<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0">
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        <atom:link href="https://www.carsguide.com.au/feed/rss/car-reviews" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
        <title>CarsGuide - Car Reviews</title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.carsguide.com.au/feed/rss/car-reviews]]></link>
                <description>Browse over 9,000 reviews &amp; road tests published by the top motoring journalists in Australia. Search by Make, Model or Bodytype to find the most up to date and in-depth review of your favourite vehicles. With daily reviews, videos and news of all the latest models our experts can help you find the perfect car for any situation.</description>
        <language>en-US</language>
        <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:46:39 +0000</pubDate>

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            <title><![CDATA[Mazda 2 2026 review: G15 Evolve | Toyota Yaris rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/mazda-2-g15-evolve-102555</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Mazda hasn&rsquo;t forgotten the little things.Most carmakers are moving away from little hatchbacks as sales dwindle as buyers jump into SUVs instead.Mazda has stayed true to its roots by refreshing its ageing Mazda2 instead of tossing it into the too hard basket, giving new and urban drivers a quality choice of wheels.2026 Mazda2 pricesThe 2 is no longer the sub-$20,000 proposition it once was with the base Evolve grade tested here starting at $27,290 (before on-road costs). The better-equipped GT grade adds $1200 to the price, and you can get the GT in sedan form for the same price.That makes it about $2000 cheaper than the most affordable Toyota Yaris, which has the added benefit of hybrid power, and about $3000 thriftier than the Volkswagen Polo.A new wave of Chinese machines undercut it, with the MG3 about $7000 cheaper, while even BYD&rsquo;s electric Atto 1 costs about $5000 less.2026 Mazda2 engine and fuel useRelying on purely petrol power the Mazda2 shows its age without any form of electrification in an era when hybrid is king and electric is the wannabe usurper.It uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 81kW and 142Nm, matched to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.Mazda claims it drinks just 5.0 litres of the cheapest petrol per 100km.Rival hybrids slash at least 1.0L/100km off that figure and deliver more zip from the petrol-electric combo.2026 Mazda2 designThe 2 is a handsome machine, and has its competitors beat for design. It wears Mazda&rsquo;s trademark features with an elegance long gone from small cars.Buyers can expect 16-inch black alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto on and off feature, auto folding black side mirrors, chrome exhaust and a little body coloured garnish in the front grille.2026 Mazda2 featuresStep inside and you&rsquo;re greeted by a cabin that hasn&rsquo;t been corrupted by modern distractions.A 7.0-inch multimedia display is small by modern standards, but that&rsquo;s probably a good thing for young drivers.It is controlled via the touchscreen or rotary dial in the centre console when stationary, with touchscreen controls taken away when moving. The idea being you keep your eyes on the road more.The rotary dial is a bit of overkill as the screen controls so few functions that a touchscreen would suffice.It comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, digital radio and in-built sat nav.The driver&rsquo;s instruments are analogue with just an old school digital readout that gives Casio watch vibes for some functions.A head-up display is one of the most useful features in modern cars, and a must for new and experienced drivers alike.Mazda&rsquo;s head-up display uses a little folding clear screen to project vital information such as travelling speed, posted speed limit and some safety warnings in front of the driver in an easy to view and read spot.Passengers are greeted by black cloth-wrapped seats with red contrast stitching that are well cushioned and comfortable enough for long drives. The GT grade ups the ante with synthetic leather and suede upholstery.A leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter and hand brake give it a more premium feel.Well placed and easy to read steering wheel buttons for volume, multimedia, cruise control and answering the phone are a win for users.There are physical dials for climate functions that are easy to use on the go and a pair of USB-A ports up front so modern phone users beware you&rsquo;ll need a different charging cord or adapter.2026 Mazda2 practicalityA physical handbrake means storage options in the centre console don&rsquo;t go much further than two cupholders and very small storage bin. This is a little car, so storage options in general are limited.This extends to the rear seat, which is cramped and best suited for only two adults and long-legged humans might struggle on longer trips.Front facing child seats can fit easily but rear facing or]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dom Tripolone]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/mazda-2-g15-evolve-102555</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Renault Arkana 2026 review: Esprit Alpine Hybrid | Toyota C-HR rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/renault-arkana-esprit-alpine-hybrid-102536</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Renault has updated the Arkana, introducing a mild-hybrid set up for its small SUV. With a lot of its rivals now sporting full hybrid systems, is this a case of 'too little, too late'?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/renault-arkana-esprit-alpine-hybrid-102536</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Staria Load review: Hybrid - GVM test | Ford Transit Custom rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/hyundai-staria-load-hybrid-102559</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Hyundai has recently introduced a hybrid powertrain option for its popular Staria Load van but does this new petrol-electric technology offer the right mix of performance and economy to win new customers in the mid-size commercial van market?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Oastler]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/hyundai-staria-load-hybrid-102559</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Tradies</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[JAC Hunter 2026 review: PHEV X - Australian first drive | Toyota HiLux rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/jac-hunter-phev-x-102492</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Say what you like about the new Chinese brands infiltrating every volume market sector right now. Because love them or hate them, they are pushing down the price of admission to those segments. The plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute segment might be a relatively new one, but it's already a hotly contested battleground. And with the Australian-ised JAC Hunter PHEV now rolling in, it just got hotter.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/jac-hunter-phev-x-102492</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Adventure</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[BMW X1 2026 review: xDrive25e | Audi Q3 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/bmw-x1-xdrive25e-102540</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The BMW X1 won the Best Small Car starting under $80,000 category in CarsGuide's 2026 Car of the Year awards, and the line-up has just received a shake-up.While petrol and electric (iX1) versions of this small SUV are still on offer, there is now a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.Dubbed the X1 xDrive25e, it&rsquo;s priced from $79,900, before on-road costs. It&rsquo;s almost $9000 more than the petrol-powered sDrive20i M Sport ($70,962 BOC), which is only front-wheel drive.This sees it compete against other plug-in hybrid rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA250e ($78,800 BOC) and Cupra Formentor VZe ($68,990 BOC). Audi hasn&rsquo;t launched a PHEV version of its new-generation Q3 in Australia yet.  @carsguide.com.au The 2026 BMW X1 is currently CarsGuide&rsquo;s Best Small Car Under $80,000 and it&rsquo;s now available with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain to rival the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 @Jack Quick  #bmw #x1 #hybrid #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   Our test car is fitted with the Enhancement Package ($5700) which adds the following:Metallic paintPanoramic glass sunroof12-speaker Harman Kardon sound systemHeated steering wheelWhat is under the bonnet?There is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that powers the front wheels with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, as well as an 80kW electric motor on the rear axle. Total system outputs are 180kW and 477Nm which is good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.There&rsquo;s plenty of power on tap. Around town the electric motor handles almost all of it on its own, but lean harder on the accelerator or deplete the battery charge and the petrol engine steps in to assist.When the petrol engine first fires there can be slight hesitation as the powertrain shuffles how the drive is sent. It&rsquo;s brief and then things smooth out.The three-cylinder petrol engine has a fun, perky but you can tell it's working hard to shift 1855kg of small SUV.What are the electric components?Feeding the electric motor is a 16.3kWh (14.2kWh usable) lithium-ion battery pack which allows for up to 86km of WLTP-claimed electric range. During my urban real-world testing I saw closer to 55km, which isn&rsquo;t very much by today's standards.BMW claims the X1 xDrive25e has a combined fuel consumption of 3.3L/100km, according to ADR 81/02 testing, though your usage will depend on how often you charge. When the battery was depleted I saw an average of 9.5-10L/100km, which is a fair bit for a car of this size.There is a 47L fuel tank that requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.Charging up the battery pack can only be done by a Type 2 plug that&rsquo;s on the front-left quarter panel and allows for AC charging at rates up to 11kW. With this a full charge is claimed to take 1.75 hours.What is the BMW X1 xDrive25e like to drive?Even though it can feel like the turbo three-cylinder engine is working hard, it&rsquo;s aided by the electric motor. When you boot the accelerator there's plenty of oomph available, plus if you&rsquo;re feeling frisky, there&rsquo;s also a &lsquo;Boost&rsquo; mode that turns everything to 11.Once the need for speed is over, it&rsquo;s surprising just how fun this car is to drive, even around town. This is primarily thanks to light, yet direct steering.This version of the X1 comes with the M Sport package as standard, which means it has a sportier suspension set-up with adaptive dampers. It&rsquo;s generally comfortable and compliant, though harsher bumps can transmit into the cabin with a jolt.There&rsquo;s a lot of polish to this car and it&rsquo;s clear it's still a segment benchmark, at least from a dynamic standpoint.What's it like inside?The BMW X1 still has a striking cabin with its dual screen set-up, though the 10.7-inch touchscreen multimedia system does look a touch small now compared to some of its competitors.Looking elsewhere there's the classic chunky BMW steering wheel, a generous amount of open storage]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/bmw-x1-xdrive25e-102540</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Amarok 2026 review: W600 - Australian first drive | Ford Ranger Raptor rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/volkswagen-amarok-w600-102542</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Volkswagen has finally launched the new version of its Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok ute, the W600.
At its media drive in Tasmania, we test the so-called ‘ultimate driver’s ute’ on the very roads it was developed on!]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/volkswagen-amarok-w600-102542</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Adventure</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Range Rover 2027 review: Electric - International first drive | BMW iX5 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/range-rover-electric-102544</link>
            <description><![CDATA[An electric version of the fifth-generation Range Rover (L460) wasn't meant to be this late.The delay that sees it land four years after the current car first went on sale, was triggered first by having to reconfigure the Range Rover's MLA Flex platform's outdated 400-volt electrics to more powerful 800-volt hardware and then by the huge decision to go ahead and design, develop and engineer the battery and drive units in-house.The final barrier to its launch was when, after extensive testing, engineers realised the all-new front motor that it had developed from scratch was prone to overheating in extreme off-roading, prompting a costly last-minute switch.In the end, the pioneering tech developed needed no less than 300 patents, not that the new Range Rover Electric advertises its state-of-the-art tech.Just a tweaked front grille, revised underbody and set of fresh 22-inch wheels give the game away. All have been aerodynamically optimised to benefit range.Under the radar design tweaksThe reason for the under-the-radar approach is that even deep into its middle age, the current Range Rover's design remains a major attraction for buyers.The same well-heeled bunch are pretty partial to the way the big SUV looks and feels within, and that's why the Electric version's cabin is also unchanged, which is a very good thing when it comes to the fit, finish and the intuitive tech available, plus the Range Rover's trademark towering driving position and incredible comfort.The decent 575-litre boot also remains undisturbed and is still accessed via the excellent split tailgate, although there's no space for a spare wheel and no frunk up front for cables.The Range Rover Electric can't match the all-new BMW iX5's 845km range, but data from 350 million journeys collected from owners suggests the 600km NEDC range provided by its 118.5kWh battery is more than enough, especially since that figure translates into up to 535km in the real world.Plug it in and, thanks to its 800-volt electrics, a 10 to 80 per cent top-up takes around 22 minutes, which isn't bad, but its 350kW peak charging is some way off the 460kW rate a BMW iX5 is capable of.While a 10 minute burst of charge adds up to 220km of range, its German rival will have squeezed in as much as 350km into the battery, but in Australia, finding a charger powerful enough to realise those numbers won't be easy.Dual electric motorsFor now, just one powertrain will be offered that combines two 260kW e-motors that drive each axle to produce 405kW and 850Nm.That translates to a brisk 0-100km/h dash of 4.5 seconds and an 80-120km/h sprint of 2.7 seconds, which is said to demonstrate that this EV is as quick to overtake at higher speeds as the V8 version.What's remarkable is that performance is achieved with a kerb weight in excess of 2800kg, with the battery accounting for 700kg of that mass.Behind the wheel on our brief drive, the Range Rover Electric is effortless, off the mark and gathering pace, it doesn't feel heavy.Helping disguise the weight is an 88mm lower centre of gravity, but the large SUV hasn't quite morphed into anything remotely sporty.Like other models, rear-wheel steering and twin-chamber air suspension are present, but the star of the show is the new Integrated Traction Management tech that can monitor and adjust torque in 50 milliseconds &ndash; 100 times faster than the combustion version.One-pedal off-road modeCapable of climbing 45-degree slopes, there's now even a one-pedal off-road mode for when you're in the mud, snow, sand or rocky terrain for a safer, more precise way of tackling unfamiliar territory.The system is so quick and smooth to work that it's difficult to detect any slip, even with clumsy stabs of the