 will arrive with a new mild hybrid
powertrain, replacing the current petrol and plug-in hybrid models. Initially
arriving in Allure Hybrid and GT Premium grades with a mid-range GT Hybrid
variant later. Entry pricing will jump by $2,915, now starting at $52,990 plus on-
road costs with the GT Premium rising by $1,600 to $64,990. Thankfully, the
current overly expensive 3008 plug-in hybrid model will be dropped in favour of
the new generation hybrid powertrain – a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder mild hybrid
engine with claimed fuel usage of just 4.9L/100km on the combined city/country
cycle. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission
which houses a 48V electric motor. Power and torque is reduced however over
the current plug-in hybrid 3008. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Hyundai’s latest Sante Fe Hybrid – behind the wheel noticeably larger to
its predecessor, now squarer edged, a very roomy seven-seater with exceptional
cargo space but if anything it looks a little tail heavy due to an enlarged tailgate.
This latest Hyundai Sante Fe initially available as a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid six
speed automatic in a base model, mid-spec Elite and top-grade Calligraphy - and
depending on model, front or all-wheel drive. A 2.5-litre pure petrol 8-speed
automatic arrives late this year. I tested the Elite all-wheel drive, now $2,000
dearer at $65,000 plus on-road costs. The hybrid power trains 172kW of power,
367Nm of torque more than adequate – providing excellent fuel economy – I
managed 7.7L./100km around town and on 91 grade petrol. Economy aided by
three levels of regenerative braking and in its highest level you hardly need to
touch the brakes. Biggest annoyance the speed limit warning and driver attention
monitor – both features need more development and refinement and are just plain
annoying and of no real driver benefit. They can be switched off but every time
you start the car they renew. Like a lot of the new Chinese SUV’s these warning
chimes are distractive, and a turn off to most drivers. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the latest fifth generation Hyundai Sante Fe hybrid seven-seat SUV – a
totally different SUV to its predecessor – firstly in appearance and on first
impression its very much in the mould of a Land Rover, somewhat square edged
with a stronger presence and more interior room. This last aspect with an
enlarged tailgate gives it a rather tail happy appearance which drew some
negativity. As a family mover it offers generous interior room with ten airbags
over three seat rows and increased cargo space. Available initially as a 1.6-litre
turbo-petrol hybrid six-speed automatic, three grades, Base, Elite and Calligraphy
and depending on model, front or all-wheel-drive. I drove the well specified Elite
all-wheel drive now $2,000 dearer at $65,000 plus on-road costs. The hybrid
power train impressive, offering three levels of regenerative braking, and there’s
a number of drive modes available including terrain modes like snow, mud and
sand. The dash most impressive with a combined information display and
instrument cluster that’s first class. The cabin ambience most impressive.
There’s a big lift in technology, Hyundai adding over the air software capability to
keep you up with driver assist systems remotely without the need to visit a
dealer. Warranty five year/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon
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Toyota has announced its large Tundra pick-up has been approved for sale here
from November – the large U.S. sourced Toyota pick-up will be re-configured to
right-hand-drive in Melbourne by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, much the
same as the long standing RAM and Chevrolet Silverado pickups. The Tundra
arrives first in Limited grade with a top of the range Premium addition arriving in
the second quarter next year. No prices have been announced just yet but the
fully re-engineered Tundra has been six years in development – sitting on the
same platform that underpins the LandCruiser 300 series. Powered by a 3.5-litre
twin-turbo V6 with 326kW and 790Nm of torque linked to a 10-speed automatic
transmission – driving through a part-time system with dual-range transfer case.
It offers an impressive 4.5 tonne towing capacity. It arrives as sales of large pick-
ups have slowed considerably. I’m David Berthon
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A new Toyota Camry that has just arrived – the Camry still our top-selling sedan
despite the fact that today SUV’s rule while passenger sedans have shrunk to just
15.4 per cent of the market – The latest Camry at last gives us some sharper
styling and a new interior, Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid technology, more
power, improved drive performance and according to Toyota, an 11 percent
reduction in fuel consumption to 4L/100km – the hybrid electric power train
produces a 10kW increase in output, combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a
more powerful electric motor generator driving the front wheels via an electronic
variable or CVT transmission. There’s four drive modes including an EV mode
where it can be driven over short distances on EV power at low speeds. Prices
have risen by up to $2573, the most affordable, the Camry Ascent hybrid,
$39,990, the mid-spec Ascent Sport Hybrid $42,990, the top spec SL Hybrid
$53,990. The entry model with rear camera with guidelines, front and rear parking
sensors, dual zone climate control and a swag of driver assist technology. As I
said earlier, serviceability and reliability have always been the Camry’s high
points. Warranty five years/unlimited kilometre. I look forward to driving the new
Camry soon. I’m David Berthon
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Leapmotor has announced the arrival of its mid-sized C10 electric SUV due in
November, the Chinese brands first global product and the first of a new breed of
sharply priced Chinese electric vehicles due in the next 12 months. While pricing
for the two Leapmotor C10 variants, Style and Design, has not yet been officially
announced its heavily rumoured both will sell for less than $50,000 before on
road costs – undercutting current mid-sized EV brands. Both C10 variants have a
claimed 420km range with claimed state of the art innovation and technology, and
high levels of equipment and safety elements. Warranty listed at 7 years
160,000km with battery warranty over 8 years. Buyers who take delivery before
March 31 next year will be offered one-years free charging through the Chargefox
network. No dealers have so far been named for Leapmotor. I’m David Berthon
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SUV’S now represent 57.5 per cent of the new vehicle market whereas the trusty
passenger sedan segment is down to 15.4 percent. Having said that the Toyota
Camry still dominates the medium passenger car segment under $60,000, well
represented with 65 percent of sales. It’s been around a long time with an
enviable record for serviceability and reliability. At times its somewhat bland
styling has labelled it white goods on wheels however Toyota has just released a
new model that will answer the styling critics. Still recognisable as a Camry but
with sharper lines and a much-improved interior. And it comes with a fifth
generation Hybrid electric powertrain featuring more power and improved drive
performance and yet, according to Toyota, reduced fuel consumption of up to 11
per cent. And with more active safety technology and more comfort and
convenience features. Toyota has had enormous success with its RAV 4 hybrid
SUV, but we sometimes forget the Camry Hybrid is the taxi operator’s vehicle of
choice. Whenever I get in one, I ask the driver how his car is performing – one
told me recently he had covered 480,000 on the same engine and transmission in
18 months with downtime only for regular servicing. Impressive to say the least.
I’m David Berthon
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Driving Kia’s latest Sorento seven-seat SUV – more specifically the high spec
2.2-litre turbo diesel eight speed automatic all-wheel-drive GT-line – around
$73,000 on road. Now in an upgraded sharp looking fourth generation model this
latest Sorento is big, bold and extremely well controlled. Ride and handling a Kia
forte due to excellent local tuning and whilst it’s no lightweight around town this
large seven-seat SUV is nimble and shrinks around you – a very comfortable SUV
but one that can mix it in the rough with ease – the diesel engine on the open
road quiet and relaxed – the eight speed dual clutch automatic just so smooth in
changes, the turbo-diesel’s high level of torque meaning whilst cruising its
working at minimal revs and is very quiet displaying good sound insulation to the
cabin. Unlike the latest breed of Chinese SUVs the driver assist technologies are
well tuned and not intrusive although the lane keep assist and lane departure can
get a little annoying and need further refinement. The Kia Sorento’s sensors front
and rear make parking a breeze, the new side parking sensors most welcome.
Economy in mostly eco mode I achieved 7.6L/100. Like most SUV’s the Sorento
has risen in price by $3,600 but it’s a goody. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Kia’s large Sorento seven-seat SUV today – the fourth generation in a 10-
model range of petrol, diesel and hybrid models, in either front or all-wheel drive
– the Sorento a model with a strong reputation and recently upgraded – I drove
the well-equipped and tech advanced 2.2-litre turbo-diesel GT-Line 4WD flagship
now $3600 dearer and not- inexpensive at $73,000 drive-away. But stacked with
LED projector headlights, side parking sensors, quilted Nappa leather, a 360-
degree camera, powered front seats with heating and ventilation, a digital
instrument head-up display, full-size spare and 20-in alloy wheels. All in a roomy
three row cabin, the centre second row seat a little tight and its best as a six-
seater, with good ventilation to the third row and with great luggage space
especially with the third row folded, simply activated by pressing a button. The
good news in this latest model, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Plus a
wide double 12.3 inch screen set – one big screen the usability of which with
Kia’s new media system is first class. Five-star safety, a stack of drive assist
technology and the assurance of a 7-year warranty plus capped price service of
$1,398 for the first three years. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon
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Honda will launch upgraded HR-V SUV variants next month - all three models in
the small HR-V range more competitive and gaining price cuts - spearheaded by a
revised new entry Vi X HR-V at $34,900 drive-away, some $1,800 more affordable
whilst the most affordable hybrid e:HEV X will arrive at $39,990 drive-away,
shaving more than $7,000 from the previous hybrid entry price. The better
equipped hybrid e:HEV L will also reduce by $4,100 to $42,990 drive-away. The
new price reduced Honda HR-V range will arrive with minor cosmetic changes
including new adaptive LED headlights and refined tail-light detail while inside
they gain a changed centre console, some USB ports and extended storage trays.
Mechanically, a retuned power steering system, better soundproofing, revised
dampers and updates to the hybrid control unit software and Honda safety
sensing suite. I’m David Berthon
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Small business owners in the CBD are furious that figures used to justify cycle
lanes in the city have been grossly overstated. Business owners in Oxford Street
Paddington conducted their own survey of bike usage and found there figures
were around 10 per cent of those stated by Sydney City Council. The survey
found only 300 cyclists use the shopping strip in a 24-hour period, far less than
the 2701 cyclists quoted daily by the Council. In addition to Oxford Street the
existing cycleways in Castlereagh and Liverpool Streets amongst others are
being extended. Castlereagh Street, already one of our narrowest roads and
heavily congested at peak hours now reduced to one through lane with a bus lane
on the left and a bike lane on the right. Council now spending a staggering $17
million a year on cycle infrastructure. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Nissan’s X-Trail N-Trek SUV today – a new addition to the X-Trail range a
model designed for those customers who embrace the outdoor with a more
adventurous spirit - with additional cosmetic highlights, lower body protection,
an improved touchscreen and digital instrumentation, a head-up display and
waterproof cosmetic leather trim. I drove the 2.5-litre four-cylinder CVT automatic
front wheel drive five-seater at $47,790, around $51,000 drive-away – the current
Nissan X-Trail perhaps one of our most family friendly mid-sized SUV’s and the N
-Trek grade gives it a harder edge but retains a standout interior with great
comfort for five adults, the added features over the ST-L welcome additions - it
certainly looks more muscular with five-star ANCAP safety, featuring dual zone
air-con, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated seats
and a powered driver’s seat. No wireless charger though and while it supports
Apple Car Play and Android Auto you still require a charge cable. The X-Trail N-
Trek also features ProPilot, Nissan’s integrated driver assist technology assisting
braking, acceleration, and steering. Thankfully, it’s not intrusive. The drive
experience excellent, my only negative a firmer ride quality to other X-Trails I’ve
driven – maybe the price you pay for having an adventurous spirit. I’m David
Berthon
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Driving Nissan’s X-Trail N-Trek SUV today – a new addition to the X-Trail range a
model designed for those customers who embrace the outdoor with a more
adventurous spirit - with additional cosmetic highlights, lower body protection,
an improved touchscreen and digital instrumentation, a head-up display and
waterproof cosmetic leather trim. I drove the 2.5-litre four-cylinder CVT automatic
front wheel drive five-seater at $47,790, around $51,000 drive-away – the current
Nissan X-Trail perhaps one of our most family friendly mid-sized SUV’s and the N
-Trek grade gives it a harder edge but retains a standout interior with great
comfort for five adults, the added features over the ST-L welcome additions - it
certainly looks more muscular with five-star ANCAP safety, featuring dual zone
air-con, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated seats
and a powered driver’s seat. No wireless charger though and while it supports
Apple Car Play and Android Auto you still require a charge cable. The X-Trail N-
Trek also features ProPilot, Nissan’s integrated driver assist technology assisting
braking, acceleration, and steering. Thankfully, it’s not intrusive. The drive
experience excellent, my only negative a firmer ride quality to other X-Trails I’ve
driven – maybe the price you pay for having an adventurous spirit. I’m David
Berthon
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Some idea of the impact the onslaught of new Chinese models is having on the
European car industry has come from a statement from Volkswagen. The German
company citing economic pressures and high costs associated with
manufacturing could force the closure of its German production facilities for the
first time in the history of the company. Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume
suggesting the European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious
situation - new competitors are entering the market and Germany in particular as
a manufacturing location is falling further behind in terms of competitiveness.
