Driving the new plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of Alfa-Romeo’s compact Tonale SUV, available only in the high grade Veloce at $88,200 drive-away, a not insignificant $20,000 more than the similarly specified mild-hybrid Veloce. The plug-in hybrid Tonale mates a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic driving the front wheels and an el…

Alfa Romeo today – a hallowed brand that should be doing so much better in our market. I recently drove their new small and stylish Tonale SUV. Launched last year and already Alfa Romeo’s best seller. This stylish mild hybrid compact premium SUV really impressed. Alfa Romeo Aust. has now added a full plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of the Tonale. Pl…

Canada has just followed the U.S. by imposing a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles from October 12. These moves much the same as the Australian Government imposed to protect our local car industry when Holden, Ford and Toyota were still manufacturing cars here. The Australian new car landscape will be totally different next year with …

The move to electrification has taken on many faces from various car companies – Hyundai this week announced plans to increase its hybrid product lines from seven to fourteen models, including the first hybrid models for its luxury Genesis brand. In announcing a new $133 billion-dollar electric vehicle strategy to investors as the ‘Hyundai Way’ the…

Driving the new GWM Tank 500 today – a seven-seat Chinese built hybrid 4WD in Lux and Ultra grades – both powered by a petrol/electric hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, an electric motor and a small 1.76kWhour battery with a nine speed automatic transmission, intelligent four- wheel drive with up to 14 driving modes, low rang…

Driving the new GWM Tank 500 seven-seat hybrid 4WD – I’m driving the entry Lux model at $66,490 drive-away which undercuts traditional rivals by a healthy margin – a vehicle loaded to the hilt with comfort, convenience and technology but lacking finesse in a number of areas. The GWM Tank 500 features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, an electric mot…

In recent years Mazda has had enormous success with SUV’s – its ageing small CX-3 and mid-size CX-5 still showing sales growth however its relatively new CX- 60 and CX-90 are slow sellers in a tough market – their higher pricing point finding some resistance with family SUV buyers struggling with cost-of-living pressures. The big question, whether …

Fuel retailer Ampol is scaling back plans to roll out 300 electric vehicle charging stations claiming it has encountered problems connecting to the power grid. The company suggesting it will now fall short on its plans to expand the number of EV charging bays from 92 to 300 by year end. The company has blamed difficulties in gaining access to power…

Driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV today – a interesting EV from the Blue Oval, I’m driving the mid-spec Mustang Mach-E Premium, sitting between the entry Select and the potent GT, the Mach-e Premium first arrived last year at $91,665, was dropped to $86,990 in late 2023 and again on May 31 to $79,990, around $88,700 drive-away. Still a r…

Driving Ford’s Mustang Mach-E electric SUV – by using the iconic Mustang name Ford wanted to position their first electric offering, and apart from the prominent badge on the nose there is no other likeness. The Ford Mustang Mach-E arrived here mid last year, but has been price reduced twice, and despite the reductions it’s been slow to move since …

Last weekend’s Electric SUV Expo in Melbourne has revealed the aspirations of some new Chinese arrivals expected in the fourth quarter. Xpeng is one Chinese manufacturer with lofty goals for its luxury EV products, suggesting the Australian new car landscape will look very different in the years ahead as quality Chinese cars arrive. The Xpeng G6 mi…

We can be mighty thankful that the City of Sydney did not adopt e-scooters like some suburban councils. This week Melbourne became the latest city to ban hire scooters with the two operators Lime and Neuron ordered to remove the 1500 e- scooters within 30 days, Melbourne councilors saying they posed unacceptable safety risks – too many people ridin…

The tough new vehicle market at present has seen the introduction of some sharp discounts and improved owner benefits. Honda Australia with sales dipping nearly 30 percent in the first half of the year has introduced a new loyalty program. Called Honda Extend the program provides new and existing customers who service their vehicles at registered s…

Driving Toyota first all-electric SUV – the BZ4X you would have seen the advertising for the BZ4X with owner Barry asked what made him finally go electric which he proudly proclaims because it’s a Toyota. I look forward to spending more time behind the wheel but on first impression I found this new electric Toyota to have some rather strange design…

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Driving the Lexus LC500 Coupe today – it first arrived in 2017 and has had a few minor tweaks along the way - from any angle the Lexus LC500 is a stunning design. Its styling deserves close scrutiny, perhaps the finest application of Lexus’s edgy design and its low form and striking lines are simply a standout. Yes, it features the makers prominent…

As the saying goes when the going get tough the tough get going and that’s much the case with the car market at present. Take the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon for example This rugged work horse 4 x 4 pickup with a go anywhere ability is normally close to $98,000 on road. However, with sales slowing by 63 per cent in the first half of the year to just 169…

