Motor Torque

Driving Subaru’s Outback Sport Touring XT AWD – a special edition highriding wagon that sits at the top of the Outback range at $57,490 plus on-road costs. Distinguished with special Geyser Blue exterior paint and black18-inch alloy wheels, also highly equipped. Power source the traditional2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder turbocharged driving all fourwheels through a continuously variable automatic. As has always been thecase with this mainstay Subaru, the drive experience most reassuring. It’snot an SUV but a high riding wagon with a go-anywhere ability and it justgets better year on year. Yes, it’s been around for a while in its currentguise and varied little over the years – just more refined and betterequipped, a firm family favourite, practical with good rear seat room andload space and importantly a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Theturbocharged engine perhaps showing its age a little in that it uses morepetrol, and it does require higher grand 95 octane petrol – I achieved11.1L/100 with mainly urban driving - but it is a permanent all-wheel driveand the tractability in the recent rain was confidence inspiring. It does havea full-size spare, peace of mind for those that venture off road. Warrantyfive-years/unlimited km.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subaru’s Outback has been a firm family favourite for over 25 years. I’mdriving the Outback Sport Touring XT, a special edition turbochargedmodel that sits at the top of the Outback’s model range priced at $57,490plus on-road costs. The Outback best described as a high-riding wagonand the Sport Touring XT identifies with dark 18-inch alloy wheels andspecial Geyser Blue exterior paint. Inside, premium features such as Nappaleather seat inserts, power front seats, heated and ventilated seats, ninespeaker Harman Kardon sound and a power sunroof and tailgate. The 2.5-litre horizontally opposed turbo four-cylinder features 350Nm of torque andlinks to a continuously variable automatic transmission. A very well sortedinterior with large central touchscreen and nice instrumentation but a lackof buttons for aircon a disappointment. Both seat rows offer good roomand are well equipped with USB ports and aircon outlets. The SubaruOutback has varied little over the years – and why should it - it’s a practicaldesign that gets customers coming back for more – its gained moreequipment over the years and more features and more refinement – apractical family wagon with a go anywhere ability – the Sport Touring XTspecial edition offering that little bit more. 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 Korean brand name SsangYong has disappeared this month inAustralia with the local distributor now adopting the KGM branding of itsparent company. The KGM Group acquired SsangYong two years agochanging its name globally, at which time it was known here as KGMSsangYong. The naming move is significant given the arrival of newproduct – the recent KGM Torres mid-size SUV and the soon to belaunched Actyon coupe SUV in two grades, the nameplate returning after a14-year hiatus. The Actyon credited with starting the sloped roof trend thatis now so prevalent with many SUVs. Two versions of the Actyon will beavailable, the K50 at $47,990 drive-away and the K60 for another $3,000.The Torres and Actyon models join the long-standing and highly regardedMusso dual cab ute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Jaguar’s potent F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition SUV – one of just60 as the last of the line Jaguar V8’s – Jaguar will navigate a new futurefrom January 1, all electric and reconfigured into an upper luxury range,the Jaguar leaper badge gone, a whole new beginning after 90 years whichthe company admits will lose up to 85 percent of its current customer base.The 5-litre supercharged F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition a stunning SUVand one that will become a collector’s item in time – super powerful, superluxurious and the test car I’m driving in Sorrento yellow, super special –hard to fault in performance, features, comfort, dynamics and price -$182,000 far cheaper than a Range Rover Sport P530 and far more exciting– the 5.0-litre V8 with 700Nm of torque and 8-speed automatic with steeringwheel shift paddles inspiring. A full gamut of active driver assist systems,not intrusive, although the speed limit alert can become an annoyance. Butfabulous brakes which you need when you have a 2133kg steed with 0 to100km/hour acceleration of just 4 seconds. This Jaguar F-Pace SVR 575Ultimate Edition the final act in what has been a wonderful 90 years ofJaguar grace and pace. