For several good reasons, mid-size 4×4 dual-cab utes are the go-to vehicle for thousands of Australians who like to tow.

Most of them offer a 3500kg braked towing rating. Their relatively long wheelbases are good for stability when towing. And they are more affordable than the big 4×4 wagons that also offer that 3500kg capacity, such as LandCruiser, Patrol and Land Rovers.

We’re spoiled for choice, too. With some of Australia’s biggest-selling vehicles in this 4×4 dual-cab ute category, manufacturers are falling over themselves to get product into the market for eager buyers.

This gives buyers options from lower-priced single-cabs in the $30,000 range right up to the heavily equipped sports utes such as the Ranger Raptor or more premium-focused variants such as the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura.

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It’s been a year since the Ford Ranger hit the market and, when we tested it against its peers, it was the best of the pack by a long shot.

We scored the Ranger V6 as the best mid-size 4×4 for towing and the four-cylinder bi-turbo as second best. There was a lot of daylight between second and third places.

In the 12 months since that testing the only real news in the segment has been the launch of the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok. While you could think of the new Amarok as a Ranger in a German suit (or lederhosen!) because it shares its platform and drivetrains with the standard-setting Ford, it wouldn’t be right to pick the best towing rig without lining them up and testing them back-to-back.

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Non-identical twins

Volkswagen took the Ranger’s T6 light-truck chassis, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, and fitted it with a flash new suit of panels that give it a distinctly VW look and feel.

It delivered a similar job inside where the Amarok – tested here in $75,990 PanAmericana guise – gets softer feel touch-points, a bigger infotainment touchscreen than the $67,690 Ranger Sport as tested, and unique switch gear and controls.

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The V6 Ranger and Amarok have a rated towing capacity of 3500kg and the GCM is a healthy 6400kg so they are class-leading in that regard.

They both have inbuilt electric brake controllers and share their clever towing tech that includes customising the electronic driver’s aids to the size of your trailer, having a trailer light check feature, and a handy towing checklist for anyone for whom this discipline isn’t second nature.

To put them to the test we borrowed a Jayco Silverline Club caravan from the team at Page Brothers Jayco RVs and Caravans in Moorabbin. The dual axle van weighs in at 2700kg with approximately 170kg down on the tow ball. It’s a fairly typical example of the size and type of caravan you see being hauled behind utes all over Australia, so it suited our test perfectly.

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The Jayco van comes with its own electronic stability control that works in unison with the ESC and trailer sway control of both of these utes.

The engine outputs of the V6 in the Ranger and Amarok are 184kW and 600Nm, making them the most powerful in the class.

With this sort of grunt they both pulled the big caravan with ease, while the long wheelbase and size of the utes provided a stable platform. It terms of towing, you really couldn’t set the Amarok and Ranger apart; they do the job equally as well.

There’s an important distinction between the driving experiences when not towing, however.

Underneath, Volkswagen has used its own suspension calibration with firmer springs and shocks. The consequence is that the PanAmericana has a poorer ride than the Ranger both on and off road, with a tendency to rock passengers around in the cabin on less-than-smooth surfaces.

VERDICT

Although both utes are matched for excellent towing ability, the result isn’t a draw.

The Ford Ranger’s better ergonomics and superior ride comfort on and off road give the Blue Oval ute our nod here.

Where once the ute was a mere workhorse for trades and farms, the modern dual cab ute is now often called upon to cart about our precious ones – so safety and comfort have become significant factors.

Manufacturers have, thankfully, put plenty of effort into making utes safer, while also making the cabins of dual-cab utes more car-like than ever before.

In this Best Family Utes category comparison, we look at the best dual-cabs out there for parents.

JUMP AHEAD

• ? Toyota HiLux
• ? Mazda BT-50
• ? Isuzu D-MAX
• 4️⃣ Ford Ranger (equal 4th)
• 4️⃣ Volkswagen Amarok (equal 4th)
• 6️⃣ GWM Ute Cannon
• 7️⃣ Mitsubishi Triton

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• Best Overall Ute
• Best 4×4 Ute Under $50k
• Best 4×4 Ute Under $60k
• Best 4×4 Ute Under $80k
• Best Family Ute
• Best Work Ute
• Best Ute for Towing
• Best Value 4×4 Ute
• Best Performance Ute

In days before ISOFIX came to the category, fitting baby seats in any ute was wrench-hurlingly frustrating – but even now, Australia being Australia, it’s still not as easy as it should be. Why? The peculiar requirement in Australian Design Rules for the fitment of a top tether.

It’s a very belt n’ braces regulation, and one that is a hangover from the days when cars were built locally.

