As Australia edges closer to finalising a trade deal with the European Union, word is that the contentious Luxury Car Tax (LCT) will finally be abolished as part of the bargain.

Introduced in 2000, the LCT was originally designed to shield Australia’s local car manufacturing industry from being undercut by high-end European imports. However, with the last car built on Australian soil rolling off the production line in 2017, many critics argue that the tax has long outlived its purpose but the government is reluctant to forgo the $1.2billion in raises in annual revenue.

Currently, the LCT applies to vehicles priced above a certain threshold – $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles and $80,567 for others in 2024–25. It adds 33 per cent to the portion of the vehicle’s price above the threshold, making European luxury cars significantly more expensive in Australia than in many other markets.

The European Union has long viewed the LCT as a trade barrier and has pushed for its removal as part of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. In response, the newly re-elected Albanese government has already signaled an openness to phasing it out, potentially unlocking more favourable terms for exporters in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and services.

The question for Australian consumers is whether the abolition of the LCT would translate into lower car prices and whether most will care given it is mostly applied to prestige European brands sch as Audi, Aston Martin, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

But the tax now also affects the price of more ‘democratic’ vehicles such as Toyota Landcruisers and higher end Hyundai and Kia people movers, for example.

In theory, removing the LCT should reduce the retail price of affected vehicles. For example, a $120,000 car could see a price cut of more than $10,000 if the tax were fully abolished. This would not only make European luxury cars more affordable but could also pressure manufacturers and dealers of non-European brands to become more competitive in the premium segment.

However, whether those savings would be passed on to consumers is uncertain. Car dealers may absorb some of the benefits as additional profit margin, especially in a market where demand for high-end vehicles remains strong. Additionally, manufacturers may take the opportunity to raise base prices slightly, offsetting part of the benefit.

There are also broader economic and political implications. The LCT generates over $1 billion annually in government revenue. Replacing that income could involve tax reforms or spending cuts elsewhere. Moreover, domestic automotive retailers and service providers worry that cheaper imports could impact margins and consumer expectations.

So while the abolition of the LCT under a new Australia–EU trade deal has the potential to make many luxury cars more affordable, whether prices will fall significantly for consumers depends on how the industry adjusts. The move would certainly align Australia with global market practices, but as with most tax reforms, the real impact will lie in the detail – and how both government and business respond.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has introduced its first new plug-in hybrid since dropping them in 2023, with the new C 350 e PHEV now available to order locally with up to 104km of electric driving range (NEDC) and a starting price of $98,200 plus on-road costs.

Combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for 230kW/550Nm outputs, the C 350 e sends its grunt to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100km/h sprint is done in just 6.1 seconds.

The 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives an NEDC-rated range of 104km, meaning that most commutes can be completed on electric power alone.

As standard, the C 350 e can be AC charged at up to 11kW for a 0-100 percent charge in approximately two hours. DC fast charging is also available as a $1500 option to increase the charging speed to 55kW for a 0-80 percent charge in as little as 20 minutes.

In addition to the standard equipment on the high-level C 300, the C 350 e also includes augmented reality satellite navigation, adaptive high beam, a Burmester 3D sound system, the Driving Assistant Package Plus and Comfort Suspension with self-levelling rear suspension.

Two charging cables are also included with the C 350 e: one for a public charger and one for a three-pin wall socket.

That’s in addition to the standard features on the C 300: LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, the AMG Line exterior and interior, 12.3-inch MBUX touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, panoramic sunroof, heat-up display, heated and memory front seats, Ambient Lighting Plus, Parking Package with 360-degree camera and the Keyless-Go Convenience Package.

The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is now available to order through Mercedes-Benz dealerships and first deliveries will commence soon.

You may not have heard but Smart, the brand famous for making tiny city cars from the early 2000s, is back.

Now co-owned by Chinese giant Geely and creator Mercedes-Benz, Smart recently re-launched locally with two models: the #3 and #1, both competing in the small electric SUV segment. We recently tested the #3 and were quite impressed but does the slightly smaller #1 also measure up?

Priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs and offered in three models – Pro+, Premium and performance Brabus – we tested the mid-spec Pro, which is priced at $58,900 +ORC. While its Zeekr X cousin is $5,000 less, its other cousin the Volvo EX30 is $5,090 more and we think it’s well priced for the equipment on offer.

The #1 Premium is well equipped with a large panoramic glass sunroof (which actually opens, unlike the #3), ‘Duo Leather’ trim, heated electric front seats, 13-speaker Beats audio, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, configurable ambient lighting, a head-up display and a full suite of active safety kit including AEB, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lane guidance and Matrix adaptive high beam.

Like its cousins, the #1 uses a Geely platform and a 66kWh NMC battery, which can be fast charged at up to 150kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes. The claimed WLTP range for the single-motor #1 is a solid 440km, with claimed consumption of 16.7kWh/100km – we found that easy to beat and ended up on 15.8kWh/100km. Not bad.

Unlike the 315kW dual-motor Brabus version, the #1 Premium uses a 200kW/343Nm electric motor that’s mounted on the rear wheels, making it rear-wheel drive. With a claimed 6.7-second 0-100km/h time, the #1 Premium is surprisingly quick. A more efficient lower-powered version would be a good addition to the line-up for those who don’t need that much performance.

Like the EX30, the #1’s tight rear-drive chassis is quite fun to drive. The steering is a touch light, though weighs up nicely in sport mode and the ride is a bit firm but still quite comfortable. Brake feel is strong, though there aren’t any paddle shifters to adjust the regeneration – frustratingly it must be done through the touchscreen. Refinement is impressive, with low road noise levels, though there is a bit of wind noise thanks to the upright windscreen.

Aside from the smaller length and taller roof, the #1’s cabin design is nigh on identical to the #3 with a very Mercedes-like bridge centre console design, large touchscreen and – unlike its EX30 cousin – both driver’s and head-up displays. Quality is pleasing to the eye with lots of synthetic leather trim covering most services, while seat comfort is great and the driving position is quite adjustable.

Centre of the cabin is a 12.8-inch touchscreen that’s loaded with features: live services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with live traffic, digital radio and a store to download apps like Spotify. Screen quality is good and it’s quick to use, but its menu structure can be quite confusing, even after multiple uses. We also experienced CarPlay dropping out a few times, something that did not happen in our #3 test car, so hopefully it was just that particular #1.

The #1’s cabin is surprisingly spacious for such a small car – two six footers-plus will be quite comfortable in the rear seat because the tall roof gives excellent headroom, while legroom is adequate as well – plus, the rear seat slides and reclines for extra practicality. The boot’s 313-litre size is not huge, though it expands thanks to its big underfloor storage section. Folding the rear seats unlocks 986L and there’s also another 15L of space under the bonnet.

Like its #3 sibling, Smart offers yet another way to stand out from the small SUV crowd – but it does it with a much better product this time around. The #1 is characterful, fun to drive, quick, fast charging, efficient and quite well equipped. Only its expensive service pricing and cumbersome touchscreen count against it, but it’s still worth strong consideration as the brand embarks on its comeback.

Specifications

Few cars reach the status of ‘cultural icon’ but the Rolls-Royce Phantom, first introduced in 1925 and celebrating its 100th birthday, certainly qualifies having been the vehicle of choice for royalty, world leaders, artists and entertainers alike.

“Phantom is much more than a motor car,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, reflected on the model’s enduring impact. “For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it.”

The Phantom’s centenary is marked by a series of eight specially commissioned artworks, echoing a tradition that dates back to 1910 when Charles Sykes, creator of the Spirit of Ecstasy, was commissioned to paint Phantoms in settings reflective of their owners’ lifestyles. These new pieces celebrate the vehicle’s presence in history’s defining moments—from wartime leadership to royal processions and the birth of nations.

Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery used his Phantom III during WWII, notably to transport figures like Winston Churchill and King George VI. The British Royal Family, too, embraced Phantom, with the Duke of Edinburgh commissioning the first Phantom IV in 1948. That vehicle still serves the Royal Household today.

