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Isuzu MU-X Upgrade: We Check it Out

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The SUV from Isuzu builds on a winning formula
The SUV from Isuzu builds on a winning formula 8.0/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Comfortable and quiet . Huge safety package . Heaps of interior space Not so much Engine noisy when cold . Slow steering can be tiring in town . Forward camera would be handy The Isuzu MU-X is a large SUV that is spacious and comfortable for up to seven occupants and is generally smooth and quiet to ride in. This is one ...
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Nissan Patrol Warrior: There’s a Lot to Like

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Nissan Patrol Warrior
Aussie developed large 4X4 adds more appeal Snapshot Extensive Australian-driven modifications come to V8-powered 4x4 $100K-plus price tag before on-road costs looks good next to LC300 Based on Patrol Ti grade inside Premcar has finally finished its Warrior transformation of the V8-powered Nissan Patrol off-roader. Anticipated since the Australian outlet first announced the Warrior version of Nissan’s Navara ute in 2019, we’ve known of...
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BMW X3 M40i xDrive: A Terrific Drive

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BMW X3
This straight-six X3 is superb 8.5/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Great ride and handling balance Full-bodied straight-six punch Spacious and fully-featured cabin Lots of trim and colour choice Not so much Lofty purchase price Getting close to replacement Oversensitive reverse AEB First unveiled in 2017, the ‘G01’ X3 emerged as a much larger vehicle than its predecessor. More closely aligned with...
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Volkswagen Tiguan in Stock

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A number of five-seat Tiguan AWDs are available. Snapshot All-wheel-drive VW Tiguans back in stock Updated 2024 models announced All-new Tiguan due in late 2024 or early 2025 The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan mid-size SUV is in stock for all-wheel drive grades following previous delays earlier this year. Volkswagen Australia said 1400 five-seat, standard-wheelbase Tiguans are arriving now at dealerships, split between 300 132TSIs, 450 162TSIs, and 650 Tiguan R ...
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Latest BMW X1 sDrive18i has Nailed the Brief

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BMW’s small SUV surpasses the competition
BMW’s small SUV surpasses the competition 7.8/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Generous standard kit Impressive cabin tech and design Lots of space Improved ride and handling Not so much No spare wheel Increased price Electric will have to wait In typically controversial BMW style, the introduction of the X1 in 2009 caused a bit of a splash. Some hated it, others were more admiring but said a premium compact S...
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New Porsche Cayenne – All the Details

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all the details on the new Porsche Cayenne
The latest from Porsche regarding the new Cayenne for Australia UPDATE: Turbo E-Hybrid added as most powerful Cayenne ever Added as the new Cayenne approaches its Australian release, the 2024 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid becomes Porsche's most powerful large SUV ever. It’s also rather expensive at $288,400 in wagon form, and $297,200 in coupe trim (both before on-road costs). Under the bonnet is a V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain developing 544kW and 950Nm. Keepin...
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M3 Touring (Wagon) – Thumbs Up

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The best family car you can buy? The ultimate M3? We drive BMW’s first ever M3 wagon
Is this all things to all people - with a large budget? 9.0/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Arguably the ultimate all-round, all-weather family car Excellent dynamics on road and track Impressively comfortable and refined for a focused performance car Better to drive and more efficient than any fast SUV Not so much Approaching $200K on the road, before options… Amplified straight-six soundtrack mightn’t suit everyone ...
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VW Amarok – We Drive It

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These may be entry-level 4x4 utes but the least-expensive Amaroks don’t feel like base models vehicles Things we like Don’t feel like entry-level models Full list of safety features Performance of bi-turbo engine Not so much No rear cross traffic monitor on Core model High price for entry model Fiddly e-shifter on Life Volkswagen Australia has put the two base models of its 2023 Amarok range on sale, priced from $...
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Ford Ranger XL – How about off-road?

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This could surprise you.... 8.0/10Score Things we like Doesn’t feel like a base model car Bi-turbo engine performance Off-road ability Not so much High price for entry level model No TPMS No LED headlights While we’ve now driven plenty of new Ford Rangers since the launch a year ago, most of them have been higher specification Sport, Wildtrak and XLT variants. So when we spotted the steel wheel-clad Ranger XL in the...
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Subaru Crosstrek XV has Landed

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Crosstrek (XV) has arrived in Australia
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

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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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2024 Mazda CX-90 – Upmarket triumph

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2024 Mazda CX-90 will be more expensive
This large SUV proves Mazda’s on the way up! Things we like Thrusty, growling turbo-petrol straight-six Liberal use of tactile leather and suede Spacious and thoughtful cabin Confidence-inspiring steering feel Not so much Still no touchscreen Adaptive dampers not available Too little too late? We wish it was a low-slung station wagon There’s a grab bag of clichés I could trot out to describe what Mazda’s doing with ...
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Hyundai i30 Sedan N facelift is a few months away

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Hyundai i30 sedan is having a facelift
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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Ford Ranger Sales Power On

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 Ford Ranger
  Ranger dominates Hilux in the 4x4 segment   The Ford Ranger continues to stamp its authority on the 4x4 market, with the all-new model topping the 4x4 charts in March 2023. Ford sent a total of 3877 new 4x4 models out of its showrooms in March 2023, once again leaving the ageing Hilux 4x4 in its dust, with a total of 3480 Toyota Hilux 4x4 models sold. Still, the Hilux remains the best-selling model when combining 4x2 and 4x4 models. MORE     VFACT...
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2023 Mazda CX-8 Price

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2023 Mazda CX-8
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

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Nissan Navara SL Warrior
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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HiLux SR5 v Ranger XLT

