Innholdsfortegnelse for June Issue#51 2018 i Australian New Car Buyer

Earlier this year, Ford Australia was hit with a record $10 million fine by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for “unconscionable conduct”. Briefly, when customers experienced problems with the troublesome”Powershift” transmission, fitted to models such as the Focus, Fiesta and Ecosport, and complained to Ford dealers, they were told that if they wanted a replacement vehicle, they had to pay. Despite knowing that the transmission had serious problems — it’s now been replaced on the Focus with a conventional automatic — Ford told customers that a refund or a replacement car at no extra charge, both of which are guaranteed consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law, were not an option, and refused requests for either. Australia used to have some of the weakest consumer protection laws in…

In Australian New Car Buyer, we include trade-in values for every model in our Showroom section. These are provided to us by Redbook, Australia’s leading authority on used car values. Each model we test includes three- and five-year retained values, expressed as a percentage. These are based on what the wholesale price — ie, the price that a dealer would pay for the car — would be for a car in average condition with average kilometres for its age. You’ll find Redbook’s three- and five-year retained values in the Spex box. Typically, cars with the best retained values show 55%-60% after three years, and 40-something percent after five years. The cars nobody wants are worth that after three years, and 20-something percent after five. When you’re selling your car privately,…

Remember when there was no such thing as a beautiful SUV? The packhorse to a sleek sedan thoroughbred, SUVs were spacious, sure. And capable. Even occasionally sporty. But they were never, ever beautiful. But clearly something has changed, because we defy anyone to gaze upon Alfa Romeo’s new Stelvio and describe it as anything but stunning. The Italian brand’s first-ever SUV can be had with a choice of a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol-producing 149kW and 330Nm, or a 2.2-litre diesel that generates 154kW and 470Nm, both with an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive. The petrol model kicks off at $65,900 and the turbodiesel at $67,900. Standard equipment includes leather, 19-inch alloys and a power tailgate. The headline-stealing act here is the thumping 2.9-litre bi-turbo petrol V6 that lives exclusively in the…

Is the Audi A1 worth around $10,000 more than its Volkswagen Polo twin, especially when Polo Mk6 is now a generation ahead of the Audi, with a newer, larger body? The four-ringed marque’s smallest four-door is never going to win any value for money awards — not when the People’s Car version provides essentially the same experience. Yet there are a number of reasons why the A1 shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. For starters, it shares absolutely nothing that you can actually see or touch with the Polo. Indeed, as the still-fresh styling suggests after almost a decade on sale, the broad shoulder stance, clean surfacing and pleasing proportions make the Audi a lasting piece of industrial design. As always, the interior is a textbook study of classy minimalism that…

Since 2007, few cars have been as seductive standing still as the Audi A5 Coupe. Now, in (some say too timidly) a redesigned and re-engineered second-generation guise, can it captivate on the move, too? Based on the medium-sized A4 range, the swoopy two-door three-box four-seater grand tourer grows ever so slightly, paying palpable cabin space dividends. It’s also lighter yet stronger, promising raised driving dynamics and refinement levels. The least-expensive model is the 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic, from a bit less than $70,000. Far from being sparsely equipped, it includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, a reverse camera, satellite navigation, adaptive LED headlights, digital radio, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control and 18-inch alloys. Also standard is an electronic instrumentation system Audi dubs “Virtual Cockpit”, as…

The Audi Q2 is one size smaller than Audi’s alreadypopular Q3, being engineered on the VW Polo/Audi A1 small car platform. The new Audi SUV isn’t cheap, with a starting price of $41,800 for the base Q2 1.4 TFSI. This model has a 110kW turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch automatic. It’s a great little engine, with cylinder-on-demand technology that automatically and imperceptibly shuts down two cylinders under light throttle loads to save fuel. Consumption is a claimed 5.2L/100km. The 2.0 TDI quattro with a 110kW turbodiesel four, seven-speed double-clutch auto and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, is priced at $48,500. The 2.0 TFSI, with a 140kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, seven-speed and quattro, is priced at $48,500. The Q2’s drivetrains mimic the best-selling versions of the…

Audi’s second-generation Q7 is a huge improvement over the first. That model’s whale-like scale made it a daunting vehicle to drive in the city and its high weight meant it had the handling agility of a humpback. The new Q7 is only slightly shorter and a fraction narrower, but Audi’s engineers found ways to shed around 300kg without affecting strength or compromising occupant safety. The Q7 is now among the more pleasant large, premium SUVs to drive. There’s little steering feel, a trait common to the breed, but the Audi copes gracefully with corners, ride comfort is very good and noise levels are low. The Q7 — in this guise at least — doesn’t pretend to be a sportster and this is to its credit. Audi’s engineers offer the 3.0-litre…

Priced from $78,000, the M240i is the sole six-cylinder 2 Series model. The M240i convertible is priced at $87,200. The M240i Coupe boasts the latest version of BMW’s iconic 3.0-litre in-line turbocharged six-cylinder engine, running the same 250kW/500Nm tune as in the M140i. Also in the spec is BMW’s effective Adaptive M suspension system, which brings a more extreme range of adjustable damper settings to improve both handling and ride. Although the 220i/230i coupes are engaging steers, the M Performance mods make the M240i’s helm reactions immediately faster from the outset, turning in with the desired urgency promised by the potent exhaust soundtrack. However, it unfortunately lacks the natural, progressive feel of the more linear standard arrangement. Meanwhile, a mechanical limited-slip differential splits drive between the rear wheels. The resulting…

The 2018 all-wheel-drive F90 M5 is priced at $199,900 for the first shipment of 50 launch-edition cars. That’s $30,715 less than the outgoing F10 and $39,711 less than the Mercedes-AMG E63 S. This is a killer price for a stunning machine. The M5 recently won the World Performance Car gong for 2018. After driving it on the road and at Melbourne’s Sandown Ra ceway, I wouldn’t argue with that result. BMW M division chief, Frank van Meel, explained why it was time to go all-wheel drive in the F90: “Six hundred Newton metres (of torque) and 600 horsepower only on the rear wheels — that’s not fun!” he said. Well, it is if we’re playing with humble numbers, but BMW has now joined AMG in admitting its stratospheric power and…

It might not look like it, but this is Ferrari’s answer to the Toyota Prius. Well, sort of. The Italian supercar maker has been forced to join the rest of the car industry and downsize its engines to meet strict new emissions regulations in Europe. And this is what the Italians ingeniously came up with: the Ferrari 488 GTB. Saving the planet — at 330km/h. The 488 GTB is $469,988, while the 488 Spyder is $526,888. As is the case with most brands, Ferrari has embraced turbocharger technology to make up for the switch to smaller engines. In economy cars, turbochargers are used to help small engines breathe more efficiently, to deliver low fuel consumption and emissions with the performance of a bigger, naturally-aspirated motor. In fast cars, the technology…

