The Aston Martin Vantage S has been revealed as an even higher-performance version of the Vantage sports coupe. Now making 500kW of power, the Vantage S has also been given a number of performance upgrades to make it even faster than before, including suspension changes for greater driving feel.
The first part of the S transformation is an uprated version of the Vantage’s AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, making 500kW of power (+11kW) and 800Nm of torque (identical to the standard Vantage, but over a wider spread of rev range).
Like the standard Vantage, the S uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and hits 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker than the standard car) with the same top speed of 326km/h.
Aside from the engine, the Aston Martin Vantage S has also been given significant chassis upgrades to make it quicker point-to-point. Retuned front dampers have reportedly added better front-end steering feel, with revised rear suspension tuning giving better low speed ride quality.
The rear subframe is now mounted directly to the chassis for extra stiffness, while the steering directness has also been enhanced for greater feedback for the driver. The throttle pedal has been recalibrated for better feel, while camber, toe and caster settings have all been finessed to enhance the front-end’s mechanical grip when the car is under load, making it even faster through bends.
The final part of the S transformation is updated exterior and interior styling, with a new front bumper air dam and venturi vanes, which combined with under-body changes and a larger rear spoiler, add a claimed 67kg of downforce at the Vantage S’s top speed.
Other exterior changes include two bonnet blades in either gloss black or carbon fibre, hand-made forged brass S badges with red detailing on the front guards and bootlid and red trim on the front spoiler and rear diffuser, as well as optional new 21-inch alloy wheels with black and red detailing.
Inside the Vantage S is the same red and black theme as the exterior, with black leather and suede trims accompanied with red detailing such as the S badging and stitching. Buyers can also choose an optional silver or red knurled metal drive mode selector.
The Aston Martin Vantage S will likely land in Australia sometime in 2026, with pricing likely to be higher than the regular Vantage’s $410,000 plus on-road costs figure.
Chinese automaker BYD has revealed it will assume full liability for its L4-level autonomous parking system in a bold statement about its confidence in the technology.
The announcement, shared via BYD’s official Weibo and a press release, and reported by CarNewsChina, confirmed that the company’s ‘God’s Eye’ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) will soon receive its largest over-the-air (OTA) update yet. The update will enhance parking capabilities through new “three-speed parking” modes and improved situational awareness for complex parking scenarios.
The God’s Eye system, launched in February 2025, has already been deployed in more than one million BYD vehicles across China, including entry-level models like the BYD Seagull, priced at just 69,800 yuan (approx. A$14,875). BYD claims this rollout represents a major step toward “democratising autonomous driving”.
The standout feature of this update is the system’s Level 4 (L4) parking autonomy. Under the SAE-defined L4 classification, vehicles are capable of operating independently without human input under specific conditions – in this case, parking. BYD claims its L4 parking system complies with global standards and can execute fully autonomous parking manoeuvres.
What sets BYD apart in the automotive world is its commitment to assume full legal and financial responsibility for any incidents occurring due to faults in the autonomous parking system. If a malfunction results in property damage, personal injury, or vehicle damage, BYD pledges to cover all related costs – bypassing insurance claims and protecting drivers from premium hikes. It’s not clear as yet whether the commitment will apply outside of China.
“When accidents happen during parking, owners can report the incident directly to BYD. There’s no need to lodge an insurance claim,” the company said, adding that the aim is to shield drivers from higher future premiums.
BYD’s move is unprecedented, but it aligns with the growing race among automakers to deliver safer, smarter, and more autonomous driving systems. Globally, manufacturers such as Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai have integrated increasingly sophisticated driver-assist and automated parking functions into their vehicles.
Notable examples include:
- Mercedes-Benz has introduced its Drive Pilot system (Level 3) and Intelligent Park Pilot, which can autonomously park in designated areas if pre-mapped.
- Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package includes Smart Summon, allowing cars to navigate parking lots without driver input, though Tesla continues to describe its system as Level 2, requiring supervision.
- Hyundai’s Remote Smart Parking Assist enables drivers to step out and let the vehicle park itself — though still with human oversight.
As OTA updates roll out to BYD’s God’s Eye B and C platforms, the company says improvements will also extend to general driving and safety features. The move could set a new standard for transparency and accountability in the age of autonomous mobility, particularly as more automakers look to expand L3 and L4 offerings worldwide.