When baby seats were mounted solely via seatbelts routed through their base, the top tether could theoretically add stability to a poorly tensioned installation. The robust lock-in ISOFIX system that leans into the strength of the vehicle’s chassis, though, doesn’t need it; in fact, it couldn’t make the requirement for a top tether any more redundant if it tried.

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Space for baby seats and adults alike – three across!

As with most utes, adding a baby seat to the HiLux requires a bit of fiddling to access the top strap – but once it’s in place, the broad rear bench can also easily accommodate two full-size baby seats, along with the potential for a third, non-tethered booster seat.

The centre seat is sufficiently broad enough, too, that an adult can ride shotgun with the nappy bandits.

There are no USB charging points (that’s the HiLux showing its age), but the adjustable rear vents blow frosty or toasty air on demand for living cargo of any persuasion. Opting for a HiLux with PU leather upholstery will also help eradicate all manner of sins with a mere wipe, too.

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The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive. And, while rear occupants do sit quite upright, there’s plenty of headroom, toe room and shoulder room.

HiLux gets a big tick, too, for the flip-down hook on the back of the front seat to hang that bag of pad thai and kung pow chicken from.

Storage in the doors and in the centre console is adequate, but the rock-hard plastic (rather than a rubber insert) of the small trays and the two cup-holders makes a constant companion of rattling bits-and-pieces when off-roading.

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The HiLux is our Family Duties winner because, quite simply, it’s the most user-friendly and accommodating when it came to installing and securing our child seats.

It also has the widest space for an adult sitting between two child seats, and a decent amount of room in the door for drinks and toys – and who doesn’t love easily wipeable (albeit optional) leather upholstery?

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=? Mazda BT-50

Second place shared with D-Max

The twin of the Isuzu D-MAX, the Mazda BT-50 brings a classier visage to the notion of the rugged ute.

Putting a baby seat into the Mazda BT-50 is a relatively easy process, firstly because the door opens nice and wide. The tether strap which usually attaches to the seat back threads through a cloth eyelet under the outboard headrest and onto a steel tether point behind the centre headrest.

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There’s room enough in the back for the baby seat without forcing the front seat passenger to slide their seat far forward, too.

On the subject of keeping the family safe, the BT-50 also has an impressive arsenal of safety kit, including the usual array of airbags, a reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), electronic stability control, blind-spot monitoring, emergency lane keeping and lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and a speed assist system.

It’s a safety suite that, along with its occupant protection capabilities in a crash, is enough to earn the BT-50 the full five-star ANCAP rating.

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=? Isuzu D-MAX

Second place shared with BT-50

Given that the D-MAX and BT-50 are twins under the skin, the same bouquets and brickbats around rear seat space can be fairly levelled at both cars.

The rear doors don’t open as wide as some other utes, which could make loading people and things a little trickier. And, as with many dual-cab utes, rear legroom isn’t particularly generous, and second-row headroom is a touch limited.

Toe space is ample, though, and the bench itself is relatively deep, if a touch short under-thigh. The seatbacks also offer decent if not class-leading recline.

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Second-row passengers are well looked after with a USB socket, door holders that will take up to 1.5L bottles, and great visibility even for smaller occupants.

Cupholders feature in the centre armrest, and seatbacks include pouches and takeaway hooks.

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= 4️⃣ Ford Ranger

Fourth place shared with Amarok

The HiLux’s arch enemy, the Ranger, sits in the middle of the pack because, although it excels in many other fields and had some handy features like decent space in the door cards, there are a few let-downs.

They include a lack of rear legroom (including a high transmission tunnel that makes things a bit more cramped in the middle), and restricted door space.

The most problematic issue, though, is how awkward it is to fit child seats due to the difficult-to-reach top tether anchorages. It was almost impossible to fit a rear-facing seat for a newborn securely enough without seeking professional help.

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Another of our criticisms of this generation of Ranger is that its rear seat is on the squashy side for its class, though passenger room isn’t an issue.

Despite the difficulty of mounting it, a rear-facing baby seat fits easily and a fully grown adult can fit behind the driver without feeling overly compromised for knee room.

The more affordable XLT doesn’t get pockets on the front seatbacks and its very basic cloth interior isn’t wipe-down friendly.

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= 4️⃣ Volkswagen Amarok

Fourth place shared with Ranger

The all-new, second-gen Volkswagen Amarok was co-developed with the Ford Ranger and it’s all the better for it, especially when it comes to family duties. You now score side curtain airbags as standard, for example, which remedies one of the original Amarok’s biggest weaknesses.

And even though sharing its underpinnings with Ranger means outright passenger room is average rather than excellent, any existing Amarok owners will notice a huge improvement.