throttle.Come to a river crossing and the Range Rover can still wade through water up to 900mm, although there is one drawback of going electric &ndash; towing is wound back to just 2500kg &ndash; 1000kg less than the V8 and 500kg behind the plug-in hybrid.In]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[John Mahoney]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/range-rover-electric-102544</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:01:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Jaecoo J5 2026 review: SHS-H Summit | Hyundai Kona rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/jaecoo-j5-shs-h-summit-102521</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Chinese carmaker Chery Group loves a sub-brand and its Jaecoo nameplate arrived here just over 12 months ago as a more premium option relative to its Omoda sibling. Stand by for Lepas hitting Aussie showrooms any minute as well as iCaur and Freelander in 2027.Think of Jaecoo as a mainstream Hyundai, Kia and Toyota alternative and the J5 on test here as a sharply priced small SUV challenger to the Kona, Seltos and Corolla Cross.At $34,990, drive-away, the J5 SHS-H Summit is a (series-parallel) hybrid five seater promising compelling value, family focused practicality and miserly fuel consumption.&nbsp;And we spent a week behind the wheel to see if it has what it takes to upset the established order in one of the Aussie new-car market&rsquo;s most hotly contested segments.Clean, solid, no-fuss designElaborate decoration is notable by its absence when it comes to the Jaecoo J5&rsquo;s exterior. Broad, largely unadorned surfaces give this SUV a clean, solid, no fuss look with the bold waterfall grille and flower petal-style 18-inch &lsquo;Aero&rsquo; alloy wheels the closest things come to embellishment.The interior is similarly minimalist although some visual interest is added via configurable ambient lighting, white perimeter piping and cross stitching on the seats, a diamond pattern on the upper section of the dash and a piano black finish on the front centre console and around the multimedia screen. The colour palette is multi shades of grey, although off-white headlining lifts things a bit.&nbsp;  @carsguide.com.au Apparently the seats in the 2026 Jaecoo J5 are &lsquo;pet-proof&rsquo;, so we put that to the test &#128062; #jaecoo #jaecooj5 #dogtok #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   For its sub-$35K drive-away price the J5 Summit is loaded with standard equipment, the highlights being:All LED exterior lightingIntelligent high beamRoof railsRain-sensing wipersHeated and power-folding exterior mirrorsGlass sunroof (with power sunshade)Power tailgateSynthetic leather trimSix-way power-adjustable (heated &amp; ventilated) front seatsDual-zone climate-controlInterior ambient lighting8.9-inch digital instrument display13.2-inch multimedia touchscreenEight-speaker audioWired &amp; wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlayIntelligent voice commandWe&rsquo;ll get to safety equipment soon, but without even going there that list of included features is as good or better than pricier hybrid rivals like the Hyundai Kona (from $36,950) or Toyota Corolla Cross (from $37,440), both before on-road costs.&nbsp;A lot of capacity in a relatively compact footprintAt just under 4.4m long, less than 1.9m wide and a bit over 1.6m tall with a 2620mm wheelbase the Jaecoo J5 packs a lot of capacity into a relatively compact footprint.No shortage of breathing room upfront and the rear is surprisingly roomy with ample headroom and decent legroom (for me sitting behind the driver&rsquo;s seat set for my 183cm position).The synthetic leather trim is claimed to &ldquo;stand up to pet claws and everyday spills&rdquo; and our always enthusiastic doggo put it to the test without any immediate signs of damage.Heaps of storage with everything from generous door bins (front and rear) to storage bays and boxes, multiple cupholders, pockets and power sources including wireless charging, USB-A and -C ports as well as 12V outlets (front and boot).Speaking of the boot, it boasts an average 314-litre volume to the top of the rear seatbacks, 410L to the roof and even more with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat lowered.&nbsp;There's a big black mark against the lack of a physical spare, though, compounded by the fact Jaecoo puts it right in your face with a spare tyre-shaped cavity under the boot floor and the 12-volt battery plonked in the middle of it. Boo.&nbsp;Three powertrain options in AustraliaThe Jaecoo J5 is offered in Australia in petrol internal-combustion, pure-electric and as tested here, series-parallel hybrid form.The SHS-H in the]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/jaecoo-j5-shs-h-summit-102521</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Zeekr 7GT 2026 review: International preview drive | Tesla Model 3 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/zeekr-7gt-102523</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Zeekr 7GT has become one of the more hyped new cars headed to Australia before the end of 2026, which is surprising because it&rsquo;s a station wagon.This new entrant into the fully electric arena will sit alongside the very successful 7X in the challenger brand&rsquo;s line-up as a more low-slung option with seriously sporty aspirations.For this preview drive, right-hand drive cars weren&rsquo;t quite ready yet, but we were offered the opportunity for a bit more wheel time than we&rsquo;ve had before, on the track and in the snow.What does it tell us about this intriguing non-SUV option? Read on to find out.I know you&rsquo;re probably hoping to know how much the Zeekr 7GT will cost, but we still don&rsquo;t have that specific detail.What the brand did tell us is the fully electric wagon will come in the same three core variants as are available over in China and Europe - a base standard range rear-wheel drive, a mid-spec long-range rear-wheel drive and a top-spec performance-oriented all-wheel drive.If it follows the same pricing structure as it does overseas, the 7GT will be more affordable than its 7X mid-size SUV sibling, with a starting price of around $55,000 if the usual conversion stays true.Expect the range to top out around the $70K mark by the time you walk up to the top-spec all-wheel drive. This means you&rsquo;re paying combustion car prices for EV performance, with rivals including the Subaru WRX Sportwagon (from $58,490), Skoda Octavia RS (from $64,990 in wagon form), or on the EV front, the Tesla Model 3 (from $54,900 - no wagon available).As to features, we can look to the European market for an idea of what to expect. There, all versions of the 7GT score the dash-dominating 15-inch multimedia touchscreen, and shaped 13.0-inch digital dash, similar to the 7X's. Higher variants get a 35.5-inch head-up display, while other standard kit includes a panoramic sunroof and LED headlights.Inside, trim ranges from black textile on the base car through to a blend of Nappa leather and synthetic materials on the higher-grade cars. In Europe these are able to be chosen either in black or white, while a wider array of interior colours, including sporty suede-style bucket seats.Zeekr even hinted at the possibility of doing a special fourth trim level which could be a range-topping sporty model.One thing is for sure, Zeekr is selling cars on the feeling the interior leaves you with. Like the 7X, the 7GT continues to subvert expectations of how a Chinese car can look and feel from the inside. The commitment to nice materials, solid ergonomics, and even slick software leaves you with the impression that you&rsquo;re in something European rather than Chinese.This is no doubt largely to do with the fact Zeekrs are at least partially designed next door to Volvos and Polestars at Geely Group&rsquo;s Gothenburg facilities in Sweden.The same goes for the outside, where the 7GT has the proportions of a sporty Euro wagon, with the more Chinese-leaning design motifs personifying its &lsquo;hidden energy&rsquo; design language.To that end, it shares its minimalistic bar-style face with the 