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Hyundai

Until November 30: ‘Hyundai SUV Event’

Hyundai Tucson

• $1500 factory bonus on pre-July 2023 production vehicles (all variants)

Hyundai Santa Fe

• $2000 factory bonus on pre-July 2023 production vehicles (V6 and diesel variants)

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Hyundai Palisade

• $2000 factory bonus on pre-July 2023 production vehicles (Elite only)

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Isuzu Ute

Isuzu D-Max

• D-Max SX 1.9L 4×2 single-cab cab-chassis manual: $31,990 drive-away (RRP: $32,200)
• D-Max X-Terrain 3.0L 4×4 dual-cab pick-up auto: $64,990 drive-away (RRP: $67,500)

Isuzu MU-X

• MU-X LS-T 4×4: $65,990 drive-away (RRP: $67,400)

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Jeep

Complimentary model upgrade

• No-cost upgrade from Gladiator Night Eagle to Rubicon: $9000 saving
• No-cost upgrade from Grand Cherokee Limited to Overland: $14,500 saving
• No-cost upgrade from Grand Cherokee L Limited to Overland: $14,500 saving
• No-cost upgrade from Grand Cherokee L Overland to Summit Reserve: $16,200 saving

Jeep Compass

• Compass Night Eagle (demonstrator examples): $39,950 drive-away (RRP: $41,400)

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Jeep Gladiator

• MY22 demonstrator Gladiator Night Eagle: $69,950 drive-away (RRP: $78,250)

Jeep Grand Cherokee

• MY22 demonstrator Grand Cherokee L Night Eagle (7-seat): $75,950 drive-away (RRP: $82,750)
• Grand Cherokee Night Eagle (5-seat): $77,950 drive-away (RRP: $77,950)

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Jeep Wrangler

• MY23 demonstrator Wrangler Night Eagle: $74,950 drive-away (RRP: $81,450)

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Kia

Kia EV6 GT finance offer

• Available for new or demonstrator EV6 GT vehicles financed with Kia and sold and delivered between 1 November and 31 December 2023
• Complimentary seven-year service plan (valued at $2309)
• Kia Max three-phase in-home charger (excludes installation costs)

Until November 30: Drive-away offers

• Picanto GT-Line auto: $21,390 drive-away (RRP: $19,340)
• Cerato S auto (hatch/sedan): $27,890 drive-away (RRP: $26,290)
• Stonic GT-Line auto: $32,490 drive-away (RRP: $30,790)

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LDV

LDV T60 Max

• $4000 off the drive-away price: Pro, Luxe and Max Mega Tub

LDV D90

• $2000 off the drive-away price: 2WD, Executive 2WD, Executive 4WD, Executive 4WD diesel

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LDV G10

• $1500 off the drive-away price: G10+ diesel and petrol

LDV V80

• $1500 off the drive-away price: SWB low roof, LWB mid roof and LWB high roof

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LDV Mifa

• $4000 off the drive-away price: Mode, Executive and Luxe

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Mazda

November 24 to 27: ‘Mazda 4 Days of Deals’

Mazda CX-5

• CX-5 Maxx 2.0-litre FWD: $39,990 drive-away

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Mazda BT-50

• BT-50 XT dual-cab pick-up: $53,310 drive-away
• BT-50 XTR dual-cab pick-up: $57,310 drive-away
• Business customers, all BT-50 variants: Deferred repayments for three months for applicants using Mazda Finance (offer available until January 31, 2024)

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Mercedes-Benz

Select Mercedes-AMG models

Complimentary on-road costs: A35, A45 S, CLA 45 S, C43 two-door, C63 S two-door, E 53 Coupe, GLA 35, GLA 45 S, GLB 35, GLC 43 coupe, GLC 63 S Coupe, GLC 63 S, GLE 53, GLE 63 S, GLE 53 Coupe

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Mitsubishi

Drive-away offers

Mitsubishi has drive-away offers available for the ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Outlander PHEV, Pajero Sport and Triton.

For more information, click here [↗].

