<?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">
    <channel>
        <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, 19 Oct 2026 05:29:17 +0000</pubDate>

                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz GLB250+ Electric 2026 review: snapshot | Tesla Model Y L rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb220-4matic-102896</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB follows the successful formula of the original GLB and its electric EQB sibling. It's still boxy and spacious for a smaller SUV but now has way more tech and represents better value-for-money.The line-up features two mild-hybrid and two electric grades. The most affordable EV is the GLB250+ front-wheel drive. It's about $14,000 cheaper than the equivalent previous EQB grade and has a solid list of standard gear.Keyless entry and start10.25-inch driver instrument display14-inch central multimedia touchscreenGoogle MapsDigital radioHeated and power-adjustable front seats360-degree cameraHead-up displayBlack synthetic leatherAmbient lightingHeated front seatsPrivacy glass from the B-pillar backPower tailgatePanoramic fixed glass roofAutomatic climate control20-inch alloy wheelsStandard safety gear is also extensive and it works well on the road with few interventions.The rear-drive GLB250+ delivers 200kW/335Nm and hits 100km/h from zero in 7.4 seconds.The GLB250+ uses a 85kWh (useable energy) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery delivers driving range of 570km and energy efficiency is 15.5 kilowatt hours per 100km.The new GLB uses an 800-volt architecture supporting DC fast charging up to 320kW. Under the right conditions at a high-powered DC charging station, you can technically add up to 260km of range in 10 minutes, according to Mercedes.AC charging capacity is available up to 22kW and there are four regenerative braking modes, as well.Like all grades, the GLB250+ has seven seats but Benz says only people up to 171cm tall should sit in the third row. The second row seat base rolls forward and back to make it easier to get into the back row.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Nicholson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb220-4matic-102896</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:01:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Chery C5 Hybrid 2026 review: Urban | GWM Haval Jolion rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/chery-c5-hybrid-urban-102840</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The C5 Hybrid Urban is a small SUV with plenty of standard equipment, hybrid power and a price that might make some of its rivals a little nervous. But is it actually any good?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/chery-c5-hybrid-urban-102840</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[BMW X2 2026 review: sDrive20i | Mercedes-Benz GLA rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/bmw-x2-sdrive20i-102833</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Here&rsquo;s a mildly deflating fact.Outperforming BMW&rsquo;s brilliant 3 Series, the X2 is the one-time &ldquo;Ultimate Driving Machine&rdquo; brand&rsquo;s fourth best-selling model in Australia, behind three more SUVs, the X5, X3 and X1.The swoopier version of the latter, it competes against other popular if dull premium small crossovers, like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, and is closely related to the Mini Countryman.But a week in the newly revised and de-specced base sDrive2.0i M Sport forced us to reassess our attitude.What&rsquo;s new with the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M SportNot much visually, given that the second-gen version only landed in 2024, remains quite fresh, and still possesses the same surprised-looking nose and somewhat odd proportions. The X1 is prettier.However, mechanical updates see new cleaner Euro 6e powertrains.These include a switch in the base X2 from the $77,300 (all prices are before on-road costs) xDrive20i M Sport with a 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and all-wheel drive (AWD), to a $72,800 125kW/280Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo unit with 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification and front-wheel drive (FWD).Remember back in the 2000s when BMW ribbed rivals for being FWD&hellip;Note that, to reinstate four cylinders and AWD in an X2, you&rsquo;ll now need to spend an extra $20K for the (albeit more-powerful) M35i xDrive AWD from $96,700. Sneaky.What the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport comes withEquipment levels include:&bull; Adaptive LED headlights&bull; Adaptive cruise control, as part of a long list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)&bull; Head-up display&bull; Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay&bull; Wireless