Innholdsfortegnelse for 63 i Australian New Car Buyer

There’s no doubt that in the 30 years since the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) was established to independently crash test and rate new car safety, a consequence has been much improved crash protection and advanced safety technology. ANCAP, and EuroNCAP, have in the past few years been moving towards much more complex testing regimes, with frequent updates, particularly to include rapidly developing driver assist safety tech such as automated emergency braking, lane keeping and adaptive cruise. ANCAP ratings are valid only for six years, and with the recently updated, tougher test regime introduced in 2023, cars that were tested in 2017 or prior have now lost their old five star ratings. So all of the ANCAP ratings in our roadtests have been updated to reflect this. If an…

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,…

The Audi Q8 55 e-tron marks the major mid-life update to the luxury SUV formally known simply as the e-tron. Priced from $154,600 for the taller wagon-style body shape or $166,600 as a sleeker Sportback – each badged as a 55 model - the dual electric motor Q8 e-tron bears no relation to the similarly-sized Q8 that’s powered by petrol. Down the track there will also be an SQ8 e-tron that utilises a triple electric motor set-up — one at the front and two at the rear — as the performance hero of the range. The five-seater Audi comes with 20-inch wheels, head-up display, 360-degree camera, ambient lighting and heated and electrically adjustable front seats, faced in leather, with memory settings for the driver’s seat. The dash is a digital…

The third generation Audi Q3 might be labelled an SUV but as with many of its peers it could easily be described as a high-riding hatchback. It delivers the usual SUV attributes: taller driving position, better vision around the car, and a higher “hip point”, making it easier to get in and out. All this in a package that fits in the same size parking space as a Toyota Corolla. Little wonder compact SUVs are so popular. Prices start from $54,600 plus on-road costs for the 35 TFSi, powered by a carryover 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) matched to a six-speed S-tronic twin clutch auto driving the front wheels. The coupe-style S Line Sportback, with the same drivetrain, starts at $58,200. The 40TFSi, with a 132kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed S-tronic/quattro…

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 $140,300, 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…

The BMW i4 is a quick’n’ easy way for the German brand to bring electric motoring to its heartland. Priced from $85,900 for the eDrive35, the i4 shares its body with the petrol-powered 4-Series Gran Coupe, which itself shares plenty with the 3-Series that is BMW’s most iconic model. Design differences between the regular 4-Series and i4 include the enclosed grille and blue highlights, complete with blue rings around the badges. The eDrive 35 and eDrive40 ($102,900) both have a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. The $133,900 i4 M50 adds a front motor for all-wheel drive and an extra whack of power. Five years charging across the Chargefox network is included. Options include the Executive pack (Harman Kardon audio and dashcam), Comfort pack (lumbar support and heated seats/steering…

The BMW M3 is the high-performance version of the brand’s popular 3-Series sedan and Touring wagon. It’s also available in two-door coupe and convertible body styles, badged as the M4. Competition variants have more power and go-fast gear for a sportier drive, plus the option of xDrive all-wheel drive for added traction over the reardrive models. Pricing starts at $161,300 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual M3 sedan. The Competition eight-speed auto is $171,600 and the xDrive drive version is $177,800. A race-focussed CS sedan is $249,900 and the Touring wagon, available only with the Competition xDrive pack, is $180,100. M4 models start with the rearwheel drive manual coupe, at $168,700. The Competition xDrive automatic is $186,500 and the Competition xDrive automatic convertible is $197,900. Standard features include a…

The BYD (that’s Build Your Dreams) Dolphin is a small five-door hatchback EV, about the size of the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30. Priced from $38,890 plus on-road costs, it’s one of the cheapest electric cars on the market and is available in two models: entry-level Dynamic and the better-equipped Premium, at $44,890. Both get 16-inch alloy wheels, fake leather, electrically adjustable front seats, smart key entry (plus you can use your phone as a key), wireless phone charger, digital/FM radio (but no AM), heated front seats, USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear and a glass sunroof. You can also monitor the vehicle remotely via an app and perform over-the-air software updates, similar to those on a smartphone. Dolphin has a five-inch digital instrument cluster and a…

Citroen’s gorgeous C5 X is one of those wagons that blurs the line between car and SUV. It’s a sizeable five seater, with a longer wheelbase than some seven seaters, and a low, sleek, almost coupe style roofline. There’s one model only – in Shine specification – priced at $57,670, which is not bad for an SUV of this size that packs every piece of driver assist safety tech in the book — including intelligent adaptive cruise and long range blind spot monitoring — plus lots of luxe in a very French, very chic cabin. There’s real leather upholstery (instead of the fake stuff the Germans use), heated front seats, adjustable cabin lighting, a big sunroof, 12-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, four USB C…

Fact: Ferrari’s first plug-in hybrid sports car has an electric motor that’s more powerful than the V12s of the brand’s earliest road cars. The compact axial-flux e-motor in the 296 GTB has an output higher than the 2.0-litre V12 of the famed 166 racer from the late 1940s-early 1950s, for example. The e-motor of the 296 GTB produces 122kW, but it’s definitely the sidekick of the car’s double-act drivetrain. The star of the show is Ferrari’s first road car V6. (The company points out that the lovely 246 of the ‘70s wore a Dino badge, not the prancing horse). Codenamed F163, the new V6’s 120-degree angle is unusual; 60- or 90-degrees are the V6 norms. But Ferrari’s engineers point to the advantages: plenty of room for a pair of turbochargers…

The GWM Ora is, as we go to press in mid 2024, the most affordable electric car on the market. Priced from $35,990 drive away, the small electric hatchback has Mini-inspired styling and lots of standard equipment. Included are 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and matching infotainment touchscreen, quilted fake leather seats, powered driver’s seat, wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The warranty is also generous at seven years/unlimited km, and annual services are $99 a pop for five years/75,000km. The entry-level Ora Standard Range has a claimed EV range of just 310km from its 48kWh battery, so it’s not the sort of car you’ll be heading off on road trips in. For that, you need the Ora Extended Range ($40,990), with…