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Nissan

November 17 to 20: ‘Navarathon’

• 3.9 per cent comparison rate with Nissan Financial Services
• $2000 of genuine accessories
• Three free services

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Peugeot

Peugeot 508

• 508 GT Fastback: $62,990 drive-away (RRP: $63,431, now discontinued)
• 508 GT Sportswagon: $64,990 drive-away (RRP: $65,657, now discontinued)

Peugeot 2008

• 2008 Allure: $34,990 drive-away (RRP: $38,945)

Peugeot 5008

• 5008 GT Sport: $63,990 drive-away (RRP: $65,657)

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Peugeot Boxer

• Boxer Pro Long (MY22): $49,990 drive-away (RRP: $52,990)

Peugeot finance offers

For more information on offers available from Peugeot Financial Services, click here [↗].

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Skoda

Skoda 7-7-7 offer

Skoda finance offers

For more information on offers available from Skoda Choice finance, click here [↗].

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Subaru

Until November 30: Subaru service plan

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Tesla

Tesla Model 3 inventory

Can’t wait for the updated Model 3 to arrive between January and March 2024 with price rises?

Tesla Australia has an existing inventory of the pre-update model available for immediate delivery. For more details, click here [↗].

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen finance offers

For more information on offers available from Volkswagen Financial Services until December 31, 2023, click here [↗].

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Volvo

Mild-hybrid run-out

Demonstrator clearance until November 30 for XC40, XC60 and XC90 mild-hybrid vehicles: Examples available for immediate delivery.

Volvo S60 and V60 Cross Country

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The 2025 Subaru Forester has debuted at the Los Angeles auto show.

Evolutionary in its styling, the sixth-generation Forester draws on the design of its boxy predecessors, while taking inspiration from the latest WRX, Outback and Crosstrek models.

“We’re incredibly excited about the global reveal of the next generation Subaru Forester and we look forward to sharing more information about this model for the Australian market in due course,” said Subaru Australia.

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While Subaru claimed the new mid-size SUV is “an all-new fully redesigned vehicle”, it is a reskin of the current model, with the same Global Platform underpinnings and 2.5-litre boxer engine.

There’s a squarer design with new headlights sporting a slim DRL signature, a wider grille, triangular fog lamps, additional body cladding, and bronze highlights for the North American Sport variant.

The current model’s slightly angular glasshouse gives way to a more open, rectangular space reminiscent of the third and fourth-gen Forester, ‘symmetrical AWD’ badging is prominently displayed on the D-pillar line, and the body cladding is akin to the WRX and Crosstrek.

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Replacing the claw-shaped tail-lights found in the current Forester, the new-look design is connected by a black strip running across the tailgate, similar to the Toyota-based Subaru Solterra electric SUV.

The rear bumper features chunkier plastic cladding, and dual fake exhaust outlets with a visible cutout for a small exhaust pipe on one side.

Inside, the Forester is aligned with the Outback, WRX and Crosstrek, featuring an available 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system, less physical controls, USB-C charge ports, a wireless phone charger, and ventilated front seats.

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However, unlike the Japanese-spec WRX and Outback, it does not feature a full-digital instrument cluster, with a small central driver information display flanked by analogue dials.

Under the bonnet, the existing 2.5-litre petrol flat-four produces 134kW and 241Nm, down 2kW but up 2Nm. It remains paired with a “smoother and quieter” continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Like the smaller Impreza and Crosstrek, Subaru has fitted a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic steering rack for a “more direct and natural steering feel and greater responsiveness”.

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Torsional rigidity is up 10 per cent, while “stronger welding techniques and additional structural adhesive” are said to have improved dynamics, comfort and noise levels compared to the outgoing model.

Subaru’s US division has confirmed a hybrid Forester will debut for model-year 2026. It is unclear if it will be the same “stronger” variant promised for Australia as a more powerful version of the current 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid flat-four, hopefully improving acceleration and efficiency.

This will be followed by turbo-petrol Forester XT – expected to share the Outback’s 183kW/350Nm 2.4-litre turbo – and off-road-focused Forester Wilderness variants.

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The EyeSight active safety suite has been enhanced with a third, mono camera, a “wider field of view”, updated software, an electric brake booster and faster vulnerable road user detection.

An emergency stop function will halt the vehicle, activate the hazards and unlock the doors if the driver becomes unresponsive to adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist warnings.

It also features a rear seat reminder and automatic steering for the blind-spot alert when a potential collision is detected at speeds lower than 80km/h.

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Earlier this year, Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read said the brand had invested heavily in the sixth-generation Forester and plans to “bring its A-game” with the new model.

