Bölümler
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Driving the Porsche turbo Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe SUV today – the most
powerful combustion engine Porsche available from $297,200. The best plug-in
hybrid I’ve driven but given the price maybe understandable – enormously
capable the turbo Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe ticks all the performance
boxes – powered by a combination of a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 and a 130kW
electric motor - producing 544kW of power, a staggering 950 Nm of torque driving
all four wheels though an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with four drive modes – in
Sport Plus mode its performance aggressive but with so much electronic
sophistication just so accomplished – with a top speed potential of 295 km/hour –
a plug-in hybrid with nearly 80kms of electric range and with charging on the over
run and through regenerative braking the best I’ve encountered in a plug-in
hybrid – as an example, on a short 30 km drive I managed to recover 11km of
electric range. The Porsche E-hybrid Coupe delivers highly competent handling
and braking yet a very comfortable ride in a cabin that oozes class and comfort. A
simply fabulous driver. An upper luxury Coupe style SUV that’s hard to fault apart
from some options that simply should be standard fare and a short three-
year/unlimited kilometre warranty. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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One for the enthusiast driver today – the Porsche Cayenne turbo E-Hybrid Coupe
SUV – a German express from $297,200. The Cayenne SUV comes in wagon form
or in the sloped roof Coupe with a total of seven models, the turbo E-Hybrid
Coupe, the most powerful combustion engine Porsche available. The figures
staggering – 544kW of power and 950Nm of torque from its plug-in hybrid
powertrain – a combination of a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine paired with
an electric motor and despite tipping the scales at nearly 2600 kilos powering to
100km/hour in just 3.5-seconds. This German coupe style SUV feels absolutely
bullet proof, with a 25.9kWh battery we are talking about a very sophisticated
Porsche. With all wheel drive, eight speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, an
adaptive electronic suspension, four available drive modes plus a very
sophisticated traction management system this is a technically impressive upper
luxury SUV – and the coupe style gives it a sporty profile to match the
performance capability. If I had a criticism, option prices on the test car tallied
$42,000, some simply over the top like the Porsche crest on the headrests $950
for branding, barely what you should consider an option. This aside, the
performance capability very impressive, details next segment. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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Suzuki has released pricing and details of its latest small Swift range with prices
starting from $24,490 drive-away. The three-model Swift range is powered by a
1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance and is available
in either five-speed manual or CVT automatic. The engine’s electric motor
/generator is claimed to contribute outputs of 2.3kW and 60Nm assisting low
speed acceleration powered by a 12-volt lithium-ion battery. The Japanese small
car manufacturer claiming manual fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km on the
combined city/country cycle and 4.0L/100km for the automatic. The Japanese-
built Suzuki Swift is one of our most enduring small hatchbacks, the second best
selling light hatch behind the recently superseded Chinese-built MG3. However,
the recent launch of the latest MG3 saw price increases of $7,000 and the mild
hybrid Suzuki Swift now undercuts the MG3 Excite by $500. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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From Monday July 1 cameras currently used to detect mobile phone use will also
be able to detect seatbelt non-compliance. Importantly, there is no grace period
and if your caught without a seat belt the fine is $387 and three demerit points
and with double demerits applicable during declared periods. It not only applies
to not wearing a seat belt but also wearing one incorrectly like having the sash
belt under the arm. Passengers aged 16 and over can be fined individually while
drivers are responsible for children under 16 for not wearing a belt or not wearing
one correctly. Seat belts have been around for more than 50 years, their use
recognised as a huge life saver by safety authorities however despite this in the
five years to 2023 150 people in N.S.W died in motor vehicle accidents while not
wearing a seatbelt. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Driving the facelifted the 2.2-litre turbo diesel Kia Sorrento GT-line all-wheel-drive
SUV today – the best-selling variant – at $72,690 drive-away able to travel nearly
1000km on a full tank and I averaged 7.1 L/100 with mainly around town driving.
The Sorento a seven-seater but like most large SUV’s best as a five-seater with
above average luggage space. Access to the third row in seven seaters always
difficult and the Sorento is no exception. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel has average
power and torque and drives through an 8-speed dual clutch automatic with
manual shift paddles – importantly. it doesn’t sound like a trusty diesel but is
smooth, quiet and refined. The Sorrento GT-line’s high point is suspension tune –
Kia Australia always does its homework with local ride and handling tune and it’s
just so polished whether fully laden with luggage or just with a driver. The
steering now also further refined, the drive experience overall simply first class.