VW has injected an additional 175mm into the second-gen Amarok’s wheelbase and most of the extra space is felt in the rear pews. Six footers can easily sit behind one another and VW has done a fantastic job with the mix of materials which lends the Amarok’s cabin a premium, yet still hardwearing, feel.

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Like Ranger, fitting a child seat is fiddly and there are no rear USB ports. The rear plastics also take a sharp step backwards and are noticeably harder. Rear passengers do score dedicated air vents, though, and the Amarok’s rear bench is marginally comfier than Ranger thanks to more pronounced bolstering on the backrest.

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6️⃣ GWM Ute Cannon

The GWM Ute Cannon is one of the leading proponents in the Chinese-sourced light-duty dual-cab space, and as such its performance for the modern family is critical.

Reports from our back seat riders confirm there’s plenty of space across the rear bench of the GWM, and the Cannon LS tested includes a 220-volt socket as well as a single USB point and rear vents.

The rear windows are a little bit smaller than those on, say, the Ranger or BT-50, which does restrict a bit of light into the rear end, but it’s only a matter of degrees.

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It’s also possible to add two ISOFIX baby seats to the outside seats, but you will have to fish around the rear side of the seat to find the centre seatbelt sash.

It’s an unusual two-buckle design, which will probably preclude the use of even a booster seat for the centre seat.

Offering a split rear row was one of the reasons the GWM scored well with judges, as well as offering lots of space in the doors, USB ports and pockets for rear passengers, and as well as good legroom.

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7️⃣ Mitsubishi Triton

The Triton – which is set to be updated in early 2024 – has a high transmission tunnel with only satisfactory rear legroom, with the front seats needing to be pushed forward to accommodate rear-facing child seats.

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The rear door cards too don’t offer much space, and again the top tether anchorages are hard to reach.

While the models with softer leather seats are favourable compared to the basic and cheap-feeling fabric trim of the base models, both felt quite uncomfortable to sit on as an adult passenger in the middle of the second row and give a feeling of being squashed when child seats are fitted either side.

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Speaking to Polestar 3 design lead Nahum Escobedo at the large SUV’s Australian unveiling, it became clear the company doesn’t care much for trends, fads or gimmicks. So while Chinese company Geely may own Polestar’s majority shareholder, Volvo, the brand’s ethos remains decidedly Scandinavian.

One battle for the design team was balancing aero efficiency with visual presence. To give the Polestar 3 a high bonnet line without rounding its edges, Escobedo and his team came up with a novel nose wing to keep the visual balance of an SUV without resorting to overly rounded edges for efficiency – something Esobedo is not a fan of.

“A lot of details around Polestar 3 like the wings and the SmartZone at the front where we cluster all the sensors and cameras, we have them because they have a function. Nothing is there by accident or as a styling exercise”, Escobedo explained.

If you really want that sort of entertainment, you know, you go to Vegas, or you go to a nightclub maybe? I don’t know. But not in our cars!

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That begged the question: what are Nahum’s design pet peeves?

“One of them is the roundness of cars that are becoming almost potato-shaped, or like a Jelly Bean because that’s perfect for aerodynamics. Obviously, we want to do something different”, he replied.

Nahum didn’t name brands, but it’s not hard to look at the landscape and see what he’s talking about. Plenty of brands including Tesla, BYD, and the Mercedes’ EQ range seem to be falling into the aero-is-everything design trap. You could also accuse them of being guilty of Escobedo’s next peeve.

“Another trend you’re starting to see quite often is with interiors and exteriors – especially the interior – you have the option of any colour you want from the palette of lights.

“There are so many lights everywhere that I feel like I’m in a mini-Vegas! So many buttons, so many lights: this is purple, this is green, this is orange.

“The same thing is happening with exteriors, a lot of designs have started to integrate welcome lights, please walk lines etc. and these things will eventually become this sort of Christmas lights on the street.

“At least in our brand, when you see our cars you will see the dual blades, you’ll see the brake lights, and you will not be disturbed by all these lights going around the car, because at the end of the day we want these vehicles to be for the driver to experience and enjoy the drive. If you really want that sort of entertainment, you know, you go to Vegas, or you go to a nightclub maybe? I don’t know. But not in our cars!” Said an impassioned Escobedo.

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The last point, again, speaks to flashiness that some might describe as chintz or over-advertising. Whatever you call it, it doesn’t match Polestar’s Scandinavian ethos.

“We take a lot of pride and spend hours and hours trying to make sure that our cars look a certain way so that when you look at them you say ‘that’s a Polestar’ because of the way it’s designed, not because it has an emblem the size of a wheel.

