Motor Torque

I spoke earlier of MG’s hero model – the Cyberster Sports Roadster – a striking two door electric all-wheel drive launched last year to celebrate 100 years of the brand. The Chinese have done a great job with MG since 2007 and the local company now has 12 models in the market. The MG Cyberster features dual electric motors fed by a 77kWhour battery and a range of 443km - with 375kW and a thumping 725Nm of torque it powers to 100km/hour in 3.2 seconds. It’s no lightweight at just under 2 tonnes, the underfloor battery meaning you sit a little higher to a traditional sports car. Three drive modes, Comfort, Sport and Super Sport plus a launch mode which is a little gimmicky. Its not tuned suspension wise to hard-nosed levels with enough suspension travel and damping to make it a comfortable day to day driver and not an over-the-top sportscar. Price $120,000 drive-away with a 10-year/250,000km warranty, and the same for the battery. The quality is the best I’ve witnessed in a Chinese car as you’d expect given the sticker price. The MG Cyberster a beautifully styled and executed sports roadster with its power scissor doors giving it an air of sophistication and setting it apart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the electric MG Cyberster sports roadster - launched last year to commemorate 100 years of the MG Brand. The former British brand has been in the hands of the Shanghai Automotive industry Corporation since 2007 – the MG Cyberster, a hero model, as they say, marking a ground-breaking evolution for the MG Brand fusing technology of the future with the legacy of the past. And that is does, beautifully styled in London by the company’s European design director it’s a striking two door roadster highlighted by power scissor doors that create enormous interest. An all-wheel-drive powered by dual electric motors fed by a 77kWh lithium-ion battery – 375kW of power, a thumping 725Nm of torque and a 0 to 100km acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds. For the money its highly specified – the interior a standout in terms of design and execution – beautifully finished and detailed with paint quality a high point – the quality the best I’ve witnessed in a Chinese car. The cabin snug, I’d have liked another 20mm of legroom, the three- screen instrument cluster giving you the impression you’re sitting in a fighter jet. Warranty impressive; 10 years/250,000kms including the battery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month’s official new car sales figures released this week reflect the second-best August on record with 103,922 vehicles registered. Of these, 23,225 or nearly a quarter were Chinese-made – BYD, GWM, MG and Chery making it into the top ten sales list. Petrol vehicles still dominated with 38,515 sales followed by diesel with 30,459 while hybrids continue their march posting 17,381. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 10,231, or around 9.8 percent of the market while plug-in hybrids tallied 3,906. SUVs continue to gain market share, now representing 60 per cent of sales while passenger cars continue to lose ground, down 25 percent compared to the same time last year. What is clear, consumers have a growing number of choices in the automotive market, more than 400 models, around 100 of which are EVs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whilst we’ve been captivated this year by the success of our Oscar Piastri in Formula One racing, we shouldn’t overlook the incredible international success this year by a young speedway rider from country N.S.W. 28-year old Brady Kurtz from Cowra has a chance next Saturday night in Denmark to take out the World Speedway Championship in his rookie year. Last Saturday night in Poland Kurtz took his fourth consecutive win of the season. His win in Poland has set him up for a showdown with Poland’s defending five-time world champion Bartosz Zmarlik – the young Aussie trailing Zmarlik by just three points. Veteran Speedway Journalist Dennis Newlyn tells me Kurtz’s success is much like Piastri’s in that he has much the same cool head and demeaner. You can catch the Denmark race on Fox Sport next Sunday morning from 2.30am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve seen many new Chinese EV’s and plug-in hybrid SUV’s arrive but few are set up to suit our driving environment, I’ve just driven the Leapmotor C10 - REEV – standing for range extender electric vehicle – as distinct from the pure electric C10 EV model, the C10 REEV gains a 1.5-litre petrol engine which acts only as a generator to charge the battery – 170 km of electric driving on a full charge, anD impressive total range of 1150km. There’s much to like on the Leapmotor C10 REEV plug-in hybrid – roomy, well built, very highly specified with great seats already heavily discounted by up to $6,500 to $43,490 drive-away. But it has a number of annoyances that make driving a total disappointment – especially incessant warning chimes and speed limit warnings, poorly calibrated at that, overzealous lane keep assist, also no key, a key card which you need to tap on the driver’s side rear view mirror and place on the phone charger for starting, the steering and suspension has little or no feel, and the total lack of buttons for the touchscreen makes it a nightmare to navigate simple tasks quickly and safely. A difficult SUV to live with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Leapmotor C10 range extender petrol/electric hybrid SUV. The second Leapmotor C10 to grace our shores – the first, the C10 EV – then this C10 REEV, or range extender EV, is a plug-in hybrid, also