smartphone charger&bull; BMW&rsquo;s connected services subscription service with emergency callout&bull; Digital key with auto entry with walkaway lock&bull; Artificial suede and leather upholstery&bull; Heated and powered front sports seats with driver&rsquo;s side memory&bull; Sat-nav with augmented view&bull; Surround-view reverse camera with auto-parking assist&bull; Powered tailgate&bull; xLine sports body kit and interior package&bull; 19-inch alloy wheelsOur car is fitted with a $6500 Enhancement Package, which adds metallic paint, sunroof, 12-speaker audio upgrade, front-seat lumbar with massage function and a heated steering wheel.Or, in other words, nearly $90K drive-away for a base X2 FWD. Oof.Why the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport interior is specialThat said, the interior presentation really is up to brand expectations.Getting in and out isn&rsquo;t too bad for a sleekly silhouetted SUV, and once in, the front row feels both vast and cosy all at once.Much of that has to do with the utterly superb bolstered front seats, that hold and caress you in all the right ways, whilst providing vast legroom.Unsurprisingly, the X2&rsquo;s driving position is first class, with thoughtful access to all the main controls, starting with the gear shifter, which is surely one of the best in the business.The same applies to the auto climate set-up and performance, offering each occupant the luxury of personal temperature control. And storage is downright abundant.Quick and crystal clear, the extended curved display screen features one of the best multimedia operating systems in the business, with set-and-forget connectivity and bombastic audio quality.The back of the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport is not bad eitherMoving into the back-seat area, headroom should also be fine for most folk, despite the fastback roofline and small-ish apertures, and legroom is OK too.The comfy seats offer a nicely shaped cushion and reclinable backrest, along with access to a full array of expected amenities.These, together with a tight fit and finish, compelling textures and alluring lighting ambience, help explain why today&rsquo;s BMW small SUVs are such a big hit.Our only notes are fat pillars and shallow side glass do limit vision and the hexagonal]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Byron Mathioudakis]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/bmw-x2-sdrive20i-102833</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz GLB200 2026 review: snapshot | Lexus NX rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb220-4matic-102895</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz has combined its GLB petrol and EQB electric models into one for the second-generation version. It is still boxy and offers space for seven, but is now heavier on Benz's latest tech.The line-up features two mild-hybrid and two electric grades, with the GLB220 4Matic (all-wheel drive) the pricier mild-hybrid.It's more affordable than the model it replaces and features a much greater level of standard gear than its predecessor. On top of the standard kit from the GLB200, the 220 adds:A &lsquo;transparent&rsquo; bonnetTerrain modeNappa leather sports steering wheelSuspension with adjustable dampingAMG Line and Night Package styling20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheelsBoth mild-hybrid versions of the GLB are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that includes a 1.3kWh lithium ion battery.The all-wheel drive GLB220 4Matic gets a power and torque boost to 140kW/300Nm for a 7.5-second 0-100km/h time. Both petrol grades use an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It sips 6.5L/100km, just 0.4L more than the 200.Standard safety gear is extensive and it works well on the road with few interventions.Like all grades, the GLB220 4Matic has seven seats but Benz says only people up to 171cm tall should sit in the third row. The second-row seat base rolls forward and back to make it easier to get into the back row.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Nicholson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb220-4matic-102895</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:01:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Skoda Peaq 2028 review: International first drive | Kia EV9 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/skoda-peaq-102909</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The all-electric Skoda Peaq won't land in Australia until early 2028, when we think it will be priced from around $80,000 for the base version and stretch to around $90,000 for the models with the large battery.That means the big three-row SUV should go up against the more expensive Hyundai Ioniq 9 (from $119,750) and Kia EV9 (from $97,000), as well as the much pricier Volvo EX90 (from $124,990), but it could