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 mid-size electric SUV opens at $65,000 for the 125kW/350Nm rear wheel drive base model, with a 58kWh battery that’s good for a claimed 384km of range. The Ioniq also comes with a 168kW/350Nm electric motor and a77.4kWhbatterythat’s good for a claimed 507km. It’s priced at $71,000. Ioniq 5 Dynamiq with this drivetrain is priced at $76,000. With a 74kW motor on the front, for a combined output of 239kW, plus a hefty 605Nm of torque, the awd Dynamiq is $80,500. The all-wheel drive range is 454km. Ioniq 5 Epiq costs $79,500 with rear wheel drive or $84,000 with all wheel drive. At the top of the range, Ioniq 5 N, priced at $111,000, is a genuine high performance EV, with dual electric motors (one on each axle,…

Hyundai’s Venue, a small SUV, starts at $22,000 (plus on road costs) for the six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic adds $2000. 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), wireless phone charging, front USB A and C ports, Bluetooth and cruise control. Active specification, at $26,250 (automatic only, tested here) adds 17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors and a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever. The auto-only Elite, with a sunroof, tinted rear glass, two rear USB C ports, navigation with live traffic updates, digital radio and automatic air-con, is $28,750. Hyundai’s Bluelink, a subscription based…

The Hyundai Tucson range starts from $35,150 and tops out at $54,650.There are three model grades. The base model is simply called Tucson, and then there is the Tucson Elite (from $40,150) and Tucson Highlander (from $47,150). An optional N-Line pack — which adds larger alloy wheels and upgraded interior appointments — is available on all three model grades. The base model comes exclusively with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched to a six-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive. Elite and Highlander also offer a 1.6-litre turbopetrol and seven-speed twin clutch auto, or a 2.0-litre turbo diesel paired to an eight-speed auto. Both are matched to all-wheel-drive, and run on regular unleaded. Both petrol versions of the Hyundai Tucson run on on regular unleaded but the 1.6 turbo has shorter service intervals…

EVs are not usually associated with high performance motoring. Virtuous but dull is a more common perception. However there is no reason why electricity can’t deliver just as many thrills, and pointy end performance, as petrol. The old petrol-power adage, though, applies also to EVs: “Performance costs money. How fast do you want to go?” Porsche was the first to answer this question in 2020 with its revolutionary Taycan EV. Now Kia has joined the high-performance EV contest with its new EV6 GT, priced at $99,590. A pair of electric motors — front-axle mounted 160kW and 270kW rear mounted – deliver a combined 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque. That’s 80 percent more poke than the most powerful of the regular EV6 models, the 239kW AWD dual motor variant.…

The Kia Niro is a mid size SUV with electrified drivetrains, comparable in size to Kia’s petrol-powered Seltos and Hyundai’s Kona. Prices open at $44,930 for the hybrid S, with a 1.6-litre petrol four/six-speed dual clutch automatic and electric motor. Combined outputs are 104kW of power and 265Nm of torque, and claimed fuel consumption is 4.0L/100km. It’s a conventional series/parallel hybrid in which the engine does most of the work but its performance and efficiency are boosted by the electric motor. It can’t run for any distance on electricity alone. Niro Hybrid GT Line is $50,580. Pure EV Niro models kick off at $66,950 for the S, tested here. A 68.4kWh battery powers a 150kW/255Nm electric motor and drive is sent to the front wheels via a single speed transmission.…

Kia’s fourth-generation Carnival people mover starts at $47,480 for the 216kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic S model. Si grade is $52,980, SLi is $57,780 and Platinum is $65,580. 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 latest Sportage is a twin under the skin with Hyundai’s Tucson. Both are much improved SUVs compared with their predecessors, and have effectively moved up a size too, offering greater interior space. This, plus comprehensive driver assist safety tech, now puts the Hyundai and Kia firmly into the family SUV category, where they compete against Nissan’s X-Trail, Subaru’s Forester and the Toyota RAV4. Value for money is still a key part of the Kia’s appeal, as is its seven years warranty — two years longer than Hyundai. Fifth generation Sportage kicks off at $32,995 for the carryover 115kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol/six-speed manual/front wheel drive S model. A six-speed auto variant, tested here, adds $2000. This drivetrain tops out at $42,050 for the SX+. A 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch automatic/all-wheel…

The second generation Lexus NX makes several steps forward in terms of a more user-friendly infotainment system and advanced safety aids across the range. Build quality inside and out — as well as the overall presentation of the vehicle — remain first-class. There’s also more room in the cabin and cargo hold than before, plus a greater choice of drivetrain options — including a plug-in hybrid. Under the skin it shares architecture and mechanicals with the Toyota RAV4, though a couple of variants are bespoke. NX prices start from $62,275 for the base NX250 Luxury and rise to $90,948 for the NX450+ F Sport hybrid AWD The NX250 front-wheel drive is powered by a non-turbo 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol (with 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque), NX350 AWD uses a…

Indian automotive giant Mahindra’s XUV700 is its most sophisticated offering yet, a big seven-seater SUV that’s spacious, stylish and packs the sort of drivetrain, safety, infotainment and luxury that’s normally available a long way north of a $36,990 driveaway starting price. That’s the ask for the base AX7, which features an all-digital dash with dual 10.25 inch instruments and infotainment screens, a full length sunroof, fake leather upholstery, three zone air and 18-inch alloys. Safety kit includes adaptive cruise, lane keep assist and speed sign recognition. The AX7-L, at $39,990 driveaway, adds blind spot monitoring, 360 degree cameras, great sounding 12 speaker audio, stop and go in traffic function for the adaptive cruise, wireless phone charging, and silly pop-out electric door handles that are just begging to be ripped off…

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 $22,870 for the Puremanual. Asix-speed auto adds $2000 and is standard on other models. Pure SP is $25,670, Evolve is $26,370 and GT is $28,070. 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…

The CX-60 is a mid-sized SUV that kicks off at $60,400 plus on-road costs for the Evolve G40E, with a new 209kW/450Nm 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbopetrol engine. Grab the 187kW/550Nm D50E turbodiesel (of the same straight six configuration) and it’s another $2000. Or there’s a plug-in hybrid EV (P50E) that’s almost $11,000 more again (from $72,200). For that you get fake leather, dual-zone ventilation, digital instruments, 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on a 10.25-inch screen. It’s an $8000 jump to the GT, which adds 20-inch wheels, powered front seats, heated steering wheel, heated seats and a Bose sound system. Or you can go all out with the Azami (starting at $73,600) with Nappa leather, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats and memory controls…

