Motor Torque

Driving the new six-generation Subaru Forester SUV – now in seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester hybrid – a new strong hybrid system has made a big difference to this popular constant all- wheel drive SUV – the previous Hybrid Forester was old generation technology and not very fuel efficient - the new system blending the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine with a 90kW electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission allowing you to also motor off-road on electric power for short distances at speeds up to 30km/hour . The CVT automatic has 8 selectable manual modes. This all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid has an all-up range of over 1,000kms and I managed 7.1L/100km in a range of on-road around town driving. Ride and handling has benefited from a torsionally stiffer body, also a new electric power steering system makes for a far more engaging drive. The entry Subaru Forester Hybrid at $46,490 offers a huge improvement – little to criticise apart from a tyre repair kit due to the rear mounted battery pack which on a capable 4WD is a disappointment. Subaru’s top seller just gets better with each generation – a firm family favourite with a great track record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the new Subaru Forester SUV – there’s now seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester Hybrid at $46,490, this latest Hybrid a big step up, far more refined, more equipment, more fuel efficient and with sharper ride and handling. Off-road ability a high point. The Forester remains Subaru’s best-seller, highly popular since its first arrived in 1997. The Hybrid’s petrol engine the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine aided by a 90kW single electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission, an 8-speed CVT automatic transmission driving the Foresters symmetrical all- wheel drive system. The hybrid system vastly improved. The styling’s also been freshened and it needed to be – smoother, with more defined wheel arches, slim line running lights, a larger grille and LED headlights. Not too different inside with a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that can show a thing or two to the Chinese newcomers on useability – very intuitive and user friendly with nice clear instrumentation. The cabin hasn’t varied much but it’s very comfortable, with good room for four with handy storage, the hybrid losing some luggage space due to the rear electric motor, and it disappointingly lacks a spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volkswagen’s Polo has long been a firm favourite – the European five door hatch will gain a new model come November, a step-up model from the entry Life called the CityLife – this takes to four the number of models in the Polo range. It retains the frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine linked to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Priced at $32,790 plus on-road costs the Polo CityLife borrows some of the features of the more expensive Style grade such as keyless entry, park assist, 16-inch alloy wheels and a wireless phone charger. The Volkswagen Polo hatch comes with a high level of safety – seven airbags, a rear-view camera, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Five-star ANCAP safety with 96 per cent adult occupant protection and 85 percent child occupant protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Czech brand Skoda is adding to its latest Kodiaq SUV range with the arrival next month of the popular flagship Kodiaq RS. This performance skewed favourite representing up to 50 percent of Kodiaq sales promises much for $69,990, some $600 cheaper to the 2024 model. The latest Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat range starts with the entry Select at $54,990, the mid- range Sportline $58,990. The Kodiaq RS’s 2.0-litre turbo engine gets a power and torque boost and like the rest of the range a larger body with more room in the third row and more luggage space. Special RS features include retuned adaptive dampers and a progressive steering rack, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, LED fog lights and taillights and a flat bottom steering wheel. But it’s the drivability of this Skoda favourite that makes it so appealing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the latest top end Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD – a simply stunning vehicle, the build quality on the test vehicle exceptional and one could argue at $349,000 it should be. However, keep in mind some upper luxury 4WD’s are twice this price yet the Range Rover Autobiography sets a benchmark. Once its won you over on fit, finish, comfort and materials its ability for a large 4WD on and off the road is simply astonishing. Powered by a BMW sourced 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 with an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and all wheel steering this 2585kg 4WD is breathtaking in the way in provides ride, handling, and comfort. Land Rover have now set a benchmark with the Range Rover that few have come close to. Given its bulk and weight its handling response on a winding road on 23-inch alloy wheels is very reassuring – a fully adaptive electronic suspension and all wheel steering makes it shrink around you, but we shouldn’t forget that Range Rover pioneered electronic air suspension back in 1992. I managed 14.4L/100km without driving for economy. This is one vehicle it is very easy to rave about, yes the price is eye watering but in upper luxury 4WD’s its simply the best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the Range Rover, more than 55 years on since its launch in June 1970, has more than earned its success and this upper luxury 4WD has set a benchmark that few have come close to. I’ve just driven the Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD at $349,000. And frankly, at that eyewatering price you’d expect it to be good, but it’s not just good its exceptional. Powered by a BMW sourced twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 with an 8- speed automatic, all-wheel drive and all wheel steering.2385kgs of upper luxury 4WD that is breathtaking in the way it provides ride and comfort. Few if any will venture off road, but I’ve driven these vehicles at Land Rover’s legendary off-road course in the U.K. in mud up to the door handles and they’re exceedingly capable. One criticism - some of the options fitted to my test vehicle should have been standard fare – charging another $1,000 for privacy glass and $360 for a luggage net seems petty when you’re paying a base price of $330,000. Everything about the interior of the Range Rover Autobiography however speaks luxury – top notch seats, materials, fit and finishers. Warranty, five years/unlimited km with complimentary servicing for five years/130,000kms. The best part the driving – details next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian New Car Assessment Program, better known as ANCAP has revealed new crash ratings for the popular Suzuki Swift and MG3 hatchbacks. Both fared badly in 1984 crash testing, the MG3 receiving a three-star rating, the Suzuki Swift just one star. The Swift result created an amount of controversy as European testing of the same model resulted in three stars. ANCAP had been informed of physical differences between locally supplied Swift models and those supplied to Europe. However, a second round of testing has now revealed the local Suzuki Swift is built to the same standard as its European counterpart. As to the MG3, now with improvements has gained a four-star rating with a word of caution – during a 50khm/hour head on crash test the right-side seat adjuster failed causing the seat to twist on impact revealing excessive force to the right leg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanish performance brand Cupra has taken the axe to its Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, cutting more than $20,000 off 2024 model year stock. Now $47,990 drive-away, down from around $67,990. The move follows a 70 per cent drop in sales following the removal of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption in April, which cut around a third off the price of a plug-in hybrid when purchased through a novated lease. With a facelifted Formentor VZe hybrid due early next year Cupra Australia decided to slash remaining stock. The new model will increase the current models electric only range from 50 to 100km and feature a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and larger battery. What this large discount does to re- sale values long term however will be interesting to watch - the Formentor range Cupra’s biggest selling model.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Skoda Octavia wagon, the new entry Select model at $43,990 drive- away. This European sports wagon has real appeal, wagons still finding favour with certain buyers despite the shift to SUVs in recent years. I found the drivability of this updated medium sized wagon most rewarding – the 1.4-litre turbo 110kW engine drives the front wheels through a smooth eight-speed torque convertor automatic and its responsive and unstressed. Ride quality commendable but some road noise evident on course surfaces – a nice handling wagon and obviously with a lower centre of gravity to an SUV. Economy wise, I couldn’t match the makers claim of 6.2-litres/100km on premium 95 grade fuel, achieving 7.3L/100km. But as i said the perky nature of the engine and the smooth shifts from the eight-speed automatic makes driving the Skoda Octavia Select a real pleasure and you tend to tap its performance rather than drive for economy. In fact, I found much to like with it overall, the Czech brand has done a nice job with this model over a long period, improving it along the way and it comes with an excellent warranty – seven years/unlimited km. If you like a wagon over an SUV you’ll like the all-round versatility of this Skoda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With SUVs now commanding 60 percent of the market station wagons have fallen from favour. One that still finds favour with buyers is the Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Octavia recently received an update, both liftback and wagon now available in three grades, a new entry Select grade plus Sportline and sporty RS. I tested the Octavia Select wagon at $43,990 drive-away, a nicely styled European wagon with a sports flair powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic. The whole package freshened on the outside with new LED headlights and taillights, inside, gaining a bigger 13-inch touchscreen with upgraded software, a 10-inch digital instrument display and the latest active safety elements. The package roomy and comfortable in a well sized body on fabric seats with synthetic leather accents. The second-row well served by air vents and a pair of USB ports while the cargo bay gains welcome tie down points, hooks and cargo nets. You even get an umbrella in the driver’s door. Wagon buyers have very few options these days, the Skoda Octavia a fine choice offering a lot of features for the money, but it’s in the driving where it really excels. Excellent Warranty at 7 years/unlimited kms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News out of China suggests discussions have taken place re a possible ban on pop-out retractable door handles over safety concerns. The concern over door handles that are flush with the body until activated by a pop-out mechanism or by a lever that, when one side of the handle is pressed, allows the other end to pop out. I experienced the latter on the Leapmotor C10 SUV , while several Range Rovers I’ve driven have fully powered pop-out door handles. Other car makers with these handles include Zeekr, Deepal and Xpeng as well as Tesla. The main concern, their suitability in extreme conditions, reports suggesting they can malfunction with water ingress, can freeze in cold weather or fail outright leaving the car’s occupants trapped. Also, buttons on the inside replacing mechanical levers can be difficult to access in an emergency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The continued onslaught of new Chinese models each pushing the boundary of new technology at a lower price has really made the established car makers sit up and take notice. BMW is the latest car maker to announce a massive investment in new technology with a $17.8 billion dollar investment in new and updated high tech electric models. The radically styled high tech electric models are said to offer an extended driving range of up to 800km. First all-new model is the 2026 IX3 SUV sitting on a dedicated electric car platform unlike the current model which is a petrol car converted to run on batteries. The new iX3 to be built at a new factory in Hungary will spearhead a new family of BMW models with longer ranges, super brain computers, super fast charging, all new styling with narrower kidney grilles and more interior room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.