In a competitive EV market increasingly driven by software, BYD’s willingness to assume liability may prove to be as disruptive as its pricing strategy – and could well influence global regulation and insurance models in the future.
An Australian man is counting his blessings after narrowly escaping injury when his ute was struck by lightning and burst into flames on a rural New South Wales road.
Michael Sier, 57, was driving home from a job on Sunday afternoon when he found himself in the middle of a sudden lightning storm. Speaking with Yahoo News Australia, the tradesman recounted the terrifying moment just after he’d commented to himself about the deteriorating weather. “It just whacked the roof of the car, and I thought all four tyres blew up, or an elephant landed on me,” he said.
What actually hit him was a bolt of lightning. While Michael thankfully felt no electric shock, chaos immediately followed – his horn began to blare, the lights flickered wildly, and the cab filled with smoke.
He leapt out of the ute, only to discover the doors had automatically locked. “I then saw flames coming from the dash, and it was then that I started to panic a bit,” he told Yahoo. “It was just unbelievable.”
Determined to save his tools, Michael smashed a window and managed to pull out what he could before the fire engulfed the vehicle. Moments later, the ute was consumed by flames.
His daughter, Jessi, later shared her shock and relief on Facebook, writing:
“Dad definitely sung a high note yesterday after the roof of his ute was struck by lightning. He quickly pulled over with a smoky engine & enough time to grab a few things before the ute was up in flames! A few angels in the sky looking out for him, very lucky man.”
Michael filmed the smouldering wreck from a safe distance, capturing thick plumes of black smoke pouring into the sky. “Here’s me old ute, struck by lightning,” he can be heard saying. “She’s about buggered.”
The NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed the blaze was caused by a lightning strike, with eight firefighters and four trucks dispatched to the scene near Cooma.
“It was definitely lightning,” Michael said, before joking, “Can’t say I had any bombs on me at the time.”
Despite losing his vehicle, Michael escaped without injury – a fact that’s left both him and his family incredibly thankful.
According to Hyundai’s European technical chief Tyrone Johnson, the battle over the future of the manual gearbox is already over – and it lost.
“Nobody wants manual gearboxes and handbrakes anymore, or analogue instruments,” Johnson told Car Magazine in a recent interview, stating flatly that the manual transmission isn’t dying – it’s already dead.
It’s a bold claim, but one echoed by the broader trajectory of the automotive industry. Johnson, a seasoned performance engineer formerly with Ford and Jaguar, now heads Hyundai’s European development operations. He sees the industry’s shift toward electrification and digital integration as not just inevitable, but necessary – and already superior in many ways.
His comments come as Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N (above) continues to collect accolades, including the 2024–25 Wheels Car of the Year. A standout in Hyundai’s EV performance line-up, the IONIQ 5 N features an innovative system called N e-shift, which uses software, paddle shifters and sound generation to mimic the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – right down to synthetic gear changes and engine revs.
It’s not a gimmick, Johnson argues, but a way to maintain the emotional connection that car lovers crave. “You can do some really clever things,” he noted, adding that the future of driver engagement lies in software, not mechanical parts.
The declining popularity of manuals is not just about driver preference. From a development standpoint, building cars with both manual and automatic options increases cost and complexity – especially with the rise of advanced driver-assistance systems and emissions regulations. In the U.S., Hyundai’s Elantra N still offered a manual last year, but the take rate was only 30 per cent.
Johnson also pointed out that younger buyers expect digital tech, not analog nostalgia. Fully digital dashboards, electronic gear selectors, and drive-by-wire systems are now the norm, even in performance cars. The IONIQ 5 N doesn’t just replace the manual – it reimagines the experience entirely.
While a few manual models still exist, they’re rapidly becoming niche. As EV performance continues to outpace petrol counterparts, the manual gearbox looks increasingly like a relic – one that, in Johnson’s view, belongs to history, not the future.
Check the July 2025 issue of Wheels magazine, currently on sale, for our cover story on the remaining manual coupes on sale in Australia in the form of the Nissan Z, Toyota GR Supra GT and Ford Mustang GT (above).
Mercedes-Benz has announced a new Special Edition variant within the A-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB ranges, with up to $4800 worth of complimentary equipment. New features include sportier exterior styling pieces, new interior trims and a new paint colour.