Volkswagen had already gone to great lengths to cut costs last year, but the
emergence of Chinese brands is making it difficult to compete. Volkswagen has
300,000 employees in Germany and there are fears that job losses are inevitable if
the company restructures. I’m David Berthon
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With the world slowdown in electric car uptake Volvo has announced it has
dropped plans to only sell electric cars from 2030 and will now further develop
hybrid power beyond that date. The Swedish company now claiming it will aim for
only 90 to 100 percent of its sales to be electrified by that date, the remaining 0-10
percent to be mild hybrid. The major about face comes after the Swedish
company announced in 2021 that it would become a fully electric car company by
2030. To further confuse the issue Volvo Australia had been preparing to go fully
electric from 2026 four years ahead of its parent. Locally, Volvo sales are running
20 percent below the same time last year - it currently only has one electric model
– the small EX30 SUV which has quickly become its second-best seller behind its
best-selling mid-size XC40. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the new plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of Alfa-Romeo’s compact Tonale
SUV, available only in the high grade Veloce at $88,200 drive-away, a not
insignificant $20,000 more than the similarly specified mild-hybrid Veloce. The
plug-in hybrid Tonale mates a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed
automatic driving the front wheels and an electric motor and 15.5kWh battery at
the rear driving the rear wheels. Despite no physical connection between the two
the all-wheel drive experience is smooth and with the electric motor providing
max torque from rest the performance noticeably livlier than the mild hybrid
Veloce. You get around 60km of pure electric range while the petrol engine
returned 8.2L/100km on 95 grade petrol. Charging around 2.5 hours on a typical
home charger. Three driving modes available, with regenerative braking
recovering battery energy in all three. It features electronic adaptive dampers,
controlled by Alfa Romeo’s DNA driving modes, in D for dynamic mode
noticeably adjusting powertrain calibration and stiffening the damping. Warranty
five-year/unlimited km with battery warranty eight years/160,000km. Service costs
$3100 over five years. The drive experience very satisfying but like most plug-in
hybrids the exalted purchase price is enough to make most purchasers think
twice. I’m David Berthon
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Alfa Romeo today – a hallowed brand that should be doing so much better in our
market. I recently drove their new small and stylish Tonale SUV. Launched last
year and already Alfa Romeo’s best seller. This stylish mild hybrid compact
premium SUV really impressed. Alfa Romeo Aust. has now added a full plug-in
hybrid or PHEV version of the Tonale. Plug in hybrids offer affordable electric
power for the daily work commute, around 60km’s, and petrol power perhaps for
the sportier weekend drive. Petrol power drives the front wheels, electric power
the rear wheels and there’s no physical connection between the two. This plug-in
Hybrid Tonale comes only in Veloce grade at $88,200 drive-away, a $20,000 lift
over the similarly specified mild hybrid Tonale – like several other plug-in hybrids
or PHEVs from European importers it’s enough to make you think twice about
purchase. On the plus side the interior is a standout, so too the dashboard and
ergonomics, in a roomy four-seat cabin although boot space a little inhibited due
to the rear mounted battery. There’s nice finishes and a stack of driver assist,
comfort and convenience features but the high price is limiting. On the other
hand, the drive experience excellent – details next segment. I’m David Berthon
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Canada has just followed the U.S. by imposing a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese
electric vehicles from October 12. These moves much the same as the
Australian Government imposed to protect our local car industry when Holden,
Ford and Toyota were still manufacturing cars here. The Australian new car
landscape will be totally different next year with the loss of established brands
like Citroen and the arrival of around 12 new brands from China – names like
Xpeng, GAC Motor, Geely Auto, Zeekr, Jaecoo, Leapmotor, Nio, Skywell, Changan
and Jetour. I’ve said for some time that early adopters of electric cars are going
to suffer from poor resale – two new car dealers told me this week they could not
get anyone to provide a trade in price on a Tesla Model 3, especially models
getting towards the end of their battery warranty. I’m David Berthon
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The move to electrification has taken on many faces from various car companies
– Hyundai this week announced plans to increase its hybrid product lines from
seven to fourteen models, including the first hybrid models for its luxury Genesis
brand. In announcing a new $133 billion-dollar electric vehicle strategy to
investors as the ‘Hyundai Way’ the South Korean car maker outlined plans to use
hybrid vehicles ‘as a key bridge’ to the broader solution of battery-electric
vehicles. Sales of hybrid electric vehicles in Australia more than doubled in the
first six months outpacing battery electric car sales by 60 per cent. Announcing
the plans at it's 2024 CEO Investor Day the company used the acronym ‘EREV’
standing for Extended Range Electric Vehicle” to describe hybrid models using
an internal combustion engine as well as electric power to extend driving range
beyond 900km. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the new GWM Tank 500 today – a seven-seat Chinese built hybrid 4WD in Lux and Ultra grades – both powered by a petrol/electric hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, an electric motor and a small 1.76kWhour battery with a nine speed automatic transmission, intelligent four- wheel drive with up to 14 driving modes, low range and rear differential lock in a body that sits somewhere between a Toyota Landcruiser Prado and larger 300 model. The GWM Tank 500 looks like a LandCruiser copy, offset by an imposing chrome grille and T badge that’s overdone in the Chinese tradition for what is essentially a workhorse. I drove the entry Tank 500 Lux at $66,490 drive-away which undercuts traditional seven-seat rivals by a considerable margin yet is loaded with a huge amount of technology, comfort and convenience features that more than match its dearer rivals. The build quality hard to fault, the equipment list not lacking and the go-anywhere ability impressive in a body that seats 7 in relative comfort – in terms of features its hard to fault and lacks for nothing however it is how well its features perform that reflects the difference in pricing and many features simply lack finesse. Details next segment. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the new GWM Tank 500 seven-seat hybrid 4WD – I’m driving the entry Lux model at $66,490 drive-away which undercuts traditional rivals by a healthy margin – a vehicle loaded to the hilt with comfort, convenience and technology but lacking finesse in a number of areas. The GWM Tank 500 features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, an electric motor and 1.76kWhour battery driving through a nine-speed automatic, selectable four-wheel drive, and a locking rear differential. Off road more than competent in a body that weights 2.6 tonne with a braked towing capacity of 3,000kg. Given its weight the hybrid assistance is minimal, and it takes some time to recharge the battery by coasting and braking. GWM quotes economy at 8.5L/100km – I couldn’t get anywhere near that figure despite a good mix of city and country driving. Chinese vehicles generally lack finesse in their active driving elements and the suspension feels unsettled with average ride quality, the weight of this body on ladder frame chassis making the suspension work hard when cruising while brake performance at times less than inspiring. A value buy yes but to me lacking the polish of the established opposition. Well supported with a seven-year/unlimited km with capped price servicing, battery warranty eight-years warranty. I’m David Berthon
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In recent years Mazda has had enormous success with SUV’s – its ageing small CX-3 and mid-size CX-5 still showing sales growth however its relatively new CX- 60 and CX-90 are slow sellers in a tough market – their higher pricing point finding some resistance with family SUV buyers struggling with cost-of-living pressures. The big question, whether Mazda as a brand, after so much success with its CX-3, CX-5, CX-8 and CX-9, can push into premium territory with higher pricing – its CX-60 and CX-90 now priced above many potential family buyers. It will soon complete the rejuvenation of its large architecture models with the new CX-70 and CX-80 SUV’s and says it has no qualms about maintaining sales volumes. The good news is the next generation CX-5 SUV will arrive next year; one hopes at a competitive price point. I’m David Berthon
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Fuel retailer Ampol is scaling back plans to roll out 300 electric vehicle charging
stations claiming it has encountered problems connecting to the power grid. The
company suggesting it will now fall short on its plans to expand the number of EV
charging bays from 92 to 300 by year end. The company has blamed difficulties in
gaining access to power lines in an already congested grid which is struggling to
cope with an influx of renewable energy generation. The change of plans comes
just weeks after the company announced plans to install more than 200 extra fast
chargers after receiving a $100 million grant from the Federal Government. Ampol
with 1800 service stations around the country currently has 92 charging bays at
41 of its sites, company MD Matt Halliday claiming another 36 bays are awaiting
power. I’m David Berthon
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Last weekend’s Electric SUV Expo in Melbourne has revealed the aspirations of
some new Chinese arrivals expected in the fourth quarter. Xpeng is one Chinese
manufacturer with lofty goals for its luxury EV products, suggesting the
Australian new car landscape will look very different in the years ahead as quality
Chinese cars arrive. The Xpeng G6 mid-size SUV will be the brands first entry
here later this year targeting the successful Tesla model Y and priced below
$60,000. Initially in rear wheel drive and within a year joined by two other variants.
The Chinese luxury vehicle manufacturer stole the show at the Melbourne Expo
by displaying its futuristic X2 flying car – the drone like two-seater showcasing
the Xpeng brand and the future of mobility. The company will also launch the
large G9 SUV in 2025, which it suggests is the Range Rover of smart EV’s. I’m
David Berthon
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The tough new vehicle market at present has seen the introduction of some
sharp discounts and improved owner benefits. Honda Australia with sales
dipping nearly 30 percent in the first half of the year has introduced a new loyalty
program. Called Honda Extend the program provides new and existing customers
who service their vehicles at registered service centres with up to eight years
warranty and roadside assistance. To qualify a vehicle must be within its original
warranty period as of June 3, 2024 and must be serviced at a registered Honda
Service Centre in accordance with the vehicle service schedule. The warranty
period will extend each year at the time of service until the vehicle reaches a total
of eight years. Importantly, customers who use their Honda for commercial
purposes are excluded from the program. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Toyota first all-electric SUV – the BZ4X you would have seen the
advertising for the BZ4X with owner Barry asked what made him finally go
electric which he proudly proclaims because it’s a Toyota. I look forward to
spending more time behind the wheel but on first impression I found this new
electric Toyota to have some rather strange design elements. Step behind the
wheel and you’re met by a high mounted instrument cluster and a steering wheel
position that completely blocks the instrumentation – the only way to sight the
instrumentation is to put the steering wheel down into your lap which is
downright uncomfortable. A head up display on the windscreen would have been
far superior. I’m glad Barry really likes the BZ4X, because this along with an
awkward gear selector dial, would have to be some of the worst automotive
design features I’ve come across. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the Lexus LC500 Coupe today – it first arrived in 2017 and has had a few
minor tweaks along the way - from any angle the Lexus LC500 is a stunning
design. Its styling deserves close scrutiny, perhaps the finest application of
Lexus’s edgy design and its low form and striking lines are simply a standout.
Yes, it features the makers prominent spindle grille but in a less divisive form to
some of its more affordable siblings. At $204,635, an upper luxury coupe with
exquisite features. The craftsmanship of the body, paint and interior trim
absolutely top class. The cabin soundproofing top notch in a body that is no
lightweight at 1970 kilos and it feels very strong with excellent rigidity. A 5-0-litre
351 kW V8 drives the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic with four drive
modes Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. It’s a 2 plus 2, too small in the rear to
be practical even for kids but driver and passenger comfort absolutely first class.
The Lexus LC500 has gained improved safety and connectivity - its pre-collision
system now able to detect bicycles in the daytime and pedestrians at night. One
gripe, the overly sensitive and too fiddly touch pad for the infotainment screen.
I’m David Berthon
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As the saying goes when the going get tough the tough get going and that’s
much the case with the car market at present. Take the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
for example This rugged work horse 4 x 4 pickup with a go anywhere ability is
normally close to $98,000 on road. However, with sales slowing by 63 per cent in
the first half of the year to just 169, compared to the same time last year, they’re
now available from just $70,000 drive-away – a saving of nearly $28,000. These
rugged Jeeps, named after the grueling Rubicon trail in California, feature a 3.6-
litre V6 engine, 8-speed automatic, front and rear locking differentials and Rock-
Trac on-demand 4WD yet feature such comfort niceties as leather trim, heated
front seats and a heated steering wheel. The lesser specified Jeep Gladiator Night
Eagle also now $64,000 drive-away. I’m David Berthon
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In a move designed to bolster Republican voters in Michigan and other car
manufacturing U.S. states Donald Trump has pledged to prevent complete
obliteration of the nation’s auto industry by scrapping electric vehicle mandates
and pushing domestic production. The Republican Presidential nominee
speaking at the recent Republican National Convention said he would save U.S.
customers thousands and thousands of dollar per car by ending the electric
vehicle mandate on day one and redirect funding to United States manufacturing.
The former U.S. President attacked Chinese electric cars after suggesting they’re
part of meaningless new scam ideas he’d squash if he wins a second term. The
Biden Administration recently quadrupled the tariff on Chinese built cars to 100
per cent, targeting 50 percent of all new car sales in the U.S. to be electric by
2030. I’m David Berthon
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The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV comes in three 3.6-litre V6 petrol grades and in
the 2.0-litre turbo petrol Summit Reserve 4Xe I’m driving today with the added
benefit of a plug-in hybrid system with dual electric motors providing 52 kms of
pure electric range. A powerful and torquey luxury five-seater the Grand
Cherokee Summit Reserve is the nicest Jeep I’ve driven – to qualify that
statement it offers a sumptuous and highly comfortable driving adventure with a
superb adaptive air suspension with Jeep’s proven Quadra-Trac 11 four-wheel
drive system offering a high degree of competency on and off-road. The five-seat
interior not only looks impressive with a great mix and leather and fake wood but
is supremely comfortable for five adults. The pure electric range of 52 kms is
however underdone – not enough distance for most daily commutes but it does
only take just over two hours to charge. Three drive modes, hybrid combining
petrol and electric power, pure electric, or pure petrol E-Save, which can also
charge the battery up to 80 percent - in this mode I averaged 8L/100 on 91 grade
petrol. Its $129,950 price tag stamps the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve as
luxury supported with a five-year, 100,000km. warranty, battery warranty 8
years/160,000km. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4Xe – a luxury
five-seat SUV priced at $129,950. As distinct to the three pure petrol V6 Grand
Cherokee grades the Summit Reserve utilises a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine
driving through an 8-speed automatic mated to a plug-in hybrid system featuring
a 17.3kWhour battery and dual electric motors providing 52km of electric only
driving. The petrol/hybrid system provides 70kW more power and around double
the torque to the other pure petrol Grand Cherokee lower grades. This is one very
good-looking luxury SUV with great presence, step in and your met with an
equally impressive five-seat interior with a nice blending of leather and fake wood
finishes. For the money you get an adaptive air suspension, Jeep’s proven
Quadra-Trac 11 four-wheel drive system, four-zone climate control, 12-way heated
and ventilated power seats, a 19-speaker premium sound system, a dual pane
panoramic sunroof plus 360-degree cameras. The interior sumptuous and
impressive lives up to the luxury tag, perhaps the nicest Jeep I’ve driven – as for
the claimed 52 km range of pure electric driving, not quite enough for most daily
commutes but it did take just two hours to completely charge on my home box
charger. I’m David Berthon
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The BYD Atto 3 SUV was one of the fastest growing electric models here last
year, sales growing by 422 percent to 11,042 units. However, sales have slowed
this year, down 39 percent in the first half. The BYD Atto 3 has just been updated
with new features and technology, gaining a larger touchscreen, higher quality
Continental tyres replacing the sub-standard Atlas Batman tyres, new BYD
badging instead of the “Build your Dreams” script on the rear, a new Cosmos
Black exterior colour and new Blue/black interior trim. The good news, price
drops of $3,512, the standard range model, rated to deliver 345kms, now starts at
$44,449 plus on-road costs, the Atto 3 extended range variant with 420km on offer
from $47,449. Both models feature synthetic leather trim, heated power front
seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Honda’s new hybrid sedan, the 11 th generation e-HEV RS at $64,900 drive-
away. A premium sedan with an interesting hybrid system that it is very fuel
efficient – combining a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle petrol engine
with two electric motors mounted side-by-side – the electric motors do most of
the work while the petrol engine constantly charges the battery but under heavier
driving load can also power the front wheels. It’s a clever hybrid system that
works just so well, switching between electric, hybrid or petrol engine mode
seamlessly while there are six levels of deacceleration available, activated by
steering wheel mounted paddles, which dictate different levels of regenerative
charging. In my week of driving the new Honda Accord hybrid never looked like
running out of electric charge. With the RS tag suggesting a sportier image it
handles sharply and has four available drive modes. It can feel a little harsh on a
rough surface but as a rule is comfortable aided by very well-padded seats.