7X, familiar frameless doors, but with a bespoke rear design which integrates a bar-style LED below a little lip spoiler on the tailgate, with an edgy split-spoiler adding some intrigue to the roofline.It&rsquo;s a cool looking machine, with an array of aggressive wheel choices, but I have no doubt that it will continue to set Zeekr apart from the rest of the Chinese pack.How does it drive? We sampled both rear-wheel drive versions (which have 310kW/440Nm) and the top-spec all-wheel drive version (475kW/710Nm) at the track, as well as just the AWD on the snow.What did we learn? Both drivetrains are punchy, and the steering and feedback on offer continues to be a highlight. This car has some attitude behind the wheel, and while the power might sound overwhelming, the somewhat strict stability control keeps things sane.That having been said, when]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/zeekr-7gt-102523</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cadillac Optiq 2026 review: Sport | Mercedes-Benz EQE rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/cadillac-optiq-sport-102515</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;re looking for an electric mid-sized SUV but don&rsquo;t really want to drive another BYD, Geely or Zeekr just like everybody else seems to, then the Cadillac Optiq probably has your name all over it. Well, you&rsquo;ll know if it does after you read this quick review.&nbsp;Yes, American brand Cadillac is back in Australia although you may not have missed it because it was the 1960s that the brand was here last. Now it&rsquo;s back but this time with an all-electric line-up.Cadillac is General Motors' luxury sub-brand. Think Lexus to Toyota, only with way more history and a strong, glitzy show-biz connection. Elvis had more than 100 of them, although would he have an electric one today?So the Optiq is a little upmarket, a little bit luxurious even, but hoping to win over Aussies at a competitive price.&nbsp;Oh and yes that is Optiq with a &ldquo;q&rdquo;.  @carsguide.com.au There are badges everywhere for those with the eyes to see. Especially if you&rsquo;re looking at a 2026 Cadillac Optiq! #Cadillac #Optiq #ev #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   How much does the Cadillac Optiq cost and what are the standout features?In Australia the Optiq range consists of one grade and it lists for $80,000, before on-road costs. That prices it above many affordable, mainstream electric SUVs like the Geely EX5 or BYD Sealion 7 but not quite as high as the Mercedes-Benz EQB, Polestar 4 and BMW iX3.&nbsp;Instead the Optiq competes with the pricer end of Hyundai&rsquo;s Ioniq 5 range, Skoda Enyaq and Zeekr 7X.Standout features include the 33-inch display which stretches from the centre of the dash to the driver&rsquo;s side for media and the instrument cluster. The standard 19-speaker AKG stereo is excellent. The seats are heated up front and in the second row. The panoramic glass roof is expansive and opens, plus there&rsquo;s a thick screen to close and keep the glare out.Is the Cadillac Optiq powerful and what&rsquo;s its driving range?The Optiq has two electric motors - one at the front and the other at the rear - making this SUV all-wheel drive. The combined output of the motors is 224kW and 480Nm which isn&rsquo;t huge especially considering its rather hefty 2379kg weight, so a 0-100km/h time isn&rsquo;t outstanding for a sporty EV at 6.3 seconds.According to Cadillac the 75kWh battery provides 425km of driving range and energy consumption of 19.9kWh/100km.My own testing saw our car use slightly more at 21.2kWh/100km. The range is relatively normal compared to other EVs this size, as is the consumption.What is the Cadillac Optiq like to drive?The Optic feels lower to the ground than most SUVs but also more solid and planted than a lot of its rivals. That said the steering feels heavy and acceleration isn't nearly as brisk as some rivals.But this is a super comfortable car - from the seats to the ride and dynamically, the Optiq is impressive for its weight and size.Adding to the serene driving experience is a super quiet cabin with active noise cancellation.A head-up display would make driving through Sydney&rsquo;s ever-changing speed zones easier and the overly enthusiastic safety alerts are annoying - from the seat belt chimes the moment you get into the car to the driver distraction and speed warnings.&nbsp;Is the Cadillac Optiq a good SUV?The Optiq isn&rsquo;t small at 4820mm end-to-end l but it is sleek rather than tall and boxy, and this reduces its cargo carrying ability.The boot is large at 744 litres, but the large sloping hatch means it&rsquo;s deep rather than high. Oh and the Optiq is a five-seater only.Rear seats are comfortable and head and legroom is great back there, even for me at 189cm tall. Cabin storage is also impressive with big door pockets, a cleverly designed wireless phone charger, along with shelves and lots of storage under the floating centre console.So as a sleek and low SUV the Optiq is surprisingly practical. We lived with it for a week with my young family of four and]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/cadillac-optiq-sport-102515</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Kia Sportage 2026 review: S Hybrid | Toyota RAV4 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/kia-sportage-s-hybrid-102398</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As with its Hyundai Tucson cousin, the last two generations of Kia Sportage have long been good cars in search of better petrol powertrains.The old 2.0-litre atmo unit lacked spark and the 1.6-litre turbo was too highly strung for a family runabout.The petrol-electric hybrid vehicle (HEV) that usurps both, on the other hand, strikes the right chord, but wasn&rsquo;t available in base guise &ndash; until now.A pricing coup?The entry-level S Hybrid, from $44,490, drive-away, puts the base Sportage right in the Chinese electrified mid-sized SUV heartland.Inevitably, several plug-in hybrid (PHEV) rivals cost less and yet bring more equipment, like the BYD Sealion 5, Chery Tiggo 7, Geely Starray and Jaecoo J7. But cheapness is their main attraction and most suffer from some worrying deficiencies.Oddly, though, the S overlaps with some hybrid-only alternatives from China, like the GWM Haval H6 and MG HS, though again, both require more development.The Kia undercuts Japanese base-grade hybrid equivalents, such as the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, Honda CR-V e:HEV and, of course, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid that begins from about $6000 more.That said, the S isn&rsquo;t scant on spec, with much of the expected convenience basics, like climate control, a reversing camera, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and alloy wheels.You&rsquo;ll also find:A space-saver spare wheel &ndash; thank you, KiaSeven years of free Kia Connect remote app services accessKeyless entry and startA 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android AutoAdaptive cruise controlFront and rear parking sensorsIn other words, all you need and a bit more besides. There&rsquo;s no wireless phone charger or heated front seats at this price point, though.Still looking good half-a-decade onNow in its fifth generation since 1993, today&rsquo;s Sportage has been an especially strong seller worldwide.Maybe that&rsquo;s why last year&rsquo;s facelift is subtle. An obvious difference is the removal of the fussy inverted &lsquo;V&rsquo; LED lighting up front, connecting the mid-sized SUV to some of its younger SUV siblings.Similarly, the Sportage&rsquo;s cabin presentation has also weathered well.A lesson in digitised interfacesAt first glance, you&rsquo;d be hard pressed to pick this as the entry-level Sportage.Yes, the seats are cloth instead of modish synthetic leather (though vinyl belongs in record sleeves not in SUVs) and the driver&rsquo;s side lacks lumbar adjustment. But these are the only real concessions to cost cutting.Dominating things is Kia&rsquo;s classy, curved dual-display dash, which remains visually contemporary and operates smartly, swiftly