Fronx finally coming — in September?

Better late than never perhaps but Suzuki has added another hybrid to the lineup — the Fronx Hybrid. Suzuki says the “bold new contender” blends style, smarts, and next-generation hybrid technology into one versatile package.   Its name, derived from “Frontier Crossover,” signifies more than a new model, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era in Suzuki’s SUV story. Based on the same platform as the Swift, Fronx is the first all-new Suzuki nameplate introduced to Australia in over a decade. Previewed in January, 2023 it’s been a… Read more

KIA EV5 AIR STEPS CONFIDENTLY INTO THE MAINSTREAM FRAY

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

COROLLA – PREMIUM PEDIGREE FROM START TO FINISH

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

Benz expands Edition R lineup

Success breeds success and so Mercedes-Benz has decided to introduce performance-focused Edition R versions of its A and CLA class vehicles. Introduced with the C 43 and GLC 43, Edition R is the Benz version of a black edition. AMG 35 A-Class and CLA models will be offered in Edition R form, while 45 S variants of both will be available as the Edition R+. Models feature assertive styling and streamlined specification focused on dynamic driving. The Edition R models feature a distinctive package that includes the AMG Aerodynamics Package,… Read more

Corvette concept imagines what might be

GM has revealed the second in a series of three Chevrolet Corvette design studies. The California Corvette concept was developed by GM’s Advanced Design studios in Pasadena, as part of a global design project. This latest concept reimagines the Corvette with a futuristic, Southern California twist and reflects GM’s deep roots in the SoCal design community. For decades, GM has leveraged the Corvette nameplate to introduce concepts, experimental cars, and prototypes that push automotive design and engineering forward, and the California Corvette Concept continues this legacy. While there are no… Read more

KIA EV3 AIR: FROM LITTLE THINGS . . .

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

GWM CANNON ULTRA UTE … WHAT A BLAST!

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

Haval’s H7 a step up

The boxy H7 joins the Haval lineup from next month. The mid-sized SUV will sit between the new H6 and adventure-ready Tank 300. Available exclusively in Vanta grade, the five-seater will be priced from $46,990 drive-away. Shares underpinnings with the H6, the H7’s squared-off proportions and upright stance create a more rugged and capable presence. Assertive by design, signature elements like the round LED headlights and bold, squared-off front fascia further define its character. Vanta grade brings 19-inch machined alloys and plenty of black bits, including badges, front grille, mirror… Read more

Wrangler thin on the ground

No diesel, no hybrid and just the two or four-door from which to choose. That about sums up the latest Jeep Wrangler which arrives in dealerships this month, priced from $79,990. The good news? That’s a saving of $12,000 over its predecessor, even though the spec is the same. One of the world’s most capable and iconic 4x4s, Wrangler returns unchanged, except for two new colour choices — 41 and Mojito. Customers can choose between Wrangler Rubicon two-door or Wrangler Rubicon four-door, the latter priced from $82,990 (previously $89,450). The… Read more

LEAPMOTOR C10 – A LOT OF EV FOR THE MONEY

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