In a move designed to bolster Republican voters in Michigan and other car manufacturing U.S. states Donald Trump has pledged to prevent complete obliteration of the nation’s auto industry by scrapping electric vehicle mandates and pushing domestic production. The Republican Presidential nominee speaking at the recent Republican National Convention …

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV comes in three 3.6-litre V6 petrol grades and in the 2.0-litre turbo petrol Summit Reserve 4Xe I’m driving today with the added benefit of a plug-in hybrid system with dual electric motors providing 52 kms of pure electric range. A powerful and torquey luxury five-seater the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve is the nicest Je…

Driving the plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4Xe – a luxury five-seat SUV priced at $129,950. As distinct to the three pure petrol V6 Grand Cherokee grades the Summit Reserve utilises a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine driving through an 8-speed automatic mated to a plug-in hybrid system featuring a 17.3kWhour battery and dual electri…

The BYD Atto 3 SUV was one of the fastest growing electric models here last year, sales growing by 422 percent to 11,042 units. However, sales have slowed this year, down 39 percent in the first half. The BYD Atto 3 has just been updated with new features and technology, gaining a larger touchscreen, higher quality Continental tyres replacing the s…

Driving Honda’s new hybrid sedan, the 11 th generation e-HEV RS at $64,900 drive- away. A premium sedan with an interesting hybrid system that it is very fuel efficient – combining a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors mounted side-by-side – the electric motors do most of the work while the petrol eng…

Go back 30 years and the Honda Accord was a very popular model on the Australian market – it first arrived here in 1977 and was a very popular upmarket sedan. Of course, SUVs have since taken over the world and in recent years Accord sales slowed to a trickle. However, the 11 th generation Accord sedan has arrived – the Accord e-HEV RS – just one h…

Later this year Kia will premiere its much-awaited Tasman dual cab ute to the world, with its arrival here mid next year taking the South Korean manufacturer into new territory and an opportunity for it to gain a larger share of the Australia vehicle market. The Tasman ute has been undergoing significant on and off-road testing here ready for its m…

Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – I drove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combined output of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all- wheel-drive combination knocks the weig…

Driving the small Lexus LBX SUV today, an attractive small hybrid luxury five door SUV – three variants, the LBX Luxury front wheel drive at $47,550 and the LBX Sports Luxury, both front and all-wheel-drive, priced at $52,990 and $56,990 respectively. The Lexus LBX a compact luxury cross-over SUV, a personalized compact SUV that’s rather tight in t…

Hyundai’s Tucson is one of our most popular mid-size SUV’s and a facelifted model has just arrived bringing with it the option of hybrid power for the first time, a revised interior and larger 12.3-inch dual infotainment screens integrated into one large, curved panel. The introduction of new styling and technology will however see price increases …

After failing to get support for his motor museum on the Sunshine Coast Clive Palmer has finally managed to gain approval for his dream project on a site around one hour west of Brisbane. The mining Billionaire and former Politician’s dream to build a world class museum has been welcomed by Somerset Regional Council at the Patrick Estate near Lake …

Driving the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE300 SUV today – a luxury SUV at $134,900 drive-away. Utilising a 180kW/550Nm electric motor, rear mounted, driving the rear wheels powered by an 89 kWh battery providing a claimed 539km. Energy consumption is rated at 18.9kWh per 100km however over my week drive I average around the 20kWh mark which lowered…

Today I’m behind the wheel of Mercedes-Benz relatively new all-electric luxury EQE SUV – I drove the EQE300 single e-motor rear drive at $134,900 plus on road costs. It has a deceptively roomy cabin in a body that’s wide and accommodating with a stack of storage space. The EQE300 SUV is somewhat surprising it terms of interior space and with except…

In a move designed to clear a number of 2022 and 2023 build models Peugeot Citroen Australia has taken an axe to retail pricing on Peugeot and Citroen models until the end of July. The biggest discounts apply to the Peugeot 508 GT plug-in hybrid Fastback and Sportswagon, model year 2022 508 Fastbacks currently available from $57,990 drive-away down…

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Driving the Mazda CX-3 SUV – the 2.0-litre six-speed automatic Evolve, the third- tier model of the five-model Mazda CX-3 SUV range at $35,200 drive-away. As I said earlier, our top-selling light SUV despite first arriving back in 2016. Mazda’s smallest SUV still has very up to date looks and has progressively been upgraded with the latest safety a…

Reviewing the small Mazda CX-3 SUV today – our top- selling small SUV, in fact it outsells its nearest rival by 2 to 1, despite arriving back in 2016. Part of the reason is its appealing looks, youthful with a bobtail appearance and a high hip point over the rear wheels. I’m driving the 2.0-litre six-speed automatic Mazda CX- 3 Evolve, the third-ti…