Towing somewhat limited however at a max 2000 kilos braked. It has all the latest
driving assist modes and safety elements apart from the curtain airbags not
extending to the third-row seats. It gets a full-size spare wheel while servicing
costs over three years $1308, over five years $2427. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In January Kia upgraded its seven-passenger Sorento SUV with enhanced styling
inside and out, and with more comfort and convenience equipment and safety, In
addition to petrol and diesel models a petrol/electric hybrid has now been added,
each power source available in front or all-wheel drive. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo
diesel eight-speed automatic Sorento GT-line all-wheel drive at $72,690 driveaway
– the most popular model and with nearly a 1000km range this is a big SUV for a
big country. The petrol versions simply too thirsty. The new chiseled styling is in
the mould of Kia’s all electric EV9 and new EV5 and along with new 20-inch alloy
wheels the Sorento GT-line has real visual appeal. The interior has always
appealed especially with the new curved dual 12.3-inch display screens featuring
large menu icons and with Kia’s latest infotainment system now able to offer
wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Disappointingly, the interior of the GT-
line is only available in a dark grey/charcoal interior which limits its appeal. Seat
comfort on the other hand with a power drivers and passenger seat first class,
the trim plush Nappa leather. Kia quality overall impressive while the support of a
7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty very re-assuring. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sydney City Council proudly tells us that bike share schemes have a key role to
play in our future transportation, healthier lifestyle choice and the
decarbonization of Sydney – around 4700 trips are taken daily on share bikes in
the City of Sydney area, saving around 1326 tonnes of carbon emissions each
year. Really – in short, they’ve turned the inner city into an untidy environment –
spread across pathways in large groups, making pedestrian movement
dangerous. Pitt Street is a case in point, bikes scattered usually on their side I
suspect from unhappy pedestrians, many without helmets. Council tell us they
don’t manage bike sharing and you should report bikes damaged and parked in a
dangerous place directly with operators. It’s a cop out, it seems nobody is
monitoring bike parking and the Council needs to do more to police their use. I’m
David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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I use the new Westconnex M8 tunnel on a regular basis, with a new 90km/hour
limit a great piece of road infrastructure, expensive yes but a real time saver.
Surprising news this week – a new speed camera installed in May in the M8
tunnel at Newtown heading southbound has generated more than $1.3 million
dollars in fines in its first month of operation from 1622 infringements. It appears
most of the drivers caught speeding were using business-registered vehicles –
camera detected fines issued to companies can be five times the amount paid by
an individual, the company required to nominate the driver responsible within a
specified time – if they nominate the driver the fine reduces to the applicable
individual amount. With the tunnel speed indicated at 200 metre intervals its
staggering that so many drivers throw caution to the wind. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Driving Mitsubishi’s evergreen small SUV today – the long-standing ASX, not the
latest and best described as an oldie but a goodie, very well priced but best
specified and best value in the second tier ES grade backed up by an industry
leading 10-year/200,000km warranty as long as its serviced by a Mitsubishi
dealer. But how does it drive – the ASX ES grade at just under $30,000 drive-away
powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving the front wheels through a CVT
automatic. Step into the cabin and it feels a little dated, very comfortable and
practical with great seats but there’s no smart key or wireless phone charger, but
thankfully, it has dials for the climate control air-con, radio tuning and volume as
distinct to the frustrating and distractive menus on a touch screen. The drive
experience also shows its age – the engine no fire breather and the CVT lets off
an unusual sound under load, the noise vibration and harshness levels such that
it feels a little unrefined when pushed hard. No problems with economy however,
8.0L/100 on 91 grade petrol while it exhibits good steering feel and a pleasant
ride. But the overriding feature of the Mitsubishi ASX is the value story and its
impressive. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Talking about Mitsubishi’s small ASX SUV today – the ASX has been around for a
long time – first surfacing in 2010 but updated visually three times since. Sharply
priced it remains our fourth best-selling small SUV, strongly recognised for its
value story and a 10-year warranty. A roomy small SUV in seven front wheel
drive grades from $24,490 plus on-road costs for the entry manual GS – I drove
the next grade up, the ES automatic, the best seller and frankly the one to own at
$27,990. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving through a CVT or continuously variable
automatic. This year the ES gained lane departure warning for the first time, 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 ES
competes in a super competitive small SUV segment – not the latest design but
this trusty small SUV with great interior room has been kept competitive with
small tweaks along the way. For a small family in today’s cost-conscious world, it
has one outstanding feature – an industry leading 10-year/200,000 km warranty if
you keep it serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Drive details next segment. I’m David
BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The arrival of the all new small MG3 this week with a $7,000 price increase sees
the demise of the sub $20,000 pricing point on the Australian market. The
outgoing and rather dated MG3 with a three-star safety rating was the only car
remaining under the $20,000 barrier. The new MG3 hatchback comes in Excite
and Essence grades and with a starting price around $27,000 drive-away is not
only larger and better equipped with an all-new interior but features petrol and
petrol electric hybrid power and comes with a number of active safety features.