“That’s part of the Scandinavian design philosophy. If you go to a furniture store, you will be able to detect which chair comes from Scandinavia – the same thing with our cars. The emblem is integrated, it has a function – it is our brand – but when you look at the design you know it’s a Polestar, not because of the humongous label”, Escobedo laughed.

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It’s all in good fun, of course, and there are plenty of reasons why manufacturers may prefer a more rounded look for a vehicle, use a big badge, and examples of tasteful integrations of interior lighting exist.

As a new brand, though, it’s important for Polestar to define itself and not follow flash-in-the-pan trends. As the first purely Polestar-developed vehicle, the 3 is about setting the standard.

To speak put it in Nahum’s words: “This is our definition of what a luxury SUV should be nowadays. I always tell people that the Polestar 3 is not a people mover, it’s also for the driver; an SUV for the driver that also happens to be a luxury SUV as well.”

Volvo Cars will cease producing diesel-powered models globally by early next year as it prepares to be an all-electric brand by 2030.

The automaker announced the move at the Climate Week NYC event after it decided to stop developing new combustion engines last year.

While diesel vehicles typically consume less fuel than petrol equivalents, a litre of diesel contains more carbon than unleaded. They also produce a greater amount of harmful NO_x emissions than petrol engines.

Diesel exhaust fumes have been classed as a group 1 carcinogen – the highest level – observed to exacerbate health conditions such as asthma, and have been attributed to causing more deaths than road accidents.

Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines

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Volvo Cars, which was acquired by Chinese brand Geely in 2010 from Ford, aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.

Chief executive Jim Rowan said Volvo has completely committed its research and development into pure electric vehicles with no more money to be invested in ICE powertrains.

“Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they generate less noise, less vibration, less servicing costs for our customers and zero tailpipe emissions,” Rowan said.

“We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo – and are a key part of our response to climate change.”

March 2, 2021: Volvo to go fully electric by 2030

Volvo is the latest carmaker to commit to going fully electric by 2030, with a completely new family of electric cars that will only be available for sale online.

The Swedish carmaker has given itself nine years to phase out vehicles in its global portfolio with internal combustion engines, including hybrids.

Its transition towards becoming a fully electric carmaker is part of its ambitious climate plan, which seeks to consistently reduce the life cycle carbon footprint per car through ‘concrete action’.

In making this decision, Volvo is taking a punt that EV-friendly government legislation across its markets and rapid expansion of accessible high-quality charging infrastructure, will accelerate consumer acceptance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Its thinking was also inspired by strong demand for its electrified vehicles in recent years and a belief that the market for internal combustion engine (ICE) cars is a shrinking one.

“There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine,” said chief technology officer Henrik Green.

“We are firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker and the transition should happen by 2030. It will allow us to meet the expectations of our customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change.”

Volvo’s transition to an all-electric range will see BEVs account for 50 percent of its sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids.

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By then the range will include five new models across passenger car and SUV segments, as teased in the above image.

The move towards full electrification comes together with an increased focus on online sales and a more complete, attractive and transparent consumer offer under the name Care by Volvo.

All fully electric models will be available online only at preset prices for either purchase or subscription in conjunction with its dealer networks around the world.

Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo’s head of global commercial operations explained the company’s future will be defined by three pillars: electric, online and growth.

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“We want to offer our customers peace of mind and a care-free way of having a Volvo, by taking away complexity while getting and driving the car. Simplification and convenience are key to everything we do.”

The Chinese-owned Volvo launched its first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge in 2020 and is about to pull the covers off its second BEV, a new model in the 40 Series.

Having had a Corolla ZR myself for almost 2 years, I’m confident in saying it’s the car I’d be happy to return to.

In 2021 Toyota reached the incredible milestone of 50 million Corollas sold globally.

Since arriving in Australia in the 60s the Toyota Corolla has been a household name in the Australian automotive market for decades and is one of the world’s best-selling vehicles!

With the 2024 Corolla, Toyota continues the Corolla’s storied lineage with sporty aesthetics and modern tech.

Let’s dive into the top of the range ZR and what you’ll get.

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Pricing and features

The Toyota Corolla comes in two body styles: the more budget-friendly five-door hatchback and the pricier sedan. Spec is more or less identical with a few outliers.

Positioned as the most premium variant in the Corolla lineup, the ZR brings a lot to the table. At $39,100 before on-road costs, the top-spec hatch is a humble and easy to jump into car. Its athletic stance, accentuated by sharp lines and unique alloy wheels, promises a dynamic drive.

The interior echoes the sporty theme with a driver-centric cockpit, quality materials, and touches of elegance. The infotainment system, while straightforward, offers essential connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

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The Corolla range from 2024 is available in only a 1.8L hybrid version.

