Innholdsfortegnelse for 64 i Australian New Car Buyer

In our tests on the following pages and in the Showroom, we have used symbols to give you a quick indication of the strengths of each car, and star ratings to indicate in more detail how each car stacks up in its class. Here’s what the symbols and stars mean: 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…

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…

Audi was one of the first premium car makers to really take the electric vehicle revolution seriously, launching its range of E-Tron vehicles globally and pouring serious investment and engineering nous into making them attractive to early adopters. While the early versions seemed, and looked, like radical departures from mainstream Audi offerings, the new Audi Q6 E-Tron is something different, because it feels like a fully formed premium German vehicle that just happens to have fully electric underpinnings. Indeed, it looks and feels a lot like the mid-sized Audi Q5 SUV (a new range has just been launched, powered by combustion engines, with plug-in hybrid variants to follow), which it notionally competes with, despite being more expensive. The new Q6 is the first Audi built on the new PPE —…

The Audi Q8 55 e-tron marks the major mid-life update to the luxury SUV formerly 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…

More compact than the recently superseded F48 X1, on which it’s based, BMW X2 prices start at $77,300 for the all-wheel drive xDrive20i M Sport, with a 150kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine/seven-speed double clutch drivetrain.BMW’s M Sport X equipment package, a no cost option, features contrasting grey body side skirts, wheel arch edges, grille and rear bumper inserts, bespoke 19-inch wheels and a more richly furnished interior. At the top of the range, the $94,300 M35i xDrive runs a 233kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol with the eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive, plus the serious M gear, including suspension, brakes and differential. It reaches 100km/h from rest in a claimed 5.4 seconds. Though it’s too tall and heavy to really rival a hot hatchback for handling, the X2 is certainly at the pointy end…

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 xDrive45 M Sport, priced at $142,900, is the new entry-level model from mid-2025 and has a larger 94.8kWh battery pack. The iX xDrive50, priced at $185,400, has a 112kWh battery pack (with 105.2kWh of usable capacity) as standard. 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 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.…

Head turning looks are one thing but a head turning price tag is an even better way to lure budget conscious buyers, as the Tiggo 4 Pro demonstrates. Priced from $23,990 drive-away the entry point to Chery’s line-up undercuts traditional rivals by thousands. And with dual-zone ventilation, 17-inch alloys, smart key entry and dual 10.25-inch screens in that entry-level Urban model it goes above what some of those bigger name brands offer. The doors also lock automatically when you walk away from the car, so not fumbling for the keys. Safety, too, is top notch with a five-star ANCAP rating and plethora of assistance systems that include auto braking in forward and reverse, blind spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and rear cross traffic alert. Less endearing is…

The Tiggo 8 is a large SUV priced against mid-sized rivals from big name brands. riced from $41,990 drive-away it’s essentially a stretched and more upmarket version of the Tiggo 7. It makes the mid-sized SUV is one of the most affordable seven-seaters on the market. Even in entry-level Urban guise the Tiggo 8 comes with a list of standard equipment usually reserved for more expensive machinery. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central infotainment screen. The front seats have heating and ventilation and electric adjustment with memory settings. The Elite ($43,990) and you pick up a powered tailgate, heated exterior mirrors, forward-facing dash camera and third-row air vents with fan speed adjustment. The $47,990…

Deepal is one of the many Chinese brands looking to expand its global footprint, and Australia is high on the hit list. The brand is part of state-owned Changan Automobile and is being imported locally by Inchcape, which also looks after Subaru and Peugeot. As of early 2025 there were only a handful of dealerships in Sydney and Melbourne, so sampling one is a challenge. There are plans to expand the network as sales grow. The S07 arrives with a one-size-fits-all sales pitch with a price tag of $53,900 before on-road costs. Standard gear includes 19-inch alloys, synthetic leather, dual-zone ventilation, a powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure sensors, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver,…