Petrol variants feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine using 91 grade petrol linked
to a continuously variable automatic while the hybrid models add a 100kW
electric motor with a 1.83kWh battery paired to a three-speed automatic
transmission – hybrid pricing starting around $30,000 drive-away. I’m David
BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Australian car market already one of the most competitive in the world with
over 50 brands on sale is about to heat up further as a swag of new Chinese
brands head down under next year. More than a dozen new Asian brands are due
with the potential to lower prices of existing EV and hybrid brands. Chinese
brands Skywell, Jetour, GAC, Leapmotor, Geely, Jaecoo, Changan, Xpeng, Aion
and Lynk and Co have all confirmed they will be here by the end of next year and
most have high aspirations for growth. Just how the market will cope with this
influx of Chinese brands will be interesting to watch. According to KIA Motors
Australia Chief Damien Meredith there will be casualties, some will survive but
others won’t. For the consumer it can only mean sharper prices across the board.
I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Driving the new plug-in hybrid or PHEV version of Alfa-Romeo compact Tonale
SUV, available in the high grade Veloce at $88,200 drive-away, a not insignificant
$20,000 more than the similarly specified mild-hybrid Veloce. The plug-in hybrid
Tonale mates a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed torque convertor
automatic driving the front wheels and an electric motor and 15.5kWh battery at
the rear driving the rear wheels. Despite no physical connection between the two
the all-wheel drive experience is smooth and with the electric motor providing
max torque from rest the performance is noticeably more lively than the mild
hybrid Veloce. You get around 60km of pure electric range while the petrol engine
returned 8.2L/100km on 95 grade petrol. Charging around 2.5 hours on a typical
home charger. Three driving modes available, with regenerative braking
recovering battery energy in all three. It features electronic adaptive dampers,
controlled by Alfa Romeo’s DNA driving modes, in D for dynamic mode
noticeably adjusting powertrain calibration and stiffening damping. Warranty five-
year/unlimited km with battery warranty eight years/160,000km. with service costs
over five years $3,100. The drive experience very satisfying but like most plug-in hybrids the exalted purchase price is enough to make most purchasers think
twice. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Alfa Romeo today – I recently drove their new small and stylish Tonale SUV.
Launched last July and already Alfa Romeo’s best seller. This stylish mild hybrid
compact premium SUV impressed. Alfa Romeo now adding a full plug-in hybrid
or PHEV version of the Tonale, the Italian car maker transitioning to full
electrification in 2027. Plug in hybrids today represent a small section of the
market – affordable electric power for the daily work commute, around 60km’s,
and petrol power perhaps for the sportier weekend drive. Petrol power drives the
front wheels, electric power the rear wheels and there’s no physical connection
between the two. This plug-in Hybrid Tonale comes only in Veloce grade at
$88,200 drive-away, a $20,000 lift over the similarly specified mild hybrid Tonale –
like several other plug-in hybrids or PHEVs from European importers it’s enough
to make you think twice about purchase. On the plus side the interior is a
standout, the dashboard and ergonomics, in a roomy four-seat cabin although
boot space a little inhibited due to the rear mounted battery. There’s nice finishes
and a stack of driver assist, comfort and convenience features but the high price
is limiting. On the other hand, the drive experience excellent – details next
segment. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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One suspects the light commercial market is going to really heat up in 2025 with
both Hyundai and Kia entering the ute market for the first time, an area currently
dominated by our two top selling vehicles, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
Hyundai has already indicated its ute will not be diesel, possible electric, giving
the South Korean brand a zero-emissions option to counter potential penalties
under the Federal Governments New Vehicle Efficiency Standards due to come
into effect next year. Meanwhile, sister company Kia will introduce its dual cab
ute called the Tasman early next year, all but confirmed with a 2.2-litre turbo
diesel four-cylinder engine, already powering the current Kia Sorrento – other
engines could follow but dependent on Kia being able to sell enough electric
cars to offset the engines impacts on the new emission standards. I’m David
BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The release of V-Facts new car registration figures for May shows a record for
May sales. However, when you evaluate the market there’s winners and losers
especially as we transition to electric car sales. Volvo for example is running 26.6
per cent behind or 1327 less sales year to date compared to the same time last
year. Its four staple SUV’s, the C40, XC40 plus the XC60 and XC90 have all
suffered significantly since transitioning towards hybrid and electric power and
gaining price increases. On the other hand, its small EX30 SUV, with 466 sales in
May has become Volvos best seller. This fully electric compact premium SUV
with extended range and chasing a younger market for the Swedish brand is
expected to make up 40 percent of Volvo Australia’s sales priced from $59,990
plus on road costs. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Daha fazla göster