Some car makers want to make a big statement with their new EVs, so they go for styling that’s different to your olde worlde internal combustion engine (ICE) car or SUV. The nerdmobile — Nissan’s Leaf being a prime example — and the futuristic techno-wow transformer look — think Kia EV6 — are two distinctive EV designs. But Mercedes’ EQA looks like just another version of the GLA compact SUV, because that’s what it is. You wouldn’t know it’s an EV until you push the start button and wonder why it’s not making any noise. Like BMW with its “i” brand, and Volkswagen’s “ID”, Mercedes has adopted EQ — a wordplay on IQ – to denote its EVs. The last letter references a connection to Mercedes’ ICE model lines. EQA250…

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 from $126,675. Mercedes hiked the price by $3500-plus in 2023. 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,…

The MG4 is the first electric car from the value-focused brand to be built on a dedicated EV architecture, which allows key components to be ideally positioned to maximise cabin space. About the size of a Toyota Corolla, the Chinese-made MG4 is an all-electric five-door priced from $39,990 drive away. It’s one of the most affordable EVs on the market. For now, there are four models in the MG4 range, but it’s the most affordable 51 Excite — the number refers to the battery capacity in kilowatt-hours — that is of most interest, courtesy of its sharp pricing. It gets 17-inch alloy wheels, smart key entry, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also iSmart app connectivity to connect…

The base ASX 110kW 2.0-litre petrol/five-speed manual front-wheel-drive GS is $24,490. With a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission it’s $26,740, while in ES specification, with CVT as standard, it’s $27,990. MR, also with CVT, is $29,740 and LS is $30,490. A 123kW 2.4-litre petrol engine powers the $32,740 MR Plus and the top spec Exceed, at $35,240. 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 now superseded model share 3008 (since replaced by a new bespoke SUV from the French brand), 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…

The seventh-generation Nissan Zed is a reskin of the 2008 model, now with a 298kW/475Nm twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 (borrowed from its Infiniti luxury division) and nine-speed automatic transmission replacing its predecessor’s 245kW/363Nm 3.7-litre atmo V6/seven-speed auto. It’s still rear wheel drive, of course. That’s the whole point. The Z has always been pitched as an old school purist’s sportscar, so the six-speed manual also carries over. The six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic Z are both $75,800. The flagship Z Nismo, priced at $94,000 (with the nine-speed transmission) is a limited edition that Nissan says is sold out, for now. It features higher outputs of 309kW/520Nm, additional drive modes, transmission and launch control tweaks, wider, lighter, 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, larger front rotors and Recaro seats. It’s available in a…

Nissan’s Qashqai is a Euro-designed and engineered compact SUV. Qashqai runs a 110kW/250Nm 1.3-litre four cylinder turbopetrol/continuously variable automatic/front wheel drivetrain. Prices open at $33,890 for the base ST; ST+ is $37,890, ST-L is $42,190 and top spec Ti, tested here, is $47,390. That’s a hefty whack, but this Qashqai, launched in 2022, takes a significant step up from its underwhelming predecessor in quality, refinement, engineering sophistication and standard equipment. Ti includes, for example, leather upholstery, heated front seats with a massage function, 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay, a full length sunroof, Bose audio, hands free power tailgate, automatic parking, wireless phone charging and adaptive LED matrix headlights. So it’s pricey, but it’s loaded. Base ST isn’t short-changed either, with comprehensive driver assist safety tech…

Alfa Romeo’s compact Tonale Hybrid SUV is available in three variants. Tonale Ti and Veloce (tested here), priced at $50,900 and $58,900 respectively, are powered by a 1.5-litre four cylinder turbopetrol engine, matched with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic and 48 volt mild hybrid electrification. Tonale Veloce Plug-In Hybrid, at $78,500, adds a 15.5kWh battery that gives it a claimed EV range of up to 60km. The plug-in drivetrain also features a 1.3-litre four cylinder turbopetrol engine/six-speed automatic that drives the front wheels and an electric motor-driven rear axle. Combined output is 208kW. Mild hybrid electrification is not true hybrid technology, at least in the sense that the electric components in the drivetrain contribute in any meaningful way. Rather, its main purpose is to improve fuel efficiency in city driving…

The base model Audi A1 30 TFSi, priced at $36,200, 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 Life with the same drivetrain costs $29,490 — that’s $6710 less than the Audi. We’re testing the mid-spec A1 35 TFSi, with a 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol four/seven-speed dual clutch drivetrain, a combination not available in the Polo. It costs $39,200. It’s worth noting, though, that you can get into the VW Golf, a larger car with a 110kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol/eight-speed automatic, from $39,190. The A1 40 TFSi, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol…

Audi Q5 prices kick off from $73,400 for the 120kW/370Nm, 2.0-litre turbodiesel, front-wheel drive 35 TDi. You’ll pay $87,000 for the 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 40 TDI Sport diesel quattro and $89,400 for the 183kW/370Nm 2.0-litre 45 TFSI Sport petrol quattro. Coupe-style Sportback versions of the 40 and 45 cost $89,900 and $97,600 respectively. 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) 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…

The BMW iX1 is an electric SUV that utilises the body and interior layout of the petrol-powered X1 compact five-seater. It’s priced from $78,900 for the base front-wheel drive eDrive20 xLine. Splash out another $6000 and you get the xDrive30 xLine that adds another electric motor for all-wheel drive. An M Sport version is the same price. Fake leather, electric seats, dual-zone air, smart key entry, powered tailgate and a wireless phone charger are standard. There are 18-inch wheels on the two xLine variants and 19s on the M Sport, which also gets a more aggressive body kit and M badging liberally applied inside and out. An option pack includes a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio. The iX1 also comes with a 12 months subscription…

BMW’s 2011-2019 One Series was the last rear wheel drive hatchback on the market. The latest 118i M Sport, 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 $54,800. 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 about $35,000. The Mini Cooper Classic five door — same car, different box, remember — costs $40,800. The 128ti, also front-wheel drive, with a 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, is $61,900. The M135i xDrive, at $76,600, runs a 225kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, matched with an all-wheel drivetrain. Climb into the 118i and your money appears well spent. There’s no whiff…

The X1 is the most affordable SUV from BMW, even with a $6500 price hike in mid 2023. Prices start at $60,400 for the sDrive 18i that gets a 115kW/230Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol engine driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. There is also a $70,400 xDrive 20i, which gets a 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/all-wheel drivetrain. The M Sport version is priced at $73,400. The M35i xDrive hotrod, at $90,900, runs a 233kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air, powered tailgate, head-up display, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto presented on a 10.7-inch curved central display that flows into a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Driver assist technology includes adaptive cruise, blind spot warning, door exit warning and lane departure…

