Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue #57 - June 2021 i Australian New Car Buyer

After lurking on the fringes for a couple of decades now, electric vehicles will, without doubt, become affordable, mainstream transport over the next few years. In this issue, we test several EVs, including the new MG ZS, which at $43,990 drive away is the cheapest EV model on the market. That will soon change, however, and within a few years you’ll be able to buy an EV for less than $30,000. One reason why EV sales have been slow in Australia is the absence of government financial incentives for buyers. In the UK, the government gives you a rebate of around $6000, and in Europe and the US EV buyers also get generous incentives. The ALP recently announced a rebate scheme for EVs if it wins the next federal election.…

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? 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 turbodiesel 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. A 2.0-litre petrol Ti model, with a 206kW/400Nm engine, is $78,900. The headline-stealing act here is the thumping 2.9-litre bi-turbo petrol V6 that…

Audi’s A4 sedan range opens with two front-wheel-drive models. The 35TFSi ($56,100) runs the same 110kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dualclutch S-Tronic drivetrain used in the VW Golf.S-Line is $59,900. Top of the range, and the variant that has usually been the pick of the A4s to drive, is the 183kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 45TFSi quattro, at $68,500 for the sedan and $71,000 for the Avant wagon. The 45TFSi quattro allroad, a faux SUV that’s basically a jacked up Avant with more clearance, is $72,600 and the 40TDi quattro allroad, with a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel, is $70,600. The S4 quattro sedan, with a 260kW 3.0-litre turbopetrol, is $99,500; the Avant is $102,000. The RS4 Avant, with a 331kW/600Nm 2.9-litre twin turbo V6/eight speed auto and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.1 seconds,…

Audi’s A6 40 TFSI starts from $84,900, powered by a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine matched to a seven-speed twin clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel-drive. A6 45 TFSI quattro, priced from $96,900, gets a 180kW/370Nm variant with the same transmission. S Line is $106,000. The A6 55 TFSI S Line, tested here and priced from $116,000, is powered by a 250kW/500Nm turbopetrol V6. The A6 Allroad quattro faux SUV, with a 183kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, is $109,200. Top of the range RS6 Avant wagon, with a 441kW/800Nm twin turbo 4.0-litre V8, is $216,000. The dash is dominated by two large touchscreens (10.1- and 8.6-inch) that control infotainment and air-conditioning systems. In front of the driver is Audi’s 12.3-inch “virtual cockpit” display which can be viewed in several modes. Thanks to…

Audi’s second-generation Q7 is a huge improvement over the first. That model’s whalelike scale made it a daunting vehicle to drive in the city and its high weight meant it had the handling agility of a humpback. Audi’s engineers found ways to shed around 300kg without affecting strength or compromising occupant safety. The Q7 is now among the more pleasant and capable 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 (thanks to adjustable air suspension) and noise, vibration and harshness levels are very low. The Q7 doesn’t pretend to be a sportster and this is to its credit. Audi’s engineers offer the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel 45TDi with 170kW/500Nm, priced at $103,300,…

BMW 3 Series prices start at $70,900 for the 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol 320i, with a standard eight-speed automatic. It’s available in M Sport or Luxury Line specification. The 330i sedan is $77,900. The 330i Touring is $81,900. Both are also available in M Sport or Luxury Line trim. Up front is a 2.0-litre turbopetrol with 190kW and 400Nm, sufficient to launch the sedan’s lithe 1433kg to 100km/h in a claimed 5.8 seconds. The 330e plug-in hybrid sedan, with a claimed electric-only range of up to 60km, is $84,900. The M340i xDrive, with BMW’s signature 3.0-litre turbo straight six tuned for 285kW/500Nm, plus all-wheel drive, is $111,900. The poverty pack Pure is $101,900. The 4 Series coupe starts at $71,900 for the 420i; the 430i is $90,900 and the M440i xDrive,…

No tourist is likely to mistake Rome for Portofino, and Ferrari doesn’t think its customers will have any problem either. Just as you don’t go to Portofino to see the Colosseum, you won’t buy the new Roma to enjoy open-air driving. Back in 2017 Ferrari named its replacement for the California after an exquisite and expensive seaside village on the north-west coast of Italy. Like its predecessor, the Portofino features a retractable hardtop. And that’s something the Roma coupe obviously lacks. Still, the two have lot in common: rear-wheel drive, a front-mounted twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8, 2+2 seating and Italian good looks. The Roma’s exterior aims to evoke the flavour of la dolce vita, as Italians call the decadent late ‘50s and early ‘60s period immortalised in Fellini’s famous film. With…

The days of budget-priced small hatchbacks may soon be behind us. Few brands can get a Toyota Corolla-sized car close to the $20,000 drive-away mark these days, as each new model gains more advanced safety tech. The 2021 Ford Focus, imported from Germany, joins the growing list of hatchbacks that have vacated the bargain basement. The range opens with the STLine, priced at $30,990. It runs a 134kW 1.5-litre turbo triple/eight-speed auto/front-wheel drivetrain, as does Focus Active, a faux SUV also priced at $30,990. Focus ST, with a 206kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, costs $44,890 with six speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions. As Toyota has done with the new Corolla, Ford has added some styling flair to help the pricing medicine go down. There’s another reason Ford has gone all out…

Ford gave Mustang a major rework in 2018 and produced the car it should have when it launched the first factory right hand drive model in 2015. 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 5.0-litre V8 models, a switch to Michelin Pilot Sport rubber from the original Pirelli P Zeros also aids cushioning over bumps. Ford fitted a louder bi-modal exhaust, which, at the press of a button, transforms the Mustang from hush quiet to 1970s muscle-car loud The V8 also gained 33kW and now produces 339kW. In early 2020, the 2.3-litre four gained a new twin scroll turbocharger and…

