Car Broker Archives • Peter Lloyd

Porsche 718 Spyder RS – Sheer Drivability

Posted on September 1, 2023 by admin

9.0/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like A genuine 911 GT3 engine in a drop-top 718 Sensibly road-biased suspension tune Still sounds utterly apocalyptic Wider and lower stance gives real presence Not so much It doesn't come cheap No manual transmission availability The manual hood won't appeal to all No carbon ceramic brakes or front lifter as standard Sit Andreas Preuninger down and ask him to envisage his ideal sports...
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2023 Triton

Posted on July 26, 2023 by admin

Mitsubishi produces a popular light commercial vehicle in this competitive segment .. Here is all the information you need on the new model. Things we like Value Handier in town than key alternatives Not so much Not as big or as powerful as some, lower towing capacity than rivals The Mitsubishi Triton is a smartly priced vehicle in an extremely competitive ute market. Smaller and more nimble than most of its ute contempor...
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Subaru Crosstrek XV has Landed

Posted on June 29, 2023 by admin

Subaru have rebadged their popular XV small SUV Snapshot January 2023: Crosstrek pricing & features 2023 Subaru Crosstrek priced: $34,990 to $45,090 plus on-roads Updated small SUV set to launch in April Carry-over engines; new technology; hefty price rises The new Subaru Crosstrek, formerly the XV, has finally touched down in Australia. Pricing for the new small SUV was first announced in January, but it's taken the Crosstrek some months to a...
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Volkswagen Amarok – Detail to Ponder

Posted on June 20, 2023 by admin

Technical training and final evaluation is under way VW’s second-generation dual-cab starts from $50,990 before on-road costs, representing a rise of $5000 into the entry-level Amarok Core. It fractionally undercuts the starting point for the equivalent version of the Amarok’s twin, the Ford Ranger with which it was co-developed in Australia. A Ranger turbo diesel auto is priced from $53,680 compared with $52,990 for the Core auto. The mid-ran...
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Hyundai i30 Sedan N facelift is a few months away

Posted on May 14, 2023May 14, 2023 by admin

The sporty South Korean sedan is having a facelift The facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N has debuted at the Auto Shanghai motor show. Snapshot 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N facelift unveiled Updated performance sedan gains revised look; no mechanical changes expected Expected in Australia later this year While the i30 Sedan N was unveiled less than two years ago, it has received an early mid-life facelift in line with the standard range....
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2023 Mazda CX-8 Price

Posted on April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 by admin

Enhanced look, more tech and two new variants for 2023 – but pricing has increased a little The facelifted 2023 Mazda CX-8 will arrive in Australia next month. Snapshot 2023 Mazda CX-8 pricing and features Updated large SUV receives additional standard equipment, two new grades, and more tech Prices rises between $1400 and $1450; due in March Following several minor revisions since the CX-8 arrived in 2018, the popular large SUV h...
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Nissan Navara SL Warrior

Posted on March 28, 2023 by admin

We take the PRO-4X Warrior off-road Things we like Off-road-ready from factory Very practical ute Looks good Not so much Needs more power Rudimentary interior (could be a plus) Slightly firm ride A base-model 4WD loaded with off-road goodies from the factory – could the SL Warrior be the perfect dual-cab ute for serious four-wheelers? What you get Premcar, the team behind building the off-road-fo...
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Subaru Outback – now with Turbo

Posted on February 28, 2023 by admin

Subaru Outback - now with Turbo 8.2/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Talented on-road and off Feels rugged and suited for Australian conditions New turbo 2.4L puts welcome pep in its step; more cohesive with CVT Not so much Lacks wireless phone charging Infotainment graphics functional but not pretty No head-up display As a motoring journalist, it’s always a treat when you spot a Subaru Outba...
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2023 BMW 3 Series

Posted on December 7, 2022 by admin

The classic BMW sedan has been upgraded, and it is good. 8.5/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like As satisfying to drive as ever New technology slots in with few hiccups Smart styling upgrades resist controversy Not so much Climate controls sit on the screen these days A touch pricey besides an Alfa or Audi Um, little else… No car better sums up ‘BMW’ than the 3 Series. Whatever the proliferation of SUVs and...
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Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ Crew Cab 4×4

Posted on August 16, 2022 by admin

The up-market offering in the D-Max range. 8.4/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Healthy payload The right mix of luxury and rugged 4x4 charm Fuel economy despite 3.0-litre displacement Not so much Electric roller hard cover restricts loading capacity Grey roof liner doesn’t quite match black leather interior Isuzu’s updated 2022 D-Max line-up features the reintroduction of LS-U space-cab models, a GCM increase ...
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New BMW 7 Series Electric

Posted on May 10, 2022 by admin

All-Electric i7 showcased BMW 740i and i7 xDrive60 confirmed for Australia end of 2022 UPDATE, April 22: BMW confirms local spec The new 2023 BMW7 Series and i7 will arrive in Australia towards the end of the year, with the brand's local arm confirming launch variants of each model. Recently revealed as the latest iteration of BMW's flagship limousine, the new 7 Series and the all-electric i7 will arrive here in the fourth quarter of 2022. For the internal combustion en...
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Audi SQ5 vs Jaguar F-Pace