The Ford Mustang is proudly American and continues a long running tradition of muscle cars made for driving excitement and head turning looks (and noise!). While a four-cylinder version of the two-door sports car is available, priced from $66,990 as an auto-only model, it’s the V8s that define the breed. That V8-powered GT model is priced from $78,990 for the coupe or you can get a soft-top Convertible for $87,667; that’s a fair step up from the circa-$60K pricing that once graced V8 Mustangs. For that you get a six-speed manual, which brings purists driving thrills. Opt for the 10-speed auto for another $3000 and you get more pace but just two pedals. All get 19-inch alloys, dual-zone ventilation, ambient lighting, partial leather seats and heating, ventilation and electric adjustment…

The GWM Ora is one of the most affordable electric cars 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 midspec Ora Extended Range ($36,990), with a 62kWh battery that ups…

The Honda Civic VTi LX is priced at an eye-watering $49,900 drive away, which tells you that Honda isn’t really interested in selling very many, but it certainly wants to make a big earn on each one. The previous model was priced in the mid-high $30K range. Note too that Honda Australia now sets what it says are non-negotiable prices on its cars and dealers cannot offer discounts. That’s the official line, but in the car business, everything is negotiable, so feel free to haggle if you feel so inclined. Up front is an upgraded carryover 1.5-litre turbo four, matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes Bose sound, wireless phone charging, dual-zone air, a nine-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple Car Play/Android Auto smartphone…

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 $37,900 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+ ($43,400) 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…

The i30N was given a facelift in 2025 after a significant update in mid 2021, with new grey-coloured alloy wheels among minor styling and interior changes. The same $50,000 starting price for the entry-level i30N hatch now applies to both the eight-speed dual clutch automatic and the six-speed manual transmission. Premium hatch in manual or with DCT transmission is $53,500. Premium sedan is $52,000 with either the manual or DCT transmissions. An unchanged 2.0-litre turbo produces 206kW of power and 392Nm of torque, with delivery broad and very strong, with serious top end kick from about 4500rpm with peak power at 6000rpm. The manual reaches 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the DCT variant takes just 5.4 seconds. VW’s Golf GTi, with a 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo/seven-speed DCT takes 6.3 seconds. It…

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 $32,500, 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 $40,500 as an N-Line or $46,500 for the N-Line Premium. Kona hybrid features a 104kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/electric hybrid/six-speed dual clutch/front wheel drivetrain, at $36,500 or $43,500 in Premium…

If you’re after a people mover that stands out on the road then the Staria nails it. It has bulging curves and LED lights that wouldn’t look out of place on a lunar rover. Away from the head-turning looks, the Staria is all about carrying lots of people. It has eight seats in a sizeable wagon body with sliding side doors that make it hard for kids to ding them. There are three model grades: plain old Staria ($49,500), better equipped Elite ($57,500) and top-shelf Highlander ($64,500). Those models drive the front wheels with a 200kW/331Nm 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. For another $3000 the diesel all-wheel drive with a 130kW/430Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine makes more sense. All get alloy wheels, wireless phone charging and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,…

Kia’s compact Seltos SUV opens at $30,050 for the 110kW 2.0 litre petrol/continuously variable auto/front-wheel drive Seltos S. Seltos Sport is $33,250, Sport+ is $36,350 and GT-Line is $42,050. All-wheel drive models start at $39,870 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 $45,470. 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…

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-drive S model. A six-speed auto, 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 drive model starts…

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 168kW 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 some versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both produce 239kW of power and 605Nm of torque, the EV6 darting to 100km/h in a pretty rapid 5.2 seconds. A 77.4kWh battery provides up to 484km of range for the dual motor model. The Kia, at $87,590 for the AWD, is pricier…

The LBX is the brand’s smallest car ever – and a hybrid-only model Lexus hopes can make a big impact. Priced from $47,550 for the entry Luxury, the LBX undercuts key rivals from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It comes with perforated leather-look seats with red stitching, heated front seats, powered tailgate, matrix LED headlights, surround view camera, wireless phone charger, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.8-inch infotainment screen with wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That screen is tending towards the smaller size in an era of ever-expanding pixels, although the compact dashboard naturally limits available real estate, too. There’s also over-the-air software updates, remote connectivity via an app and a three-year subscription to Lexus Connected Services, allowing owners to monitor the vehicle and unlock it…

