From July 1, drivers across Australia will face sweeping changes to road rules, with a strong emphasis on enhanced enforcement, stricter penalties, and uniform speed reductions in high-risk areas. The nationwide overhaul is part of a broader campaign to reduce road trauma and crack down on dangerous driving behaviour.

High-tech AI surveillance cameras will be active or expanded across multiple states, targeting illegal mobile phone use. These systems can detect drivers holding or touching phones, even while stationary at red lights. Penalties vary by state but can reach over $1,000 and five demerit points. Authorities warn that non-compliance could also result in licence suspension for repeat offenders.

Victoria

Victoria will expand its Road Rule 79A, requiring drivers to slow to 40 km/h when passing roadside assistance vehicles (tow trucks, breakdown units) where flashing lights and visible workers are present. The fine is up to $961, with no associated demerit points. There’s also growing momentum to reduce speed limits to 30 km/h in high-pedestrian and school zones.

New South Wales

NSW will become the first state to apply average speed cameras to light vehicles, including cars and motorbikes, from July 1. These will initially operate on the Hume and Pacific Highways, following a trial and grace period. Fines will now apply. NSW is also phasing out ticketless parking fines, ensuring drivers receive immediate notice of infringements.

Queensland

A 3.5 per cent increase in traffic fines will apply across common offences like speeding, seatbelt misuse, and mobile phone use. Enhanced tech will back enforcement, especially for distracted driving. The state will also lower speed limits from 50 to 40 km/h in popular tourist and residential areas such as Hervey Bay Esplanade.

South Australia

SA extended its emergency vehicle rule to include roadside assistance. Drivers must slow to 25km/h when passing breakdown services displaying amber flashing lights. The state is also introducing 40km/h limits in inner-city Adelaide and 10km/h shared pedestrian zones.

Western Australia

WA will roll out major changes, including fines of up to $700 for mobile phone use and over $1600 for excessive speeding. New AI cameras will enforce speeding, seatbelt, and phone violations. A three-year trial will lower speed limits on over 1,800 regional roads, and off-road vehicle registration will move online.

Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with these updates to avoid costly penalties.

Volvo has unveiled a significant update to its best-selling mid-size SUV, the Volvo XC60, delivering a range of enhancements to design, technology and comfort for the 2025 model year.

The updated XC60, which remains the brand’s global top-seller and one of Europe’s leading plug-in hybrid models, introduces a next-generation user experience, improved infotainment, and a range of luxury and safety features.

Stephen Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia, described the XC60 as a vehicle that delivers “a cutting-edge user experience and a more luxurious interior,” adding that the improvements are designed to reflect the priorities of modern drivers. “With these upgrades, it’s an even more enjoyable and exclusive experience – and one that will continue to improve via over-the-air software updates,” he said.

New Volvo XC60

At the heart of the refresh is a new infotainment system powered by the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, offering a more than twofold increase in speed and 10 times faster graphics than its predecessor. A new 11.2-inch free-standing touchscreen with 21 per cent higher pixel density delivers a sharper, more intuitive interface, complemented by integrated Google services and voice assistant functionality.

The XC60 also benefits from enhanced material choices and updated interior styling, including the use of premium Quilted Nordico trim, revised inlays, smart storage solutions, and upgraded wireless phone charging. New paint options – Forest Lake, Aurora Silver, and Mulberry Red – bring fresh exterior appeal, while new wheels and darker rear lights give the SUV a more modern look. The revised front air intake also nods to the larger XC90’s design language.

Cabin refinement is further improved with increased sound insulation and Volvo’s signature ergonomic seats, while available air suspension and optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems offer a more refined ride.

New Volvo XC60

The XC60 is available in four variants:

XC60 Plus B5 Bright$74,990
XC60 Ultra B5 Dark$81,990
XC60 Plus T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark$92,990
XC60 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid Dark$101,990

All models are all-wheel drive, with the B5 variants featuring a 4-cylinder turbo petrol mild hybrid engine, and the T8 plug-in hybrids offering electric-only driving capabilities via a 107kW motor paired with a 233kW petrol engine.

Standard equipment across the range includes power-adjustable memory front seats, integrated rear booster cushions, a 360° camera, crystal gear lever, head-up display, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), and signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights. All models are available now nationwide.

Sydney Motorsport Park will come alive on Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29, 2025, as the Ferrari Festival takes over the iconic circuit for a weekend of speed, style, and the unmistakable energy of the Prancing Horse.

The two-day event marks the arrival of Round 4 of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Australasia, Ferrari’s exclusive one-make racing series which made its regional debut earlier this year. Drivers from across Australia and abroad will take to the grid in the Ferrari 296 Challenge and Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, delivering edge-of-the-seat racing with qualifying and main races scheduled on both days.

5

Spectators can expect non-stop action on track, as competitors push the limits of Ferrari engineering in a battle for championship points, accompanied by the unmistakable soundtrack of high-performance V6 and V8 engines echoing through the grandstands.

Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature an array of dynamic on-track demonstrations, including the crowd-favourite Ferrari Parade. This showcase will bring together some of the most iconic Ferrari models ever built, representing multiple decades of design and performance excellence.

Beyond the racing, the festival offers an immersive journey into the Ferrari lifestyle, with a wide range of paddock activations designed to engage fans of all ages. Attendees can explore road and race car displays, go behind the scenes with pit garage tours, and get behind the virtual wheel in the Next Level Racing simulator zone. Italian coffee lovers can also indulge in a special activation from L’OR coffee.

Entry to the festival is free with registration, making it a rare opportunity for the public to experience Ferrari’s motorsport DNA and community-driven culture up close. Children under 14 receive free entry when accompanied by a paying adult, making it a family-friendly event.

For those seeking a premium experience, VIP hospitality packages are available through Ferrari’s official dealer network. These exclusive options offer reserved trackside seating, gourmet catering, event-only access, and dedicated parking.

The Ferrari Festival isn’t just about racing, it’s a celebration of the brand’s reputation for innovation, passion and community.

Toyota has revealed a LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid and confirmed an Australian release for the first half of 2026. Using the same “performance hybrid” system as the Tundra truck, the LC300 Hybrid makes 336kW of power and 790Nm of torque in Middle Eastern markets.