Posted on March 9, 2022 by admin

Both cracker SUVs face one another in an intriguing test Audi SQ5 Diesel vs Jaguar F-Pace Petrol? - Hmmmm! I’ll never forget the day my high-school history teacher Miss Ashman turned up to a lesson with two black eyes and a nose splinted with more supports than a scaffolder’s roof rack. Turns out, this slight, quiet young lady was a karate expert and the only way her students were ever going to find out was if she su...
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2020 Kia Cerato – Value

Posted on October 30, 2020October 30, 2020 by admin

Pluses & Minuses Pro - Comfortable; pleasant to drive; auto-braking as standard; great GT version Con - Lacklustre engine in non-GT versions; worse fuel economy than previous model The Pick: 2021 KIA Cerato GT 5D Hatchback What stands out? The Kia Cerato hatch and sedan have stylish cabins, strong infotainment suite, and drive nicely, with all versions featuring some kind of autonomous emergency braking and seven-year warranty. The range is topped by a ...
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AMG E53 Up to Mount Hotham

Posted on June 8, 2020 by admin

What a great way to spend a day...... “Because it's there,” was all the justification George Mallory ever needed to climb Everest. Our aspirations are a good deal more modest than old George's – and we're banking on a more gratifying outcome - but the rationale is much the same. Why would you drive from sea level to Australia's highest coach road? We'd prefer to ask why wouldn't you, especially when that road, from Lakes Entrance on Victoria's Gippsland Coast to the alpine resort of...
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SUV 7 Seaters – Which One for You?

Posted on April 26, 2020 by admin

The Santa Fe now has a V6, a 2-edged sword. The Mazda CX-9 is a favourite in the Wheels office. It wouldn’t be a Car of the Year winner if it wasn’t. However, the latest generation Santa Fe presents as strong competition – and now it’s endowed with 206kW of V6 power to take on the benchmark. So, which is best? EQUIPMENT AND VALUE At $51,000, the Elite designation renders this Santa Fe V6 variant the middle-ground, value-for-money proposition within the range. Still, it’s d...
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Ford Ranger is Top Dog for 4×4 Sales

Posted on April 16, 2020 by admin

Ford, Toyota, and Mitsubishi remain 4x4 sales charts leaders. The Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton once again occupy the three top spots in 4x4 sales according to the latest VFACTS report for February 2020. The Ford Ranger grabbed a whopping 25.7 per cent of the 4x4 ute segment in February, ahead of the Toyota Hilux with 23 per cent, leaving the others to fight for the other half of the segment. In year to date terms, Ford ha...
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Mercedes-Benz 5-year Warranty

Posted on April 6, 2020 by admin

Mercedes have moved to a 5 year warranty on all vehicles

The three German luxury brands have stubbornly stuck to 3-year warranties - until now. Every Mercedes-Benz car, van, and ute sold from April 1 will be covered by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. The German manufacturer is the first luxury-car brand outside of Tesla to extend its warranty period beyond the industry-standard three years, and now puts it in line with mainstream brands such as Toyota and Mazda. Every model within Mercedes’ range is included in the five-year/unli...
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Mazda CX-30 – A New Mazda SUV

Posted on March 29, 2020 by admin

Another SUV offering in the Mazda mix - The New Mazda CX-30 Overall Rating Plus & Minus Plus - Striking design inside and out; high level of equipment; positive ownership proposition Minus - Suspension firm on Aussie roads; getting expensive; no SkyActiv-X… yet The Wheels Verdict: Mazda’s upmarket push is continuing at pace, and the stylish CX-30 bolsters this movement. Yes, you pay a premium for it, but the luxurious cabin belies the Ja...
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Mazda Quality Upgrades Shine Through

Posted on March 19, 2020March 19, 2020 by admin

Mazda continues premium push despite sales slump

Enhancements and luxury upgrades at the forefront of Mazda thinking Mazda’s premium push isn’t about to slow down, with the Japanese manufacturer happy with its positioning of the popular 3. Prices now start at $24,990 for the entry-level Pure manual and monthly sales are significantly down on the 3’s 2012 heyday. However, according to marketing director, Alastair Doak, the venerable hatch/sedan is tracking well for the brand and its expectations. “The standard equipmen...
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BMW axes Diesel

Posted on March 12, 2020 by admin

Diesel is "on the nose". DIESEL is fast regaining its infamous distinction as a dirty word with manufacturers dropping oilers from their respective line-ups down under. Frugal, small-capacity turbo petrol engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles are becoming mainstays because of their economy, efficiency and emissions figures. BMW is the latest marque to axe a diesel variant, with the petrol-powered 320i...
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All New Mazda CX-30 – the Inbetweener