The 1.8-litre engine with the ever-popular hybrid technology produces 103kW and 142Nm.

Fuel economy is something to boast about with hybrid variants using only 4.0L/100km (3.9L for Sedan) on a combined cycle.

The sedan is offered in the same three grades as the hatch – Ascent Sport, SX and ZR– with ZR topping off at $40,260 before on-roads.

The entry-level Corolla comes standard with plenty of spec, including:

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The range-topping ZR adds plenty of luxury spec, such as:

You may consider stepping down into the mid-range SX which incorporates some of the above spec.

The option of a two-tone black roof is available for most colours in the ZR hatch and two seat trims – red and black leather accented.

Safety

The entire Corolla range is covered by a 5-star ANCAP rating from 2018.

In the ZR you’ll get additional safety listed above such as rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, safe exit assist and parking sensors.

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Key rivals

The small hatch and sedan segment has its share of worthy contenders, including:

• Hyundai i30
• Mazda 3
• Kia Cerato
• Volkswagen Golf
• Honda Civic

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Toyota Corolla ZR is an edgy take on a trusted classic. It offers a harmonious blend of sportiness, reliability, and modern features.

For those seeking a car that’s both fun and dependable, the Corolla is a good contender that deserves a spot on your list. I mean, it’s one of the worlds best selling cars ever, and one I enjoyed driving everyday because it never used more that 4.8L/100km.

As is the case with most Toyota vehicles, we’re in favour of the economical hybrid powertrain however removing the petrol variant means this is almost a 45k car. If you aren’t restricted to a budget the ZR has all the creature comforts you’ll very quickly be happy you chose.

What’s significant about the Volkswagen T-Roc CityLife?

Introduced in September 2023, the Volkswagen T-Roc CityLife marks a new entry point into our 2023 Best Small SUV range – and it’s even on special!

Sitting beneath the Style, the CityLife is a limited-run offering, according to Volkswagen, with some 1500 units on hand to help bolster the bottom end of the SUV price scale for VW ahead of the arrival of the facelifted – and smaller – T-Cross in early 2024.

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It retails at $35,990 plus on-road costs, but Volkswagen is currently offering it for the national drive-away price of $36,990.

While it might seem a little steep when held up against other entry-level small SUV like the Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve ($33,310 plus ORCs) and the category-leading MG ZST Excite ($32,990), we reckon the T-Roc CityLife’s base value proposition is well worth the extra spend.

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What else is beneath the skin?

The CityLife shares the same 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed auto front-drive powertrain as the Style, but is fitted with smaller 17-inch rims and high-profile 215/55 tyres, more paint and less body cladding, VW’s basic LED headlight array and a cloth interior.

It also retains an impressively lengthy list of basic kit that includes IQ Drive, park assist, low speed AEB front and rear, high-beam assist, a digital cockpit with an 8-inch display, four USB-C ports and keyless entry.

Despite side assist and rear cross-traffic being added to the Style and the R-Line as part of this late-life tweak, though, the CityLife will miss out. It does, of course, inherit the T-Roc’s five-star ANCAP score, as well as its shorter-than-industry-average five-year warranty.

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When does the T-Roc CityLife go on sale?

It’s available right now along with bolstered stocks of all T-Roc variants, according to Volkswagen.

It will only be around for a few months into the new year, though, while the drive-away price offer is in place until the end of the year.

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What is it like to drive?

If there’s a more dependable and relatable platform combo than this one, we’d like to see it.

The MQB platform means stability and consistency, predictable dynamics and good ride comfort, along with great braking feel and decent (if overly light) steering.

Despite the tall 17-inch tyres, the CityLife can still feel a bit taut on broken terrain, even though it soaks up square-edged bumps impressively well.

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The 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, too, can feel strained when asked to accelerate with alacrity in freeway scenarios.

However, when pottering in and around town, it does the job, and thumbs up for the retention of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

It’s not especially frugal, though; we saw 7.4L/100km over 113km of mixed terrain, against a claimed combined fuel economy average of 6.3L/100km.

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Is it worth considering over the Style?

In our view, the CityLife offers all the good bits of the almost-$3000 dearer Life, and it forgoes very little to do it.

Deleting the body cladding also helps to give the CityLife a more upmarket visage (in this reviewer’s eyes, at least), and the relative simplicity of the controls and buttons in, around and near the driver will endear the T-Roc CityLife to many.

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Lexus is preparing for an electric vehicle push from 2026, using Tesla as a benchmark to fast-track manufacturing and lower costs.

As part of parent Toyota’s new ‘battery-electric first’ strategy, the Japanese luxury brand will lead with next-generation EVs that will be previewed next month.

