Category: Road Test

Road Test Review

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LATE-COMER SPORTAGE HEV CATCHES UP WITH CURRENT TREND

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There is no question that the Sportage Hybrid came late (almost three years to be precise) to the table of electric power for Kia’s popular mid-size SUV. A shortage of cars only compounded the matter. Now, says Kia, things are on the move, with the petrol/hybrid expected to sell 300 a month, 20 per cent of total sales Down Under, and another step in the company’s progress of increasing electrified options to the Australian market. The Sportage HEV is available in two trims – SX front-wheel drive automatic and GT-Line… Read more

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KIA EV6 GT-LINE AWD

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It’s been more than 18 months since we first drove the Kia EV6. Not much has changed since then, although it will soon get some updates – namely a larger battery. The new model lobbed at the Australian Open earlier this year, of which Kia is the major sponsor and its arrival is imminent. In the meantime, we couldn’t turn down the chance of another drive of what is surely one of Australia’s pre-eminent EVs — although describing it as a crossover is a stretch. STYLING Prices start from $72,590… Read more

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KIA EV5 AIR STEPS CONFIDENTLY INTO THE MAINSTREAM FRAY

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Kia continues its journey into full vehicle electrification with the introduction of the EV5 mid-size SUV with sharp looks, state-of-the-art automotive technology and prices aimed at taking the wind out of rivals’ sails (and sales). The EV5 comes in three trim levels – Air, Earth and GT-Line – with a choice of standard or lang-range batteries and front- or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $56,770 drive-away for the Standard Range FWD and signs off at $71,770, plus on road costs, or drive-away at $75,990 for the GT-Line AWD variant. On… Read more

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COROLLA – PREMIUM PEDIGREE FROM START TO FINISH

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The GR Corolla is not something cobbled together from old race car remnants. Its roots may lie in the Celica GT-Four World Rally car from the end of last century, as far as pedigree is concerned, it is among today’s genuine hot hatches. Back in the day, with Carlos Sainz Sr behind the wheel, the Celica was crowned world champion in 1990 and 1992. Five years later the Celica turbo ST205 was shunted in favour of the Corolla, with Sainz taking up with Toyota Team Europe to win the Monte… Read more

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KIA EV3 AIR: FROM LITTLE THINGS . . .

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With the latest edition, the EV3, hitting the market Down Under, Kia electrics make up almost as many numbers as a Keno card. But is there a winner? Having just sampled the entry-level EV3, and with EV5, 6 and 9, on the dance card down the line, it’s anybody’s guess. The all-electric small SUV has a lot going for it – sub-$50k price, comfortable cabin, fuel economy and seven-year warranty – designed from the ground up to be a no-compromise EV. The EV3 sets its sustainable stall out with triple… Read more

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GWM CANNON ULTRA UTE … WHAT A BLAST!

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As the price of 4×4 sports utilities continue to climb, Great Wall’s Cannon ute is an attractive alternative. It’s not just a little cheaper but a lot cheaper than the front runners of the segment, and not at the expense of build quality these days. While Toyota’s Hilux tops out at more than $70,000 and the Ford Ranger Raptor at more than $90,000, you can get into a top of the line Cannon XSR for as little as $49,990 — that’s drive away. And that’s becoming difficult to ignore. STYLING… Read more

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LEAPMOTOR C10 – A LOT OF EV FOR THE MONEY

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Leapmotor is a Chinese startup based in Hangzhou that specialises in electric vehicles. It hasn’t been around long and only started selling cars here from the beginning of the year, starting with the C10 we’re testing. The company currently produces seven models from a small city car through to a six seat SUV called the C16 that is based on the same platform as the C10. In 2023, Stellantis acquired a 20 percent stake in the company for approximately 1.5 billion euros, with plans to roll out Leap product internationally…. Read more

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SMART MOVES IN QASHQAI QUALITY

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Range change, facelift, tech top-up – it’s all happening for the Qashqai compact Nissan SUV . . . all, except the price which remains similar to the previous model, giving a nudge to rivals from Japan and China. Nissan has shuffled the pack, with new nomenclature in line with the company’s larger SUVs, and the range extended to six by the addition of an N-Design flagship, featuring the innovative e-Power powertrain. Upgrades, designed to make a more striking impression, stretch across the whole range from the entry-level ST, where prices… Read more

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PEUGEOT 3008 GT – PRICE IS THE HURDLE

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Peugeot’s latest 3008 mid-sized SUV is not just stylish, it’s a veritable work of automotive art. Finished in gleaming Obsession Blue (looks green guys) the styling is just a preamble to what you will find inside. The long, curved free-standing infotainment screen reminds us of a computer monitor, but that’s okay because in reality that is of course what it is. A centre console, shaped like a hockey stick, angles away from the driver, topped by a string of quick access buttons that remain just within reach. The surface of… Read more

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TOYOTA bZ4X THROWS LIGHT ON BRIGHT FUTURE

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The 100 per cent pure electric car uses a battery only for power, forgoing other forms of traction such as petrol/electric, or plug-in electric systems and, according to Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice-president sales, marketing and franchise operations, represents an important step in the company’s new-found eclectic approach to electrification that includes a range of technology. The new BEV is the first vehicle to use the company’s e-TNGA platform designed for a new range of electric vehicles and integrates the battery and motor generator into the vehicle’s structure providing extra… Read more