and smoothly, while a row of fixed virtual buttons below responds on the first touch and are paragons of clarity. China (and Mazda CX-5), please heed, since the Hyundai Motor Group knows how to balance dashboard design and ergonomics effectively.The front seats provide adequate comfort and support, the driving position is faultless, the ventilation works fine, there is an abundance of storage and the quality of execution stands out.As with the spacious front row, back-seat entry and egress is effortless. The Sportage&rsquo;s roomy rear features cushions are fixed, but remain adequately comfy, aided by backrests that recline a little. Also present are air vents, cupholders, USB-C ports and a folding armrest. Not bad for a base bus.Further back, even with the spare wheel, VDA luggage capacity is a decent 586 litres, expanding to 1872L with the 60/40 split-fold backrests dropped. Electrification need not compromise practicality.Having your cake&hellip;The S Hybrid 2WD uses a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid engine, paired to a 47.7kW/264Nm electric motor, driving the front wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic.Combined outputs are 173kW and 367Nm, while a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery is located by the multi-link rear axle.The result is remarkably velvety performance, from stepping off]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Byron Mathioudakis]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/kia-sportage-s-hybrid-102398</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Toyota bZ4X 2026 review: 2WD long-term | Part 2 | Zeekr 7X rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/toyota-bz4x-2wd-long-term-part-2-102494</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Let&rsquo;s skip to the good part. If you read my earlier dispatch on the Toyota bZ4X, you&rsquo;ll know that, thanks to a big price cut, better driving range and more modern tech, it finally stacks up with the heavyweights of the electric SUV space, like the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7. Well, on paper at least.&nbsp;And now we are at last up to the exciting bit where I tell you if it stacks up in the real world, too. And... it does.Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, this is a very different car to something like the Model Y, and I have no doubt it will appeal to a very different buyer. While the Tesla is all stripped back minimalism (sometimes annoyingly) and bleeding-edge tech, like Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the Toyota is the opposite.&nbsp;It feels, and there&rsquo;s really no better way to say this, like an electric Toyota. It&rsquo;s familiar, the cabin layout is easy to immediately understand, and even though the tech on offer is high by Toyota&rsquo;s recent standards, there are no lessons required in how it all works. You just get in, select Drive, and go.&nbsp;That familiarity extends to the drive experience, too. While some EVs make a big song and dance about supercar levels of instant performance, the bZ4X does the opposite. It&rsquo;s simple, steady motoring, and while the power and torque is ample, and it benefits massively from not having a modern and whiny continuously variable transmission (CVT), it feels sensible, and not overly exhilarating.The positioning of the electric motor in this two-wheel-drive version at the front tyres does result in some front-wheel slipping and scrabbling at times, but it&rsquo;s further evidence of where Toyota positions this bZ4X &ndash; a sports car it ain&rsquo;t.But there's still a sense of connection from behind the wheel that is always refreshing to find these days. Yes, it can be a bit jittery over bigger bumps, the ride can feel too firm in places, and it does feel heavy. It definitely lacks the kind of all-around polish and resolve of something like a RAV4 hybrid, for example, but there's still a lot to like about the way this car goes about its business.There&rsquo;s something else it lacks in the RAV4 comparison, too, and that is boot space. Open the bZ4X&rsquo;s boot and you'll find 452 litres of storage, which is down on the 500 litres-plus you'll find in something like a RAV4, despite the formers gargantuan dimensions. And because we can't really lower the seats because of the baby capsule, the usable space in the boot is important to us.Don&rsquo;t get me wrong; it&rsquo;s not tiny, it&rsquo;s more that when we had our giant pram in there taking up most of the space with little room for anything else. The flipside, though, is that there's ample room in the backseat. That babyseat I mentioned has apparently been modelled on giants, and in some cars it can push the front passenger seat forwards, but that's not the case here.Two more quick quirks. Actually, the first one is almost a positive. The bZ4X has (mostly) one of the most unobtrusive safety systems I&rsquo;ve encountered recently. No chimes, no alarms, no fighting the steering wheel. I&rsquo;m sure they&rsquo;re all there beavering away in the background, but I was blissfully unaware of them.Well, unaware of most of them. An almost deal-breaking feature is the backseat occupant alarm, which usually reacts when weight is sensed on the backseat, setting off an alarm so you don&rsquo;t accidentally lock your bub or dog in the back. Sensible, important stuff.But the Toyota can&rsquo;t distinguish between an empty baby capsule and one with my baby still in it, which means just about every time I lock the car the loud, multi-beep alarm would sound. I even removed the capsule for the final CarsGuide video (which you should definitely watch if you haven't already) with the bZ4X, and the alarm was still going off &ndash; it turned out to be a water bottle I&rsquo;d left on the seat, which was enough to trigger the]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Chesterton]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/toyota-bz4x-2wd-long-term-part-2-102494</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Chevrolet Corvette 2026 review: E-Ray | Porsche 911 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/chevrolet-corvette-e-ray-102372</link>
            <description><![CDATA[For more than 70 years the Chevrolet Corvette has been a sports car icon and the current eighth-generation version comes to Australia in factory right-hand drive form. The petrol-electric hybrid Corvette E-Ray is arguably the most interesting version and we spent a week behind the wheel to see how 'America's sports car' fares in local conditions. ]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/chevrolet-corvette-e-ray-102372</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Used Mercedes-Benz Sprinter review: 2006-2018 | Toyota HiAce rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/mercedes-benz-sprinter-102154</link>
            <description><![CDATA[We normally associate the Mercedes-Benz brand with luxury passenger cars. But the world of Mercedes commercial vehicles is a well established and respected one, too. Popular in Europe, the M-B commercial range is spearheaded by the Sprinter line-up of trucks, vans and busses and Australia has seen its share of them over the years, too.The second generation (code-named W906) was sold here from 2006 to 2018 and, in the process, helped Mercedes commercials get a good foothold in this market.And if you think luxury cars have a bewildering range of options and specifications, the Sprinter line-up over the years puts them all to shame. It&rsquo;s reckoned the various permutations of Sprinters could generate as many as 1000 different vehicles. It&rsquo;s easy to believe, too, and even in Australia, Sprinters have been available as vans, busses and cab-chassis formats, with choices including high and low-roof options, short-, mid- and long-wheelbase layouts, single or dual cabs, various driveline choices and even the option of all-wheel drive.Yet for all that diversity, the vast majority of them have been painted white (the only no-cost paint choice in many commercial vehicles).Nearly all Sprinters of this generation sold in Australia were powered by turbo-diesel engines (either four cylinder or V6) and were fitted with five- or six-speed manual gearboxes or six or seven-speed automatic transmissions. Improved engines were added as time passed, usually with a small uptick in performance and economy, but by and large, the engines remained very similar across the 12 years the W906 was on sale here.