The Royal family later commissioned another Phantom IV, two Phantom Vs, and two Phantom VIs to convey the sovereign. One of these is the renowned Silver Jubilee Phantom VI, which was presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 by the British motor industry to celebrate her 25 years on the throne; it would later be used at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 for the arrival of the bride at Westminster Abbey.

Beyond statesmanship, Phantom has left its mark on pop culture. John Lennon’s famously psychedelic Phantom V became an emblem of 1960s counterculture, while Hollywood stars from Fred Astaire to Mary Pickford and Elvis Presley claimed the Phantom as their own. In cinema, it has graced screens from Goldfinger to The Yellow Rolls-Royce.

Phantom’s renaissance in the 21st century, beginning with the launch of the Phantom VII, attracted a new generation of entrepreneurs and cultural figures attracted to its Bespoke natures and using the Phantom as a medium for artistic and personal expression.

Now in its eighth generation, Phantom remains a canvas for collaboration, with projects involving design houses like Hermès and fashion icons such as Iris van Herpen. Its legacy as the epitome of automotive prestige reimagined for a new century.

Jeep has unveiled the larger second-generation 2026 Jeep Compass small SUV with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and – for the first time – fully electric versions. It’s due in Australia from mid-2026.

Using the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as the Peugeot 3008, the new Compass has grown in length from 4.4 metres to 4.55 metres in length and its boot has grown to a healthy 550-litres.

Depending on market, 2026 Jeep Compass buyers will be given the option of a 108kW mild-hybrid, a 195kW plug-in hybrid and three electric drivetrains ranging from 159kW to 280kW in outputs.

While battery sizes are yet to be announced, the longest range EV will be able to travel 650km on a charge, while even the entry-level version will crack the 500km mark. The EV will also be able to be charged at up to 160kW on a DC fast charger for a 20-80 percent charge in as little as 30 minutes.

As you’d expect from such an off-road brand, Jeep has detailed the Compass’ off-road capability, including up to 200mm of ground clearance and approach, departure and breakover angles of 27, 31 and 16 degrees respectively.

Inside the new Compass’ cabin is a new dashboard layout with a new 16-inch touchscreen with live services, a 10-inch driver’s display and higher-quality materials than the current model. There’s also apparently 34-litres of storage space in the front cabin.

Jeep has also outlined available features such as Matrix LED headlights, smartphone mirroring,
semi-autonomous lane changing functionality and a head-up display, though Australian specifications are yet to be announced.

The 2026 Jeep Compass will go on sale in Australia from mid-2026, with local pricing and specifications due to be announced before then.

Queensland will roll out new camera technology that will warn drivers to back off if they’re caught tailgating on the state’s roads.

According to Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), the Australian-first technology will detect unsafe tailgating behaviour and display a message in real-time on electronic message boards similar to the Speed Awareness Monitors (SAMs) that notify drivers in real-time when they are speeding.

TMR claims that tailgating is a major contributor to road trauma in Queensland and is commonly listed as a pet peeve for Queensland motorists. The tailgating monitor technology will apparently provide a way to increase awareness of safe following distances and how close is too close.

The trial aims to encourage safer driving behaviour by providing a positive message to drivers when they are following at a safe distance and a warning message when they are too close. 

Tailgating drivers will not be penalised from the new cameras.

The new tech comes as the latest RACQ (Royal Automotive Club of Queensland) Annual Road Safety Survey shows that 20 per cent of of drivers admit to tailgating, which is a gradual increase on previous years, with rear-end crashes now the most common type of motoring accident in Queensland.

Tailgating contributed to nearly 2,000 serious crashes – those resulting in a fatality or hospitalisation – from 2014 to 2018, Queensland’s StreetSmarts website states, advising drivers to maintain a two-second gap to the vehicle in front.

“Tailgating is a major contributor to road trauma in Queensland, being one of the main causes of rear-end crashes,” said Joanna Robinson, the general manager of Land, Transport, Safety, and Regulation at TMR.

“This new technology will detect unsafe tailgating behaviour, and display a message to motorists in real-time.”