Sedans may not be in vogue these days, but the Accord is still a big seller in the
U.S. and as such its styling and features are very much skewed that way. Overall,
though, a very interesting and efficient hybrid addition. I’m David Berthon
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Go back 30 years and the Honda Accord was a very popular model on the
Australian market – it first arrived here in 1977 and was a very popular upmarket
sedan. Of course, SUVs have since taken over the world and in recent years
Accord sales slowed to a trickle. However, the 11 th generation Accord sedan has
arrived – the Accord e-HEV RS – just one hybrid variant at a national $64,900
drive-away price. A much more technically advanced sedan to the previous model
that finished here last year – the hybrid sitting on the same wheelbase but now
75mm longer overall, 2mm wider and 1mm lower. The fourth generation Honda
hybrid system in the Accord is interesting – a front wheel driver with a 2.0-litre
naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors
mounted side by side – the combined output 152kW. The electric motors do most
of the work, the internal combustion engine charging the battery almost
constantly although when the going gets a little tough the petrol motor can also
power the front wheels. Built in Thailand this new Accord is roomy with leather
seats, well equipped and nicely finished as a premium sedan but misses out on
some touches like an electric boot release. Drive details next segment. I’m David
Berthon
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Later this year Kia will premiere its much-awaited Tasman dual cab ute to the
world, with its arrival here mid next year taking the South Korean manufacturer
into new territory and an opportunity for it to gain a larger share of the Australia
vehicle market. The Tasman ute has been undergoing significant on and off-road
testing here ready for its market debut. On Monday the company showcased the
Tasman’s testing regime via a teaser video series on YouTube providing an
inside look at the ute’s development, the company stating it has conducted “1777
specific tests and 18,000 plus rounds of evaluation”, testing the vehicle
extensively in “the Australian wilderness.” Australia is expected to be a key
market for the diesel-powered Kia Tasman, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota
Hilux currently our two top selling vehicles. I’m David Berthon
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Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – I
drove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combined
output of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all-
wheel-drive combination knocks the weight up to 1415kgs. A classy small SUV
which Lexus Australia Chief John Pappas says, breaks new ground for Lexus and
is proof luxury is not dictated by vehicle size. It is however tight in the rear, best
viewed as a personalised compact luxury two-seater. It’s no fire breather in this
heavier all-wheel drive Sports Luxury variant however with parent company
Toyota’s enormous success with hybrid technology it offers a very satisfying and
practical hybrid performance with frugal economy – I managed a best of 4.6L/100
with 91 grade petrol in mainly city driving. Few gripes, I don’t like Lexus interior
door latches, their awkward at best and should be on a horizontal plane rather
than vertical and there’s no aircon vents in the rear. But the Lexus LBX really is a
classy compact SUV with five-year/unlimited km warranty, battery warranty up to
10 years with annual hybrid dealer checks. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the small Lexus LBX SUV today, an attractive small hybrid luxury five
door SUV – three variants, the LBX Luxury front wheel drive at $47,550 and the
LBX Sports Luxury, both front and all-wheel-drive, priced at $52,990 and $56,990
respectively. The Lexus LBX a compact luxury cross-over SUV, a personalized
compact SUV that’s rather tight in the rear, but with emphasis on luxury and
finishes that Toyota’s luxury brand always does well and it stands out on the road
especially in the sonic copper colour as per the TV commercial. I drove the
Sports Luxury AWD with 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual
electric motors, a fuel sipping assembly with a combined output of 100kW driving
through a CVT transmission. The interior with pseudo leather and suede
accentuated trim looks classy, the dash with a well-designed and functional
touch screen. Nice front seat comfort with roomy, comfortable eight-way power
seats not so in the rear which is best for kids. The Lexus LBX best perhaps as a
classy compact luxury SUV for the lady in the house. No spare wheel just a tyre
repair kit but it’s got all the active and passive safety gear and a 360-degree
camera. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon
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Hyundai’s Tucson is one of our most popular mid-size SUV’s and a facelifted
model has just arrived bringing with it the option of hybrid power for the first
time, a revised interior and larger 12.3-inch dual infotainment screens integrated
into one large, curved panel. The introduction of new styling and technology will
however see price increases in the seventeen model 2025 model year range of up
to $3,950. The entry 2.0-litre petrol front-wheel drive now starting at $39,100 while
the 1.6-litre turbo Tuscon Premium N-line all-wheel drive Hybrid tops out the
range at $61,100. The updated Hyundai Tucson SUV drops the 2.0-litre diesel
engine option, replaced by a 1.6-liltre turbo-petrol hybrid available in front and all-
wheel drive variants. The top of the range Tucson’s, now called Premium instead
of Highlander, also gain a welcome head up instrument display. I’m David
Berthon
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After failing to get support for his motor museum on the Sunshine Coast Clive
Palmer has finally managed to gain approval for his dream project on a site
around one hour west of Brisbane. The mining Billionaire and former Politician’s
dream to build a world class museum has been welcomed by Somerset Regional
Council at the Patrick Estate near Lake Wivenhoe. The museum will consist of
eleven large buildings able to display 923 cars and 278 motorcycles and include
10 short stay accommodation cabins, a food kiosk, café, gift shop, caretakers’
cottage and a workshop. It is projected to generate around $9 million dollars in
annual revenues from around 100,000 visitors a year. Parking for 360 cars is
planned along with tourist bus parking. Clive Palmer has been collecting special
interest cars for some years now both here and overseas including a large
collection in Denmark. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE300 SUV today – a luxury SUV at
$134,900 drive-away. Utilising a 180kW/550Nm electric motor, rear mounted,
driving the rear wheels powered by an 89 kWh battery providing a claimed 539km.
Energy consumption is rated at 18.9kWh per 100km however over my week drive I
average around the 20kWh mark which lowered my total distance available to just
under 500km. With a large battery pack the Mercedes-Benz EQE300 is no
lightweight, a tare weight of 2546 kgs and with somewhat stiff 40-series run flat
tyres on 21-inch alloy rims it can ride hard on a rough surface – better on a
smooth road but ride quality on our generally poor road surfaces is not a high
point. As with most electric vehicles drive smoothness and performance is very
re-assuring, effortless with nice torque, 0 to 100km in 7.3 seconds, and you arrive
feeling relaxed even on a demanding drive. Seat comfort is about as good as it
gets in a cabin that’s high class with a large and impressive central touchscreen.
Great active and passive safety, Mercedes-Benz active safety elements well
sorted and not over-intrusive. Warranty: five-years/unlimited kilometre, battery
warranty: 10years/250,000km, service costs $2240 over three years. I’m David
Berthon
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Today I’m behind the wheel of Mercedes-Benz relatively new all-electric luxury
EQE SUV – I drove the EQE300 single e-motor rear drive at $134,900 plus on road
costs. It has a deceptively roomy cabin in a body that’s wide and accommodating
with a stack of storage space. The EQE300 SUV is somewhat surprising it terms
of interior space and with exceptional seats is supremely comfortable, roomy
front and back with good luggage space. Power source, a rear mounted
180kW/550Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels with an 89kWh battery and a
claimed range of 539 km – charge time on my 22kW wall box charger with 3-phase
power took 1 hour 20 minutes to charge from 60 percent to full capacity. For the
money the Mercedes-Benz EQE300 is a value buy in luxury terms, highly
equipped, and stacked with features. The interior, dash, instrument cluster and
large centre touchscreen a standout and along with a driver’s head up display as
good as it gets. Biggest disappointment, and it’s the same on Benz sedan
models, the steering wheel touch pads and sliders, far too small for a male’s
fingers, frustrating to use and take your eyes off the road. Battery warranty –
peace of mind at 10-years/250,000km. I’m David Berthon
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In a move designed to clear a number of 2022 and 2023 build models Peugeot
Citroen Australia has taken an axe to retail pricing on Peugeot and Citroen
models until the end of July. The biggest discounts apply to the Peugeot 508 GT
plug-in hybrid Fastback and Sportswagon, model year 2022 508 Fastbacks
currently available from $57,990 drive-away down from the original list price of
$81,610 plus on-road costs, representing a near $30,000 discount. Model year
2023 sedans start at $59,990 drive-away, five-door Sportswagons from $61,990
drive-away. The popular Peugeot 3008 compact SUV has discounts of between
$8,000 and $18,000 depending on model, while a mixture of aged Citroen stock
offers big savings – model year 2022 C5 X Shine SUV’s offer savings of up to
$16,000 at $45,990 drive-away. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the Mazda CX-3 SUV – the 2.0-litre six-speed automatic Evolve, the third-
tier model of the five-model Mazda CX-3 SUV range at $35,200 drive-away. As I
said earlier, our top-selling light SUV despite first arriving back in 2016. Mazda’s
smallest SUV still has very up to date looks and has progressively been upgraded
with the latest safety and convenience features. Satellite navigation, LED daytime
running lights, rear cross traffic alert, a reversing camera, front and rear parking
sensors, blind spot alert, lane departure warning, even reverse autonomous
emergency braking, a great feature when little ones are present. The CX-3 Evolve
gains larger 18-inch alloy wheels and a lighter interior with tan synthetic leather
inserts, a welcome break from boring grey on lower variants. So how does it drive
– at just 1300 kilos its light on its feet with nice mid-range torque and a slick
shifting six-speed auto delivering a better than average performance. It can get a
little buzzy and noisy when pushed but nevertheless delivers a very satisfying
performance aided by nice steering feel and a chassis tune that’s just right for the
average balance of surfaces and cornering. Economy, I managed 7.9L/100km with
mainly city driving. Servicing costs, $1,285 over three years. I’m David Berthon
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Reviewing the small Mazda CX-3 SUV today – our top- selling small SUV, in fact it
outsells its nearest rival by 2 to 1, despite arriving back in 2016. Part of the
reason is its appealing looks, youthful with a bobtail appearance and a high hip
point over the rear wheels. I’m driving the 2.0-litre six-speed automatic Mazda CX-
3 Evolve, the third-tier model of a five-model range at $35,200 drive-away which
comes with a few extra niceties like 18-inch alloy wheels, a lighter interior with
tan synthetic leather highlights and front parking sensors on top of a
comprehensive equipment list with some excellent passive and active safety
features. Updates have kept the Mazda CX-3 in-line with other later offerings, but
it shows its age in its small information screen and older software, but thankfully
retains dials for climate control and a console mounted rotary dial for radio,
sat/nav and phone connectivity. Good front interior room, tight in the rear with
the bob tail design limiting boot space but this aside it will be primarily used as a
two-seater or for a small family with young children. The Mazda CX-3 may have
been around awhile, but one can quickly see why its maintained its popularity.
Warranty, five years/unlimited km. I’m David Berthon
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In a move that seems contrary to many other manufacturers Mercedes-Benz is
reportedly reducing its electric car development plans and developing a new
breed of petrol-powered models. According to a German publication
Wirtschaftswoche the company plans on spending AU$22.6 billion on internal
combustion engine cars, and as previously announced, will be dropping plans for
a new large electric car platform – a move that would save the German company
up to $AU9.6 billion. The change brought on by a slowing of the electric car
markets in U.S. and Europe especially at the luxury end of the market. The
company said to have a renewed focus on plug-in hybrids - it’s latest C63 AMG
combining a heavily boosted 2.0-litre engine and an electric motor to produce
500kW of power yet using far less fuel than the previous twin-turbo V8 generation
I’m David Berthon
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Official V-Facts car sales figures for June showed a market decline, the first time
new car sales have faltered in the last 14 months. The result is surprising given
June is historically our biggest month for new car sales and perhaps reflects the
rising cost of living pressures. Despite the June dip, sales in the first six months
of the year showed a year-to-date increase of 8.7 percent, tallying 632,412
vehicles and beating the previous six-month record set in 2018. Eight percent of
new vehicles sold in June were electric down slightly from 8.8 percent for the
same month last year. However, Tesla sales suffered a 33 per cent decline.
Despite the dip in electric vehicle sales there was strong demand for hybrid
models, up 71 percent compared to June last year and year-to-date up a healthy
113 percent. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the Porsche turbo Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe SUV today – the most
powerful combustion engine Porsche available from $297,200. The best plug-in
hybrid I’ve driven but given the price maybe understandable – enormously
capable the turbo Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe ticks all the performance
boxes – powered by a combination of a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 and a 130kW
electric motor - producing 544kW of power, a staggering 950 Nm of torque driving
all four wheels though an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with four drive modes – in
Sport Plus mode its performance aggressive but with so much electronic
sophistication just so accomplished – with a top speed potential of 295 km/hour –
a plug-in hybrid with nearly 80kms of electric range and with charging on the over
run and through regenerative braking the best I’ve encountered in a plug-in
hybrid – as an example, on a short 30 km drive I managed to recover 11km of
electric range. The Porsche E-hybrid Coupe delivers highly competent handling
and braking yet a very comfortable ride in a cabin that oozes class and comfort. A
simply fabulous driver. An upper luxury Coupe style SUV that’s hard to fault apart
from some options that simply should be standard fare and a short three-
year/unlimited kilometre warranty. I’m David Berthon
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One for the enthusiast driver today – the Porsche Cayenne turbo E-Hybrid Coupe
SUV – a German express from $297,200. The Cayenne SUV comes in wagon form
or in the sloped roof Coupe with a total of seven models, the turbo E-Hybrid
Coupe, the most powerful combustion engine Porsche available. The figures
staggering – 544kW of power and 950Nm of torque from its plug-in hybrid
powertrain – a combination of a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine paired with
an electric motor and despite tipping the scales at nearly 2600 kilos powering to
100km/hour in just 3.5-seconds. This German coupe style SUV feels absolutely
bullet proof, with a 25.9kWh battery we are talking about a very sophisticated
Porsche. With all wheel drive, eight speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, an
adaptive electronic suspension, four available drive modes plus a very
sophisticated traction management system this is a technically impressive upper
luxury SUV – and the coupe style gives it a sporty profile to match the
performance capability. If I had a criticism, option prices on the test car tallied
$42,000, some simply over the top like the Porsche crest on the headrests $950
for branding, barely what you should consider an option. This aside, the
performance capability very impressive, details next segment. I’m David Berthon
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Suzuki has released pricing and details of its latest small Swift range with prices
starting from $24,490 drive-away. The three-model Swift range is powered by a
1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance and is available
in either five-speed manual or CVT automatic. The engine’s electric motor
/generator is claimed to contribute outputs of 2.3kW and 60Nm assisting low
speed acceleration powered by a 12-volt lithium-ion battery. The Japanese small
car manufacturer claiming manual fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km on the
combined city/country cycle and 4.0L/100km for the automatic. The Japanese-
built Suzuki Swift is one of our most enduring small hatchbacks, the second best
selling light hatch behind the recently superseded Chinese-built MG3. However,
the recent launch of the latest MG3 saw price increases of $7,000 and the mild
hybrid Suzuki Swift now undercuts the MG3 Excite by $500. I’m David Berthon
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From Monday July 1 cameras currently used to detect mobile phone use will also
be able to detect seatbelt non-compliance. Importantly, there is no grace period
and if your caught without a seat belt the fine is $387 and three demerit points
and with double demerits applicable during declared periods. It not only applies
to not wearing a seat belt but also wearing one incorrectly like having the sash
belt under the arm. Passengers aged 16 and over can be fined individually while
drivers are responsible for children under 16 for not wearing a belt or not wearing
one correctly. Seat belts have been around for more than 50 years, their use
recognised as a huge life saver by safety authorities however despite this in the
five years to 2023 150 people in N.S.W died in motor vehicle accidents while not
wearing a seatbelt. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the facelifted the 2.2-litre turbo diesel Kia Sorrento GT-line all-wheel-drive
SUV today – the best-selling variant – at $72,690 drive-away able to travel nearly
1000km on a full tank and I averaged 7.1 L/100 with mainly around town driving.
The Sorento a seven-seater but like most large SUV’s best as a five-seater with
above average luggage space. Access to the third row in seven seaters always
difficult and the Sorento is no exception. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel has average
power and torque and drives through an 8-speed dual clutch automatic with
manual shift paddles – importantly. it doesn’t sound like a trusty diesel but is
smooth, quiet and refined. The Sorrento GT-line’s high point is suspension tune –
Kia Australia always does its homework with local ride and handling tune and it’s
just so polished whether fully laden with luggage or just with a driver. The
steering now also further refined, the drive experience overall simply first class.
Towing somewhat limited however at a max 2000 kilos braked. It has all the latest
driving assist modes and safety elements apart from the curtain airbags not
extending to the third-row seats. It gets a full-size spare wheel while servicing
costs over three years $1308, over five years $2427. I’m David Berthon
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In January Kia upgraded its seven-passenger Sorento SUV with enhanced styling
inside and out, and with more comfort and convenience equipment and safety, In
addition to petrol and diesel models a petrol/electric hybrid has now been added,
each power source available in front or all-wheel drive. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo
diesel eight-speed automatic Sorento GT-line all-wheel drive at $72,690 driveaway
– the most popular model and with nearly a 1000km range this is a big SUV for a
big country. The petrol versions simply too thirsty. The new chiseled styling is in
the mould of Kia’s all electric EV9 and new EV5 and along with new 20-inch alloy
wheels the Sorento GT-line has real visual appeal. The interior has always
appealed especially with the new curved dual 12.3-inch display screens featuring
large menu icons and with Kia’s latest infotainment system now able to offer
wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Disappointingly, the interior of the GT-
line is only available in a dark grey/charcoal interior which limits its appeal. Seat
comfort on the other hand with a power drivers and passenger seat first class,
the trim plush Nappa leather. Kia quality overall impressive while the support of a
7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty very re-assuring. I’m David Berthon
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Sydney City Council proudly tells us that bike share schemes have a key role to
play in our future transportation, healthier lifestyle choice and the
decarbonization of Sydney – around 4700 trips are taken daily on share bikes in
the City of Sydney area, saving around 1326 tonnes of carbon emissions each
year. Really – in short, they’ve turned the inner city into an untidy environment –
spread across pathways in large groups, making pedestrian movement
dangerous. Pitt Street is a case in point, bikes scattered usually on their side I
suspect from unhappy pedestrians, many without helmets. Council tell us they
don’t manage bike sharing and you should report bikes damaged and parked in a
dangerous place directly with operators. It’s a cop out, it seems nobody is
monitoring bike parking and the Council needs to do more to police their use. I’m
David Berthon
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I use the new Westconnex M8 tunnel on a regular basis, with a new 90km/hour
limit a great piece of road infrastructure, expensive yes but a real time saver.
