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Australian New Car Buyer December 6th, 2023 Digital Back Issue Cover

Australian New Car Buyer Magazine Issue 62 (Digital)

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100 Articles

Australian New Car&SUV Buyer’s Guide.

Car dealers have a well-earned reputation for unscrupulous behaviour, and as the market emerges from a long post-Covid hangover it’s obvious that some are still trying to con buyers into paying inflated peak Covid prices. Cars were expensive during Covid because supply was tight and demand was high, but this situation is now doing a U-turn as tough economic times begin to bite and factories return to full production capacity. A few brands are still having supply issues, but most dealers now have well stocked showrooms and are willing to discount if you’re a serious buyer. One sneaky tactic to inflate prices on models that are in short supply is to register a new car as a demonstrator, which then allows the dealer to sell it for thousands more than…

JOSHUA DOWLING Joshua Dowling is the National Motoring Editor at drive.com.au and a World Car of the Year judge. Joshua is renowned for his consumer-first approach, and is one of Australia’s most fearless motoring journalists, refusing to tow the car company line. You can also read his regular rants on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling. JOHN CAREY John is a contributor to Wheels magazine where he is a Car of the Year judge, and publications in the USA and UK. He lives in Bergamo, Italy, and covers new model launches for us from Europe. An engineering purist, John is unimpressed by “prestige” and inflated pricetags. TOBY HAGON Toby is a motoring writer of 30 years experience and the founder of evcentral.com.au, Australia’s leading source of information and advice about electric cars and SUVs.…

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 and has stability control plus six airbags as standard or…

REDBOOK VALUATIONS

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 it in…

REDBOOK VALUATIONS

ALFA ROMEO TONALE FROM $49,900

Alfa Romeo’s compact Tonale Hybrid SUV is available in three variants. Tonale Ti and Veloce (tested here), priced at $49,900 and $56,400 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 Plug-In Hybrid, at $77,500, 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 by…

ALFA ROMEO TONALE FROM $49,900

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO FROM $76,450

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio now kicks off at $76,450 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 $82,950, is a sportier variant, with a limited slip rear diff, 20-inch alloys (19s on Ti), aluminium shift paddles and trim inserts. The headline-stealingact in 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…

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO FROM $76,450

AUDI E-TRON FROM $146,075

The e-tron is Audi’s first EV and is priced from $146,075 for the 55 quattro wagon. As the name suggests, it drives all four wheels using two electric motors and a 95kWh battery. There’s also loads of gear, including smart key entry, powered tailgate, heated front seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 20-inch wheels. There are two infotainment screens — 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower — catering to everything from the navigation and audio functions to ventilation. There’s also six years of servicing and charging across the Chargefox network. And, as with all Audis, there’s a vast assortment of options that can further drain your bank balance. Stay away from the “virtual mirrors” that replace glass with screens; they may be more aerodynamic but they’re frustrating to use. There’s also…

AUDI E-TRON FROM $146,075

AUDI A1 FROM $34,250

The base model Audi A1 30 TFSi, priced at $34,250, 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 $28,990 — that’s $5260 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 $36,850. 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 $36,290. The A1 40 TFSi, with a 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol…

AUDI A1 FROM $34,250

AUDI A4 FROM $66,300

Audi’s A4 sedan range opens with the front-wheel-drive 35TFSi S-Line ($66,300) 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 $74,811 for the sedan and $76,734 for the Avant wagon. The 45TFSi quattro allroad, a faux SUV that’s basically a jacked up Avant with more clearance, is $78,169 and the 40TDi quattro allroad, with a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel, is $78,000. The S4 quattro sedan, with a 260kW 3.0-litre turbopetrol, is $104,669; the Avant is $107,169. 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 $156,069. This A4 may look just like the previous model, but…

AUDI A4 FROM $66,300

AUDI Q3 FROM $50,600

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 $50,600 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 $54,100. The 40TFSi, with a 132kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed S-tronic/quattro…

AUDI Q3 FROM $50,600

AUDI Q5 FROM $67,900

Audi Q5 prices kick off from $67,900 for the 120kW/370Nm, 2.0-litre turbodiesel, front-wheel drive 35 TDi. You’ll pay $75,500 for the 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 40 TDI diesel quattro and $74,888 for the 183kW/370Nm 2.0-litre 45 TFSI petrol quattro. Coupe-style Sportback versions of the 40 and 45 cost $83,400 and $90,469 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 there is…