face a threat from the mid-size Mercedes-Benz GLB Electric (from $74,990).Sadly, even with its late arrival, the all-new Peaq narrowly misses out on the Volkswagen Group's next-generation EV technology that isn't due to land until 2029, with Skoda hoping its combination of smart looks, high-quality, practical and versatile cabin, plus a smooth, comfortable drive will address that deficit.What is the 2028 Skoda Peaq powered by?From launch, the Skoda Peaq comes with three different powertrains &ndash; the rear-wheel drive Peaq 60 and Peaq 90 and an all-wheel drive Peaq 90x.The entry Peaq 60 is powered by a 59kWh (useable) Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry battery that is combined with a single rear-mounted motor that produces 150kW and 350Nm of torque. Off the line, the most affordable Skoda SUV takes 8.5 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill. Towing is limited to 1800kg.Choose the middle-rung Peaq 90 and you bag a much bigger 86kWh battery pack and a beefier rear motor that pumps out 210kW/545Nm for a brisker 7.1 second 0-100km/h, although its towing capacity remains unchanged.To tug up to 2000kg, you'll need the all-wheel drive Peaq 90x that boasts an additional e-motor that drives the front wheels and ramps up power to 220kW. A combined torque output hasn't been disclosed, but with all four driven wheels, the 0-100km/h dash falls to 6.8 seconds.To provide some context, the entry rear-drive Kia EV9 takes around 8.2 seconds to sprint to 0-100km/h, but the dual-motor versions are much quicker than the Skoda, taking between 4.5-6.0 seconds to hit the same benchmark, depending on the version. The Korean can tow up to 2500kg.How efficient is the 2028 Skoda Peaq and what's its range?Not only does the Skoda Peaq adopt the brand's latest Modern Solid design language that draws styling cues from the well-received Vision 7S concept, but the new Tech Deck snout, smooth surfacing and aerodynamic tricks above and beneath the bonnet have slashed the drag coefficient to around 0.25Cd.This sees the Peaq 60 capable of averaging a respectable 14.7kWh/100km, although its modest 59kWh battery size and sheer weight mean its claimed WLTP-verified range is still limited to just 459km.A better match for many will be splashing out on the Peaq 90 which, with the 86kWh battery, still manages to return a claimed 15kWh/100km, which allows it to travel up to 649km before it needs plugging in.Choose the four-wheel drive Peaq 90X flagship and the quickest Skoda SUV still returns 15.8kWh/100km for a 613km claimed range.All of those figures are better than a Kia EV9, with the rear-drive entry model only able to cover 449km, while the longest range all-wheel drive models can only drive up to 512km.How long does it take for the 2028 Skoda Peaq to charge?The Skoda Peaq is based on a heavily upgraded version of the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform that was first rolled out on the VW ID.3 back in 2019, so it has to make do with lowly 400-volt electrics that limit charging speeds, compared to the 800-volt electrics that come with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.That explains why, while a Kia EV9 can be topped up at between 210kW and 220kW, the Peaq 60 can only handle a charge of up to 160kW for a 27-minute 10 to 80 per cent charge.A Peaq 90 sees that rate increase to around 199kW, but the bigger battery sees top-up times increase to 28 minutes.Those wait times could seem less competitive with the arrival of a new Chinese seven-seater that will normally boast peak charging well beyond 350kW, for a top-up of comfortably less than 20 minutes.With its]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[John Mahoney]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/skoda-peaq-102909</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[GAC Aion V 2026 review: Luxury long-term | Part 1 | Zeekr 7X rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/gac-aion-v-luxury-long-term-part-1-102830</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Buyers looking for a mid-size electric SUV are absolutely spoiled for choice these days, with a bevy of options from new, near-new and established brands.GAC is one of China&rsquo;s biggest carmakers and the Aion V is its answer to the Geely EX5, Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y.The Aion V follows a familiar Chinese electric SUV formula with sharp pricing, high-tech features and mid-tier outputs and battery size.It does do something a little different, though. Its design is a break from the homogeneous silhouette of others, and its cabin is more family friendly than any other EV I&rsquo;ve tested.It has been a slow seller, with 656 finding a home in the first eight months of this year. Things are picking up, with a third of those sales happening in August.It is still a long way off Australia&rsquo;s favourites, with