Surprising news this week – a new speed camera installed in May in the M8
tunnel at Newtown heading southbound has generated more than $1.3 million
dollars in fines in its first month of operation from 1622 infringements. It appears
most of the drivers caught speeding were using business-registered vehicles –
camera detected fines issued to companies can be five times the amount paid by
an individual, the company required to nominate the driver responsible within a
specified time – if they nominate the driver the fine reduces to the applicable
individual amount. With the tunnel speed indicated at 200 metre intervals its
staggering that so many drivers throw caution to the wind. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Mitsubishi’s evergreen small SUV today – the long-standing ASX, not the
latest and best described as an oldie but a goodie, very well priced but best
specified and best value in the second tier ES grade backed up by an industry
leading 10-year/200,000km warranty as long as its serviced by a Mitsubishi
dealer. But how does it drive – the ASX ES grade at just under $30,000 drive-away
powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving the front wheels through a CVT
automatic. Step into the cabin and it feels a little dated, very comfortable and
practical with great seats but there’s no smart key or wireless phone charger, but
thankfully, it has dials for the climate control air-con, radio tuning and volume as
distinct to the frustrating and distractive menus on a touch screen. The drive
experience also shows its age – the engine no fire breather and the CVT lets off
an unusual sound under load, the noise vibration and harshness levels such that
it feels a little unrefined when pushed hard. No problems with economy however,
8.0L/100 on 91 grade petrol while it exhibits good steering feel and a pleasant
ride. But the overriding feature of the Mitsubishi ASX is the value story and its
impressive. I’m David Berthon
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Talking about Mitsubishi’s small ASX SUV today – the ASX has been around for a
long time – first surfacing in 2010 but updated visually three times since. Sharply
priced it remains our fourth best-selling small SUV, strongly recognised for its
value story and a 10-year warranty. A roomy small SUV in seven front wheel
drive grades from $24,490 plus on-road costs for the entry manual GS – I drove
the next grade up, the ES automatic, the best seller and frankly the one to own at
$27,990. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving through a CVT or continuously variable
automatic. This year the ES gained lane departure warning for the first time, but it
lacks rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking. Features
include a rear-view camera, climate control aircon, rear parking sensors, rain
sensing wipers and air-con ducts to the rear seats. The Mitsubishi ASX ES
competes in a super competitive small SUV segment – not the latest design but
this trusty small SUV with great interior room has been kept competitive with
small tweaks along the way. For a small family in today’s cost-conscious world, it
has one outstanding feature – an industry leading 10-year/200,000 km warranty if
you keep it serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Drive details next segment. I’m David
Berthon
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The arrival of the all new small MG3 this week with a $7,000 price increase sees
the demise of the sub $20,000 pricing point on the Australian market. The
outgoing and rather dated MG3 with a three-star safety rating was the only car
remaining under the $20,000 barrier. The new MG3 hatchback comes in Excite
and Essence grades and with a starting price around $27,000 drive-away is not
only larger and better equipped with an all-new interior but features petrol and
petrol electric hybrid power and comes with a number of active safety features.
Petrol variants feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine using 91 grade petrol linked
to a continuously variable automatic while the hybrid models add a 100kW
electric motor with a 1.83kWh battery paired to a three-speed automatic
transmission – hybrid pricing starting around $30,000 drive-away. I’m David
Berthon
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The Australian car market already one of the most competitive in the world with
over 50 brands on sale is about to heat up further as a swag of new Chinese
brands head down under next year. More than a dozen new Asian brands are due
with the potential to lower prices of existing EV and hybrid brands. Chinese
brands Skywell, Jetour, GAC, Leapmotor, Geely, Jaecoo, Changan, Xpeng, Aion
and Lynk and Co have all confirmed they will be here by the end of next year and
most have high aspirations for growth. Just how the market will cope with this
influx of Chinese brands will be interesting to watch. According to KIA Motors
Australia Chief Damien Meredith there will be casualties, some will survive but
others won’t. For the consumer it can only mean sharper prices across the board.
I’m David Berthon
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Driving the new plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of Alfa-Romeo compact Tonale
SUV, available in the high grade Veloce at $88,200 drive-away, a not insignificant
$20,000 more than the similarly specified mild-hybrid Veloce. The plug-in hybrid
Tonale mates a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed torque convertor
automatic driving the front wheels and an electric motor and 15.5kWh battery at
the rear driving the rear wheels. Despite no physical connection between the two
the all-wheel drive experience is smooth and with the electric motor providing
max torque from rest the performance is noticeably more lively than the mild
hybrid Veloce. You get around 60km of pure electric range while the petrol engine
returned 8.2L/100km on 95 grade petrol. Charging around 2.5 hours on a typical
home charger. Three driving modes available, with regenerative braking
recovering battery energy in all three. It features electronic adaptive dampers,
controlled by Alfa Romeo’s DNA driving modes, in D for dynamic mode
noticeably adjusting powertrain calibration and stiffening damping. Warranty five-
year/unlimited km with battery warranty eight years/160,000km. with service costs
over five years $3,100. The drive experience very satisfying but like most plug-in hybrids the exalted purchase price is enough to make most purchasers think
twice. I’m David Berthon
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Alfa Romeo today – I recently drove their new small and stylish Tonale SUV.
Launched last July and already Alfa Romeo’s best seller. This stylish mild hybrid
compact premium SUV impressed. Alfa Romeo now adding a full plug-in hybrid
or PHEV version of the Tonale, the Italian car maker transitioning to full
electrification in 2027. Plug in hybrids today represent a small section of the
market – affordable electric power for the daily work commute, around 60km’s,
and petrol power perhaps for the sportier weekend drive. Petrol power drives the
front wheels, electric power the rear wheels and there’s no physical connection
between the two. This plug-in Hybrid Tonale comes only in Veloce grade at
$88,200 drive-away, a $20,000 lift over the similarly specified mild hybrid Tonale –
like several other plug-in hybrids or PHEVs from European importers it’s enough
to make you think twice about purchase. On the plus side the interior is a
standout, the dashboard and ergonomics, in a roomy four-seat cabin although
boot space a little inhibited due to the rear mounted battery. There’s nice finishes
and a stack of driver assist, comfort and convenience features but the high price
is limiting. On the other hand, the drive experience excellent – details next
segment. I’m David Berthon
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One suspects the light commercial market is going to really heat up in 2025 with
both Hyundai and Kia entering the ute market for the first time, an area currently
dominated by our two top selling vehicles, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Hyundai has already indicated its ute will not be diesel, possible electric, giving
the South Korean brand a zero-emissions option to counter potential penalties
under the Federal Governments New Vehicle Efficiency Standards due to come
into effect next year. Meanwhile, sister company Kia will introduce its dual cab
ute called the Tasman early next year, all but confirmed with a 2.2-litre turbo
diesel four-cylinder engine, already powering the current Kia Sorrento – other
engines could follow but dependent on Kia being able to sell enough electric
cars to offset the engines impacts on the new emission standards. I’m David
Berthon
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The release of V-Facts new car registration figures for May shows a record for
May sales. However, when you evaluate the market there’s winners and losers
especially as we transition to electric car sales. Volvo for example is running 26.6
per cent behind or 1327 less sales year to date compared to the same time last
year. Its four staple SUV’s, the C40, XC40 plus the XC60 and XC90 have all
suffered significantly since transitioning towards hybrid and electric power and
gaining price increases. On the other hand, its small EX30 SUV, with 466 sales in
May has become Volvos best seller. This fully electric compact premium SUV
with extended range and chasing a younger market for the Swedish brand is
expected to make up 40 percent of Volvo Australia’s sales priced from $59,990
plus on road costs. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Nissan’s small new Qashqai e-Power hybrid SUV today - only available
on the top-spec Ti grade - $4,200 dearer to the conventional petrol-only Ti at a
rather hefty $56,000 drive-away. Unlike the 1.3-litre turbo petrol models the e-
Power hybrid utilises a variable compression 1.5-litre turbo petrol three-cylinder
engine and it works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine does
not drive the front wheels – it purely powers a generator connected to an invertor
and a 2,1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels
through a single speed reduction drive – the drive experience quiet, smooth and
rewarding offering nearly a 1000 km driving range and a stated economy figures
of just 5.2L/100km on the combined city/country cycle – however, I managed
5.9L/100km with mainly city driving. It does however need dearer 95 grade petrol.
Whilst the Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power offers around a 1L/100km saving over a
conventional petrol model its price penalty is a real dampener to its purchase.
When and if Nissan introduce the e-Power technology onto lower Qashqai grades
it will make more sense. It’s a really nice driver but at the moment, for my money,
the 1.3-litre four-cylinder pure petrol variants are hard to pass.
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One of the more impressive small SUVs on the market is Nissan’s Qashqai in
four petrol grades and with the recent addition of an e-Power hybrid version, only
available on the top spec Qashqai Ti grade, $4,200 more expensive to the petrol Ti
at a rather hefty $56,000 drive-away. Disappointingly, Nissan, at this stage, are
not introducing the hybrid technology to the lower more affordable grades.
However, the Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power is packed with premium features –
leather seats with massage function, a panoramic glass roof, 10-speaker Bose
sound, power tailgate and a most impressive digital dash and centre touch
screen plus a suite of advanced active safety features. The 1.3-litre turbo in the
petrol models replaced by a variable compression 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol
turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the
petrol engine has no connection to the front drive wheels – it purely powers a
generator connected to an invertor and a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only
the e-motor drives the front wheels – this hybrid system adds around 200 kilos in
weight over a conventional petrol Qashqai’s but it offers nearly a 1000km driving
range. Despite the e-Power’s exalted price tag the drive experience is rewarding –
details next segment.
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Hybrid sales took off in April with Toyota hybrids exceeding 10,000 units for the
first time, or more than 52 per cent of its total sales tally of 20,771 vehicles. The
Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in April posting 5,847 sales
consolidating its position as our top-selling medium sized SUV. And reinforcing
Toyota’s success with hybrids, 94 percent of April RAV4 sales were hybrid
models. Despite the record deliveries from back orders Toyota has also
acknowledged that customer orders in April confirm a growing number of
Australians are now seeking fuel efficient hybrids that are practical, capable and
affordable. RAV 4 average wait times have improved this year, from previously as
long as two years, Toyota now expecting them to be back to normal to around
three to four months on order by the end of June.
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In the luxury car segment Mercedes-Benz has been the traditional top selling
marque however it lost this position for the first-time last year - BMW posting
annual sales of 26,184 to Mercedes-Benz’s 24,315. BMW has maintained its lead
this year with sales rising 8.5 percent in the first four months while Mercedes-
Benz has suffered a 29 percent decline. In the four months BMW made 7135 sales
to Mercedes Benz 5,540. Clearly, Mercedes-Benz move to an Agency model from
January 2022 where there is no discount available, with the company selling
directly to the customer at a fixed price has not been a success. The move has
also impacted dealer profitability and there is considerable unrest within the
Mercedes-Benz dealer group. In recent weeks some dealers now openly
advertising considerable end of financial year discounts on certain models to
stimulate business. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Chery’s Tiggo 7 Pro SUV – available in three 1.6-litre turbo seven-speed
dual clutch automatics – I tested the mid-spec Elite front wheel drive at $39,990
drive-away and the top grade Ultimate all-wheel-drive at $43,990 drive-away –
both stacked with features a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 360 degree
camera, power front seats and 18 smart driver assistance systems – all in a
comfortable roomy five seat cabin with good luggage capacity, better than
average build quality five star safety, a seven-year/unlimited km warranty and low
service costs. But that’s where the good points stop. The drive experience
average at best with noticeable turbo lag, a hesitant transmission and an
underdone suspension tune with inadequate damping and above average fuel
consumption. Chinese cars as a rule simply lack driving finesse – yes, they have
lots of features, in this case 18 smart driver assist elements but they are not
tuned to our market requirements and some features like lane keep assist, driver
attention alert and speed zone recognition simply drive you crazy. Also driving
conditions here are different to crowded Chinese cities – our traffic is faster
moving, and we require better driving dynamics and suspension tune. The Chery
Tiggo 7 Pro SUV offers good value but that’s where the buying equation stops.
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Driving the new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro SUV today. Chery’s initial arrival here under
an importer was marred by an asbestos recall and poor safety scores and it
eventually left our market. However, after an absence of eight years it relaunched
late last year as a factory backed franchise with the small Chery Omoda 5 SUV.
The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, and goodness knows where they got that name from, is
marginally bigger to the Omoda 5. Three models – 1.6-litre turbo seven-speed
automatic - the Urban and Elite, both front drive, and in the Ultimate in all-wheel-
drive. In a highly competitive SUV market, all three have already been discounted
- the Urban by $3,000 to $36,990 drive-away, the Elite and Ultimate models
receiving a $2,000 factory bonus - $39,990 and $43,990 drive-away respectively.
The Tiggo Pro 7 achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a
seven-year/ unlimited km warranty, very well supported with low service costs of
$840 over three years. And it’s stacked with 18 active drive assist features and a
load of comfort and convenience equipment – I tested both the front drive Elite
and all-wheel drive Ultimate. Despite their outstanding value the drive experience
simply disappointing. Details next segment.
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I’m always amazed at the sentiment still shown for Holden despite the General
Motors brand ceasing local manufacture in 2017 and leaving altogether in 2020.
Its easy to forget the Holden brand in 1958 held 50.3 percent of our total car
market. So, it was sad news for Holden fans when the Echuca National Holden
Motor Museum closed its doors for the final time on April 15. Burns and Co.
Auctions are selling off many desirable models and rare Holden parts and
paraphernalia over two days May 18 and 19 – the auction house claiming many
items were rescued from Holden manufacturing plants and dealerships – models
include many famous nameplates FX, FJ, HR, HK Monaro, HQ Sandman, Torana,
HQ GTS Monaro 350 Coupe and Brougham, HSV 90 Statesman plus a very rare HJ
Statesman Coupe.
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In the three months to March 31 petrol electric hybrid vehicles (or HEV’s) and
battery electric vehicles (BEV’s) continue to gain sales traction however HEVs
remain the more popular choice representing nearly 12 percent of the market. On
the other hand, sales of pure electric BEV’s in the quarter reached just 8.7
percent share. Plug in hybrid vehicles or PHEV’s are clearly not in favour and
only gained 1.17 percent of the market. In the last 12 months we’ve seen a
number of new battery electric BEV’s reach our market putting pressure on prices
and most are now offering substantial discounts and bonuses to gain sales
traction. Just where the total electrified market will reach is still anyone’s guess,
but it’s clear hybrids are seen as the best compromise for now.
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I spoke earlier of the Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV – the flagship of the three
model Grecale range at $206,000 drive-away. Distinguished over the two lower
grades by four drive modes instead of three, height adjustable adaptive air
suspension, an electronic diff lock and larger brakes. What is surprising by this
somewhat conservatively styled SUV is how it can be driven on a light throttle in
a very relaxed manner and the next minute offer a simply staggering performance
– long legged it cruises effortlessly yet tap its potent 3.0-litre turbo engine and its
becomes an absolute driver’s joy, a Maserati as you might imagine –a push its
limits and it hugs the road in a way that inspires confidence – the Trofeo has a
fourth drive mode called Corsa, a full race mode if you like, which sharpens
throttle and gear shift response, reduces the ride height and tweaks the stability
and traction control systems for more driver control. The performance elements
of this Maserati SUV are as good as it gets if not better while the interior and
touchscreen are a standout, just so classy with premium leather– yes, the
appearance is little subdued, and the gear selection is somewhat awkward, but I’d
have a yellow one in a heartbeat – I just need to find $206,000 which may prove a
problem. Warranty, three-years/unlimited km.
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Driving Maserati’s top seller, the Grecale SUV, now representing 75 per cent of
the Italian sports manufacturers sales. In three models from $135,700 drive-away,
starting with the GT, the Modena, then the flagship Trofeo, Italian for Trophy,
which I’m driving today. The styling a little non-descript, perhaps lacking the flare
you expect from Maserati but it’s all about performance, this really is a real wolf
in sheep’s clothing. Powered by a 3.0-litre turbo V6, a detuned version of
Maserati’s MC20 supercar. Not surprisingly, 0 to 100km. takes just 3.8-seconds.