Ford’s first major overhaul of its compact EcoSport brings substantial improvement, with more suitable powertrain choices, a more contemporary interior and higher standard equipment levels. So low pricing is no longer its sole drawcard. The front-wheel-drive-only range kicks off from a reasonable $22,790 for the Ambiente, which now includes a conventional six-speed torque-converter auto (the problematic Power-shift dual-clutch auto and all manuals have been ditched), joining a reverse camera, digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity — items many base rivals lack. Under the cheapest EcoSport’s bonnet is an all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine — a thrummy but willing worker that punches well above its size considering no turbocharger is attached. It produces a healthy 90kW of power and 150Nm of torque, so around town acceleration is ample, with a…

Ford’s Kuga has now been renamed the Escape, the name it carries in most other world markets. The 2018 range range opens with the 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol/six-speed manual/front-wheel-drive Ambiente, priced at $28,490. The six-speed auto is $29,990. All-wheel-drive models begin with the 134kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol Ambiente, with a six-speed automatic, at $32,990. Trend specification opens with the 134kW 1.5-litre/six-speed auto/front-wheel-drive variant at $32,990. A 178kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/six-speed auto/all-wheel drive is $35,990, and a 132kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel/six-speed dual-clutch automated manual is $38,490. The transmission has been troublesome, so beware. Top-of-the-range Titanium is available with the same 2.0-litre drivetrains and is priced at $44,990 and $47,490. Escape brings a European design and drive to a segment dominated by Japanese and Korean brands. The fuel-efficient 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, in both 110kW and 134kW…

Holden’s Trax is a small SUV based on the Barina hatchback. It’s only available as a front-wheel drive, so think of it as an interesting take on the compact hatch with an SUV’s easy access and high, comfortable seating position. The base LS 1.8-litre, five-speed manual is $23,990. The 1.4-litre turbopetrol six-speed auto 1.4T LS is $26,490. LT 1.4T is $28,890 and LTZ 1.4T is $30,490. GM’s 103kW/175Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is an ageing slugger but in this application it’s OK, offering reasonable mid-range pulling power (assisted by quite short gearing), reasonable fuel economy on regular unleaded and greater refinement than expected. The 103kW/200Nm 1.4-litre turbopetrol is a sweet little engine, much more refined, tractable and responsive than the 1.8, but it’s also thirsty in town and requires premium…

There was never going to be a ZB Commodore V8, so it was at Holden’s insistence that the 3.6-litre V6, with all-wheel drive, was included in the 2018 Insignia range as an Australia-specific model, in the belief that many Commodore customers would demand stronger performance than the 2.0-litre turbopetrol and diesel fourcylinder engines, offered with front-wheel drive in other ZB variants, could deliver. Holden’s engineers — it still retains about 100 to tweak imports for local requirements and conditions — were given responsibility for the V6 drivetrain, bespoke suspension that goes with it and steering calibration. Priced at $40,790 for the Liftback — with a five-door coupe-style body and roof-hinged tailgate — RS is the base sports-flavoured V6. Its driver’s seat has a firm, extendable cushion, supportive side bolstering and…

The 2018 Civic is the 10th generation since 1973 of Honda’s signature model. We’re testing the 1.8-litre VTi-S sedan which, at $24,490, sits one step above the base 1.8-litre VTi model, priced at $22,390, and below three 1.5-litre turbo variants: the $27,790 VTi-L, the sports-flavoured $31,790 RS and the $33,590 VTi-LX. Civic hatch is available with the same drivetrains at the same prices, except for the RS, which is $32,290. Civic sedan has always been one of the largest cars in its class and this model almost qualifies as a medium-sizer. Four adults can spread out and relax in it. There is a twin cockpit-style front cabin, a driving position adjustable for any physique and luxurious front seats. There’s also plenty of rear-seat legroom and reasonable headroom despite the raked,…

Honda’s Accord range opens with the 129kW 2.4-litre petrol/five-speed automatic Accord VTi-L, as tested here, at $43,990. The 206kW 3.5-litre V6/six-speed automatic Accord V6L costs $52,590. The 2.4 is a dull engine that shows its age in its lack of sparkle, tractability and refinement. It’s also pretty thirsty in real-world driving, especially compared with the 2.5-litre engine in the Mazda6. A simple, stylish, conservative interior feels like $30,000 worth, not $45,000. The Accord does have a once-popular feature that you just don’t get in many new cars these days: an ashtray! It even has a lighter. There’s another ashtray in each of the rear doors — so everybody can light up and have fun … Rear-seat space is fine for adults; the seat is comfortable and the low windowsills add…

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is almost as big the original 1978 Holden VB Commodore. Bumper to bumper, it’s just 20cm shorter, but the Hyundai has a bigger cabin and boot. Pricing kicks off at $21,950 for the 2.0-litre petrol Elantra Active six-speed manual, and $24,250 for the six-speed auto. Elite auto is $26,990. The SR Turbo runs a 150kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, with six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmissions, priced at $28,990 and $31,290 respectively. It also has independent rear suspension, rather than the basic torsion beam setup of the other models. The Elantra drives well. It’s superbly comfortable over bumps and feels solid, stable and secure in corners. Hyundai has been adapting its cars to suit local conditions for several years now and the improvements are starting…

Hyundai’s Tucson mid-size SUV range opens with the 121kW/203Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol/six-speed manual front-wheel-drive Active at $28,590. With a six-speed auto, it’s $31,090. Tucson ActiveX is priced at $31,150 and $33,650 with the automatic, as tested here. Front-wheel drive Elite is $36,250. All-wheel-drive variants kick off with the 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual-clutch-automated manual Elite at $39,250. In top-of-the-range Highlander specification, it’s $45,450. The 135kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel/six-speed automatic all-wheel-drive Active is $35,090. Elite is $41,250 and Highlander is $47,450. Hyundai is pitching Tucson ActiveX as the value-for-money variant, with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-faced seats, dynamic parking guidelines on the rear camera and a big touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto compatibility are standard across the range. Hyundai’s five years/unlimited-kilometres warranty is another value-add on ActiveX. However, it…

Jaguar last took on the Audi A4/BMW 3 Series/Mercedes C-Class with the exceptionally forgettable Ford Mondeo-derived X-Type back in the late 1990s. X-Type short-cut its way to market with borrowed underpinnings from the Ford Mondeo; the XE, thankfully, is constructed in the same manner as more expensive Jags and shares parts with the F-type sportster. In fact, its front wishbone suspension comes straight from the F-type while the rear is a complex integral link set-up that delivers better road contact than its rivals, says Jaguar. It all sits on a stiff, lightweight chassis that’s mainly aluminium, like the flagship XJ. Prices are comparable with the Germans. Start money is $60,500 for the 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 20t in Prestige trim; R Sport grade kicks off at $62,000; a 132kW Ingenium 2.0-litre…

It was only four years ago that Jaguar decided it needed a competitor in the premium compact SUV segment, where models including the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque were boosting their brands’ sales. Getting the E-Pace to market as quickly as possible was a priority for the latecomer, according to vehicle line director, Alan Volkaerts. For this reason, it uses technology already developed for other models in the Jaguar Land Rover portfolio. D8 won’t mean anything to potential customers, but inside JLR it’s the codename for the set of building blocks used to make both the Range Rover Evoque and newer Land Rover Discovery Sport. The E-Pace is built on the same foundations. Jaguar was able to create a version of D8 that’s a little larger than…