The fifth generation Lexus RX range opens with the RX350h Luxury, at $90,350, with a 184kW 2.4-litre turbopetrol/series parallel hybrid electric/CVT/rear wheel drivetrain. It’s $93,700 with AWD and Sports Luxury specification is $106,950. F-Sport, tested here at $100,950, runs a 205kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine matched with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Sports Luxury variant is $113,600. RX500h F-Sport Performance has a 273kW 2.4-litre turbopetrol/parallel hybrid electric/six-speed automatic/all-wheel drivetrain, priced at $127,700. RZ450e Luxury is $121,059 and RZ450e Sports Luxury is $133,059. Prices include a single-phase 7kW home wallcharger, supplied and installed by Jet Charge. Owning a Lexus has often been a much more satisfying experience than driving it, but the pure petrol-powered 2.4-litre turbo RX350 F Sport is certainly an engaging drive compared with its vanilla predecessors. The…

The CX-3 is Mazda’s ageing offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. The range was rationalised in mid-2023 with the deletion of manual transmission and all-wheel drivetrain variants. Prices also rose by about $3000. Powered by a 110kW/195Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, matched with a six-speed automatic and front wheel-drive, the CX-3 is up against more than 20 contenders including Hyundai’s Venue, Toyota’s CH-R and the Kia Stonic. There are five petrol powered spec levels — base G20 Sport ($26,950), Pure ($29,450), Evolve ($31,200), Touring SP ($34,450) and Akari, at $38,770. Mazda added extra safety features as part of the mid-2023 overhaul. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are now standard across the range. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto and remote operated side windows are…

The CX-60 is a mid-sized SUV that kicks off at $60,550 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 $73,600). 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 $73,750) with Nappa leather, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats and memory controls…

This fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first to be 100 percent electrified. Every variant has four-cylinder hybrid power under its bonnet. The W206 C200 sedan, with a 150kW/300Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol, and the C300, with a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol, are priced at $87,800 and $98,100 respectively. Both are paired with a ninespeed automatic and 48 volt mild hybrid system, with a starter/generator that can add up to 15kW and 200Nm when required. The C43 AMG, at $142,300, runs a 300kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol, also with mild hybrid assistance. However these models are not really hybrids at all, because the petrol engine is always the source of motive power. Known inside Mercedes-Benz by its W206 codename, this C-Class sedan is a slightly larger car than the W205 it replaced. It has a roomier…

There’s arguably never been a better time to buy a new car. More brands than ever, intensifying competition and a steady supply following the unprecedented Covid slumber. The gradual evolution to electric is ushering in one of the biggest changes in more than a century of motoring, giving buyers more choice and access to advanced technologies few ever imagined on four wheels. It’s also opening the door to new brands, many from China. Indeed the influence of the world’s most populous country on the new car market is enormous. More than a dozen new Chinese brands are either here now or on the way. Rapid improvements in tech, safety and quality are making them a serious force against the brands we’ve known for decades. We’ve covered as many of those…

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, trading…

The Audi A1 Sportback line-up is now a two-model affair, kicking off with the previously mid-spec A1 35 TFSi, with a 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol four/seven-speed dual clutch drivetrain. 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 four, is $50,800. Pennies have obviously been pinched in the A1, notably in the absence of Audi’s signature quality materials and trim, replaced by hard, cheap plastics on many surfaces, including the dash and controls. This is a very expensive small hatchback, however much of what you should reasonably expect at the price isn’t there. You have to cough up extra for navigation, voice control, LED lights,…

Audi’s Q4 e-tron is an all-electric compact SUV aiming to capitalise on strong EV demand at the more affordable end of the market. OK, with prices starting at $84,900 it’s not exactly a bargain, but it lands it in the space dominated by the BMW iX1 and iX2, each attracting their fair share of buyers. For that you get a more traditional SUV body but there’s also a sleeker Sportback ($86,500), the latter missing out on roof rails but getting an S-Line styling pack with 20-inch alloys. Each is powered by a 210kW/545Nm motor driving the rear wheels for up to 540km of EV range (524km for the SUV body). Standard fare includes 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather trim, powered tailgate, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, trizone ventilation, adaptive…