Lower Grecale grades offer three drive modes, Comfort, GT and Sport, the Trofeo
adds Corsa mode and also gains height adjustable adaptive air suspension, an
electronic diff lock and larger brakes. Step into the Grecale Trofeo and your met
with a beautifully executed and finished interior. As you’d expect for $206,000 it
breathes luxury in a very classy way with premium leather, carbon-fibre elements
and 14-way power seats – simply fabulous instrumentation and centre screen
with great functionality but the push button gear selection is awkward and fiddly.
Aside from this and a three-year warranty I came away from the Maserati Grecale
Trofeo with nothing but admiration for its performance – I’ll explain in my next
segment.
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A few months back I complained of the harsh ride quality on Mazda’s new CX-60
SUV. I wasn’t on my own with the criticism and after numerous media and
customer complaints Mazda adopted a production change from last October with
softer rear dampers with owners of vehicles built prior to this date offered the
upgrade at no charge through their dealer network. It is understood that some
replacement parts have already arrived, and some customer vehicles have
already received the upgrade with more replacement parts due in the middle of
next month. The CX-60 is yet to reach its full sales potential so the suspension
fixes can’t come soon enough. This is not the only CX60 running change - Mazda
are also addressing the mapping of the eight-speed automatic transmission to
improve the drive experience with smoother changes at low speeds. I’m David
Berthon
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A new Honda Accord is due here in a few weeks – the second longest running
automotive nameplate in Honda history first arrived here in 1977 however in
recent years sales of the longstanding run-out model have dropped to a trickle.
The all-new 11 th generation model will feature a more advanced hybrid powertrain
to the outgoing petrol/electric drivetrain. Longer, sleeker and with a wider
footprint the new Accord will feature Honda’s first integration of Google services
and is expected to be more expensive to the current model which is priced at
$61,900 drive-away. Honda this week cut prices on its three top-selling SUVs –
the HR-V down $1800, the eHEV L Hybrid down $3100 while the relatively new CR-
V, the company’s best seller, was reduced by $600. It’s Civic Type R hatch has
also risen by $1,000.
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Driving Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV, the Stelvio performance flagship
at $153,500. The styling striking with sculptured V-shaped Alfa grille, and the
best-looking automotive badge in the business, has real appeal, so too the
interior, a combination of leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre, beautifully executed
together with great instrumentation. But it’s the underpinnings of the Alfa Romeo
Stelvio Quadrifoglio that are standout. A Ferrari-developed 2.9-litre twin turbo V6
driving all four-wheels through an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles. The
drivetrain a high point – with four drive settings, Dynamic, Normal, Adaptive and
Race, changing steering weight, gear shift speed, suspension firmness, stability
control and exhaust volume – in Race mode all hell breaks loose with an
aggressive performance that as the name implies, is best for a racetrack.
Weighing 1830kilos it literally jumps to 100km/hour in just 3.8 seconds. A
stunning performance SUV and so it should be with such an exalted price tag.
But to me this is a collector model – by far the best Alfa Romeo I’ve driven in the
last 20 years, an Italian masterpiece – but it’s not perfect – I’d like a spare wheel
while the ride quality on very low-profile tyres can be tiresome but oh what a
drive. Warranty: Disappointing at three years/150,000kms. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Alfa Romeo’s flagship Stelvio SUV - the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the
performance flagship of the four Stelvio models at $153,500. This is a
performance SUV that’s not for the faint hearted. Alfa Romeo enlisting help from
Ferrari to ensure the Stelvio SUV and Giulia sedan models were at the top of their
game and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is in reality a
Ferrari engine, that influence also extending to suspension tune and overall
dynamics. In fact, this SUV is so good I’d buy one in preference to a Ferrari
sports model and save my back in the process. Alfa Romeo currently sells in
small numbers here, 30 just last month, with only the Giulia sedan and Stelvio
SUV, soon to be joined by the smaller Tonale SUV, the Italian brand’s first Hybrid.
There’s an aura about Alfa Romeo, I remember when I first starting testing cars in
1981. In the foyer of Alfa’s head office in Banksmeadow was a photo of Henry
Ford with the caption “Every time I see an Alfa Romeo pass, I tip my hat.” Henry
Ford fully aware of the brands sports image from its numerous race victories
especially in the 1930’s. Drive details of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio in an hour. I’m
David Berthon
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A few weeks back I reported how European Parliament had proposed new laws
banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars and light commercials from 2035 in the
27 states that make up the European Union. The European Union’s proposed
2035 internal combustion ban could however now include an allowance for
internal combustion engines using synthetic e-fuels – Both Ferrari and Porsche
have taken the fight to their respective national governments in seeking an
exemption with Germany in particular pushing hard for the e-fuel consideration.
As such the internal combustion ban as proposed has been delayed. The sticking
point - new internal combustion engines sold after 2035 would have to be unable
to run on fossil derived petrol and diesel yet be able to run on e-fuels which are
molecularly identical or chemically compatible. Porsche is in fact building an e-
fuel plant in Tasmania. I’m David Berthon
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120 years ago this coming Monday seven pioneer motorists met at the old
Australia Hotel in Castlereagh Street. That meeting on the 20 th March 1903 saw the
formation of the Automobile Club of Australia, the meeting called by ‘Harrie’
Skinner, after an incident in George Street with his 4.5HP De Dion made him
realise that motorists of the day had few rights under existing legislation. The
first car to be imported to Sydney had arrived in April 1900, and some three years
later just a handful of ‘horseless carriages’ were plying the streets of Sydney. The
Automobile Clubs first event, a Motor Gymkhana at the Agricultural Showgrounds
on the 5 th Dec. 1903, members motoring from Martin Place to Centennial Park and
then on to Coogee. In 1919 the title Royal was conferred on the Automobile Club
and today it’s proudly holds the title of the oldest Motoring Club in Australia. I’m
David Berthon
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Driving Volvo’s flagship XC60 SUV, the XC60 Recharge plug-in Hybrid, a dual
motor all-wheel-drive hybrid upgraded last year with a bigger capacity battery and
improved petrol and electric motors. The current XC60 has been around for some
time but its far from dated. Once the brand’s big seller, in recent years out
gunned by the smaller XC40. This flagship XC60, the quickest production Volvo
ever produced – 0 to 100km/hour in 4.8 seconds despite tipping the scales at a
weighty 2146 kilos. Its electric only range 76 kms, ideal for the daily commute and
it can be replenished on a 3.6kW charger in around 4 hours, about double that on
a 240-volt wall socket. With torque from the dual motors tallying 709Nm I was
blown away by this Volvo’s performance – Built in China to a very high standard
it proved a real surprise package. The interior, with 9-inch portrait skewed centre
infotainment screen, as good as it gets with Google android assistant and
excellent voice control. The cabin well sized for a small family especially with
Volvo’s integrated child booster seats in the second row. Not inexpensive, in fact
$4,000 dearer since launch last year, now $101,990 in base form. Warranty five-
years/unlimited km. Service cost over three years $1750. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Volvo’s flagship XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid SUV, a luxury dual motor
all-wheel-drive at $101,990 with a 2.0-litre supercharged and turbocharged petrol
four-cylinder engine and a rear mounted electric motor – total power 335kW, 709
Nm of torque driving through an 8-speed automatic. In short, its blisteringly
quick, the fastest Volvo yet built. Upgraded last year with a larger 18.8kw/h
battery providing a claimed electric only range of 76km. Enough for the daily
commute, rechargeable on a 3.6kW charger in around 4 hours. The Volvo XC60
Recharge hybrid is no lightweight at 2146 kilos which reflects in a stiff ride from
its adaptive air suspension, not helped by large 21-inch alloy wheels and low-
profile tyres. Disappointingly, unlike other XC60 models it only gets a repair kit
rather than a spare tyre. Despite its heft, well weighted electric steering and
excellent four-wheel ventilated disc brakes give it real confidence on a
demanding road. I found the electric range quoted reasonably accurate - it also
benefits from the ability to provide some charge on the run switching between
electric and internal combustion engines without fuss - I managed combined
cycle motoring in hybrid mode of 3.1L/100, once the battery was expended just
over 7L on 95 octane petrol. I’m David Berthon
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Official V-FACTs Car industry sales figures for February reflect continuing
growth in the new vehicle market with sales up 1.8 per cent on February last year
– the passenger vehicle market up 4.8 per cent while SUVs showed growth of 6.6
per cent. Light commercial sales however fell by 13.6 per cent. Biggest seller was
Ford’s popular Ranger Ute followed by the Toyota Hilux ute, the Tesla Model 3,
the Mazda CX-5 SUV and Mitsubishi’s Outlander SUV. Battery electric vehicles
(BEV’s) accounted for 6.8 percent with nearly 6000 deliveries while BEVs, Hybrid
electric vehicles (PHEV’s) and (HEVs) accounted for 12,100 sales or 13.9 per cent
of all vehicles sold. Japan remains the largest supplier of new vehicles to our
market followed by Thailand, China rapidly overtaking South Korea to gain third
place. I’m David Berthon
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Whilst supply constraints have affected most brands over the last two years
things are on the improve. Both Volkswagen and Skoda have kicked off the first
two months of the year in much better shape to 2022, Skoda sales up 75 percent,
VW up by 66 percent with its two small SUV’s, the T-Roc and T-Cross currently
the German brands best sellers. Market leader Toyota on the other hand has
suffered this year with continuing supply issues. Despite finishing 2022 rather
strongly sales in the two months are down 23 percent and its struggling to meet
demand on most of its models. The company suggesting the first half of the year
will be difficult but expecting to bounce back in the second half as supply
improves. Also suggesting its final sales result will depend on supply rather than
demand.
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Driving the small Cupra Leon VZx five-door hatch today – the performance
flagship of the four model Leon range. With this relatively new Spanish brand
being part of the Volkswagen Group the Leon VZx shares much with the potent
Golf GTi and a bit more. The styling different and edgy and with the test car in
matte Petrol Blue Paint it exuded a somewhat sinister appearance. With potent
2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, a 7-speed dual clutch automatic with manual shift
paddles and four drive modes it doesn’t disappoint in performance terms. A hot
hatch for the true believers but at $74,690 drive-away with options its expensive
by any measure. In sports mode its performance even more exhilarating, in
Cupra mode even animal like with suspension and steering sharpness
heightened and exhaust note elevated. Drivability as good as it gets with front
wheel drive grip benefiting from a limited slip differential while braking from the
optional Brembo brakes inspiring to say the least. The test car did suffer a glitch
to its 10-inch infotainment screen which blacked out, meaning I couldn’t access a
lot of features including climate control. Even when working its functionality was
frustrating, reinforcing my criticism of the usability of many touch screens in cars
today. Warranty – five years, unlimited kilometre. I’m David Berthon
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It seems we can’t satisfy our insatiable appetite for large dual-cab pick-up trucks
with Ford Australia confirming pricing for its large F-150 due in the third quarter.
Joining the well-established RAM and newer Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups the
Ford F-150 range is now available to order and will feature two grades, XLT and
Lariat, both in short and long wheelbase, prices starting from $106,950 and
running to $140,945 for the long-wheelbase Lariat. The F150’s will be powered by
a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with 298kW of power and a strong 678 Nm of
torque driving through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Like their competitors
they will be fully imported from the U.S. and re-manufactured in Melbourne for
right hand drive – the short wheelbase model measures 3683mm between front
and rear axles with a 1700 mm tray – braked towing capacity rated at up to 4.5
tonnes. I’m David Berthon
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It seems we can’t satisfy our insatiable appetite for large dual-cab pick-up trucks
with Ford Australia confirming pricing for its large F-150 due in the third quarter.
Joining the well-established RAM and newer Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups the
Ford F-150 range is now available to order and will feature two grades, XLT and
Lariat, both in short and long wheelbase, prices starting from $106,950 and
running to $140,945 for the long-wheelbase Lariat. The F150’s will be powered by
a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with 298kW of power and a strong 678 Nm of
torque driving through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Like their competitors
they will be fully imported from the U.S. and re-manufactured in Melbourne for
right hand drive – the short wheelbase model measures 3683mm between front
and rear axles with a 1700 mm tray – braked towing capacity rated at up to 4.5
tonnes. I’m David Berthon
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A friend recently imported a vintage car and was surprised that it took six weeks once landed to be steam cleaned underneath, despite the fact it had been steam cleaned at its point of exit in the U.K. We forget that Australia has one of the toughest bio security regimes in the world and rightly so. And its reflecting on new car imports. Many vehicle manufacturers are holding cars in paddocks and fields where they become contaminated while awaiting the next available vessel. According to the Federal Department of Agriculture there was an 88 percent increase from 2021 to 2022 of vehicles arriving with what it calls Biosecurity Risk Material contamination. Materials including soil, plants, seeds, and live insects that are a high risk to our agriculture. So, if your new car is currently delayed this could very well be the reason. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Skoda’ Kodiaq all-wheel-drive seven-seat SUV today, updated last year,
it’s one of my favourite large SUV’s. Outside, slightly revised bumper and bonnet
design, inside a redesigned perforated leather steering wheel and updates to its
smartphone charging and connectivity. I drove the entry 2.0-litre 132kW turbo
seven-speed automatic Kodiaq Style at $54,990 drive-away, far from entry. Highly
packaged it exudes class with some nice finishes, the test car further optioned
with a $6,700 luxury pack adding tri-zone climate control, electric front seats,
heated and cooled front seats, full leather seat trim, LED headlights and lane
assist with adaptive lane guidance. The overall package size appealing, some
nice touches like an umbrella in the driver’s door, and a handy slot in the centre
console for the inevitable smart key. Seat comfort in the first two rows excellent
but cramped at best in the third row. The steering wheel now incorporates rollers
on each arm for controlling infotainment functions, so easy to use – while the 9.2-
inch infotainment screen itself comes with a relatively simply menu. The global
chip shortage disappointingly saw some of the Kodiaq’s specification deleted like
the surround view camera. But still a very well packaged 7-seat SUV. And now
with a 7-year/unlimited km warranty.
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Promises, promises and with a state election looming and with rising cost of
living pressures toll charges have become a major issue. Dominic Perrottet’s toll
rebate scheme was welcome news, but did it go far enough. Labor leader Chris
Minns has now promised to drastically cut road tolls and cap them to $60 a week,
if elected on March 25 – estimated to save the average road user anywhere
between $4,500 and $7,800 a year. It would keep the toll rebate scheme but would
not come into effect until January 2024. Since the Liberals toll rebate scheme was
announced $23 million dollars has already been refunded to 61,000 motorists.
Until June 30 you can double dip on toll relief – claiming this rebate and gaining
free or half price registration if you spend enough on tolls. From July 1 only
pensioners are eligible for both schemes.
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Driving the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport seven-seat SUV – more a hard-nosed 4WD
than an SUV but able to double in both roles – with selectable rotary dialer for 2
wheel or 4 wheel high and low range, powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel driving
through an eight-speed automatic. First launched in 2015 and despite updates
along the way the Pajero Sport is showing its age. Its engine gutsy with 430 Nm
of torque from 2500 revs but noisy at idle and not so refined when pushed hard.
But as a workhorse it’s great, an excellent tow vehicle with a 3100Kg braked
towing capacity. Economy, 9.2L/100 with a variation of city/ country driving. I
drove the mid-spec GLS model at $55,190 and price is where it excels –
undercutting most of its competition. Not so in the ride/handling department
where it tends to wallow in the front end on rough road surfaces and feels
underdamped. Certainly, comfortable on smooth surfaces and easy to manoeuvre
around town but again the all-round package feels dated against newer
competition like the Ford Everest. And this shows in the cabin, tight in room and
certainly tight in the third row as well. Warranty, five years/100,000km or 10-
years/200,000-km if serviced throughout by a Mitsubishi Dealer. I’m David
Berthon
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Driving the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV today, it’s been around in its current
guise since 2015 and is perhaps showing its age against fresher competition
however its undercuts most large 7-seat SUV’s in price. And it now must compete
with Mitsubishi’s impressive new Outlander SUV, which while listed as a medium
SUV, in many ways is the same size. I tested the mid-spec Pajero Sport 4WD at
$55,190 with 2.4-litre turbo diesel driving through an eight-speed automatic.