Lexus International president Takashi Watanabe told Automotive News [↗] it is “important to humbly look at and learn from” Tesla by adopting a modular structure.

“We need to make it easier to build and simplify as much as possible,” Watanabe said.

“One of our first steps will be modifying and rethinking our production methods.”

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This references Tesla’s ‘giga casting’ technique, which uses a machine to fuse metal and produce larger body parts to fast-track production efficiency, cut costs and reduce weight.

Toyota has already debuted a ‘giga casting’ prototype, which pours molten aluminium into a single die-cast machine, chilled and solidified to make one-third of the vehicle body in around three minutes.

Normally, it would take 86 separate parts, 33 steps and several hours to assemble, according to Nikkei Asia [↗].

Hyundai has also reportedly benchmarked Tesla’s ‘giga casting’ method and may use it in its factories from 2026, reports Hankyung [↗].

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Watanabe added its next-generation EVs will feature a new design theme, a performance driving focus, and models targeted at different countries.

As per most other carmakers, it will also adopt a software-driven approach, which may include unlocking upgrades via a subscription or purchase.

Toyota and Lexus have been developing a simulated manual transmission for EVs, and there have been rumours of a spiritual LFA electric sports coupe revival.

The company plans to offer an electrified option for every model by 2030, ahead of going EV-only by 2035.

Lexus currently sells two pure EV options in Australia – the UX300e small SUV and RZ medium crossover, with the latter sharing the same dedicated electric platform with the upcoming Toyota BZ4x and Subaru Solterra.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatch is now available to pre-order in Australia ahead of its local arrival in December.

Now in its sixth-generation, the latest Impreza has carryover underpinnings and a familiar engine, and the sedan has been deleted globally for a hatch-only line-up.

As the base vehicle for the jacked-up Crosstrek small SUV launched here in May, the Impreza has an identical range with three variants: 2.0L, 2.0R and 2.0S.

Compared to the current Impreza hatch first launched in 2016, prices are up between $4200 and $5200 to start from $31,490 before on-road costs.

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However, Subaru claims the base Impreza 2.0L is “one of the highest specced entry models in the segment,” with a significant increase in standard equipment including a full suite of active safety tech for the first time.

Inside, all variants have an Outback-matching 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless phone charging and cable-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring.

“For many customers, Impreza is their entry to the Subaru brand. Therefore, even with its price point, Impreza must deliver on the expectations of the Subaru brand,” said managing director Blair Read.

The Subaru Global Platform underpinning the new Impreza is 10 per cent stiffer with 3.4 times more structural adhesive for improved performance, handling and NVH. It has also fitted a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electric power steering rack.

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While there is no hybrid or Mazda 3 G25-rivalling 2.5-litre RS at launch, Subaru Australia said both powertrains could arrive in 2024.

At Subaru Australia’s recent 50th Anniversary event, Blair Read told Wheels that the success of the turbocharged Outback XT developed specifically for our market had strengthened the case for future right-hand drive niche variants such as the 2.5-litre Impreza, which is currently left-hand drive only for North American consumption.

More than 170,000 Subaru Imprezas have been sold in Australia since the vehicle was introduced at the 1993 Melbourne Motor Show.

JUMP AHEAD

• 2024 Subaru Impreza pricing
• 2024 Subaru Impreza features
• Colours
• Engine, drivetrain, and fuel economy
• Safety
• Dimensions
• Warranty and servicing
• Availability

2024 Subaru Impreza pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

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2024 Subaru Impreza features

2024 Subaru Impreza 2.0R features

2024 Subaru Impreza 2.0S features

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Colours

All colours are included in the Impreza’s price.

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Engine, drivetrain, and fuel economy

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is powered by a carry-over 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer petrol engine.

It is matched with a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT), which has an expanded gear ratio to improve takeoff acceleration and a higher overdrive top gear.

Combined fuel consumption has risen by 0.9L/100km for the 2.0L and 2.0R, while the 2.0S is up 0.3L/100km.

Subaru Australia told Wheels it is considering a hybrid powertrain for the new Impreza, and the 136kW/241Nm 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated RS variant available in the United States.

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Safety

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Nine airbags (dual front, side, curtain, far-side, and front passenger seat cushion) are fitted across the Impreza range, two more than before.

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Dimensions

The latest Subaru Impreza is 4490mm long, 1780mm wide and 1480mm tall, with a 2670mm wheelbase. This is 15mm longer and 5mm wider than the outgoing Impreza, with an identical wheelbase.

2024 Subaru Impreza boot space

The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatch has a 291-litre boot capacity – identical to the Crosstrek – which rises to 883L with the second-row folded flat.

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Warranty and servicing

The Subaru Impreza is covered by the brand’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first – up from 12 months/12,500km. A five-year capped price servicing program is available.