&nbsp;Is Mercedes Sprinter a good car?Any second-hand commercial vehicle can be a can of worms due to the way it&rsquo;s been used in the past. While some fleets are meticulous in terms of servicing and maintenance, others are not so careful. And even though it&rsquo;s built to commercial-vehicle standards and specifications, neglect like that can ruin any vehicle.But if you find a good one, a Sprinter has the potential to change your views on commercials with dynamics and quality that are a cut above the rest of the white-van pack.And let&rsquo;s face it, a good van is worth its weight in gold when you really, really need one for a specific task. And with Mercedes&rsquo; decades of experience in this type of vehicle, the Sprinter often gets it just right.&nbsp;Mercedes Sprinter reliabilityThe reliability and durability of a Sprinter van is much more likely to be determined by the vehicle&rsquo;s service history than any inherent faults. That said, there are a few things to watch, but the Mercedes is probably one of the better commercial vans for reliability.&nbsp;Mercedes Sprinter problemsSome owners have reported slippage and slow shifting in automatic Sprinters. The good news is this often seems to require nothing more than a transmissions service with new fluid to put things right. The trade reckons the automatic transmissions in the Sprinter need such a service every 120,000km.Sprinters with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) can have trouble with blocked filters that require either manual cleaning or replacement. Sluggish performance and poor fuel economy are early signs of this.Manual Sprinters can develop wear in the shifter mechanism that can lead to a noisy, sloppy shift action and tricky selection. This is usually caused by worn bushings that can be replaced fairly easily.The Sprinter has a reputation for oil leaks from the oil cooler as the odometer clocks up about 170,000km. Replacing the offending seals is the fix.Turbochargers can develop leaks in their plumbing, allowing boost pressure to escape. Poor running, lots of black exhaust smoke and high fuel consumption are symptoms, as is a hissing noise from under the bonnet. The plastic trunking is the culprit but is pretty easy to replace.&nbsp;Mercedes Sprinter recallThis generation of Sprinter van has had its share of recalls, including common ones to attend to oil leaks, fuel]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/mercedes-benz-sprinter-102154</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Tradies</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-5 2026 review: Evolve | Hyundai Tucson rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/mazda-cx-5-evolve-102486</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here but with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 offering hybrid power, is the CX-5 missing a trick?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/mazda-cx-5-evolve-102486</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Renault Symbioz Esprit Alpine E-Tech 2026 review: snapshot | Mazda CX-30 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/renault-symbioz-esprit-alpine-e-tech-102477</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Renault Symbioz Esprit Alpine is the flagship model in the new small SUV&rsquo;s line-up. Priced from $45,990, before on-road costs, the Esprit Alpine combines luxury and sporty touches to differentiate it from the Techno hybrid below it in the range.Naturally, the Esprit Alpine is loaded with the most equipment, including auto headlights, a wireless smartphone charger, heated steering wheel and automatic climate control. Plus there&rsquo;s a 10.25-inch digital driver display as well as a 10.4-inch central multimedia touchscreen connected to a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Not only does it have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, but also Google Automotive Services, which means it can act like an extension of your Android smartphone in many respects.Other niceties include performance seats that are heated and electronically adjustable and red, white and blue stitching on the steering wheel plus a power tailgate.The Symbioz is based on Renault&rsquo;s latest design language, which gives it a distinctive European look. The Esprit Alpine gets some unique exterior design elements, including chrome exterior trim as well as a more muted grille and badge treatment.Inside there is a small ledge ahead of the stubby gear selector, with the wireless charging pad hidden underneath it. There are two cupholders and a small lidded console box as well, plus small door pockets, which makes for a very practical cabin.In terms of space for people, up front the seats are comfortable and roomy, while in the rear the back of the driver and passenger seats have been heavily sculpted out to create a good amount of kneeroom.The Symbioz Esprit Alpine uses the first hybrid powertrain offered by Renault in Australia, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor that makes 116kW of power and 265Nm of torque.With a 48-litre fuel tank and claimed fuel economy of just 4.7L/100km the Symbioz has a theoretical driving range of more than 1000km on a single fill.In terms of safety, the Symbioz Techno has a good level of active driver assistant systems that are better calibrated than many small SUV rivals, plus there is a single-button function to switch off the systems you don&rsquo;t want to use. However, the Symbioz has not been rated by ANCAP and has a four-star (from a possible five) crash test score from Euro NCAP.&nbsp;The Symbioz Esprit Alpine is covered by Renault&rsquo;s standard five-year/100,000km warranty, The company offers &lsquo;Assured Servicing Pricing&rsquo; which covers the first five years or 150,000km, whichever comes first. This will cost you a total of $2715 for the hybrid during that time.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/renault-symbioz-esprit-alpine-e-tech-102477</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Used Skoda Kodiaq review: 2017-2025 | Kia Sorento rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/skoda-kodiaq-102199</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Skoda is a somewhat strange brand in Australia where it blossomed quite late after being brought into the Volkswagen family. The brand is seen as slightly left of centre in some regards, but utterly practical and sensible in terms of things like layout and packaging.The Skoda Kodiaq is the company&rsquo;s mid-sized seven-seat SUV. It incorporates all-wheel drive which operates mostly as a front-wheel drive system.Engine choices consist of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 132kW, a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel with 140kW and a retuned version of that engine (with an extra turbocharger) with 176kW for the sportier variants. All Kodiaqs used a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission with a wet-clutch design.A facelift for 2018 brought a larger 9.2 inch touchscreen and a Sportline trim variant joined the range with its 20-inch alloy wheels and blacked out trim. The other notable addition was the 2022 Kodiaq RS which ditched the turbo-diesel engine for a 180kW turbo-petrol 2.0 litre.Within the Skoda company, this generation of the Kodiaq was known as the NS model.Is Skoda Kodiaq a good car?Built on the VW Tiguan&rsquo;s platform, the Kodiaq is one of the smaller seven-seaters you can buy. In turn, that means the third row seats are exclusively for kids, and smaller ones at that, so it&rsquo;s an occasional seven-seater for growing Aussie families. If you regularly move more than five bodies, there are better alternatives.What the Kodiaq does have, though, is a big chunk of personality. It&rsquo;s practical in the way it's laid out and