The LC300’s hybrid system combines a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre petrol V6 engine with an electric motor. However, unlike some other hybrid Toyota models such as the Camry where the electric motor drives the car for as long as possible, the LC300’s hybrid system is intended for short bursts of low-speed driving or aiding the engine at certain times.

In the United Arab Emirates, the LC300 Hybrid’s combined fuel consumption is rated at 9.1L/100km, which is only 0.2L/100km more than the Australian-spec 3.3-litre V6 diesel, though that figure is likely achieved through a different fuel consumption testing cycle.

5

Compared to the same petrol twin-turbo V6 without the hybrid system that’s also offered in the UAE, the hybrid saves about 1.7L/100km of fuel, but also offers 25kW/140Nm more grunt.

Compared to the V6 diesel engine in Australia, the new hybrid makes 109kW/90Nm more grunt. In the UAE, the LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid also received a revised exterior design, with new front and rear bumpers. A key difference between the hybrid and non-hybrid models is that the hybrid uses a 98-litre fuel tank, which is 12 litres smaller.

While Australian pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, in the UAE, the LandCruiser 300 Series is priced around A$6000 more than the equivalent twin-turbo petrol V6, potentially leading to a starting price in Australia of around $95,000 if the new drivetrain is offered on all models.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid will go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2026, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed.

Tesla has officially launched its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas following years of promises, signalling the start of what could be a major transformation in urban mobility.

The initial rollout is modest but highly symbolic. A small fleet of Model Y SUVs, equipped with Tesla’s camera-only Full Self-Driving software, began ferrying early users in a geofenced area of Austin’s south and southeast districts. The vehicles operate without a driver in the front seat though a Tesla employee sits in the passenger seat as a safety monitor during this early access phase.

According to Musk, early riders are being charged a flat US$4.20 per ride, and the service operates between 6 a.m. and midnight daily. The fleet currently consists of 10–20 vehicles, with plans to scale to 1000 in coming months before introducing a purpose-built Cybercab that will lack pedals or a steering wheel entirely.

Tesla hand-picked the first wave of users, many of whom are prominent supporters and influencers. One such user, known online as “Bearded Tesla,” live-streamed a ride, showing the empty driver’s seat and describing the experience as “smooth.” Buttons visible in the cabin allow the safety monitor to stop the vehicle, pull over, or contact Tesla support if needed.

The robotaxi service arrives at a critical time for Tesla. The company faces slowing EV sales and rising investor pressure to diversify its offerings. Musk has increasingly emphasized autonomy and AI as the cornerstones of Tesla’s future, and this launch is seen as a real-world test of those ambitions.

However, the rollout hasn’t been without controversy. Democratic lawmakers in Texas recently urged state regulators to delay Tesla’s driverless service until new safety regulations take effect in September 2025. Still, under current Texas law, driverless vehicles are legal as long as they carry insurance, have proper safety equipment, and follow road rules.

Tesla’s debut joins a growing roster of autonomous services in Austin, including Waymo and Zoox, as the city becomes a hotspot for self-driving innovation. With Tesla now in the race, the pressure and scrutiny will only intensify.

WhichCar recently noted that Tesla’s most advanced self-driving system  named ‘Full Self-Driving’ by the company  had started testing in Australia after a video was released showing an Australian-spec right-hand drive car self-driving through the Melbourne CBD.

Peugeot Australia has launched the second-generation 5008 seven-seat SUV, with pricing starting at $55,990 plus on-road costs. Two specifications will be offered – Allure and GT Premium – with both using a turbocharged hybrid drivetrain capable of using just 5.1L/100km on a combined fuel consumption cycle.

Essentially a larger seven-seat version of the 3008 mid-size SUV that launched locally earlier this year, the new Peugeot 5008 is only available with a new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder hybrid drivetrain, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving only the front wheels. The engine makes 100kW of power and 230Nm of torque, with the electric motor adding 15.6kW/51Nm at certain times for a total output of 107kW.

The 5008 hits 100km/h in 11.3 seconds and is rated at just 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle for fuel consumption, with claimed CO2 emissions of 116g/km.

10

Measuring 4790mm long, 1934mm wide, 1735mm tall and riding on a 2895mm long wheelbase, the new 5008 is 32mm longer than the Skoda Kodiaq. Its boot measures 348 litres with the rear seats erect, which opens up to a huge 2232L with all the rear seats folded.

The 5008 is covered by Peugeot’s five-year/200,000km warranty and a five-year service plan costs
$1995 ($399 per service).

2025 Peugeot 5008 pricing (plus on-road costs):

Allure$55,990
GT Premium$67,990

Peugeot 5008 Allure standard equipment:

5008 GT Premium model adds:

The Peugeot 5008 is now on sale in Australia, with the first local deliveries due to commence soon.

The text from my sister made me gasp. It was a photo of a muddied badge, “351 GT”, on a burgundy-coloured background. But even after nearly four decades, the recognition was so immediate that I said out loud: “Nev’s car.”

Many will have guessed that my late stepfather’s car was a Falcon GT. In fact, it was an XA GT hardtop, one of only 120 with the RPO 83 equipment from the stillborn Phase IV, and the sole XA GT delivered in Sogo Port Wine, a Fairlane colour.

The image linked to an online story about this barn find GT that had been wheeled out of a shed in rural Queensland for the first time since 1991 and was now, in May 2021, the subject of an online auction.

The car even made the television news, mainly because less than 12 months earlier, a rattier XA GT RPO 83 barn find dubbed the “Chicken Coupe” (pictured), had fetched just over $300,000 at auction.

What was news to me, as I started to read more online about it, were the gushing phrases like “one-owner”, “time capsule”, “purchased new by our seller …”

XA Falcon GT Hardtop rear
Falcon XA GT hardtop

There was even an interview with the very elderly owner, whose name I recognised at once, recounting the day he bought the car from a Sydney dealer. None of which was how I or my sisters remember it.

In the early 1970s, my step-dad, Nev Harlow, was the NSW distributor for the SA-based Magnum and Globe alloy wheel brands. He would soon start an even more successful 4WD wheel and accessory business, Sunraysia.