This Civic is the 10th generation since 1973. We’re testing the base model 1.8-litre VTi-S sedan which, at $26,290, sits below two 1.5-litre turbo variants: the $28,690 VTi-L, the sports-flavoured $34,090 RS and the $35,590 VTi-LX. Civic hatch is available with the same drivetrains at $27,300, $35,600 and $36,600 respectively. A VTi-L hatch is $31,100. 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, coupe-style roofline. The wide, deep boot can be extended with 60/40 split rear seat backs.…

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 been updated for 2021, with sharper lines and a sportier profile. Prices open at $23,420 for the 120kW 2.0-litre/six-speed manual i30. A six-speed auto adds $2000. Active auto is $26,920 and Elite auto is $30,220. A punchy 150kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol powers the N Line hatch, priced at $29,420. Premium is $34,220. The seven-speed transmission adds $2000 to both models. The i30 sedan, with a longer wheelbase and a 117kW 2.0-litre, starts at $24,790 for the Active; a six-speed auto adds $2000 and auto Elite is $30,790. N-Line manual sedan is $30,290; the seven-speed DCT adds $2000…

Hyundai’s Venue, a small SUV, starts at $20,690 (plus on road costs) for the six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic adds $2020. Powered by a 90kW 1.6-litre petrol four, driving the front wheels, Venue’s standard equipment list includes 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a camera, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control (only via either of these apps), fast, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, USB and 12 volt sockets (one each) and cruise control. Hyundai’s Auto Link app connects you to the car via your smartphone. Functions include monitoring how efficiently and smoothly you drive, keeping a record of your trips, battery condition, tyre pressures, a log book for business use, locating the vehicle, accident/breakdown assistance contacts and sharing your location and trips with friends and family via social media. Active…

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 $29,640. Active X is $32,640. A six-speed auto adds $2500. Front-wheel drive Elite automatic is $38,200. All-wheel-drive petrol variants kick off with the 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual-clutch-automated manual Elite at $41,200. In top-of-the-range Highlander specification, it’s $46,850. The 135kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic all-wheel-drive Active is $37,440. Active X is $40,440, Elite is $43,500 and Highlander is $49,150. Hyundai is pitching Tucson ActiveX 2.0-litre petrol as the value-for-money variant, with 17-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. Automatic emergency braking from speeds…

Jaguar aimed ambitiously high with its I-Pace mid-size luxury SUV. “The target was to create the best electric vehicle on the planet,” says Jaguar technical design director, Wolfgang Ziebart. I-Pace matches the Tesla Model X for performance, driving range and efficiency. But I-Pace is better designed and built than anything from the audacious American company adored by EV evangelists. Mercedes EQC is similar in size, but slightly less powerful (330kW), slower and with a shorter range, claimed to be up to 350km. Audi’s e-tron produces 230-265kW and claims a range of “over 400km.” Porsche’s 320-460kW Taycan is in another league, as its $190,400 starting price indicates. I-Pace is available in three model grades — the $128,248 S, $137,848 SE and $151,448 HSE. The Jaguar’s chassis cradles a large, flat 90kWh…

Kia’s top selling Picanto starts at $15,690 with a 62kW 1.25-litre four cylinder/fivespeed manual. GT Line, with extra equipment and sporty bling, is $17,140. The auto adds $1600 to S and X-Line. Picanto GT, with a 74kW 1.0-litre turbo triple/five-speed manual, is $19,990. 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 eight-inch touchscreen. Wireless phone charging is also standard in Picanto. 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…

Kia’s compact Seltos SUV opens at $26,790 for the 110kW 2.0 litre petrol/continuously variable automatic/front-wheel drive Seltos S. Seltos Sport is $29,790 and Sport+ is $33,290. All-wheel drive models start at $36,790 drive away for the 130kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch transmission Seltos Sport+, which we’re testing here. Top spec Seltos GT-Line, with the same drivetrain, is $42,200. A huge 10.25 inch touchscreen sits atop the dash. There’s no stand alone voice control, so unless you pair your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you have to do almost everything by touch – not good, because too much eyes off the road time is involved. Navigation with live traffic information, 10 years of map updates and digital radio are also included. The driver’s seat lacks upper body support and…

The base Discovery Sport P200 R-Dynamic, tested here, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/nine-speed automatic/all-wheel drivetrain costs $67,123. That’s an almost $7000 hike from 2020, so the Land Rover has now lost its once considerable value for money advantage over its Audi Q5/BMW X3/Mercedes GLC rivals. That said, you do still get higher levels of capability and convenience. Seven seats are standard; rivals have five. Discovery also has credible, as opposed to pretend, off road chops. Sure, it lacks the low range transfer case of the big Landies, but it does have all-wheel drive (as does the Audi; the BMW and Mercedes are rear-wheel drive), with Terrain Response 2 off-road drivetrain software that maximises traction on tricky surfaces, steep climbs and perilous descents. Ground clearance (212mm) and maximum fording depth (600mm)…

Like many modern SUVs, the Lexus NX 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 Range Rover Evoque. Pricing starts towards…

MAZDA’S fourth-generation MX-5 kicks off at $36,090 for the base model 1.5-litre/six-speed manual Roadster. A six-speed auto adds $2000. The 2.0-litre GT manual is $44,020; the auto is $46,020. 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 $41,400, or $48,100 in GT trim, again with the auto adding $2000. GT RS manual is $51,100. You lower yourself gently into the MX5, and if…

Mazda’s mid-size 6 is available as a sedan and wagon. Prices start at $34,590 for the 140kW/250Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol/six-speed automatic Sport sedan. The Touring is $38,890. GT SP, with a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre engine, is $46,690 and the top-of-the-range Atenza is $50,090. Wagon versions add $1300. Whereas most naturally aspirated petrol fours just don’t have the bottom-end and midrange performance of their turbocharged rivals, Mazda’s 2.5 is sufficiently strong and responsive across the rev range to work well in town or on the highway and returns great fuel economy. The 6 is a pretty big unit, though, so the 2.5-litre turbo’s 170kW of power – and a hefty 420Nm of torque -- are close to Goldilocks numbers for its layout and purpose. A broad, muscular delivery, accompanied by a lovely…