Kia’s third-generation Carnival people mover starts at $42,490 for the 206kW 3.3-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic S model. Si grade is $47,990, SLi is $52,490 and Platinum is $60,290. The 147kW 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel/six-speed automatic is available in the same model grades as above but at a $2500 premium. Carnival is a big, heavy wagon with a long wheelbase and ostensibly eight seats, so the relatively high power and torque outputs of both engines are well suited to shifting a full load of people and gear with ease. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel, with 440Nm of torque from just 1750rpm, is one of the best around at any price and perfect for this application. It’s very smooth and quiet for a diesel too, and works well with the eight-speed auto. You can fit…

The Lexus IS range opens with the 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four-cylinder IS 200t, available in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades, priced at $59,340, $67,191 and $77,751 respectively. The 233kW 3.6-litre V6 IS 350 is available in the same grades, priced at $65,101, $73,251 and $83,871. Hybrid power is also available as an alternative to diesel with the IS300h, priced at $61,890 for the Luxury, $70,310 for F Sport and $81,160 for Sports Luxury. The Lexus petrol/electric drivetrain, which uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, develops 164kW, drives the IS to 100km/h in a respectable, if hardly sporty, 8.5 seconds and averages fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km. The hybrid is a pretty slow, stodgy drive compared with its Infiniti Q50 rival and BMW’s 3 Series Active Hybrid, both of which manage…

The NX is Lexus’ smallest SUV yet and like many modern SUVs it targets urban buyers. Entry models are front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive because, according to research, many buyers really don’t know or care which wheels put the power to the road. NX’s aggressive, exaggerated proportions suggest an attempt to appeal to younger buyers — and there are pleasing details in its lights and garnish — but the result seems too tall for its width and too big for its wheels. In official sales charts, NX sits in the compact SUV category alongside the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA. However, at 4.6m long, it’s actually a whole size larger and a more realistic rival for the Audi Q5, BMW X3/X4, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes GLC and the…

This is the third generation of Mazda’s popualr small car. The Mazda2 hatch is offered with a choice of two 1.5-litre/four-cylinder naturally aspirated, direct-injection petrol engines across four spec levels: Neo, Maxx, Genki and GT. Pricing starts at a super-aggressive $14,990 for the Neo manual. Maxx is $17,690, Genki is $20,690 and GT is $21,680. A six-speed auto adds $2000. Neo, Maxx and GT are also available as a sedan, at the same prices and specification. All models are well equipped. Neo gets low speed (from speeds up to 30km/h) automatic emergency braking, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors, but no reversing camera. From Maxx grade up, auto emergency braking in reverse is standard. Genki and GT grades add blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, giving them the the…

The CX-3 gives Mazda an offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. With a choice of two four-cylinder engines — 77kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel or 109kW/192Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol — the CX-3 is up against more than 20 contenders including Honda’s HRV, Nissan’s Qashqai and the Renault Captur. Depending on spec, the CX-3 also offers the option of front- or all-wheel drive (the latter being a true rarity at this end of the market), as well as the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. There are four spec levels — base Neo, next-step Maxx, premium sTouring and top-shelf Akari. As expected, pricing is sharp, with the entry-point of $20,490 (Neo petrol FWD manual) running across a close-to-$18K spread up to the top-spec Akari diesel AWD auto at…

JOHN CAREY One of Australia’s most accomplished motoring writers, over three decades, John is a long-time contributor to Wheels magazine, where he is a Car of the Year judge, and publications in the USA and UK. He lives in Bergamo, Italy, and covers new European models for us so we have the story by the time they go on sale here. John would rather question an engineer than a designer as an engineer’s answers tend to make a lot more sense. John rates a vehicle’s value, efficiency, user-friendliness and dependability as being much more important than the badge it wears. In this issue, John tests the BMW X2, Ferrari Portofino, Jaguar E-Pace, Mercedes-Benz A Class and Renault Megane RS. PHIL KING Phil King is Motoring Editor of The Australian. Since…

Audi’s current A3 range, like its predecessors, shares its architecture and most of its componentry with parent brand Volkswagen’s Golf. Prices for the five-door A3 Sportback start at $36,200 for the 85kW 1.0-litre turbopetrol three-cylinder/seven-speed automated twin-clutch S-Tronic. The 110kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol four, with cylinder-on-demand technology (COD) that automatically shuts down two cylinders under light loads to save fuel, is $40,300. The 140kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol Sport is $46,400; with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drivetrain, it’s $50,000. The 81kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel, with front-wheel drive, is $38,900. Sedans start at $41,900 for the 1.4-litre/seven-speed S-Tronic; Sport variants, with the same 2.0-litre front-wheel drive and quattro drivetrains as the Sportback, cost $48,000 and $51,600 respectively. Cabrios start at $49,400 for the 1.4-litre turbopetrol COD. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol Sport models are $55,500 with front-wheel drive…

The RS5 sits at the top of Audi’s A5 coupe line-up. In typical Audi RS fashion, this car goes softly, but carries a very big stick. Everything in this model is new, including the 2.9-litre, twin turbo V6, developed with Porsche (where it’s also found in the Panamera and new Cayenne); VW’s rigid, lightweight MLB platform architecture; five-link suspension with adaptive, adjustable dampers at both ends and an eight-speed automatic, mated to to Audi’s signature quattro all wheel drive system, with a mechanical centre differential, and active torque vectoring between the rear wheels. Sliding into the luxurious, supportive, Nappa leather sports driver’s seat, you face Audi’s virtual cockpit, with configurable digital instruments, including specific RS displays for engine power and torque, cornering g-forces and a light that tells you it’s…

The Audi Q3 range opens with the 110kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol TFSi, with a six-speed twin-clutch S-Tronic transmission and front-wheel drive, priced at $423,400. Quattro all-wheel-drive models start with the 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel/seven-speed S-Tronic TDi at $49,000. The high-performance 2.0-litre turbodiesel Sport, with 135kW, is priced at $58,000. The Q3’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is the successor to the EA189 that got VW into such a mess. It is not subject to any legality issues. The 132kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol TFSi seven-speed S-Tronic quattro is $53,400. The 280kW 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbopetrol RS Q3 tops the range at $84,911. It takes on the Mercedes AMG GLA45. The numbers suggest that you’re not that much better off if you choose the more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, particularly in real-world driving. It’s got a…

BMW’S 1 Series is now the only small hatchback in the world that still uses rear-wheel drive. Is this a big deal? BMW used to argue, forcefully, that rear-wheel drive produces a better-balanced car that has more neutral handling characteristics and steering that’s uncorrupted by the engine’s torque interfering with the front wheels, as is the case on front-wheel-drive layouts. However, BMW now makes the front-wheel-drive Mini and 2 Series Active Tourer, the first front-wheel drive to wear a BMW badge. It’s gone strangely quiet on the advantages of rear-wheel drive, for obvious reasons. The major attraction of rear-wheel drive is totally natural steering. The 1 Series points into and out of corners with responsiveness and precision you just don’t get when the engine’s torque is trying to turn the…