AUDI Q5 FROM $67,900

AUDI Q7 FROM $108,469

Audi’s second-generation Q7 is a huge improvement over the first. That model’s whale-like scale made it a daunting vehicle to drive in the city and its high weight meant it had the handling agility of a humpback. Audi’s engineers found ways to shed around 300kg without affecting strength or compromising occupant safety. The Q7 is now among the more pleasant and capable large premium SUVs to drive. There’s little steering feel, a trait common to the breed, but the Audi copes gracefully with corners, ride comfort is very good (thanks to adjustable air suspension) and noise, vibration and harshness levels are very low. The Q7 doesn’t pretend to be a sportster and this is to its credit. The range opens with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel 45TDi, with 170kW/500Nm, priced at…

AUDI Q7 FROM $108,469

AUDI Q8 FROM $132,269

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 $133,569, 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…

AUDI Q8 FROM $132,269

BMW iX FROM $135,900

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 $135,900, and Sport, priced at $141,900, have a 76.6kWh battery pack (with 71.0kWh of usable capacity), while iX xDrive50, priced at $180,400, 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 $228,400. 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…

BMW iX FROM $135,900

BMW i4 FROM $85,900

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…

BMW i4 FROM $85,900

BMW 1 SERIES FROM $54,800

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 less than $30,000. The Mini Cooper five door – same car, different box, remember — costs $44,700. 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…

BMW 1 SERIES FROM $54,800

BMW 3 SERIES FROM $80,200

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…

BMW 3 SERIES FROM $80,200

BMW X1FROM $60,400

The X1 is the most affordable SUV from BMW. Now in its third generation, it’s priced from $60,400 plus on-road costs for the sDrive 18i, tested here, 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 X1 xDrive 20i, which gets a 150kW/300Nm, 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol/all-wheel drivetrain. The M Sport version is $73,400 and the M35 XDrive, with 233kW/400Nm, is $90,900. An electric version, badged iX1, starts at $78,900 for the eDrive20. The eDrive30 is $84,900. 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…

BMW X1FROM $60,400

BMW X2 FROM $53,500

More compact than the recently superseded F48 X1, on which it’s based, BMW X2 prices start at $53,500 for the sDrive 18i. This front-wheel-drive X2 runs a 103kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol triple matched with a seven-speed double-clutch automatic. M Sport specifciation with this drivetrain costs $56,200. It adds black metallic paint, 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, power front seats with heating and automatic air. The front wheel drive s20i M Sport, with a 141kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine/seven-speed double clutch drivetrain, is $65,200 and includes leather upholstery, gloss black interior trims and a choice of four metallic paint colours. 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…

BMW X2 FROM $53,500

BMW X3/X4 FROM $81,700

With the the third-generation X3/X4, BMW once again has a competitive player in the premium medium-SUV class. The latest X3/X4 is a styling update, with the addition of a new plug-in hybrid variant. The X3 range opens at $81,700 with the sDrive 20i. It runs BMW’s base 2.0-litre turbopetrol four, with 135kW of power, matched with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It averages a claimed 7.4L/100km. All-wheel drive variants open with the the $84,700 X3 20d. It has a 140kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel four, claimed to average 5.7L/100km. The $97,900 X3 30i M Sport runs the 2.0-litre turbopetrol four tuned for 185kW, which returns 7.6L/100km, while the $104,300 X3 30d M Sport has a 195kW 3.0-litre turbodiesel in-line six. It averages a claimed 6.0L/100km. The XDrive 30e M Sport plug-in…

BMW X3/X4 FROM $81,700

BMW X5 FROM $134,900

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 has gone into upgrading infotainment and connectivity on the 2023 update. The “BMW Curved Display” includes all digital instruments in a 12.3 inch…

BMW X5 FROM $134,900

BYD ATTO 3 FROM $48,011

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…

BYD ATTO 3 FROM $48,011

CITROEN C5 X FROM $57,670

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, 360 degree cameras, lane keeping, detailed head-up display 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…

CITROEN C5 X FROM $57,670

CUPRA FORMENTOR FROM $51,990

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…

CUPRA FORMENTOR FROM $51,990

CUPRA LEON FROM $45,190

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…

CUPRA LEON FROM $45,190

FERRARI 296 GTB FROM $568,300

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 in…

FERRARI 296 GTB FROM $568,300

FORD PUMA FROM $30,840

The Ford Puma is the smallest SUV in the brand’s line-up. There are three models: Puma (from $30,840), Puma ST-Line ($33,190) and Puma ST-Line V (from $36,390). All three models are powered by the same turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine (with 92kW/170Nm) matched to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic sending drive to the front wheels. Puma’s fuel rating label says average consumption is 5.3L/100km but this is based on laboratory tests. During our test drive on mostly inter-urban roads and not much stop-start traffic we averaged between 6.7 and 8.0L/100km, on the recommended premium. It’s not meant to be a hot hatch (despite its sporty appearance) but Puma does the 0 to 100kmh dash in 9.7 seconds, which by any measure today is pretty slow. To be fair, once it’s on…