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 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 $57,600. That’s big money for a 1.5-litre hatchback with a mere 115kW of power. The Mini Cooper Classic five door — same car, same engine power, different box, remember — costs $43,990. The BMW 120i, also front-wheel drive, with a 150kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, is $60,600. The M135i xDrive, at $86,600, runs a 233kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, matched with an all-wheel drivetrain. Climb into the 118i and your money appears well spent. There’s no whiff of poverty pack here. An elegant, minimalist dash, digital…

The BMW i4 is a quick ’n’ easy way for the German brand to bring electric motoring to its heartland. Priced from $87,800 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…

Chinese brand BYD’s compact Atto 3 SUV is priced from $39,990 for the new Essential variant that arrived in 2025. It’s well equipped at that price, with smart key entry, digital instruments, 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera and fake leather. The Premium model ($44,990) adds 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, roof rails, wireless phone charger, heated front seats and a larger 15.6-inch infotainment screen (up from 12.8 inches). There’s also a larger battery that extends the range from a claimed 345km to 420km. There’s also near-field communication that will allows owners to use their smartphone as a key. It’s one of many tech touches that appear inspired by Tesla. The infotainment centre screen packs in plenty, including the ability to…

The Sealion 6 is a mid-sized SUV priced from $42,990. It comes with a plug-in hybrid system but is priced below that of many regular hybrid models. That means it can be recharged externally and run on electricity alone before reverting to petrol for longer journeys. A new Essential model introduced early in 2025 does without some equipment of the Premium ($52,990) that also picks up all-wheel drive and a head-up display. But there’s still plenty of gear for the money, including a panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, powered tailgate, digital instrument cluster and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fake leather trim looks OK, too and is indicative of generally good finishes and materials throughout. And the Sealion 6 has vehicle-to-load capability that allows regular household devices to…

The Omoda 5 is a compact SUV with value at its core. Priced from $27,990 drive-away, the five-door is available in a range of variants, from the entry-level FX up to the $36,990 EX. More powerful GT models were previously available but have since been discontinued. All come with a powered driver’s seat, smart key entry, digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. It pays to know your way around that screen because things can get busy diving into menus and figuring out how to do sometimes basic tasks. All models also come with a suite of active safety tech that incorporates auto braking in forward and reverse, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. Some of those driver assistance systems can be overly sensitive…

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/seven-speed dual clutch…

You might think of Geely as just another new Chinese brand touching down on our shores, but this one is a little different, given the auto giant’s tendrils reached Australia many moons ago. Volvo, for example, has been a Geely sub-brand since 2010. Polestar is one as well, as is Zeekr. Smart and Lotus are part-owned by the company, too. So a new Chinese brand, yes. But one with a stronger pedigree than most newcomers to Australia. Anyway, the EX5 is first self-branded model to arrive from Geely — a mid-size, all-electric SUV that will play in the budget end of the EV spectrum, priced to take on models like the Leapmotor C10 and even the smaller BYD Atto 3. It arrives in two trim levels — the entry-level Complete…

The Haval H6 is GWM’s mid-sized SUV to fight against everything from the Toyota RAV4 to the Honda CR-V. The H6GT comes with a sleeker body style and more equipment as part of its premium sales pitch. Whereas the regular H6 is priced from $30,990 drive-away, the H6GT kicks off at $44,990. Plus, there’s a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) version that costs $53,990. Whereas the regular H6GT gets a 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo driving the front wheels, the PHEV relies mostly on two electric motors driving all four wheels; the one on the front axle makes 130kW and the rear 135kW. A 110kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbo chimes in at higher speeds or to create electricity and takes the combined claimed outputs to 321kW and 762Nm. Each comes packed with gear, including…

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 $41,900 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 $49,300, or $51,800 with all-wheel drive. VTi LX with AWD is $57,500. Seven-seaters include VTi X7, at $47,300 and VTi L7, at $53,500. In both, the third row folds into the boot floor. The five-seater petrol/electric hybrid CRV, tested here, badged e:HEV RS, is priced at $59,900. Don’t bother negotiating, either, because prices are fixed. The front-wheel drivetrain uses a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine supplying both motive power (at…