Availability

The 2024 Subaru Impreza small hatch will arrive in Australia in December. It is now available to pre-order.

It’s evident that Australia’s median new car price has been creeping up in the past few years. Increased costs for parts, shipping and manufacturing means the days of sub $20,000 new car options is almost a thing of the past.

Until the MG3 arrived in Australia, making the entry-spec MG3 Auto Core officially the most affordable new car option for buyers as of this year.

But what exactly does the MG3 offer that has made it such a popular choice in the last few years, with over 15,430 examples sold just in 2023, giving it a 43% market share in the Light <$30k category.

It’s important to note that many favourites are no longer in this segment, while the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Suzuki Swift still compete.

The face-lifted 2024 MG3 will be landing on our shores later this year, so lets see what today’s MG3 is offering.

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Pricing and features

The most premium MG3 available – Excite –is priced at just $20,990 drive-away. Considering it’s just $2000 more than the base-spec Core, it’s easy to see why it’s the choice of the line-up for so many private buyers.

It’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine developing a humble 82kW and 150Nm which uses 6.7L/100km on a combined cycle.

The Excite comes standard with these specifications:

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Safety

The MG3 popped up in Australia in 2018 and is currently unrated by ANCAP, the independent evaluating body for vehicle safety.

It also misses out on basic expected safety such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keep systems.

In Europe the pre face-lifted model received a 3-star rating, based on 2014 testing criteria. Ten years later, it’s clear that the MG3 wouldn’t even be able to reach that score.

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Key rivals

As the best-selling light-car in Australia there are slightly pricier competitors such as:

• Kia Picanto
• Toyota Yaris
• Mazda2
• Suzuki Swift

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

There’s plenty to think about when buying a new car, but the case for the MG3 Excite is a clear one– it’s cheap.

But cheap comes with a trade off. And for MG they’ve opted for less safety and budget materials to pass the savings onto consumers.

It might not check off every box for a new car buyer, but it builds a compelling case for many who need a new car. Especially when the same budget might be getting you a well-worn used car with no limited active safety as well.

Give me any excuse to hit the road with my gal pal on a drive along the spectacular Fitzgerald Coast towards Bremer Bay in WA – particularly if it’s in the speccy Ford Everest Sport.

For someone like me who drives a small, ‘vintage’ manual, coming from an old car to 2023 Wheels Car of the Year is a huge upgrade. So, both bedazzled by its glamour and ready for an exciting four-wheel drive adventure, I am more than curious to board this shiny new SUV and test its mettle – on and off the road.

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Esperance seems like the perfect starting point for a memorable Thelma and Louise storyline.

There are many four-wheel drive tracks around this area, not to mention pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and unique rock formations; but Cape Le Grande National Park (around 30 km from Esperance) has a 22 km long stretch of sandy coastline running from Cape le Grand Beach to Wylie Bay that we think we can satiate our thirst for some powdery soft sand driving with.

We are forewarned it isn’t the right time of year to be testing out these tracks, but nothing is stopping us from giving it a crack!

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It’s worth it for its close proximity to the ocean and the dulcet sounds of gentle waves crashing as we sleep

Unfortunately, once we make our way down to Cape le Grand beach, it has been heavily draped in stinky tendrils of seaweed for some time and the tide is way too high, with lower tides tending towards the evening darkness; so we pose for some obligatory sunset shots over the bay instead, tour some of the park, then stop off at Lucky Bay Campground.

This is a lovely little overnight spot; even with the most basic facilities, it’s worth it for its close proximity to the ocean and the dulcet sounds of gentle waves crashing as we sleep.

The next morning we roll out of bed and dose up on coffee at Downtown Espresso Bar in the heart of Esperance, take a pit stop for some food, water and fuel, then head out for the next part of the road trip: through to Hopetoun, Fitzgerald River National Park and last but not least, Bremer Bay.

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Music is the lifeline on these journeys once the banter gets stale, so I am pretty happy to see that there are both USB points and a handy wireless charging pad for our phones to work at 100 percent and sync to the infotainment screen.

In the Everest, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly too, so even the ‘backseat drivers’ can control the music with ease.

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Wildflowers and art trails

It’s a 2-hour drive west through to the wheat (and mining) town of Ravensthorpe. This also marks the beginning of the Farm Gate Art Trail; with Amok Island’s painting depicting the “Six stages of Banksia baxteri” painted on silos, as just one of 32 sites on display throughout the area.

We stop for a quick pic on the way out of town, then head south to Hopetoun for some homemade sossie roll action from the bakery and demolish it parked up at Hopetoun jetty.