Evolution is the name of the game for one of Australia’s most popular SUVs. Starting from $31,190, the front-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 Maxx vies with Subaru’s Forester and Toyota’s RAV4 for safety honours in this class, with autonomous emergency braking front and rear as standard, plus adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, LED headlights with automatic high beam and rear-parking sensors. Some luxury SUVs at twice the price don’t have this much safety technology. Maxx Sport from $36,490 is also front-wheel drive. Touring specification, from $41,280, offers an all-wheel drivetrain, as does GT, from $46,990, 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’sside memory, leather, a…

McLaren’s 720S coupe range opens at $499,000. Luxury specification is $525,700, as is the Performance variant. The Spider is $556,000. 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. According to McLaren, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 in the 1.4-tonne 720S churns out 530kW (or 720hp, the number that gives the car its name). This is the same as…

Mercedes’ second generation CLA four door coupe, released in 2019, kicks off at $62,100 for the 120kW 1.3-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch automatic/front-wheel drive CLA200. The CLA250, with a 165kW 2.0-litre turbo and all-wheel drive, is $70,100. AMG variants open with the $85,900 CLA35, tested, here, powered by a 225kW 2.0-litre turbo, while the ferocious CLA45S, with the world’s most powerful series production four cylinder engine – a 310kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol – is $112,000. As with the previous model, the CLA sits on the A Class platform, however the second generation has a 30mm longer wheelbase, and the body has grown in width and length as well in the pursuit of greater interior space. Wider tracks at both ends improve stability at speed, while the adoption of multilink rear suspension also…

The Mercedes W205 C Class range opens with the $66,900 C200 sedan, with a 150kW/300Nm, 2.0-litre turbopetrol/nine-speed automatic. The 190kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol C300 is $75,300 and the C300e hybrid is $85,100. In AMG territory, the 287kW/520Nm 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 C43 is $113,700 and the big banger C63S, with a 375kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, is $168,300. Each drivetrain is also available in the Estate wagon, starting at $69,500 for the C200 and topping out at $171,000 for the C63S. Coupes start at $71,900 for the C200 and top out at $173,500 for the C63S. Cabriolets start at $94,100 for the C200 and top out at $194,000 for the C63S. In late 2019 Mercedes revised the C Class’s drivetrain lineup. It dropped the mild hybrid 135kW/280Nm 1.5-litre four cylinder turbopetrol…

The shape of things to come from Mercedes-Benz has a familiar form. The German car maker’s first pure EV, the EQC 400 is, surprise, surprise, a family sized SUV, priced at $141,400. While SUVs are hugely popular, there are other reasons car makers favour an SUV-like shape for upmarket EVs. Their tall bodies accommodate a massive slab of underfloor batteries, while leaving space for a roomy passenger compartment above, and without looking weird. The EQC has a lithium-ion battery pack weighing 650kg. Protected by a strong impact-absorbing perimeter, it’s almost as wide as the vehicle and takes up most of the underfloor space between the front and rear axles. Each axle is driven by a 150kW electric motor via a fixed-ratio gear, making the EQC all-wheel-drive. All of the EQC’s…

It has an MG badge, so even though it’s a mid-sized SUV, it should be on the sporty side, right? Guess again. Now owned by Chinese-State giant SAIC Motor, the MG badge is just that: a badge. There’s no pukka Brit sports car DNA in the HS - not a shred - but MG’s current owners admit as much and believe the HS (which replaces the GS) is worth your attention on its gear-for-the-money equation rather than its driving experience. And when it comes to that value story, well, the MG makes a pretty convicincing case. The range kicks off with the 119kW/250Nm 1.5-litre four cylinder turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch auto/front wheel drive Core at $28,990. Vibe is $29,990, Excite is $32,990 and Essence is $36,990. Excite X, with a 168kW/360Nm…

Mini’s SUV range, powered by BMW drivetrains, opens with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch automatic/front-wheel-drive Countryman, priced at $44,500. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol Cooper S is $52,900. The all-wheel drive John Cooper Works Pure model, the performance variant with a 225kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, costs $61,915 with an eight-speed automatic. With adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloys and a bit of extra bling, the fully loaded John Cooper Works Countryman is $67,818. A plug-in hybrid Cooper S E model, priced at $60,900, claims an electric-only range of 60km or so, but based on our test of the previous model you should take that claim with a grain of salt. It also has an all-wheel drivetrain. The original 2011 Countryman was the first family-size Mini. It won new customers and retained owners who…

The Eclipse Cross slots into Mitsubishi’s SUV portfolio between the compact ASX and midsize Outlander. Powered by a 1.5-litre four cylinder turbopetrol/continuously variable transmission (CVT), the range opens with the front-wheel drive ES at $30,290. LS is $32,590, or $35,090 with all-wheel drive. Aspire front-wheel drive is $34,990. We’re testing the mid-spec Exceed, at $38,290; it’s also available with all-wheel drive, at $40,790. Exceed specification covers most of what a family needs and wants in a wagon; it also adds bonus luxe, such as a double-sized sunroof, heated, leather-faced, power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone air. Fake carbon and high-gloss black plastic, framed by sweeping silver trim, adorn a twin cockpit-style dash with conventional instruments. Eclipse is made in Japan, so fit and finish are excellent. Infotainment includes an eight-inch touchscreen.…

Nissan’s Juke is a compact SUV, close in size to the class best seller, Mitsubishi’s ASX. All variants are powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol engine with just 85kW of power – most rivals have 100kW or more. It’s matched to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. There are no all-wheel drive models, so it’s fair to say that the Juke has no off-bitumen pretensions whatsoever. Prices start at $27,990 for the ST; ST+ is $30,740, ST-L (tested here) is $33,940 and Ti is $36,490. Juke is certainly one of the more stylish SUVs out there, with a rakish profile and the obligatory huge alloy wheels that suggest it’s a lot sportier than it actually is. A bulging, bloated, plastic wrapped dash that’s trying hard to do…