• Price: $30,050 plus on-road costs
• Engine: 1999cc naturally aspirated or 1598cc turbocharged four-cylinder DOHC petrol
• Max power and torque: 114kW (@ 6000rpm)/200Nm (@ 4000rpm) – 146kW (@6000rpm)/265Nm
• (between 1600rpm and 4500rpm)
• Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive or eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
• Fuel consumption (claimed): 6.9L/100km – 7.4L/100km
• Fuel type/tank size: 91RON, 50L
• L/W/H/WB: 4385/1800/1635/2630mm
• Kerb weight: 1375kg (2.0L) – 1495kg (1.6T AWD)
• Boot: 433L-468L seats up/1393L-1428L seats folded
• 0-100km/h: 10 seconds (2.0L – est), 7.5 seconds (1.6T – est)

Kia’s fortunes in Australia continue to rise, from an obscure brand even in the early 2000s to sitting comfortably in the top five of Australian sales every month is astounding, and it’s likely to grow again later this year with the introduction of the Tasman ute.

One of the bigger sellers in the Kia range for now, however, is the Seltos small SUV, which sits above
the smaller Stonic but below the larger Sportage. Priced from just $30,050 plus on-road costs, the
Seltos is excellent value for money but what about the rest of its overall package?

Price and equipment

There are four models in the Kia Seltos range in Australia, available in either front-drive 2.0-litre or
in the case of Sport+ and GT-Line, all-wheel drive 1.6-litre turbo forms.

2025 Kia Seltos pricing (plus on-road costs):

Kia Seltos S standard equipment:

• 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
• Dusk-sensing automatic halogen headlights with halogen daytime running lights
• Remote keyless entry
• Roof rails
• Auto-folding mirrors
• Manual air-conditioning with rear air vents
• Cloth upholstery
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired/wireless Android Auto
• Six-speaker sound system
• 3x USB charging ports
• Cruise control

Seltos S safety equipment:

• Six airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian avoidance
• Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
• Auto high beam
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (with braking)
• Intelligent speed limit assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Rear occupant alert
• Safe exit warning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Alarm
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Seltos Sport model adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare wheel
• Projector front fog lights
• Synthetic leather steering wheel and gearknob
• Auto up/down driver’s window
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Kia Connect live services
• Sat-nav with 10 years of live traffic information
• Single-zone automatic climate control with auto defog functionality

Seltos Sport+ model adds:

• Upgraded AEB system with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection assistance
• Adaptive cruise control
• Driver attention alert with lead vehicle departure alert
• Keyless entry and push button start with remote engine start
• Cloth and artificial leather upholstery
• Sliding front centre console
• Heated exterior mirrors
• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• Multi-link rear suspension (AWD only)
• Electronic hand brake

Seltos GT-Line model adds:

• LED headlights, taillights and front fog lights
• 18-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 10-way electric driver’s seat with memory
• 8-way electric front passenger seat
• Sunroof (not with two-tone paint)
• Electric tailgate with smart opening
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Eight-speaker Bose sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• Head-up display
• Ambient cabin lighting
  

Performance and economy

The Kia Seltos is available with either a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated or 1.6-litre turbocharged four-
cylinder petrol engine, with the former mated to a CVT automatic and sending power to the front
wheels only – the latter uses an eight-speed auto and is all-wheel drive. The 2.0L makes 110kW of
power and 180Nm of torque with the 1.6T making 146kW/265Nm.

Kia claims fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km for the 2.0L and 7.4L/100km for the 1.6T, with claimed
CO2 emissions of between 157g/km for the 2.0L and 175g/km for the 1.6T. Both engines can use
91RON regular unleaded fuel and feature a 50-litre fuel tank.

Interior comfort, practicality and boot space

Inside the Kia Seltos is one of the most practical interiors you’ll find in the small SUV segment with
ample storage and room for passengers and their luggage. The door bins are big, as is the bin
underneath the central armrest and the cupholders are healthily-sized too.

