Category: Road Test

Road Test Review

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EV(LUTION) A MAGNET FOR FOSSIL-FED HYUNDAI KONA

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In a display, which can only be described as a case of automotive smoke and mirrors, the new Hyundai Kona is designed to look like an electric vehicle – no radiator grille – whether an EV, hybrid or petrol powered. The maker Hyundai says this is to make the whole range of the small SUV, including petrol variants – EV and hybrids are due here by year’s end – blend in with traffic better in the future. The ‘petrols’ on offer at present are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a CVT… Read more

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GENESIS GV80 30D AWD

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Launched here in 2020, GV80 is Genesis’ first and largest SUV in a lineup that now boasts three of them. At just under five metres in length and with a kerb weight of about 2300kg, it’s a large, impressive-looking vehicle. The styling is tasteful, chiselled and eye-catching, highlighted by an imposing, almost heraldic, crest-shaped grille that is flanked by quad, twin-bar LED headlights — motifs that are repeated at the rear of the car. Competitors include Lexus, Volvo and of course the German contingent. STYLING In the context of recent… Read more

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MAZDA CX-8 PLUGS THE GENERATION GAP

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Mazda sports utility vehicle sibling rivalry just got hotter, with a reborn five-year-old CX-8 refitted out and snapping at big brother CX-9’s heels, while fending off the challenge of the mid-size CX-5. Available in six grades – Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LE – with petrol or diesel power front or all-wheel drive, the entry-level Sport FWD petrol comes to market at $42,060, plus on-road costs, while the Asaki LE diesel AWD tips the scales at $71,410. Rearranging the chairs, the Touring Active takes over where… Read more

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RENAULT ARKANA INTENS

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Renault Arkana is a stylish mid-sized SUV that arrived here in 2021 effectively replacing the short-lived Kadjar in Renault’s three-model SUV range. It sits between the compact Captur and the family-sized Koleos. It’s slightly larger than Kadjar in all exterior dimensions but with almost identical engine outputs. Renault Arkana comes in three variants: Zen, Intens and R.S. Line. There’s a single drivetrain combining a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. STYLING Arkana joins an increasing trend in the evolutions of SUVs with a smoother sloping… Read more

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TOYOTA YARIS CROSS GR SPORT

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As the name suggests, the Toyota Yaris Cross is a version of the popular Yaris hatchback bulked up to provide access to the, even more popular, compact SUV category. Launched here in late-2020 Yaris Cross is available in both two-wheel drive and electric all-wheel drive variants in three grades: GX, GXL and Urban all with the choice between petrol or hybrid drivetrains. A fourth variant, and our test vehicle, the GR Sport, was added in October 2022 but only as a 2WD hybrid. STYLING Yaris Cross shares the distinctive styling… Read more

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HONDA SETS OUT ITS SUV STALL

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Honda has shown its hand for the future with a deft shuffle of its SUVs, including the addition of a new model, the ZR-V, slotting in between the present HR-V and CR-V. While the newcomer is different, it does go somewhat to cramping the style of its older siblings. However, Honda assures us that the coming of the all-new CR-V in 2024, as a bigger, more spacious model than at present, will resolve the situation. “The Honda ZR-V is Honda Australia’s first, brand-new core model to be introduced in Australia… Read more

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TOYOTA FORTUNER IS THE REAL DEAL IN 4WDS

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Toyota Fortuner is a seven-seat SUV that’s based on the HiLux pickup truck. Though not generally known to Australians the Fortuner nameplate isn’t new for Toyota. The first version, also based on the HiLux pickup of its day, has been around since 2005 where it sold as an Asia-only workhorse. Fortuner eventually came here in late-2015 and has been a consistent, if not spectacular, seller in the congested sub-$70,000 large SUV segment, although it’s more and old-style 4WD than an SUV. Three variants are available, GX, GXL and Crusade priced… Read more

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PRICE AN ELECTRIC SHOCK FROM KIA

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Not before time, it’s a chance to dip a toe into the expanding pool of Kia electric vehicles with a stint in the Niro compact sports utility, albeit the top-of-the-range GT- Line. And there looms the first obstacle: where the EV models open their account at $44,380, plus on-road costs, for the petrol / electric hybrid Niro HEV S, the full electric GT-Line sets back the buyer $72,100. That’s a big pile of dosh to step over. And what do you receive in return? The second-generation Niro has landed with… Read more

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CHEAP AND CHEERFUL HYUNDAI VENUE

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Today we’re looking at the cheapest of the cheap, the bottom feeders of the Australian new car market. They’re cars offered at a rock bottom price, targeted at those who can’t afford anything else, but are still prepared to dig deep to get something new rather than second hand. Wearing the crown as the cheapest new car currently available is the Kia Picanto hatch, priced from $16,290 plus on-roads. Cheapest SUV is the Suzuki Ignis at $19,490. With no equivalent to match Picanto, Hyundai’s cheapest offering these days is the… Read more

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X-TRAIL PUTS EXTRA ‘E’ INTO HYBRID SUV

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Not to make too much of a point about it, but beating of chests by automobile manufacturers about their fight to save the planet appear to be getting louder. Take Nissan, for example, with its new X-Trail petrol / electric hybrid SUV. Badges announcing e-Power and e-4orse, the company’s commitment to electrification, are plastered prominently all-round the vehicle on top of the restrained EV initials (for electric vehicle) found on rego plates of similar cars. Under the skin e-POWER is a 100 per cent electric motor-driven system Nissan claims gives… Read more