“Forester is our number one selling model, and we need to bring our A-game in that segment, to keep Forester’s rightful place. So [our current] focus is [very much] on next-generation Forester,” he said.

The 2025 Subaru Forester is due in American showrooms between March and May 2024. Local details – including official timing, pricing and features – will be confirmed closer to its local launch, which is expected later next year.

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the MG4 XPower, you might be aware of one rather controversial addition to the Chinese-made, British-badged 320kW all-paw hatchback: bright orange clip-on caliper covers straight off Wish-dot-com, described as “orange ‘XPOWER’ brake calipers”.

For the hot hatch purist this kind of peacocking is the absolute antithesis of the genre, but should a vehicle be judged entirely on one marketing choice? Absolutely not.

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The XPower could be a diamond, especially given the praise that’s been heaped on the regular MG4.

Plus, the XPower is good value. If you’d told us 10 years ago that an electric hot hatch would be able to sprint from rest to licence-losing speeds in 3.8 seconds, all for $59,990 (before on-road costs), and without sacrificing niceties such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring we’d have laughed you out of the room.

Something has to give. Our hunch is that, like the braking situation, MG may have glossed over engineering excellence in favour of headline figures.

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JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space and storage
• What is it like to drive?
• What’s the MG4’s driving range and charging speed?
• How safe is it?
• Warranty and running costs
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it, and what do you get?

This is the MG4 flagship, the most expensive of the lot, and it’s essentially identical inside to the regular Essence trim aside from some orange stitching on the seats. There’s also an exclusive satin finish in the Hunter Green paint hue you see here.

The Essence is luckily packed with standard kit such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto high beam, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a connected phone app (with charge scheduling, HVAC controls and more), voice control, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster.

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How do rivals compare on value?

When looking at outputs alone, the $59,990 Cupra Born with ‘just’ 170kW and 310Nm looks pretty sorry for itself. Hell, even a slower Golf R is dearer than the electric MG4 ($70,590).

Dig deeper, though, and the Born’s 511km WLTP range, (optional) grippy Michelin tyres, adaptive dampers, and supportive bucket seats make it the connoisseur’s choice.

There’s also much better value in MG’s stable. The MG4 Essence 77kWh, for example, is $4000 cheaper with a 180kW rear motor (trust us, it’s plenty), and extends WLTP range to 530km from a charge.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

Like any hot hatch, the MG4 XPower benefits from its donor car’s great packaging. There’s plenty of room in the back for at least two six-foot adults and a well-sized 350-litre boot with a shopping bag hook and light (though no spare tyre).

In the front, there are nice packaging touches such as a deep central cubby, covered storage area, netting (that’s great for keys or garage buzzers), two cup holders, grippy door bins, and a rubberised wireless charging pad ahead of the rotary shifter complemented by USB-A, USB-C and 12-volt charging points.

The comfortable front seats are trimmed in a mix of suede-cloth and faux-leather with manual adjust (the passenger does without height adjustment) though they aren’t supportive enough for a sporty vehicle. The Cupra Born has sexier buckets that hug and reassure the driver through corners – MG has missed a trick here.

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Generally, the cabin vibe is subdued for such a grunty little car, with only orange stitching telling you that this is The Fast One.

The standard car’s Allegro-esque quartic steering wheel remains (it’s great in the hand), as does the slow-to-respond on buttonless start-up rotary gear selector.

MG’s tech interface is fine (and clearly inspired by Cupra’s) but we noticed the XPower’s software looked a little older than our latest experience in Excite/Essence trims. It lacked persistent climate controls on the home screen and we found voice control to be essentially unusable.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work through a wired connection with neat little cable tunnels running up to the rubberised pad near the shifter. The six-speaker sound system is a noticeable improvement over the base Excite’s four-speaker set-up.

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What is it like to drive?

The MG4 XPower is largely an understated transformation into a performance car. Not a bad thing if the money’s been poured into making this hatch a serious driver’s machine, of course.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Starting with the tyres that may be wrapped around sportier-looking 18-inch alloys but in truth are identical to the Essence’s rubber: 235/45 R18 Bridgestone Turanze T005 EV touring tyres. Not the kind of high-performance rubber (such as a Michelin Pilot Sport 4S) you want for enthusiastic driving or track days.