While the Seltos’ cabin is quite practical, it could be better quality with hard plastics used all over
the dashboard and door trims. They’re hard wearing, but make it feel a bit cheap inside. Thankfully,
seat comfort and visibility are excellent across the range – especially in the GT-Line and its
electrically adjustable front seats.

Centre of the cabin is either an 8.0- (S) or 10.25-inch (Sport and above) touchscreen. Neither
system uses the brand’s latest ‘ccNc’ infotainment software, but they’re both still very easy to use.
Curiously, only the smaller screen features wireless smartphone mirroring – the larger one is wired-
only.

The rear seat of the Seltos is big for the segment, with ample leg- and headroom for even taller
adults, and the big windows make it feel airier than most competitors too. Even the base S features
two USB-C charging ports and air vents for passengers to use, with the Sport+ and GT-Line further
adding a rear central armrest with cupholders.

The Seltos’ boot measures between 433 litres for the Sport and above and 468L for the S thanks
to its smaller space-saver spare wheel – folding the rear seats opens up 1393L in the Sport and
above, and 1428L in the S. The boot is nice and square, with a low lip opening, and the seats fold
flat as well.

On the road

As we’ve come to expect from Kia’s products in Australia, the Seltos’ locally tuned suspension set
up is excellent and does well in ironing out our rubbish road surfaces. Put simply, the Seltos is one of the best-riding options in the small SUV segment, and it handles nicely as well – it’s no Mazda CX-30 for fun, but it is also more comfortable.

Where the CX-30 has the Seltos beaten is in road noise as the Seltos can be reasonably loud at highway speeds. However, its well-tuned active safety features make up for that – though, we find it strange that buyers must upgrade to the Sport+ to get adaptive cruise control when many rivals offer it as standard across the range.

Both engine options in the Seltos range are more than ample for urban use, with even the 2.0L getting along on motorways just fine. The 2.0L’s CVT transmission is also more intuitive than most with its stepped ratios making it feel like a regular auto most of the time. The 2.0L engine can be a bit loud at higher revs but when you’re not caning it, it’s quiet and refined.

The 1.6-litre turbo’s extra grunt is appreciated however, and it makes most of the great chassis. Its full 265Nm of torque hits at just 1600rpm and stays until 4500rpm, giving you its grunt most of the time in the real world. Kia doesn’t claim a 0-100km/h time, but we’d wager it to be in the seven-second range, making it one of the quickest non-performance small SUVs.

Service and warranty

The Seltos is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with up to eight years of roadside assistance if serviced through a Kia dealership. The 2.0-litre engine has longer service intervals at 15,000km versus the 1.6T’s shorter 10,000km intervals.

Five years of servicing costs $2,082 for the 2.0L and slightly more at $2,187 for the 1.6T, though that’s to 75,000km for the 2.0L and only 50,000km for the 1.6T.

Verdict: Should I buy a 2025 Kia Seltos?

Overall, while the 2025 Kia Seltos doesn’t offer a hybrid drivetrain option and its interior quality could be better, it’s still a great option in the small SUV segment. It’s roomy, drives quite well thanks to its local tuning program, offers a wide range of models and features two willing engine options. It’s no surprise that the Seltos still manages to sell well, even at almost six years of age.

Kia Seltos rivals

• Hyundai Kona
• Mazda CX-30
• Nissan Qashqai

• Price: $42,060 plus on-road costs
• Engine: 1998cc four-cylinder DOHC petrol
• Max power and torque: 114kW (@ 6000rpm)/200Nm (@ 4000rpm)
• Transmission: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
• Fuel consumption (claimed/on test): 6.3L/100km, 8.8L/100km
• Fuel type/tank size: 91RON, 51L
• L/W/H/WB: 4395/1795/1540/2655mm
• Kerb weight: 1468kg
• Boot: 317L seats up/1281L seats folded
• 0-100km/h: 10 seconds (est)

Mazda is a brand that Australians love, and have done so for decades. Despite not offering any in-vogue hybrids in its most popular models or any EVs, the “Zoom Zoom” brand has sold over 32,000 cars in Australia this year (to the end of April) and with a slew of new product due in the next year – such as the next CX-5 – its appeal will likely continue for some time yet.