FORD PUMA FROM $30,840

GENESIS GV70 FROM $68,500

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 $68,500 plus on road costs for the G2.5T, tested here, with a 224kW/422Nm 2.5-litre fourcylinder turbopetrol that’s good for 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds. BMW’s base X3,…

GENESIS GV70 FROM $68,500

GWM ORA FROM $39,990

The GWM Ora is one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. Priced from $38,990 before on-road costs, the small electric hatchback has some Mini-inspired styling cues and a long list 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 ($45,990), with a…

GWM ORA FROM $39,990

HAVAL H6 FROM $33,990

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…

HAVAL H6 FROM $33,990

HAVAL JOLION FROM $28,490

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…

HAVAL JOLION FROM $28,490

HONDA HRV FROM $36,700

Honda’s HRV e:HEV L (that’s code for hybrid, in case you were wondering) costs $47,000 drive away, which is pretty expensive for a small SUV. A non-hybrid Vi X model, with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, is $36,700 drive away. 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 does most…

HONDA HRV FROM $36,700

HONDA ZR-V FROM $40,200

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-LXspec($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 a 12-speaker…

HONDA ZR-V FROM $40,200

HONDA CIVIC FROM $47,200

The Honda Civic VTi LX is priced at an eye-watering $47,200 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…

HONDA CIVIC FROM $47,200

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R FROM $72,600

As with its immediate predecessor, Honda’s sixth generation Civic Type R sits on the front row of the hot hatch grid, with Hyundai’s i30N and the VW Golf R. The Honda, though, is now the most expensive of the trio by a big margin. At $72,600 drive away, it’s almost $20,000 pricier than the previous model, $26,400 more than the Hyundai, and $3610 more than the Golf. Its predecessor clocked 6.2 seconds on our timing equipment. Honda claims 5.4 seconds for this model, and while that’s probably optimistic, seat of the pants says it’s a quicker car. However the Golf (with all-wheel drive) will do 4.8 seconds and the Hyundai 5.4 seconds. Both times are with dual clutch automatics – the Honda offers only a six-speed manual, which will inevitably…

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R FROM $72,600

HONDA CRV FROM $44,500

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…

HONDA CRV FROM $44,500

HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 FROM $74,000

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. Its slippery shape makes for a distinctive design, one that occasionally prioritises aerodynamic efficiency over practicalities. Prices start at $74,000 plus on-road costs for the Dynamiq, which gets a single electric motor that produces 168kW/350Nm, driving the rear wheels and a claimed range of 614km. It gets heated and powered front seats, Bose audio, head-up display, wireless phone charging, matrix LED headlights, smart key, dual 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive suite of active safety systems. It’s also the first Hyundai with over-the-air software updates and Bluelink remote…

HYUNDAI IONIQ 6 FROM $74,000

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 FROM $72,000

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 mid-size electric SUV is available in three variants. Ioniq 5 Dynamiq has a 168kW/350Nm electric motor that drives the rear wheels. It’s priced at $72,000. Ioniq 5 Techniq, tested here at $79,500, has a 165kW electric motor driving the rear axle and a 74kW motor on the front, for a combined output of 239kW, plus a hefty 605Nm of torque. Epiq, with the same AWD drivetrain, digital side mirrors, high-efficiency heat pump and battery conditioning electronics, is $85,000. Power comes from a 77.4 kWh battery that’s good for a claimed range of 507km in the 2WD and 454km in the AWD. Ioniq can be plugged into a 350kW fast charger, which takes 18 minutes to recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent. On a typical 50kW…

HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 FROM $72,000

HYUNDAI I30 FROM $24,000

You don’t mess around with a winning formula, so Hyundai’s third-generation i30 offers more of the same: a strong value-for-money proposition, excellent quality and reliability backed up by a generous warranty. Its styling was last updated for 2021, with sharper lines and a sportier profile. 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. The seven-speed transmission adds $2000 to both models. The i30 sedan, with a longer wheelbase and a 117kW 2.0-litre, starts at $26,000 for the Active; a six-speed auto adds $2000 and auto Elite is $32,000. N-Line manual sedan is $32,000; the seven-speed DCT adds…

HYUNDAI I30 FROM $24,000

HYUNDAI I30 N FROM $46,200

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 $50,200 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…