They struggle to put all the MG’s grunt – with 150kW front and 170kW rear electric motors totalling 320kW/600Nm – to the tarmac, even with all-wheel drive grip, ‘intelligent motor control’ torque vectoring, and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

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We couldn’t match MG’s claimed 3.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration time. Our best effort had the VBOX showing 4.1 seconds with 0-60km/h (the traffic light grand prix) coming up in 2.1 seconds. 

It’s hard to complain about acceleration that rapid when things feel relatively controlled, save for some front axle scrabbling and a bit of old-school steering corruption.

Speed is one thing but a true hot hatch should be dripping with handling prowess and chassis feel. A great one will instill enough confidence in the driver to be able to match the speed of much higher-performance cars on a technical backroad.

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And, despite MG fitting new springs, anti-roll bars and changing damper characteristics to stiffen the suspension by 25 per cent, the XPower is very much overwhelmed by grunt.

The steering has no more feel than the standard car’s despite requiring less lock (2.6 vs 2.9 turns lock-to-lock) so it’s still hard to judge grip levels.

Tip the XPower into a tight off-camber bend and one of two things will happen. With the right amount of trail braking, the car will roll and settle on its outside rear. This is good, and you can then use the throttle to steer out, though there’s not enough roll support to make this feel controlled and you really feel all 1800kg working against you.

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Barrel in a little too quickly, or pick up the throttle too soon, and the XPower’s short-travel pedal lightens the front end and knocks the car into scrappy understeer.

The sensation is only amplified in damp conditions.

The ride quality is good on bumpy roads though, so MG hasn’t ruined the hatchback’s usability by making it too stiff. There are also customisable buttons on the steering wheel that can be set to adjust drive mode and regenerative braking power on the fly, which is appreciated.

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Brake feel isn’t noticeably improved over the regular MG4, with single-piston sliding calipers clamping 345mm ventilated front rotors.

We’d appreciate a more solid pedal feel, though the power proved adequate with our VBOX recording a 36-metre 100-0km/h stop.

The XPower isn’t a bad steer, but it could be so much better. We’d have preferred revised front-end geometry with more castor and camber to improve steering feel and grip, a better steering calibration, and higher-quality (even adaptive) dampers – perhaps provided by Sachs or Bilstein.

As it stands, the regular rear-drive MG4 offers a more delicate and rewarding driving experience than the heavier, faster XPower. There was a chance to spiritually revive BMW’s E81 130i hatch in an electric age. Instead, MG listened to the corrupting call of power when it came to developing the XPower.

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• What is a Powertrain or Drivetrain?
• Power vs torque
• Car suspension explained
• Automatic transmissions (‘gearboxes’) explained
• Chassis control systems explained
• Car vs Ute vs SUV: How the vehicle you buy should guide the way you drive
• What is the WLTP emissions and range test?

Fitted with the mid-size 62.1kWh NCM lithium-ion battery (marketed by its gross 64kWh capacity) the twin-motor XPower is rated at 385km driving range in the WLTP cycle, against 435km for the Essence and 530km 77kWh Long Range.

Over our time with the XPower – which included regularly indulging in all the grunt on offer – we saw 17.6kWh/100km, for 351km of driving range – not too far off the WLTP rating.

It charges quickly for the class with 140kW (DC) peak speeds – verified on a local rapid charger – promising 10-80 per cent recuperation (39 to 308km of driving range) in as little as 26 minutes.

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How safe is it?

The 2024 MG4 was awarded five stars in ANCAP testing under the 2020-2022 criteria.

The MG4 misses a centre airbag, though is equipped with many driver aids including AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

We found the systems to be tuned better than, say, Chery’s, but still overzealous and snappy in their interventions compared to the best in the business, such as Volkswagen.

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Warranty and running costs

The MG4 is backed by a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and an equal period of capped-price servicing.

Maintenance is due every 24 months/40,000km and will cost $1478 over six years.

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VERDICT

The brake caliper covers don’t make this a bad car, but they are a perfect allegory for the XPower experience.

Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Essence for performance driving – lifeless steering, flat seats, and low tyre grip – MG has thrown in an extra motor and nearly doubled the power. It doesn’t even have stickier performance tyres.

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Looking at it away from the hot hatch purist lens, the XPower doesn’t make much more sense, either.