The CX-30 small SUV is selling reasonably well in its segment – not quite as well as the older, cheaper and smaller CX-3, but better than the Kia Seltos – with almost 4000 sales so far this year. In 2024, it received a small update with new technology and features across the range and a simplified model line-up for better value than before. Is it worth consideration in the small SUV segment?

Price and equipment

While Mazda simplified the Australian CX-30 line-up in 2024, there are still a number of available models, either with ‘G20’ 2.0-litre or ‘G25’ 2.5-litre engines.

2025 Mazda CX-30 pricing (plus on-road costs):

Mazda CX-30 Touring LE standard equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Gloss black exterior highlights: wheels, mirror caps and grille
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors with auto-dipping in reverse
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• Synthetic leather and suede upholstery
• 12-way electric driver’s seat with memory
• Leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and gearknob
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Eight-speaker sound system
• 2x USB-C ports
• Wireless phone charger
• Mazda Connected Services with features such as stolen vehicle assistance, a vehicle locator and remote locking functionality

CX-30 Touring LE safety features:

• Seven airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Driver attention monitoring
• Traffic sign recognition
• Auto high beam
• Head-up display
• Automatic rear low-speed braking
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The CX-30 range received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019 against older protocols with
scores of 99 percent in adult protection, 88 percent in child protection, 80 percent in road user
protection and 76 percent in safety assist.

Performance and economy

Under the bonnet of the Mazda CX-30 Touring LE is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque. The whole range uses a six-speed automatic transmission and power is sent solely to the front wheels in 2.0L cars or optionally to all four wheels on some 2.5L variants. Surprisingly for a car in 2025, there’s no hybrid or turbocharging assistance.

Mazda claims fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km on a combined cycle with claimed CO2 emissions of 147g/km and we found that to be optimistic with a test average of 8.8L/100km over our time with the car, which was skewed towards less efficient urban driving. The CX-30 range runs on 91RON regular unleaded, and the Touring LE features a 51-litre fuel tank.

Interior comfort, practicality and boot space

As we’ve come to expect from modern Mazda products, the cabin of the CX-30 exudes a strong sense of elegance and almost-luxury levels of fit and finish. In fact, it feels more luxurious than an Audi Q3, which starts at a much higher price. There are lovely materials like the thick padded and stitched soft touch dashboard piece, elegant three-spoke steering wheel and, in the case of the Touring LE spec, cool synthetic black suede and terracotta leather trimmings on the dashboard and seats that we wish was available in other CX-30 models.

Front seat storage is good as well, with big door bins and cupholders, a big box underneath the moving centre console lid and a tray underneath the dashboard with a wireless phone charger that’s much more effective than the brand’s upper large SUVs like the CX-60.

The Touring LE features a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that’s quite minimalist in its layout but is quite easy to use. In a move that might annoy some, it’s only available to be used via touch when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – it otherwise must be used with the controller wheel that sits in between the seats.

I’m a fan of this move because it’s a lot less distracting than using the screen solely as a touchscreen, though some don’t like it because of how far away the screen is. Mazda says that’s to keep your eyes in line with the road for a safer driving experience and they have a point.

Where the CX-30’s cabin loses points, however, is in the rear seat as it’s just not as spacious as many competitors. While the actual room available is okay – two six-footers should be fine for legroom and headroom – the small windows make it feel smaller than it actually is. Thankfully, there are door pockets, a central armrest with cupholders, a singular map pocket and air vents, though some charging ports would also be appreciated.

The boot of the CX-30 range measures 317 litres with the seats up, and 1281L with them folded, offering some of the smallest amount of room in the segment – a Qashqai, for example, features a 504L boot with 1447L available with the seats folded. On the plus side, the boot lip is low, and it’s also well finished – the rear seats also fold almost completely flat too.