with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, but adds a 1.5-litre petrol engine which acts purely as a generator to charge up the battery. Leapmotor claim 170km of electric driving on a full battery charge and with a 50-litre fuel tank, producing a total range of 1150km. The styling rounded, very accommodating inside, I drove the top-spec C10 REEV Design with faux leather seats that are extremely comfortable, heated and ventilated plus a , heated steering wheel, but no spare wheel and a dreaded puncture repair kit. And no Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The door handles are awkward, there’s no key – you get a key card to tap on the driver’s side mirror to open the car, then place it on the wireless charger pad to start the car. Price – currently discounted by $4,000 to $45,990 drive-away plus if you’re a Cosco member a further $2,500 discount. There’s much to like with the Leapmoter C10 REEV hybrid SUV but equally there’s much to dislikeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just weeks after its launch Suzuki has struck a special drive-away deal on its all new compact Fronx Hybrid SUV. Reflecting the ever-increasing competition from new and cut-price Chinese and Indian models. Suzuki’s Fronx SUV is now on offer for $29,990 drive-away, getting it under the price sensitive $30,000 barrier. Deliveries of the new city coupe-style SUV begin on Monday – the small Suzuki features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and six- speed automatic assisted by a 12-volt mild hybrid system under acceleration. One specification grade, well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a driver’s head-up display as standard. Well equipped with a number of active safety elements as well plus a 360-degree surround view camera. The Suzuki Fronx joins an ever-growing and price sensitive small SUV segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the success stories in the new vehicle market this year has beenthe BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid 4 x 4 ute – released at the beginning of theyear this Chinese ute has dented the sales of three of our biggest sellingvehicles year to date – the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max,helping to push BYD into the top ten sellers list – BYD sales haveincreased by 146 percent July year to date with the Shark 6 ute its bestseller, now representing 41 per cent of total sales. Despite this and giventhe highly competitive nature of the 4x4. ute market BYD has justdiscounted it by $3,000 – the single Premium variant now on offer for$59,400 drive-away. Two new optional colours have also been added –Outback Orange and Mist Grey for another $700. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve seen a swag of new Chinese models in recent months and the competitive nature of the new vehicle market just gets more intense – and with continual price cuts and incentives one wonders where it will end up but the Chinese brands are intent on gaining significant market share in a short time. I’ve just driven GWM’s first plug-in hybrid – the Haval H6 GT Ultra PHEV SUV with an impressive electric only range of 180kms, combining a 1.5-liltre turbo-petrol engine with front and rear electric motors and a high voltage 35.4kWhour battery. This plug-in hybrid is $9,000 dearer to the pure petrol model, $53,990 drive-away plus a free wall charger for a limited period. Highly equipped and with numerous drive modes. This coupe-styled SUV is well built with more than acceptable quality but as a driver I did not enjoy it as much as the Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid of a few weeks back. Part of the problem is that the Chinese want you to think you driving a computer on wheels – everything is activated by a touchscreen and its simply frustrating. Warranty 7-7years/unlimited km with battery warranty at 8-years. The Haval H6 GT Ultra PHEV offers much but for me there are better options.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plug-in hybrids are gaining traction - I’ve been driving the new GWM Haval H6 GT Ultra plug-in hybrid or PHEV, this fast back style SUV has been around in pure petrol form for several years and it has a nice profile. The plug-in hybrid version utilises a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, a performance model with 342kW and 762Nm of torque, more powerful to the petrol model and gaining bigger brakes in the process but $9,000 dearer at $53,990 drive-away. It features 180kms of electric only range from a high voltage 35.4kWhour battery. Overall, a comfortable five-seater, nicely finished and very highly equipped apart from the lack of a space saver spare wheel, replaced with the dreaded tyre repair kit. But retaining nice seats in combination suede and leather, power heated and ventilated in the front, a power tailgate, heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, a few more drive modes to the petrol model and a swag of driver assist systems. The Haval H6 GT Ultra, a performance skewed plug-in hybrid features the usual touchscreen, not user friendly, and at times a frustrating to use interface. Warranty 7-years/unlimited kilometre, battery warranty 8-years with capped price servicing most reasonable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s obvious the continuing onslaught of sharply priced new Chinese models has the established brands concerned. I was interested in the comments of Mazda’s boss who suggested customers should consider more than the purchase price of a new car and that resale and quality should also weigh heavily in the decision making. Its obvious the established Japanese brand with a loyal