Features include cloth seats, dual-zone climate control with air vents to all three
rows, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tail gate and three 12V power
sockets, one for each seat row. A deluxe pack adds power leather seats and a
360-degree camera for parking and off-roading for another $2,250. The Pajero
Sport been updated with all the latest driving aids like autonomous emergency
braking, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and auto-levelling LED
headlights but misses out on lane keep assist and driver attention alert. I can’t
help feeling the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is now showing its age, tight in the front
cabin and rear seat and its 8-inch colour touch screen small and somewhat dated.
But how does it drive?
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One of our most enduring models is Subaru’s all-wheel-drive Outback SUV –
more a high riding wagon and it finished last year as our fifth best-selling large
SUV. Some customers were disappointed at the lack of a six-cylinder engine in
the current series when it was launched in 2021. however, Subaru Australia has
just added two all-new turbocharged variants to the range. The Outback AWD
Sport XT and AWD Touring XT feature a 2.4-litre direct injection turbo boxer
engine with 183kW and 350Nm of torque – The Sport XT $52,190, the Touring XT
$55,990. Braked towing capacity on the turbo models has risen to 2,400kgs. Also
on the agenda for later this year is the return of a turbo Forester XT SUV plus in
April the arrival of the all-new small Subaru Crosstrek SUV from $34,990. I’m
David Berthon.
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Its official – European Parliament this week has introduced new laws that will
ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars and light commercials in the 27 states that
make up the European Union from 2035. Car makers must also cut CO2
emissions of new vehicles by 55 per cent, compared to 2021 levels, by 2030. This
target had been previously set at 37 percent. While the new law effectively bans
the sale of petrol and diesel cars it does not specifically mention banning internal
combustion engines and leaves open the door for synthetic fuels and hydrogen
power. Porsche began synthetic e-fuel production last year and the Tasmanian
produced synthetic fuel could power a number of other Volkswagen Group
vehicles from 2026 while Toyota and some other car makers are developing
Hydrogen-fuelled combustion engines.
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Driving the Spanish built Cupra Ateca, the Spanish-built brand, part of the
Volkswagen Group that was launched here late last year. The Ateca a mid-sized
all-wheel-drive SUV, more in the mould of a high riding five-door hatchback with a
real sports flavour. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder seven speed dual clutch automatic
with a very spirited performance. One model the Ateca VZx at $66,750 drive-away,
a top-spec SUV, the maker promising power and practicality in equal measure.
The performance, drivability and handling live up to this promise with six drive
modes, the sportier ones making the Ateca a very aggressive performer. Having
said that it is nearly the same size as the Cupra Formentor I raved about a few
weeks back and that would be my choice. Launched in 2018 the Ateca is perhaps
showing its age – while the newer Formentor has quickly become the brands
biggest seller. The Ateca interior to me looks a little dated also its touch screen
functionality and useability is frustrating and behind best practice. As a driver
though, the Ateca is a very exciting machine. The Cupra brand, with eye-catching
copper adornments rather than chrome and with an eye-catching logo, is really
making headway in a very competitive market. Warranty, five-years/unlimited km.
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Driving the Spanish built Cupra Ateca today – this relatively new Volkswagen
Group brand has been selling well since its launch late last year. Cupra’s three
models, the Formentor and Ateca SUV’s and small Leon hatchback, have a real
sporty edge, the mid-sized Formentor SUV the big seller, I was impressed with
this mid-sized SUV a few months back, different with real flair. The Ateca SUV is
slightly smaller, best described as a high-riding five-door hatch, the oldest of the
three Cupra models and in some areas inside a little dated but in performance
terms, sharing its DNA with the Volkswagen Golf R, and its most impressive. One
model the Ateca VZx, a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder driving all four wheels via a
seven-speed dual clutch automatic. For the performance buffs it accelerates to
100kms in just 4.9 secs. Price, $66,750 drive-away, the test car with optional
370mm Brembo brakes and quad sports exhaust adding a rather hefty $10,000.
There’s six drive modes, the sportier ones really get the adrenaline pumping with
sharpened acceleration and throttle response and a more bullish exhaust note.
While it’s a high spec model the Cupra Ateca VZx performance attributes are what
really sells it – spirited and exhilarating - I’ll explain in next segment. I’m David
Berthon
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The days of driving into a new car showroom and driving out with your model of
choice is still a major issue. It varies brand on brand and has become such an
issue that car makers are posting wait times for specific models to make your
choice a lot easier. Unfortunately, many customers are told by dealers of a much
earlier supply time to secure a sale and then find there stuck with a long delay.
Checking availability of a Lexus NX SUV this week for a friend I was surprised the
wait was six months for a petrol model, up to two years for a hybrid variant.
Volkswagen Australia this week also paused orders for some versions of its very
popular Tiguan SUV with availability disruptions for its all-wheel-drive models
meaning demand is expected to significantly exceed supply. Front wheel drive
VW Tiguan’s however remain unaffected.
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Electric brand Polestar has announced pricing details of its first electric SUV due
early next year confirming it will be a competitor in the luxury segment with a
starting price of $132,900. The somewhat striking Polestar 3 will arrive initially as
a single variant, the long-range dual motor all-wheel-drive, producing 360kW of
power and 840Nm of torque and utilising a 107kWhour lithium-ion battery. An
optional performance pack further boosts power and torque by up to 8 percent.
Polestar makes the claim that the new SUV will have an estimated 610Km range
from a single charge. The local company confirming it has received almost 7000
expressions of interest for the Chinese built Polestar 3. It will launch here with a
five year/unlimited kilometre warranty and with a five-year free servicing offer.
The battery pack with an eight-years/160,000km warranty.
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Korean car maker Kia had a remarkable year last year – climbing to No. 3 on the
sales chart behind Mazda and market leader Toyota, overtaking sister company
Hyundai in total sales for the first time. And of course, successfully sponsoring
the Australian Open Tennis, a platform to launch one of its latest models, this
year, the high-performance electric Kia EV6. I’ve seen Kia grow over a long time
and for the most part it has an impressive model range. Late last year it
introduced a second-generation Niro, a rather funky roomy small front drive SUV
which comes as a hybrid or pure electric. The hybrid Niro comes in two variants,
the S and the better equipped GT-line which I drove – teaming a 1.6-litre 77kW
petrol engine with a 32kW electric motor and six-speed automatic– it’s not a plug-
in hybrid, thankfully, but a closed loop hybrid that harnesses electric energy on
the run when coasting or braking. It works a treat, a great drive experience and I
managed just 4.5 L/100 with city driving. And it uses cheaper 91 RON petrol. But
the cost is around $55,000 drive-away – certainly highly equipped yes, but a lot of
money for a small SUV.
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Nissan suffered last year with component supply issues to finish the year 35.8
percent behind 2021, also waiting for delayed new models of its Juke, X-Trail,
Pathfinder and Qashqai SUV’s. Now on sale this new breed of Nissan SUVs has
been well worth the wait, the new more stylish fourth-generation X-Trail in
particular gaining ready acceptance in its first month on sale. Importantly, Nissan
has followed the route of the Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai by putting a
lot of emphasis on suspension tune for our road conditions. Thankfully, gone are
the days of receiving European and Asian suspension tune for our market with
Engineers flown in from Japan to fine tune for our conditions. As a result, the ride
quality on most imports is now generally first class with particular emphasis on
rebound control in the dampers to cope with our generally poor road surface
conditions.
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Driving Kia’s second-generation small Niro Hybrid SUV – I drove the better-
equipped GT-line, a roomy, highly featured and somewhat funky small SUV,
visually appealing, teaming a 1.6-litre 77kW petrol engine with a 32kW electric
motor and six-speed automatic. Importantly, this is not a plug-in hybrid but a
closed loop hybrid that harnesses its electric energy on the run, when coasting of
through regenerative braking. Much the same principle that Toyota use on their
Camry hybrid sedan and RAV 4 SUV. What is impressive, the small lithium-ion
battery weighs just 34kgs, a lot lighter to many plug-in hybrid batteries. With
mainly city driving I managed economy of just 4.5L/100. But the Kia Niro Hybrid
GT-line will set you back around $55,000 drive-away, a lot of money for a small
front-wheel drive SUV. Having said that its very highly equipped, the drive
experience in a somewhat roomy cabin front and rear, appealing, smooth and
quiet – the electric and petrol motors working in real harmony. Some nice interior
touches, like twin 10.25-inch infotainment and instrument cluster displays. It
comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and Kia’s welcome 7-year/unlimited
kilometre warranty, however, the battery disappointingly only warranted to
150,000 km during the 7-year period.
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Australia’s rising road toll is again in the spotlight. According to the Australian
Automobile Association the Federal Governments National Road Safety Strategy
which aims to reduce road deaths by 50 per cent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels
is unlikely to be met. Road fatalities in Australia tallied 1187 last year, rising for a
third straight year, casting doubt on the ever-increasing number of speed
cameras and their effectiveness in reducing the road toll. Quite clearly, targeting
motorists at speeds up to 10km/hour over the limit in metropolitan areas has
failed to make any impact, with most deaths occurring in regional areas and on
the open road. AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley has rightly criticised state
governments for their lack of transparency around the real causes of fatal
crashes, saying a more honest approach would lead to a more effective road
safety policy.
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Behind the wheel of Ford’s flagship 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel Everest SUV – the
$76,880 10-speed automatic seven-seat Platinum, fitted with a $2,210 towing pack.
Released last year this hard-nosed 4WD has quickly made friends with buyers
looking for more than a suburban SUV – Rugged, highly equipped with a roomy
interior for a large family, strong performance with a go-anywhere ability, an
outstanding interior with portrait style touchscreen and digital instrumentation,
with prestige level features and equipment. The 3.0-litre V6 an impressive
workhorse – with 184 kW and a punchy 600Nm of torque and 10 automatic gear
ratios it never feels fussed. More power and torque to the segment leading Toyota
Prado which still retains a six-speed automatic. What is impressive with the Ford
Everest is cabin quietness from road and engine noise and with 12,500km’s on
the clock it was as tight as a drum despite having endured some heavy off road
media tests. Importantly, braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500 kgs against the
Prado’s max of 3000 kgs. Ford have done a great job with the Everest, built in
Thailand, but fine-tuned at Ford Australia’s proving ground for our market. Ride
quality a little hard but given its workhorse underpinnings more than acceptable
especially when towing. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Ford’s large Everest SUV – four trim models in the range, the Ambient
and Trend with 2.0-litre twin turbo four-cylinder diesel, the Sport and Platinum,
with 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 - prices spanning $53,000 to $77,000. I drove the top-
line 3.0-litre 10-speed automatic Everest Platinum seven-seat 4WD, more than an
SUV, in Ford’s words “tough on the outside, a sanctuary on the inside and ready
for anything ahead of you with uncompromising capability, safety and comfort.”
And that’s not an overstatement, this is one impressive hard-nosed SUV. A great
interior, roomy in the first two rows with top quality leather seats, the third row
best sized for kids. The dash and centre infotainment touch screen, mounted
portrait style, first class, designed by car people and not computer tech heads, its
practical and partners with a great digital instrument display, both with great
graphics. Highly equipped with Five Star ANCAP safety with all the latest drive
assist technology, 21-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare, a power tailgate,
panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bang and Oliffson sound system and part time
4WD the Ford Everest Platinum wants for little - Well priced too with a 5-year
unlimited kilometre warranty, service intervals 12 months or 15,000k’s. Drive
details next. I’m David Berthon
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Chinese brand Chery looks set to make a return here, relaunching next month
with its small Omoda 5 SUV. Its revival comes after a dismal period between 2011
and 2015 when the cheap and cheerful brand was not well received after poor
safety ratings and an asbestos related parts scare. It will arrive this time under a
factory distribution operation – the Chinese company using its relaunch as a
litmus test for the brand with plans for the company to become a truly global
company. Chery last year sold around 1.23 million vehicles in China, South
Africa, Russia, Egypt, and several South American and Middle Eastern nations.
Its Omoda 5 compact SUV is the company’s latest design, said to be very
comprehensively equipped with safety technology – its success dependent on it
overturning the poor reputation the Chinese company initially gained here. I’m
David Berthon
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Subaru will launch its all new small Crosstrek SUV in April with a five-model
range starting at $34,990 plus on-road costs. The replacement for the current XV
model the Subaru Crosstrek will be offered in three petrol grades and two hybrid
variants. Using an evolution of the current XV all-wheel-drive platform with a 10
percent stiffer chassis and an upgraded CVT automatic transmission. I must
admit I’ve never warmed to the current Subaru XV however the Crosstrek really
looks the goods with an impressive dash and 11.6-inch touchscreen, several
drive modes, automatic LED headlights and a high level of Subaru’s Eyesight and
Vision Assist active safety systems. Prices ramp up to the Crosstrek Hybrid L at
$38,590 and the top-line Hybrid S at $45,090, which gains leather trim, sat nav,
power sunroof and 10-speaker Harmon- Kardon premium stereo. I’m David
Berthon.
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Driving Mercedes-Benz fifth generation C-Class C300 sedan today – $15,100
dearer to the old series at $90,400 but this is a totally new car with new high-
grade underpinnings and technology that really sets it apart. Built for our market
in South Africa it sits on a 25mm longer wheelbase, offers more rear knee and
shoulder room in a body that now features the previously optional AMG line
exterior and interior package and it’s all class. A large floating infotainment
screen set low is a real high point. Over the entry C200 the C300 offers a larger
2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology linked to a nine-
speed automatic plus a stack more driver assist technology. Five different drive
modes, a fully adaptive suspension on 19-inch alloys with 35-series tyres that
provide a somewhat taut yet acceptable ride. Two disappointments, the lack of a
spare wheel of any sort, with our current potholed roads always a concern while
road noise on some course surfaces can get a little raucous. Mercedes-Benz
make the point the C300 is skewed for refined comfort over sports performance,
and it fits this bill admirably. Yes, it now costs significantly more but new
technology takes it to a new level. Economy; 7.5L/100. Warranty: five-
years/unlimited km. I’m David Berthon.
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One Mercedes-Benz that’s had extraordinary success in this country is the C-
Class sedan. Arriving this year in its fifth generation the C-Class has achieved
over 10.5 million sales globally. Some years back it was one of our top selling
sedans although today the appeal of SUV’s has dampened its sales. Pricing too
has jumped considerably not helped by rising material costs and transportation
logistics. The entry C200 rose $12,000 or 18 percent to $78,900, I’m behind the
wheel of the C300 today – now 20 percent dearer at $90,400. However, this latest
C-Class has all-new underpinnings linked to the S-Class flagship, a huge amount
of new technology with a new generation mild hybrid four-cylinder drive- train
and a more accommodating interior. Visually, it exudes class, now on a 25mm
longer wheelbase with a wider track with more elbow room. The C300 now with a
2.0-litre turbo with mild-hybrid technology adding an extra 15kW and 200Nm of
torque, the twin scroll turbo adding 20kW of over boost linked to a nine-speed
automatic. The new dash and controls are a highlight, especially the 11.9-inch
infotainment touchscreen, set low and very user friendly. Yes, the new C-Class
may be much dearer, but this is a totally different car to its predecessor. Drive
details next segment. I’m David Berthon.
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I spoke last week of how the rising cost of raw materials used in an electric car
battery, namely lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt, would delay the point at
which electric cars would reach price parity with petrol models. While many
electric car owners choose their vehicle for environmental reasons many may be
surprised to learn that demand for these precious metals has seen mining
companies now scour the ocean floor four kilometres below the surface. A report
from Nature science journal estimates there are 274 million tonnes of nickel
reserves within a 4.4 million square kilometre area known as the Clarion-
Clipperton zone compared with estimated land reserves of 95 million tonnes.