After more than a few hours driving, it’s evident the Everest Sport is built for comfort on long hauls. It’s no wallflower, with its mean-looking grill and shiny blue exterior, and there’s also a lot of fun design features on the interior that make this trip a pleasurable experience.

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As someone who is 6-feet tall, the seat settings feature wins me over. What a relief not to have to adjust my driver position on every changeover – with just the press of a button, I can save it to ‘long-legged’ mode and cruise the open roads in comfort.

We leave Hopetoun and after a few more hours of driving, nothing can prepare us for our first peak at the mountains of Fitzgerald River National Park that only serve as a surreal cardboard cutout backdrop to the most unique flora that is endemic to this area.

The further we delve into Noongar Country, the more prevalent these human-sized Royal Hakea (or Tallyongut) shrubs become as they blanket sides of the road with their red and white plumage and spiky, stoic-like leaves.

There’s over 1800 species of wildflowers in the national park, so it’s worth exploring some of the various walking trails and lookout points along the way; including our destination of Point Ann, where there is a 1 km easy return walk from the carpark that follows a section of No. 2 Rabbit Proof Fence.

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Got the moves baby

At the heart of the Everest Sport’s four-wheel drive capabilities lies its selectable drive modes.

This innovative feature allows us to choose from various driving settings to tackle specific terrains. So, just by turning the dial to Sand mode and dropping the PSI on the tyres, the Everest stealthily adapts its traction control, throttle response, and transmission settings to adjust to the bleached white sand between Point Ann and Point Charles within the Fitzgerald River National Park.

This area is also quite significant for whale watching – particularly within the months of July through to October – with the southern right whales visiting the bay to calve and raise their young every year.

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However, we’re not fortunate enough to witness these events take place, as we’re preoccupied with four-wheel driving across the soft, sandy inlet and taking every opportunity to photograph our experience.

For someone who has spent minimal time driving on beaches, I feel completely confident, if not adamant, that I am going to be trying this again, and again…and again. Particularly in situ of the glorious backdrop of Point Charles!

Just behind the dunes, is a cosy camping corner called St Mary’s Inlet Campground, that’s also situated within walking distance from the Point Ann viewing platform. It has BBQ facilities, a picnic area, basic drop toilets and 2WD access, and we practically have the place to ourselves!

However, during school holidays and the warmer months this is a non-bookable campground and an extremely popular swimming, walking and four-wheel driving spot; so best to have back-up accommodation should there be no room available.

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Gone fishin’

Our final destination is Bremer Bay; a wonderful fishing, diving and surfing village less than an hour’s drive from Point Ann.

There are plenty of little beaches to visit around this area, including Bremer Beach, which is a great place for a swim while camping at the Bremer Bay Caravan Park.

Bremer Canyon is a unique deep-water ecosystem off the coast of Bremer Bay, and is one of the few locations on the planet where killer whales (orcas) can be regularly encountered. Unfortunately for us, it’s not the right time of the year to witness this, but charter boats run from January to April, leaving daily from the Fisheries Beach boat ramp, and this is now on my bucket list of things to do next year!

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If you’re up for accommodation with incredible views of the bay, some bar banter with the locals and a large indoor fireplace to warm your toes on the cooler nights, then Bremer Bay Resort is where it’s at.

We stay here and then take a little morning drive to watch the sun rise over the bay at Rock Cairn Cuneo Drive and John Cove Beach, just 5 minutes drive away, before we head off towards Hood Point and the Doubtful Islands.

Once we hit Doubtful Island Road, it’s time to put the Everest into Mud/Ruts drive mode for some post-rainfall four-wheel drive fun. There are plenty of indistinguishably deep puddles, and it glides across the ruts and potholes with no issues at all; barely even feeling the bumps on our behinds.

Driving the more dubious tracks is a pleasurable experience in the Everest, due in large part to a raft of tech smarts, including an electronic locking rear differential to maintain momentum in the mud, and a dedicated off-road screen that shows the path ahead, as well as the car’s pitch and roll.

It’s a long road and the weather has made it quite the mud fest, so we are running out of time to take this track all the way to Hood Point as dusk sets in. It’s time to turn around and head home, but it has been fun to ‘jump’ puddles for a bit.

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So it is with great regret that this Thelma and Louise trip ends here – but on a much more positive note than the movie itself.

As my friend and I part ways in Bremer Bay and head back to our respective states, I can safely say that it will take some time to adjust back to my ‘analogue’ vehicle after experiencing the technology-rich interior and noiseless cabin of the Ford Everest Sport.

I’ll also miss the freedom of the open road from Esperance through to Bremer Bay. Time to plan the next adventure!

For information on the Ford Everest range and features please visit here [↗].