following over a long period is finding it difficult to compete with the new price driven Chinese models arriving nearly on a weekly basis. The Mazda boss is right in suggesting that there is more to a car purchase than price and price alone. However, the tide is turning with Chinese cars, the quality is improving with each new model along with the warranty. Mazda pricing on the other hand has moved upwards in recent years making it harder for its traditional client base to remain loyal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Automobile Association in a communique this week said a sharp increase in pedestrian deaths in the 12 months to 31 July pushed Australia’s road deaths to their highest level for any corresponding period in 15 years. Why should we be surprised by these figures – Since 2021, when Australian Governments adopted a National Road Safety Strategy target of halving road deaths by 2023, total road fatalities have increased by 22 percent. Over the same period, fatalities among pedestrians have increased by a staggering 48.6 per cent. And little wonder, pedestrian behaviour has never been worse, in particular, reading messages and texting while crossing the road or on a pedestrian crossing is out of control. If it’s good enough to book drivers with a handheld device, it should be the same for pedestrians on marked crossings. Harold Scruby, where are you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the wheel of BMW’s X3 M50 SUV – BMW does performance very well and its M series X3 is very well sorted – and at $128,900 I guess you can rightly suggest it should be – the X3 M50’s 3.0-litre turbo in-line six gaining 48-volt mild hybrid boost. With 8-speed ZF gearbox, BMW’s x-Drive all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension ride and handling is a good as it gets, the whole performance polished, athletic and just so smooth, BMW refer to it as a sports activity vehicle SAV rather than a sports utility vehicle and it is in every sense – road noise suppression first class with acoustic glass, however the quad exhaust still provides an aural masterpiece under revs. BMW have thankfully ditched run flat tyres on this model’s 21-inch alloy wheels, the downside however no spare, just a tyre repair kit. Importantly, the interior room in the X3 especially in the rear is excellent with great seats and standard Veganza synthetic leather, if you want the real McCoy it’s another $4,000 – the interior design a highlight with wide infotainment touchscreen and combined instrument cluster although I’d still like buttons for air-con and radio. Warranty 5-years/unlimited km with roadside assistance for three years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drive any SUV over $100,000 and you expect it to be a well sorted package butthat’s not always the case however the new BMW X3 M50 SUV at $128,900 is hardto top. l can hear you saying for that money it would want to be. However, theflagship of BMW’s best-selling X3 model is as good as it gets – BMW defines it asan SAV, not SUV, SAV standing for sports activity vehicle and its most apt.upgraded earlier this year the fourth generation BMW X3 now in four models, sitson the same wheelbase but is slightly longer and wider and 25mm lower giving ita sportier profile - utilising a 3.0-litre turbo petrol in-line six now with 48-voltmild hybrid boost – this adds another 18kW of power and a 40Nm torque boostfrom just 1900 revs. With an 8-speed ZF auto gearbox, BMW’s x-Drive all-wheeldrive and adaptive dampers the X3 M50 is a stunning driver. Visually highlightedwith large split kidney shaped grille, which tends to divide opinion, to me it’s fartoo large, now highlighted by contour lighting as standard. The BMW X3 M50 SAVjust impressed the more I drove it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last 18 months we’ve seen a number of new Chinese car brands, andalmost on a weekly basis, the arrival of new and improved models. As onelong standing dealer said to me recently – David we can’t afford not to takeon new brands from China as the car market is rapidly changing and weexpect them to capture around 40 per cent of the market in a fairly shorttime. Take Chery for example, with new sub brands Jaecoo and Omoda onthe move, both have now launched a handful of models, the mid-sizeJaecoo J7 and the larger J8 while Omoda has just released the Omoda 9hybrid Coupe SUV – by Chery spinning off these sub brands their chasinga much larger slice of our market, targeting a spot in Australia’s top ten carbrands in just two years. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whenever I talk about road safety at Easter and Xmas I suggest the worsttime to be on the road is Friday afternoons. Something I’ve witnessed overmany years where on a Friday drivers intent on getting home for theweekend throw caution to the wind. So I was pleased to read the 2025 AAMICrash Index which confirmed that Friday afternoons feature with thehighest number of collision claims. AAMI suggesting the possible reasondrivers are transitioning from the long working week into the weekend –they may be a bit fatigued and thinking about what they’ve got on on theweekend.” In fact, according to the report which analyzed 480,000 claims,afternoons in general are the less favourable times of any given day todrive. The report also suggesting that nationally, the worst drivers are aged35-44 and 65-plus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the relatively new Cupra Tavascan mid-sized electric SUV today – thehigher grade Tavascan VZ at $79,990 driveaway, a striking coupe style mid-sizedSUV with dual motor 250kW all-wheel drive with electronic