Latest News Archives • Page 2 of 11 • Peter Lloyd

New Ranger vs HiLux: All the Specs

Posted on August 30, 2022 by admin

The 2023 Ford Ranger set to put the cat among the pigeons....again. UPDATE: Now we've driven them! The big moment is here. 4x4 editor Matt Raudonikis has now put the 2023 Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux through the wringer together. Let's see how they go... hit the link below! The story continues... It’s been a wild ride for fans of dual-cab utes in the past few weeks, with solid information from Ford, Volkswagen and Toyota coming in hot and fast. There’s ...
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German Small High Performance Models Face Off

Posted on August 26, 2022 by admin

Different philosophies. Which works best for you? Here’s a question: does anyone actually stage a pedal-to-the-metal 0-100km/h run? It’s a figure quoted all the time, and taken very seriously in certain circles. If you regard it as the hot-hatch holy grail, then here’s the spoiler: Audi claims a sprint time of 3.8sec for the RS3, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S can do the job in supposedly 3.9sec, while the BMW M240i is another four-tenths behind at 4.3sec. Half a second ...
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Volkswagen Polo GTI – Fun & Tech Upgrades

Posted on August 21, 2022 by admin

VW's performance Polo has lifted, but so has the price 8.3/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like about the Volkswagen Polo GTI Strong engine and transmission Terrific interior Stacked with tech Not so much Service costs Axle tramp in the wet Not as playful as the Fiesta ST It’s not a long bow to draw to suggest that on its arrival in Australia in 2003, the Volkswagen Polo GTI invigorated a niche that th...
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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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Mazda BT-50

Posted on August 12, 2022 by admin

Mazda BT-50: Extended Off-Road Experience Lloyd spends more time exploring remote places in pursuit of the perfect wave than staring at bright city lights - he’s also an avid reader of 4X4 Australia - so he was the perfect choice to saddle up in a top-spec Thunder variant as part of our ‘50 Days with a BT-50’ series. The all-new series will give Lloyd the opportunity to steer a BT-50 for - you guessed it - 50 days, with his off-roading nous and exper...
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Nissan Y62 Patrol versus Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Posted on August 5, 2022 by admin

Out on the rough and tough stuff - which one for you .... Evan Spence pits Jeep's new-generation Grand Cherokee L against the proven and popular Y62 Nissan Patrol. It has been a long time coming, but Jeep has released the first seven-seat Grand Cherokee, dubbed the ‘L’. It’s not just a longer version of the previous Grand Cherokee, either; this has been redesigned from the ground up, with a long list of ingredients that on paper sound perfect for families wanting the lat...
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New Ford Ranger revealed

Posted on July 30, 2022July 30, 2022 by admin

Talk about a hard act to follow. Here's what to expect from the new Ranger 8.7/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Silky 3.0 V6 and much improved 2.0-litre biturbo Bigger tray now carries a Euro pallet V6's slick all-wheel drive system Clever towing and off-road assist systems Not so much Styling may take some time to grow on us Some glitches with SYNC4A No petrol or manual versions New? Wasn't...
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Mazda CX-60 PHEV

Posted on July 19, 2022 by admin

A Step up in More Ways than One The Europeans are in their sights. 8.5/10Score Things we like Quality interior Excellent economy Sheer punch Decent electric range Not so much Ride a little firm Pricing may take some getting used to Quite heavy Needs top Takumi trim to feel really special It doesn't look exceptional. Maybe that's the point, but if you'd never clapped eyes on a Mazd...
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New Ford Escape. Details & Pricing

Posted on July 4, 2022 by admin

A hybrid model tops the offerings Snapshot Ford's first electrified vehicle finally arrives in Australia Expands Escape's line-up to six variants Prices start at $53,440 before on-road costs UPDATE, May 20, 2022 Ford has confirmed the new Escape plug-in hybrid has arrived on Australian shores, going on sale across the country this month. The Escape PHEV is the first electrified model in Ford's local range, with four more set to join the line-up by 2025. Th...
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2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid – the latest

Posted on June 29, 2022 by admin

The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is now on sale in Australia, more than a year since the electrified SUV was first intended to launch.