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaguar will cease production of its last internal combustion cars at the endof the year, becoming an electric only manufacturer, also moving furtherupmarket. Ending 90 years of the celebrated Jaguar brand as it navigates anew future. According to Jaguar’s chief creative officer Gerry McGovern“the new electric model is the result of brave, unconstrained creativethinking and unwavering determination – the foundation stone for a newfamily of Jaguars that will look unlike anything you’ve seen before.” Formany aficionados it’s a sad day, 90-years of history and heritage lost, eventhe Jaguar leaper badging will disappear with the company only expectingto retain around 10-15 percent of its existing customers. This week I’vebeen driving the Jaguar F-Pace SVR 575 Ultimate Edition SUV, in brightyellow no less, the last ever V8 from the British brand and what an engine –just 60 examples of this Ultimate Edition will be available and bound tobecome collectors’ items. Sitting on 22-inch wheels this SVR looksmenacing even before you fire its 5-litre supercharged V8 – an all-wheeldrive upper luxury SUV at $182,000, and as a limited edition and the last ofthe line, likely to retain its value well. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honda has joined a growing number of major car makers changingdirection away from battery electric vehicle development in response toslowing BEV sales. At a recent briefing in Tokyo Honda’s PresidentToshihiro Mibe confirmed the company was re-evaluating its BEVdevelopment plan up to 2030 by trimming 3 trillion yen from its previouslyallocated EV budget of 10 trillion yen. It cited falling BEV sales behind themove “necessitating a re-alignment of its automotive strategy that placesmore emphasis on new generation, lower cost and more efficient hybridtechnology along with a greater focus on the North American, Japaneseand Chinese markets.” Honda targeting greater battery efficiency as well asa 50 per cent reduction in manufacturing costs, suggesting the company’snew e-HEV systems will be lighter with more parts commonality amongstmodels. Its target 2.2 million sales by 2030. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nissan Motor Corporation is making huge changes as it struggles withdisappointing financial results, slashing 11,000 jobs and closing sevenproduction facilities. New CEO Ivan Espinosa says he wants to make totalcost savings of around 500 million yen or $5.39 billion Australian dollars.Nissan has been hit by slow sales in China and the U.S., has ended talks ofa merger with Honda and replaced its Chief Executive. Sales of 3.3 millionvehicles last year were down 42 per cent compared to 2017, the companybelieved to be looking at closing production plants in South Africa, Indiaand Argentina and reducing the number of its factories in Mexico. Thecompany’s Chief Financial Officer said he has estimated the company’soperating loss in the first quarter of the current financial year at around$2.16 billion Australian dollars. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most evident in the car industry is how quickly potential buyers see thevalue in a new model. Chery’s Tiggo 4 SUV has quickly made a name foritself on value alone, simply the best value in a small SUV at present – twomodels, the Tiggo 4 Urban $23,990 drive-away and the better equippedUltimate at $26,990 drive-away – as I said earlier the equipment level on theUltimate makes for a very compelling package for a small family on a tightbudget. And its pricing is where other small SUV’s start with their entrypricing and don’t feature the Chery Tiggo 4 Ultimate models impressiveequipment list. Which includes dual-zone climate control air, a powersunroof with shade, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, front andrear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. Only disappointment for meis the lack of a rear power door and a full-size spare wheel. Power source a1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder driving the front wheels via acontinuously variable transmission. With 108kW and 210 Nm of torque itsno fire breather but a nice driver, the performance best described asadequate while fuel consumption can get a little heavy if driven hard. Imanaged 7.9L/100 around town but it does take 91 octane fuel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With cost-of-living pressures affecting new car sales a sharply priced SUV like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is sure to gain traction – this small Chinese SUV has been selling up a storm since its launch six months ago. Chery has thankfully already dropped the Pro from its name and revised styling including a full width LED tail-light and revised alloy wheels. Two models – the entry Chery Tiggo 4 Urban at $23,990 drive-away which now also gains front parking sensors and a six-speaker sound system in lieu of four. The better-equipped Tiggo 4 Ultimate at $26,990 drive-away further gains wireless phone charging and ambient interior lighting. Both exceptional value and quickly reflected in sales – having driven both the Tiggo 4 Ultimate is well worth the extra. Power source is a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine driving the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic. The Ultimate grade equipment impressive – LED headlights, twin 10.25-inch display screens, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather trim, dual zone climate control air, a power sunroof and shade, heated front seats, five-star ANCAP safety and many active safety elements. The Chery Tiggo 4 Impressive value for $26,990 drive-away with seven years unlimited km warranty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s peak motoring body, the Australian Automobile Association hascalled on the re-elected Albanese Government for more action on roadsafety. The