adaptive suspension,large 21-inch alloy wheels, six drive modes, a full suite of active and passivesafety elements and an interior design that is unique and very appealing. Cupraalways highlight wheels and interior elements with copper trim and its verydistinctive although some of this makers dark colours I find a little sombre andlacking vibrance. As a driver not so, this is a spritely performer with a 0 to100km/hour time of 5.5 seconds, the adaptive suspension providing a greatride/handling balance with all-wheel drive and with steering weight and feel nicelybalanced to the cars selected drive modes. Brake pedal feel howeverdisappointing, too much pushback and inconsistency in feel and response and Iknow of no other performance skewed car at this price point retaining rear drumbrakes. The brakes are simply not confidence inspiring under heavy use. It’s apity as the Cupra Tavascan VZ SUV is one that invites spirited driving, and itperforms very well in all other areas and has a point of difference that is veryappealing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving a Spanish newcomer today – The Cupra Tavascan, the maker’s secondelectric model retains its Spanish flair despite being built in China. Cupra, part ofthe Volkswagen Group, and having a better year, sales up 40 percent on 2024.The Tavascon a sporty striking coupe style SUV in two models, the rear drive210kW Endurance and the sportier 250kW all-wheel drive VZ - I drove the VZ withdual electric motors, a 77kWhour battery and 499km range – it gains an adaptiveelectronic suspension, power heated front seats, a fixed glass sunroof, leathertrim, large 21-inch alloy wheels with copper accents and 12 speaker sound. All upa sporty mid-sized SUV, $79,990 drive-away, different and distinctive in severalareas – especially inside with a central V-design central spine that extendsrearwards – practical and highlighted with Cupra’s signature copper inlays.Underneath this central flyover there’s excellent storage and phone charging –the layout with large central touchscreen and a small instrument binnacle in frontof the driver, all very user friendly, apart from a lack of buttons for air-conditioning and radio. A frustration, like so many EVs and the ability to usesafely only when stationary. Warranty, five years, unlimited km, Battery, eightyears, 160,000kms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Official V-Facts new vehicle sales data for the month of July show a recordmonth with 103,097 vehicle deliveries due in part to the growing popularityof Chinese models with sales up 50 percent on the same month last year.Three Chinese brands GWM, BYD and MG are now represented in the topten best-selling list, however only one of the top ten best-selling modelswas Chinese - the small Chery Tiggo 4 Pro SUV. SUV’s continue to be thevehicle of choice, 61 percent of all vehicles sold – petrol remains the mostpopular fuel source, the big surprise an 8 per cent lift in diesel salesdespite July being the first month of the Federal Government’s NationalFuel Efficiency Standard designed to lower CO2 emissions. Plug-in hybridswere the big winner last month, sales up 183 percent year to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that Jaguar come year end will introduce a new breed of electric only cars – despite a 90-year history of sports orientated models that featured space, grace and pace Jaguar is on a new projectory that will present a new design vision – called the Type 00 concept it will push the brand further upmarket into Rolls-Royce and Bentley territory – in the process it expects to lose 85 per cent of its current customer base – in doing so it has drawn much condemnation from die hard Jaguar fans – images of the new bold concept divisive to say the least – the latest critic President Donald Trump who has taken to social media to slam Jaguar’s rebrand as “woke” and “disgraceful.” Trump claiming the luxury car maker is in absolute turmoil after it announced its CEO of three years Adrian Mardell would step down in November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much jubilation this week from Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore at theopening of the long-awaited Oxford Street cycleway – a 1 km stretch ofdual cycleway from Taylor Square to Hyde Park corner – costing astaggering $18.5 million dollars. As she said, “no longer will people ridingneed to weave in and out of traffic, competing with trucks, cars, busesalong Oxford Street”. Really, this major traffic artery to the East reduced athuge cost in the interests of 3,000 bike riders. Quite clearly, vital roadmaintenance in an around the city has taken a back seat to the provision ofbike lanes – I’m not against cycling, far from it, however the lane reductionin the likes of Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street between King and MarketStreets at peak times is a disaster, especially for commercial operators, thelife blood of the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further on the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit SUV – with Range Rover Evoque stylingcues this plug-in hybrid newcomer has a clamed 106km pure electric range and apotential combined total range of 1200 kilometres. At $47,990 drive-away itfeatures a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine linked to an electric motor driving the frontwheels fed by an 18.3kWhour battery. Nice external styling cues with a waterfallstyle grill, a roomy five-seater, finishes inside not so expressive but great interms of space. A large 14.8-inch infotainment touch screen, a head-upinstrument display, power heated and cooled