While undersea Cobalt reserves are almost 500 percent more than those found on
land. However, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) argue undersea
mining operations will destroy ocean floor habitats. I’m David Berthon.
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Dominic Perrottet this week refused to outline when his government’s highly
anticipated review of our controversial road tolling system will be delivered. The
premier reluctant to confirm when the report will be handed down despite rapidly
growing cost-of-living pressures affecting most N.S.W. motorists. Sydney is the
most tolled city on the planet, drivers now clocking up one million toll trips a day
on average raking in $2.3 billion dollars a year. The inconsistency in toll charging
needs urgent review – the toll relief packages rolled out in this year’s state
budget don’t go far enough and apply only to private motorists – business
vehicles and trucks should not be excluded. Quite simply Transurban’s growing
monopoly on Sydney Toll roads needs urgent review and Dominic Perrottet in not
listening to voter’s concerns – after March’s election however he’ll probably no
longer have to worry. I’m David Berthon.
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Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis continues its march on the local market. This
relatively new upper luxury brand continues to win plaudits ranked highest for
tech innovation in the U.S. J.D. Power 2022 Tech Experience Study. I’ve just
tested the top line Genesis GV80 with 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 linked to an 8-
speed automatic. At $108,691 it jumps off the mark with strong performance
despite a rather hefty weight, feels absolutely bulletproof, quiet and despite its
dimensions shrinks around you when pushed hard. For 2023 its road preview
adaptive suspension has thankfully been further refined to delete pitch on rough
surfaces and provide the less figidity ride you expect in an upper luxury SUV.
Safety wise, 10 airbags in total but disappointingly, the head airbags dont extend
to the third-row seats. The luxury equipment is extensive, but the test car also
had a $10,000 optional luxury package that added heated and ventilated rear
seats, power rear door shades, 3 zone climate control, a Nappa leather appointed
interior, to name just a few, these on top of what is already a very comprehensive
luxury specification. Genesis owner support is also impressive - a five-
year/unlimited kilometre warranty, five-years complimentary servicing including
valet pick-up and return, 10-year 24/7 roadside assistance and 10-year map
updates. I’m David Berthon.
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Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis continues to grow as more models arrive in the
local market. Today, with two sedans and three SUVs, it’s starting to make its
presence felt with 755 sales year to date, up 71.6 per cent on the same time last
year. I’ve just driven the 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol GV80 seven-seater all-wheel-
drive, which has received some worthwhile updates for the 2023 model year. The
flagship model at $108,691 with an 8-speed torque converter automatic. The GV80
oozes quality and refinement, the body feels bullet proof, superbly insulated, and
exquisitely detailed. Joining the upper echelon of motoring Genesis knew they
had to build something special and it’s loaded with luxury features and standout
quality. A worthwhile update is the integrated controller which controls the
multimedia screen, previously not user friendly as a circular touch sensing
device, now a raised dial design like the smaller GV70. The GV80 also has what
Genesis call a road preview electronic control suspension – using a forward
camera to scour the road surface ahead for undulations and potholes, it then
electronically adjusts the damping force accordingly. The previous model had a
tendency to pitch too much from side to side, thankfully for 2023 it has been
refined providing a much smoother and less figidity ride. I’m David Berthon
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Most car companies in recent years have predicted that price parity between
petrol and electric cars would be achieved around 2027. However, in an interview
at last week’s Paris Motor Show, the global boss of Renault, Luca de Meo,
claimed that due to the rising cost of a battery’s raw materials in the last two
years, namely lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt, we may not see price parity
until the next decade. – the precious raw materials rising in the period by around
140 percent. Renault has previously announced it is aiming for 100 percent of its
new-car sales to be electric by 2030, five years before the EU’s proposed ban on
petrol and diesel cars. However, while Renault is still aiming for this target, de
Meo says it will be customers, not car companies, who’ll eventually decide when
petrol and diesel cars will die. I’m David Berthon.
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Touch sensing controls in cars have been one of my concerns for some time. If
mobile phones are considered a major safety issue then the adoption of touch
sensing controls on steering wheels and infotainment screens in recent years is
surely one of the biggest driver distractions. Some recent common sense then
from the Global Chief of Volkswagen, Thomas Schafer, whose announced VW is
bringing back physical buttons on future models. The company’s current touch
sensing steering wheel controls have been criticised for being too hard to
operate while the driver’s attention is on the road – too sensitive and not quick
enough to respond. Touchscreens also have become bigger, more complex with
a host of information that can be very driver distractive – I’ve said it before but
just simple adjustments for climate and sound now require several touches, take
your eyes off the road, and are very distractive. I’m David Berthon.
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The Honda CR-V really started the SUV revolution back in 1997 quickly becoming
the vehicle of choice for mums taking their kids to school. Today in its fifth
generation it remains Honda’s best seller. An all-new model is due to surface next
year however the current model can still hold its head high in what is our most
competitive market segment. Five two-wheel drive and two all-wheel drive
models. I drove the two-wheel drive VTi X and the top-spec all-wheel-drive VTi LX
– both 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder driving through a CVT automatic. Honda has
now adopted a no discount fixed price policy - the VTi X at $41,500 drive-away
offering the best balance of features to price. Honda quality is one of the best in
class and performance wise the 1.5-litre turbo four is lively but loses a little
sparkle at times driving through the CVT or continuously variable transmission
and I averaged 8.6L/100km on 91RON petrol. As is said earlier, the CR-V offers a
very well packaged cabin with great passenger and luggage space and features
most active safety elements apart from rear cross traffic alert. Whilst it may not
be the latest design the Honda CR-V’s strengths are quality, practical space and
low running and service costs. Warranty five-years/unlimited km. I’m David
Berthon.
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Driving Honda’s mid-size CR-V SUV – the Japanese car makers best-seller, the
CR-V really kick starting the SUV revolution when first released in 1997. The
current fifth generation freshened last year offers five two-wheel-drive models
and two all-wheel-drive. I drove the two-wheel drive VTi X at $41,500 drive-away
and the top-spec all-wheel-drive VTi LX at $53,200 drive-away – both 1.5-litre
turbo four-cylinder driving through a CVT automatic. Let me say at this point that
in mid-size SUV’s there’s some fresher designs however the CR-V can still hold
its head high in the market’s most competitive segment. From my standpoint, the
two-wheel drive models offer the most value and here the VTi X impressed me
most – a very well packaged SUV with an impressive cabin. With our current high
petrol prices its 1.5-litre turbo engine runs on 91 RON unleaded petrol which
many newer designs don’t. Interior comfort a high point, great seats, excellent leg
and shoulder room in both seat rows and good luggage space with a full-size
spare. Some aspects are showing their age like the 7-inch display screen which is
rather small. Cost of ownership its high point – Honda’s Low-Price Services
policy - $125 for each of the first five services every 12 months or 10,000 km. I’m
David Berthon.
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SUV’s now make up more than 50 per cent of new vehicle sales so what new
models are on the horizon for 2023. Arriving in the first quarter, the new
generation Jeep Grand Cherokee five-seater, also the latest GLC models from
Mercedes-Benz including mild hybrid power and the third generation BMW X1,
Also due early in the year, from Lexus the new generation RX with less intrusive
grille and featuring a new F performance grade. Also, early in the year the all-new
Mazda CX-60 with a plug in-hybrid model headlining a new range of next
generation SUV’s, later in the year an all-new Honda CR-V, the latest generation
of an SUV that in many ways kick started the SUV revolution, also on the horizon,
a new 3.0-litre turbo-petrol Range Rover Sport plus the fifth generation flagship
Range Rover SV. I’m David Berthon.
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One of the best value small SUV’s on the market is Mitsubishi’s enduring ASX.
The fourth best seller in small SUV’s is about to get a refresh next month before
the arrival of an all new European sourced ASX in collaboration with Renault in
March next year which will include plug-in hybrid and full hybrid variants. In the
meantime, the arrival of a refresh of the current ASX is welcome news. The
current entry model, the ES, available for $28,740 drive-away in automatic. The
refreshed range due next month will see a new entry GS model, the ES gaining
more equipment while the range will still consist of better equipped MR, LS, GSR
and Exceed variants. The Mitsubishi ASX first arrived in 2011 it’s been facelifted
several times and remains a value buy especially with Mitsubishi’s 10-
year/200,000 km conditional warranty. I’m David Berthon.
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More on Mazda’s small CX-30 SUV today, the best seller in its class most
months, sales this year up on the same time last year despite the fact its
gained a lot more competition – The Mazda CX-30 sits between the CX-3
and mid-size CX-5 with choice of 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre hybrid and 2.5-litre
petrol engines in front or all-wheel-drive. I drove the mid-spec 2.0-litre G20
Touring front wheel drive automatic at $36,190, not inexpensive but well
equipped for the money with an excellent level of driver assist technology,
comfort, safety, and convenience items. However, I recommend you spend
another $1,500, and buy the more powerful 2.5-litre G25 Touring front wheel
drive – with its better blend of performance and drivability. This Mazda is a
good looker from any angle. Equipment includes seven airbags, stability
and traction control, leather seat trim, driver attention detection, forward
collision warning, lane departure warning, a reversing camera, dual-zone
air, forward and rear autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure
monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and LED Headlights. Build
quality first class backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The
Mazda CX-30 is the perfect package sized SUV for a small family and
retirees, modern in concept but very practical in detail. I’m David Berthon.
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Driving Mazda’s popular CX-30 SUV today – a small medium SUV that fits
between the small CX-3 and larger CX-5. The CX-30 comes in a wide choice
of models with 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre hybrid and 2.5-litre engines in either
front or all-wheel drive. I tested the mid-spec 2.0-litre G20 Touring front
wheel drive at $36,190. The Mazda CX-30 answers the lack of boot space in
the CX-3 – 120mm longer overall and it really lifts the bar in small SUV’s.
Having said that, like the current Mazda 3 hatch it very much depends on
engine choice – the 2.0-litre engine lacks some low-down punch, for my
money, the dearer 2.5-litre models offer a much better blend of
performance. Spend another $1,500 and you won’t be disappointed.
Economy wise, I averaged 7.9L/100km in mostly city driving and
importantly it happily runs on 91 RON unleaded. An outstanding chassis
for handling and ride, it feels nimble on road, the electric power steering
amongst the best I’ve driven. The styling very much a winner – a very well
packaged SUV for a small family or retirees with a local five-star crash
safety rating, child seat fixings well covered too with three top-tether
anchors or two ISOFIX points. And it’s backed by a five-year/unlimited
kilometre warranty. I’m David Berthon
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Mazda Australia has initiated a local test program for its new generation CX-60
SUV due to go on sale here and other world markets in the first half of next year.
Two pre-production models are currently undergoing comprehensive on road
assessments and analysis with Australia chosen for its validation process
because of our harsh climatic and driving conditions. The five-seat CX-60 will
likely be offered as an upmarket compliment to the CX-5 SUV, much like the
current CX-30 is to the smaller CX-3. Sitting on new rear and all-wheel drive
architecture the CX-60 will be offered in straight six-cylinder petrol and diesel
powertrains plus a plug-in hybrid. Riding on a 2870 mm wheelbase it will be
slightly wider and longer to the current CX-5. The Mazda CX-60 cabin has a more
upmarket appearance, a raised centre console and a rather elegance premium
fascia and dashboard. I’m David Berthon
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Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues to cost the Russian economy.
Toyota the latest corporation to exit the country, selling its St. Petersburg factory
and ending imports into the Eastern Block country. The Japanese car giant earlier
this year paused production of its Camry sedan and RAV 4 SUV due to parts
supply disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It however retained
its Russian workforce by performing maintenance work on its St Peterburg
facility. However, in a recent media statement Toyota said “it has not been able to
resume normal activities and sees no indication that we can restart in the future.”
Both Toyota and Lexus will also cease imports of new cars into Russia,
restructuring their current retail outlets to provide ongoing service to existing
customers. The company last year sold 97,941 new cars into Russia. I’m David
Berthon
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Hyundai has upgraded its super-sized Palisade SUV – now in two luxury grades –
the Elite and Highlander, both available in petrol or diesel and as a seven-seater,
with a no cost 8-seat option adding an extra seat in the second row. I must admit
that visually I also find its large painted grille now a little overbearing compared
to the less accentuated one on the outgoing model. But as a seven-seater a very
versatile passenger carrier. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel 8-speed automatic all-
wheel drive Elite at $76,500 drive-away and managed economy of 8.6L/100km in
hard city driving. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol front-wheel drive Palisade offers a $4,000
saving but consumes around 3L/100km more on 91 grade petrol. The Palisade
may be big but impressive active safety elements mask its bulk on road. Given its
near two tonne weight its surprisingly nimble around town – easy to park with
good visibility aided by an excellent rear view camera and comprehensive
parking sensors although the Elite disappointingly misses out on the handy
surround view monitor. But as a large family carrier well catered for with ISOFIX
child seat restraints plus up to five top tether child seat anchors. It may be big
and bulky but there’s much to like on this supersized Hyundai Palisade. I’m David
Berthon
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Driving Hyundai’s upper large Palisade SUV today – although launched late in
2020 the Hyundai Palisade was recently refreshed and now comes in two highly
equipped luxury grades – the Elite and the Highlander, both available as a seven-
seater with a no cost 8-seat option adding an extra seat in the second row. And
importantly, it now gains a welcome full five-star ANCAP safety rating. Both
grades in 3.8-litre V6 petrol front wheel drive or 2.2-litre turbo diesel all-wheel-
drive – both 8-speed automatic with manual paddles. I tested the turbo-diesel
Elite AWD with four drive modes at $76,500 drive-away. Passenger
accommodation impressive – as an 8-seateR plus a stack of luggage space, great
for a large family with impressive shoulder room. Now with 8 airbags including a
new front centre airbag with head airbags running the full cabin length and third
row seats getting their own ventilation. In fact, the distance front to back so long
Hyundai has added a speaker system so the driver doesn’t need to yell. The
Hyundai Palisade loaded with safety and convenience equipment, both grades
getting power and heated seats in leather. And it comes with a 2,200kgs braked
towing capacity. Warranty - five-years/unlimited kilometre. Servicing cost pre-
paid $1,467 over three years. I’m David Berthon.
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I caught a glimpse of the striking new electric Genesis GV60 SUV recently - a
very stylish mid-sized SUV that’s already attracted around 150 orders even
though no one has taken a test drive let along seen the finished product. The
third full electric model from Hyundai’s luxury brand will join the full electric
GV70 medium SUV and G80 sedan both of which have also attracted a large order
bank. With smooth coupe like styling and a 160mm ride height the mid-sized
electric Genesis GV60 comes in two models - $103,700 for the standard all-wheel-
drive, $110,700 for the high performance all-wheel-drive flagship which has a 0 to
100km/hour sprint time of just 4 seconds– both with a claimed driving range of
470Km from 77.4kW/h battery packs. Both GV60’s will offer a choice of five-year
complimentary charging on the ChargeFox network or an installed home charger.
I’m David Berthon.