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 mid-size electric SUV opens at $69,800 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 a 77.4 kWh battery that’s good for a claimed 507km. It’s priced at $71,800. Ioniq 5 Dynamiq with this drivetrain is priced at $80,800. With a 74kW motor on the front, for a combined output of 239kW, plus a hefty 605Nm of torque, the AWD Dynamiq is $85,300. The all-wheel drive range is 454km. Ioniq 5 Epiq costs $84,300 with rear-wheel drive or $88,800 with all-wheel drive. At the top of the range, Ioniq 5 N, priced at $110,383, is a genuine high performance EV, with dual electric motors (one on each…

The new Hyundai Santa Fe marks a radical change design-wise for the large SUV. Gone are the generic curves and in is a new American-inspired boxiness that helps the family wagon stand out on the school run. Prices have edged up, the Santa Fe kicking off at $53,000 for the car simply known as Santa Fe. That model is front-drive and powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine making 206kW and 422Nm. A diesel is no longer available. It gets seven seats, 20-inch alloy wheels (with a matching full-size spare), dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless phone charger, smart key entry with remote start functionality, 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone ventilation with a fan controller for the third row. You can also get an all-wheel drive ($56,000) or…

The Hyundai Tucson was updated in mid-2024 and starts from $39,100 before on-road costs and tops out at $59,600. It brought minor styling changes including new front and rear bumpers, LED headlights and larger 18-inch alloys. The biggest news for 2025 is a hybrid powertrain replacing diesel models, joining petrol models with both available on all three trim levels. The base model is simply called Tucson, and then there is the Tucson Elite (from $46,100) and Tucson Premium (from $55,600, previously called Highlander). An optional N-Line pack — which adds larger alloy wheels and upgraded interior appointments — is also available. Petrol engines see the base model with a 115kW/192Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched to a six-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive. The Elite offers the choice of the 2.0-litre or…

An electric Jeep made for the suburbs!? Better believe it. Yep, the Avenger is evidence of just how many stereotypes are being smashed as the car industry undergoes a revolution. The classic American brand’s first EV is tiny, has no aspirations of heading off-road and is manufactured in Poland. That’s because there’s more Fiat thinking beneath the skin than chest-beating Jeep. The Avenger shares its underpinnings with others from the Stellantis family, including from Jeep, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo. Despite the diminutive dimensions — it’s about 30cm shorter than a Toyota Corolla hatch — it’s not cheap, with entry Longitude selling from $49,990. Equipment levels are basic, too, with the entry Longitude missing out on blind spot warning. And while there are six airbags the Avenger didn’t score well in…

Kia’s little Picanto hatch starts at $18,390 with a 62kW 1.25-litre four-cylinder/five-speed manual Sport. GT Line, with extra equipment and sporty bling, is $20,190. A four-speed auto adds $1600 to Sport and GT-Line. Like all Kias it gets a sevenyear warranty, which delivers on peace of mind. 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…

The Kia EV3 blends the rugged good looks of the large EV9 with small SUV thinking and a price tag that takes the electric car fight to Chinese newcomers. Priced from $47,600 the EV3 is the Korean brand’s most affordable EV. For that you get the Air, which comes with 17-inch alloys, dual-zone ventilation, wireless phone charging and vast screens across the dash incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, there’s auto braking, blind spot warning and vehicle-to-load (V2L) that allows household devices to be powered by a regular powerpoint; it’s handy if there’s a blackout! The Standard Range gets a 58.3kWh battery that claims 436km between charges or you can choose the Long Range ($53,315) with an 81.4kWh battery and 604km of range. The Earth ($58,600) and GT-Line…

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…

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…

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-on-stilts, Mercedes GLA-style. For 2025, Lexus has dropped the petrol-only versions, with the UX now hybrid or electric only, starting with the $55,370 UX300h 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 $62,320 Sports Luxury, adding 18-inch alloys with runflat tyres (so no spare), leather, vented front seats, upgraded audio, better camera and jazzier trim. An all-wheel-drive Sports Luxury is $70,520. The F Sport, at $63,110 — or $73,210…

The Lexus RZ 450e is the first Toyota-engineered dedicated EV to land in Australia (the UX300e was based on a petrol platform). Similar in size to the RX petrol/electric hybrid, you pay a hefty premium for pure EV power. Prices start at $121,059 for Luxury grade; Sports Luxury is $133,059. RX starts at $90,350. Powering the RZ is a 71.4kWh battery that Lexus claims will still be capable of 90 per cent 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…