It’s fast, yeah, but you rarely get to indulge in that pace. The extra power and added weight mean its driving range is compromised and there’s little sense of occasion as you step inside.

If you’re looking for a rewarding and athletic electric vehicle under $65K the Cupra Born does a better job, and if you want the optimal MG4 we’d lean towards the $4000 cheaper Essence 77kWh.

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The Nissan Patrol has long been synonymous with rugged luxury and a commanding presence, offering a blend of premium features, robust performance and unparalleled road presence– come on, it screams off-roader.

It’s also one of the last standing V8 SUVs, actually not even just SUV anymore for that matter.

So in a segment where size and luxury matter, does the Patrol Ti-L maintain its iconic status?

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Pricing and features

Pricing for the top-spec Nissan Patrol comes in a quite premium at $105,873 drive-away based on a NSW postcode. This positions it about $13,330 more expensive than the entry-level Ti variant.

A single petrol option is on offer, a hefty 5.6L naturally aspirated V8 motor producing 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque. It has a baked towing capacity equivalent to direct rivals at 3500kg.

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Investing the extra dosh into the Ti-L model adds extra features like an intelligent rear-view monitor, entertainment screens for the second-row seats and a driver’s seat memory function with two settings that also remember the positions of your side mirrors and steering column.

The interior of the Ti-L is further enhanced with a 13-speaker premium Bose sound system, through a CD player– haven’t seen one of those in years.

Additionally, it offers heated and cooled front seats and a sunroof. Moreover, surprisingly unlike the base spec Ti, the Ti-L comes equipped with roof rails.

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Moving up to the Ti-L adds plenty of additional spec such as a sunroof, premium audio system and power tailgate.

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Safety

The Patrol has not undergone crash-testing by ANCAP, and as a result, it does not have an official ANCAP safety rating.

Nonetheless, Nissan has fitted it with a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment, and given the age of the Patrol platform, it’s likely imperative to keep a decent level of spec.

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Within the cabin, there are dual front and front side airbags, along with curtain airbags covering all three rows of seats.

The safety features of the Nissan Patrol Ti-L include blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert and radar cruise control.

Key rivals

Although most V8 engines have fallen off the local map, there are quite a few options for large off-roading SUVs:

• LandCruiser 300
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Ford Everest
• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2024 Nissan Patrol Ti-L is a standout choice for those seeking a large SUV that combines off-road capability with luxury and comfort.

Its powerful performance, spacious interior, and advanced features make it a compelling option for families and adventurers alike, and a cheaper option than key rivals like the 300 series. However, that doesn’t make it a cheap car.

If you’re comfortable with an older-style interior and aren’t too concerned about higher fuel costs (remembering this is a V8), the Nissan Patrol stands as a robust choice for off-road enthusiasts.

After myriad delays (including that issue of wheel nuts coming loose) Toyota has finally confirmed that its first electric vehicle, the BZ4x, will hit Australian shores in February 2024.

It will do so in a mildly updated guise, with ‘BEV’ badging and improved cold-weather charging prowess.

When we were invited to Japan for a preview of Toyota’s electric future – or, rather, the battery-electric vehicles it believes will form just one part of a multi-powertrain future involving plug-in and series-parallel hybrids, sustainable fuels, and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles – a BZ4x was provided for us to sample around a technical off-road course.

It’s the same loop of Nagoya’s Sanage Adventure Field (bar two particularly technical sections) used for the Japanese launch of the 300 Series LandCruiser in August 2021, so it ought to tell us something about the BZ4x… even if it isn’t entirely relevant to your typical family SUV buyer.

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JUMP AHEAD

• How much is the BZ4x going to cost, and will it offer good value?
• What’s the interior like?
• Driving range, charging and efficiency stats
• Driving the BZ4x off-road
• VERDICT

How much is the BZ4x going to cost, and will it offer good value?

Subaru has finally laid down the gauntlet for Toyota to follow. If Toyota’s BZ4x comes in above $77,990 before on-road costs, there’ll be precious few buyers opting for the dearer, near-identical sibling.

Toyota might bring a single-motor front-drive variant to Australia, unlike Subaru, as The Big T isn’t as synonymous with all-wheel drive performance locally.

However, spec-for-spec, a front-drive BZ4x is still unlikely to start below $70K – meaning the Tesla Model Y ($65,500) will remain the value king in this segment.

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What’s the interior like?