All variants in the new Special Edition ranges are equipped with the Night Package as standard, which adds high-gloss black trim elements such as the tailpipe trims and side sill panels.
The A-Class and CLA feature 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, while the GLA and GLB feature larger 20-inch units.
The A 200, CLA 200, GLA 200 and GLB 200 Special Editions also add a panoramic sunroof, which was previously standard in the 250 4Matic-badged variants.
Inside the new Special Editions, grey seatbelts with grey contrast stitching feature on the seats, dashboard and door panels, while the GLA Special Edition features a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim and the GLB Special Edition features a carbon-structure finish.
The Special Edition also introduces a new ‘Alpine Grey’ colour from the brand’s ‘Manufaktur’ paint program, which is a no-cost extra along with other metallic paint options.
Mercedes-Benz Special Edition pricing (plus on-road costs):
| A 200 hatchback | $57,500 |
|---|---|
| A 250 4Matic hatchback | $73,800 |
| A 200 sedan | $75,400 |
| A 250 4Matic sedan | $75,400 |
| CLA 200 | $73,200 |
| CLA 250 4Matic | $87,600 |
| GLA 200 | $63,600 |
| GLA 250 4Matic | $80,500 |
| GLB 200 | $67,600 |
| GLB 250 4Matic | $85,800 |
The Mercedes-Benz Compacts Special Editions are available to order now, with local deliveries due to commence soon.
Ahead of an early 2026 local release, GM Australia New Zealand has announced a new limited edition of the Corvette hypercar called the Stingray R.
Dubbed a “sneak peak” of the mid-life update for the C8 generation, the Stingray R is based on the 3LT model of the Corvette range and adds a number of special trim pieces.
Only 50 units of the Stingray R will be available for Australia, painted in either ‘Blade Silver Metallic’, ‘Torch Red’ or ‘Arctic White’.
In addition to those colours, the limited Corvette Stingray R launch edition features a distinctive Stingray R Appearance Package with 20-spoke gloss black forged aluminium wheels with red stripe, a carbon fibre roof and a unique Stingray R build plate, among other unique features.
According to GM, the Stingray R launch edition “delivers exclusivity and an elevated driving experience in a limited-edition package”.
The drivetrain of the C8 Corvette remains with the Stingray R, with the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine still making 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and grunt is sent to the rear wheels only.
The mid-life update for the Chevrolet Corvette has seen a new dashboard design, with a toned down middle wall adding more space to the cabin, and new infotainment features such as live services with Google Built-In and over-the-air updates.
The Stingray R will be the first facelifted C8 Corvette to reach Australia, with local pricing for the Stingray, E-Ray and Z06 models to be announced later this year.
MY26 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R pricing (plus on-road costs):
| Stingray R | $235,000 |
|---|
Stingray R additional features over Corvette 3LT:
- Carbon fibre roof
- Stingray R appearance package
- Black rocker panel extensions
- 19-inch front/20-inch rear gloss black wheels with red stripe
- Red brake callipers
- Black exhaust tips
- Engine appearance package
- Red engine cover
- Carbon exterior badges and trim pieces
- Black Nappa leather upholstery
- GT2 seats
- Red seatbelts
- Stealth interior trim with carbon fibre inserts
- Build plate
The first examples of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R launch edition will land locally in early 2026.
Hyundai has revealed a new infotainment software system called ‘Pleos Connect’, which is expected to be introduced in future models such as the Tucson and i30 Sedan.
Employing a huge Tesla-style screen that will transform new Hyundai products, the new software is based on the Android Automotive operating system.
Set to feature on the next-generation i30 Sedan (Avante in South Korea and Elantra in North America) first, with the next-generation Tucson afterwards, according to Korea’s ET News, the Pleos Connect system is the first development from Hyundai’s new Pleos software division.
Pleos Connect will reportedly use a similar user environment to a smartphone and will allow users to operate the screen through a multi-window function with multiple apps simultaneously on one screen.
Pleos Connect will also be equipped with Gleo AI, which is an artificial intelligence that can accurately recognise the user’s voice commands to control the vehicle. It can reportedly process complex requests such as setting a destination and playing music at once, and will naturally respond to questions about various information such as weather and traffic information.