The Hybrid Sorento can be ordered with either 2WD or 4WD Snapshot 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid goes on sale in Australia Available in GT-Line guise only, with FWD or optional AWD Front-wheel drive priced from $66,750 before on-road costs, all-wheel-drive incurs $3000 premium UPDATE, April 29: Kia Sorento Hybrid now on sale from $66,750 The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is now on sale in Australia, more than a year since the electrified SUV was first intende...
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Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo – on a wet road

Posted on June 13, 2022 by admin

Porsche's EV Wagon on the 47 km Sunshine Coast TT 8.5/10Score Things we like Lives up to lofty Porsche expectations Brakes Steering Not so much You pay heavily for the privilege Body control on large compressions The 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo explores one of the best Aussie motorsport events that never was. The front straight isn’t actually straight, but more a nice place to stage competitors and vi...
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Lexus LX – Landcruiser to the Max

Posted on June 6, 2022 by admin

Is Toyota's top SUV not fancy enough? Lexus has the answer 7.4/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Powerful, silky turbo-petrol Great refinement Almost all the capability of a LandCruiser Not so much No five-seater base model No extra sub-tank on base diesel Sold out for the rest of the year If you’re the cynical type, you might be tempted to dismiss the 2022 Lexus LX as simply being a LandCruiser with a more p...
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BMW M4 Competition Convertible

Posted on June 1, 2022 by admin

Looks great, goes great, and fresh air abounds.... 8.0/10Score Things we like Versatility Ease of speed Confidence-inspiring xDrive Overall cohesion Not so much Very heavy Lazy throttle in Comfort Optional seats The new generation of BMW M3 and M4 represents a radical departure from their long line of esteemed predecessors. M Division’s latest spearhead, the G80-series, is all-new, based upon BMW’s versatile CLAR modula...
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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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4X4 Comparison Winners – Ute & Wagon

Posted on April 22, 2022 by admin

Exhaustive tests to assist with your decision After a lengthy process, plenty of kilometres behind the wheel and intense deliberation, our judges have settled on the two 4X4 Of The Year winners for 2022. MORE 2022 4X4 Of The Year: Introduction MORE 2022 4x4 Of The Year: Final Six MORE 2022 4x4 Of The Year: Testing conditions MORE 2022 4x4 Of The Year: Route MORE 2022 4X4 Of The Year: WINNERS Best 4x4 Ute: Ford Ranger XLT The mid-size four-door, 4x4 ute market is...
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Sports & Performance Cars of the Year

Posted on April 12, 2022 by admin

On the face of it there isn’t much to link the Porsche 911 GT3 and Subaru BRZ. Price, power, speed – on all accounts the two are vastly different. However, look a little deeper and some similarities begin to appear. The Porsche is the ultimate evolution of the brand’s ultimate sports car. Honed and refined with decades of development. Over at Subaru, the BRZ hasn’t had the same lengthy time to grow into its bones, but this second-generation model has focused on, you gues...
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2022 Audi S3 Sportback Improved

Posted on April 8, 2022 by admin

The Popular Audi S3 Sportback is Improved for 2022

Enhancements to performance and practicality have not hurt the value equation. Things we like Amazing engine/transmission/final drive combination Sharp price Practically almost uncompromised Not so much Occasionally lazy transmission Some scratchy cabin plastic HUD is extra Like a spontaneous holiday romance, I’ve spent the six months since I drove the new 2022 Audi S3 in the UK wondering if it really wa...
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Lexus LX Large SUVs announced for Australia

Posted on April 7, 2022 by admin

LX diesel 500d and petrol 600 on the horizon. Snapshot Lexus to sell diesel LX 500d and petrol LX 600 F Sport and Ultra Luxury variants to join the range First arrivals expected in April Pricing has been confirmed for the 2022 Lexus LX 500d and LX 600, with the range now starting at $148,800 for the former and $152,300 for the latter. The new for 2022 Lexus LX range will be one of the biggest yet when it arrives at the start of the se...
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2022 Lexus NX – Medium SUV Range Review

Posted on March 21, 2022March 21, 2022 by admin

Plug-in hybrid, driver engagement, and fuel economy. 2022 Lexus NX - Medium SUV Range Topping 450h+ Lexus isn't new to electrification, with hybrids making up about 40 per cent of its Australian business including 56 per cent of UX crossover sales, which now include the UX300e, the brand's first battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Now the Japanese luxury carmaker has entered the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market with the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+...
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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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Audi Q5 and SQ5 Sportback Grace Aussie Shores

Posted on September 23, 2021 by admin

Details announced. Snapshot Sportback models offer fresh styling for the Q5 and SQ5 models Prices start at $77,000, range up to $110,900 Deliveries to begin in August Audi Australia is preparing showrooms to take delivery of the new Q5 Sportback range ahead of its August arrival locally, joining the standard Q5 and SQ5 line-up. The Sportback is underpinned by the same platform as the existing Q5 but features a sharper, more aggressive...
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BMW 128ti – Happy Days