Before we got to sit at the BZ4x’s helm, we were chauffeured around by course marshals, which proved a good time to evaluate the rear quarters.

The bench is very broad and, thanks to a mostly flat floor, the BZ4x would comfortably fit three across. It feels meaningfully larger than a RAV4’s back seat, with excellent vision out of the large side and front windows.

Material quality is generally high and there are amenities to make family life easy. Two adjustable air vents, two USB charge points, a 12-volt socket, and a fold-down armrest are all nice – if expected – features.

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The boot is typical Toyota fare, being generous in size if lacking in features. For example, there’s no space for a spare tyre and only one shopping-bag hook.

However, for those who like to take their car camping, Japanese outdoor gear specialist Snowpeak offers a host of well-integrated accessories such as a wooden table that doubles as a parcel shelf and a canopy that can easily fit in the under-floor storage compartment.

Up front, the seats are accommodating and soft. The driver gets six-way power adjustment, though the driving position – with steering wheel set below digital binnacle like in a Peugeot – does take a little getting used to.

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The BZ4x’s 12.3-inch touchscreen has much-improved graphics compared to Toyota’s current systems.

Unfortunately, because this car’s all in Japanese, I can’t evaluate how well it works. Its 7.0-inch digital driver’s display gives enough information, but isn’t anything special.

Generous interior storage can all be covered to hide valuables and the materials used – especially that yarnlike fabric on the dashboard – are interesting and warmer to the touch than we’re used to from Toyota. In fact, they feel a whole lot more Subaru. Guess that makes sense, given the BZ4x’s close relation to Subaru’s Solterra.

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Driving range, charging and efficiency stats

The BZ4x is equipped with a 64kWh (71.4kWh gross) lithium-ion battery pack made by a mix of Toyota’s joint venture operation with Panasonic (Prime Planet & Energy Solution) and CATL.

With two motors onboard, the BZ4x’s driving range is rated at 461km in the combined WLTP cycle. That’s about average for medium SUVs, falling ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 but behind the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y.

Its 400-volt architecture allows it to take on DC electricity at a rate of 147kW for a 10-80 per cent (46-320km range) rapid-charge time of 28 minutes. Charging at home, the Type 2 port (located at the front left) takes AC power at 7kW for a full recharge in around 11 and a half hours.

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Driving the BZ4x off-road

Instead of doubling the number of 150kW motors for 300kW-or-so as most rivals seem to do, Toyota decided to pack a pair of 80kW motors in the all-wheel drive BZ4x for total outputs of 160kW and 337Nm.

It may be off trend, but this solution suits your typical family SUV buyer type. After all, when does the average family SUV need to hit 100km/h in less than 7.7 seconds? That said, it would be nice if trading in some of that power had made the BZ4x a class leader in range.

The hushed operation of an EV is always a pleasure, though as brands reinvent starting processes and gear selector configurations each car becomes a little bit of a puzzle to start. The BZ4x’s shifter, for example, requires you to push down and twist after pressing a physical start button.

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As we start trundling along the off-road course, it’s clear Toyota did not attempt a one-pedal driving mode.

Instead, the small amount of regenerative braking on throttle lift is likely to feel natural to current combustion-engined car owners, but those who are used to EVs will probably want more bite.

With plenty of input from rough-road specialists Subaru, the BZ4x has various off-road functions. X-Mode tweaks traction control and throttle response from normal to ‘snow/mud’ or ‘deep snow and mud’ and does a solid job in tricky situations.

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For steep descents, Grip Control functions as a mix of hill-descent control and an off-road cruise control system. It limits the car’s speed down hills and lets you coast along the flats at up to 10km/h.

Grip Control came in handy on a scree-covered decline as the vocal brake pump channeled pressure to the corners with the most grip to keep the BZ4x descending in a controlled and safe manner. It worked excellently.

Then, we encountered a steep climb with man-mode moguls that had us lifting the front left and rear right wheels. The BZ4x doesn’t have diff locks, so had to rely on its brakes and traction control to direct torque to the right place. With some patience, the electric SUV convincingly winched itself out of a tricky spot.

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Thanks to the instant torque delivery at any RPM, the BZ4x was much calmer than a RAV4 would have been in a similar situation.

Where the RAV would have been revving its 2.5-litre four-banger to clamber up tricky sections, the BZ4x breezed up inclines with easygoing confidence.