equipped and a bit more playful to look at than the Tiguan it shares so much with. If sporty driving fun is important to you, the Skoda scores a few more points over some of its peers.Skoda Kodiaq reliabilityThere will be people who will tell you their Skoda has been the most reliable car they&rsquo;ve ever owned. And while it&rsquo;s true build quality and materials are up to the VW family&rsquo;s usual high standards, the Skoda, based as it is on the Volkswagen Tiguan mechanical platform, has had its share of reliability problems.Overall the picture is not bad and certainly not as terrible as those dark days of VW quality of a decade earlier.Skoda Kodiaq problemsThe turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine has a reputation for liking a drop of oil, but this is down to the design, not a fault with the engine. It uses low-friction piston rings (as do a lot of modern engine designs) and the small amount of oil consumed is more than offset by the fuel savings of the low-friction engine. Owners still need to keep an eye on the oil level, however.The demons of earlier dual-clutch transmissions seem to have been expelled by the time the Kodiaq NS turned up. Even so, you need to see a full service history to be sure and make certain during the test drive the transmission is not slow to select gears or that it doesn't shudder when you take off from a green light. These symptoms point to costly transmission woes.As a seven-seat family car, you also need to make sure the interior hasn&rsquo;t been pummelled by years of carting kids, dogs and pushbikes around.Skoda Kodiaq recallThe Kodiaq had been the subject of a handful or recalls, including one to check whether all the required nuts securing the rear seat had been fitted at the factory. Another was to ensure part of the engine&rsquo;s plastic cover didn&rsquo;t contact the turbocharger unit, which could have caused an under-bonnet fire.Possibly the most critical recall, though, was one involving the infamous Takata airbags that were fitted to some Kodiaq and needed to be replaced before they were needed in a crash. You can check out the details at https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/ to see if your car was affected. The alternative is to contact Skoda Australia&rsquo;s customer service department for a VIN check.Skoda Kodiaq years to avoidNot much changed mechanically over the years the NS model was on sale, so the Kodiaq to avoid now is the one lacking a full]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/skoda-kodiaq-102199</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Subaru Outback 2026 review: Wilderness - off-road test | Toyota Kluger rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/subaru-outback-wilderness-102387</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Subaru Outback holds a special place in the hearts of adventurers everywhere. It&rsquo;s long been regarded by its fans as a genuine mix of decent on-road manners, family-friendly practicality and sound off-road capability. Just right for light-duty off-roading.Now, Subaru claims, it has made the Outback even better and a new off-road-focussed variant called the all-wheel-drive Wilderness now sits near the top of the line-up.The Wilderness is equipped with a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine, 240mm of ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles and electronically controlled dampers.But is this new Outback all it&rsquo;s cracked up to be? Read on.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/subaru-outback-wilderness-102387</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
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                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Renault Symbioz Techno mild hybrid 2026 review: snapshot | Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/renault-symbioz-techno-mild-hybrid-102469</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The all-new Renault Symbioz small SUV range begins with a mild hybrid variant in the Techno trim, priced from $36,990, before on-road costs.&nbsp;The Techno mild hybrid comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, a wireless smartphone charger, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control and 10.25-inch digital driver display plus a 10.4-inch central multimedia touchscreen connected to a six-speaker sound system. Not only does it have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, but also Google Automotive Services, which means it can act like an extension of your Android smartphone in many respects.Renault&rsquo;s designers have created a surprisingly spacious and well-considered interior for such a small SUV.&nbsp;Up the front there are plenty of small item storage spaces. There is a small ledge ahead of the stubby gear selector, with the wireless charging pad hidden underneath it. There are two cupholders and a small lidded console box as well, plus small door pockets.In terms of space for people, up front the seats are comfortable and roomy, while in the rear the back of the driver and passenger seats have been heavily sculpted out to create a good amount of kneeroom.The rear seat slides to provide a trade-off between boot space and rear occupant space, so it does have an impressively large cargo capacity if you don&rsquo;t need to take passengers.The mild hybrid Symbioz is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and makes 104kW of power and 245Nm of torque.The mild hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 6.4L/100km, which provides a theoretical driving range of more than 750km thanks to its 48L fuel tank.In terms of safety, the Symbioz Techno has a good level of active driver assistant systems that are better calibrated than many small SUV rivals. However, the Symbioz has not been rated by ANCAP and has a four-star crash test score from Euro NCAP.&nbsp;The Symbioz Techno mild hybrid is covered by Renault&rsquo;s standard five years/100,000km warranty. The company offers &lsquo;Assured Servicing Pricing&rsquo; which covers the first five years or 150,000km, whichever comes first, and the total cost for the period is $2695.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/renault-symbioz-techno-mild-hybrid-102469</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
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            <title><![CDATA[MG MG4 EV 2026 review: Essence 64 | BYD Dolphin rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mg-mg4-ev-essence-64-102429</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As more manufacturers chase buyers looking for an accessible entry into EV ownership, the challenge is no longer simply getting the price down. It's finding an electric car that doesn't make too many compromises along the way.
That's what the updated MG4 Essence 64 is promising. But does it deliver?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mg-mg4-ev-essence-64-102429</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
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            <title><![CDATA[Kia PV5 Cargo 2026 review: GVM test | Ford E-Transit Custom rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/kia-pv5-cargo-102468</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Kia's all-new PV5 Cargo van brings sophisticated design and long driving range at an enticing price to Australia's expanding full-electric commercial van fleet, but is it a practical alternative to traditional diesel rivals?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Oastler]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/kia-pv5-cargo-102468</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Tradies</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Renault Symbioz 2026 review: Australian first drive | Toyota Corolla Cross rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/renault-symbioz-102452</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Renault is back with an all-new contender in the highly-competitive small SUV market. The Symbioz brings European style and a polished driving experience, along with hybrid powertrains.
