Motoring Advice

The all-new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has arrived in Australia, taking over the mantle from the much-loved Subaru XV. With over 100,000 local sales since its 2012 launch, the XV has left big shoes for the Crosstrek to fill. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Crosstrek features sharper styling, new technology, and refreshed interiors, all while maintaining a similar size to its predecessor.

Off-road capabilities are where the Crosstrek shines, with impressive wheel articulation, ground clearance, and electronic assistance from the X-Mode driving suite.

The much-awaited second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has finally arrived in Australia after 12 years. Sharing key hardware with the current segment benchmark, the Ford Ranger, this all-new Amarok is set to impress.

Designed by a Melbourne-based team and produced in the same South African factory as the Ranger, the Amarok is tailored for the Australian market. It comes in five model grades with four different engines, closely resembling the Ranger portfolio. Although generally more expensive than the Ranger, Volkswagen claims that the Amarok offers a solid value equation with higher levels of equipment and luxury.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 is a game-changer in the luxury EV segment, offering a perfect blend of elegance, performance, and eco-friendliness. With its sleek design and impressive features, the EQE 350 is set to rival the Porsche Taycan, BMW i4, and Genesis G80 Electrified.

Available in three variants, the EQE 300, EQE 350, and the high-performance EQE 53 AMG, the EQE 350 is expected to be the volume seller. Priced at around $155,000 plus on-road costs, it boasts a 90 kWh battery pack and an all-wheel-drive system with electric motors on both the front and rear axles.

The 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) that has made its Australian debut, showcasing its unique design and impressive performance. As the second dedicated battery electric model from Hyundai, it follows the successful IONIQ 5, which won the Car of the Year award. The IONIQ 6 is set to compete in the mid-size EV segment against the Tesla Model 3, with prices ranging from mid $70,000s to high $80,000 before on-road costs.

The flagship IONIQ 6 EPIQ features an all-wheel-drive system with an e-motor on each axle, producing plenty of power and torque.

The 2023 Peugeot 308 GT Premium is a stunning hatchback that offers a premium design and a plethora of features. With its sleek exterior, comfortable interior, and impressive performance, the 308 GT Premium is a strong contender in the small car segment. Let’s dive into the details of this stylish hatchback.

The 308 GT Premium’s exterior boasts a striking new grille, LED lights, and a chiseled front end. The Olivin Green paint adds a touch of elegance, and the car is the first to wear Peugeot’s newly designed logo.

The 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD is Australia’s top-selling electric SUV, and for good reason. With its distinctive design, impressive storage versatility, and excellent driving experience, it’s hard to beat the value that the Model Y offers. As more electric vehicles are released, the Model Y continues to stand out as a top choice for those looking to make the switch to electric.

The entry-level rear-wheel-drive Model Y is priced at just under $70,000, making it more affordable than its award-winning Korean rivals, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Model Y boasts a 62 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 455 kilometers on a full charge.

The 2023 VW Touareg R-Line is a luxurious and powerful SUV that has aged well since its arrival in Australia in 2019. With its elegant design, advanced technology, and impressive performance, the Touareg R-Line continues to attract buyers who are considering high-end vehicles from brands like Mercedes Benz, Audi, and BMW.

The third-generation Touareg features Volkswagen’s four-motion all-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is the company’s first foray into the world of battery electric vehicles, under their new sub-brand “bZ”, which stands for “beyond zero”. This five-door, five-seat SUV is set to launch in Australia in late 2023.

The bZ4X is powered by two e-motors, one on each axle, producing approximately 160 kW, and a 71.4 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 460 km between recharges. The all-wheel-drive model boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds. A more affordable front-wheel-drive version with longer range and slower acceleration is also available.

The all-new 2023 Nissan Qashqai is a sleek and modern small SUV that aims to make its mark in the competitive Australian market. With over 5 million global sales, the Qashqai is a success story, but it has yet to surpass the Nissan Dualis, which it replaced in 2014.

Designed at Nissan’s London Design Studio, the Qashqai boasts a striking headlight treatment, sporty side profile, and eye-catching LED tail lights. The interior is equally impressive, with a clean and sophisticated cockpit design, high-quality materials, and a range of advanced technology features. The top-spec TI model comes with luxurious power-operated leather seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a 10-speaker premium Bose stereo system.

The 2023 Kia Seltos GT-Line has arrived in Australia, boasting a fresh look, updated interior, new drivetrain, and the latest technology. With a starting price of $29,500 plus on-road costs for the entry S grade, the facelifted Seltos competes with the likes of the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota C-HR in the small SUV market.

The flagship GT-Line features a superior 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with increased outputs of 146 kW and 265 Nm, and an all-wheel-drive system paired with a new eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.