It’s part of family lore how, in late 1973, Nev was driving along Sydney’s Canterbury Road when this brand new GT hardtop outside Nuford Motors caught his eye. Nev knew his GTs and the non-Falcon colour got his attention.

A look under the bonnet revealed it as an RPO 83. Best of all, the salesman had no idea how special this GT was. Nev bought it on the spot.

He always said there could be no better touring car in the world for his regular trips between Sydney and Adelaide, the big 5.8-litre V8 galloping across the grasslands at an effortless 120mph. Nev died in 1999, but I still like to imagine him, focused and smiling, out on the Hay Plain in the glow of the
dashboard lights.

Modern Motor even did a story on Nev and his GT in 1976, a one-pager about an owner who’d found his perfect car. It detailed his mods of a high-rise inlet manifold, new Holley 780 carb, Mallory ignition, front and rear sway bars, Magnum alloys and, perhaps uniquely, a custom bullbar. Inside he’d added Recaro seats and a Mk.IV under-dash air conditioner.

All up, the GT owed him around $5500.

In the article, Nev said there was no way he’d get rid of the “old car” (it was only two years old) for a new one.

I suppose never saying never also applies to “no way”, because towards the end of the 1970s he did let it go. Recollections as to what prompted this decision again vary between my family and the seller’s. But what’s certain is that Alan, Nev’s loyal general manager at Sunraysia, had always loved and wanted the GT.

Sunraysia was going gangbusters, with a fl eet of decked-out 4WDs, and Nev had just imported a 400ci Chevrolet K5 Blazer for himself. By selling the GT to Alan, he got to keep it close.

Alan was just as proud an owner, right up until he parked it in that Queensland shed in 1991.

All of which left me, 30 years later, with a quandary. I’m compelled to learn the histories of old cars and motorcycles when I buy them. But do I contact the guy who’d just paid $276,000 for his “one owner, time capsule” and tell him my story?

Yeah, well, I did – and fittingly, he’s as decent a bloke as the previous two owners. He’d already figured there was more to it, a non-issue had the manuals not gone missing. He was just stoked to have the car. And I believe Alan would have been delighted that it moved on; he passed away only 10 months after the sale.

I have an open invitation to drive the car, which I never did in period. I reckon it ended up as a good-news story.

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Wheels magazine. Subscribe here.

MG’s rise to sales stardom in the Australian new car market has been nothing short of gobsmacking. A big departure from the former-British MG that folded in 2005, “MG 2.0” under Chinese ownership has been flying up the sales charts since it relaunched locally in 2016, with over 50,000 units sold in 2024 alone.

Unlike the MG of old, new MG’s chief appeal has been its strong value equation. Nowadays, it’s disappointingly difficult to find a new car for under $30,000 but MG offers three, in the process claiming buyers who used to be lining up for new sub-$20k Toyota. Considering that the cheapest new Toyota now asks comfortably over $30,000 to drive away, it’s no surprise to see a strong value-for-money brand like MG doing so well. While many manufacturers don’t want to hear it, there’s clearly demand for cheap new cars.

But MG is only just getting started in Australia. Until last year, it was selling first-generation products that were cheap but a bit rough around the edges. Cars like the first MG3 light hatch and ZS small SUV sold largely on value – a South Korean or Japanese competitor drove better, but was it worth at least $5000 more? Many buyers said no, and as a result, the ZS has been the best-selling small SUV in the land for a long time.

14

Now we’re in the second phase of the brand’s rollout, with more sophisticated products on the floor of MG’s showrooms. They’re more expensive to buy, granted, but they’re also much better cars – for
example, the new HS mid-size SUV is worlds apart compared with the model it replaced.

New MG’s talent in making a car is reflected in the fact the new-generation ZS recently won multiple categories in the recent Wheels Best Small SUV awards for 2025, including the overall award. That’s thanks to its newfound all-round capability, yet it still offers the strong value that the brand is known for. It’s this capability that we were keen to explore more of by taking an MG ZS Essence Turbo on a long drive out of the city and out of its comfort zone.

Could the MG ZS handle such a trip? My father Jeff and I decided to find out by driving one from Sydney to Broken Hill in far western New South Wales, then down to Mildura through the NSW Riverina region to Albury before heading back home to Sydney. An almost-3000km trip – or more than 10 weeks of
motoring for the average driver – but in just five days. Could the ZS back up its recent accolades?

Day 1: Sydney to Cobar: 725km

Day one starts nice and early. Dad arrived in Sydney the night before and is up at dawn’s crack to inform me that the weather is less than favourable. Put simply: it’s pissing down. We get away from home just before 8am with a good 725 km of driving ahead of us. Rain or shine, we had places to be. Unsurprisingly with such bad weather, the traffic isn’t great – is it that hard to switch on your headlights on rainy days? – but even in this weather, the ZS copes well.

With our average speed barely touching 20km/h, we’re hardly exploring the ZS’s ability to conquer the Australian terrain. But the seats are comfortable so far, and the adaptive cruise control works well in stop-start traffic. Heading along the M4 motorway towards the Blue Mountains gives us a chance to experience the ZS Turbo’s 125kW of grunt. Unsurprisingly, it’s no powerhouse and the dozy CVT transmission zaps some power, but it gets up to speed totally fine for its target market. The long hill at the end of the M4 is no match for the ZS Turbo, and it effortlessly powers to the top.

The Blue Mountains pass quickly and quietly and suddenly we’re going down the Mount Victoria Pass towards Lithgow. I hope that once-planned tunnel comes to fruition because this piece of road can be scary. While the ZS’s brake feel is good, we’d love to see paddle shifters for more manual control, particularly for more engine braking. The non-turbo models get a manual mode on their transmission selector, so why not the gutsier turbo?

We pass through Mudgee with a quick detour to Kmart – note to self: always pack a jumper for a road trip – and head slightly out of the way north to Dunedoo. Dad tells me that the pies at the Dunedoo Pie Shop are “bloody beautiful”, and I’m not one to turn down a nice pie. I reckon it was a solid 7/10.