Mazda’s CX-30 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 $33,940 for the G20 Pure, with a 114kW 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four/six-speed automatic. Evolve is priced at $35,840, Touring LE at $41,940 and Astina, tested here, at $44,840. G25 variants, with a 139kW 2.5-litre engine, start at $40,140 for the Touring; the Astina is $46,340. All-wheel drive adds $2000 to the Astina variant. GT SP specification, also available with front or all-wheel drive, costs $43,140 and $45,140 respectively. CX-30, 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…

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 2025 lineup starts at a very reasonable $42,140 for the manual Roadster. The 2.0-litre GT manual is $48,790; the auto is $50,290. GT RS manual is $51,790. 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…

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…

Mercedes’ GLB sits in one of those in-between slots on the SUV size scale. It’s a midsize 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 $67,600 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…

Mercedes raised GLE prices by up to $25,000 for 2024, but they’ve come back part-way on some models. The range opens with the 300d at $136,600. 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 $154,900 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 $184,100. Finally, the ballistic AMG GLE63 S, with a 450kW/850Nm twin turbopetrol 4.0-litre V8, is $275,300. AMG models use a twin clutch nine-speed transmission. Coupes include the GLE450 ($163,600) with a 280kW/500Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbopetrol, the GLE53 AMG ($195,300) and GLE63…

The Audi A3 was updated in 2025 and crept up in price by about $4000. The Sportback (hatch) is priced from $54,800 and the sedan $57,800. Those 35 TFSI models get a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. It makes 110kW and 250Nm and drives the front wheels through a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch auto transmission. It’s claimed to get to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds and uses a claimed average 5.3 litres of premium unleaded per 100km. There’s also a hot S3 model ($78,800 for the hatch, $81,800 for sedan) that gets a raucous 245W/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo driving through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system; it can blast to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The A3 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, digital instrument cluster, smart key entry, tri-zone ventilation, ambient lighting, parking sensors front…

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 $86,315 for the 183kW/370Nm 2.0-litre 45 TFSI Sport petrol quattro. Coupe-style Sportback versions of the 40 and 45 cost $89,769 and $96,515 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…

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 $143,415, 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 3 Series lineup has been pared back for 2025, with the entry level 320i sedan and 330e plug-in hybrid sedan dropped. The 330i sedan is the new starting point at $92,900. The 330i Touring (wagon) is $95,900. 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 M340i xDrive, with BMW’s signature 3.0-litre turbo straight six tuned for 285kW/500Nm, plus all-wheel drive, is $116,900. 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 driver assist safety technology such as adaptive cruise. The 4 Series coupe starts at $111,900 for the 430i…

The BMW iX1 is an electric SUV that utilises the body and interior layout of the petrol-powered X1 compact five-seater. The X1 starts at $61,800 for the sDrive 18i and rises to $92,300 for the sporty M35i model. The EV iX1 is priced from $80,600 for the base front-wheel drive eDrive20 xLine. Splash out another $6200 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. An option pack includes a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio. The X1’s cabin is beautifully presented to live up to the premium pricing. Metal highlights nicely contrast the dark…

The BYD Dolphin is a small five-door hatchback EV, about the size of the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30. Priced from $29,990 plus, it’s one of the cheapest electric cars on the market and is available in two models: entry-level Essential and the better-equipped Premium, at $42,890. Both get fake leather, electrically adjustable front seats, smart key entry (plus you can use your phone as a key), wireless phone charger, 360-degree camera, digital/FM radio (but no AM), heated front seats, USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear. The Premium picks up a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloys (up from 16s) and a lot more power. 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…

It’s hard to deem BYD as an upstart in Australia these days, with the Chinese brand now delivering on an aggressive model rollout that even includes an electrified entrant into our cut-throat dual-cab segment in the Shark 6. The 2025 Sealion 7, though, might be the model that will makes the most noise (not literally of course), as the mid-size electric SUV is sizing up the Tesla Model Y to knock it off its best-selling EV perch in Australia. It’s particularly pertinent given BYD is the only other new brand in our market that has managed to develop a similar cult-like following. The Sealion 7 arrives in Australia in two trim levels — the Premium, at $54,990, and the Performance, at $63,990 — with those prices designed to slide under…