But we review it to see if it has what it takes to compete against a diverse array of rivals from Chery, Hyundai, Mazda and more.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/renault-symbioz-102452</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Geely EX2 Inspire 2026 review: snapshot | MG4 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/geely-ex2-inspire-102449</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Geely EX2 Inspire is the top-spec version of Geely&rsquo;s entry into the small EV market, competing with the likes of the BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT and MG4.Starting from $30,990, before on-road costs, the Inspire is $4500 pricier than the base Complete but gains plenty of features. Standard on the EX2 regardless are:&nbsp;Auto LED headlights and tail-lightsPowered seat adjustment14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen&nbsp;8.8-inch driver displayWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoUSB-A and USB-C portsFour-speaker sound systemDigital radioGeely connected servicesKeyless entry and startLED interior lightingFeatures added when you upgrade to the Inspire are:&nbsp;Coloured ambient interior lightingWireless phone chargingPower tailgateHeated front seats and steering wheelDecorative metallic trim&nbsp;Contrast black roofRain-sensing wipersIt&rsquo;s 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1580mm tall, with a 2645mm wheelbase. There&rsquo;s a segment-defying 450L of luggage space between the 375L boot and 75 under-bonnet storage or &lsquo;frunk&rsquo;.Upgraded from the Complete in terms of its drivetrain, the EX2 Inspire is powered by a 85kW/150Nm motor, mounted at the rear axle. Geely claims it is able accelerate from 0-100km/h in 11.5 seconds and it&rsquo;s limited to 130km/h.A 47kW battery provides power, while the EX2 Inspire uses a claimed 15.5kWh/100km, which results in a driving range of 345km according to Geely. DC Charging is 80kW, while AC is just 6.2kW.Geely says it was designed with current ANCAP testing protocols in mind and expects a maximum five-star rating later this year, though this is yet to be determined. Regardless, the list of standard safety features in the 2026 EX2 includes:Seven airbagsOccupant sensor and reminderSurround-view camera&nbsp;Rear parking sensorsHigh-beam assistPedestrian alert (low speed)Traction and stability controlHill-descent controlAdaptive cruise controlFront- and rear-cross traffic alertFront and rear collision warningBlind-spot monitoring&nbsp;Driver monitoringEmergency lane-keepLane-change assistTraffic sign detectionGeely offers a seven-year, unlimited km warranty on the EX2, with eight years' coverage for the high-voltage battery.Roadside assistance for seven years is standard and the option to buy up to seven years' of prepaid servicing at $1642 also provides peace-of-mind, the latter saving you $410 compared to the $2052 it costs paying per service. Intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/geely-ex2-inspire-102449</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Used Audi A8 review: 2010-2018 | BMW 7 Series rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/audi-a8-102373</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Audi&rsquo;s A8 is the third member of the big German luxury sedan crew, sharing marketplace space with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It boasts the same sharply-cut-suit looks as its peers but, in some ways, is the more technically advanced car. Somehow, however, it was never as popular as the other big Germans. Which is not to say it isn&rsquo;t worth looking at now.Code-named the 4H series in Audi-speak, the 2010 A8 was available in long- and short-wheelbase forms and with a choice of either a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with 184kW or a 4.2 litre petrol V8 with 273kW. Just for something left field, Audi also offered a 4.1-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 with 258kW but a stonking 800Nm of torque.All variants used an eight-speed automatic and the A8 was all-wheel drive, which is something its major competitors didn&rsquo;t have.The car was facelifted for the 2014 model year at which point the magnificent petrol V8 was dropped from the line-up and two revised turbo-diesels appeared. The first was a V6 with 190kW and the other a V8 with 283kW and now 850Nm. The latter was available only as a short-wheelbase car.Standard equipment levels and inbuilt safety were major features of the big Audi and it remains an impressive car to drive and look at. The A8&rsquo;s other big selling point was its aluminium chassis which helped offset some of the mass of the 'quattro' all-wheel drive system.Is Audi A8 a good car?The A8 is a lovely car to ride in and a decent thing to drive as well. It was set up with comfort in mind, but the quattro all-wheel drive system also lends an added margin of safety in terms of grip in slippery conditions.If anything, though, it lacks the imposing visuals of the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and from some angles, looks like an enlarged A4 or A6. The interior is pure Audi, which is another way of saying excellent.Because new tech &ndash; including safety gear &ndash; is usually first seen in the high-spec models from each carmaker, the A8 hit the market as a very safe car for the time. Even now, it boasts some equipment that is still optional on cheaper brand-new cars.Audi A8 reliabilitySophisticated cars often wind up with sophisticated problems later in life. The Audi is not perfect in this regard, but it is well made and used quality materials. The fundamentals are good although, like any car, poor maintenance and servicing will show up eventually. And when repairs are needed on a high-end car like this, they won&rsquo;t be cheap.Audi A8 problemsThe first thing to look for in an A8 is any evidence or history of crash damage. That&rsquo;s because the aluminium chassis and body is difficult to repair properly and requires a specialist workshop to get it right. Even the factory used specialist techniques to build the cars and a lot of the bodywork and panel alignment was somewhat hand-finished. So a close check of the frame and underbody is a must.The A8 was also caught up in the Volkswagen family&rsquo;s shameful 'Dieselgate' scandal where many brands and models were fitted with devices and software designed to trick the official fuel consumption test for a better number than the car could actually achieve in the real world. The V6-powered A8s were part of this and should, by now, have been returned to Audi for a software update to negate this 'cheat'.On 4.2-litre petrol V8 variants, some owners have reported a problem with carbon build-up on the intake valves. This is due to the direct-injection system where fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chambers rather than across the back of the intake valve. As such, the valves don&rsquo;t get washed clean and carbon can build up, affecting performance. To be perfectly fair, this is not an Audi-specific problem and can affect many engines using direct-injection.Audi A8 recallThe A8 hasn&rsquo;t had too bad a run with safety recalls, but that&rsquo;s not to say there haven&rsquo;t been some recalls over the years this generation A8 was on]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/audi-a8-102373</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Geely EX2 Complete 2026 review: snapshot | BYD Atto 1 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/geely-ex2-complete-102446</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Geely EX2 Complete is a budget-friendly entry into the EV market from fast-growing brand Geely, competing with the likes of the BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT and MG4.Starting from $26,490, before on-road costs, the base Complete comes with plenty of features as standard including:&nbsp;Auto LED headlights and tail-lightsPowered seat adjustment14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen&nbsp;8.8-inch driver displayWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoUSB-A and USB-C portsFour-speaker sound systemDigital radioGeely connected servicesKeyless entry and startLED interior lightingIt&rsquo;s 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1580mm tall, with a 2645mm wheelbase. Between the 375L boot and 75 under-bonnet storage (or &lsquo;frunk&rsquo;) there&rsquo;s a segment-defying 450L of luggage space.It&rsquo;s powered by a 60kW/150Nm motor, mounted at the rear axle, which Geely claims is able to drive the EX2 from 0-100km/h in a sluggish 14.2 seconds. It&rsquo;s limited to 130km/h.Drawing power from a 35kW battery, the EX2 uses a claimed 15.9kWh/100km, which results in a modest driving range of 252km according to Geely. DC Charging is 60kW, while AC is just 6.2kW.While there&rsquo;s no ANCAP rating for the EX2 yet, Geely says it was designed with current testing protocols in mind and expects a maximum five-star rating.The list of standard safety features in the 2026 EX2 includes:Seven airbagsOccupant sensor and reminderSurround-view camera&nbsp;Rear parking sensorsHigh-beam assistPedestrian alert (low speed)Traction and stability controlHill-descent controlAdaptive cruise controlFront- and rear-cross traffic alertFront and rear collision warningBlind-spot monitoring&nbsp;Driver monitoringEmergency lane-keepLane-change assistTraffic sign detectionGeely offers a seven-year, unlimited km warranty on the EX2, with eight years coverage for the high-voltage battery.Seven years of roadside assistance and the option to buy up to seven years' of prepaid servicing at $1642 also provide peace-of-mind. Intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/geely-ex2-complete-102446</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
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