Another reason for detouring to Dunedoo is the beautiful silo art. Painted by artist Peter Mortimore, the eastern side depicts local jockey Hugh Bowman with his winning racehorse Winx. On the southern and western sides, the silo depicts the landscapes of Dunedoo, including Black Swans flying overhead. It’s gorgeous, and really adds to the local scene.

Next stop: Dubbo Bunnings, because somebody – me, again – forgot to bring an umbrella and considering some of the weather we soon experience the rest of that day, it becomes a wise purchase. The sheer size of Dubbo surprises me, as does the 15-storey building that is being constructed there, which is a real point of difference from the otherwise flat terrain. I imagine the locals are outraged.

Leaving Dubbo, you get the distinct impression that it is the final point of civilisation heading west towards Nyngan. A quick stop to see the famous ‘Dubvegas’ car wash – shame we don’t actually need to use it – and then an hour or so later, Nyngan is our first fuel stop and gives us a chance to see the ZS Turbo’s efficiency: 8.2L/100km. Not brilliant, but then again, the first section of the trip was quite hilly.

After a quick detour to both the Iroquois 1022 helicopter donated to the town after the 1990 flood and the Big Bogan statue – Dad just had to get a shot in front of it – we leave and head further north-west towards Cobar. It’s only 131km but proves to be one of the more challenging parts of the drive thanks to torrential rain. The ZS takes it all in its stride with barely a fuss: it feels mature, planted and solid.
A well-earned steak and sleep awaits us that night.

Day 2: Cobar to Broken Hill (via Silverton); 482km

Day two starts early with a quick trip to Fort Bourke Hill Lookout to learn about the copper and gold mining, which started in Cobar in 1870. Afterwards, Dad makes sure to get a donut from the Cobar Hot Bake and if you’re ever in town, they are delicious. A quick toilet stop just outside of town reveals that one of the public toilets was recently bowled over by – I assume – some sort of large vehicle. Hopefully nobody was in there at the time…

After seeing endless goats and a few kangaroos that thankfully stay off the road for the next few hours, we reach the town of Wilcannia for a fuel stop – this tank was a better 7.4L/100km – and a bite to eat at the Wilcannia Cafe, which turns out to be the only cafe in the town. The local school principal gets talking to Dad and before long, he knows why we’re in town and pretty much the story of our lives. Cheers, Dad…

After a great schnitzel burger, we head towards the EV chargers for a look – there’s no reception, so if you’re looking to charge there, make sure to take your charging card – and then we’re back to the Barrier Highway looking at more goats for the next few hours.

The further we travel, the more I realise just how beautiful the outback landscape is, with only plants, rocks, sand and a single piece of tarmac as far as the eye can see. Aside from a few drivers and many goats, there’s nobody around. We stop at the Little Topar Roadhouse for a break to find it closed that day, but it still gives us a great opportunity to just stop, breathe and take in a whole lot of quiet. It’s serene.

After checking out the Mullockers Memorial and the view of Broken Hill, we check into our motel in the centre of town and decide that a little journey to Silverton is in order. Only 26km north-west from Broken Hill, Silverton is famous thanks to the discovery of rich silver deposits – hence its name – and, of course, acting as the backdrop to many Australian films, most notably Mad Max II.

Outside the Silverton Hotel, established in 1884, is a pumped-up original Volkswagen Beetle as a homage to the film that has brought many tourists in Silverton’s direction. It’d be rude not to have a cheeky schooner and we sit down for a moment of reflection. Dad then suggests a drive further north-west to the Mundi Mundi Lookout – my favourite view of the entire trip.

Put simply, it’s breathtaking, especially at the late afternoon time of day that we’re there, with moody clouds overhead. Want to get a real sense of the vastness of the Aussie outback? Head up to here for a view over the endless Mundi Mundi Plains over towards South Australia – then turn around for a close view of wind turbines on the hills north of Silverton. It’s a surreal and stunning location, and I could’ve kept staring forever. But quite quickly, the moody clouds turn into rain and we’re back in the ZS on our way back to Broken Hill.

Travelling out of Silverton at about 50km/h, a kangaroo – who I later name Angus – jumps out in front of us. I slam on the brakes – the ZS thankfully stops quite quickly and effortlessly – but there’s no avoiding the poor ’roo. I get out of the car, pick him up off the road and move him over to the shrubbery where he passes away in my arms. I’m absolutely gutted.

Thankfully, the MG escapes its brush with Angus quite well. Just a cracked lower lip and a lower grille that’s been moved a bit out of place. Unless you were standing very close to it, you’d never know what happened and we were impressed at how well the car took the impact.

But soon we realise the air-conditioning feels different on the drive back to Broken Hill and an engine emissions warning light makes itself known later that evening. Thankfully, an under-bonnet check has revealed no damage or fluid lost, but instead, the engine air sensor (we discover later) has been knocked about and damaged in the impact.

Needless to say, our mood is not great for the rest of that day, but we decide to try and enjoy our only night in Broken Hill, and we do so at the Astra Hotel with another tasty steak – cooked medium rare, of course. After a few drinks watching the youth of Broken Hill doing their endless ‘blockies’ on Argent Street – with everything from a few MG3s to utes, V8 Commodores and Falcons being hooned – we head to bed as tomorrow is another big day.

Day 3: Broken Hill to Echuca: 665km

Dad and I are up nice and fresh, and over breakfast decide that while there’s nothing seriously wrong with the ZS, we should probably try and fix the broken air temperature sensor. The only motoring-related place open on a Sunday in Broken Hill is a shop called ‘7 Day Spares & Accessories’ – the closest MG dealership is in Mildura – so we see if they can provide some solutions. Without a soldering tool handy, the sheared pins prove difficult to tape together, so we’re forced to tape it all up into its spot and hopefully we’ll find a place to help along the way.

We leave Broken Hill with news that my sister is in hospital in Albury and we’ll need to spend a night there instead of the originally planned lunch stop. After a fuel stop, we head south down the Silver City Highway into scenery packed with huge power line towers, more goats and a slightly different view with more sand than rock. The air sensor issue means that the ZS has no idea what the weather is like outside, and the automatic climate control doesn’t want to work properly too, so it gets pretty hot in the cabin – especially with the synthetic leather trim, lack of a proper sunroof blind and hot air protruding from both of our mouths.