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 $29,990 for the front-drive SE, the Tiggo 7’s main attraction is a standard equipment list that beats more expensive players, although its range no longer offers all-wheel drive. There’s 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, faux leather trim, six-way powered driver seat, 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 Cupra Born is a compact electric hatch that is trying to sell on its sporty side. Cupra even refers to it as hot. It’s priced from $59,990, although Cupra has knocked many thousands off ahead of a minor update in 2025. The expectation is that the price will be adjusted downwards in line with an EV market that has shifted. For that you get a five-seat hatch with 19-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, smart key entry, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitors, a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch central infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a shame its functionality is occasionally flawed, such as the fiddly slider control to adjust the volume. Pay another $2600 for the Performance pack and the wheels step…

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 $64,990 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…

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 $78,500 plus on road costs for the 2.5T Advanced, 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…

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 GWM, which previously specialised in utes but has now applied the branding more broadly. 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 cylinder turbopetrol engine include the Premium ($26,990), Lux ($29,990),…

Honda’s HRV e:HEV X (that’s code for hybrid, in case you were wondering) costs $39,900 drive away. A non-hybrid Vi X model, with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, is $34,900 drive away. There’s also a better equipped HRV e:HEV L at $42,900. HRV’s e:HEV system features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors — one for drive, the other for generating electricity to keep the small-capacity lithium ion battery charged. You don’t need to plug-in to recharge. A CVT transmission turns the front wheels. HRV is a true series/parallel hybrid in that the battery alone can provide power — enough to get you out of your driveway, at least, or launch you a few metres from the lights on a gentle throttle — before the petrol engine kicks in and…

The Hyundai i30 came in for a shake-up in 2024 that also saw the hatch imported from the Czech Republic, in turn picking up an import tariff on the way into Australia. That makes the sedan more affordable, priced from $29,000 with a 110kW 2.0-litre petrol and a CVT transmission or $33,500 for the Elite and $38,500 for the Premium. 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 assistance, similar to Toyota’s hybrid drivetrain used in the Corolla. Claimed economy is 3.9L/100km. The hatch comes only in sportier N-Line guise with a new 1.5-litre turbo hooked up to a 48V mild hybrid system; it makes 117kW and 253N with…

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 EV shares its electrical architecture with the Ioniq 5 SUV, but the 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. A streamlined 2025 range sees prices start at $67,300 for the rear-wheel drive model known simply as Ioniq 6. It gets a single electric motor that delivers 111kW and is matched to a 53kWh battery with 429km of EV range. A bigger 77.4kWh battery stretches that range to 614km and boost power to 168kW. Standard gear includes 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, ambient lighting and an eletrically adjustable driver’s seat. There are also dual 12.3-inch screens. The mid-grade Dynamiq is $78,500 or can be had…

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 $70,800. Calligraphy drivetrain variants are $75,900/$79,219 respectively, while Calligraphy Black Ink (seriously?…) costs $78,400/$81,719. 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…

Hyundai’s Venue, a small SUV, starts at $22,750 (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 $27,000 (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 $29,500. Hyundai’s Bluelink, a subscription based…

Kia’s fourth-generation Carnival people mover starts at $50,300 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 smallest SUV, the Stonic, is based on the Rio hatchback. Prices start at $25,660 for the 74kW/172Nm 1.0-litre three-cyliner turbopetrol seven-speed dual-clutch automatic Stonic S. For 2025, the manual version is no longer on sale, with the previous 1.4-litre engine also dropped — the 1.0-litre the sole engine. So at base model level Stonic is one of the cheapest SUVs on the market, along with its main rival, the Hyundai Venue. Stonic Sport, with the same drivetrain is $28,790. We tested the GT Line, at $31,980. Safety specification is basic. Autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, six airbags and a camera are standard, but that’s about it. A monitor tells you when a rear door is being opened. There’s no blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert or adaptive…

