Life after death for Commodore
The homegrown variety might be consigned to a funeral march through used-car yards, but there’s still life in the nameplate.
New Cars
Benz builds a ute, for fleets or first-class
One in five new vehicle sales is a ute, the majority of them upper-spec versions. For Mercedes, this is the incentive to build a luxury workhouse … on Nissan Navara foundations.
Hyundai’s game-changer
The brand that made its name building sensible cars has taken a walk on the wild side. We test-drive the result.
Hyundai i30N hot hatch shootout
HYUNDAI’S first truly hot hatch takes on two legends of the genre, the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST.
Road test: Haval H9 Ultra SUV
The world’s biggest SUV maker is catching up to the rest of the world — and fast
BMW’s gripping new M5
BMW’s first all-wheel-drive performance sedan is literally a gripping drive — and you can switch to RWD for track days.
Infinite’s go-anywhere limo
Big Japanese offroader is civilised in the city and capable in the bush.
Honda’s inspired hot hatch
The Japanese manufacturer has made some boring cars in recent years, but this is not one of them.
First drive: Citroen chic C3
Being fashionable comes at a price. The Citroen C3, from $26,990 drive-away, is one of the dearest in the city-car segment yet the “style statement” isn’t as well equipped as cheaper rivals.
Battle of the pocket rockets
There’s a new pocket rocket in town. The Suzuki Swift Sport takes on a retiring legend, Ford’s Fiesta ST.
First drive: Volkswagen Polo
The smallest car in the VW range is surprisingly roomy and well equipped.
Budget Indian take-away: the $26K family SUV
Priced from $25,990 drive-away and able to carry a netball team.Mahindra’s XUV500 leads the launch into the hearts of budget-conscious Aussies.
Tested: Commodore vs Camry
FOR 40 years the Holden Commodore only had one true rival, the Ford Falcon. The new model, however, enters the cut-throat mid-size sedan market.
Hyundai Santa Fe gets smarter, sharper, more spacious
The fourth generation of Hyundai’s seven-seat Santa Fe matches the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9 for space. Its safety gear will even stop you leaving a child or pet behind.
First drive: Nissan Navara
Revamped workhorse aimed at regaining lost ground in ultra-competitive ute market.
Rangie’s got grunt but treads lightly
The Velar sits comfortably between the chic Evoque and top-line Range Rover.
Best ute deals
THE hidden reason March is the second biggest month of the year for super sharp deals on utes.
Hot new hatch for the family
Having a hot hatch as your only car is a worry but not with Renault’s Megane RS, due in Australia in about six months — the new five-door comes with an automatic transmission.
German Holden Commodore tested
THIS is the biggest change to Commodore in 40 years: no V8 and it’s smaller than before. Will the heartland buy it?
Upgraded MX-5 a timely arrival
Better bits transform Mazda’s MX-5 from a fun convertible into a corner-carver that can embarrass more powerful cars.
Subaru Outback takes on rivals with new style and extra safety
After more than two decades comfortably enjoying its own niche, the stalwart Outback off-road wagon faces renewed competition. Subaru has waved the styling wand over it and added gear.
Ford Ranger Raptor unveiled
THE Ford Ranger Raptor has finally been unveiled. It has a bold new look, race ready suspension … and a twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel.
New Jeep a step in the right direction
Jeep has the basics right with the Compass SUV — and it holds an off-road edge — but active driving aids are optional.
Toyota’s powerful new Camry hybrid flicks the switch
Hybrid power and a comprehensive new look add sizzle and personality to Toyota’s imported Camry
Hollywood or bust: Jeep’s on the comeback trail
Jeep has launched a new Cherokee — the rugged Trailhawk adds plenty of creature comforts to woo back the buyers Down Under but very few will take it off-road.
Eclipse Cross is riding high
Mitsubishi has designs on growing its already sizeable share of the SUV market. Enter the Eclipse Cross …
Have a look at this Chinese SUV
Chinese carmaker Haval has trimmed the price and packed in the features for its seven-seat H9 SUV
Driven: Holden’s mid-size SUV
Holden’s import hope competes in the hottest SUV class against bestsellers from Toyota, Mazda and Hyundai. Does the top-spec Equinox have the power, packaging and equipment?
Road test: BMW’s sharper X3
SUVs are usually fairly dull vehicles to drive, but the Germans add some much-needed fun to the equation.
Reviewed: BMW’s sharper X3
Most SUVs are fairly dull affairs on a twisting road, but this German mid-sizer is genuinely fun to drive.
Australian roads ‘not ready’ for auto cars
A LACK of investment in infrastructure has pushed Australia off the road map when it comes to driverless cars, according to a new report.
Toyota develops new HiLux models
The top-selling HiLux has a trio of new models to counter tougher and more up-market rivals due this year.
First new G-Wagen in 40 years
It may not look different but Benz’s legendary off-roader has been updated for the 21st Century.
New Ford Ranger unveiled
IS that it? Much-hyped new Ford Ranger has been unveiled in the US ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms mid year.