In a move that seems contrary to many other manufacturers Mercedes-Benz is reportedly reducing its electric car development plans and developing a new breed of petrol-powered models. According to a German publication Wirtschaftswoche the company plans on spending AU$22.6 billion on internal combustion engine cars, and as previously announced, will …

Official V-Facts car sales figures for June showed a market decline, the first time new car sales have faltered in the last 14 months. The result is surprising given June is historically our biggest month for new car sales and perhaps reflects the rising cost of living pressures. Despite the June dip, sales in the first six months of the year showe…

Driving the Porsche turbo Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe SUV today – the most powerful combustion engine Porsche available from $297,200. The best plug-in hybrid I’ve driven but given the price maybe understandable – enormously capable the turbo Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe ticks all the performance boxes – powered by a combination of a 4.4-litre twin tu…

One for the enthusiast driver today – the Porsche Cayenne turbo E-Hybrid Coupe SUV – a German express from $297,200. The Cayenne SUV comes in wagon form or in the sloped roof Coupe with a total of seven models, the turbo E-Hybrid Coupe, the most powerful combustion engine Porsche available. The figures staggering – 544kW of power and 950Nm of torqu…

Suzuki has released pricing and details of its latest small Swift range with prices starting from $24,490 drive-away. The three-model Swift range is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance and is available in either five-speed manual or CVT automatic. The engine’s electric motor /generator is claimed to contr…

From Monday July 1 cameras currently used to detect mobile phone use will also be able to detect seatbelt non-compliance. Importantly, there is no grace period and if your caught without a seat belt the fine is $387 and three demerit points and with double demerits applicable during declared periods. It not only applies to not wearing a seat belt b…

Driving the facelifted the 2.2-litre turbo diesel Kia Sorrento GT-line all-wheel-drive SUV today – the best-selling variant – at $72,690 drive-away able to travel nearly 1000km on a full tank and I averaged 7.1 L/100 with mainly around town driving. The Sorento a seven-seater but like most large SUV’s best as a five-seater with above average luggag…

In January Kia upgraded its seven-passenger Sorento SUV with enhanced styling inside and out, and with more comfort and convenience equipment and safety, In addition to petrol and diesel models a petrol/electric hybrid has now been added, each power source available in front or all-wheel drive. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo diesel eight-speed automat…

Sydney City Council proudly tells us that bike share schemes have a key role to play in our future transportation, healthier lifestyle choice and the decarbonization of Sydney – around 4700 trips are taken daily on share bikes in the City of Sydney area, saving around 1326 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Really – in short, they’ve turned the …

I use the new Westconnex M8 tunnel on a regular basis, with a new 90km/hour limit a great piece of road infrastructure, expensive yes but a real time saver. Surprising news this week – a new speed camera installed in May in the M8 tunnel at Newtown heading southbound has generated more than $1.3 million dollars in fines in its first month of operat…

Driving Mitsubishi’s evergreen small SUV today – the long-standing ASX, not the latest and best described as an oldie but a goodie, very well priced but best specified and best value in the second tier ES grade backed up by an industry leading 10-year/200,000km warranty as long as its serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. But how does it drive – the ASX…

Talking about Mitsubishi’s small ASX SUV today – the ASX has been around for a long time – first surfacing in 2010 but updated visually three times since. Sharply priced it remains our fourth best-selling small SUV, strongly recognised for its value story and a 10-year warranty. A roomy small SUV in seven front wheel drive grades from $24,490 plus …

The arrival of the all new small MG3 this week with a $7,000 price increase sees the demise of the sub $20,000 pricing point on the Australian market. The outgoing and rather dated MG3 with a three-star safety rating was the only car remaining under the $20,000 barrier. The new MG3 hatchback comes in Excite and Essence grades and with a starting pr…

The Australian car market already one of the most competitive in the world with over 50 brands on sale is about to heat up further as a swag of new Chinese brands head down under next year. More than a dozen new Asian brands are due with the potential to lower prices of existing EV and hybrid brands. Chinese brands Skywell, Jetour, GAC, Leapmotor, …

Driving the new plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of Alfa-Romeo compact Tonale SUV, available in the high grade Veloce at $88,200 drive-away, a not insignificant $20,000 more than the similarly specified mild-hybrid Veloce. The plug-in hybrid Tonale mates a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed torque convertor automatic driving the front wheels…

Alfa Romeo today – I recently drove their new small and stylish Tonale SUV. Launched last July and already Alfa Romeo’s best seller. This stylish mild hybrid compact premium SUV impressed. Alfa Romeo now adding a full plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of the Tonale, the Italian car maker transitioning to full electrification in 2027. Plug in hybrids t…