A quick stop at the Popiltah Lake Rest Area introduces us to people who were almost carbon copies of my parents; I nicknamed the bloke Dad’s new best friend, as they didn’t stop talking for a good 45 minutes. Soon we’re back on our way towards Wentworth on the mighty Murray River. By the time we get there, the restaurants are closed for food – I didn’t realise how hangry I got until then – so we keep driving, this time towards Mildura. After some food, we’re back in the car towards our next stop: Tooleybuc, which is on the NSW side of the Murray, and in particular, the cool Country Club Hotel. My parents visited here not long ago and Dad told me that it was a “must see”. He wasn’t wrong. Sitting in the beer garden at sunset brought a classy, chilled vibe, interrupted by the fact we had another few hours to drive.

After a tasty chicken salad, we’re back on the road and heading towards Echuca another 203km away, giving us the first opportunity to check out the ZS’s night driving capability. I’ve driven a lot of Chinese cars with below average headlights, but the ZS’s are better than expected – though the auto high beam loves to blind other drivers. Best to keep that switched off.

Previous-generation MG products had a lot to learn with their active safety features – the new ZS is much better having received more tuning. The lane keeping assistance is noticeably better than the ZST it replaces, though the adaptive cruise control is still too sensitive for our tastes and slows down quite far from other cars, even at the closest set distance. The speed limit warning is also infuriating, particularly because it gets it so wrong at times but also because one must press the touchscreen a few times to switch it off. We pull into Echuca at about 10pm after a largely dark drive, Dire Straits blaring from the ZS’s reasonably punchy six-speaker sound system.

Day 4: Echuca to Albury: 230km

By far the easiest day of the trip, driving 233km for a day in Albury. After a casual stroll along the Echuca waterfront, we head to ‘Westside Auto Electrics’ to see Vinnie, who solders the air temperature sensor and we cross our fingers that the ZS is back to mint condition. Starting the engine gives us reason to celebrate: the cold cycle has returned, having been absent since the accident. The air-conditioning also feels much colder. Thank goodness for that… We tuck the sensor back into its spot behind the bumper and pray that’s the last we see of it.

The trip to Albury through the Victorian countryside is far more interesting than outback New South Wales. The Katamatite Silo Art en route is impressive, painted by artist Tim Bowtell and celebrating the rich local history. It’s a great place to stop and admire – especially from under the panoramic sunroof of the ZS. The last hour of the drive to Albury is covered in lovely greenery and many wineries trying to tempt us away from the road.

The chance to have a slower-paced afternoon in Albury further emphasises the ZS’s strengths as an urban runabout. Even though it’s less congested than somewhere like Sydney, the ZS still deals admirably with its version of traffic. The extra grunt of the turbo variant is also welcomed during the trip up Monument Hill to the Albury War Memorial.

Day 5: Albury to Sydney (via Lake Hume): 580km

After a very pleasant overnight stay with Aunty Sue in Albury, we have breakfast and give the ZS a well-deserved wash. Therapeutic is the perfect way to describe debugging the ZS, and it actually looks like a new car now thanks to Dad’s car washing skills.

We head out towards the Hume Dam – a place I’ve wanted to visit since seeing it used as a backdrop for Wheels tests – and over the Bethanga Bridge to check out the view. Located just 16km east of Albury, the Hume Dam was finished in 1936 and is one of the largest dams in the world with a huge 2982GL capacity. As well as irrigation, the dam supplies stock and household needs for towns and landholders along the Murray River across three states, and is used for flood mitigation and hydro-electricity.

We stop at the dam for a good hour or so, enjoying a chinwag with a local and his mutt, and then we have a final fuel stop and head back to the Hume. On the five-hour slog back to Sydney, the ZS Turbo’s mile munching capability is further proven thanks to its low-ish road noise levels and solidity at higher speeds, making it a pretty good highway cruiser.

We make a quick stop at Holbrook for a sandwich, to buy a chicken kitchen ornament – or “wife pleaser and dust gatherer” as Dad puts it – and to see the awesome Submarine HMAS Otway that’s been in the ground there since 1995. Whoever managed the logistics to get it there is much smarter than I am.

Back in the car, both Dad and I start pondering the trip and the now re-bug-splattered ZS. It’s clear that the new MG knows how to make a good car – aside from the little incident with Angus, the ZS didn’t put a foot wrong in the almost-3000 km we’ve driven.MG adds petrol-powered ZS SUV to lineup.

After showing the ZS love throughout the trip, Dad is still impressed by it by the time we finally get home. He likes how well equipped it is, how solid it feels at higher speeds and how inexpensively it’s priced – plus, its 10-year warranty. Will he be trading Mum’s Skoda Karoq for it? Not just yet, he says, but their Karoq cost significantly more than the ZS Turbo’s $33,990 drive away asking price, and it’s not much better equipped. In this regard, it’s easy to see why the MG brand has become so popular.

When the ZS was selected, I had faith that it would be able to make the trip fine without breaking down or falling to pieces – but would we have been driven mad by road noise, ergonomic quirks or general discomfort? Thankfully, the answer to that question is a resounding no, because the ZS is quite comfortable and the noise levels were surprisingly low despite the awful roads we drove on.

What do we still have reservations about? Well, more shortcut buttons to better access the touchscreen would be great. The part-digital driver’s display relegates the speedometer to the left in a small non-digital area. And the fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km over the whole trip is just too high, especially considering that a lot of the trip was cruising at 100km/h+. It also needs premium unleaded fuel.

But overall, we think that the MG ZS has backed up its recent Wheels Best Small SUV award on this challenging long drive. Its appeal comes from more than just its great value equation: it drives and rides well, it’s refined and practical, it’s loaded with standard equipment, it’s quite comfortable and it’s built tough enough to withstand a kangaroo attack. Over to you, small SUV buyers of Australia, I’m off to plan my next road trip.

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Wheels magazine. Subscribe here.