HYUNDAI I30 N FROM $46,200

HYUNDAI VENUE FROM $22,000

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…

HYUNDAI VENUE FROM $22,000

HYUNDAI KONA FROM $32,000

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 KONA FROM $32,000

HYUNDAI TUCSON FROM $35,150

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…

HYUNDAI TUCSON FROM $35,150

HYUNDAI SANTA FE FROM $46,050

Hyundai’s Santa Fe range opens with the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic/front-wheel-drive Wagon, at $46,050. Active is $50,250, Elite is $56,500 and Highlander is $63,050. The 148kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel/eight-speed automatic/all-wheel drive Wagon, tested here, is $49,550. Active is $53,750, Elite is $60,000 and Highlander is $66,550. Santa Fe Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre turbopetrol/44.2kW electric motor all-wheel drivetrain, is priced at $63,000 for the seven-seater Elite and $69,550 in six or seven seater Highlander specification. The 2.2-litre engine is one of the best four-cylinder turbodiesels in the business, matching (or beating) the best German engines in performance, refinement and fuel efficiency. Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart (adaptive) drivetrain modes can be selected, and auto stop/start is fitted. The eight-speed dual clutch automatic is a seamless fit with the engine, and shifts…

HYUNDAI SANTA FE FROM $46,050

HYUNDAI PALISADE FROM $65,900

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 hiked the entry price by $10,000 as part of a mid-2022 update. Prices now kick off at $65,900 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. Eight seats, arranged in a 2-3-3 layout, are standard. Highlander drivetrain variants are $74,965/$78,370 respectively. Elite and Highlander also offer the no cost option of substituting two individual middle row seats, with a walk through to the rear bench, for a seven seat layout. Palisade is built to the highest quality standards, exceptionally spacious and comfortable, and loaded with equipment, especially at Highlander level where it rivals…

HYUNDAI PALISADE FROM $65,900

JAGUAR F-PACE FROM $82,170

Jaguar’s F-Pace’s mostly aluminium body draws on the basic elements of Jaguar’s XE and XF sedans. Size-wise, the F-Pace is something of an in-betweenie. It’s larger than a BMW X3, for example, but not as big as an X5. It’s certainly spacious enough to be a very useful family wagon. The 650-litre cargo compartment is a whopper and the rear seat, which features a three-piece folding backrest, is roomy. F-Pace prices begin at $82,170 for the 184kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four P250 R-Dynamic S, with an eight-speed auto and all wheel drive. The SE is $87,570. The 221kW 3.0-litre straight six twin turbodiesel D300 R-Dynamic SE is $103,975. The 294kW 3.0-litre straight six 400 sPORT, with an electric compressor-driven turbo, is $126,920. Both straight six engines also feature mild hybrid assitance.…

JAGUAR F-PACE FROM $82,170

KIA EV6 GT FROM $99,590

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.…

KIA EV6 GT FROM $99,590

KIA EV6 FROM $72,590

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 EV6 FROM $72,590

KIA NIRO FROM $44,930

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 NIRO FROM $44,930

KIA STINGER FROM $52,750

Kia’s Stinger, a big, sporty, four-door coupe, opens at $52,750 for the 200S, with a 182kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four/eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Stinger GT Line is $60,430. More serious performance lives under the bonnet of the 330S, priced at $56,530. Its 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 generates 274kW of power, put to the road via the same drivetrain. The top of the range GT, tested here, is $66,460. Stinger is Kia’s first attempt at a genuine GT performance car, and it shares architecture and mechanicals with the Genesis G70. Stinger’s handsome, distinctive sheetmetal is in marked contrast to its plain interior, which has perhaps too much in common with Kia’s humble hatchbacks. GT is loaded though, with luxurious heated and cooled front seats, upholstered in Nappa leather, plus a full…

KIA STINGER FROM $52,750

KIA CERATO FROM $26,290

Kia’s Cerato hatch range opens with the 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol S, with a six-speed auto, priced at $26,290. Sport is $28,390 and Sport+ is $31,440. The 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo/seven-speed dual clutch automatic GT i $36,090. 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 CERATO FROM $26,290

KIA PICANTO FROM $16,290

Kia’s top selling Picanto starts at $16,290 with a 62kW 1.25-litre four cylinder/five-speed manual. GT Line, with extra equipment and sporty bling, is $17,740. The auto adds $1600 to S and X-Line. Picanto GT, with a 74kW 1.0-litre turbo triple/five-speed manual, is $20,790. 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 is the most affordable car on the…

KIA PICANTO FROM $16,290

KIA CARNIVAL FROM $47,480

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 CARNIVAL FROM $47,480

KIA STONIC FROM $22,290

Kia’s smallest SUV, the Stonic, is based on the Rio hatchback. Prices start at $22,290 for the 74kW/133Nm 1.4-litre petrol/six-speed manual Stonic S; the six-speed auto is $23,790. 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 drivetrains, is $25,290/$26,790. We tested the GT Line, at $30,790, which runs a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol, also with 74kW of power but with 172Nm of torque, matched with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. 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…

