MG3 ESSENCE

The MG3 is a light hatch and the smallest model offered by the company. It’s a car built very much to a price, targeted at first time drivers and those who haven’t got much to spend. Although the latest model scores the same disappointing three stars for safety as its predecessor, ANCAP which tests the cars reveals it narrowly missed out on a four-star result and its comments are encouraging. With a little work perhaps, the company may be able to turn the result around (although the whole safety thing… Read more

NEW MG HS IS BIGGER AND BETTER

The MG HS is the Chinese importer’s largest vehicle. A mid-size SUV, it competes — although not too successfully so far — against well-established models like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage. MG HS been on sale here since late 2019 and has just been replaced by what is effectively an all-new model. It’s larger in length, width and with a longer wheelbase than before, all of which contribute to providing extra interior space. Indeed, it’s larger in most dimensions than most of its rivals. There… Read more

OUTLANDER PLUGS INTO FAMILY LIFE

The plug-in hybrid models have not been left behind in Mitsubishi’s latest upgrades to its Outlander SUV range, adding even more appeal to the company’s popular EVs. Plug-in hybrids have been around for years and offer a choice of full-on electric drive for short trips, with the complement of internal combustion power to avoid range anxiety on longer journeys. With totally electric powered vehicles rapidly advancing, the plug-in hybrid, led by the Outlander, is intent on making a stand for its own segment. With greater battery capacity (20kWh) and a… Read more

GENESIS GV70 REVIEW

It’s still not a household name, at least not in motoring circles, but Genesis is the luxury sub-brand of Hyundai in the same way as Lexus is to Toyota. There are plenty of model choices: two sedans (G70 and G80), three SUVs (GV60, GV70 and GV80) with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains as well as two- and all-wheel drive in the SUVs. GV70, the mid-sized SUV, is this week’s test. It comes with the choice of 2.5- and 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines and fully-electric EV. The entry-level 2.5T comes with… Read more

BYD SEAL PREMIUM EXTENDED RANGE

There’s no mistaking the BYD Seal for its smaller sibling the Dolphin. The electric sedan is a good looking car by any standard, with movie-star looks for a surprisingly small outlay. And the more you learn about the Seal, the more interesting it becomes. We kept waiting for the catch, but it never arrived. BYD hasn’t sold buyers short like some of the Chinese brands, by leaving out essentials such as satnav and Android Auto. So, if you’ve had your eye on a Tesla Model 3, then you’ll want to… Read more

GWM ORA EXTENDED RANGE EV

For those looking to buy their first electric car, the GWM Ora could be a prime candidate. It’s one of the cheaper and better offerings currently available, with prices starting from an affordable $39,990 driveway. That gets you a stylish, large hatch that is well equipped, with decent range and plenty of performance. Competitors around the same size and price include the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. Unsurprisingly, all three are from China — which says something. STYLING Ora is available in four grades, with a choice of five two-tone colour… Read more

HONDA ACCORD FAR FROM JOURNEY’S END

Few vehicles can match the Honda Accord for longevity. On the road in Australia since 1977, the award-winning sedan, now in its eleventh generation, shows no sign of going away anytime soon. Surprisingly, despite it being one of the maker’s most important nameplates, the latest Accord, a petrol-electric hybrid, stands alone in its bid to keep the opposition at bay. In doing so the Accord e:HEV RS – touted as the best Honda Accord ever – claims ‘to deliver an unbeatable combination of style, efficiency, performance and connectivity’. But does… Read more

HONDA CR-V VTi L7 REVIEW

  Introduced in July last year the sixth-generation and latest CR-V is targeted at families. The concept has been further refined with styling that is more sophisticated and some might say sporty, with particular attention to the cabin. With Chinese competitors knocking on the door, Honda has been forced to cut costs, discarded dealers and moved to a fixed price, ‘haggle-free’ sales structure. It has also seen the emergence of a more premium lineup, but with a price tag to match. STYLING Prices start from $43,900 driveaway for the five-seat,… Read more