On the road

While the CX-30’s cabin has its positives and negatives, the driving experience is almost all positive – especially for those who care about how a car drives. The CX-30’s handling is great, with a real sense of fun from the meaty steering feel to the tight chassis. Despite the sporty attitude, the ride is also comfortable and only larger bumps are really felt in the cabin. For those wanting a fun driving experience in the small SUV segment, the CX-30 is the way to go.

Unlike a lot of older Mazda products, the CX-30’s cabin is impressively hushed for road noise and even at highway speeds, conversation can easily be held with your passengers. We also love Mazda’s active safety features, which are so well engineered and can be quite subtle if you want them to be, or much noisier – it’s your choice.

Don’t like the audible warnings? Press the mute button to the right of the steering wheel. Don’t want the speed limit warning to be heard? Turn it off completely – and unlike a lot of other brands, it stays turned off permanently. The 360-degree camera is crisp and we love that a head-up display is standard across the range. Other brands could learn a lot from Mazda’s safety features.

From a performance perspective, the CX-30 Touring LE is no firecracker. The 2.0-litre engine is not
particularly fast, but nor is it that slow either. Around town, it’s totally fine, though at highway speeds it likes to rev. That’s no bad thing, as it sounds good and it’s engaging, but just know that if you’re doing more higher speed driving, we’d suggest upgrading to the larger 2.5-litre engine as it’s got 52Nm more torque and 25kW more power, but the real world fuel consumption difference is tiny. The six-speed automatic transmission is also excellent – it’s intuitive and feels great in a segment full of CVTs and unrefined dual-clutch ‘boxes.

Service and warranty

The CX-30 is covered by a simple five-year/unlimited km warranty, which looks short against rivals like MG and Nissan, though it at least includes five years of roadside assistance regardless of where the car is serviced.

The CX-30’s service intervals are once-yearly/every 15,000km (whichever comes first) and five years/75,000km of servicing costs $2251 ($450 per service), which isn’t cheap.

Verdict: should I buy a 2025 Mazda CX-30 Touring LE?

There’s no doubt that the CX-30 is a solid choice in the small SUV segment. It looks stylish and exotic, its cabin quality is excellent, it’s well equipped – particularly with safety features – and it’s great to drive with keen handling and a well-tuned suspension set-up.

Counting against the CX-30 are its small rear seat and boot, its expensive service pricing and its old-school drivetrain against more powerful and efficient hybrid alternatives. But if you like to drive, the CX-30 is a compelling option in the segment and even if you don’t, there’s more than enough to recommend it for smaller families.

CX-30 rivals

Nissan Qashqai
Toyota Corolla Cross
Subaru Crosstrek

The Audi A5 and S5 will shortly arrive in Australian Audi showrooms priced from $79,900 plus on-road costs with a five-model range announced by the German giant. As previously revealed, the former A4 and S4 are now called A5 and S5. While the A5 is only available as a sedan-looking liftback, the S5 can also be purchased as an Avant wagon (priced from $117,900 +ORC).

Audi has also announced pricing for a special Edition One variant of the S5 range with sporty black exterior styling details as standard. Pricing for the S5 edition one starts around $99,900 +ORC for the liftback and $102,900 for the Avant – a discount of $15,000 over the regular S5.

Two turbocharged petrol engines are available in the Audi A5 and S5 range locally. The A5 uses a 2.0-litre unit making 150kW of power at 340Nm of torque, while the S5 upgrades to a 3.0-litre V6 with 270kW and 550Nm. Both use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and while the A5 is front-wheel drive, the S5 uses the brand’s famous Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The A5 hits 100km/h in a claimed 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 248km/h while using a claimed 6.9L/100km of fuel with 157g/km of CO2. The S5 hits 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, yet officially uses just 0.2L/100km more than the A5 at 7.1L/100km and 162g/km of CO2 (the Avant adds 0.1L/100km and 1g/km).