KIA STONIC FROM $22,290

KIA SELTOS FROM $29,500

Kia’s compact Seltos SUV opens at $29,500 for the 110kW 2.0 litre petrol/continuously variable auto/front-wheel drive Seltos S. Seltos Sport is $32,700, Sport+ is $35,800 and GT-Line is $41,500. All-wheel drive models start at $39,300 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 $44,900. 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 SELTOS FROM $29,500

KIA SPORTAGE FROM $32,795

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 $32,795 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 $41,850 for the SX+. A 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch automatic/all-wheel…

KIA SPORTAGE FROM $32,795

KIA SORENTO FROM $47,650

Kia’s fourth generation Sorento seven-seater SUV kicks off at $47,650 for the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol/eight-speed automatic/front wheel drive S model. Sport is $50,270, Sport Plus is $54,850 and GT Line is $62,070. A 148kW 2.2-litre four cylinder turbodiesel is paired with a dual clutch eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive in the same model grades: S, at $50,650; Sport at $53,270; Sport Plus at $57,850 (tested here) and GT Line at $65,070. Sorento hybrid, with a 1.6-litre turbopetrol four/44kW electric motor drivetrain, starts at $66,750 for the GT Line front-wheel drive. AWD is $69,750. A plug-in hybrid AWD variant tops the range at $81,080. The 2.2 turbodiesel goes nicely, with big grunt off idle and through the midrange that makes for completely effortless progress in the higher gears, even when…

KIA SORENTO FROM $47,650

LEXUS UX FROM $46,085

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. 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,…

LEXUS UX FROM $46,085

LEXUS NX FROM $62,275

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…

LEXUS NX FROM $62,275

LEXUS RX FROM $86,904

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 $123,000 and RZ450e Sports Luxury is $135,000. Prices include…

LEXUS RX FROM $86,904

LEXUS RZ FROM $123,000

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 $123,000 for Luxury grade; Sports Luxury is $135,000. 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…

LEXUS RZ FROM $123,000

MAHINDRA XUV700 FROM $36,990

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…

MAHINDRA XUV700 FROM $36,990

MASERATI LEVANTE FROM $147,600

Until the Levante, no SUV had ever worn the trident badge of Maserati. But you would never guess from the way this weighty Italian drives. Equipped as standard with air springs and variable dampers, the Levante is more agile on a curvy road than a high-riding 2.2-tonne five-seater has any right to be and, thanks to a little help from Jeep, has more off-road ability than any customer is ever likely to exploit. Maserati’s starting point for development was the Ghibli sedan, and the SUV’s overall length and wheelbase are almost the same. Major changes for the Levante include suspension hardware designed to deliver greater wheel travel, plus the adoption of standard pneumatic suspension that can hoist the vehicle up to 40mm higher for off-road work or lower it by…

MASERATI LEVANTE FROM $147,600

MAZDA MX-5 FROM $39,060

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 2023 lineup starts at a very reasonable $39,060 for the manual Roadster. A six-speed auto adds $2000. The 2.0-litre GT manual is $45,690; the auto is $47,690. GT RS manual is $48,690. 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,…

MAZDA MX-5 FROM $39,060

MAZDA2 FROM $22,410

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 $22,410 for the Puremanual. Asix-speed auto adds $2000 and is standard on other models. Pure SP is $25,210, Evolve is $25,910 and GT is $27,610. 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…

MAZDA2 FROM $22,410

MAZDA3 FROM $30,320

Now in its fourth iteration since 2004, the Japanese-built Mazda 3 hatch and sedan series is nowadays a wholly more upmarket proposition, trespassing on the Volkswagen Golf’s turf. 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 have also risen by over $3000, so Mazda is clearly now chasing margins rather than volume from the Three, which remains a very high quality machine, an…

MAZDA3 FROM $30,320

MAZDA6 FROM $36,140

Mazda’s mid-size 6 is available as a sedan and wagon. Prices start at $36,140 for the 140kW/250Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol/six-speed automatic Sport sedan. The Touring is $40,810. GT SP, with a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre engine, is $49,040 and the top-of-the-range Atenza is $52,440. 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…

MAZDA6 FROM $36,140

MAZDA MX30 FROM $36,610

The term “hybrid” now refers to several different drivetrain technologies. Some buyers are not aware of this, and end up with a relatively thirsty car when they were expecting a fuel miser. The Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid runs a petrol engine with an upgraded alternator and a 24-volt lithium-ion battery pack. It means the Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid doesn’t have the ability to be driven on electric power, either alone or in combination with the petrol engine. The battery pack has just enough juice to run the ancillaries as the petrol engine shuts down when coasting or coming to a stop. As a result, real-world fuel economy is not as frugal as you might expect. Mazda says the MX-30 M Hybrid consumes 6.4L/100km in lab tests; during our real world…