BMW’s M division cars have been somewhat hit and miss in recent years — epic on a track, but not so enjoyable in day-to-day driving, where their overreliance on electronics produces a remote, uninvolving driving experience amplified by artificially weighted steering, constipated twin-clutch gearboxes and a frustrating inability to get power to the ground. Well, BMW may have finally seen and remedied the errors of its ways with its latest model, the M2. It starts at $93,300 for the six-speed manual “M2 Pure” edition and $99,900 for the seven-speed twin-clutch auto fully-fledged M2. Aside from the transmission (said to trim 0.2 seconds from the manual in the 0–100km/h dash, to a claimed 4.3 seconds in launch mode), the $9000 premium also buys electrically adjustable heated seats, a sensor key, richer…

BMW’s iconic M3, now in its fifth generation, is available as a four-door sedan only. The coupe wears an M4 badge in line with a revamped naming regime. The sedan lands in Oz starting from $129,900 for the Pure. The coupe commands a $10,000 premium. The M3 Competition is $146,900 while the M3 CS is $179,900; again, the M4 adds $10,000 in both cases. As the name implies, the Competition is a hard-edged performance upgrade, including more stiffly sprung and firmly damped adaptive M suspension. Twenty-inch forged, polished alloys with wider rubber (265/30 front, 285/30 rear) are also fitted, with the Active M Differential and traction control recalibrated to complement the car’s higher grip levels. Firepower from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six is up an inconsequential 14kW to 331kW, while…

The second-generation BMW X1 shares much of its core technology, including its basic structure, with the latest versions of the Mini (a brand that is owned by BMW) as well as BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer. The range opens with the sDrive 18i, at $45,900. sDrive18d is $49,900, sDrive20i is $54,600 and the xDrive25i is $61,500. Popular sDrive versions are front-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive. xDrive variants use an all-wheel drivetrain. So the latest X1 may be technically heretical in the eyes of long-term BMW loyalists, but it’s likely that compact SUV buyers will embrace it. The advantages of the new direction are plain to see, especially inside the car. Penned by young, Sydneyborn designer Calvin Luk, the second-generation X1 is better proportioned and with the space-efficient crossways engine/front-wheel-drive…

The third generation of the world’s top-selling luxury wagon, BMW’s F15 maintains the X5’s reputation as a front runner among big SUVs. The range opens with the rear-wheel-drive X5 sDrive25d 160kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, which costs $89,200. The 190kW 3.0-litre xDrive30d turbodiesel costs $108,000, the 230kW twin turbodiesel 40d is $119,900 and the 330kW 4.4-litre twin turbopetrol V8 50i is $138,610. The xDrive M50d, with a 280kW 3.0-litre triple turbodiesel, is priced at $139,900. The xDrive40e petrol/electric hybrid is also priced at $119,900. It runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/83kW electric motor/9kWh lithium ion battery and can travel up to 31km on electricity alone. In hybrid mode, its claimed fuel consumption is 3.3L/100km. Given its considerable price advantage over the 3.0-litre petrol and turbodiesel sixes, and what will certainly be outstanding…

No Ferrari road car can claim a longer line of descent than those with a high-revving V12 engine up front that drives the rear wheels. This was the layout of the very first road cars the company made in 1950 and the Ferrari-badged racers produced from 1947. The latest in the Ferrari V12 line is the 812 Superfast. The first examples will reach Australia early in 2018, priced at $610,000. This is $80,000 less than the car it replaces, the F12berlinetta. While the two cars share the same basic chassis structure, Ferrari has done more than enough to justify the new name. The headline change is the 812 Superfast’s larger and more powerful V12 engine. Ferrari’s engineers increased the piston stroke of the F12berlinetta’s 6.3L with a new crankshaft and…

Ford’s current Focus is about to be replaced by an all-new model, made in Germany, by year’s end, so if you’re after a bargain there should be great deals on this one in the meantime. The base model is the $23,390 Trend hatch, with a six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic adds $1000. Trend sedan, with the auto as standard, is $24,390. The Sport man/auto hatch is $26,490/$27,490. Titanium auto hatch (as tested) and sedan are both $32,690. The Focus ST hot hatch, with the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine as the old Falcon, tuned for 184kW and with a six-speed manual, is $38,990. The 1.5-litre turbopetrol makes the Focus a viable alternative to VW’s 1.4-litre turbopetrol Golf. In The Ford engine produces 132kW of power — that’s 22kW more than…

Ford has given the 2018 Mustang a major rework. The 5.0-litre V8 and 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder get a touch more grunt, there’s a new 10-speed auto, a 12-inch digital dash and more advanced safety tech. In response to the criticism that the original model was too stiff over bumps, Ford engineers retuned the suspension and fitted better shock absorbers. Magnetically-controlled shock absorbers, which improve comfort even further, are a $2750 option. On the V8, a switch to Michelin Pilot Sport rubber from the previous Pirelli P Zeros also aids cushioning over bumps. Welcome news to V8 fans, Ford has fitted a louder bi-modal exhaust, which, at the press of a button, transforms the Mustang from hush quiet to 1970s muscle-car loud. Prices kick off at $49,990 for the 2.3-litre Fastback…

Holden’s five-seater midsize Equinox SUV starts at $27,990 for the 127kW, 1.5-litre turbopetrol, six-speed manual, front-wheel drive LS; a six-speed auto adds $2000. A 100kW (and 320Nm) 1.6-litre turbodiesel, six-speed automatic starts at $35,990 for the front-wheel drive LS+, topping out at $49,290 for the all-wheel drive LTZ-V. The 188kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, with a nine-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, starts at $36,990 for the LT. We’re testing the top-of-therange LTZ-V, with selectable allwheel drive. It costs $46,290 plus on-road costs. That’s 50 large by the time you drive it home. It had better be good, then. Despite its generous specification, Equinox LTZ’s cabin feels like $25,000, not $50,000. Fit and finish quality are OK, but GM’s trademark sludge-grey decor gives it a grim, low-rent ambience compared with more stylish, polished…

Kicking off from $14,990 for the VTi, the latest GK-series Honda Jazz hatch brings fewer variants, lower prices and — bar one backward step — more for your money. For example, you’ll find a reversing camera, emergency-braking indicator flashes, hill-start assist, LED lighting and 7-inch touchscreen with integrated Bluetooth phone/audio streaming (at last) and ports for 12-volt/USB/HDMI/MP4 connectivity. That’s on top of six airbags, stability control, cruise control, reach- and tilt-adjustable steering, trip computer, electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning and 15-inch steel wheels. Note, however, that drums now replace discs for the rear brakes — a retrograde step for usually reputable Honda. Another $2000 will buy you a CVT (continuously variable transmission) in lieu of the standard five-speed manual. Next up is the CVT-only VTi-S from $19,990, adding fog…