front seats, synthetic leather trim,power rear door and a panoramic sunroof make the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit SUVa compelling package in a highly competitive SUV market – thankfully noconstant audio reminders I complain of regularly but a lack of buttons for radioand climate control a frustration, also the lack of a spare wheel. But a really nicedriver, eager, quiet and efficient – after charging I got 93 km of pure electricmotoring with a combined average 4.2L/100km, the 1.0L/100km claimed economysomewhat overstated – however with 8-years unlimited km warranty for car andbattery and 8-years capped price servicing and roadside assistance this Chinesehybrid impresses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of new SUVs have arrived from China. One hybrid I’ve just drivenreally appealed – the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit SUV - a medium sized five-seatSUV, $47,990 drive-away, a plug-in hybrid with claimed 106km of pure electricrange and a combined range of up to 1,200kms. With a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder aided by a single electric motor driving the front wheels via a singlespeed transmission. Most of the time, the front wheels are driven via the electricmotor, the petrol engine either charging the battery or assisting the drive atspeeds over 80km/hour. If the battery charge is above 30 percent, the Jaecoo J7’sSuper Hybrid System can run as a pure EV at speeds up to 120km/hour. It worksmost affectively – the 18.3kWhour battery charging on my home AC charger from20-100 percent in 11/2 hours. Visually, the Jaecoo J7 SHS looks a station aboveits sticker price, nice styling, great finishes, highly equipped with syntheticleather heated and ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, front and rearparking sensors, a power rear door and a large panoramic sunroof. Eightyears/unlimited km warranty, eight years capped price servicing and eight yearsroadside assistance if you service with a dealer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve been driving across the Harbour Bridge for the last 65 years – it seemsa long time since I drove my mother daily across the Bridge in my 1924Austin Seven Roadster – from 1960 in fact and I’ve seen lots of changes inthe bridge surrounds along the way. However, the current 1.16 billion dollarupgrade currently taking place to the Warringah Freeway is the biggestchange – a massive infrastructure project that will change the way wetravel – from my perspective the management of this massive undertakinghas been superbly carried out and as a daily commuter early morning, andsometimes late at night, I’ve never been severely delayed by theconstruction and the major contractor CPBDTI Joint Venture, deservessignificant praise for its daily management. The new Miller StreetCammeray on ramp opened earlier this week and this morning the AlfredStreet Southbound exit opened for business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking Cadillac today – America’s luxury brand - finally back in our market aftermany years in the form of the all-electric Lyric SUV – Cadillac’s first electricmodel. I’ve just spent a week with the all-wheel drive Cadillac Lyric – a ratherhandsome SUV available in two models - the Lyric Luxury at $122,000 plus on-road costs and the Lyric Sport for another $2,000. Both feature the same dualmotor power train with 388kW and 610Nm of torque fed by GM’s 102kWh “Ultium’battery and the option of either Tour or Sport driving modes– this is a big SUVwith a strong footprint tipping the scales at 2.7 tonne. First impression is atypically American spec’d car – offering a silky high-quality ride on a smoothsurface – the drive train most impressive – quiet, refined and offering a verystrong performance despite its overall heft. The cabin roomy with heated andventilated front seats with massage function, three-zone climate control and a topquality 19-speaker sound system. And with a dual-pane glass panoramic sunroofas standard. For the money the Cadillac Lyric SUV offers much in the way offeatures and presence but after a week behind the wheel I came awaydisappointed. Details next segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subaru launched their sixth-generation Forester SUV this week with anupdated petrol/electric hybrid system that it expects will boost their mostpopular models’ sales. The new Strong Hybrid e-boxer system combinesthe trusty 2.5-litre petrol boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor and1.1kWh lithium-ion battery producing a 31.8 percent uplift in power over theoutgoing mild hybrid system. The new system said to be quieter, withinstant torque and providing a driving range of over 1,000km. The SubaruForester range now comprises four petrol only models and three hybridvariants – the Japanese manufacturer claiming it is the first vehicle in itsclass to combine mechanical symmetrical all-wheel drive with a stronghybrid system. Hybrid Forester pricing now starts at $46,490 plus on-roadcosts and runs to $55,990.