BMW recently hiked X5 prices by $8000-$10,000 as part of a major update that includes more powerful mild hybrid drivetrains. The range now opens with the xDrive 30d, running a 210kW/650Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel, priced at $134,900. The xDrive 40i, with a 280kW/520Nm turbopetrol six, is $138,900, the 360kW/700Nm xDrive 50e plug-in hybrid is $149,900 and the M60i, with a 390kW/750Nm twin turbopetrol 4.4-litre V8 is $172,900. The hotrod X5 M, with the V8 chipped for 460kW, is $241,900. This G05 X5, launched in 2018, expanded in all directions, notably in width and wheelbase. It’s still a five seater, with a third row option. Serious effort went into upgrading infotainment and connectivity on the 2023 update. The “BMW Curved Display” now includes all digital instruments in a 12.3 inch…

The BYD Seal is a mid-sized electric sedan designed to take the fight to the popular Tesla Model 3. Priced from $49,888 for the entry-level Dynamic, it also comes loaded with gear including 18-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, dual wireless phone chargers a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.6-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. That central screen rotates 90 degrees, too, allowing you to choose between a landscape or portrait configuration. It’s a neat trick to show friends, but in everyday driving it’s less useful. That’s in part because anyone wearing polarised sunglasses will be staring at a black screen when it’s in its upright portrait mode. Apple CarPlay only operates in the landscape layout.…

The badge resembles an alien and some of the styling appears to be inspired by Lamborghini. Meet Cupra, the performance offshoot of Volkswagen-owned Spanish brand Seat. Like another VW-owned brand, Skoda, the Cupra range is underpinned by VW platforms and mechanicals, including drivetrains. However Cupra is pitched as a much sportier brand than the relatively prosaic Skoda. You just have to look at the different styling to work that out. In many ways it’s a case of same chocolates, but in very different boxes. You’ll also find a lot of VW bits under the bonnet of an Audi, but that’s something VW — and certainly Audi — don’t advertise. Formentor is a mid-size SUV that, like VW’s Tiguan, uses Golf underpinnings. Formentor V, with a 140kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/sevenspeed dual clutch…

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is nothing like other Mustangs. It’s powered purely by electricity and is a mid-size SUV aimed at the growing family EV market, with an emphasis on everyday practicality rather than going fast and making noise. The Mach-E is available in three models: Select, the more luxurious Premium and high-performance GT. Select sells from $72,990 plus on-road costs and includes 19-inch wheels, fake leather, a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats (with memory for the driver), heated front seats, heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, wireless phone charging, 360-degree camera and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. There’s also a slim 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and enormous 15.5-inch central infotainment screen. The Mach-E has remote connectivity for over-the-air software updates that can monitor the vehicle and lock and…

After a stalled start more than a decade ago, Chinese car giant Great Wall Motors is beginning to find traction in Australia. The company is now called GWM Haval, with utility vehicles wearing GWM badges and SUVs wearing both GWM and Haval logos. The Haval H6 lands in the heart of the market, with a four-model range priced from $33,990 drive-away for the Premium, $36,990 for the Lux, $39,990 for the Ultra and $40,990 for the Vanta. All-wheel-drive adds $3000 to Ultra and Vanta. The “sporty” (well, not really) GT variant is $40,990 in front-wheel drive Lux spec and $46,490 as the AWD Ultra. We also tested the Ultra hybrid, which runs a 179kW/530Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol/electric drivetrain priced at $45,990. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and…

Slotting between the compact HR-V and mid-sized CR-V, the Honda ZR-V is targeting the sweet spot of the SUV market. Priced from $40,200 drive-away for the VTi-X model, the five-seat ZR-V comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air, smart key entry and Android Auto/wireless Apple CarPlay displayed on a 9-inch touchscreen. There’s also auto braking, lane keep assist, speed sign recognition and five years’ access to the Honda Connect app, which allows you to monitor and lock the car remotely as well as activate the air-con. The VTi-L ($43,200) adds 18-inch wheels, paddle shifters, tinted windows, heated front seats, powered tailgate and fake leather, while VTi-LX spec ($48,500) tops the lineup with partial leather trim, a wireless phone charger, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, alloy pedals, 360-degree camera and…

Honda’s sixth generation CRV, the largest to date, is available with five or seven seats, and front or all-wheel drivetrains. Start money is $44,500 drive away for the base VTi X, powered by a carryover 1.5-litre turbopetrol four with a healthy 140kW of power and 240Nm of torque. A continuously variable automatic sends drive to the front wheels. VTi L is $48,800, or $51,300 with all-wheel drive. VTi LX with AWD is $57,000. Seven-seaters include VTi X7, at $46,800 and VTi L7, at $53,000. In both, the third row folds into the boot floor. New to CRV is a five-seater petrol/electric hybrid, badged e:HEV RS, tested here. It’s priced at $59,900. The front-wheel drivetrain uses a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine supplying both motive power (at highway speeds) and electricity…

Hyundai i30 prices open at $24,000 for the 120kW 2.0-litre/six-speed manual i30 hatch. A six-speed auto adds $2000. Active auto is $27,500 and Elite auto is $30,800. A punchy 150kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol powers the N-Line hatch, priced at $30,500. Premium is $35,300. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission adds $2000 to both models. The i30 sedan was extensively updated for 2024. The base model, with a 110kW 2.0-litre petrol and a CVT transmission, starts at $29,000. Elite is $33,500 and Premium is $38,500. N-Line manual sedan, with the same 1.6-litre turbopetrol drivetrain as the hatch, is $36,000; the seven-speed DCT adds $5500. New to the range is a petrol/electric hybrid, priced at $33,000 and available only in the sedan. It runs a 1.6-litre petrol engine/six-speed dual clutch automatic, with electric motor…

Hyundai’s second generation Kona is a great improvement over its predecessor and is now one of the class leaders, joining Toyota’s Corolla Cross, Nissan’s Qashqai, Subaru’s Crosstrek, VW’s T-Roc and the Honda HRV at the premium end of the compact SUV field. Kona prices open at $32,000, which gets you a carryover 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre petrol/CVT/front wheel drivetrain; Premium specification is $39,500. The N-Line equipment option, which on the base model includes digital instruments, LED headlights and paddle shifters, adds $2000 to both. Also carried over is Kona’s 146kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, matched now with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, priced at $36,000, or $43,500 for the Premium. Again, the N-Line option, which on the base 1.6 includes leather/Alcantara upholstery — adds $2000. Kona hybrid features a 104kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/electric…