2025 Audi A5 pricing (plus on-road costs):

Audi A5 standard equipment:

• 19-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit
• Automatic all-LED exterior lighting with Matrix adaptive high beam
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Auto-folding/heated/auto-dimming mirrors with auto-dipping on the passenger side
• Keyless entry and start
• Electric tailgate
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Electric front seats
• 11.9-inch digital driver’s display
• 14.5-inch touchscreen with online services for navigation, weather, etc
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation with live traffic
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• 10-speaker sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• 4x USB-C ports
• Eight airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with swerve, front turn and front cross-traffic assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality
• Lane departure warning with emergency assist
• Speed sign recognition
• Blind-spot monitoring with exit warning and rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic parking with front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree parking camera

S5 edition one adds:

• Quattro all-wheel drive
• Quattro sport differential
• S sport suspension
• Red brake callipers
• Black 19-inch alloy wheels
• Black exterior styling package
• Suede and leather upholstery
• Black roof rails (Avant)

S5 adds:

• Adaptive dampers
• Digital OLED tailights
• Aluminium mirror caps and roof rails (Avant)
• Rear privacy glass
• ‘Premium’ leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 685-watt 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Head-up display
• 10.9-inch front passenger display
• 30-colour cabin ambient lighting
• Electric steering column adjustment

A5 and S5 options:

• Style package (20-inch wheels, black styling package, privacy glass – A5 only): $3900
• Premium package (head-up display, high-powered USB charging ports, Bang & Olufsen sound system, acoustic glazing for front windows, colour ambient lighting – A5 only): $4900
• MMI pro package (head-up display, Bang & Olufsen sound system and high-powered USB charging ports – S5 edition one): $6000
• Premium paint (depending on model): $1200 – $9700 (Audi exclusive colours, only on S5)
• Black exterior styling package (S5 only, already standard on edition one): $2490
• Rear privacy glass (S5 edition one): $1100
• Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency: $4990
• Ventilated front seats (A5): $2200 ($2900 with beige or brown colouring)
• Different inlays (depending on model): $950 – $1100
• Upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system with speakers in the front headrests (S5): $980
• 10.9-inch front passenger display (A5 and S5 edition one): $1950

The Audi A5 and S5 will be available from local Audi showrooms soon, with local deliveries due to
commence soon.

Mazda Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for the updated CX-60 mid-size SUV range, which now starts $10,500 lower than before thanks to a new base model Pure, while a new mid-spec Touring has also been added. The brand has also made suspension and transmission changes aimed at making it more refined to drive.

The latest round of tweaks to the suspension include softer rear springs, firmer shock absorber settings and recalibrated stability control systems to improve overall handling and comfort, according to Mazda. The eight-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission has also seen changes to its clutch control for a smoother transition between the engine and electric motor.

Now better aligned with the larger seven-seat CX-80, the updated Mazda CX-60 starts at $50,240 plus on-road costs – or between $53,990 and $54,990 drive away – for the new entry-level Pure. To achieve the price cut for the Pure, Mazda has cut a number of features from the Evolve, including synthetic leather upholstery, an electric tailgate, 360-degree camera and wireless phone charger.

The Pure is still equipped with features such as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, keyless entry with push button start, cloth upholstery and safety features such as AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The now-second from base Evolve starts $55,240 +ORC, or $7560 less than before, and a new mid-spec Touring that effectively replaces the Evolve with the former Luxury Package is priced from $58,240 +ORC. At the higher points of the range, the GT and Azami have had their prices cut by up to $6560, and the range now tops out at $81,490 +ORC.

The Evolve has also added the formerly-optional Vision Technology Package as standard so a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, 360-degree camera, adaptive lane guidance, driver monitoring camera and front cross-traffic alert are standard equipment. The GT has also added this package as standard, and now features Matrix adaptive high beam functionality too.

As before, three engine choices are available in the CX-60 range: a 209kW/450Nm 3.3-litre turbo-petrol, a 187kW/550Nm 3.3-litre turbo-diesel and a 241kW/500Nm 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid, which each only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The claimed fuel consumption for the petrol remains at 7.4L/100km, the diesel 5.0L/100km and the PHEV just 2.1L/100km – with a fully charged battery.

2025 Mazda CX-60 pricing (plus on-road costs):

The updated Mazda CX-60 range will land in local Mazda dealers from June, and is available to
order now.