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I spoke last week of criticism from some Chinese car industry executivesof the massive discounting of electric cars in their home country andwhether it’s sustainable – the criticism mostly levelled at the heavydiscounting by BYD. Locally, BYD is enjoying a substantial lift in salesgenerated by its popular BYD Shark 6 ute, and Sealon 6 and 7 SUVs – salesin June this year tallied 8156, a 367 percent lift over the same month lastyear. However, in the Chinese domestic market BYD has suffered adownturn, slowing by 8 per cent in June, as new Chinese players enter themarket and chase market share. According to Automotive News BYDdomestically is one of the big losers in market share this year despiteheavy discounting while Geely has become the biggest winner.Competition – there are now 97 domestic brands in the Chinese market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Cadillac Lyric SUV today – General Motors luxury brand arriving backin our market after a long hiatus despite several attempts by Holden some 17years ago to introduce the Cadillac CTS sedan. The Lyric however, Cadillac’s firstelectric model is a handsome large SUV, an all-wheel-drive dual motor luxury SUVwith strong performance and with an official range of 530km – two models withthe same powertrain, the Lyric Luxury at $122,000 and the Lyric Sport for another$2,000. Price levels where there is some significant and excellent Europeancompetition with a proven track record. Step inside the Lyric and it feelsunderdone for a vehicle at this price point, roomy but with materials and seatingthat don’t exude luxury. Performance in a straight line impressive but once youpoint this 2.7 tonne SUV into some fast-moving corners it lacks polish andsophistication. To me the torsional rigidity of the body also feels underdone, bestdemonstrated on my steep driveway, which has a twist at the top - such that Icould not open the power rear door until the car returned to a level surface.Certainly, there’s much to like with the Cadillac Lyric but unfortunately it does notextend to its on-road dynamics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Mini Countryman S – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol 7-speed automatic all-wheel drive five door in the mid-spec Favoured grade – all up $61,990 plus on-road costs. Designed with an adventurous spirit this premium level Mini hasenjoyed strong growth this year – sales up 155 percent. The Mini Countrymandifferent, now roomier with features that border on being quirky. It’s not foreveryone but for those buyers who like a little individuality it has real appeal. Theperformance very satisfying – strong and smooth with all-wheel drive grip on 19-inch alloys with 45-series Continental tyres and with the longest wheelbase in thefive-model Mini model line-up offering a quality ride. And with Mini part of theBMW group, it carries the Bavarian company’s reputation for exceptional steeringand dynamics. The Countryman returned nearly 9 L/100km with mainly citydriving, not exceptional and on a dearer diet of 95 octane petrol but I didn’t driveit with economy in mind – rather enjoying its strong performance through thegears. Given its adventurous spirit I would have liked a spare wheel rather than atyre repair kit but this aside there was much to like. Warranty a little underdonethough at 5 years/unlimited km. Servicing $2275 over five years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Mini Countryman today – the Mini brand part of the BMW group andtoday enjoying strong growth, up 80 percent in the first half, the larger and longerfive-door Countryman the big sales mover, available in petrol or pure electric,each in several grades. I drove the 2.0-litre turbo petrol 7-speed dual clutchautomatic Countryman S all-wheel drive in the mid-spec Favoured grade –$61,990 plus on road costs. The Countryman five-door, based on BMW’s X1platform, a really interesting estate wagon as the name implies, individual anddesigned for the adventurous spirit – a go-anywhere compact SUV with premiumfinishes, fabulous seats and some novel touches. Step inside and your met with around central touch screen and a head up speed display – both of which areextremely practical and user friendly. The air vents and door handles verticallyaligned and different in an interior that has a lot of character with nice finishes.Novel touches too like the start/stop toggle switch, parking brake push buttonand gear selector set the Mini Countryman apart. It’s not an SUV for everyone, it’sa little different even quirky but as a compact premium model offers a point ofdifference with nice cabin and luggage room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports out of China indicate the Chinese Government is about tointervene in the country’s continuing electric car price war – the newscomes as a number of state-owned car makers, particularly GAC and JAC,are struggling under price pressure, particularly from BYD. As I’ve reportedbefore thousands of dollars has been slashed off the price of popularmodels as Chinese car makers try to gain as much market share aspossible. GWM and Geely executives have already warned of the direconsequences of the price war with BYD, claiming Chinese cars are toocheap and unsustainable, and coupled with overproduction, making for anunhealthy market. GWM’s Chairman, Wei Jianjun, has warned of a potentialindustry collapse stating “if it continues like this, the safety of China’s autoindustry will be seriously threatened.