Hyundai’s Palisade is a monster-sized, US sourced, luxury SUV that’s still a bargain compared with German brand seven or eight seater wagons, even though Hyundai has hiked the entry price by almost $11,000 over the past two years. Prices now kick off at $66,800 for the 217kW 3.8-litre petrol/eight-speed automatic/front wheel drive Palisade Elite; the 147kW 2.2-litre four cylinder turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive is $69,900. Calligraphy drivetrain variants are $75,900/$79,900 respectively, while Calligraphy Black Ink (seriously?…) costs $76,900/$80,900. Eight seats, arranged in a 2-3-3 layout, are standard. A no cost option substitutes 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 Calligraphy level where…

Although they look slightly different, as far as the hardware you can’t see is concerned, including the EV drivetrains, Kia’s EV6 is the same car as Hyundai’s Ioniq5. Kia prices start at $72,590 for the 168 kW single motor/rear-wheel EV6 Air. GT Line is $79,590. Kia claims a range of up to 528km; with the identical drivetrain, Hyundai claims 507km for the Ioniq 5 Dynamiq. In the GT-Line dual electric motor/all-wheel drive model tested here, most numbers are the same as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Techniq and Epiq. Both produce 239kW of power and 605Nm of torque and claim a pretty rapid 5.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. EV6 also has a the same capacity battery (77.4kWh) but a claimed maximum range of 484km vs the Hyundai’s 454km. The Kia,…

Kia’s Cerato hatch range opens with the 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol S, with a six-speed auto, priced at $27,060. Sport is $29,160 and Sport+ is $32,210. The 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo/seven-speed dual clutch automatic GT i $36,860. 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 and parking sensors are standard. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and other safety tech is a $1000 option on S…

Kia’s fourth generation Sorento seven-seater SUV kicks off at $50,680 for the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic/front wheel drive S model. Sport is $53,300, Sport Plus is $58,230 and GT Line is $65,590. 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 $53,680; Sport at $56,300; Sport Plus at $61,230 (tested here) and GT Line at $68,590. A 2024 update brings an EV9-style facelift, digital instruments and rear view mirror on GT Line, the Kia Connect service and over the air infotainment updates. Safety improvements include enhanced adaptive cruise, lane keep assist and park assist systems. The 2.2 turbodiesel goes nicely, with big grunt off idle and through the midrange that makes for completely effortless…

The fifth generation Lexus RX range opens with the RX350h Luxury, at $86,904, with a 184kW 2.4-litre turbopetrol/series parallel hybrid electric/CVT/rear wheel drivetrain. It’s $90,675 with AWD and Sports Luxury specification is $110,575. F-Sport, tested here at $98,370, runs a 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine matched with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Sports Luxury variant is $104,370. RX500h F-Sport Performance has a 273kW 2.4-litre turbopetrol/parallel hybrid electric/six-speed automatic/all-wheel drivetrain, priced at $124,675. Two pure EV models, of similar size but built on different, dedicated EV architecture, are also available, both with a 71.4kWh battery, an electric motor on each axle — giving a combined power outut of 230kW — and all-wheel drive. Claimed maximum range is 470km. RZ450e Luxury is $121,675 and RZ450e Sports Luxury is $133,675. Prices include…

Now in its fourth iteration since 2004, the Japanesebuilt Mazda 3 hatch and sedan series is nowadays a wholly more upmarket proposition, trespassing on the Volkswagen Golf’s turf. However it’s a sign of the decline in small car sales — like every other class, they have been hammered by the rise and rise of SUVs — that as part of a mid-2023 range overhaul, Mazda deleted its high tech compression ignition 2.0-litre Skyactiv X engine from the range, as well as the mild hybrid variants. Manual transmission variants have also been deleted, and a six-speed automatic is standard across the range. Starting prices also rose by over $3000, so Mazda is clearly now chasing margins rather than volume from the Three, which remains a very high quality machine, an excellent…

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 $32,990 for the G20 Pure, with a 114kW 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four/six-speed automatic. Evolve is priced at $34,690, Touring at $38,690 and Astina, tested here, at $43,890. G25 variants, with a 139kW 2.5-litre engine, start at $40,190 for the Touring; the Astina is $45,390. All-wheel drive adds $2000 to the Astina variant. GT SP specification, also available with front or all-wheel drive, costs $42,190 and $44,19 respectively. CX30, like several rivals, well illustrates that fact that a compact SUV is often less car for more money than the hatchback on which it’s based. This includes interior space. Surely an SUV is…

As with most SUVs, Mercedes’ GLA is based on a car platform, in this case the A Class, with which it also shares drivetrains and many other components as well. The base GLA 200, priced at $68,900, runs a 120kW/270Nm 1.3-litre turbopetrol four, matched with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission front-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes fake leather upholstery, a power tailgate, all-digital instruments and infotainment, voice control, navigation, wireless phone charging, digital radio, automatic parking and 19-inch alloys. The GLA250 4Matic, at $78,900, has a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol, an eight-speed DCT and all-wheel drive. It adds lowered suspension, heated front seats and a sunroof. The AMG-equipped GLA35, tested here, is priced at $96,900, with a 225kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol, the eight speed transmission and all-wheel drive. All GLA variants now also…

Gone are the days when the Mercedes-Benz GLC was available with a choice of multiple engines. The arrival of an all-new model of what has been the brand’s top seller simplifies the buying process by narrowing the range down to one wagon and one coupe. The GLC300 wagon is priced from $103,370 before on-road costs — and there’s no negotiating, because it’s sold through agents rather than dealers (even though they look like dealerships) with the price set by head office. That’s a hefty 14 per cent hike over the previous model. The GLC300 coupe is $113,900. GLC comes loaded with fruit, including a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and heated front seats. Safety is taken care of with airbags all around (including a centre front airbag), well-calibrated autonomous braking and…