The Kia Niro is a mid-size SUV with a hybrid drivetrain, comparable in size to Kia’s petrol-powered Seltos and Hyundai’s Kona. Prices open at $45,000 for the hybrid S, with a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder/six-speed dual clutch automatic and electric motor. The e-motor maes 32kW/170Nm and 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 $50,650. Pure EV models have since been discontinued following the arrival of the cheaper (and better) Kia EV3 in early 2025. Standard equipment in the Niro S includes 16-inch alloy…

Kia makes no secret that the EV5 has the Tesla Model Y firmly in its crosshairs. No point mucking around if you want to take on the EV market leader! Like the Tesla the EV5 is a mid-sized SUV sourced from China. And it is aiming to tempt buyers with sharp pricing that starts at $56,770 for the single motor Air or $61,170 for the Long Range with an 88.1kWh battery versus the 64.2kWh battery of the Standard Range. By the time drive-away pricing is applied the difference between the two is more dramatic, making it a difficult leap to the Long Range. Standard kit includes seat trim that is a mix of cloth and faux leather. There are also 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and a massage function for…

One of many new brands out of China, Leapmotor also has the muscle of Stellantis behind it. For those who need a refresher, Stellantis is essentially the merger of Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat-Chrysler, also incorporating brands such as Jeep and Maserati. But Leapmotor is about barging in on the growing EV market with a price-focused offering designed to turn heads. The C10 is the brand’s first arrival, a mid-sized SUV available as a pure battery electric vehicle or as a range extender hybrid, which gets a smaller battery but a petrol engine to extend the range. The C10 is priced from $43,888 for the Style range extender — or REEV — or $45,888 for the EV. Each comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate…

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 $63,400 for the base NX250 Luxury and rise to $95,900 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 popout electric door handles that are just begging to be ripped off…

Now in its fourth iteration since 2004, the Japanese-built Mazda3 hatch and sedan series is nowadays a wholly more upmarket proposition. 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 the range has been truncated and equipment levels upped. 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 drive and pretty decent value for money too. Pricing now starts from $31,310 for the 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre Pure with an auto transmission, as either a sedan or hatch. Safety includes blind-spot monitoring, forward obstruction warning, lane departure alert, lane-keep assist, active cruise…

Evolution is the name of the game for one of Australia’s most popular SUVs, but it’s starting to show its age. Starting from $36,590, the front-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 Maxx vies with Nissan’s X-Trail, Subaru’s Forester and Toyota’s RAV4 for safety honours, but as the new favourite family freighter class, these mid-size SUVs are now top sellers. Maxx Sport is $40,310 with frontwheel drive or $42,810 with allwheel drive. Touring specification, from $44,920, offers an all-wheel drivetrain, as does GT SP, from $50,310, 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 and a Bose audio upgrade. The flagship Akera, from $52,500, adds LED cabin lighting, cooled front seats…

Mazda is making a bold pitch for the premium large SUV family with its new line-up that now includes the CX-80. And it’s the car that arguably most closely reinforces more traditional Mazda traits, with value at its heart. Sharing much of its layout with the CX-60, the CX-80 gets an extra 250mm between the front and rear wheels, in turn increasing interior space. That also allows for a third row of seats, taking capacity to seven (the CX-60 is a five-seater). That said, the CX-80 is hardly a bargain, with pricing starting at $54,950 for the petrol-only Pure. That model gets 18-inch wheels, smart key entry, head-up display, dual-zone ventilation, adaptive cruise control and a modest 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the shift…

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 $63,600, 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 (it’s very convincing), 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 $80,500, has a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol, an eightspeed DCT and all-wheel drive. It adds lowered suspension, heated front seats and a sunroof. The AMG-equipped GLA35, tested here, is $99,000, with a 225kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol, eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive. All GLA variants now also use 48…

The simplified GLC range has been steadily growing recently to reflect the popularity of the mid-sized five-door, which is available as a traditional SUV or sleekerlooking coupe. The entry-level GLC200 wagon is priced from $89,000 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. A more powerful GLC300 is from $103,400 or $117,000 as a coupe with more gear. Sportier AMG models — including a new four-cylinder hybrid for the GLC63 — bring more thrust. The 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), wellcalibrated autonomous braking and blind spot warning with an…