Toyota Fortuner soldiers on with lower price, same pack drill
The Fortuner is a big, Toyota-tough seven-seat off-roader that carries the troops and gear capably into the bush — but it goes AWOL on safety equipment.
Pocket rocket on a budget
IT MIGHT not be the most powerful car on the market, but it’s big on the fun factor.
Tested: Hyundai Kona
City-focused SUVs are all the rage at the moment, but one maker is late to the party.
Five things to know about Stinger
THIS car breaks the mould for a brand that until now has been about practical, value-for-money transport.
Top ten cars we’ll drive in 2018
SUVs and one-tonne utes will continue to rule the roads as Australia marks its first year without a local carmaker.
Battle of the hot hatches
Two of Australia’s top selling performance cars have just had a makeover. We pick a winner
A hybrid that makes sense
Toyota’s Camry hybrid uses less petrol in bumper-to-bumper traffic than it does on the open road.
New car review: Honda HR-V
The city-sized SUV is compact and easy to park but the cabin is deceptively spacious.
Kia Sorento update aims for the seven-seater top spot
Our 2015 Car of the Year, the Kia Sorento seven-seater SUV has just had its first major update. It’s more than just a facelift but has Kia done enough to regain the Sorento’s best-in-class crown?
Which twin should I buy?
A reader is keen to spend wisely on a car and seeks advice on two models — as it happens they are twins-under-the-skin Korean SUVs, the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
A sports car nerds will love
The badge on the nose is one to test the trainspotters but this cracking sports car is one of surprise packets of 2017.
Ford updates its baby SUV
Ford has given its slow-selling EcoSport a shot in the arm, adding a new engine and transmission as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Ford updates its baby SUV
Ford has given its slow-selling EcoSport a shot in the arm, adding a new engine and transmission as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Jeep unleashes SUV on steroids
It will put some supercars to shame in the sprint to 100km/h and it comes with a price tag to match the performance.
Jaguar’s ‘cheaper’ sports car
Some sports car enthusiasts would call it sacrilege, but Jaguar is moving with the times and adding a smaller, four-cylinder engine in its F-Type sports car.
HSV builds a tougher pick-up
Holden Special Vehicles has turned its spanners on the Colorado ute and first impressions are positive.
Car of the Year 2017
A bolter from a relatively unknown brand beats a quality field to be our standout Car of the Year.
Volvo V90 Cross Country defies the big Swedish wagon stereotype
It’s a big Volvo that rides high and has the getaway looks — but it’s not an SUV. The V90 Cross Country nudges $110K and shows the Swedes have not given up on the regular station wagon.
Tested: Range Rover Velar
HONEY, I shrunk the Range Rover. Sleek new Velar fits between the baby Evoque and flagship Vogue. But you’ll need to brace yourself for the price.
One car, two critics: Hyundai Kona Highlander
The top-spec Hyundai Kona Highlander, even at $38,000, is a value proposition.
Holden’s import era dawns with Equinox
Holden’s import-only era has opened with the Equinox SUV, a Detroit design built in Mexico — and refined in Australia
Qashqai’s final fling
The small SUV is at the end of the lifecycle road but still represents one of the better buys in the class. Here are five things that stand out.
Tested: Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S sedan
IT’S not the cheapest in the small-car class, but nor is it the dearest. Here’s why the all-new Subaru Impreza might be worth a look.
Tested: the rich people’s car
IT’S a Volkswagen, but not as we know. Will buyers pay luxury-car money for a VW sedan?
Subaru XV’s off-road ability matches its tough, fun looks
Subaru’s Impreza-based XV is a hit with lifestyle buyers, the young and young-at-heart. If buying a used XV, find an orange one for extra fun.
Honda Civic Type R is a practical, punchy hatch under all the wings
Dial R for refined: Honda brings out the Civic Type R hatch with the potential for fun and a punchy yet thrifty turbo engine
First drive: Fiat’s feisty hot hatch
A $5000 price cut makes Abarth’s turbo-powered tiddler a more attractive prospect.
I want a seven-seat SUV — which one should I buy?
Explore inner space — before buying a seven-seat SUV, do a trial fit and see how it stacks up for taking family, friends and luggage
Kia’s family-size Stinger hatch is an all-rounder
Kia takes on new sports hatch territory with a family-size rear-driver, proof that the Korean maker wants to be more than just a bargain basement brand
The little car that could
THE Picanto packs in — and sells — more than any rival in the micro class.
Five things we learned about the BMW X3
BMW’s mid-size SUV will soon be updated but the current model remains popular.
One car, two critics: Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai’s big family-mobile packs space and safety on a budget.
Honda unleashes hi-tech hot hatch
Honda is shaking up the hot hatch concept with a pocket rocket packed with the latest safety software
More safety tech for Kia Sorento
Kia’s Sorento seven-seater has a new eight-speed auto and more driver assistance technology to combat new arrivals from other brands.
The cute and cuddly SUV
Citroen’s singular SUV, a late starter, comes with curves, a tiny turbo — and an auto transmission.
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/new-cars/page/47