Mercedes raised GLE prices by up to $25,000 for 2024. The range opens with the 300d at $144,900. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder, with 180kW of power and 500Nm of torque, plus a nine-speed automatic and mild hybrid assistance. The GLE 450d at $166,900 is powered by a 270kW/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/560Nm and fed by an electric compressor. It costs $179,900. Finally, the ballistic AMG GLE 63 S, with a 450kW/850Nm twin turbopetrol 4.0-litre V8, is $266,900. AMG models use a twin clutch nine-speed transmission. Coupes include the GLE450 ($159,900) with a 280kW/500Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbopetrol, the GLE53 AMG ($190,900) and GLE63 AMG S, at $268,900. Standard fare includes…

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 is worth your attention on its gear-for-the-money equation rather than its driving experience. The range kicks off with the 119kW/250Nm 1.5-litre four cylinder turbo-petrol/seven-speed dual clutch auto/front wheel drive Vibe at $29,990 drive away. Excite is $31,990 and Essence is $33,990. Essence X, with a 168kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/six-speed dual clutch auto/all-wheel drivetrain, is $36,990. HS Plus Excite 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid, which has combined outputs of 189kW/370Nm…

The second generation of the one of the pioneering EVs, the Nissan Leaf, shows just how fast the EV business is moving along today, because it is already yesterday’s technology. Priced from $50,990, the base model Leaf has a 40kWh lithiumion battery pack beneath the floor of its cabin, an increase of 10kWh over the 2012 original. According to the WLTP energy-consumption test, the Nissan’s driving range is 270 km, which is very short by today’s standards. The Leaf e+ has a 62kWh battery and a WLTP range of up to 385km. It’s priced at $61,490. Beneath the flip up cover in the Nissan’s nose are two plugs. One is for charging the battery using a 6.6kW AC wallbox in your garage, which costs around $1000. This will take 7.5…

Nissan’s fourth generation X-Trail, a product of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, now shares drivetrains and platform architecture with Mitsubishi’s Outlander. All variants are powered by an updated, carryover 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque, matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Drive goes to the front or all wheels, depending upon model grade. The X-Trail range opens with the ST, at $37,250. ST-L is $43,690. All-wheel drive, plus two extra rear seats, adds $3040 to ST and $3100 to ST-L. Standard equipment includes comprehensive safety tech, automatic LED headlights, eight-inch touch screen infotainment with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 17-inch alloys. ST-L adds lane keep assist, sliding rear seats, a clever dual-panel, multiple configuration boot, surround monitor and 18-inch alloys. Ti spec,…

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 using the current protocols introduced in 2023. 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 such as a rear camera, the placement…

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio kicks off at $77,950 in Ti specification. Up front is a 2.0-litre turbopetrol four with 206kW/400Nm. It’s matched to an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive. Veloce, at $84,450, is a sportier variant, with a limited slip rear diff, 20-inch alloys (19s on Ti), aluminium shift paddles and trim inserts. The headline-stealingactin the Stelvio lineup remains the thumping 2.9-litre bi-turbo petrol V6 that lives exclusively in the performance-focused Quadrifoglio (or Q for short) model. It’s priced at $162,700. The same engine that powers the brand’s fire-breathing Giulia QV, the V6 churns out 375kW and a whopping 600Nm — enough to see 100km/h whip by the windows in just 3.8 seconds. We’re testing the Veloce. It overdelivers on performance and luxe at this price compared with German rivals. Claimed…

Audi’s ageing A4 sedan range opens with the front-wheel-drive 35TFSi S-Line ($71,900) running a 110kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic drivetrain. The variant that has usually been the pick of the A4s to drive, is the 183kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 45TFSi quattro, at $83,200 for the sedan and $85,700 for the Avant wagon. The 40TDi quattro allroad, a faux SUV that’s basically a jacked up Avant with more clearance and a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel, is $78,000. The S4 quattro sedan, with a 260kW 3.0-litre turbopetrol, is $111,800; the Avant is $114,300. 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, is priced at $166,100. This A4 may look just like the previous model, but there’s a lot of pointy end…

Audi’s second-generation Q7, launched in 2019, 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. 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, and a late 2023 update, due here in the second half of 2024, brings styling/interior decor tweaks, new customisable exterior lighting, plus infotainment and safety tech upgrades The Audi copes gracefully with corners, ride comfort is very good (with optional adjustable air suspension) and noise, vibration and harshness levels are very low. The Q7 doesn’t pretend to be a sportster…

BMW’s first built from the ground-up electric SUV, the iX, fits between the X5 and X6, so it’s a big unit. Despite its proportions, this is a five-seater only. Out of the box, the BMW has the driving range to challenge Tesla and the luxury to rival Porsche. The iX xDrive40, priced at $136,900, has a 76.6kWh battery pack (with 71.0kWh of usable capacity), while iX xDrive50, priced at $185,400, has a 112kWh battery pack (with 105.2kWh of usable capacity). At the top of the lineup, the M60, with 455kW and 1100Nm, is priced at $233,400. It takes just 3.8 seconds to reach 100km/h and its 112kWh battery has a claimed range of up to 566km. According to official European standard tests, the iX xDrive40 has a real-world driving range…

BMW 3 Series prices were recently hiked by $8000-$14,500 as part of a mid-life facelift. Start money is now $80,200 for the 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol 320i, with a standard eight-speed automatic. The 330i sedan is $94,700. The 330i Touring is $98,900. 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 $98,700. The M340i xDrive, with BMW’s signature 3.0-litre turbo straight six tuned for 285kW/500Nm, plus all-wheel drive, is $106,200. The upgrades are minor and drivetrains are unchanged. There’s the latest version of BMW’s kidney grille as part of a nose job, an elegantly curved, widescreen all digital dash and overdue…

Chinese brand BYD’s compact Atto 3 SUV is priced from $48,011 before on-road costs, making it eligible for EV rebates in most parts of the country. It’s well equipped at that price, with smart key entry, digital instruments, 18-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, adaptive cruise, ambient lighting and fake leather. The brand’s full name - Build Your Dreams - is spelled out across the electronically-operated tailgate, although we’re not sure if that’s an asset… There’s also near-field communication that will soon allow owners to use their smartphone as a key. It’s one of many tech touches that appear inspired by Tesla. BYD’s local website also looks like a cut-’n’-paste of Mr Musk’s. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were missing at the time of writing, so there’s no navigation…