The system will display on a huge infotainment screen similar to those Tesla and other car makers use, with physical buttons being minimised. But Hyundai has also recognised the need for information being displayed elsewhere than the central touchscreen, so will also install a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.
Hyundai has also announced that Pleos Connect will be joined by an app store called Pleos Playground, which will allow third-party developers to develop apps for the system for users to download. Hyundai estimates that Pleos Connect will feature in over 20 million cars by 2030.
Hyundai is yet to reveal which cars will be first to feature the new Pleos system, however, the next-generation i30 Sedan is likely to be the first when it debuts sometime in early 2026.
A new Ti grade of the Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid will see $5200 cut from the current price, sitting below the current Ti-L model.
Priced from $47,165 plus on-road costs, the Qashqai Ti e-Power does without features such as Bose audio, a panoramic glass roof and power tailgate compared with the more expensive Ti-L e-Power.
Under the bonnet of the Qashqai Ti e-Power is the same 140kW/330Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid set up, which uses the engine as a generator to charge the 1.8kWh battery instead of it directly powering the wheels. It’s rated at 4.8L/100km for combined fuel consumption, and 112g/km for combined CO2 emissions.
There have been no other updates to the Qashqai model line-up for the 2026 model year.
2025 Nissan Qashqai pricing (plus on-road costs):
| ST | $34,665 |
|---|---|
| ST-L | $38,665 |
| Ti | $42,965 |
| Ti e-Power | $47,165 (new) |
| Ti-L | $48,165 (new) |
| Ti-L e-Power | $52,365 (new) |
| N-Design e-Power | $54,365 (new) |
Qashqai Ti e-Power standard features:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic lights and wipers
- LED exterior lighting including adaptive high beam
- Keyless entry with push button start
- Roof rails
- Rear privacy glass
- Heated leather steering wheel
- Leather and faux leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 8-way electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and memory functionality
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
- 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
- 12.3-inch infotainment system with Nissan Connected Car Services
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charger
- 7x airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
- Adaptive lane guidance
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic rear braking
- Intelligent driver alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
The Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power is now available to order ahead of the first deliveries commencing soon.
For half a century, the BMW 3 Series has reigned as the definitive compact executive sedan. Since its global launch in 1975, the 3 Series has sold more than 20 million units and set the standard for premium driving dynamics, design, and innovation.
In Australia, it remains the brand’s top-selling model with over 191,000 registered units since VFACTS records began and various awards have accrued to the model over the years.
As the 3 Series turns 50, BMW celebrates a model that has not only shaped its brand but also helped define its segment.
E21: The foundations of a legend (1975–1983)
The first-generation E21 debuted at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show. With a design by Paul Bracq, the car established key BMW styling cues like the double-kidney grille, twin headlamps and Hofmeister kink. The E21’s driver-oriented dashboard set a precedent for all future BMWs.
Performance came from 1.6–2.3-litre engines, and in 1977 it became the first in its class to offer a six-cylinder. Lightweight materials and advanced fuel injection systems followed. Motorsport success soon arrived, including in Australia, where it wore liveries like John Player Special.
Trivia: More than 4,500 Baur-converted convertibles were produced. The E21’s angled dashboard became a hallmark BMW feature.
E30: Style, versatility and new heights of racing success (1982–1994)
The E30 expanded the 3 Series family, adding a four-door sedan and convertible. Most notably, it birthed the iconic M3. With up to 175kW and a race-ready chassis, the M3 won globally and even took out the 1987 Australian Touring Car Championship with Jim Richards.
Trivia: The Touring variant began as a home project by a BMW engineer. The E30 also introduced BMW’s first AWD system via the 325ix.
E36: Major advances across the board, and even broader appeal (1990–2000)
The third-gen E36 delivered coupe-inspired styling, improved comfort and more body styles than ever: Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, Touring and Compact. Its motorsport pedigree continued with a Bathurst 1000 win in 1997.
Trivia: The Compact three-door hatchback debuted in 1994. Safety and impact protection also took a leap forward.
E46: Breakthroughs in capability, safety and efficiency (1997–2006)
Offering sharper design, more comfort and tech such as Valvetronic engines, the E46 became a modern classic. Safety improved with standard ABS and six airbags. The E46 M3 CSL remains one of BMW’s most celebrated driver’s cars.