Ground clearance is an issue compared to true off-roaders, the BZ4x only has 205mm and approach/departure angles of 17.4 and 25.6 degrees… but then this is a road-focused family SUV. For reference, a Subaru Forester manages 213mm of clearance and 20º/24.6º approach/departure angles.

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Beyond clearance issues, it was ultimately the BZ4x’s 235/50 R20 Dunlop road tyres that held it back in off-road capability.

When the suspension wasn’t bottoming out on the bump-stops, the low-speed ride is promising, the dampers rounding off sharp edges quite impressively, all boding well for the BZ4x’s local introduction.

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VERDICT

With this dirt experience to follow up publishing director Mike Stevens’s brief on-road steer, we’re slowly getting a picture of what Toyota’s first electric car will offer.

The BZ4x is not the first, the fastest, the most full of technology, or the cheapest electric vehicle.

But it is a Toyota, and it proudly wears a badge that has been able to do no wrong in Australia for the last 30 years.

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The question remains as to whether the brand will retain its crown in a decade.

Perhaps it’s telling that, at the Japan Mobility Show, Toyota was showing a concept with very similar dimensions packing new battery tech that will launch after 2026 – in other words, Toyota’s already looking to replace the BZ4x.

We’ll wait to adjudicate a verdict and star rating until we’ve sampled the BZ4x holistically on home soil, but the conventional medium SUV will be hard-pressed to outdo the Model Y at its own game.

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The facelifted 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS will arrive in Australia later this month.

Initially due in local showrooms in the third quarter of 2023, the updated large SUVs feature a minor exterior refresh, additional 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains, and new technology.

Pricing for the GLE 300d and 450d has increased by more than $25,000, with smaller increases of up to $11,631 for the other variants. Meanwhile, GLS prices have increased between $11,630 and $15,931.

New standard equipment for the GLE includes the AMG Line styling pack, adaptive LED headlights, more advanced active safety features, memory front seats, a 360-degree camera, a Burmester audio system, augmented reality satellite navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and aluminium running boards.

As with other recent Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the GLE’s options list has been consolidated into a single ‘Plus’ package, with separate three-row seating and towbar configurations.

Under the bonnet, the facelifted GLE range is electrified, with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology added to the GLE 300d, GLE 450d (previously GLE 400d), and AMG GLE 63 S.

The mild-hybrid system has also been added to the GLS 450d.

With improvements to its existing mild-hybrid system, the entry-level GLE 300d now outputs 198kW and 550Nm (up 18kW and 50Nm), GLE 450 has increased outputs to 280kW and 500Nm (up 10kW), and the GLE and GLS 450d produce 270kW and 750Nm (up 27kW and 50Nm).

The plush Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 receives an optional 23-inch forged alloy wheel with a wheel bolt cover, an ambient lighting system with a unique pattern, and diamond-pattern quilting in the centre sections of the seat sections and backrests. Its mild-hybrid system now adds 16kW of boost, with unchanged 410kW and 730Nm outputs.

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Inside, the brand’s latest steering wheel – as found in the latest GLC and S-Class – is added with touch-sensitive buttons and a unique two-spoke design for AMG models.

The air vents are now finished with real metal louvres derived from the Maybach GLS, while additional trim colours have been added.

For the upper-large GLS, the gloss black piano lacquer finish is no longer exclusive to the Maybach, joining two new leather upholstery colours: Catalana beige and Bahia brown.

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The new second-generation MBUX infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the ability to speak to the ‘Hey, Mercedes’ voice assistant without saying the keyword.

However, it remains on dual 12.3-inch screens, unlike the GLC and S-Class’s larger portrait-orientated central display.

The updated 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE and 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS are due in Australian showrooms later this month.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE options

• Plus package (all variants except AMG GLE 63 S) – $6900

• Seven-seat package (all variants except AMG GLE 63 S) – $3900

• Airmatic package (GLE 300d and 450d) – $3400

• Towbar package – $2900

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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS options

• First-class rear individual seat package (Maybach GLS 600) – $14,500

• Rear comfort package (GLS 450d and AMG GLS 63) – $9900

• Towbar package – $2900

“This is a silver bullet for sustainable urban mobility”, said Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo of the Twingo Legend concept unveiled at yesterday’s Renault Capital Market Day, Ampere conference.

