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ABARTH 500E TURISMO FULLY ELECTRIC HATCH

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The Abarth 500e Turismo looks the goods, flashy but at the same time restrained. It is described as the most responsive and exciting Abarth 500 ever, but we’ve heard that somewhere before. The real question and the one of most interest to buyers, is what does this electrified pocket rocket bring to the table over the cheaper, donor Fiat 500e? There’s Abarth badges, bigger wheels and sports body kit, and a bit more poke of course . . . but it’s not all gelato and espresso. Abarth 500e is offered… Read more

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MG4 XPOWER HATCH – IS IT HOT OR NOT?

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As we began this review of the MG4 XPower the company announced that it was switching to national driveway pricing for its entire fleet. In the case of the MG4 range the new driveaway prices replace the previous manufacturer’s RRP and equate to savings of around $3000 to $5000. The fully-electric MG4 was added to the MG range midway through 2023. Unlike the ZS and HS EVs which are modified versions of the respective petrol vehicles, MG4 is a dedicated EV and the first to use the innovative Modular Scalable… Read more

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NISSAN NAVARA PRO-X DUAL CAB UTILITY

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  Okay. Now I’m confused.   The Nissan Navara PRO-4X was replaced by the PRO-4X Warrior which in turn has recently been replaced by the much-hyped PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar.   Premcar had a hand in some or all of them, but here’s the thing . . . the Pro-4X is back.   Take your eye off the ball and look what happens. What’s more, there’s an SL Warrior by Premcar now too.    Who will be top dog?    STYLING To give Navara and the PRO-4X some context, there’s… Read more

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MORE THAN A FIGURE OF SPEED FROM AUDI

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One of the most popular pastimes in the world, Monopoly, and the Audi RS Q3 sports utility vehicle have much in common. The board game deals with high finance and real estate, the SUV high performance motoring; both rely heavily on figures. The latter has just added a lot more of the latter to the list with its RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years, as the suffix suggests with reference to its decade of success. Audi is making only 555 specials in celebration, with a ‘healthy number’ slated for Down… Read more

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MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS ASPIRE PHEV

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I read somewhere that the Government was going to drop financial incentives for plug-in hybrids in April next year. I’m not surprised. While PHEVs look good on paper, with their ultra-low fuel consumption figures — the reality is very different. For example, vehicles like the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV are good for a claimed 1.9L/100km. But to achieve this figure, you need to recharge the battery every 100km, or the final figure is liable to be considerably higher. Basically, the battery provides 45km of petrol-free travel for the first 100km… Read more

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KIA PICANTO GT-LINE ROAD TEST

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While the battle rages for the high ground of the top tech, and expensive, electrified territory of the automotive world, a rear-guard action from the internal combustion engine bargain basement is taking place. Micro cars such as the MG 3, Suzuki Ignis, Fiat 500 and Mazda 2 are leading the charge to defend ICE(land). The latest call to arms comes from Kia with its upgraded Picanto. What are its chances? Sadly, gone ta-taas is the popular GT, replaced by a pair of GT-Line legionnaires. Kia says it has called on… Read more

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JEEP GLADIATOR RUBICON ROAD TEST

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The Jeep Gladiator is an old acquaintance. The last time we drove one, we managed to get it bogged. How embarrassing . . . the first time in 25 years of road testing vehicles that this had happened to us. And here the Gladiator is again, sitting in the driveway, waiting patiently to go for a drive — like a dog that wants to go for a walk? But where to go? Where do you take a 4×4 when it’s pouring rain and you’re not real keen on getting bogged… Read more