Just why Nissan chose to name its small SUV after a group of nomadic tribes from Iran is anybody’s guess. The Qashqai traditionally use donkeys to get around. Presumably that’s not the connection Nissan was trying to make… All models run a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine, with a humble 106kW of power and 200Nm of torque, put to the road via six-speed manual or continuously variable (CVT) transmissions. Qashqai has no off road pretensions, so the entire range is front wheel drive. Pricing opens at $28,290 for the base ST manual. CVT adds $2000; it’s standard on the $32,290 ST+, the $34,300 ST-L, tested here, the $35,900 Midnight Edition and the $38,790 bells and whistles Ti. In addition to ST’s keyless entry and starting, fast glass on all windows (with…

Most car reviewers head for the driver’s seat when a new model arrives. With the seven-seat Peugeot 5008 GT, however, you’re best to start your test drive at the tailgate. You might be wowed by the dealer opening the rear hatch with a deft swing of their foot near a sensor hidden under the bumper. Each of the back two seats can be removed in about 15 seconds, creating a large, deep load area or, if you play with the Meccano-like plastic support planks, a flat cargo space with a cubby underneath. Adding to its flexibility, each of the three seats in the second row can slide forward or back, or be folded flat individually, enabling you to find the right balance between carrying kids and cargo. The final flourish:…

Even Aston Martin admits that for most of existence it has made Russian dolls – one car in several different sizes. But all that changed with the 2017 DB11 grand tourer, the first product of a range renewal plan, and is confirmed by the Vantage. Vantage was launched with a price rise of around $80,000, pitching against the Audi R8 RWS, Porsche 911 GTS and Mercedes-AMG GT S – the best sub-Ferrari performers money can buy. Vantage can hold its head up in this crowd. It has nothing in common with its predecessor but shares a version of Aston’s new generation underpinnings. Like DB11, it uses electronic architecture and a V8 engine sourced from Daimler, maker of Mercedes. The eight-speed manual coupe is $278,900; the eight-speed auto coupe is $299,500.…

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 (and four door Sportback) 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 40TFSI S-Line, priced at $71,900 for the coupe and Sportback. A5 Cabriolet is priced at $85,800. Far from being sparsely equipped, A5 includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, a reverse camera, satellite navigation, adaptive matrix LED headlights, digital radio, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control and 19-inch alloys.…

Audi’s five seater Q8 is based on the seven-seater Q7, but with a sleeker, sharper profile, a coupe roofline, a few dimensional adjustments and whopper 21 inch alloy wheels to give it a sportier stance. The Q8 55TFSi quattro, priced at $130,200, runs a 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol engine with 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque, matched with an eight-speed automatic and all wheel drive. It’s a mild hybrid, with 48-volt electrics, a lithium ion battery and a starter motor that can also give the engine a high voltage boost of up to 6kW of power and 60Nm of torque, for five seconds, when you plant the accelerator. The engine is also switched off and decoupled from the transmission in “coasting” mode, on a light throttle between 55-160km/h, yielding fuel…

BMW’s 2011-2019 One Series was the last rear wheel drive hatchback on the market. The 2021 118i, tested here, uses the same body architecture and front wheel drivetrain as the five door Mini (a brand owned by BMW) and the X1/X2 small SUVs. It’s priced at $47,900. That’s big money for a 1.5-litre hatchback with a mere 103kW of power. A Toyota Corolla, with 125kW up front, can be had for around $25,000. The Mini Cooper five door – same car, different box, remember – costs around $34,000. The 128ti, also front-wheel drive, with a 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, is $56,900. The M135i xDrive Pure, at $65,900, runs a 225kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, matched with an all-wheel drivetrain. Another $5000 buys more frills. Climb into the 118i and your money appears well…

BMW’s seventh-generation 5 Series range opens with the $99,900 520i, with a 135kW/290Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol four, matched with an eight-speed automatic. At The $119,900 530i, tested here, has a 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol four. Six cylinder power starts with the $125,900 530d, with a 195kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight six. The 530e, a 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 67km on electricity alone, is $122,900. The 390kW/750Nm, 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 M550i xDrive Pure is $139,900, or $154,900 without the Pure tag but with more gear. This model gets an all-wheel drivetrain. The 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre V8 M5 Competition, also with all-wheel drive, costs $246,900. The 467kW M5 CS is $274,900. Every model in the 5 Series line-up comes standard with the suite of radar- and camera-reliant aids BMW calls Driving…

BMW’s first X5, launched in 2000, immediately became the benchmark against which all other SUVs have since been judged. This fourth generation opens with the 170kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive xDrive 25d, priced at $104,900. We’re testing the xDrive 30d, the top selling variant with a 195kW/620Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel, priced at $121,900. The xDrive 40i, with a 250kW/450Nm turbopetrol six, is $124,900, the xDrive 45e hybrid is $135,900 and the M50i, with a 390kW/750Nm twin turbopetrol 4.4-litre V8 is $157,900, or $142,900 in Pure specification, with the same drivetain but less bling. The hotrod X5 M, with the V8 chipped for 460kW, is $221,900. This model expanded in all directions, notably in width and wheelbase. It’s still a five seater, with a third row option. Serious effort…

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, released in 2017. It’s priced at $613,888 for the Superfast coupe. This is almost $80,000 less than the car it replaced, the F12berlinetta. The 812 GTS Spider is $675,888. The headline change was the 812’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 made major improvements to the intake and fuel-injection systems. In its new 6.5L capacity, the V12 wails…