Posted on March 5, 2020 by admin

Another Mazda Winner..... Plus & Minus Plus - Striking design inside and out; high level of equipment; positive ownership proposition Minus - Suspension firm on Aussie roads; getting expensive; no SkyActiv-X… yet The Wheels Verdict: Mazda’s upmarket push is continuing at pace, and the stylish CX-30 bolsters this movement. Yes, you pay a premium for it, but the luxurious cabin belies the Japanese brand’s traditional bad...
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe

Posted on March 3, 2020 by admin

Coupe SUV - Porsche Enters the Fray Overall Rating Plus & Minus Plus - Prodigious power; stunning dynamics for an SUV; premium interior Minus - Hefty price of options; busy ride quality in Turbo; less practical than wagon The Wheels Verdict: If you desire a design-driven SUV with coupe pretences and devastatingly capable performance, the Cayenne Coupe fits the bill. However, if ultimate practicality and a cheaper price tag mean more, stick with the tradit...
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Commodore & Astra Axed

Posted on January 15, 2020 by admin

Holden to move to SUV and UTE suite of vehicles in Australia IT’S OFFICIAL: The Holden Commodore is no more.Holden has today confirmed that its most iconic nameplate – a car intrinsic to Australian culture since its introduction in 1978 – will be retired at the of the year. The news comes as Holden revealed its 2020 portfolio will focus exclusively on SUVs and light commercial vehicles. That means the Holden Astra, another long-standing nameplate on Aussie roads, will also be axed....
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RAV4 Edge vs Forester 2.5i-S Comparison

Posted on September 6, 2019 by admin

Two of the heavy hitters face off. One of the main attractions of SUVs isn’t just the practical considerations of a tall seating position and easy access to the boot and rear seat, but the promise they make of being the versatile chariot capable of taking you and your family out into the great outdoors for a long weekend Not all SUVs are created equal in this regard, but here we’ve got two midsizers that are arguably the best equipped in their segment as dirt-friendly adventure m...
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2019 Subaru Forester: Points of Interest

Posted on October 3, 2018October 3, 2018 by admin

In September first shipments arrived on our shores. 1. Everything has changed But at the same time, it’s stayed the same. Forester now sits on the Subaru Global Platform that first appeared under the current Impreza and XV, and the rest of the car has been overhauled to suit. It’s a big step forward, but Subaru hasn’t thrown the baby out with the bathwater. Much of what has made the Subaru Forester appealing in the past to a legion of buyers has carried over. It may be all-new, but ...
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Hyundai i30N v VW Golf GTI – Review

Posted on April 22, 2018 by admin

Hyundai v GTI - really? Memories of my favourite hot hatch in the seventies – the 1975 Volkswagen Golf GTI. By today’s standards, the 1.6-litre fuel injected Dub is not fast, taking a glacial 9.0 seconds to get from zero to 100km/h, but if you can find an original Mk 1 GTI and an owner willing to let you have a thrash, you’ll find it to be enormously good fun regardless of the era you are driving it in. Perhaps that’s why, after 43 years and seven and a half generati...
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Mid-Size SUV Comparison

Posted on January 29, 2018 by admin

Here's the brief: create a mid-sized SUV that does what all families expect and still present driving dynamics along the way. But somehow the quest to take a slice of the most popular segment of the fastest growing vehicle type in the country has delivered carparks full of mediocrity - for years. It’s especially pertinent when you look at the fantastic options on offer in the family sedan and wagon market: Volkswagen Passat or Mazda 6 anyone? Then there’s Holden’...
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SHOULD I USE A CAR BROKER?

Posted on November 10, 2016March 14, 2019 by admin

Should I Use A Car Broker? The most common motivator for people or companies seeking a broker is the desire to get a better price. When you bought your last car, it would have been natural for doubts to linger after you took delivery as to whether you really did get a good price. You are probably very good at your career, and that career typically does not include negotiating with highly trained sales staff. Even if negotiation is an aspect of your career you are unlikely to know t...
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New Mazda CX-9 – Efficiency Plus

Posted on April 9, 2016 by admin

Up to 25% Superior Fuel Efficiency MAZDA's CX-9 large SUV has taken a significant improvement in fuel economy for its second-generation, with a weight reduction of up to 160kg and a smaller, more efficient engine accounting for as much as a 28 per cent cut to fuel use. With a downsizing of its 3.7-litre V6 petrol to a smaller turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, the new CX-9 has the greatest gains when in front-wheel drive configuration, which now uses 8.4 litres per 100km on ...
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Final McLaren P1

Posted on January 12, 2016February 20, 2016 by admin

Production of McLaren's most potent car to date ends with P1 number 375. AFTER nearly three years and 300,000 build hours, the final McLaren P1 has rolled off the United Kingdom production line, bringing to a close an era that created the company's fastest and most powerful road car to date. Dressed up in vivid Volcano pearlescent orange, the final car harks back to the even more exclusive F1, which also finished up in a vibrant orange hue for the limited run of just five F1 LMs plus one pro...
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