MAZDA MX30 FROM $36,610

MAZDA CX-3 FROM $26,800

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 ($26,800), Pure ($29,300), Evolve ($31,050), Touring SP ($34,300) and Akari, at $38,620. 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…

MAZDA CX-3 FROM $26,800

MAZDA CX30 FROM $30,610

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 $30,610 for the G20 Pure, with a 114kW 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four/six-speed manual. The six-speed automatic is $31,610; it’s standard in Evolve, at $33,310, Touring at $37,210 and Astina, tested here, at $42,210. G25 variants, with a 139kW 2.5-litre engine, start at $38,710 for the Touring; the Astina is $43,710. All-wheel drive adds $2000 to both G25 models. The X20 Astina all-wheel drive mild hybrid is priced at $48,710. It uses Mazda’s revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine, the first petrol engine to employ both spark and diesel-style compression ignition. The G20E Evolve mild hybrid, with the conventional 2.0-litre Skyactive engine, is $37,060. CX30,…

MAZDA CX30 FROM $30,610

MAZDA CX-5 FROM $36,110

Evolution is the name of the game for one of Australia’s most popular SUVs. It’s had more facelifts, nips and tucks than the Kardashians. Starting from $36,110, the frontwheel 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 all very safe kid carriers. Maxx Sport is $39,910 with front-wheel drive or $42,410 with all-wheel drive. Touring specification, from $44,300, offers an all-wheel drivetrain, as does GT SP, from $49,910, which puts you into luxury equipment territory with a powered tailgate, sunroof, 19-inch alloys, adaptive front headlights (that “see” through corners), heated and powered front seats with driver’s-side memory, leather and a Bose audio upgrade. The flagship Akera, from $52,100, adds LED…

MAZDA CX-5 FROM $36,110

MAZDA CX-8 FROM $42,660

Mazda’s CX-8 SUV slots between the mid-size CX-5 five-seater and family-sized CX-9 seven-seater. There are four model grades: base Sport front-wheel drive from $42,660, Touring from $48,560, GT from $59,160 and the Asaki from $62,410. Standard fare includes low speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind zone warning, rear-cross traffic alert (and rear AEB), and built-in navigation. Mazda’s infotainment — with a large dial and buttons that fall neatly within reach of your hand in the centre console — is one of the better systems we’ve used, but does take a bit of practice. A 10.25 inch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Rear cargo space is generous in the right configuration, though there is only a space-saver spare tyre under the boot floor. The second-row seat tilts…

MAZDA CX-8 FROM $42,660

MAZDA CX-60 FROM $59,800

The CX-60 is a mid-sized SUV that kicks off at $59,800 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 $72,300). 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 $73,345) with Nappa leather, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats and memory controls…

MAZDA CX-60 FROM $59,800

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS FROM $61,900

Mercedes-Benz recently updated the A Class with mild hybrid drivetrains and the reintroduction of the base A200 model, with a 1.3-litre turbopetrol four/sevenspeed dual clutch/front wheel drivetrain. Start money is $61,900 for the A200 hatch A Class sedans kick off with the A200 at $63,400. The all-wheel drive A250 4 Matic, with a mild hybridassisted 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/eight-speed auto, is $71,900 for the hatch or $73,400 for the sedan. The A35AMG hatch, with a 225kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch/all-wheel drivetrain, is $87,900. The sedan is priced at $89,400. Mercedes introduced MBUX, the most sophisticated voice control system to date, with this A Class. It has since been copied by several other makers. Once roused by saying “Hey Mercedes”, MBUX can deduce that if the driver says something such as “I’m…

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS FROM $61,900

MERCEDES-AMG A45S FROM $119,900

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-AMG A45S FROM $119,900

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS FROM $69,900

Mercedes’ second generation CLA four door coupe, released in 2019, kicks off at $69,900 for the 120kW 1.3-litre turbopetrol/sevenspeed dual clutch automatic/front-wheel drive CLA200. The CLA250, with a 165kW 2.0-litre turbo and all-wheel drive, is $80,100. AMG variants open with the $98,600 CLA35, tested, here, powered by a 225kW 2.0-litre turbo, while the ferocious CLA45S, with the world’s most powerful series production four cylinder engine — a 310kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol — is $128,000. As with the previous model, the CLA sits on the A Class platform, however the second generation has a 30mm longer wheelbase, and the body has grown in width and length as well in the pursuit of greater interior space. Wider tracks at both ends improve stability at speed, while the adoption of multilink rear suspension also…