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 $41,400, 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. A Fastback variant (pictured), with a longer, lower coupe style body, costs $42,910. It features the same drivetrain as the hatch, and comparable standard equipment. The introduction of the Fastback brought a revised suspension package, now also fitted to the hatch. A slightly softer front end sharpens initial turn-in, improves ride…

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is the first major update since the original model arrived in 2017. There are six models, starting with the base Kona, priced from $26,600. Active is priced from $28,200, Elite from $31,600 and Highlander from $38,000. These are powered by a 110kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, matched to a CVT auto and front-wheel drive. New for 2021 are Kona N-Line and N-Line Premium, both all-wheel-drive and powered by a 146kW, 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol matched to a seven-speed twin clutch automatic. The first SUVs to wear Hyundai’s sports N label are priced at $36,300 and $42,400.. Kona includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise, 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple Car Play, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and a rear camera. Kona Active gains leather seats, 17-inch alloy…

Hyundai’s 2021 Santa Fe range opens with the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive Wagon, at $44,700. Active is $48,300, Elite is $54,300 and Highlander is $61,700. The 148kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive Wagon, tested here, is $48,200. Active is $51,800, Elite is $57,800 and Highlander is $65,200. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel produces hefty outputs for its size and is one of the best four-cylinder turbodiesels in the business, matching (or beating) the best German engines in performance, refinement and fuel efficiency. It’s very responsive from low revs, exceptionally smooth and strong in the midrange and pulls willingly across the top end to well past 4500rpm. Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart (adaptive) drivetrain modes can be selected, and auto stop/start is fitted. The eight-speed dual clutch automatic is a seamless with the…

It was only five 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 fourth-generation Carnival people mover starts at $46,880 for the 216kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic S model. Si grade is $52,380, SLi is $56,880 and Platinum is $64,680. The 148kW 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is available in the same model grades at a $2000 premium. Carnival is a big, heavy wagon with a long wheelbase and ostensibly eight seats, so the relatively high 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 eight passengers, with each in an…

Kia’s Sportage SUV, which shares architecture with Hyundai’s Tucson and, size-wise, bridges the gap between compact and medium wagons, starts at $29,490 for the S front-wheel drive six-speed manual. 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. S six-speed auto is $31,490. The base drivetrain is also offered in SX at $31,590 ($33,590 auto) and the auto SX+ priced at $38,790. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel (with 136kW and 400Nm) with on-demand all-wheel drive is available across all grades at $36,890 for the S, $38,990 for SX, $44,190 for the SX+ and $48,990 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 $46,090.…

The Lexus IS sedan range opens with the 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four-cylinder IS 300, available in Luxury and F Sport grades, priced at $61,500 and $70,000 respectively. The 232kW 3.6-litre V6 IS 350 is available in F Sport specification only, priced at $75,000. Hybrid power is also available with the IS300h, priced at $64,500 for the Luxury and $73,000 for the F Sport. Two door coupe RC models open with the RC300 Luxury at $67,990. F Sport is $75,736. RC350 Luxury is $70,736; F Sport is $78,736. The go fast RC F, with a 351kW 5.0-litre V8, is $136,636; the Track Edition is $165,117. 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…

This is the third generation of Mazda’s popular small car. The Mazda2 hatch is offered with a 1.5-litre/four-cylinder naturally aspirated, direct-injection petrol engine across three spec levels: Pure, Evolve and GT. Pricing starts at $20,990 for the Pure manual. A six-speed auto adds $2000 and is standard on other models. Evolve is $24,490 and GT is $25,990. Pure and GT are also available as a sedan, at the same prices and specification. All models are well equipped. Pure gets low speed (from speeds up to 30km/h) automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. From Evolve grade up, auto emergency braking in reverse is standard, while the GT adds four camaras that provide a 360 degree bird’s eye view of…

The CX-3 gives Mazda an offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. Powered by a 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, 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 petrol powered spec levels — base Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, premium sTouring and top-shelf Akari. Prices kick off at $22,890 for the Neo Sport front wheel drive manual; Maxx Sport manual is $24,890, STouring is $29,090 and Akari is $34,190. The six-speed automatic adds $2000 and the all wheel…

Mazda’s CX-8 SUV slots between the mid-size CX-5 five-seater and family-sized CX-9 seven-seater. There are four model grades: base Sport front-wheel drive from $39,990, Touring from $47,790, GT from $59,290 and the flagship Asaki from $62,790. Standard fare includes low speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind zone warning, rear-cross traffic alert (and rear AEB), a very effective speed-sign recognition system and built-in navigation. Mazda’s infotainment — with a large dial and buttons that fall neatly within reach of your hand in the centre console — is one of the better systems we’ve used, but does take a bit of practice. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Rear cargo space is generous in the right configuration, though there is only a space-saver spare tyre under the boot floor. The second-row…

Mercedes-Benz fourth generation GLE range opens with the 300d at $107,100. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, with a healthy 180kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The GLE 450 at $119,100 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbopetrol in-line six-cylinder paired to a mild hybrid system (270kW/500Nm), and the GLE 400d at $126,200 is powered by a 243kW/700Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel in-line six-cylinder. The AMG GLE 53 wagon features the 3.0-litre in line twin turbopetrol, tweaked for 320kW/520Nm and fed by an electric compressor. It costs $159,700. Finally, the ballistic AMG GLE 63 S, with a 450kW/850Nm twin turbopetrol 4.0-litre V8, is $220,600. Coupes includes GLE450 ($138,700), GLE53 AMG ($166,500) and GLE63 AMG S, at $225,500. Standard fare includes dual zone air-conditioning with vents to the second-row seats,…

Our piggybank indicates a car that we think represents good value for money against the others in its class. It may not necessarily be the cheapest, but taking into account factors like standard equipment, safety, the way it drives, resale values and quality, it shapes up as a good deal. A capital S indicates a car that scores five stars out of five for occupant protection in ANCAP crash tests and has stability control plus six airbags as standard or as reasonably priced options. You can get full details for individual cars, including recently introduced child-protection ratings for most models, at ancap.com.au If you’re after a safe, practical car in which to carry the kids, look for this symbol. We’ve taken into account things like its ANCAP score, safety features…