The diminutive electric city car – sat next to three other electric Renaults; the on-sale Megane E-Tech, soon-to-launch Scenic E-Tech and all-new 4 and 5 affordable EVs – is likely to be in production by 2026.

The Twingo is targeted at inner-city buyers and, with Renault’s focus on decentralised ownership, de Meo gave a target price of 100 Euros (A$166) per month to lease.

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Renault’s all-new fourth-gen Twingo will benefit from the brand putting funds into CMF-B EV platform development for the 4 and 5 small EVs set to launch over the next two years.

It’s likely to sit on a modified version of the platform – we imagine using more affordable torsion beam rear suspension and other cost-cutting tactics – and de Meo said it would come to market in a “record” two years, matching the speed of Chinese carmakers.

The Twingo probably won’t come to Australia but we can learn a thing or two from de Meo’s lecture – “We have to go back to smaller cars”, he said. And with shrinking size comes improved efficiency, with a promised energy consumption of 10kWh/100km for the Twingo – an MG 4 uses 13.7kWh/100km.

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This means the Twingo only needs small batteries for less waste, more interior volume and lower prices. A win-win all around.

De Meo acknowledged that Renault looked at rebadging the Chinese-built Dacia Spring but decided to honour the French brand’s heritage by reinvigorating the amazingly space-efficient one-box Twingo design.

The Legend concept (also celebrating 30 years of Twingo) is a modern twist on the ‘Froggy’ Twingo designed by Patrick Le Quément who managed to slip the original into production by telling then head of Renault the car had to be cute enough that owners would want to take it inside by the fire at night.

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The concept references the original’s hidden door handles, three-strake bonnet vent cleverly repurposed to show battery charge level, alloy wheel design, and quirky lighting details – it’s hard not to fall in love with Twingo.

Current Renault CEO Luca de Meo has experience in launching reto city cars, being the boss of Fiat when la Nuova 500 launched in 2007.

The Nissan X-Trail deservingly earned our title of Best Medium SUV in the 2023 test.

Following in the successful footsteps of its predecessor in this category, the newest X-Trail has made a remarkable entrance in 2023.

Moreover, it secured an impressive top-four placement in the Wheels Car of the Year testing distinguishing itself not only among its immediate rivals but also against new entrants across different categories.

Now, we’ll explore the specifics of the X-Trail lineup, with a special focus on the ST-L model, to uncover what it brings to the table.

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Pricing and features

The engine options for the Ti are both paired to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) set up – available with either a a 2.5-litre petrol engine or the new E-Power 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid with ‘E-4orce’ AWD.

The Ti sits third in the range, exlusively as a five-seater option. Seven seats are exclusive to the ST and ST-L grades, both of which are cheaper.

Starting price for the Ti AWD model is $49,990 excluding on-road costs. Opting for the hybrid variant will set you back $54,190 before on-roads.

Petrol will churn out 135kW and 245Nm while the hybrid offers additional performance producing 157kW/330Nm.

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In ‘EV-mode’, relying solely on its battery power, the X-Trail is capable of accelerating and maintaining speeds beyond the lower range for a distance of up to four kilometres, courtesy of its 2.1kWh battery.

The E-Power hybrid variant of the X-Trail is the more fuel-efficient option among the two powertrains available, boasting an official combined fuel consumption rate of 6.1L/100km.

On the inside, the Ti provides a roomy and intuitive cabin. The infotainment system covers essential connectivity needs, and the intelligent arrangement of space, complemented by Nissan’s ‘Divide-N-Hide’ cargo system, enhances its practical aspects.

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Moving up to the Ti adds plenty of luxury such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front sears, a surround-view parking monitor and privacy glass.

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Safety

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail was awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP, with notable scores of 91 percent in adult occupant protection and 90 percent in child occupant protection.

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Key rivals

The medium SUV market is filled with popular and established models. However, in Australia, where this segment is plenty loved, there is considerable potential for recognition among:

• Toyota RAV4
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Mazda CX-5
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Subaru Forester

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail Ti is an excellent choice for those seeking a family SUV with a touch of luxury and advanced technology.

It offers a comfortable and safe driving experience, packed with features that make every journey enjoyable.

If you’re looking for an SUV that combines practicality with premium amenities, the X-Trail Ti is definitely worth considering.