Trivia: The M54 engine was the first all-aluminium six-cylinder in the range. The CSL is widely hailed as an enthusiast favourite.
E90–E93: Embracing modernity (2005–2013)
The fifth generation brought new tech, such as the iDrive system and turbocharged engines. It won World Car of the Year and introduced the first M3 with a V8. Design elements came from the Coupe and Sedan to form a distinctive M3 Sedan.
Trivia: The 335i was the first turbo petrol 3 Series. BMW M also built a fully functioning M3 ute for internal use.
F30–F34: Electrification, personalisation and a model restructuring (2011–2018)
With the F30 came hybrid variants, including the 330e. All engines became turbocharged. Personalisation increased through trim lines and options, while the 3 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe split off into the new 4 Series family.
Trivia: The M3 and M4 received their own designations: F80 and F82. The Gran Turismo added practicality with a longer wheelbase.
G20: Epitome of design, refinement and powertrain diversity (2018–)
The current G20 generation features a sleek, modern design and broad powertrain range—petrol, diesel, PHEV, and M Performance. It integrates BMW Operating System 8.5, Curved Display, and Intelligent Personal Assistant. It remains a class leader and Carsales’ 2019 Car of the Year.
Trivia: The G20 combines digital innovation with heritage design cues like short overhangs and twin circular headlights.
Special edition model for Australia to mark 50th anniversary
To honour the 50-year milestone, BMW Australia has launched the 3 Series 50 Jahre Edition. Based on the M340i xDrive, this collector’s model features Anthracite Metallic paint, carbon-fibre trim, jet black 19-inch wheels and red M Sport brakes. Powered by a 285kW inline-six engine and paired with xDrive all-wheel drive, it’s limited to just 50 units and priced at $127,600. Deliveries will begin in Q4 2025.
From its motorsport pedigree to technological evolution, the BMW 3 Series continues to exemplify what it means to be the ultimate driving machine – now and into the future.
Check the August 2025 of Wheels magazine, on sale July 28, for a more in-depth history of the BMW Series 3 by Andy Enright.
If you’re of the opinion that all new cars are wildly overpriced, then the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO are about to drive straight through your beliefs.
The Chery’s value-packed proposition is proving popular with buyers, its 7996 sales so far in 2025 (to the end of June) putting it fourth in the small SUV segment, though its price and size put it closer to the light SUV segment where it would be snapping at the heels of the leading Mazda CX-3.
Mahindra is hoping to capture a significant slice of this action with its new baby, so how does it stack up against Wheels’ current Best Value Small SUV?
Pricing
Razor-sharp pricing is key to the appeal of the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO and there’s nothing splitting them, the entry-level variants costing $23,990 with the up-spec ones $26,990 and both prices are drive away.
For a limited time, the Mahindra has a slight upper hand with an introductory offer until August 31 of $23,490 driveaway for the XUV 3XO AX5L and $26,490 for the XUV 3XO AX7L. Either way, your new car’s name will double as a very handy secure password.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll concentrate on the higher-spec variants, so be aware some features may disappear if you go down a rung.
Chery offers red as standard with other colours an extra $500, whereas it’s white for the Mahindra with other options $495.
There are slight differences in aftersales coverage, Chery offering a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assistance, which Mahindra matches bar capping the warranty at 150,000km.
Servicing for the XUV 3XO is required every 12 months or 15,000km (bar the first at 10,000km) with a capped figure of $1994 for the first six years or 85,000km, whichever comes first.
Over the same period the Chery costs $1838.79, with the first five visits capped at $289 apiece, required every 12 months or 15,000km.
Dimensions
While we wouldn’t recommend either of the Chery Tiggo 4 or Mahindra XUV 3XO for transporting the local rugby club, given their relatively diminutive size both offer reasonable space for four adults.
The Mahindra is a sizeable 361mm shorter than the Chery, its sub-4m length gaining it a tax concession in its native India, but otherwise the two are virtually identical in terms of size. The XUV’s truncated overhangs will also make it king of the parallel park.