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia is aggressively priced and generously equipped. It deserves rivals. Start money is $63,950 for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol Giulia Sport, with 147kW of power and an eight-speed automatic, in a rear-wheel drive layout. Giulia Veloce, at $71,450, 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 Quadrifoglio, priced at $138,950. Up against Audi’s RS5, BMW’s M3 and the Mercedes AMG C 63 S, the Quadrifolglio (or four-leaf clover, Alfa’s historic racing symbol) boasts suitably ballistic…

The base model Audi A1 30 TFSi, priced at $32,750, is a redecorated Volkswagen Polo. Audi is a subsidiary brand of VW. Nearly all of the hardware, including the body, running gear and 85kW 1.0-litre three cylinder turbopetrol/seven speed dual clutch drivetrain, is the same; the sheetmetal and interior design are different. Oh, and the price. The Polo 85TSi Comfortline costs $23,390 – that’s $8960, or nearly 30 percent less, than the Audi. We’re testing the mid-spec 35 TFSi, with a 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol four/seven-speed dual clutch drivetrain, a combination not available in the Polo. It costs $35,290. The 40 TFSi, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four, is $46,450. Pennies have obviously been pinched in the A1, notably in the absence of Audi’s signature quality materials and trim, replaced by…

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. It features 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. RS5 is available as a two door coupe and a five door Sportback, both priced at $150,900. 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…

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 $68,900 for the 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 40 TDI diesel quattro and $69,900 for the 183kW/370Nm 2.0-litre 45 TFSI petrol quattro, the second generation Q5 features mild hybrid drivetrains, 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 airy cabin boasting designer textures, exquisite materials, cocooning silence and exceptional tactility. Thankfully…

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 has certainly seen and remedied the errors of its ways with the M2. The M2 Competition, tested here is priced at $102,900. A six-speed manual is standard; a seven-speed twin clutch M-DCT gearbox adds $7000. The equipment list is extensive and includes electrically adjustable heated seats, leather/Alcantara upholstery, 12 speaker Harman Kardon audio and adaptive headlights. The M2 is not exactly cheap — the Competition is about $8000 dearer than the Mercedes A45 AMG…

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 100 percent owned by BMW. The range opens with the sDrive 18i, at $47,900. sDrive18d is $53,900, sDrive20i is $55,900 and the xDrive25i is $66,900. 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, Sydney-born designer Calvin Luk, the second-generation X1 is better proportioned and with the space-efficient crossways engine/front-wheel-drive layout, BMW’s smallest SUV now has…

There’s a saying the car business that goes like this: “Performance costs money. How fast do you want to go?” There’s much more to a great performance car than sheer speed, though, a fact well demonstrated by Ford’s Fiesta ST. It’s not quite a hot hatch. With 147kW of power from a 1.5-litre three cylinder turbopetrol, let’s call it warm enough. But Ford of Europe, where the ST originates, always turns out a beautifully sorted sports hatchback, including the Fiesta’s big brother, the Focus ST. The reason why both cars work so well is that the vital elements -- performance, handling, ride, steering and braking -- all complement each other and form a tightly integrated package. And being a front wheel drive hatchback, that weighs just 1191kg, the Fiesta is…

The 2021 Ford Escape makes a serious pitch for the performance buyer, with a 183kW/387Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol standard across the range and 0-100km/h in six and a bit seconds. No rival offers anywhere near that sort of performance; in fact most are decidedly unsporty. The Porsche Macan, which will set you back $84,300, also has a 2.0-litre turbopetrol that produces 183kW/370Nm. It hits 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. Escape, then, is a performance SUV bargain, kicking off at $35,000 for the front-wheel drive base model, with an eight-speed auto as standard. ST Line is $37,990 and Vignale is $46,590. ST Line and Vignale are also available with all-wheel drive, priced at $40,990 and $49,590 respectively. A plug-in hybrid is due by the end of the year. Escape is big on safety…

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 $25,990. Then it’s the same drivetrain with more fruit as you move up to the VTi-S (from $30,390), followed by the RS (from $33,690) and then the VTi-LX at $36,240). 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 maintain its eager acceleration right up to the 6600rpm redline (and a bit beyond). The CVT, meanwhile, is quite atypical in that it is not prone to droning. In most…

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 $31,300 for the Vi front-drive 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…

Electric drivetrain technology has progressed to the point where 200km and beyond is now an achievable range, so if you live in a capital city, an electric car is certainly a viable option as your daily driver. Hyundai’s Ioniq is a three-model line-up that includes a pure electric variant, with a claimed range of up to 311km, and a Toyota Prius-style petrol/electric hybrid, where the electric motor’s main function is to improve the efficiency of the petrol engine. Ioniq plug-in, tested here, claims up to 63km on electricity alone from its 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery. In hybrid mode, where it switches between 1.6-litre petrol and battery power, sometimes using both depending upon how and where you’re driving, its range can exceed 600km. Priced from $42,410 in Elite specification, or $46,950 for…

Kona electric is Hyundai’s first battery-powered SUV. Prices start at $62,000 for the Elite. Highlander, which we’re testing here, is $66,000. The 2.0-litre petrol-powered Kona Elite starts at $31,600. Highlander is $38,000. So you’re paying close to twice the price to go EV. Kona’s 150kW single electric motor drives the front wheels. Its 64kWh lithium ion battery now provides a claimed range of up to 484km, up from 450km on the 2020 model. Hyundai quotes zero to 80 percent capacity recharge times extending from 47 minutes on a 100kW DC public fast charger to six hours and 50 minutes with three phase power and an optional 10.5kW on board charger. Using a 10amp household power point will take up to 28 hours. Servicing is cheap because an EV drivetrain has…