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a five-seat, mid-sized SUV targeting big names such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail, although newer value-focused propositions such as the GWM Haval H6 and MG HS are also in its sights. Priced from $37,030 for the front-drive Urban, the Tiggo 7’s main attraction is a standard equipment list that beats more expensive players. There’s 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, fake leather trim, heated and powered front seats, wireless phone charging and dual curved 12.3-inch screens incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can select between three very different layouts that change the look markedly, although in any mode there’s the occasional frustration; adjust the air flow, for example, and the AC display temporarily takes over the screen. We also…

OK, before we get into the car, we have to deconstruct the brands. What is Cupra? It’s a subsidiary brand of SEAT, which itself is a Spanish brand owned by Volkswagen. Cupra was created in 2018 by the marketing department because it needed a fresh approach to attract Gen Ys and millennials, who don’t want to drive the same brands as their parents and grandparents. So Cupras, just like Skodas and the more affordable Audis, are basically bespoke-styled vehicles that roll on Volkswagen hardware, and software, underneath. Leon is a Golf with much sportier, more rakish lines, a lower stance, and a kind of cyborg design theme going on, especially in the brand logo. Leon’s closest VW siblings are Golf GTi and Golf R. It uses VW’s 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed DSG/front…

Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury brand, created in the same way, and for the same reasons, that Lexus was spawned in the early 1990s as Toyota’s upper class moneymaker. Straight from the Lexus textbook, Genesis is aiming to get its new GV70 mid-size SUV on buyers’ radar with prices that undercut German rivals such as Audi’s Q5 and BMW’s X3 by thousands of dollars and include more generous luxe and tech, plus sweeteners such as five years servicing, valet pickup/delivery and a loan car. You also get more go for less money than anything else in the class. The GV70 lineup opens at $70,500 plus on road costs for the G2.5T, tested here, with a 224kW/422Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol that’s good for 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds. BMW’s base X3,…

Chinese car brands are rocketing up the sales charts in Australia buoyed by their attractive design and sharp drive-away prices. One of the most common questions we get asked is “Are they any good?” The answer is not straightforward because not all Chinese cars are created equally. But as a sweeping generalisation, they still have some work to do. The Haval brand is the SUV offshoot of Great Wall Motors which specialises in utes. The company has since been renamed locally as GWM Haval (or Great Wall Motors Haval). The Jolion is the brand’s entrant in the booming small SUV class, where more than two dozen vehicles compete for attention. There are six models in the Jolion range, all at drive away prices. Models powered by a 110kW 1.5-litre four…

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 EV shares its electrical architecture with the Ioniq 5 SUV, Ioniq 6 has more of a traditional sedan layout with a boot, albeit one with a futuristic vibe. Think of it as Hyundai’s answer to the popular Tesla Model 3. Prices start at $65,500 for the rear-wheel drive Standard Range, with a single electric motor that delivers 111kW of power and 350Nm of torque. A 53kWh battery provides a claimed 429km of range. At $71,500, you get the same rear-wheel drivetrain, but with 168kW of power (and still 350Nm) and a 77.4kWh battery with a claimed 614km of range. At $77,500, the Dynamiq features more gear but the same drivetrain. At $82,000, Dynamiq adds a second electric motor for total ouputs of 239kW/605Nm, all-wheel drive and a…

The i30N received a significant update in mid 2021, designed to sharpen its performance credentials and, at the same time, make it more appealing to a wider audience. An eight-speed dual clutch automatic option is now offered in the base model, at $49,200, alongside the six-speed manual, which costs $46,200. Premium manual is $49,200, or $53,700 with DCT. Premium sedan is $52,000 with either the manual or DCT transmissions. The 2.0-litre turbo now produces 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque, increases of 4kW and 39Nm, in large part thanks to a bigger turbo. It has lost a little bottom end grunt, with peak torque now kicking in at 2100rpm rather than the previous model’s 1400rpm, but the delivery remains broad and very strong, with serious top end kick from…

The Hyundai Kona Electric is the EV version of the brand’s popular compact SUV.Available as a Standard Range for $54,000 plus on-road costs or an Extended Range for another $4000, the second-generation Kona also packs more gear into a bigger body than the model it replaces. Not that it’s particularly cheap by mainstream SUV standards. And how much you spend determines how far you’ll travel. The Standard Range gets a 48.6kWh battery that’s good for 370km of claimed range but performance has gone backwards compared with its predecessor. The Standard Range drops 1kW of power and a hefty 140Nm of torque, for now modest outputs of 99kW and 255Nm. Hyundai says the focus was on extending range and improving driveability, with outright performance taking a haircut along the way. The…

Kia’s EV9, a seven-seater EV wagon, starts at a whopping $97,000 for the EV9 Air, with a single 160kW/350Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, powered by a 76.1kWh battery. Claimed maximum range is 443km. A dual electric motor drivetrain, with a claimed 283kW/700Nm and a range of up to 512km from its 99.8kWh battery, starts at $106,500 for the EV9 Earth, tested here. GT Line, the performance variant, will take you 505km, reach 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, and costs $121,000. This is a spacious, comfortable SUV that larger families will find ticks nearly all the boxes. It’s a 2-3-2 layout, with plenty of room in each row, including the rear thanks to adjustable row two seats, easy access to all seats and a big boot. Kids will love the…

Kia’s little Picanto hatch starts at $17,890 with a 62kW 1.25-litre four cylinder/five-speed manual. GT Line, with extra equipment and sporty bling, is $19,690. The auto adds $1600 to Sport and X-Line. 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 up to 80km/h; partial from speeds above 80km/h) is standard. Picanto’s 1.25-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder/four-speed auto drivetrain does the job OK around town, albeit at a leisurely pace.…

Kia’s compact Seltos SUV opens at $29,780 for the 110kW 2.0 litre petrol/continuously variable auto/front-wheel drive Seltos S. Seltos Sport is $32,980, Sport+ is $36,080 and GT-Line is $41,780. All-wheel drive models start at $39,580 for the 146kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol/eight-speed automatic transmission Seltos Sport+, which we’re testing here. Top spec Seltos GT-Line, with the same drivetrain, is $45,180. A huge 10.25 inch touchscreen sits atop the dash and instruments are digital. There’s no stand alone voice control, so unless you pair your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, (wireless in S; wired on other models) you have to do almost everything by touch. The driver’s seat lacks upper body support and the head restraint is intrusive if you like the backrest upright. Back stalls feature plenty of legroom and…