One thing worth noting in the fine print. On a cursory glance the Mahindra’s 364-litre boot is remarkably similar to the Chery’s 380 litres, which seems incredible given its smaller length, but that figure is measured to the roof rather than the top of the rear seats. Measured in the same fashion, the Chery claims 500 litres.
| Chery Tiggo 4 | Mahindra XUV 3XO | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4351mm | 3990mm |
| Width | 1831mm | 1821mm |
| Height | 1662mm | 1647mm |
| Wheelbase | 2610mm | 2600mm |
| Weight | 1388kg | 1392-1410kg |
| Luggage space | 500 litres* | 364 litres* |
*measured to roof
Equipment
Given their respective price tags, the feature lists of the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO are incredible: faux-leather trim, alloy wheels, LED lighting, glass roofs, cooled gloveboxes and more.
It’s not just trinketry, either, with basics like rear air vents often overlooked even in much more expensive cars.
| Chery Tiggo 4 | Mahindra XUV 3XO | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 17-inch | 18-inch |
| Headlights | LED | LED |
| Sunroof | X | X |
| Seats | Six-way manual driver’s, four-way manual passenger | Six-way powered driver’s, four-way manual passenger |
| Upholstery | Artificial leather | Artificial leather |
| Heated seats | Front | – |
| Steering adjustment | Height and reach | Height only |
| Push button start | X | X |
| Climate control | Dual-zone | Dual-zone |
| Stereo | Six-speaker Sony | Seven-speaker Harmon/Kardon |
| USB ports | 1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C front and rear | 1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C front; 1 x USB-C rear |
| Cooled glovebox | – | X |
| Rear air vents | X | X |
Powertrains
Your need for speed won’t be sated here but thanks to the turbochargers attached to their small, four-cylinder petrol engines, the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO have enough low-end grunt to keep up with traffic.
The downside of such small engines is they need to be worked a bit harder and fuel consumption is possibly higher than you might expect in day-to-day use, but both are happy on 91 RON fuel.
| Chery Tiggo 4 | Mahindra XUV 3XO | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol | 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol |
| Outputs | 108kW/210Nm | 82kW/200Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | Six-speed automatic |
| Fuel consumption | 7.3L/100km* | 6.5L/100km* |
*combined claim
Safety
It’s remarkable that these sharply-priced offerings pack safety equipment that was the preserve of high-end premium machinery not too long ago.
The Chery Tiggo 4 wears a five-star ANCAP rating with scores of 88 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 79 per cent for vulnerable road user protection (ie pedestrians) and 85 per cent for safety assist.
Seven airbags, including a front-centre airbag, are backed by forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and departure warning, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, speed assist and driver monitoring.
Parking is assisted by rear sensors, a reversing camera and 360-degree monitor, while ISOFIX points on the outboard rear seats and a trio of top tethers are available for securing the kids.
The Mahindra is currently unrated by ANCAP and while its safety offering is comprehensive, it does lack a few features compared to the Chery, notably the front-centre airbag (for six in total), rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, though there is an indicator-activated display.
Otherwise, it still boasts plenty of features, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise with stop & go function, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and more. Both cars also offer tyre pressure monitoring, which is handy for early identification of leaks.
Technology
Once again, the technology offerings of the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO defy their price and positioning. Both offer a pair of 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and driver instrumentation, wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and charging and digital radio.
It’s worth noting that neither offers native satellite navigation, but we suspect few buyers will even know, instead using the maps functionality through their phone. In the higher variants there are branded premium stereos, and the Mahindra has a 65W USB-C port capable of charging larger electronic devices like laptops.
Conclusion
There is an element of “can’t go wrong” here. The Chery Tiggo 4 and Mahindra XUV 3XO will leave you with plenty of change from $30,000 parked on your driveway, have long warranties, bulging equipment lists, plenty of safety equipment and they even look pretty good, too.
While the Chery has a few more features and greater grunt (albeit with a greater thirst), picking between these two may simply be down to your space requirements.
The Mahindra’s compact dimensions come at the expense of luggage space, but then it might be the perfect size to sneak into the spot right outside your house in the tightly packed inner-city street.
The Hyundai Venue is the most obvious rival, but if you’re not wedded to the idea of an SUV, the Suzuki Swift is similar in size and price and much more frugal. The Chery and Mahindra also offer an interest brand-new alternative to used examples of the Mazda CX-3, Toyota Yaris Cross and Skoda Kamiq.