Hyundai’s Palisade is a monster-sized, US sourced, luxury SUV that represents great value for money if you need a seven or eight seater wagon. Prices kick off at $60,000 for the 217kW 3.8-litre petrol/eight-speed automatic/front wheel drive Palisade; the 147kW 2.2-litre four cylinder turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive is $64,000. Eight seats, arranged in a 2-3-3 layout, are standard. Highlander specification, with the same drivetrains, costs $71,000 and $75,000 respectively. It also offers the no cost option of substituting two individual middle row seats, with a walk through to the rear bench, for a seven seat layout. Palisade is built to the highest quality standards, exceptionally spacious and comfortable, and loaded with equipment, especially at Highlander level where it rivals the big German wagons such as Audi’s Q7, BMW’s X7 and the…

Jaguar’s F-Pace’s 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 X 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. F-Pace prices begin at $76,244 for the 183kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four P250 R-Dynamic S, with an eight-speed auto and all wheel drive. The SE is $80,584. The 221kW 3.0-litre straight six twin turbodiesel D300 R-Dynamic SE is $96,194. The 294kW 3.0-litre straight six P400, with an electric compressor-driven turbo, is $98,654 in SE specification and $110,404 in HSE trim. Both straight…

Kia’s Cerato hatch range opens with the 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol S, with a six-speed manual, priced at $22,190. A six-speed auto adds $2800. Sport is $24,190/$26,990 and Sport+, with the auto as standard, is $30,040. The 150kW/256Nm 1.6-litre turbo/seven-speed dual clutch automatic GT i $34,190. Cerato sedan is available in the same models grades at the same prices. The 2.0-litre engine is a strong, willing device that returns good economy on regular unleaded, and is a neat fit with the automatic. Kia’s suspension is tailored for our rough roads, so it’s pretty firm. The Cerato is a classy, comfortable piece inside, albeit rather dark and understated in its attempt to mimic a Euro. Autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, parking sensors and full smartphone connectivity are standard. Fit and finish…

Kia’s fourth generation Sorento seven-seater SUV kicks off at $45,850 for the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic/front wheel drive S model. Sport is $48,470, Sport Plus is $52,850 and GT Line is $60,070. A 148kW 2.2-litre four cylinder turbodiesel is paired with a dual clutch eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive in the same model grades: S, at $48,850; Sport at $51,470; Sport Plus at $55,850 (tested here) and GT Line at $63,070. Sport Plus diesel weighs in at around 1.95 tonnes – hefty, but not too bad for a wagon of this size with a diesel engine up front. Kia’s new “Smartstream” turbodiesel is an all alloy engine, that weighs 19kg less than the iron block engine of the same capacity in the previous model. It goes nicely, too, with…

Now in its fourth iteration since 2004, the Japanese-built Mazda 3 hatch and sedan series is nowadays a wholly more upmarket proposition, trespassing on the Volkswagen Golf’s turf. Pricing starts from $25,590 for the 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre Pure six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic adds $1000. Safety is a highlight, with blind-spot monitoring, forward obstruction warning, lane departure alert, lane-keep assist, active cruise control with full stop/go, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure monitoring and seven airbags. Add sophisticated infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, digital radio and navigation, plus digital instrumentation, a head-up display and rain-sensing wipers to the usual spec of rear sensors, reverse camera and 16-inch alloys, and it’s clear that the base model is hardly bare bones. The Evolve, priced from $27,390, boasts…

Mazda’s CX30 shares architecture, front wheel drivetrains and dash layouts with the 3 sedan and hatch, so you could accurately describe it as a Mazda3 wagon. Prices start at $28,990 for the G20 Pure, with a 114kW 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four/six-speed manual. The six-speed automatic is $29,990. Automatic. Evolve is $31,590, Touring is $35,190 and Astina, tested here, is $39,190. G25 variants, with a 139kW 2.5-litre engine, start at $36,690 for the Touring; the Astina is $41,690. All-wheel drive adds $2000 to both G25 models. The X20 Astina all-wheel drive mild hybrid is priced at $46,690. It uses Mazda’s revolutionary new Skyactiv-X engine, the first petrol engine to employ both spark and diesel-style compression ignition. This engine is also available in Astina specification, minus the mild hybrid assitance, for $38,690.…

Mazda’s CX-9 range starts at $45,990 for the 170kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/six-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive Sport. CX9 Touring, with the same drivetrain, is $53,490, GT is $62,990 and Azami is $66,190. All-wheel-drive adds $4000 to each, except top spec Azami, priced at $70,625. We’re testing the base-model CX-9 Sport, and it’s obvious that Mazda has thought about what parents really want. Safety is the obvious priority and here the Mazda excels, with a head-up display, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, a 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…

Mercedes-AMG’s A45S hatchback, and its CLA45S sedan counterpart, are priced respectively at $94,100 and $112,000. Big money for small cars. But their party trick is, well, pretty impressive. It’s the world’s most powerful series production four cylinder engine, a 2.0-litre turbopetrol that produces an astonishing 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. That’s sufficient to fling the A45 from rest to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, en route to a top speed of 270km/h. Its specific power output of 155kW per litre is comparable to or better than many supercar engines. Peak torque is at 5000-5250rpm, while peak power kicks in at 6750rpm, en route to a 7200rpm redline. Power gets to the road via an eight-speed dual clutch automated manual gearbox and all-wheel drive, with torque distributed in any…

Mercedes’ GLB sits in one of those in-between slots on the SUV size scale. It’s a mid-size wagon, but also one of the smaller seven seaters on the market. It goes up against Land Rover’s Discovery Sport, Mazda’s CX8, VW’s Tiguan Allspace and the Skoda Kodiaq. In all of these vehicles, the extra two seats in the back are generally tight for access and overall space. They’re designed for occasional rather than daily use. If you want seven full size seats to transport a tribe on a regular basis, you need a bigger wagon than any of these. GLB prices kick off at $60,200 for the GLB200, with a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbopetrol four driving the front wheels via a seven-speed twin clutch automatic. The GLB250 4Matic, tested here, runs a…

