No comments

SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0S HYBRID

  By ,

Crosstrek is the smallest model in the Subaru SUV range. Previously branded as the XV it sits below the mid-sized Forester and larger Outback. In between are the Solterra and Trailseeker, both of which are EV only, as is the sportier Uncharted hatchback. Crosstrek competes against vehicles such as MG ZS, Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30. Five Crosstrek variants are offered: 2.0L, 2.0R, 2.0S (petrol), plus Hybrid L and Hybrid S, with prices ranging from $34,990 to $45,090 plus on-road costs. Our test was in the top-spec Hybrid… Read more

No comments

AUDI RINGS THE CHANGES WITH THE NEW FAMILY FAVOURITE

  By

While an ever-growing cohort of electric vehicles continues to ‘froth the coffee’ of automobile sales, there are still fossil fuelled ICE (internal combustion engine) alternatives stirring under the surface. One such stalwart of the ‘old order’ is the Audi Q3 SUV and Sportback, one of the German marque’s best-selling models worldwide and a cornerstone of Audi Down Under. The next generation has just landed with a broader model range aimed at city folk seeking a versatile premium all-rounder for everyday living. Available in SUV and Sportback styles, calling on three… Read more

No comments

ATTO 2 EV FILLS A GAP IN THE BYD SUV RANGE

  By ,

  The spectacular growth of Chinese vehicles in the Australian market continues. So far in the first seven months of 2026 vehicles sourced from China total sales totalled 208,785 vehicles, well ahead of the 170,722 coming from Japan. Leading the way is BYD (aka Build Your Dreams) which has moved into second place behind Toyota in July 2026 YTD sales. Our review thus week is on the Atto 2, a fully-electric compact SUV. Atto 2 joins the slightly larger Atto 3 which pioneered the BYD brand back in 2022 and… Read more

No comments

VITAL EV SWITCH FOR SUZUKI VITARA

  By ,

First introduced in the 1980s, the Suzuki Vitara helped pioneer the compact four-wheel drive and built a reputation for capability, efficiency and durability on and off road. Now, with the Japanese brand’s first fully electric SUV for Australia, the e Vitara has taken on the task of upholding the tradition. The e Vitara is offered in two variants – Motion, two-wheel drive with 344km range and Ultra, the test vehicle, featuring Suzuki’s All Grip all-wheel drive system, and 395km range. Pricing could be a problem with the e Vitara Motion… Read more

No comments

TORRES LEANS TOWARD HYBRID FUTURE

  By , ,

  The newly-landed Torres SUV has gone for the full box and dice with its first foray into  the petrol/electric hybrid jungle.   The Korean Torres (aka Tower) is manufacturer KGM’s start of a new electric era with a  full hybrid system combining an efficient battery powering two electric motors combining  impressive performance with welcome fuel efficiency.   Two models are available at launch – the K30 and K40 – both scraping under the $50k  mark before on-road costs – $45,000 and $48,000 respectively. The latter was on test.  … Read more

No comments

BYD SEALION 8 PREMIUM AWD . . .PLENTY TO LIKE

  By ,

The Sealion 8 range is the Chinese BYD’s first seven-seater and has a big role to play. Sharing its platform and mechanicals with the five-seat Sealion 6, it is positioned as a family-friendly alternative to the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and other large hybrids. It blends a petrol engine with electric motors and a sizeable battery, aiming to deliver EV-style efficiency for the day-to-day commute with extended range for longer trips. In typical BYD fashion it leans hard on tech, with distinctive styling that ties with… Read more

No comments

M8 . . .  COULD DO BIG THINGS FOR GAC

  By ,

How about that grille heh? It’s the GAC M8 (Mate, get it?) and it shouts look at me! The vertically-ribbed grille brings sparks memories of the so-called ”cow catchers” they used to fit to trains. The idea was to lift and push obstacles out of the way rather than slice and dice them in the case of an unfortunate cow. Perhaps that’s GAC’s plan for the M8, billed as Australia’s only plug-in hybrid people mover — to push the competition out of the way? Those competitors include but are not… Read more

No comments

KAKADU . . . BUILT FOR THE BUSH BUT CHALLENGED IN OTHER AREAS.

  By ,

Toyota says the new Prado delivers comprehensive improvements in driveability, off- road capability, safety, technology and functionality — all wrapped in a bold, stylish redesign that will appeal to urban families and off-road adventurers alike. We’ve spent a lot of time in the previous Prado clocking up thousands of kilometres in Outback Western Australia. With four adults and their luggage, it was a bit of a squeeze at times and I would have loved to remove the two intrusive, fold-down third row seats to free up space. The focus for… Read more

No comments

DENZA B8 PHEV PACKS A PUNCH AND PLENTY OF LUXURY EQUIPMENT

  By ,

Like Lexus is Toyota, Denza is to the Chinese brand BYD, with an upmarket line of luxury vehicles and a price tag to match. The brand was established in 2010 as a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, but Benz has since pulled the plug. The B8 Super Hybrid is a large six or seven-seat 4×4 wagon that is billed a bit optimistically as a competitor for the Land Cruiser 300 Series. There’s also a B5, a smaller five-seater that has the Prado in its sights, along with a z9GT sedan and… Read more

No comments

QASHQAI MAKES OWN WAY ON HYBRID DRIVE

  By ,

  The Qashqai compact Nissan SUV has turned its back on the past to embrace petrol/electric power with the company’s own unique innovative e-Power hybrid powertrain. Upgrades stretch across the whole range from the entry-level ST-L, where prices start at $45,640, plus on-road costs. The Ti comes in at $49,640 and Ti-L $53,640. A new N- Design Nissan’s Ti-L e-Power jumps to $52,365, while the new N-Design e-Power tops off the range at $54,140. On test was the mid-spec Ti-L e-Power. Nissan’s e-Power system, a series hybrid where a 1.5-litre… Read more