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS FROM $69,900

MERCEDES-BENZ EQA FROM $82,300

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-BENZ EQA FROM $82,300

MERCEDES-BENZ GLA FROM $63,200

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. This model is significantly larger than its predecessor, with a much taller body and a higher seating position for the driver. The base GLA 200, priced at $63,200, runs a 120kW 1.3-litre turbopetrol four, matched with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and 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 $77,300, has a 165kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol, an eight-speed DCT and all-wheel drive. It adds lowered suspension, heated front seats and a sunroof. AMG-equipped variants include the…

MERCEDES-BENZ GLA FROM $63,200

MERCEDES-BENZ GLB FROM $67,000

Mercedes’ GLB sits in one of those in-between slots on the SUV size scale. It’s a mid-size wagon, but also one of the smaller seven seaters on the market. It goes up against Land Rover’s Discovery Sport, Mazda’s CX8, VW’s Tiguan Allspace and the Skoda Kodiaq. In all of these vehicles, the extra two seats in the back are generally tight for access and overall space. They’re designed for occasional rather than daily use. If you want seven full size seats to transport a tribe on a regular basis, you need a bigger wagon than any of these. GLB prices kick off at $67,000 for the GLB200, with a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbopetrol four driving the front wheels via a seven-speed twin clutch automatic. The GLB250 4Matic, tested here, runs a…

MERCEDES-BENZ GLB FROM $67,000

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS FROM $89,900

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 $89,900 and $95,900 respectively. Both are paired with a nine-speed 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 $138,900, 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…

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS FROM $89,900

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC FROM $104,900

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, at least until the arrival of AMG hotrods. The 2023 GLC300 is priced from $104,900 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. Fortunately, 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), well calibrated…

MERCEDES-BENZ GLC FROM $104,900

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS FROM $105,069

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.…

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS FROM $105,069

MERCEDES-BENZ EQC FROM $126,675

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 for 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 impactab sorbing 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…

MERCEDES-BENZ EQC FROM $126,675

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE FROM $119,174

Mercedes-Benz fourth generation GLE range opens with the 300d at $119,174. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four cylinder, with a healthy 180kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The GLE 450 at $133,670 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbopetrol in-line six-cylinder paired to a mild hybrid system (270kW/500Nm), and the GLE 400d at $141,670 is powered by a 243kW/700Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel in-line six-cylinder. The AMG GLE 53 wagon features the 3.0-litre in line twin turbopetrol, tweaked for 320kW/520Nm and fed by an electric compressor. It costs $179,868. Finally, the ballistic AMG GLE 63 S, with a 450kW/850Nm twin turbopetrol 4.0-litre V8, is $255,269. Coupes includes GLE450 ($156,470), GLE53 AMG ($190,769) and GLE63 AMG S, at $257,969. Standard fare includes dual zone air-conditioning with vents to the second-row…

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE FROM $119,174

MERCEDES-BENZ GLS FROM $170,169

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/500Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbopetrol GLS 450 is priced at $170,169. The 243kW/700Nm 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel GLS 400d, tested here, is $177,969. The AMG GLS63, with a 450kW/850Nm twin turbopetrol 4.0-litre V8 mild hybrid drivetrain, is $288,270 while the Maybach GLS600 luxo bomber, tuned for 410kW, is $393,969. 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…

MERCEDES-BENZ GLS FROM $170,169

MG4 FROM $38,990

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 $38,990 plus on-road costs. 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…

MG4 FROM $38,990

MG HS FROM $31,990

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 turbopetrol/sevenspeed dual clutch auto/front wheel drive Vibe at $31,990. Excite is $34,990 and Essence is $37,990. Essence X, with a 168kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/six-speed dual clutch auto/all-wheel drivetrain, is $41,990. HS Plus Excite 1.5-litre plugin hybrid, which has combined outputs of 189kW/370Nm and claims…

MG HS FROM $31,990

MG ZS EV FROM $42,990

The mid-size MG ZS EV starts at $42,990 plus on road costs for the Excite variant. So it’s at the cheap end of the EV field, with the BYD Dolphin, at $38,890 and the GWM Ora, which opens at $39,990. However, it’s worth noting that the ZS EV is $17,000 more expensive than the cheapest petrol-powered ZST, which starts at $25,990. That said, it comes well equipped with the latest driver assist safety tech and a practical and comfortable cabin. The Essence model, at $47,990, 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…

MG ZS EV FROM $42,990

MINI FROM $43,050

Mini hiked starting prices by more than $6500 during 2021. Call it the Covid tax. And it added another $3500 or so in mid-2023. Maybe they should call it the Maxi instead? The Mini Cooper range now starts at $43,050 for the three door, seven-speed dual clutch automatic Classic. Cooper S is $55,000. You get more boot and rear seat space in the longer, taller Mini five-door, which adds $1650 to Cooper and $1925 to Cooper S. The John Cooper Works (JCW) hatch starts at $55,400 for the three door. The five door is $57,325. Cooper convertible starts at $51,000. Cooper S is $61,575 and the John Cooper Works is $67,875. Cooper runs BMW’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque. A 141kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder…