the Model Y selling more than 31,000 units through the same period, followed by the BYD Sealion 7 (17,277) and Geely EX5 (10,737).We&rsquo;re about to find out if the Aion V deserves to be in more driveways through our long-term test.2026 GAC Aion V pricesThe range is simple, with just two grades to choose from and I&rsquo;m testing the top-spec Luxury model.The base Premium starts at $42,590, before on-road costs, and the Luxury variant costs $44,590, BOC.That&rsquo;s a competitive price, with the Geely EX5 line-up ranging from $41,990 to $45,990, BYD&rsquo;s Sealion 7 starting at $54,990 and the Tesla Model Y costing upwards of $58,900.It also undercuts other Chinese rivals such as the Leapmotor C10 ($45,888), MG S6 ($49,990 drive-away) and Deepal S07 ($53,900).2026 GAC Aion V power, battery size, driving range and charging speedAt its heart is a circa-75kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that feeds a single electric motor that sends 150kW and 210Nm to the front wheels.It can drive up to 510km between charges, according to the benchmark WLTP test cycle.GAC claims it can absorb up to 180kW via a DC fast charger and 11kW when plugged into an AC connector.All that puts it at the upper end of the scale for mid-size electric cars, and better than anything in the $40,000 range.&nbsp;2026 GAC Aion V standard equipmentThe Aion V comes with all the bells and whistles, and there isn&rsquo;t a whole lot separating the Premium and Luxury grades.On the outside buyers can expect 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting front and back, folding side mirrors and roof racks.The inside is pretty swish but has a minimalist vibe favoured by so many Chinese-sourced electric cars.Inside some of the biggest highlights are a 14.6-inch multimedia screen paired with a 8.8-inch driver&rsquo;s display and a head-up display that projects vital information such as travelling speed and safety warnings onto the windscreen in front of the driver.There are synthetic leather wrapped, power-adjustable seats trimmed in a mix of synthetic and genuine leather with a massage function in the Luxury Grade.All grades have heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.There is a spattering of USB-A and -C charging ports throughout, and a wireless device charger up front to keep all the family's devices fully juiced.A large panoramic sunroof lets the light in and it has an electric shade, which is a blessing in the hot Australian sun.The Luxury grade also gets a second-row tray table, sun visors with larger lit vanity mirrors, a car fridge in the centre console and a PM2.5 air quality sensor.What the 2026 GAC Aion V interior is really likeThe cabin is absolutely cavernous thanks the car&rsquo;s boxy shape and long wheelbase - the distance between the front and rear wheels.Rear seat passengers are treated to hectares of leg, shoulder and headroom. I fitted two child seats in the second row &mdash; one forward and one rear-facing &mdash; with plenty of room to spare. Taller teens and adults would be able to sit comfortably on longer trip thanks to the flat rear floor and rear air con vents and large windows.The cabin fit out is fairly minimalist, with no]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dom Tripolone]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/gac-aion-v-luxury-long-term-part-1-102830</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz GLB200 2026 review: snapshot | Lexus NX rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb200-102894</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB follows the successful formula of the original GLB and its electric EQB sibling. It's still boxy and spacious for a smaller SUV but now has way more tech and represents better value for money.The line-up features two mild hybrid and two electric grades. It kicks off with the base mild hybrid, the front-wheel drive GLB200.It's more affordable than the model it replaces and features a much greater level of standard gear than its predecessor, including:Keyless entry and start10.25-inch driver instrument display14-inch central multimedia touchscreenGoogle MapsDigital radioHeated and power-adjustable front seats360-degree cameraHead-up displayBlack synthetic leatherAmbient lightingHeated front seatsPrivacy glass from the B-pillar backPower tailgatePanoramic fixed glass roofAutomatic climate control19-inch alloy wheelsBoth mild-hybrid versions of the GLB are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that includes a 1.3kWh lithium ion battery.The front-wheel drive GLB200 delivers 120kW/250Nm for an 8.7-second 0-100km/h dash time. It uses an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and consumes 6.1L/100km of premium unleaded.Standard safety gear is extensive and it works well on the road with few interventions.Like all grades, the GLB200 has seven seats but Benz says only people up to 171cm tall should sit in the third row. The second row seat base rolls forward and back to make it easier to get into the back row.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Nicholson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb200-102894</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:01:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tesla Model 3 2026 review: Rear-Wheel Drive | BYD Seal 6 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/tesla-model-3-rear-wheel-drive-102885</link>