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'23 Ranger XLT 4-cyl takes on the HiLux SR5
The Ranger outsold the HiLux in January 2023. We compare the mid-range models. TOSSING UP BETWEEN THE RANGER AND HILUX UTES? KICK OFF THE DECISION WITH THIS 'ON PAPER' COMPARISON While the HiLux may seem a little long in the tooth compared with the new Ford Ranger and recently updated Isuzu D-Max, it remains in the fight as the three duke it out for top spot on the dual-cab sales ladder. Long in the tooth it may be, the HiLux remains a frontrunner and for goo...
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Nissan X-Trail Electric Hybrid

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Nissan X-Trail Electric Hybrid
The RAV4 should see Nissan’s new E-Power hybrid as a valid competitor 8.5/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Quiet, EV-like drive Cosseting ride Practical storage solutions Rolling acceleration Not so much Weight up 250kg Expensive servicing On-paper efficiency The 2023 Nissan X-Trail E-Power AWD has two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery under the front seats, a variable compression ratio turbo-petro...
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Subaru Outback – now with Turbo

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Subaru Outback with Turbo
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 Lexus RX review

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The new 2023 Lexus RX
The Lexus SUV flagship aims for improved driving enjoyment and building on the qualities – and quality – for which it is renowned 8.0/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Step up in steering and dynamics 500h flagship swift and capable Hybrids’ economy/performance split Doubling down on progressive styling pays off Not so much CVT dulls 350h driver experience Ride niggles on non-adaptive suspension Hybrids make 350’s econ...
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LATEST FORD RANGER – TOP SELLER

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Next generation Ford Ranger sales record
Ford’s next-gen Ranger continues to lure buyers, with the Blue Oval ute posting the strongest sales figures in January 2023 on both the overall and 4x4 charts. The  Ford Ranger shifted a total of 4250 4x4 units for the month - 4749 when you combine 4x2 and 4x4 sales - positioning it with a healthy sales buffer above its perennial rival, the 2020 Toyota HiLux SR5 – Review. Toyota’s ageing HiLux continues to sell well, securing second spot on both the 4x4 (3044 sales) a...
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2023 Isuzu MU-X – We take it through it’s paces

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2023 Isuzu MU-X. We take it through the tests
All we know - including pricing. 8.1/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Good off-road capability Comfortable interior New wheels look great Not so much Tailgate design – yes, I hit my head on it Diesel engine not the quietest in class Mechanically unchanged, with only aesthetic updates The 2023 Isuzu MU-X has landed in Australia, officially available to the public since December 1. It’s also nice that pricing...
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Top Specs Ford Everest Platinum v Toyota Prado Kakadu

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The Prado should be looking over it's shoulder! Ford's 2022 Everest 4x4 wagon is all new and could be the vehicle to finally challenge the decades-old dominance of the Toyota Prado on the mid-size 4x4 wagon segment. The aging Prado has really had this segment to itself for so long, while even the second-best selling vehicle in the segment, Isuzu’s MU-X, hasn’t come close to matching the Prado in sales numbers. Other vehicles in the class such as the previ...
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Mitsubishi Outlander vs Pajero Sport – Which One for You?

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A comparison of both Mitsubishi SUV's
Both of these SUV's seat seven people, and are priced around $60K Reading a comparison typically involves a host of rivals from the same class. In the Mitsubishi Outlander’s case, that’s mid-size SUVs; the Pajero Sport, large ute-based off-road wagons. Thing is, both the Pajero Sport and Outlander offer seating for seven, creature comforts and promise a certain amount of off-road capability. Ostensibly, either one would fit into your human-busy life,...
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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 4×4

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This is one of the few seven-seat SUVs in Australia that is true to 4x4 specification 7.6/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like about the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 4x4 Compelling price tag Comfortable long-distance hauler Oodles of space 10-year warranty Not so much Outdated interior Road tyres to be ditched Engine NVH As one of a handful of seven-seat SUVs with proper off-road credentials currently on the Aus...
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2023 BMW 3 Series

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2023 BMW 3 Series - It's a good car
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 EVs...
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New Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6

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Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6
The new Ranger is being talked up among ute drivers. Let's give it a go! 8.3/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Refinement and performance of the V6 engine Comfort on- and off-road All-wheel drive ability on-road Not so much Lack of ground clearance in stock form Could do with bigger tyres (name a 4x4 that doesn’t) Gear selector annoying to operate On paper, there is so much to like about the new-gener...
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New BMW M2 arrives in Oz H1 2023

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2023 BMW M2 revealed
The latest Pure ICE M car to grace our shores UPDATE: Australian pricing revealed for 2023 BMW M2 Australian pricing for the new second-gen BMW M2 has been revealed, get the full story at the link below. MORE 2023 BMW M2 pricing and specifications The story to here 2023 BMW M2 revealed After a development path dripping with leaks - the hugely talked-about 2023 BMW M2 has finally been officially revealed. Debuting a bold new look, with the powerhouse S58 t...
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2023 Ford Everest – On & Off Road Test

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Ford Everest 2023 road test
This 2023 Ford Everest has a hard act to follow - let's see how it measures up 8.5/10Score Things we like Passenger comfort On-road dynamics Suspension soaks up bumps Not so much Tyre-pressure monitoring system only on Platinum spec Upgraded 4cyl not quite up to V6's refinement Ford Australia’s 2023 Everest wagon is now on sale and available in four model grades ...
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Dual-Cab Utility Comparison – Testing for Family Duty

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Testing for the family duty
These types have evolved dramatically, and the demands from buyers have modified. We are a nation of dual-cab ute drivers. That's the inescapable conclusion from poring over Australia's new vehicle sales data. What's more, we are increasingly enamoured of a brawny ute. A decade ago, the Toyota HiLux was pipped by the Mazda 3 in the sales charts but it has been the country's most popular vehicle for the past six years. In 2021, the Isuzu D-Max...
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