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For second hand electric car buyers the health of the battery has alwaysbeen a rather unknown. And with a large number of used EV’s now in themarketplace battery health has become a big concern. Pickles this weekintroduced new technology designed to create peace of mind with secondhand EV buyers – Pickles new Battery State of Health Certificate designedto allow potential EV buyers to make a more informed decision – thecompany claiming it’s a first for Australia and places the company as aleader in EV transparency – the scoring certificate consisting of two stateof health scores – one from the manufacturer and one from an independentsource called Aviloo - a European leader in battery technology – Pickleshaving tested 650 EVs gaining a 96 per cent score suggesting even four-year old cars were earning health scores of around 93 percent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further on Mazda’s long standing CX-5 SUV but still highly competitive with tenmodels in a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive, I’m driving thesecond tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive at$43,184 drive-away with optional metallic paint. I covered nearly 900km with a lotof highway cruising at the open road limit. The naturally aspirated four-cylinderwith 140kW and 252Nm of torque did a workmanlike job but what surprised wasthe economy, averaging 7.4L/100km on 91 grade petrol with four passengers.This is simply a great allrounder, well shod 17-inch alloy wheels provide a verycomfortable ride while the electric power assistance offers good feel whilstparking and on the run. Comfort and convenience items include dual zone climatecontrol, satellite navigation, a head-up instrument display, well bolstered clothseats, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a good level ofactive safety elements. Thankfully the warning elements are not intrusive likemany of the new breed of Chinese SUV’s. Disappointments – no wireless phonecharger and the lack of a power rear door. However, the Mazda CX-5 is still upthere as one of our best mid-size SUV’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the popular Mazda CX-5 SUV today, Mazda’s top seller, it’s been around along time in ten models, a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive. Nohybrid but I’m told its coming. I drove the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automaticCX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive - $43,184 drive-away, which included optionalSoul Red Chrystal Metallic paint at $795. A colour that has in many ways becomea trademark of Mazda. The CX-5 a good looker, still our fourth best-sellingmedium SUV, behind Toyota’s RAV4 and getting some strong competition thesedays from Kia’s Sportage and Hyundai’s Tuscon. I did nearly 900km in urban andcountry driving and it really surprised - well sorted, extremely comfortable forfour adults – the Maxx Sport well specified apart from the lack of wireless phonecharging and a power rear door. But it has dual zone air-conditioning with rearoutlets, a welcome head up display, a rather small 8-inch display screen on thedash but just so safe to use with a rotary dialer to let you scroll through a menu –so much safer than many of the new Chinese SUV’s with their large touchscreensand no active buttons. Warranty 5-years/unlimited km.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arriving this month from Spanish brand Cupra – a new mid-size SUV inthree variants from $58,490 drive-away. Developed alongside the thirdgeneration Audio Q3, the Cupra Terramar is a replacement for the ageingAteca and shares many body components with the new Audi. The entryCupra Terramar S features a 1.5-liltre turbo petrol mild hybrid powertraintogether with front wheel drive. Equipment levels are high with 18-inchalloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, power tailgate, tri-zone climate control,power heated front seats, wireless phone projection, and a 10.25-inchdigital instrument cluster and a 15-inch infotainment screen. Two highergrade models, the V and VZ gain a larger 2.0-litre turbo engine and all-wheel-drive, the flagship VZ also gaining an adaptive suspension. A plug-in Cupra Terramar VZ is also programmed to arrive early next year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With SUVs now representing over 60 per cent of new vehicle sales the choice for this favored body style just gets wider – Jaecoo has added a larger J8 five-seat SUV onto the local market priced from $49,990 drive- away. Joining the smaller J7 the J8 according to Jaecoo has “technologies typically reserved for premium vehicles”. With a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine the J8 arrives in front and all-wheel-drive configuration driving through an eight-speed torque convertor automatic. Sitting on 20-inch alloy wheels it features LED headlights, synthetic leather trim, dual 12.3-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, Apple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity and 14 speaker surround sound. Jaecoo has also introduced an industry first with a future price program – a buy back scheme which details the amount customers will receive for their vehicle in the years ahead irrespective of how it is financed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the latest Toyota Camry sedan, the mid-range Ascent Sport in thelatest three model range at $42,990 plus on-road costs – now with Toyota’sfifth generation hybrid system in a refreshed body with a revamped interiorand centre console and a nice choice of fabrics that give it more of classyfeel. As I said earlier, this latest Camry has more of a feel of Toyota’s luxurybrand Lexus. Sedan’s may not be on your radar but for those that like asedan over an SUV the Camry Ascent Sport will not disappoint.Serviceability and reliability have always been a Camry high point – I wasrecently in a Camry hybrid taxi that had covered 440,000km still on itsoriginal engine and transmission, still on its third set of brake pads. Thelatest hybrid powertrain impressive – i managed 4.4L/100km, the onlydownside perhaps the needs for 95 octane unleaded – the hybrid systemsmooth, exceptionally quiet and responsive. Five-star safety plus a stack ofactive safety elements, a 360-degree camera and wireless phone charging.Dislikes