Things we like

  • Handsome styling
  • Best-in-class interior quality
  • Loaded with safety features

Not so much

  • Pure isn’t the model to choose
  • Thirsty engine
  • Spartan and small rear cabin
Rating

Ever since its Australian release in 2004, the Mazda3 has been one of the country’s favourite cars.

One of the first ‘Zoom Zoom’ products that started Mazda’s sales upwards trajectory locally, the Mazda3 has always combined a fun attitude, good value for money and a good driving experience.

The latest ‘BP’ series Mazda3, however, toned down the driving fun a touch but added more of a luxury feel thanks to a decidedly upmarket interior and far better refinement than Mazda3s of the past. How does the latest Mazda3 stack up in base Pure form?

11

Price and equipment

While it has been more widespread in the past with more engine and transmission options, the Mazda3 range in Australia comprises of just six models and the Pure is the entry spec. It’s priced from $31,310 plus on-road costs and the range stretches $12,000 higher to $43,310 for the top-spec Astina.

As before, both hatchback and sedan bodystyles are available throughout the Mazda3 range and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Pure, Evolve and Touring are fitted with a ‘G20′ 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the Evolve SP, GT and Astina use a larger ‘G25’ 2.5-litre petrol engine.

We tested the entry-level G20 Pure hatchback for this review.

Mazda3 Pure standard equipment:

Mazda3 Pure safety features:

The Mazda3 range earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019 against older testing criteria with scores of 98 per cent in adult protection, 89 per cent in child protection, 81 per cent in vulnerable road user protection and 76 per cent for safety assist.

Mazda3 Pure options:

Interior, practicality and bootspace

As was the case when the current generation Mazda3 was released back in 2019, the interior blows the competition away for quality with lots of soft touch materials throughout the cabin. The switchgear – such as the window controls and stalks – is also softly damped and makes it feel like it’s from a luxury brand. We also love the synthetic leather trim on the centre console and armrests, which are perfect for resting limbs against.

The 3’s cabin is also somewhat practical, at least in the front, with big door bins, a big box underneath the central armrest, average cupholders ahead of the gearbox, a secret tray to the right of the driver’s legs and a tray underneath the centre console that’s a wireless charger in higher-end models.

Centre of the 3’s cabin is an 8.8-inch infotainment screen that’s controlled by the wheel in the centre console – in this spec of Mazda3, you can’t touch the screen to control it, though the smartphone mirroring alone can be controlled by touch in higher-end models. While that may bother some, the controller wheel is safer to use while driving and it means you’re not reaching over to touch the screen.

The screen itself is minimalist in layout, easy to use and features good graphics. The eight-speaker sound system also gives above average sound quality, better than you’d expect for a base model small hatchback.

The driving position, even in the base model Mazda3, is great with ample adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat, impressively including both height and under-thigh angle adjustment. Rear vision, however, is not good thanks to the thick pillars and sloping roofline. But there must be sacrifices for this much style, right?

Thanks to the aforementioned style and the small windows it provides, the rear seat of the Mazda3 hatchback is not its strongest point, and the Pure is the worst in the range because it misses out on features such as air vents and a central armrest. For amenities, occupants get just one map pocket and a door pocket and that’s it. Legroom is tight for taller adults, though headroom is fine, and there are three top-tether points and two ISOFIX points for child seats.

The boot of the Mazda3 measures 295 litres with the seats up (Mazda doesn’t provide a figure for them folded) and like the rear seat, it’s a spartan space with no hooks, tie down points or extra storage. While the boot lip is high, folding the seats gives a flat loadspace for trips to Ikea, and it’s also finished with high quality carpeting. If you’re looking for more practicality from your Mazda3, consider the sedan as its boot is larger and the larger windows give a more spacious feel in the rear seat.

Performance and economy

The Mazda3 G20 Pure uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine making 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission – the former six-speed manual option is no longer available, same with the former 2.0-litre ‘SkyActiv-X’ engine that sat the top of the range. Crucially for some buyers as well, there’s no hybrid drivetrain available either, though Mazda has put a lot of effort in to shaving fuel use – this engine now has cylinder deactivation tech, for example.

Mazda claims that the 2.0-litre Mazda3 will use 5.9L/100km on a combined cycle, but we found that difficult to achieve and reported 6.8L/100km in combined driving – or almost double of what a Corolla hybrid can achieve. Mazda also claims that the 2.0-litre Mazda3 will emit 138g/km of CO2, while its 51-litre fuel tank can be filled with 91RON regular unleaded fuel.

On the road

As you’d expect from Mazda’s current premium attitude, the driving experience of the Mazda3 is calm, mature and comfortable and makes the car feel like it costs a lot more than it actually does.

As we’ve seen in the cabin, the driving experience of the 3 is considered, from the excellent refinement with low road noise levels to the steering that offers excellent weighting. In both urban and highway driving, the Mazda3 is a great companion.

Despite featuring a relatively unsophisticated torsion beam rear suspension set up compared to the multi-link set ups of some rivals, the Mazda3’s ride quality is generally well sorted. While it can feel a touch firm, and larger bumps are felt, it settles quickly afterwards. It’s also a great handling car, as you’d expect from a Mazda product. Of course, it’s no MX-5, but it comfortably shades its rivals for behind the wheel fun. The chassis is tight and it feels light on its feet too.

If there’s a chink in the 3’s armour, it’s the engine. The 2.0-litre ‘SkyActiv-G’ donk has been around in different tunes since 2011 and for most people, it’s a totally fine engine: grunty enough for in-town driving, relatively fuel efficient and it sounds good as well. But against newer turbocharged and hybrid rivals, it’s a bit slow and feels a bit dated. Again, it’s totally fine for most people but we’d upgrade to the larger ‘G25’ 2.5-litre engine for its extra low end grunt.

Where Mazda piles on more premium feel is in the tuning of its active safety features. Even the entry-level Pure is very well equipped for safety features – a head-up display on a base model!? Wow – and each one is expertly tuned to alert but not annoy. The lane keeping assistance, for example, is accurate and subtle and the traffic sign recognition can be set to permanently visually alert you to exceeding the speed limit but not audibly. Want the audible alerts to switch off? Press the button for that function to the right of the driver. A lot of manufacturers could learn from Mazda’s active safety features, in our opinion.

