Motor Torque

Talking further on National Road Safety Week starting today – a timesurely to reflect on the current poor driving standard in this state, Thecampaign is national however we still don’t have a set of national roadrules – individual states still singing from a different hymn book. NationalRoad Safety Week is the work of Peter Frazer who daughter Sarah wastragically killed by a truck driver in a totally avoidable crash on the HumeHighway at Mittagong in Feb 2012 when her car broke down. Tow truckdriver Geoffrey Clark and Sarah were loading her car when they were killedby the passing truck. Soon after N.S.W. expanded the road rule requiringdrivers to slow down to 40km/h for emergency responders to also includetow truck and roadside assistance workers. Amazingly, Victoria onlyannounced this week that from July 1 the current road rule requiringdrivers and motorcycle riders to slow down to 40km/h for police, fire, andambulance would be expanded - now including tow trucks, roadsideassistance and incident response vehicles displaying flashing lights. Itbeggars’ belief that after Sarah Frazer’s tragic death in 2012 it’s takenVictoria 13 years to implement a road rule which surely should have beennational road rule from Day 1. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Road Safety Week kicks off today, a time to reflect on the currentpoor driving standard in this state, National Road Safety Week the projectof Peter Frazer whose daughter Sarah was tragically killed by a truck driverin a totally avoidable crash on the Hume Highway at Mittigong in February2012. Since then, Peter has devoted his life to improving road safety -founding SARAH, standing for Safer Australian Roads and Highways. Thedriving force behind Australia’s National Road Safety Week and the roadsafety symbol the Yellow Ribbon. A campaign suggesting you wear ayellow ribbon on yourself and your car to show your support and make apledge on the SARAH website – “to drive so others survive” – to me giventhe total disregard by many motorists to road safety wearing a yellowribbon on yourself and your car is far too weak a message to what is aworsening problem year on year. We’ve just had two long weekends withincreased fatalities and numerous injuries. It’s clear there has beensubstantial vehicle growth in N.S.W. – a lot of new drivers mainly fromoverseas with poor knowledge of our road rules and driving conditions –you witness it almost daily – driver behavior and attitude is at an all-timelow, and driver education and compliance testing is in need of a radicaloverhaul. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perhaps indicative of the hard trading conditions and highly competitivenew vehicle market Mazda has taken the axe to pricing on its CX-60 SUV.Up to $5,560 has been shaved from some models in the luxury CX-60 line-up - now priced from $53,990 drive-away while six new variants have beenadded across the Pure and Touring grades. First launched in 2023 theMazda CX-60 was criticised for its harsh ride and twitchy gear shifts. Assuch the update brings new rear springs and dampers, revised stabilitycontrols and a recalibrated 8-speed automatic transmission. Plus, allmodels now get a 360-degree camera and front cross traffic alert.Specification has been added right across the Mazda CX-60 range which isthe best seller in the medium SUV segment above $60,000, ahead of theLexus NX and the Kia EV5. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As reported in the Australian this week it seems the luxury car tax couldsoon be abolished as the re-elected Government gets calls from theEuropean Union to speed things up on a proposed free trade agreement.For so long a thorn in the side of the car industry the Luxury Car tax mostaffecting European imports and depending on the vehicles sticker priceadding 33 cents for every dollar it is over a threshold of $91,387 on fuelefficient vehicles, and on all others that average more than 7L/100km,$80,567. To make matters worse from July 1, the fuel consumption figurewill lower to 3.5L/100 trapping a number of previously exempt models.Luxury car tax was implemented to protect our local industry which nolonger exists – the Governments problem, how to replace the $1.2 billiondollars it generates. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further on Mazda’s long standing CX-5 SUV but still highly competitive with ten models in a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive, I’m driving the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive at $43,184 drive-away with optional metallic paint. I did nearly 900km over the Anzac weekend with a lot of highway cruising at the open road limit. The naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 140kW and 252Nm of torque did a workmanlike job but what surprised was the 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 very comfortable ride while the electric power assistance offers good feel whilst parking and on the run. Comfort and convenience items include dual zone climate control, satellite navigation, a head-up instrument display, well bolstered cloth seats, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a good level of active safety elements. Thankfully the warning elements are not intrusive like many of the new breed of Chinese SUV’s. Disappointments – no wireless phone charger and the lack of a power rear door. However, the Mazda CX-5 is still up there as one of our best mid-size SUV’s. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the popular Mazda CX-5 SUV today, Mazda’s top seller, it’s been around a long time in ten models, a mix of petrol and diesel and front or all-wheel drive. No hybrid but I’m told its coming. I drove the second tier 2.5-litre six-speed automatic CX-5 Maxx Sport front wheel drive - $43,184 drive-away, which included optional Soul Red Chrystal Metallic paint at $795. A colour that has in many ways become a trademark of Mazda. The CX-5 a good looker, still our fourth best-selling medium SUV, behind Toyota’s RAV4 and getting some strong competition these days from Kia’s Sportage and Hyundai’s Tuscon. I did nearly 900km over the Anzac weekend and it really surprised - well sorted, extremely comfortable for four adults – the Maxx Sport well specified apart from the lack of wireless phone charging and a power rear door. But it has dual zone air-conditioning with rear outlets, a welcome head up display, a rather small 8-inch display screen on the dash 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 touchscreens and no active buttons. Warranty 5-years/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I finally caught up with the small Chery Tiggo 4 SUV recently – this relatively new Chinese newcomer has received favourable reviews – a highly equipped SUV in two sharply priced grades – the Urban at $23,990 drive-away and the Ultimate at $26,990 drive-away – both surprising in terms of value and very well-built for that money too. Utilising a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 108kW and 210Nm linked to a continuously variable automatic driving the front wheels. The Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate model with sunroof and dual zone climate control air is incredible value and unmatched in features by the likes of MG’s ZS and Haval’s Jolion while it undercuts the likes of Hyundai’s Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30 and Kia’ Seltos. I just driven Chery Tiggo 4 models and came away impressed – I review the Chery Tiggo 4 on Sunday week. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With sales slowing to just 190 units in the first quarter Mazda has slashed the prices of its large CX-90 SUV from $6,000 to $7800 across the 10-model range. The entry CX-90 G50E Touring now starting at $68,800 plus on-road costs. The flagship D50E Azami Takumi dropping to $91,924 plus on-road costs. The CX-90 was criticised at its launch in late 2023 for pushing the large SUV into much dearer pricing compared to the outgoing CX-9 which was firm family favourite at a much more competitive price. The CX-90 offering two power trains, either a 3.3-litre turbo in-line six-cylinder petrol or diesel, both with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and linked to eight- speed dual clutch automatics. SUVs now represent 64 percent of Mazda’s sales with the CX-5 still its best seller and with the CX-3, CX-30, 60,70 and 80 models in strong demand. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Mitsubishi’s evergreen small SUV today – the ASX, not the latest smallSUV but outstanding value, long standing and well tried and tested and bestvalue in the second tier ES grade backed up by a 10-year/200,000km warranty aslong as it’s serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. But how does it drive – the ASX ESautomatic at just under $30,000 drive-away powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinderdriving the front wheels through a CVT automatic. Step into the cabin and it feelsa little dated, very comfortable and practical with great seats but there’s no smartkey or wireless phone charger, but thankfully, it has dials for the climate controlair-con, radio tuning and volume as distinct to the frustrating and distractivemenus on a touch screen. The drive experience also shows its age – the engineno fire breather and under load, the noise vibration and harshness levels aresuch that it feels a little unrefined. No problems with economy however, 8.0L/100on 91 grade petrol while it exhibits good steering feel and a pleasant ride. A newMitsubishi ASX SUV is due in November, a rebranded Renault Capture, althoughMitsubishi has indicated it will not be as affordable as the current model. I’mDavid BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking about Mitsubishi’s small ASX SUV today – the ASX has been around for along time – first surfacing in 2010 but updated visually three times since. Sharplypriced it remains our fourth best-selling small SUV, strongly recognised for itsvalue story and a 10-year warranty. A roomy small SUV in seven front wheeldrive grades from $26,240 drive-away for the entry manual GS – I drove the nextgrade up, the ES automatic, the best seller and frankly the one to own at $29,740drive-away. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving through a CVT or continuouslyvariable automatic. This year the ES gained lane departure warning for the firsttime, but it lacks rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking.Features include a rear-view camera, climate control aircon, rear parking sensors,rain sensing wipers and air-con ducts to the rear seats. The Mitsubishi ASX EScompetes in a super competitive small SUV segment – not the latest design butthis trusty small SUV with great interior room has been kept competitive withsmall tweaks along the way. For a small family in today’s cost-conscious world, ithas one outstanding feature – a 10-year/200,000 km warranty if you keep itserviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Drive details next segment. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We already have the luxury General Motors built Cadillac Lyric SUV and itwill be joined next month by GMC’s Yukon Denali luxury 8-seat SUV. Thefull-size GMC Yukon Denali offers class defining pulling power in the formof a 6.2-litre EcoTec 3 V8 engine with a healthy 624Nm of torque linked to a10-speed automatic. While its official braked towing capacity is rated at3,628 kilos, the highest braked towing capacity of any SUV on sale inAustralia. Fitted with what called an active response 4WD system the GMCYukon Denali is listed to sell at $174,990 and is loaded with comfort andconvenience features putting it firmly in the luxury class. Responsibility forselling the Yukon Denali rests with General Motors Special Vehicle dealernetwork who already handles the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck andCorvette sports car. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congratulations are due to young Australian driver Oscar Piastri. TheMelbourne born 24-year-old has shot to the top of the Formula One worldchampionship points score after winning his third grand prix of the seasonin Saudi Arabia last weekend. Starting from second on the grid and beatingpole sitter Max Verstappen to the first corner. Quite simply, Oscar is a classact and a wonderful ambassador for Australia in the pinnacle of worldmotor sport - the first Australian to lead the points in 15 years. As he says,“leading the championship is a result of all the hard work we’ve done in theoff-season, the hard work I’ve done personally and the hard work the teamhas done. I’m more proud of all those things than I am of the fact that I’mleading the championship, because ultimately, I want to be leading it afterround 24, not round five.” I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nissan has freshened its small Qashqai SUV range for 2025 adding a new e-Power hybrid N-Design flagship at around $60,000 drive-away – hybrid power nowavailable on the two top spec Qashqai’s, petrol power on the lower grades. The1.3-litre turbo petrol power on the four lower grades replaced on the hybrids by a variablecompression 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differentlyto a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels. The driveexperience is much like a pure electric SUV although at times you hear the petrol motorfire up to charge the battery. I’ve always highly regarded the Qashqai and this new e-Power N-Design further impressed with over a 900km range and a nice drive experiencealthough the larger 20-inch alloy wheels and quality Michelin tyres can display a firmerride. The Qashqai e-Power N-Design price is high, but this is a very well sorted small SUV with premium features and well sorted active safety prompts. Nissan making it moreattractive by trimming previous high service costs and adding a 10-year/300,000kmwarranty including the battery provided its serviced by a Nissan dealer. I’m DavidBerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV has been freshened for 2025 in a re-aligned model rangewith a new N-Design grade flagship with hybrid power standard – the Qashqai e-Powerhybrid N-Design around $60,000 drive-away. Nissan have added new technology andequipment, freshened the styling, at the same time cutting the previous rather highservicing costs and providing a longer warranty – but hybrid pricing remains highcompared to petrol Qashqai models. However, the e-Power N-Design is packed withpremium features – leather seats with massage function, a panoramic glass roof, 20-inchalloy wheels, a power tailgate and a most impressive digital dash and touchscreen,thankfully with a mix of buttons The 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo in the petrol modelsreplaced by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power worksdifferently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generatorconnected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels– this hybrid system adds around 200 kilos over a conventional petrol Qashqai but itoffers over a 900km driving range. Despite the e-Power hybrids exalted price tag thedrive experience is very rewarding. Warranty including battery five-years unlimited km oran impressive 10-years/300,000km if serviced by a Nissan dealer. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese brand Chery re-emerged on the Australian market in 2023, havingleft in 2015 after sales tanked due to poor safety ratings. However, thebrands reemergence brought positive results firstly with the Omoda 5 SUVand more recently with the Tiggo 4, 7 and 8 SUVs. Chery sales jumped inthe first quarter this year by 114 percent to 12,603, with the small 1.5-litreturbo petrol Tiggo 4 Pro now representing 55 per cent of sales. Launchedsix months ago it’s just gained a minor facelift with a restyled rear, newalloy wheels and the word Pro thankfully dropped from its name – the valuepacked Chery Tiggo 4 Urban at $23,990 drive-away gains front parkingsensors and six speaker sound in lieu of four, the higher grade Tiggo 4Ultimate also gaining wireless phone charging and multi-colour ambientlighting. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kia Australia this week launched their most affordable electric SUV in theform of the EV3, mimicking their midsize EV5 and larger EV9 models. TheEV3 in three front wheel drive grades Air, Earth and GT-line, the Air with achoice of standard and long-range batteries, the Earth and GT-Line onlylong range. Priced from $47,600 and ranging to $63,950 the EV3 claimed tooffer a driving range from 436km to 604km depending on model. Kiaconfirming a comprehensive range of active and passive safety technologywhich its Product Planning Manager suggests, may be frustrating to livewith but adding if customers want a five-star ANCAP safety rated vehicle,these elements must be included under regulatory protocols. They can beturned off each time you start the vehicle but they must default on tosatisfy regulations. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the new electric Leapmotor C10 – a mid-sized five seat SUV with singleelectric motor fed by a 69.9kWhour battery driving the rear wheels – I’m drivingthe Leapmotor C10 Design $51,500 drive-away which includes a 12-month ChargeFox subscription. Incredible value in a very highly equipped SUV that undercutsmost of the opposition. The suspension tune by Maserati polished and pleasingin a family friendly electric SUV that’s well built with simple appealing styling.Behind the wheel you quickly get the impression the Leapmotor C10 was for themost part designed by a computer tech head rather than an automotive designer– in other words, it’s like driving a computer with large centrally mounted 14.6-inch touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch display screen in front of the driver. Nodirectional air vents, just a long slot with cooling and heating weak and very slowto react. The worst feature, no buttons of any kind, a touch screen that needsmore than a touch and a range of safety systems with annoying chimes that aresimply intolerable. Why Chinese manufacturers think we need a constantreminder or prompt in every aspect of driving staggers me and it’s a buyer turnoff to what could be a nice newcomer. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving one of the new Chinese electric cars today – the Leapmotor C10, acompany that started business in 2015, backed by the Stellantis company, themerger of Fiat Chrysler and the French PSA Group. The Leapmotor C10 a mid-sized SUV in two grades, the Style at $47,500, and the Design at $51,500, bothdriveaway. These prices sharp and below similar sized offerings from other newChinese brands, as well as the Kia EV 5 and the Tesla model Y. And the price alsoincludes a 12-month subscription to the Charge Fox network. The specificationimpressive – dual zone climate control, LED headlights, power front seats, apanoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, 12 speaker sound, a power tailgate,a 14.6-inch touch screen, but no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - all in a roomyfive seat somewhat handsome body with great safety credentials. With one longslot for an air vent and no directional controls the air-conditioning and heatingresponse is poor at best. On face value though, a sharply priced very comfortablefamily friendly mid-size SUV with a single electric motor with a 69.9kWh batterydriving the rear wheels. But how does it drive – a disappointment unfortunatelywith which I’ll explain next segment. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking further on the intrusive active safety elements of many of the newbreed of Chinese SUVs – the Leapmotor C10 I’ve just driven a case in pointwhich has 17 so called active driver assist features and I understand thatthe local company has already adjusted the software for these active safetyelements three times – heaven knows what it was like first up for its still sointrusive it’s a buyer turnoff to what is otherwise an excellent first effort forLeapmotor. Interestingly, this week I was supposed to be driving theDeepal CO7, another Chinese EV SUV newcomer. However, I was told alltest vehicles have been recalled to make software changes to their activesafety elements – the reason, I’m not the only motoring journalist who hasfound many of these poorly calibrated active safety elements an absolutebuyer turnoff. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last nine months we’ve seen a number of new Chinese electricbrands arrive on the market and whilst EV’s may be slow sellers at thispoint of time the competition has become intense. I have just finishedtesting the Leapmotor C10, a mid-size five-seat EV SUV, the first productfrom Leapmotor which was formed only in 2015 and majority backed by thegiant Stellantis group – an impressive first effort but spoilt by overlyintrusive active safety elements – lane keep assist in particular, plus aseries of warning chimes that are simply distractive and counter intuitive.Why the Chinese think we need so much intervention is hard to fathom butthe Leapmotor C10 is like driving a computer screen on wheels – designedby tech heads instead of car designers and the experience is simply notenjoyable. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Driving Mitsubishi’s seven-seat mid-size Outlander SUV – it comes in a largerange of front and all-wheel drive models in pure petrol or plug-in hybrid – I’mdriving the top-line petrol Exceed 4WD – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder CVT automatic at$52,640. So how does it drive – the naturally aspirated petrol engine with 135kWand 244 Nm of torque is adequate, it’s no fire breather however the continuouslyvariable transmission taps the power and torque well but push it hard and it tendsto surge a little like most CVT transmissions, however for the heavy work it has 8pre-set manual gear ratios you can access via the steering wheel mounted shiftpaddles. The suspension is set up for one or seven passengers, as such it’s notsporty but provides a very comfortable ride and driving experience while thesteering offers the ability to add more assistance if needed. The drivingexperience also aided by six drive modes – three, normal, eco and sport thatadjust steering and transmission settings plus three offroad modes that give theOutlander a more adventurous spirit. As I said earlier, good economy 8.7L/100 on91 Octane petrol. As a family carrier there’s much to like with Mitsubishi’sOutlander Exceed and little to criticize. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Mitsubishi’s mid-size Outlander SUV today, the company’s best sellerand the second best selling mid-size SUV behind Toyota’s RAV4. I’m driving thetop spec 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol CVT automatic OutlanderExceed 4WD at $52,640. On first impression, a roomy plush interior - in fact itsinterior space gives the impression you’re driving a much larger SUV and you cansee why it is very popular with large families. And this is its best benefit over theRAV 4 the fact that it has seven seats. All three rows also offer climate control airwith separate controls in each. Although the third row is best sized for kids.Equipment comprehensive – a wireless phone charger, power tailgate. leatherseats with memory function up front, a head up display, 12.3-inch digitalinstrument cluster, pull up sun blinds for the second-row seats and 10-speakerBose sound. And don’t forget Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty, a realbuyer benefit. Servicing, every 12 months or 15,0000kms, the first five yearscosting a reasonable $1700. Towing average at 1600 kilos braked and here the2.5-litre four-cylinder would struggle with a heavy load. Good economy though –on 91 octane petrol I managed 8.7L/100. Five-star ANCAP safety. Drive detailsnext segment I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Driving Mazda’s CX-70 all-wheel-drive SUV – a five seat version of the largeseven-seat CX-90. I tested the 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel CX-70 GTat $77,970 with mild hybrid assistance driving all the wheels through an 8-speedautomatic. The engine gutsy and powerful as well as economical and I managed5.7L/100 with mainly city driving. The engine performance strong in the mid-rangewhere you do most of your motoring and with peak torque at just 2400 revs thisdiesel engine is very impressive. The Mazda CX-70 is a large SUV and the laid-back performance of this gutsy six-cylinder engine makes it very appealing. As issaid earlier the ride quality on the CX-90 when it arrived late in 2023 was far frompolished, Mazda Australia has retuned it since, the CX-70 also displays theseimprovements although it can still feel a little firm depending on the road surface.The CX-70 a large SUV, tipping the scales at 2216kgs, yet it handles well with agood degree of steering sharpness. What stands out in this large Mazda SUV isthe quality nature of the interior in terms of space, choice of materials and fit andfinish which to some extent justifies its higher price point. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mazda CX-70 five-seat all-wheel-drive SUV - impressive interior quality.Mazda now has a very comprehensive range of large SUV’s – I’m driving the CX-70 introduced late last year, and basically, a five-seat version of the large seven-seat CX-90, it comes in six-cylinder turbo petrol or turbo diesel with mild hybridassistance, in two all-wheel drive grades, the GT or the Azami. The 3.3-litreturbodiesel CX-70 D50E GT at $77,970 plus on-road costs really impressed mesomewhat of a surprise given I didn’t like the CX-90 model I drove early last yearwith its underdone and somewhat hard riding suspension. Mazda Australiasubsequently retuned the suspension and the CX-70 also reflects that update.The ride perhaps still a little hard however the GT model is a rather sporty largeSUV fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels and is very competent in the way it handles.Not inexpensive like all the large Mazda SUV’s and their latest pricing has pushedwell into prestige territory. Having said that they are very highly equipped. TheCX-70 GT gaining dual 12.3-inch interior screens, heated leather seats, adaptiveLED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of advanced safetytechnology. The interior very well sorted with a quality feel with seat comfort verymuch a high point. Warranty, five years/unlimited km. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercedes-Benz Australia this week re-introduced the entry GLC200 SUV,in the process reducing the entry price of its most popular model by$14,400. The Mercedes-Benz GLC200 now $95,500 drive-away joins themore powerful GLC300, and despite being $8,000 dearer than the finalshipments of the previous GLC200 back in 2022, now features all-wheeldrive and is far better equipped. With a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrolengine aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system and nine-speed automatic.The hybrid system can turn off the engine at speed to let the car coast andsave fuel whilst also boost power under hard acceleration. Mercedes sold554 examples of its GLC300 in the first two months of this year, a 75 percent increase on the same time last year and the more affordable GLC200will no doubt boost sales further. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strap yourself in for a great Australian Formula One Grand Prix thisSunday with our own Melbourne born driver Oscar Piastri well positionedfor the first Grand Prix of the year. The 23-year-old driving for McLarenfinished fourth in the driver’s standings last season with the first twoGrand Prix wins of his career, in Hungary and Azerbaijan, and withteammate Lando Norris combined to see McLaren win the 2024 FormulaOne Constructors Championship. Earlier this week McLaren extended theyoung Melbournian’s contract with a multi-year deal, team CEO Zak Browncommenting that “not only is he an incredibly talented driver but his workethic and cultural fit within the team made it a no brainer to extend his timewith the team.” Pre-season testing has also shown the McLaren MCL39producing the fastest race pace to be a firm favourite for Sunday’s 58-laprace at Albert Park. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Kia’s Carnival people-mover – the high-grade 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-speed automatic GT-Line at $73,060 plus on-road costs. A spacious three-row 8-seater, and as a large family carrier nothing comes close. Kia Australia hastweaked the suspension on the latest series, with modified front springs,upgraded shock absorbers and recalibrated power steering, and it makes theCarnival shrink around you, behind the wheel feeling much smaller than it reallyis aided by an excellent 360-degree camera and front, side and rear sensors.148kW of power, 440Nm of torque gives it gutsy low down pulling power althoughas a front driver it can get some torque steer pull through the steering wheelunder heavy acceleration. And it’s a shame in some ways it doesn’t have all-wheel drive. Economy, Kia claims 6.5L/100km which I got close too and with a 72-litre fuel tank the range it offers is impressive. Whether full laden or just with adriver the suspension tune is compliant with great ride on any surface. With threeavailable drive modes a really pleasant vehicle behind the wheel apart from theoverzealous lane keep assist, driver attention monitor and speed sign recognitionwhich is simply over-reactive. Warranty 7-years unlimited km. Servicing $1,519over three years. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to moving a large family around nothing else comes close to the 8-seat Kia Carnival - it dominates the people mover segment with around 80 percent of the sales – there’s now 11 variants including a petrol/electric hybrid although diesel represents around 90 per cent of the volume. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-speed automatic Carnival GT-Line at $73,060 updated mid last year and gaining a $5,400 price lift. This is a big people mover – 5.15 metres long and spacious with three rows of seats and if you have a large family, it’s the bees’ knees. You may shun a people mover over an SUV however the Kia Carnival will change your perceptions. With rear power sliding doors its just so safe and practical – the flexibility of the interior a high point with the ability to turn the second row into individual outboard seats, the centre seat can be removed, making a walkthrough to the third row. The prestige GT-line has no options apart from paint and is loaded with features. Yes, it lacks a full-size spare wheel, just a space saver, however the deep luggage compartment is the bonus. The Carnival GT-line simply the burger with the works. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten years ago it was our best selling large SUV but hard times have fallenon Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and it has been axed from the local market afternearly 30 years on sale. The big American built SUV has suffered a fall fromgrace with sales sliding 94 percent since 2014 and at its peak it wasaveraging around 1400 sales a month. The current fourth generation seven-seat Grand Cherokee L arrived in late 2022 along with a $20,000 priceincrease however as sales have retreated discounts of up to $28,000 haveemerged on the remaining stock. In the tough market conditions Jeepmanaged just 4634 sales in 2024, just 1247 being Grand Cherokees.Stellantis Australia, Jeep’s local distributor, says the decision allows it tofocus its efforts on placing the right products in the right segments thathave the greatest relevance to their customers. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New vehicle sales figures released this week for February show an overalldrop in sales of 9.6 per cent compared to the same month last year. Ofimportance, was the drop in battery electric EV sales - the Federal Chamberof Automotive Industries has now voiced concern at the slow rate of EVsales given there are now 88 models ON the Australian market. ChiefExecutive Tony Weber said this week “we are now two months into theGovernments New Vehicle Efficiency Standard or NVES and consumerdemand for EVs has fallen by 37 percent. Our grave concern has alwaysbeen the rate of EV adoption and what assumptions the Government madein its modelling around consumer demand for EV’s in the NVES – withoutconsumers demanding EVs the NVES will not succeed. This modellingremains secret.” He added “it’s time for the Government to consider therealities faced by consumers.”. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the recently upgraded Honda Civic e:HEV-LX five door hatch at $55,900 drive-away not inexpensive but this is one very impressive small hybrid hatchback, highly equipped, frugal and with very engaging dynamics. A 2-0 litre petrol engine with two motor hybrid assistance driving through an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid power train most impressive, prioritising electric power and the move to petrol power under a heavier throttle is seamless quiet and refined. As I said earlier this is one of the best new cars I’ve driven in the last 12 months. Economy, in mainly city driving an impressive 5.0L/100km on 91 grade petrol. Battery charging when coasting and braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel shift paddles. And on top of 11 airbags a full suite of active safety elements via Honda Sensing technology. The drive experience engaging – on 18- inch alloy wheels with premium Michelin Pilot Sport tyres the driving dynamics are first class. Yes, it’s a little pricey at $55,900 drive-away but the Honda Civic e- HEV-L is loaded with equipment apart from a tyre repair kit and no spare wheel. Warranty five-years unlimited km warranty, battery warranty 8 years with service costs class leading – Just $597 over three years. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the latest Honda Civic hatchback – a model that has evolved since the first generation arrived in 1972 – a small car that established a very strong reputation - the current series refreshed for 2025, the entry petrol engine retired, now in two hybrid variants plus the potent turbo Type R for performance buffs. The entry Civic Hybrid e:HEV- L $49,990 drive-away and the better-equipped Civic e:HEV-LX $55,900 drive-away which I drove. These latest Civics getting small mid- life styling updates - a new grille and bumper, new alloy wheels and a revised range of colours. Inside connected services have been updated with a new Google-based infotainment system. Overall, a very compelling small car package with engaging driving dynamics with clever internal packaging – roomy and well equipped in the e:HEV-LX with full leather interior, power front seats, full panoramic sunroof with power blind, and wireless phone charging. The 2.0-litre petrol engine joined by a two-motor hybrid system driving the front wheels via an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid powertrain prioritises electric running, the petrol engine kicking in only under load, and the transition is seamless. This Honda Civic feels premium in look and feel – simply one of the best new cars I’ve tested in the last 12 months. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.