call comes as new figures show the nation’s road toll continuesto climb. AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said figures show roaddeaths are up by 18.1 per cent in the five years since AustralianGovernments set a target of halving national road deaths by 2030.Following my story on the recommendations of the N.S.W ParliamentaryCommittee inquiry into e-scooters and e-bikes I note the recent death of ane-scooter rider on the South Coast – the 41-year-old rider crashed onto theroadway and sadly was hit by a car. Over the last five years 30 people havelost their lives in e-scooter accidents – many of the children’s deathsattributed to their inexperience of riding e-scooters on busy roads. I’mDavid BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don’t always agree with Harold Scruby from the Pedestrian Council ofAustralia, but I did agree with his article in the Telegraph on Tuesday titledStates e-madness must end before we’re e-limited. Rightly taking theN.S.W. Government to task for proposing new rules and regulations for e-scooters that other states have already found unworkable – allowinganyone 16 and over to ride e-scooters on 50km/hour roads as well asshared paths is a recipe for disaster – with no training, no license, noregistration and no insurance. Harold Scruby does himself an injusticeclaiming the road toll in N.S.W is up 18 percent, its up 18 in number or 14per cent while his argument that pedestrians don’t need education is oneeyed – he should witness the number of pedestrians in the City inparticular who walk onto pedestrian crossings texting or on the phone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further on the Zeekr X SUV – a compact Chinese electric SUV released lastOctober and like many Chinese EVs already price reduced. Two models,the rear wheel drive now $56,900 and the AWD $64,900 which I’m drivingwith dual electric motors fed by a 66kWhour battery. The performanceexhilarating - 0 to 100km/hour in just 3.8 seconds – that performance isvery polished, and the Zeekr X feels premium in all it does – from myperspective a cut above most similar priced SUV’s that I’ve driven. Thestyling sharp, distinctive and different, a body with great interior room for acompact SUV. Fit and finishes are quality. Range 400kms which aroundtown I found accurate but on the open road the brisk performance eats upthe battery much quicker – I averaged 16kW/h/100km consumption aroundtown but on a hard throttle it rose to 20kWh/100km fairly quickly. Chargingon my 11kW AC wall charger took 5 ½ hours from 20 to 80 percent ofcharge. A supremely comfortable small SUV apart from some pitch on arough surface accentuated obviously by the additional battery weight butmore than acceptable. Active safety elements however too intrusiveparticularly the driver distraction alert. Warranty underdone too at 5 years/unlimited km. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Zeekr X SUV – a small premium electrified SUV, a relativelynew Chinese brand released last October. Part of the Geely group that alsoowns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Zeekr a rather unusual Chinese brandwith its global design operations based in Gothenburg Sweden. As suchthe European design influence on the Zeekr X is immediately apparent –this is a compact SUV with a premium feel in fit and finishes - theintegration of the lights into the front of car individual and distinctive – Twomodels RWD and AWD, I drove the latter at $64,900 plus on-road costs.Step inside and you’re met with exceptional quality and an ambience that’swarm, inviting and different. Seat comfort immediately noticeable, poweradjustment on both front seats – event the synthetic leather trim looksquality and authentic. The AWD comes with dual electric motors fed by a66kWh battery producing a lightning quick 0 to 100km in just 3.8 secondsHighly equipped with wireless phone charging, power heated and cooledfront seats and a panoramic glass roof. Worst feature, a large centraltouchscreen, and no operational buttons for aircon or radio. But certainly,the most impressive Chinese electric SUV I’ve driven to date. Drive detailnext. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 9 th . Peking to Paris Motor challenge got under way last Saturday, theevent covering 14,500 kilometres over 37 days across twelve countries. 80entries started at the Great Wall of China including five from Australia, withthis year’s challenge taking crews across China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan,across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan continuing into the tough tracks ofGeorgia and Turkey, followed with a sting in the tail across Bulgaria,Romania, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland before finishing in France. A truehistoric vehicle and human endurance challenge that follows in the tracksof the original 1907 pioneers. The entry fee per vehicle to participate with acrew of two 69,000 pounds. Entries include vehicles up to 1985 – theoldest vehicle this year from Melbourne’s Alan Madan – a 14.5 litre 1917American La France, formerly a fire truck. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toyota this week revealed its sixth generation RAV4 SUV due in the firsthalf of 2026. The hybrid only RAV 4 range will introduce Toyota’s first plug-in PHEV powertrain offering a choice of 2WD or 4WD and targeting up to100km of electric-only driving range. The current model with huge pent updemand during the pandemic has been our top-seller in recent years, alsoToyota’s top seller, the company selling more than 500,000 since its arrivalin 1994. Underpinning the new plug-in hybrid system is a 2.5-litre petrolengine combined with a new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery thatwill provide an electric only driving range of up to 100km. Along with theplug-in options, the RAV4 will also come with Toyota’s efficient series-parallel hybrid system in AWD and 2WD configurations. both of whichproduce 143kW combined with excellent fuel economy. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving Renault’s Megane E-Tech SUV – a small French SUV with adifference, setting it apart from the look alike new breed of Chinese electriccars. At $54,990 plus on-road costs more than competitive, cheaper thanVolvo’s EX30 and in a way more charming. The styling impressive, hatchlike with large 20-inch wheels tucked into the corners. Step inside and itbreathes clever design, quality materials and individuality. With alightweight 60kWh battery feeding a single electric motor driving the frontwheels it offers a driving range of 454Km which I found accurate. Relativelylight for an electric car with a slim lightweight battery under the floor Ifound the energy consumption excellent at 14.1 kWh/100km. Electric carstend to ride harder` due to battery weight – not so for the Megane E-Tech,extremely comfortable helped by great seats although disappointing onlywith manual adjustment. Welcome five-star safety plus four available drivemodes that noticeably change the complexion of the drive, while steeringfeel is a high point. As I said earlier, it feels more premium in all it doesapart from some tyre roar on courser road surfaces. I came away veryimpressed with this electric Renault Megane – appealingly different and aclassy small French SUV. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At last, a French car this week – I was really looking forward to driving theRenault Megane E-Tech SUV. Visually, this electric Megane has a greatsilhouette more like a hatchback with large 20-inch alloys tucked right intothe corners, the styling impressive and giving it a more premium feelalthough the resultant high tail tends to limit rear visibility. With a 60kWhbattery pack feeding a single electric motor with 160kW and 320Nm oftorque driving through the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km.Step in and your immediately impressed with a quality and functionalinterior with great finishes. A wide 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster andinterconnected 9-inch multimedia touchscreen thankfully combine withswitchgear to make it all very user friendly, something the Chinesenewcomers could well learn from. There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,dual zone climate control, wireless phone charging, heated front seats anda heated steering wheel. At $54,990 plus on-road costs the Megane E-Techis well priced, with combination cloth and leather seats that offer greatcomfort but lack power adjustment while the interior is a standout indesign. Warranty underdone at five-years/100,000km, battery warranty 8-years/160,000km. The proof however is in the driving which I’ll detail in anhour. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The car market is hotting up towards the end of the financial year withsome excellent savings and its very much a buyer’s market at present.Latest discount offer is from Chery with their 7-seat Tiggo 8 Pro Max SUV,cutting $3,000 from the entry Urban model to $38,990 drive-away, making itthe most affordable seven-seat family SUV on the market. Higher gradeshave also been cut – the Elite to $40,990 drive-away, the four-wheel driveUltimate to $43,990 drive-away, with savings of up to $4,000. Powered by a2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder driving through a 7-speed automatic the Tiggofeatures across all models include dual zone climate control air, wirelessphone charging, power adjustable heated and cooled seats and a full arrayof active safety features. The higher grades also offer a powered tailgate,panoramic sunroof and a built-in dash cam. I’m David Berthon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move that simply beggars belief the N.S.W. Parliamentary Inquiry intoe-scooters and e-bikes has recommended allowing e-scooters to be riddenon shared paths and roads across N.S.W if they are ridden by a personolder than 16. They will remain outlawed on pedestrian only footpaths. Thishair-raising proposal would allow a speed limit of 10 to 20km/hour onshared paths and a 20 km/hour limit on roads where the speed limit is 50km/hour or below. N.S.W Roads Minister Jenny Atchison said that byregulating their use it would be easier to crack down on their behaviour. Isshe for real – allowing e-scooters onto the road at 20km/hour in all weatherconditions is a recipe for disaster – with no license or identification itsunmanageable and surely unfair to Police who have enough to worry aboutwithout having to worry about e-scooters. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.