Service and warranty

Mazda covers the Mazda3 with a five-year/unlimited km warranty with five years of roadside assistance.

Unlike a lot of previous Mazda products, the 3’s service intervals are once-yearly/every 15,000km and five years/75,000km of servicing costs $2251 ($450 per service).

Verdict: should I buy a Mazda3 G20 Pure?

While there are less small hatchback buyers than there have been in the past, they are still popular and one of the best options is undoubtedly the Mazda3. Let’s start with the negatives: the back seat and boot are smaller than most rivals, the 2.0-litre engine can be thirsty and feels a bit slow, there’s no more manual option and it’s not the cheapest to service.

On the flip side however, it looks like a Japanese Alfa Romeo Brera, it’s fun to drive, comfortable, well equipped for a base model – especially with safety features – and its interior quality is excellent. The Mazda3 is a great car but we’d jump up to minimum Evolve level (+ $1800) to gain features such as rear air vents, larger wheels and wireless smartphone mirroring for a more complete overall package.

Mazda3 rivals

Specifications

ModelMazda3 G20 Pure hatchback
Price$31,310 plus on-road costs
Engine1998cc 4-cylinder petrol with cylinder deactivation
Transmission6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Peak power114kW (@ 6000rpm)
Peak torque200Nm (@ 4000rpm)
Combined fuel consumption (claimed, as tested):5.9L/100km, 6.8L/100km
Claimed CO2 emissions138g/km
Fuel type/tank size91RON, 51 litres
Dimensions (length/width/height/wheelbase):4460/1795/1435/2725mm
Boot size295 litres
Tare weight1355kg
0-100km/h10 seconds (estimated)
On saleNow

Australians’ love affair with the SUV continues, the form accounting for 60.4 per cent of total new vehicle sales up to May this year, an increase on 55.8 per cent over the same period in 2024.

That figure speaks to their practicality, their extra ride height and perceived all-round functionality over a regular car. But like everything, pricing of SUVs is creeping higher along with their popularity.

To get attention and gain a foothold in the Australian market, newer brands such as Chery and Geely are turning out product that undeniably represents value-for-money, whether you’re considering a small, mid-size or large SUV. Here’s our run-down of some of the current best value options…

Small SUVs

Chery Tiggo 4

Price: from $23,990 drive away
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 108kW/210Nm, CVT auto, front-wheel drive
Combined fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km

Despite launching as recently as late 2024, the Chery Tiggo 4 had already sold over 6200 to the end of May 2025. What is the appeal of this compact model?

Pricing starts at just $23,990 for the entry-level Urban with the top-spec Ultimate adding only $3,000 to the price. Even with premium paint, the most expensive Tiggo 4 Pro is comfortably under the $30,000 threshold – and unlike the pricing of most rivals quoted here, that includes all on-road costs.The Tiggo 4 Pro’s seven-year/unlimited km warranty with up to seven years of roadside assistance is long, too, while the first five years of servicing only costs $1,400.

In addition to that, even the entry-spec car is well equipped with features like automatic LED lighting, a dual 10.25-inch layout and dual-zone automatic climate control. The upper-spec Ultimate adds luxury features such as a sunroof.

The whole Tiggo 4 range is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission, while its driving experience is soft and comfortable. It’s spacious for its size as well, while its quality is great for the price. If you’re after a great value SUV, the Chery Tiggo 4 should towards the top of your list.

MG ZS

Price: from $29,990 drive away
Engine: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated or turbocharged petrol 81kW/140Nm or 125kW/275Nm, CVT
auto, front-wheel drive
Combined fuel consumption: 6.7-6.9L/100km

The MG ZS range recently won Wheels’ Best Small SUV award for 2025, including the best sub-$30k segment… and for good reason: it’s a great all-rounder and its value equation is strong, as we’ve come to expect from a modern MG product. Pricing starts at just $25,990 for the entry-level Excite, with the upper-spec Essence priced at $28,990 and the Essence Turbo at $30,990 – all those prices are driveaway, by the way.

The standard equipment list across the range is strong with even the entry-level Excite equipped with a full active safety suite with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

Move up the range and features such as a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen are added and even the top-spec Essence Turbo’s 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control and driving modes come in at under $31,000 drive away.

The new ZS is a big improvement overall on the ZST it replaces when it comes to the driving experience, feeling more mature and comfortable from behind the wheel. The cabin is good quality and spacious for the segment, as is the 443-litre boot. Add in MG’s 10-year/250,000km warranty and it’s easy to see why the ZS is one of the best value SUVs on the market.

MGS5 EV

Price: from $40,490 drive away
Battery/range: 40.2kWh/430km (WLTP)
Motor: 160kW/320Nm

Why include two MG small SUVs in a best value list? Well, while the ZS is great value for a small petrol SUV, the new MGS5 EV offers the same for an electric small SUV, priced from just $40,490 drive away. More generally, it’s just a very good product that drives well, is spacious. practical and well equipped.

There are two S5 models on offer in Australia: the base model Excite and top-spec Essence, and both are available with either a 49kWh or 62kWh battery for up to 430km of WLTP-rated range.

The Excite is equipped with features such as 17-inch wheels, automatic LED lighting, automatic climate control, a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring and a full suite of active safety features. The Essence then adds an electric tailgate, a 360-degree camera, synthetic leather trim, an electric driver’s seat and a wireless phone charger.

At the top of the range currently, the MGS5 EV is priced at $44,990 drive away, which is great value for money considering how much equipment it features as standard, as well as its excellent all-round capability. Plus, MG covers the S5 with a 10-year/250,000km warranty and five years of servicing costs $1967 – and it also has long 25,000km service intervals as well. Among the newcomer small electric SUVs, the MGS5 EV is one of the best value on offer.

Mid-size SUVs

Chery Tiggo 7

Price: from $29,990 drive away
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 137kW/275Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive
Combined fuel consumption: 7.0L/100km

Chery’s mid-size SUV sits above the popular Omoda 5 and Tiggo 4 models in the line-up. The range was recently simplified to just two models with pricing now starting from $29,990 drive away for the entry-level SE, but even the higher-spec SE+ is still only $33,990 drive away. Chery is also about to launch a plug-in hybrid Tiggo 7 priced from just $39,990 drive away.