Honda’S CR-V, the world’s top-selling SUV, lost its way for a while but is now back in serious contention with the fifth generation since 1997. Priced from $30,690 for the VTi frontdrive auto, the latest version has expanded its repertoire with seven-seat availability as part of a range that also includes all-wheel drive but no more diesel option. Beneath the contemporary styling is Honda’s latest ‘Earth Dreams’ architecture — a sophisticated low-centre-of-gravity platform plus a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, multi-link rear suspension and a clever fuel-saving all-wheel-drive system that cuts in and out only when required. This CRV is pleasingly spacious, easy to drive, comfortable, quiet, powerful, economical and agile. So it shares many of the attributes of its better competitors. Let’s take the packaging. This is a true five-seater…

You don’t mess around with a winning formula, so Hyundai’s third-generation i30 offers more of the same: a strong value-for-money proposition, excellent quality and reliability backed up by a generous warranty. Its styling has become more conservative, inside and out, to more closely resemble its Kia stablemate’s Euro hatch aesthetic. Prices open at $19,990 for the 120kW 2.0-litre/six-speed manual Go. That’s excluding on-road costs, but Hyundai is renowned for its aggressive drive-away deals, so go to its website and check out the current offers, which will save you about $2500. A six-speed auto adds $2300. Active manual is $21,090; the auto is $23,390. Elite auto is $27,790 and Premium is $32,790. Go and Active are also available with a 100kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel, at $22,490 and $23,590 respectively; a seven-speed dual-clutch…

Hyundai’s Mk7 Sonata range comprises the $30,990 Active and top-spec Premium, priced at an ambitious $45,490. The Active employs a 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine. It drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Nicely smooth at take-off, it offers sufficient oomph around town and is able to really pick up speed quickly on the open road. But the 2.4 sounds vocal at higher revs and trails the class champ (Mazda 6) for average fuel consumption at 8.3L/100km. Premium delivers significantly punchier urge thanks to a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-pot turbopetrol engine, with an eight-speed automatic as standard. Excessive road noise intrusion is an issue, and while impressively adept at soaking up smaller surface irregularities, the suspension struggles over bigger ones, hitting its bumpstops all too soon. Infotainment includes…

Infiniti’s Q30 hatch is a product of the Nissan (Infiniti’s parent) and Daimler joint venture. It’s a Mercedes A-Class with different sheetmetal, seats and suspension tuning. Q30 is front-wheel drive and QX30 is all-wheel drive. The range opens at $38,900 for the 115kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed automatic GT. The 155kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 2.0t Sport is $44,900 and the fully loaded Sport Premium is $52,900. Q30 is a competent, well-made luxury hatch, but it does beg the question: why would you buy a Mercedes with an Infiniti badge? Because that’s exactly what it is. Infiniti’s prices aren’t significantly cheaper either and despite its best efforts, Infiniti remains a nothing brand here in terms of recognition. The Mercedes 155kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol is a smooth, tractable, responsive engine that works well with the seven-speed…

Jaguar’s F-Pace is the first-ever SUV to wear the leaping cat badge. Its mostly aluminium body draws on the basic elements of Jaguar’s XE and XF sedans. Size-wise, the F-Pace is something of an in-betweenie. It’s larger than a BMW X3, for example, but not as big as an X5. It’s certainly spacious enough to be a very useful family wagon. The 650-litre cargo compartment is a whopper and the rear seat, which features a three-piece folding backrest, is roomy. Considering its size and equipment, F-Pace prices aren’t outrageous. They begin at $72,510 for the 132kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel four Prestige, with rear-wheel drive. The 221kW 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel all-wheel drive range opens at $86,445 for the Prestige. Petrol models open with the 184kW 2.0-litre rear-wheel drive Prestige, at $73,252. The…

Kia’s Sportage SUV, which shares architecture with Hyundai’s Tucson and, sizewise, bridges the gap between compact and medium wagons, starts at $28,990 for the Si front-wheel drive. This model is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a modest 114kW of power and an even more modest 192Nm of torque. The base drivetrain is also offered in the SLi, priced at $35,490. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel (with 136kW and 400Nm) with on-demand all-wheel drive is available across all grades at $33,990 for the Si, $40,490 for the SLi and $45,990 for the GT Line, while a 2.4-litre petrol (with 135kW and 237Nm) all-wheel drivetrain is available only in the top-end GT Line at $43,490. A six-speed auto is standard. The attraction of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel is impossible to dismiss. It is…

The Mazda3, one of Australia’s most popular cars, gains extra equipment for 2018. It’sa big seller becuase it delivers what Australian car buyers want: value for money, outstanding quality and reliability, fuel efficiency, conservative yet expressive design and five-star safety. The fact that the Mazda argues with the VW Golf for best drive in class status is the icing on the cake. Available as a sedan and hatch, base models are powered by the 114kW 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol Skyactiv-G engine, kicking off at $21,490 for the Neo Sport. Maxx Sport is $23,490 and Touring is $25,490. The SP25 line runs the same 138kW 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine used in the Mazda6. Prices start at $25,990 and the GT is $29,990. The Astina nameplate, last seen here on the 2003 Mazda…

Evolution is the name of the game for Australia’s most popular SUV. Starting from $28,690, the front-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 Maxx has the best safety specification of any base model in this class, with autonomous emergency braking front and rear as standard, plus rear crosstraffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights, reversing camera and rear-parking sensors. Some luxury SUVs at twice the price don’t have this much safety technology. Maxx Sport from $33,990 is available as front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive from $36,990. Touring specification, from $38,590, offers an all-wheel drivetrain, as does GT, from $43,590, which puts you into luxury equipment territory with a powered tailgate, sunroof, 19-inch alloys, adaptive front headlights (that “see” through corners), heated and powered front seats with driver’s-side memory, leather, a Bose audio upgrade and…

McLaren’s new 720S coupe range opens at $489,900. Luxury specification is $515,080, as is the Performance variant. It’s a relatively practical mid-engined supercar. The luggage compartment between its front wheels has a capacity of 110L and there’s also space for stuff on the shelf behind its pair of seats. The slimmed-down A-pillars of its all-new carbon-fibre body structure mean the view ahead is good and its low-mounted engine clears the way for a reasonable look at what’s behind. Not that there’s likely to be anything to see back there if you drive the 720S on a wide-open throttle. This model replaces the 650S and derivatives and is the company’s new Super Series superstar. According to McLaren, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 in the 1.4-tonne 720S churns out 530kW (or 720hp, the…

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia is aggressively priced and generously equipped. It deserves to disrupt your Audi A4/BMW 3 Series/Mercedes C Class buying decision. Start money is $59,895 for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol Giulia, with 147kW of power and an eight-speed automatic, in a rear-wheel drive layout. Giulia Super, with more fruit and the same drivetrain, is $64,195; with a 132kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel, it’s $65,895. Veloce, at $71,895, looks like the value/performance/equipment sweet spot in the Giulia line-up. It gets a 206kW version of the 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, plus premium performance hardware including adjustable suspension, a limited slip rear differential and exquisite traditional Alfa five-hole 19-inch alloy wheels. Alfa also needs to make a heroic, forceful statement of intent with the Giulia, and that it certainly does with the top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio, priced…