Based on Toyota’s “New Global Architecture” that also underpins the closely related C-HR and Corolla, the Lexus UX (for Urban Explorer) slots in beneath the NX, though it’s really less a pure SUV than a hatch-onstilts, Mercedes GLA-style. Indeed, the Merc seems to have informed the UX’s positioning as well as proportioning, starting from $46,085 for the 2.0-litre, front-wheel drive turbopetrol Luxury. Even the base model is generously equipped, with navigation, a huge display screen, digital radio, LED headlights, powered steering column, heated front seats, keyless entry/start and adaptive cruise control. Next up is the $56,850 Sports Luxury, adding 18-inch alloys with runflat tyres (so no spare), leather, vented front seats, upgraded audio, better camera and jazzier trim. The F Sport, at $57,495, scores a body kit, racier front seats,…

The Lexus RZ 450e is the first Toyota-engineered dedicated EV to land in Australia. Similar in size to the RX petrol/electric hybrid, you pay a hefty premium for pure EV power. Prices start at $121,675 for Luxury grade; Sports Luxury is $133,675. RX starts at $86,904. Powering the RZ is a 71.4kWh battery that Lexus claims will still be capable of 90 percent capacity retention after 10 years. Electric motors on front and rear axles have combined outputs of 230kW and 435Nm, and in Sport mode the RZ can reach 100km/h from rest in a rapid 5.3 seconds. Maximum claimed driving range is a claimed 470km, but that’s according to the outdated Australian standard. In the real world, expect closer to 350km in Normal mode. Range mode will extend this…

MAZDA’S fourth-generation MX-5 was updated in late 2021 with anti-roll suspension technology — that it didn’t really need — and the deletion of the base 1.5-litre models. That’s a shame because although the 1.5 was obviously not the most powerful engine in the world, it worked beautifully in the lightweight Mazda. Still, the all-2.0-litre 2024 lineup starts at a very reasonable $41,520 for the manual Roadster. The 2.0-litre GT manual is $48,640; the auto is $50,140. GT RS manual is $51,640. 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…

Mazda’s mid-size 6 is available as a sedan and wagon. Prices start at $36,290 for the 140kW/250Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol/six-speed automatic Sport sedan. The Touring is $40,960. GT SP, with a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre engine, is $49,190 and the top-of-the-range Atenza is $52,590. 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…

Mercedes-AMG’s A45S hatchback, and its CLA45S sedan counterpart, are priced respectively at $119,900 and $128,000. 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, 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 $72,900 for the GLB200, with a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbopetrol four driving the front wheels via a seven-speed twin clutch automatic. Mild hybrid assistance is standard. The GLB250 4Matic, tested…

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 $105,069. The 155kW E300e plug-in hybrid, which can run for up to 52km on battery power, is $129,575, while the 220kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/mild hybrid E350 is $133,370. The 320kW 3.0-litre twin turbo, all-wheel drive AMG E53 4Matic is $173,869. The 450kW 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 AMG E 63 S 4Matic is $270,469. Coupe variants start at $112,969 for the E200 and cabriolets start at $151,570 for the E350. Pure EV sedan derivatives of the E Class include the 180kW EQE200, at $133,575, the all-wheel drive, 215kW EQE350, at $153,575 and the 460kW EQE53 AMG, at $213,574. The…

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. The 270kW/750Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel GLS 450d, tested here, is $184,900. It runs mild hybrid assistance and a nine-speed automatic. The AMG GLS63, with a 450kW/850Nm twin turbopetrol 4.0-litre V8 mild hybrid drivetrain, is $299,900 while the Maybach GLS600 luxo bomber, tuned for 410kW, is $409,900. 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…

The mid-size MG ZS EV starts at $39,990 drive away for the Excite variant. So it’s at the affordable end of the EV field, with the BYD Dolphin and the GWM Ora, which opens at $35,990 drive away. However, it’s worth noting that the ZS EV is $17,000 more expensive than the cheapest petrol-powered ZS, which starts at $22,990. That said, it comes well equipped with the latest driver assist safety tech and a practical and comfortable cabin. The Essence model, at $42,990, adds blind spot monitoring, a sunroof and wireless phone charging. The back seat has a USB connector, two Isofix child restraint locators and three top tether points. No vents are provided. The boot is quite small by class standards. The test car had a few gremlins. Apple…

There are five models in the Outlander line-up – ES, LS, Aspire, Exceed, and Exceed Tourer – with a mix of five- or seven-seats and front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Prices start at $37,740 for the base ES front-wheel drive five-seater and top out at $55,190 for the Exceed Tourer AWD seven-seater. All variants are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and eight-step CVT auto developed with new partner Nissan. The plug-in hybrid Outlander, with a claimed EV range of up to 84km, and an exceptionally optimistic claimed fuel consumption of just 1.5L/100km, starts at $57,290 for the ES five seater and runs to $71,790 for the Exceed Tourer seven seater. Disappointingly, Mitsubishi does not make rear cross-traffic alert and rear AEB — two of the most useful and accurate safety…

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 $28,390 for the ST; ST+ is $31,140, ST-L (tested here) is $34,440, ST-L+ is $35,540 and Ti is $36,890. 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…

Nissan’s e-Power is a hybrid addition to the mid-size X-Trail SUV range. It brings with it a drivetrain called e4ORCE, which is marketing speak for hybrid electric four-wheel drive. It’s is not as cheap as some hybrid alternatives, notably Toyota’s RAV4, but its petrol-electric tech is also quite different. Prices start at $49,990 for the ST-L. It’s $54,690 for the Ti, which gets a panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, three-zone ventilation, head-up display, smart key entry, wireless phone charging, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. For another $3000, the Ti-L adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and other fruit. Inside, the e-Power is like any other X-Trail. Those up front are welcomed…

Nissan’s fifth-generation Pathfinder is a large SUV now offered with seven or eight seats. Both models are powered by a 202kW/340Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine matched with a nine-speed automatic. Drive goes to all wheels in a high range only system with torque distributed to either axle via an electronically controlled central coupling. The Ti AWD eight-seater, tested here, is $71,490. Top spec Ti-L AWD, with two individual rear seats replacing the three-person bench, is $81,490. Pathfinder is an old school big, heavy SUV, not least because it runs a big, thirsty, naturally-aspirated V6 petrol engine — and the only EV component in the drivetrain is that battery that starts it up. This is because it’s primarily designed for the US market (it’s also built in America) where large capacity…