MINI FROM $43,050

MINI ELECTRIC FROM $64,975

Mini’s first production EV – a three door hatch in Cooper S specification – carries an ambitious pricetag of $64,975 for the SE. That’s about $10,000 more than the 2.0-litre turbo petrol Cooper S. The SE Resolute (seriously…), is $65,325. Mini Electric inherits drivetrain componentry from parent BMW’s first EV, the now obsolete i3. This includes the 135kW electric motor, which drives the front wheels rather than the rears as it did in the i3. The 32.6 kWh battery pack is good for a claimed 233km. Mini warrants the battery for eight years and claims a recharging time of 35 minutes (to 80 percent) from a 50kW public DC fast charger. Plugged into an optional (about $2600) 11kW wall-mounted charger in your garage, it takes two and a half hours…

MINI ELECTRIC FROM $64,975

MINI COUNTRYMAN FROM $48,850

Mini’s SUV range, powered by BMW drivetrains, opens with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol/seven-speed dual clutch automatic/front-wheel-drive Countryman Cooper Classic, priced at $48,850. The 2.0-litre turbopetrol Cooper S is $57,650. The all-wheel drive John Cooper Works Essential model, the performance variant with a 225kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, costs $68,625 with an eight-speed automatic. With adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloys and a bit of extra bling, the fully loaded John Cooper Works Countryman model is $77,175. A plug-in hybrid, priced from $72,375, claims an electric-only range of 60km or so, but based on our test of the previous model you should take that claim with a grain of salt. It also has an all-wheel drivetrain. The original 2011 Countryman was the first family-size Mini. It won new customers and retained owners who otherwise…

MINI COUNTRYMAN FROM $48,850

MITSUBISHI ASX FROM $23,990

The base ASX 110kW 2.0-litre petrol/five-speed manual front-wheel-drive GS is $23,990. With a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission it’s $26,240, while in ES specification, with CVT as standard, it’s $27,490. MR, also with CVT, is $29,240 and LS is $29,990. A 123kW 2.4-litre petrol engine powers the $32,240 MR Plus, the $31,990 GSR, the $33,640 XLS Plus and the top spec Exceed, at $34,740. 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…

MITSUBISHI ASX FROM $23,990

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS FROM $31,490

The Eclipse Cross slots into Mitsubishi’s SUV portfolio between the compact ASX and midsize Outlander. Powered by a 1.5-litre four cylinder turbopetrol/continuously variable transmission (CVT), the range opens with the front-wheel drive ES at $31,490. LS is $34,240, or $36,740 with allwheel drive. Aspire front-wheel drive is $36,490. We’re testing the top-spec Exceed, at $40,490; it’s also available with all-wheel drive, at $42,990. A 2.4-litre plug-in hybrid, priced from $47,290 for the ES, is claimed to offer up to 55km of driving range running on the 13.8kW battery. It has an electric motor at each axle and a 2.4-litre petrol engine. Exceed specification covers most of what a family needs and wants in a wagon; it also adds bonus luxe, such as a double-sized sunroof, heated, leather-faced, power-adjustable front seats…

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS FROM $31,490

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER FROM $37,240

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 $37,240 for the base ES front-wheel drive five-seater and top out at $54,490 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 $56,490 for the ES five seater and runs to $70,990 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 aids…

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER FROM $37,240

NISSAN Z FROM $75,800

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 ninespeed 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 Z FROM $75,800

NISSAN LEAF FROM $50,990

The second generation of the world’s best-selling electric car features sharper looks, stronger performance and, most important of all, increased driving range. 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. This is enough for a reliable real-world 200-plus km driving range. According to the WLTP energy-consumption test, the Nissan’s driving range is 270 km. Careful, efficiency-minded drivers should get close to this. 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.…

NISSAN LEAF FROM $50,990

NISSAN JUKE FROM $28,390

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 sevenspeed 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 JUKE FROM $28,390

NISSAN QASHQAI FROM $33,890

Nissan’s Qashqai is a Euro-designed and engineered compact SUV that, in its previous iteration, was an ordinary drive and a long way from the front of this crowded, competitive class, where the Honda HRV, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kamiq, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross and VW T-Roc are the leaders. The 2023 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 takes a significant step up 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…

NISSAN QASHQAI FROM $33,890

NISSAN X-TRAIL FROM $37,250

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,…

NISSAN X-TRAIL FROM $37,250

NISSAN X-TRAIL E-POWER FROM $49,990

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 X-TRAIL E-POWER FROM $49,990

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