Modern-day icons are rare, but this is an accurate label to attach to the Audi TT. Now in its third generation with an R8 supercar-style front end and more chiselled lines, the TT kicks off at $74,700 for the 169kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol TFSI/six-speed manual with front-wheel drive — just like the VW Golf, with which it shares familial DNA. It costs $78,155 with the six-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission, while the bestselling quattro all-wheel drive with S-Tronic combination will set you back $81,155. The popular S-line variant (from $81,255) brings a surprisingly subtle body kit, full LED headlights, LED arrow-style rear indicators, better audio, digital radio, brilliant body-hugging sports seats with pneumatic adjustment and 19-inch alloys. The TT Roadster, with quattro and a folding soft top, costs $84,655. S Line is…

Audi’s B9 A4 sedan range opens with two front-wheeldrive models. The 1.4TFSi ($56,100) runs the same 110kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic drivetrain used in the VW Golf. The 140kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 2.0 TFSi is $61,400 and the Avant wagon is $64,400. All-wheel drive is offered in the 140kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel 2.0TDi quattro ($67,300). Top of the range, and the variant that has usually been the pick of the A4s to drive, is the 2.0-litre turbopetrol 2.0TFSi quattro ($70,300, or $73,300 Avant), with 185kW of power. Allroad models include the 2.0TDi quattro at $71,800 and the 2.0TFSi quattro at $74,800. The S4 quattro sedan, with a 260kW 3.0-litre turbopetrol, is $99,611; the Avant is $102,611. The RS4 Avant arrives shortly, with a 331kW 2.9-litre twin turbo V6. As we went to…

Just as the original R8 was an engineering twin with the Lamborghini Gallardo, this second-generation model shares its underpinnings with the Lambo Huracán, including its hybrid construction (aluminium alloy/carbon fibre reinforced polymer) space frame, a V10 powerplant, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, double-wishbone suspension and all-wheel-drive. In an age of emissions-driven engine downsizing, the Audi flagship’s 5.2-litre naturallyaspirated V10, mounted longitudinally in the centre of the car, is quite literally a breath of fresh air. There are no turbos or superchargers to force induction here, just pure, free-revving, atmo joy. This R8 is still instantly recognisable as a design descendant of the model it replaces. The wheelbase is identical, although the new car is marginally shorter overall, thanks to 9mm taken out of the front overhang. It’s also wider (+10mm), lower (-12mm),…

Today’s Audi Q5 might seem barely changed since the original in 2009, but there’s exciting new stuff underneath its almost the same skin. Kicking off from $65,900 for the 2.0-litre TDI diesel quattro and $73,211 for the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol quattro Sport, the second-generation Q5 has switched to the Volkswagen Group luxury brand’s high-tech MLB modular transverse architecture, also underpinning the latest A4. The upshot is a significantly lighter yet stronger body than before, the adoption of sophisticated five-link independent suspension (with optional air springs for a smooth, supple ride — something the previous Q5 struggled with) and enough driver-assist safety to make a Volvo engineer blush. Clean surfaces, obsessive quality, precision shutlines — all are expected Audi hallmarks, yet the Q5 ups the ante anyway with a spacious and…

BMW’s M badge used to adorn only its elite performance cars, such as the M3 and M5, but M also stands for Money and now BMW is cashing in on its badge cachet. A second tier of M models, called M Performance, now sits below the weapons-grade hardware. The M140i runs BMW’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six, with 250kW and a mighty 500Nm of turbo-torque, available from 1520rpm. The M135i automatic, which costs the same as the six-speed manual, smokes the 100km/h dash in 4.6 seconds. Gunmetal alloys, blue enamel brake calipers, a rear diffuser and dark window tinting complete one very tough, stylish package. The exquisite balance, agility and poise of the four-cylinder 1 Series — BMW’s best handling car — are not compromised by the bigger, heavier engine. The…

Since 1975, the 3 Series has set the pace at the affordable end of the premium Euro field. It defined BMW’s “Sheer Driving Pleasure” promise. Recently, though, the 3 Series has struggled against the Mercedes C Class. The F30 model, which arrived in 2012, failed to impress, especially its handling, which is distinctly non-sporty. The problem is BMW’s standard suspension, tuned too lightly to compensate for the harsh ride generated by runflat tyres. On our rough roads the F30 failed to deliver disciplined body control and roadholding. To get it to handle like a BMW should, you had to pay extra for adaptive M suspension. Now at the mid-point in its life, the 3 Series includes the M suspension as standard on all models bar the entry 318i. It’s difficult…

BMW’s seventh-generation 5 Series range opens with the $89,990 520i, with a 135kW, 2.0-litre turbopetrol four. At $92,990, the 520d runs a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel four, while the $109,990 530i, tested here, has a 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol four. Six cylinder power starts with the $119,990 530d, with a 195kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight six. The $139,990 540i runs the latest version of BMW’s signature engine, a 3.0-litre turbopetrol straight six, with a potent 250kW and 450Nm. The 530e iPerformance, a 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 50km on electricity alone, is $109,990. Touring wagon variants include the $92,990 520d and the $109,990 530i. Every model in the 5 Series line-up comes standard with the suite of radar- and camera-reliant aids BMW calls Driving Assistant Plus. Key features include…

The Fiat 500 range opens with the 51kW 1.2-litre Pop, priced at $17,990 with a five-speed manual or $19,490 with the five-speed Dualogic transmission. The 1.2-litre/six-speed manual Lounge is $19,990 and the Dualogic is $21,490. The 74kW 1.4 litre manual Lounge costs $21,000; the five-speed auto is $22,500. The convertible adds $4000 to all variants. Like the reincarnated Mini, the 500 is a retro car inspired by the model of the same name that Fiat built from 1957–1975 as affordable transport in Italy. The 500 is a solid little tacker but it has no sports pretensions whatsoever. The 1.4-litre petrol engine is a curious device. It requires a few revs to wake up, but across the midrange it offers decent pulling power and is quite smooth. So far this is…

The Focus RS is highly capable and one of the best fast Fords to roam our streets. But for reasons I am yet to fathom, I did not come away with the same degree of amazement about the car as have other motoring writers around the world. I did 2000km of real-world driving over a week in Germany, on speed-unlimited autobahns, scenic backroads and suburban streets. The car I drove didn’t feel as quick as has been reported by others. I had just swapped out of an Audi RS3 and Mercedes A45 AMG, both low 4.0-second 0–100km/h cars, according to the precision timing equipment we used. Ford claims the Focus RS, which is powered by a 257kW 2.3-litre turbopetrol four, can do 0–100km/h in 4.7 seconds. Unfortunately, I was unable…