the small 7-inch instrument display, the top line SL model gets a12.3-inch unit while the steering wheel controls could be more userfriendly. Otherwise, a very refined sedan for the money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Toyota Camry has been around a long time - a medium sedan that justseems to get more refined with each new model – built locally from 1987 to2017, imported since and fully hybrid since late last year like the rest ofToyota’s passenger car range. The current three model Camry sedan rangeconsists of the Ascent, Ascent Sport and SL models prices starting at$39,990 plus on road costs and running to $53,990. I tested the AscentSport $42,990. And what an exceptional car this is – frankly having notdriven a Camry for some time I came away impressed with its refinement.Before I get into the performance, the build quality, styling elements anmaterial inside of this medium sized sedan felt more like Toyota’s luxurybrand Lexus. Sedans may not be in vogue, SUV’s, last month reaching 60.5per cent of total new car sales, however the Camry Ascent Sport at $42,990is outstanding value – there’s a lot of equipment for that money, the interiorclassy and roomy with a restyled dash and centre console while overallToyota’s fifth generation hybrid system is quieter, smoother, more fuelefficient in a body that now has real character.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s now only one diesel powered medium sized SUV on the marketand fortunately it will be here for a while – the 2025 Kia Sportage remainsthe last medium SUV with diesel power proving the most popularpowertrain in the Sportage SUV line-up. Diesel power currently represents36 per cent of Sportage sales growing from 30 per cent for most of lastyear. And despite the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard penalties cominginto effect on July 1 Kia suggests the diesel option will remain for sometime, the company able to offset penalties by achieving credits from itspopular EV3 and EV5 models as well as a growing number of hybrids. Thecurrent 2.0-litre turbo diesel remains popular with its 416Nm of torquegiving it a very relaxed performance - well suited to the four-wheel driveonly diesel range.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ute market just grows year on year and looks set to intensify with newplayers – Hyundai Australia the latest player to throw its hat into the ring –with newly appointed Chief Executive Don Romano confirming hiscompany cannot be competitive in Australia without one. The localcompany hopeful its parent can redesign sister company’s Kia Tasmanwith a hybrid or plug-in by hybrid powertrain to suit Hyundai’srequirements. The new local Hyundai boss adamant that the company can’tbe a viable brand here without a ute in its range. The inability to rejig theTasman could see Hyundai look to its strategic partnership with GeneralMotors to source a U.S. produced pick-up for this market. Romanoadamant that Hyundai needs something to compete with the likes of theToyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the two top selling vehicles in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind the wheel of Kia’s electric mid-size SUV, the EV5. The first Kia to be builtin China with the battery interestingly supplied by electric car giant BYD. There’sthree trim grades Air, Earth and GT-line, I’m driving the mid-grade EV5 Earth at$68,990 drive-away, a 230kW dual electric motor all-wheel-drive with a long range88.1kWh battery and a quoted range of 500km. The drive experience provedrewarding, my consumption around town running at 18.6 kWh/100km providing arange of 473km – charge time on my 11kW home charger from 10 to 100 percentjust over 8 hours or overnight. I must admit the Kia EV5 Earth SUV grew on methe more I drove it – the styling subjective, but I personally got to like it over time,the interior a highpoint, great seats, the test cars Nougat Beige interior coloursappealing in a dashboard design that is intuitive and different. Biggest gripe, theoverly active and intrusive lane keep assist, speed limit recognition and driveattention warnings and I’m surprised Kia Australia has not addressed this annoyance. Overall, though, all things considered the EV5 Earth all-wheel drive isa very rewarding electric SUV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Kia’s electric mid-sized EV5 SUV – similar in size to Kia’s petrolSportage, although boxier and the first Kia to be made in China for this market.Three trim grades Air, Earth, and GT- Line – I’m driving the mid-grade EV5 Earthat $68,990 drive-away, a dual motor all-wheel drive with a long-range 88.1kWhbattery providing a quoted 500km range. Features include synthetic leather seats,dual 12.3-inch interior screens,19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a powertailgate, dual zone climate control and a five-inch climate control display whichfrustratingly is partly hidden by the rim of the steering wheel. The interior roomy,very accommodating in both seat rows with excellent cargo space butdisappointingly there’s no wireless phone charging or 360-degree camera. For afamily vehicle it also lacks a front console storage box but for rear passengersprovides a pull-out storage draw under. I must admit my first visual impression ofthe Kia EV5 was not great, but it grew on me in time as did the drive experiencewith four drive modes while the charging process on my 11kW home charger waseffortless and relatively fast. Warranty seven years/unlimited km with batterywarranty seven years/150,000km, less than some rivals. Drive details next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.