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I spoke recently on the development of the touch screen and how they have
become so prolific that they are a definite driver distraction – forget the mobile
phone the touchscreen is a good way to take your eyes off the road. So some
really sensible comment from the designer of the Apple iPod and iPhone Sir Jony
Ive who says that modern infotainment touch screens can’t match the tactile
feeling of physical buttons. The former Apple design chief claims new car buyers
will drive demand for physical buttons to return to automotive entertainment
systems. From my perspective they can’t come soon enough – the infotainment
touchscreen has become counter intuitive – unnecessarily complex, distractive
and downright dangerous if used on the move – simple moves from the turn of a
button or a dial are just so easy without taking your eyes off the road. I’m David
Berthon
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Driving Skoda’s 140 TSI Limited Edition Liftback sedan today – a 2.0-litre 140kW turbo seven-speed dual clutch automatic which earlier this year joined the 1.4-litre 110kW Ambition and Style models. This more premium model at $52,490 drive-away comes fully loaded with features and equipment, the only option a panoramic sunroof. As part of the Volkswagen Group, one could be forgiven for thinking you were driving a top end Volkswagen or Audi. Given there’s a shrinking number of sedans in the market I found it refreshing to be driving this very polished model which feels far more premium than its price indicates. The exterior with its sharp edge but subtle styling opens to an interior that is very much a class above – the seats by any measure extremely comfortable and accommodating in a cabin with good legroom dimensions. Like many importers, Skoda recently lifted Octavia driveaway prices by $1,000 to cover increased transport logistics. In fact like many sedans prices have risen considerably in the last twelve months. Economy, I managed 7.3 L/100km on 95 RON petrol but range disappointing as it only has a 45-litre fuel tank. The 140 TSI Limited Edition in my opinion is the pick of the Skoda Octavia range. Warranty: All Skoda’s now come with a welcome seven years/unlimited kilometre warranty. I’m David Berthon
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In a world where SUV’s are the order of the day along comes a sedan that blows
your socks off. Skoda recently added a 140kW model to its Octavia range, the
140TSi Limited Edition at $52,490 drive-away joining 110kW Ambition and Style
grades launched earlier last year. While the entry Octavia 110TSI Ambition sedan
kicks off at $37,490 drive-away the new 140TSI Limited Edition takes the Czech
sedan into premium territory. A 2.0-litre turbo 140kW seven-speed dual clutch
automatic with three drive modes in a stylish yet subtle five door body that opens
to a sumptuous interior with ErgoComfort leather seats with heating, ventilation
and massage functions, a fabulous head up display, 10 airbags and even an iPad
holder for rear seat passengers. Complimented with a superbly laid out dash and
a new 10-inch infotainment screen. As I’ve recently commented regarding other
touch screens the volume control knob has been replaced by a slider control
which is simply not user friendly and takes your eyes off the road. The stop/start
function for example is also now buried in the infotainment screen menu. These
points aside you get a distinct feel in this 140 TSI Octavia Limited Edition that it is
batting in a much dearer segment – drive impressions next. I’m David Berthon
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MG has updated to its small ZS electric SUV with revised looks, a new battery pack and some new technology. Available in two models, both $1,000 dearer, the Excite now from $44,990 drive-away and the better equipped Essence at $48,990 drive-away. The latest MG ZS EV has had its driving range boosted by 57 km to 320 km thanks to a larger 50.3 kWhour battery. The recent arrival of competitor BYD’s Atto 3 from $44,381 is believed behind MG’s backflip on larger price rises for the updated MG ZS EV in an effort for it to maintain its title as our most affordable electric car. The ZS facelift sees a new body coloured grille with integrated charge port, revised LED headlights and taillights and new front and rear bumpers. Also revised, a new 10-inch central touchscreen and 7-inch instrument cluster plus a 360-degree surround view camera. I’m David Berthon
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As you are no doubt aware many new cars are now in an order situation and the days of walking into a car dealership and driving out with a new car are few and far between. It obviously varies make to make but wait times can now stretch well past 12 months. Hyundai is the latest to suffer component delays for many models pushing delivery times past the six-month mark, Volkswagen another manufacture with extensive delays for its popular Tiguan SUV, so too Toyota with its RAV 4 SUV. However, some companies have fared better than most like Peugeot who have ample stocks of its popular 3008 SUV, a very impressive alternative and well worth considering – like most product its price has risen in recent times but the 3008 is frankly Peugeot’s best product, one of the best prestige SUV’s in the market and well worth a look. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Volkswagen’s recently upgraded Tiguan Allspace SUV – the entry 2.0-
litre 147KW turbo-diesel Elegance Allspace in seven-speed dual clutch automatic
driving through Volkswagen’s four-motion all-wheel drive system. All up with
options $68,375 drive-away. A very competent prestige SUV, climbing in price like
a lot of SUV’s in the last twelve months but offset by a high feature and
equipment list. Although some features like the power rear door may be deleted
on certain models due to the current semi-conductor shortage. As a driver the
147kW Tiguan Allspace with 400Nm of torque offers great performance around
town with effortless pulling power on lower revs. The seven-speed dual clutch
automatic displaying some characteristic hesitancy at times from rest but
underway providing supersmooth changes. The Elegance Allspace also gets
paddle shifters on the steering wheel for those that like to drive in manual and
sports mode. Whilst you may prefer the 162kW turbo petrol Tiquan Allspace the
diesel is very frugal, I managed 6.3L/100km, but of course you are paying more
for diesel fuel. Ride quality is right up there on the Allspace Elegance, the 19-inch
alloy wheels sensibly shod with very compliant 50-series tyres. Yes, it’s grown in
price but this German SUV has also grown in features. I’m David Berthon.
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The Volkswagen Tiquan Allspace seven-seat model was recently revised in a six-model petrol and diesel range. I drove the entry 2.0-litre 147kW turbo-diesel Elegance Allspace at $58,490 with seven-speed automatic and VW’s four-motion all-wheel drive. However, with the metallic paint option at $900 and a Sound and Vision option including 10 speaker Harmon Kardon stereo, a head up display and 360-degree camera all up cost on road was $68,375. Like many SUV’s prices have jumped this year lurching toward Luxury Car Tax territory. However, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace AWD is one very highly equipped SUV. Yes, a seven-seater but the third-row seat is cramped at best and best for small kids. It works best as a roomy five-seater with excellent and practical luggage space. Instrumentation, switchgear, and touchscreen top class with the second-row seat adjustment allowing generous knee room, seats well-sized and nicely bolstered, the second row well served with air vents, climate controls and two USB ports. The interior package nicely appointed, well packaged and thought out from front to back although I found the new temperature control sliders were somewhat fussy to use. Warranty: five years/unlimited kms. With tight supply getting your hands on a VW Tiguan at present may prove to be the biggest challenge. I’m David Berthon.
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The cost of motoring continues to rise with Suzuki the latest car company to hike prices. The small car company which has enjoyed sales growth this year of 28 per cent has just increased prices of its SUV and hatchback range by up to $3,500. The latest rises come on top of increases of up to $1,000 earlier this year and several increases last year. Suzuki’s popular small Swift hatchback has jumped in two years by 37 percent from $18,990 to $25,990 drive-away while in September its heavily revised S-Cross SUV increased from $10,000 to $12,500 compared to predecessor. The company cites parts and material shortages plus an increase in shipping costs for the latest round of price rises. Its small 1.2- litre Ignis GL manual SUV now kicks off the Suzuki range at $23,490 drive-away, up $1500. I’m David Berthon
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Several industry heavyweights in Germany have recently made some interesting comments on switching to full electrification. Markus Heyn, the CEO of Bosch, warned that a switch to full electric would result in a shortage of batteries. Talking to a German news outlet Mr Heyn said the ramifications of a mass adoption of a single energy source are currently being played out in Europe – “we’re seeing the consequences of the gas shortage because we haven’t prepared enough alternatives.” His comments echoed by BMW’s Chief Executive, Oliver Zipse, who said Europe isn’t ready for a hard cut-off of petrol and diesel engines suggesting “it’s wrong to switch off the combustion engine in Europe.” The comments echo those of Toyota and Ford who suggest motorists will still need a choice of what powers vehicles because not everybody is rolling out electric tech at the same speed. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Volkswagen’s Golf R five-door hatch – this high performance all-wheel-drive one car I had trouble returning. An enthusiast car but an understated one, as I said earlier, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The performance from a 2.0-litre turbo with 235kW of power and 400 Nm of torque enough to put a smile on your face on a fast-winding road. Drive through Volkswagens 4Motion all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic with manual shift paddles is exhilarating to say the least. Sitting 20mm lower to other Golf siblings the Golf R is extremely capable – the all-wheel drive system with a new torque vectoring rear differential a revelation – electronically managing the enormous torque front to back, distributing more torque to the wheels with the best grip, more to the outside rear wheels to reduce the likelihood of understeer. The Golf R rides noticeably harder but the chassis’s overall competence outstanding. On top of that you have three drive modes – Nurburgring, Drift and Race mode – Nurburgring retains more compliant damping despite heightening response and performance, maybe it’s my age but I found it the easiest mode to live with. If you like performance hatches the Volkswagen Golf R at around $73,000 driveaway is about as good as it gets. I’m David Berthon
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Today, a performance hatch from Volkswagen – the Golf R, a very understated high performance small five-door hatch that is a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. One for the enthusiast motorist who doesn’t want to look like a boy racer. The Volkswagen Golf R all-wheel-drive at around $73,000 drive-away for the most part looks little different to the entry model Golf Life but look a little closer and you’ll notice the larger 19-inch alloy wheels, reprofiled bumpers, larger lower air intakes, front and rear sports spoilers, LED matrix headlights, and from the rear, four large exhausts. Under the bonnet an all singing all dancing 2.0-litre turbo engine with 235 kW of power and a healthy 400Nm of torque. Drive through Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic with shift paddles. Inside, less is more with a rather simple dash but with Volkswagen’s excellent instrumentation which can be customised in a number of ways, a centre 10-inch touchscreen and Nappa leather sport bucket seats with stitching. The switchgear is unnecessarily minimal with some touchscreen applications frustrating with touch buttons on the steering wheel fiddly to use. About the only area you can criticise this stunning performance hatch – drive details in my next segment. I’m David Berthon
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A new Maserati always creates interest and it’s been a while since we’ve seen
some new product from the Modena based company. Early next year will see the
arrival of the new mid-sized Maserati Grecale SUV which joins the larger Levante
SUV which currently represents 74 per cent of the Italian marques sales. The
Grecale arrives in three models, the GT from $109,500, the mid-spec Modena
$128,000 with the flagship Trofeo $165,000. The GT powered by a 2.0-litre turbo
four with 48V mild hybrid technology delivering 228kW of power, the Modena
uses the same engine but tuned to deliver 242kW while the Trofeo gets the potent
Nettuno V6 engine delivering 390kW. Several option packs allow personalisation
across the three model Grecale range. A direct competitor to the Porsche Macan
the Grecale is expected to quickly become Maserati’s best seller. I’m David
Berthon
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Nissan is one car importer whose struggled this year as COVID related shortages have hit it harder than most – sales of two of its popular core models, the X-Trail and Qashqui suffering as a result. Long delays for new generation models pushing their local debut out towards December. The fourth generation X-Trail is eagerly awaited early images showing it to be visually very appealing – in addition to the internal combustion engine models will be a hybrid variant offered for the first time. Nissan hopes this hybrid e-Power X-Trail will have the same success Toyota has had with its hybrid RAV-4. Although, whereas the hybrid RAV is available on front and all-wheel drive models the X-Trail e-Power will only be available on the two most expensive all-wheel drive Ti and Ti-L grades. Prices expected to start higher from around $55,000 drive-away. I’m David Berthon
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I spoke earlier about the Skoda Kodiaq seven seat SUV – I drove the entry 2.0-litre 132kW seven-speed automatic Style model at $53,990 drive-away. A very well packaged and safe all-wheel-drive family SUV, highly equipped for the money but how does it drive. The four-cylinder turbo engine with a healthy 320Nm of torque offers a robust performance even with a full load on board. Quick off the mark especially when you move the gear selector to Sport mode. Consistent with the Volkswagen Group’s dual clutch transmissions there is some hesitancy when moving from rest but the transition between ratios is just so smooth. And with nicely weighted steering, all-wheel drive and reassuring brakes the Skoda Kodiaq is a delight to drive, especially on the open road where its settles down nicely the result of a nice level of torque. In the recent rain its surefootedness with all-wheel drive made it a very satisfying driver. It does require more expensive 95 octane fuel but I achieved a reasonable 8.7L/100 with a combination of suburban and out of town driving. Warranty – all Skoda’s sold from September 1 gain a welcome 7-year /unlimited kilometre factory warranty. Kodiaq high points: engine performance, excellent interior functionality and instrumentation and a high level of spec. I’m David Berthon
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Driving Skoda’ Kodiaq SUV today, earlier this year this three-model range gained some minor tweaks on an already impressive all-wheel-drive seven-seat SUV. Outside, slightly revised bumper and bonnet design, inside a redesigned perforated leather steering wheel and updates to its smartphone charging and connectivity. I drove the entry 2.0-litre 132kW turbo seven-speed automatic Kodiaq Style at $53,990 drive-away, far from entry. Highly packaged it exudes class with some nice finishes, the test car further optioned with a $6,700 luxury pack adding tri-zone climate control, electric front seats, heated and cooled front seats, full leather seat trim, LED headlights and lane assist with adaptive lane guidance. The overall package size of a Skoda Kodiaq appealing, some nice touches like an umbrella in the driver’s door, and a handy slot in the centre console for the inevitable smart key. Seat comfort in the first two rows excellent but cramped at best in the third row. The steering wheel now incorporates rollers on each arm for controlling infotainment functions, so easy to use – while the 9.2-inch infotainment screen itself comes with a relatively simply menu. The global chip shortage has disappointingly seen some of the Kodiaq’s specification deleted like the surround view camera. But still a very well packaged 7-seat SUV. I’m David Berthon
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Ford will release the next generation Mustang for sale in March next year expected to be the last opportunity for Mustang fanciers to own an internal combustion engine model before the company goes full electric by 2030. The final seventh generation petrol Mustang will be previewed on September 14 on opening day of the Detroit Motor Show. In what could be the last of its kind, Ford is asking Mustang owners to form a parade referred too as The Stampede stretching from Ford’s Dearborn headquarters to downtown Detroit. The move toward electrification is expected to see the loss of around 10,000 jobs as the car maker rationalises towards a less labour intensive future, electric cars requiring fewer components and sharing many of them as well. Since April 1 in the U.S. Ford has sold 286 more electric Mach-E Mustangs compared to petrol models. I’m David Berthon
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It seems the roll-out of electric cars in California has sparked an energy crisis
that many industry pundits had predicted since the increase in sales of zero
emission vehicles. U.S. power companies are now warning electric car owners to
avoid charging their vehicles as heat wave conditions in South-East California
have sparked concerns about the strength of the States electricity grid. The
American Public Power Association warning that charging electric vehicles
during high demand periods between 4pm and 9pm could lead to power outages.
563,000 electric cars are registered in California making up just 3 percent of the
States total vehicle numbers. But expected to increase substantially in coming
years after the US Government recently legislated a $US 7,500 rebate for EV’s, but
only for those built in North America – excluding around 70 per cent of zero
emission vehicles on sale. I’m David Berthon
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Driving the latest Genesis G80 luxury sedan – the top-line 3.5-litre twin-turbo all-wheel-drive with optional Sport pack providing rear wheel steering and a Sport Plus Drive mode – also with optional Luxury package which provides Nappa appointed leather seats with quilting, 18-way power front seats with ergo motion and a stack of other driver assist and luxury items.
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The prestige sedan segment between 70,000 and $100,000 has slowed considerably as SUV’s in this price range have gained popularity.
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A new trial will see 50 electric vehicle chargers installed on street-side power poles for EV owners who don’t have access to off-street parking.
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Nearly every week somebody throws their hat in the ring with an electric car forecast.
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Driving Peugeot 3008 GT Sport SUV today – this flagship of the five-model 3008
line-up is the gem of the range.
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Medium sized SUV’s under $60,000 are in strong demand and there’s some excellent product in that segment.
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As we all know the Toyota RAV 4 SUV especially the hybrid version has been an
enormous success for the Japanese company but wait times have really blown
out on deliveries.
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What is it about the State Government’s PR machine?
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Driving Ford’s light SUV today – the European sourced five-door Puma, three front wheel drive variants all powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic with five available drive modes - Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery and Trail, the last two obviously somewhat limited by front wheel drive only.
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Ford Australia announced this week that it was vacating the small car segment.
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Top marks to Subaru Australia who recently contributed over $400,000 to the Australian Road Safety Foundation
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Not surprisingly Ford Australia announced this week its remaining small Fiesta and Focus models would be dropped from its line-up at year end.
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