Holden’s Astra is actually two different cars. The hatch is sourced from Poland, although it was designed and engineered by Opel in Germany, before GM sold Opel to the French PSA Group in early 2017. The sedan is a larger car, a Chevrolet Cruze in its home market, the US. Our version is built in Korea. Astra hatch prices start at $21,490 for the 110kW 1.4-litre turbo R six-speed manual. A six-speed auto adds $1000 to all variants and R+ specification adds $1250 to R. The 147kW 1.6-litre turbo RS manual is $26,240 and the RS-V manual is $30,740. The sedan, with the same 1.4-litre turbo drivetrain as the base hatch, kicks off at $20,490 for the LS manual and $23,990 for the automatic, tested here. LS+ is $22,740, LT…

ZB Commodore prices kick off at $33,690 for the 2.0-litre turbopetrol LT Liftback and $35,890 for the LT Sportwagon. We tested the mid-spec RS Sportwagon, priced at $39,490. There’s also a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, priced at $36,690 for the LT Liftback and $38,890 for the Sportwagon. Calais Liftback 2.0-litre turbopetrol is $40,990; Calais 2.0-litre turbodiesel is $43,990. Both four-cylinder engines drive the front wheels via a ninespeed automatic. RS, the pseudo-sporty four-cylinder variant, features stylish 18-inch alloys and a body kit, plus supportive, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power tailgate with hands-free foot swipe operation, to the base LT’s spec: My Link infotainment with a 7-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, semi-automatic perpendicular and parallel parking, remote starting, keyless entry, cruise, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. You…

Honda’s HRV, a compact five-door SUV, combines extraordinary interior flexibility with a punchy drivetrain and handsome styling inside and out. The base 1.8-litre petrol/continuously variable automatic (CVT) VTi model costs $24,990. Then it’s the same drivetrain with more fruit as you move up to the VTi-S (from $27,990), followed by the VT-L (from $33,340) and then the VTi-L with ADAS flagship (from $34.340). The latter is Honda-speak for Advanced Driver Assist System and brings brand-first forward collision and lane-departure warning technology as well as an automatic high-beam headlight dipping system. While the 1799cc single-cam i-VTEC unit has seen dependable service in the Civic for years, its pairing with the latest-generation CVT has given the 1.8 a fresh lease on life. The HR-V is unexpectedly perky off the line and will…

Honda’s Odyssey is priced from a sharp $37,610 for the base VTi. The more generously equipped VTi-L is $47,590. Brandishing van-like electric sliding doors and a high roof for ultra-easy entry, the Odyssey’s floor is lower than usual, with an extended wheelbase and wheels-at-each-corner stance. The result is outstanding interior space, with high-set, eight-person seating in the VTi or a seven-person arrangement in the plusher VTi-L. The latter ditches a three-seat second-row bench for a pair of very comfortable airline-style reclinable chairs with armrests and an ottoman. Uniquely, they can slide sideways and back for limousine levels of legroom. Like the previous model, Odyssey’s practicality as a kid carrier is tarnished by the fact that, in the continued absence of ISOFIX restraint mounts, child-restraint tether straps for the VTi’s second-row…

Hyundai’s Accent is cleverly designed to offer generous interior space in a compact body and comes as a sedan or hatchback. Prices start at $15,490 for the 103kW direct-injection 1.6-litre petrol Accent Sport hatch and sedan. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed auto adds $2000. The 1.6 is one of the most powerful engines in this class, so performance is strong. It can also return reasonable highway fuel economy running on regular unleaded, but it’s got a bit of a thirst in town. Handling is vice-free given the Accent’s purpose in life, while the ride is comfortable and compliant. The driver sits high on a saggy cushion, with no steering-wheel reach adjustment available. Infotainment includes a 5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay. Rear vision is partially blocked by the…

Hyundai’s first crack at the hot hatch class, the i30 N has been hyped to the max prior to its arrival, a dangerous thing to do if the walk don’t match the talk. The first product of Hyundai’s N performance division, the i30 N is the creation of Albert Biermann, former engineering chief of BMW’s M operation. At $39,990, i30 N is the best value in the class, whichever way you look at it. Its 2.0-litre turbo four produces 202kW of power and up to 378Nm of torque on over-boost, so it has the traditional hot hatch value measure (bang for your buck) well covered against rivals at the $40K price point. It’s a Hyundai, so you also get a class-leading warranty — that includes coverage for non-competition track days…

An i30 hatch given the compact SUV treatment, Hyundai’s base-model Kona Active, tested here, is $24,500. You get a 2.0-litre petrol four with 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque, matched with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. The i30 Active hatchback has a more powerful version of the same drivetrain, with 120kW and 203Nm. Kona Elite is $28,500 and Highlander is $33,000. A more sophisticated, frugal 1.6-litre direct-injection turbopetrol engine, with 130kW and 265Nm, is matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, priced from $28,000 for the Active. Elite is $32,000 and Highlander is $36,000. If you plan to go off-road, Kona’s extra 30mm of ground clearance over the i30 will be useful. If you don’t, it’s irrelevant. The i30 also has a full-size alloy spare; Kona…

Infiniti’s Q50 range opens with the Daimler-sourced 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed automatic/rear -wheel-drive 2.0t GT at $54,900. The Sport Premium is $62,400. The Q50 Hybrid runs a 3.5-litre V6 petrol/electric-motor parallel hybrid drivetrain with combined outputs of 268kW/546Nm. It’s priced at $73,900 for the rear-wheel-drive S Premium and $75,400 for the all-wheel-drive S Premium variant. Both run a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The hero Q50 models run a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, with 224kW of power in the $70,400 3.0t Sport Premium and 298kW in the $79,900 3.0 twin turbo Red Sport. That’s serious bang for your bucks indeed compared with the German brands. The Hybrid is no slouch either. It gets up and goes with much greater enthusiasm than its Lexus IS hybrid rival. Steer-by-wire is an acquired taste but exceptionally precise…

Jaguar has priced and equipped the XF for battle with its Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class rivals. XF diesel prices start at $77,900 for the 132kW 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Prestige 20d. An eight-speed automatic is standard with paddle shifters and drive goes to the rear wheels. R-Sport 20d is priced at $83,900. A 177kW twin turbodiesel four is also available, starting at $87,400 for the R Sport 25d. The cheapest XF is the R-Sport 20t, at $75,400, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four. It’s also available in R Sport specification, priced at $81,400. In the $78,900 25t Prestige, the 2.0-litre turbo is tuned for 184kW. 25t R Sport is $84,900 and Portfolio is $92,900. A high-performance 221kW twin-turbo version powers the 30t Prestige, at $84,100. R Sport is…

Kia’s top selling Picanto is also the best deal in the micro car class at $15,690 driveaway with a four-speed automatic. The five-speed manual is $14,190. The GT Line, with extra equipment and sporty bling, is $17,290. The Picanto isn’t exactly loaded. It does, however, include everything you need to be comfortable, connected and content. Infotainment includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, so you can do just about everything by voice with your phone, including navigation, on the seven-inch touchscreen. Typical of the class, the back seat has limited legroom and is only wide enough for two. A deep boot is the biggest in the class. Automatic emergency braking (to a stop from speeds up to 80km/h; partial from speeds above 80km/h) is standard. Picanto is the most…