Posted on September 21, 2021 by admin

Front Wheel Drive in a BMW - Fear Not 8.5/10Score SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Great chassis Strong engine It’s heaps of fun Not so much Lack of active cruise odd Tight rear seat Some options expensive If you don’t think we’re living in a golden age of small hot hatches, let me give you a quick rundown of what you can buy today – the new Golf GTI Mk8, the Ford Focus ST, the Renault Megane RS, the Honda...
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Volkswagen Passat R-Line Wagon Relaunch

Posted on September 3, 2021 by admin

Another new Volkswagen rolls off the production line

Passat R-Line presents a compelling package. Snapshot Passat R-Line wagon returns after two year hiatus 206kW/350Nm powerplant remains with all-wheel-drive Pricing starts at $63,790 Volkswagen's line of hot wagons continue to roll off its German production line and into Australian showrooms, with this month's offering coming in the form of the new Passat R-Line, featuring Golf R power with wagon space. Returning for the first time since the 2019 model ...
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Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe Reveal

Posted on August 21, 2021 by admin

The coupe-SUV will not appeal to everyone. SCORE BREAKDOWN Things we like Return of the V8! Benchmark SUV dynamics Comfortable, quality interior Not so much Looks an acquired taste Options can swell price significantly Too heavy for ultimate thrills Remember when Porsche offered just two models? Ho, what simple times they were. These days manufacturers, particularly those of a premium persuasion, scramble to fi...
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BMW 2 Series for 2022

Posted on August 16, 2021 by admin

More of the same enhances the offering Snapshot Local launch expected before the end of 2021 Pricing starts at $59,990 for 220i, $30k extra for M240i xDrive All Australian-delivered 2 Series Coupes will be fitted with BMW M Sport pack UPDATE, July 12: BMW Australia has confirmed pricing of the new 2 Series Coupé, expected to land locally towards the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022. The entry-level 220i will start at $59,900 w...
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New Isuzu MU-X Revealed

Posted on July 30, 2021 by admin

The all-new MU-X for Australia Snapshot Heavily redesigned interior Factory offered rear diff lock Advanced safety features, as per the D-MAX It’s been a long time coming, but Australia is set to receive the new-generation Isuzu MU-X in the coming months. Considering the popularity of the current Isuzu D-MAX, it’s a no-brainer for Isuzu to bring in a more modern version of its seven-seat wagon based on the D-MAX platform. While we will still have to wait for ...
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New Hyundai Tucson

Posted on July 26, 2021 by admin

More tech and safety comes with price increases for the New Hyundai Tucson Talking Points Three models – Tucson, Tucson Elite, and Tucson Highlander Big price jump at the entry level Three different drivetrains N-Line styling pack option The 2021 Hyundai Tucson range has officially gone on sale in Australia, starting from $38,338 driveaway. It’s also been confirmed the mid-size SUV will be available in three different variants from launch – the baseline Tu...
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2021 Toyota Kluger – Release Details

Posted on July 23, 2021 by admin

2021 Toyota Kluger launches in Australia

Hybrid available in the new model range. Need to Know: Advanced safety and tech features Prices start from $47,650 Available in Australia from June The 2021 Toyota Kluger seven-seater SUV is due in Australia soon, going on sale locally in June. Built on Toyota’s versatile TNGA platform, the fourth generation of the popular family SUV offers a hybrid drivetrain for the first time, as well as a host of new tech and safety features. These new highlig...
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Three Popular SUV’s Comparison

Posted on July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 by admin

There’s a big battle raging in the little SUV arena

Kia Stonic v Mazda CX-3 v Hyundai Venue comparison - A very popular segment and these 3 are fighting hard SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN 2015, MAZDA’S CX-3 HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY PROVING ITSELF AS THE MAINSTREAM COMPACT SUV TO BEAT AND, IN ITS WHOPPING 15-VARIANT LINE-UP THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. WELL, MAYBE EVERYONE WHO HAPPENS TO BE LOOKING FOR A REASONABLY PRICED, WELL-BUILT, COMPACT SUV WITH GOOD ROAD MANNERS AND A DUSTING OF ALL-TERRAIN ABILITY. It might be six years old now...
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Crew-cab Off-road Shoot-out

Posted on July 14, 2021 by admin

We take 11 utes from Ford, GWM, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Jeep, SsangYong, and Toyota, and put them through the ultimate off-road comparison test

Eleven utes from around the world fight it out in a Crew-cab Off-road Shoot-out Four-wheel drives are meant to be used off-road, so we devised a comprehensive off-road test loop to see which dual-cab ute was the most capable in low-range 4x4. Our test course was made up of mud, steep hill climbs and descents, rutted out wombat holes and a water crossing as well as some faster corrugations to gain an understanding of how each ute held together over traditional Australian off-r...
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