Standard equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker Sony sound system and a lot of active safety kit, including a front centre airbag, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera.

The Tiggo 7 Pro’s cabin is nicely finished and practical, while the 549-litre boot is also large for its size. Chery’s seven-year/unlimited km warranty is standard, as is seven years of capped price servicing. Overall, it’s a value-packed mid-size SUV.

GWM Haval H6

Price: from $33,990 drive away
Engine: 2.0L turbo petrol, 150kW/320Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, 2WD
Combined fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km

The GWM Haval H6 is one of the most practical mid-size SUVs you can buy. With a huge 600-litre boot and a spacious rear seat, it can easily take what your family has to throw at it – but priced from just $33,990 drive away, it also undercuts the majority of its rivals.

While the entry-level H6 is not quite as well equipped as rivals, it still features a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital driver’s display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push button start, a central airbag and a suite of active safety features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and a reversing camera.

We’d definitely spend the extra $3000 to get to the mid-spec Lux for features like a leather steering wheel, auto-folding mirrors, roof rails, an electric driver’s seat and a 360-degree camera.

Regardless of petrol H6 model chosen, a gutsy 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is standard equipment, as is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A hybrid drivetrain is also available up the range, if that’s what you’re looking for.

The H6 is covered by GWM’s solid seven-year/unlimited km warranty and though its service intervals are strange, service pricing is cheap. All of that, plus the H6’s spacious and good quality cabin, mean that it’s a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. If you’re value-focused, it’s a great option.

Geely EX5

Price: from $40,990 plus on-road costs
Battery/range: 40.2kWh/up to 430km (WLTP)
Motor: 160kW/320Nm

Newcomer Geely launched its new EX5 electric mid-size SUV in Australia earlier this year at a very low price: just $40,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Complete, or around the same price as a second-from-base petrol Mazda CX-5 that features a lot less standard equipment.

Using a 40.2kWh battery for up to 430km of WLTP-rated range, the EX5 features a 160kW/320Nm electric motor for a healthy sub-7 second 0-100km/h acceleration time. It’s also quite spacious inside thanks to its flat floor and while the boot may seem small on paper, it feels larger in real life thanks to its massive under-floor storage section.

But the value equation of the EX5 is its biggest attraction as even the entry-level Complete is loaded with features such as synthetic leather upholstery, electric front seats, a huge 15.4-inch touchscreen with live services and a full suite of active safety features.

For an extra $4000, the upper-spec Inspire further adds larger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and a punchy 1000-watt 16-speaker sound system. The EX5 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with the first five years of servicing costing $1487 (though you can save money by pre-purchasing it). Overall, the Geely EX5 is one of the best value cars on the new car market – it also just happens to be electric.

Large SUVs

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max

Price: $38,990 drive away
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 180kW/375Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch auto, two-wheel drive or all-
wheel drive
Combined fuel consumption: 8.1-8.7L/100km

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is undoubtedly one of the best value seven-seat SUVs on the market today, priced from just $38,990 drive away for the entry-level Urban. It features a classy cabin, a long list of standard equipment, a solid driving experience with a grunty turbo-petrol engine and a long warranty with inexpensive servicing pricing.

Currently, there are three Tiggo 8 Pro Max models available: Urban, Elite and Ultimate AWD, each using the same 180kW/375Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, though a new plug-in hybrid option with up to 95km of electric driving range will go on sale next month as well.

Standard equipment on the Urban includes 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather trim, an electric driver’s seat with memory functionality, heated and ventilated front seats, dual 12.3-inch displays and a full suite of active safety features. The mid-spec Elite adds third-row air vents and a power tailgate, while the top-spec Ultimate further adds larger 19-inch wheels, a Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof and privacy glass.

Chery covers the Tiggo 8 Pro Max with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty and the five-year service cost is just $1495. Overall, Chery plays the value card strongly in the Australian market and the Tiggo 8 Pro Max is the strongest value product it sells. For under $40,000 drive away, you get a practical, good quality and well equipped seven-seat SUV that has a long warranty and cheap servicing, making it strong value for money.

Mahindra XUV700

Price: from $39,990 drive away
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 149kW/380Nm, 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Combined fuel consumption: 8.3L/100km

The Mahindra XUV700 is a top value large-sized SUV priced from just $39,990 drive away for the entry-level AX7 and offering seven seats, making it ideal for larger families. There is also a top-spec Black Edition for only $43,990 – again, that’s driveaway.

A gutsy turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine sits under the bonnet mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment is generous with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, six-way electric driver’s seat adjustment with memory, a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a suite of active safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.

The XUV700’s interior is modern, good quality and practical. While Mahindra doesn’t provide space figures, it’s estimated to hold around 150 litres behind the third row, with folding those seats adding another 500L to the total – or more than enough for your family. Add in the seven-year/150,000km warranty and the XUV700’s overall value is strong.

Skoda Kodiaq

Price: from $56,990 drive away
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 140kW/320Nm, 7-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive
Combined fuel consumption: 9.2L/100km

Since its arrival in Australia in 2007, Volkswagen-owned Czech brand Skoda has offered good value for money across its range and the new-generation seven-seat Kodiaq, launched earlier this year, is priced from just $56,990 drive away.

While that’s priced higher than other seven-seat SUVs here, it’s also less than key rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and yet, it’s also better equipped. The Kodiaq also drives well, and its cabin is sensibly designed and of excellent quality.

Standard equipment on the entry-level Kodiaq Select includes 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, an electric driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 13-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and wireless smartphone mirroring, a full suite of active safety features and an abundance of Skoda’s ‘simply clever’ features such as rubbish bins in the front doors, an umbrella and even a windshield washer reservoir.

The Kodiaq range is powered by a gutsy 140kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, while its driving dynamics are typically well-tuned as you’d expect for a European car. Added to that is Skoda’s seven-year/unlimited km warranty, which is very competitive and is the longest for a European manufacturer.