Kia’s Sorento is comparable in size with Toyota’s Kluger and the Nissan Pathfinder, with vast interior space for seven. Petrol-powered models are front-wheel drive. The range opens with the 206kW 3.5-litre V6/eight-speed automatic Si at $42,990; Sport is $44,990 and SLi petrol is $46,990. Sorento’s 147kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel is a superb engine, as strong, frugal and refined as any German equivalent. It’s also matched with an eight-speed automatic. The all-wheel drivetrain includes a lockable centre differential. Prices start at $45,490 for the Si, tested here. Sport is $48,490, SLi is $50,490 and GT Line is priced at $58,990. Sorento’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel is so refined it can be hard to pick as a diesel because it is so smooth and quiet. It’s also frugal, returning 7–8L/100km on the highway and 10–11L/100km…

The Lexus ES starts at $63,750 for the petrol/electric hybrid ES 300h Luxury. The ES350 V6 petrol is $64,569. Sports Luxury versions of both, with extra gear, cost $71,910 and $72,361 respectively. Looking every inch a contemporary Lexus, the exquisitely made cabin is swathed in lush materials. It is the sheer expanse of rear-seat space that sets the Lexus apart. The 3.5-litre V6 in the ES350 produces 204kW of power. That’s 20kW less than the newer version in the Toyota Camry V6. The 300h runs Toyota’s 118kW/213Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit combined with a 105kW/270Nm electric motor and a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. A newer version of this drivetrain is in the Camry Hybrid Silent at first thanks to electric-only power, the fourpot petrol steps in seamlessly as speeds rise,…

The Maserati Ghibli range gets a mild update for 2018. It opens with a 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel V6, producing 202kW of power and 600Nm of torque, with an eight-speed auto. Of much more interest to traditionalists is the pair of Ferrari-designed and-built 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6s. The base petrol Ghibli, priced at $143,990, puts down 257kW at 5000rpm and 500Nm from 1750rpm for a 0–100km/h run of 5.6 seconds, before achieving an impressive 263km/h. A number of upgrades (including different cam lobes, ECU and fuel injectors) up the ante considerably in the $175,990 Ghibli S, resulting in 321kW at 5500rpm and 580Nm from 4500rpm. GranSport and GranLusso specification adds $20,000 to each model. Much of the Ghibli’s underpinnings are based on the bigger Quattroporte’s architecture. But, despite the part-aluminium body, the…

MAZDA’S fourth-generation MX-5 kicks off at just $33,440 for the base model 1.5-litre Roadster. A 2.0-litre engine option adds an extra $1510 and a six-speed automatic adds $2000 to both variants. The 2.0-litre GT manual is $41,210; the auto is $43,210. Stowing the lightweight roof opens up an endless sky that no sunroof can match. With the side windows up, heater on and the standard rear deflector in place, alfresco cruising is possible even on a cold night. At speed, conversation requires no raised voices, while lifting and securing the manual top again is no hardship. If it is for you, then you may prefer the 2.0-litre RF power operated folding hard roof model, priced from $38,650, or $45,210 in GT trim. You lower yourself gently into the MX5, and…

Mazda’s mid-size 6 is available as a sedan and wagon. Prices start at $32,490 for the 138kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol/six-speed automatic Sport sedan. The Touring is $37,290, the GT is $42,690 and the top-of-the-range Atenza is $45,390. Wagon versions add $1300. Mazda’s 129kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, also with a six-speed auto, adds an extra $2850 to Touring, GT and Atenza sedan and wagon. The 2.5-litre petrol is the pick of the engines. Whereas most naturally aspirated petrol fours, including Mazda’s 2.0-litre, just don’t have the bottom-end and midrange performance of their turbocharged rivals, the 2.5 is sufficiently strong and responsive across the rev range to work nicely in town or on the highway, aided by the Mazda’s relatively light weight, well-chosen gearing in the automatic and switchable drivetrain modes. It’s…

Mazda’s CX-9 range starts at $43,890 for the 170kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/six-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive Sport. CX9 Touring, with the same drivetrain, is $50,290., GT is $58,790 and Azami is $60,790. All-wheel-drive adds $4000 to each. We’re testing the base-model CX-9 Sport. It’s hardly what you would call loaded, but Mazda has thought about what parents really want and delivered it. Safety is the obvious priority and here the Mazda excels, with five-star ANCAP, a rear camera, low-speed (below 30km/h) obstacle detection/automatic emergency braking that also works in reverse (at driveway speeds of 2–8km/h), pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, full-length curtain airbags and seat belt indicators for all positions. The spacious, comfortable 60/40-split middle seat slides on either side to adjust legroom or let kids into the back.…

The second-generation Mercedes B-Class sticks firmly to the kid carrier brief, offers high-tech fuel-efficient engines and affordable prices. The range opens with the B180 Blue Efficiency, priced at $42,700, with a 90kW/200Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine. A seven-speed automated manual transmission is standard on all B-Class variants. The same engine is offered with 115kW/250Nm in the B200, priced at $49,200. The B200d, with a 1.8-litre turbodiesel tuned for 100kW/300Nm, is $49,700. The 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol B250 4Matic, with all-wheel drive, is $56,300. The B-Class is designed and engineered with family-friendly pragmatism, comfort and fuel efficiency uppermost in mind, so it has to be approached in this context. The B200 Blue Efficiency (tested) is hardly a sparkling, energetic performer and the seven-speed’s slow, unresponsive operation can be pretty frustrating, but both characteristics…

The Mercedes CLA-Class is essentially the front-wheel-drive A-Class with a different body, in this case a four-door coupe. It’s the most aerodynamically-efficient production car body in the world, a significant factor in minimising fuel use and wind noise. It’s fractionally longer but also narrower than the C-Class reardrive sedan, which has tighter rear-seat legroom too. CLA prices open at $48,900 for the 90kW, 1.6-litre four cylinder turbopetrol/seven-speed automatic CLA180. The $52,900 CLA200, tested here, runs a 115kW variant of the same engine. The CLA220d, with a 130kW 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, is priced at $54,300. The CLA250 Sport 4MATIC, with a 165kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol and all-wheel drive, is priced at $68,000. It gets lots of lovely AMG kit, including bespoke 18-inch alloys, sports seats in leather, a sunroof, a 10kW overboost…

The Mercedes CLA45 AMG shares architecture, underpinnings and specification with the A45 AMG hatchback. New versions of both, based on the all-new A Class tested on page 97, will be released over the next 12 months. Priced at $92,611, the sedan is $14,000 more expensive than the five-door, which doesn’t quite compute given that CLA’s larger boot and its coupe profile are the only differences. Still, it’s a proud, if completely irrational, tradition in motoring that coupes are always expensive. The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake wagon is also $92,611. AMG 45s run a long-stroke 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbopetrol four-cylinder engine with 280kW, making it the most powerful series production four in the world. It also produces up to 475Nm of torque. Power goes to the road via AMG’s Speedshift seven-speed…