The W213 Mercedes E-Class is an exceptionally sophisticated, complicated piece of rolling digital technology. Great. But as a car, is it any good? We’re in the base-model 145kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol E200, priced at $98,700. The E300, with a 190kW 2.0 turbopetrol, is $117,900. The 155kW E300e plug-in hybrid, which can run for up to 52km on battery power, is $123,500, while the 220kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/mild hybrid E350 is $127,100. The 320kW 3.0-litre twin turbo, all-wheel drive AMG E53 4Matic is $162,300. The 450kW 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 AMG E 63 S 4Matic is $253,900. Coupe variants start at $103,700 for the E200 and cabriolets start at $130,900 for the E300. The E Class cabin is dominated by the beautiful widescreen dash, two upright, hi-res LCD screens bonded together to create…

With its third generation GLS, Mercedes has turned luxury up a notch – and the vehicle has grown in every dimension to behemoth proportions. It now has one of the largest cabins and cargo holds in the class. Prices start at $148,900 for the 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbopetrol GLS 450. The 243kW/700Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel GLS 400d, tested here, is $155,800. The 450kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8/mild hybrid GLS63AMG is $255,700, while the Maybach GLS600 luxo bomber, tuned for 410kW, is $358,300. The first thing you notice when you open the door is the massive widescreen display that stretches across more than half the dash. Two 12.3-inch high-resolution screens side-by-side make it feel like you’re in a cockpit not a car. The model we tested was equipped with a…

The mid-size MG ZS EV is Australia’s cheapest electric car by some margin, at $43,990 drive-away. This undercuts the Hyundai Ioniq, priced at $48,970 plus onroad cost, and the Nissan Leaf, at $49,990 plus on-road costs. However, it’s worth noting petrol-free technology still comes at a premium. The ZS EV is double the cost of the cheapest petrol-powered version, which starts at $21,990 drive-away. That said, it comes well equipped with a full length sunroof, the latest driver assist safety tech and a practical and comfortable cabin, with decent sized door pockets and a generously proportioned centre console with a sliding lid for added convenience. The back seat has a USB connector, two Isofix child restraint locators and three top tether points, so you can fit an old-school kid seat…

Mini’s first production EV – the Mini Electric First Edition, a three door hatch in Cooper S specification – comes to Australia with a truly staggering pricetag of $59,900 drive away. That’s about $13,000 more than the 2.0-litre turbo petrol-powered Cooper S. Mini Electric inherits drivetrain componentry from parent BMW’s EV, the i3. This includes the 135kW electric motor, which drives the front wheels rather than the rears as in the i3. The 32.6 kWh battery pack is good for a claimed 233km. Mini warrants the battery for eight years and claims a recharging time of 35 minutes (to 80 percent) from a 50kW public DC fast charger. Plugged into an 11kW wall-mounted charger in your garage ($2595, plus installation) it takes two and a half hours to get to…

The base ASX 110kW 2.0-litre petrol/five-speed manual front-wheel-drive ES is $23,990. With a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission it’s $26,240, while in MR specification, with CVT as standard, it’s $27,990. LS, also with CVT, is $28,490. A 123kW 2.4-litre petrol engine powers the $30,990 GSR and the top spec Exceed, at $33,490. Mitsubishi dropped all-wheel drive and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel variants in 2019. We haven’t driven the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the ASX -- we tested the 2.2-litre turbodiesel in 2017 -- but we have in Peugeot’s 3008, ASX’s twin under the skin, where it was gutless, noisy, thirsty and as slow as a week of Tuesdays. Given that it’s more like a car than an SUV in its stance, weight and suspension layout, you would expect the ASX to…

Nissan is turning over a new Leaf. The second generation of the world’s best-selling electric car is now available in Australia. With sharper looks, stronger performance and, most important of all, increased driving range, the popular plugin hatchback is selling better than ever around the world. In Norway, for example, the Nissan has been topping the nation’s new-car sales charts since going on sale there in February 2018. After spending quality time with a new Leaf in and around Oslo, is that it’s a pretty persuasive EV. The new model has a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack beneath the floor of its cabin, an increase of 10kWh over the 2012 original. This is enough for a reliable real-world 200-plus km driving range. According to the new and more realistic WLTP energy-consumption…

The base Nissan X-Trail ST, at $30,665, is front-wheel drive and uses a 106kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed manual. The $32,665 ST gains the gutsy 126kW 2.5-litre unit that has served the series since its 2001 inception, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT, or Xtronic in Nissan-speak) a combination that also powers the rest of the petrol engined X-Trail range.. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) ST is $34,665, while the mid-spec ST-L Xtronic 2WD is $38,525. AWD bumps that to $40,525. Finally there’s the flagship $45,965 Ti Xtronic AWD. Seven-seater choices are limited to the ST Xtronic 2WD at $34,265 and the $40,125 ST-L. The 130kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel X-Trail AWD TS X Tronic is $37,465. Since the vast majority of sales are for the 2.5-litre Xtronic, that’s the one…

France leads the world in fashion, cosmetics, couture, cuisine and wine. So why not in luxury automobiles? Enter Peugeot. The carmaker reckons it’s high-time everybody knows the era of bland, bourgeois sedans is over with its latest, eye-catching 508. Peugeot’s second-generation midsizer to wear that moniker is visibly shorter and lower (as well as substantially lighter) than its dullard predecessor, for a sportier, sleeker look. To that end, it also adopts a fastback silhouette, frameless windows, provocative LED lighting and a handy liftback. Priced from $57,490, the 508 GT Fastback is steeper than rivals such as the Volkswagen Passat, but an all-in specification makes up for that. Along with the usual safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping and full-stop/go adaptive cruise, buyers score lovely Nappa leather,…