            <description><![CDATA[I don&rsquo;t think I&rsquo;ve ever been able to say this about a car before, but I can pretty much guarantee that at some point in the not-too-distant future, you will find yourself sitting in this new Tesla Model 3, whether you want to or not. Just not necessarily in the driver&rsquo;s seat.This is the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, the brand&rsquo;s newest model and one that arrived after the existing range was stamped with a new 'Premium' tag, opening the door for this entry-level model to sit below.Tesla says this is what its version of affordability looks like, and that it expects this model to be a runaway hit with rideshare drivers &ndash; which is why you&rsquo;ll definitely be sitting in one at some point &ndash; given it undercuts even its Chinese competition with a sharp $45,900 price tag, before on-road costs.For the record, the next cheapest model in the Tesla family is the Model 3 Premium, which starts $9.0K above this model, at $54,900. That is a sizeable saving. And it&rsquo;s cheaper than the BYD Seal Dynamic ($49,888), Kia EV4 ($50,040) and Mazda 6e ($49,990).  @carsguide.com.au The 2026 Tesla Model 3 has copped a massive price cut, with $9000 coming off its price to better battle the BYD Seal 6 and Mazda 6e. #tesla #model3 #ev #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   What do you get, and what do you miss out on?Before we get to all the driving stuff, let&rsquo;s cover just how Tesla was able to shave the better part of 10 grand off its cheapest model, especially given &mdash; from the outside, at least &mdash; this still very much looks like a Model 3.Step one is the tyres, with the Hankooks or Michelins usually preferred by Tesla swapped out for cheaper Giti rubber, which comes from China. The 18-inch wheels themselves now wear new black aero covers. But that&rsquo;s the only sizeable change outside, with the Model 3 still sporting a glass roof and LED lighting.Inside, though, the changes are more noticeable. The seats front and back are now mostly cloth (though they&rsquo;re still heated up front), and the screen for rear-seat riders has been deleted. There are no floor mats included, and the door trims are a harder plastic. There&rsquo;s also no cabin ambient interior lighting, with interior lights confined to the footwell, and there are now only seven speakers.Perhaps the weirdest delete, though, is the electric seat controls, which are usually knobs attached to the lower left- or right-hand side of each front seat. The seats are still electric, only now they&rsquo;re controlled through the central screen. Deleting the plastic knobs must have saved Tesla about 80 cents. But it all adds up, I guess.Like other Teslas, there&rsquo;s a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty on the vehicle itself, while the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000km. And Tesla has joined the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) party with what the brand calls Power Share, which means you can plug in to the vehicle&rsquo;s battery to run or power up your devices. You will need an adaptor, though.Finally, it also shares the rest of the range&rsquo;s maximum five-star ANCAP rating.Would you pay $9.0K for better seats, more speakers, more interior lighting and a rear screen for the kids? I know I wouldn&rsquo;t.What about its battery and driving range?Tesla is annoyingly mysterious when it comes to the technical specification of its vehicles. I don&rsquo;t know of any other brands that will take your money but won&rsquo;t tell you what you&rsquo;re actually buying. But there is some crucial stuff we do know.This Model 3 will travel an impressive 572km between charges, and will reportedly clip 100km in 6.2 seconds on its way to a licence-shredding top speed of 201km/h. That&rsquo;s more than 50km in extra range than you get in the more expensive Premium version, but down on the huge 750km range offered in the Model 3 Long Range.Apart from that, we think it's single electric motor makes up to 208kW, and that the battery]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Chesterton]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/tesla-model-3-rear-wheel-drive-102885</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz GLB 2026 review: Australian first drive | Tesla Model Y L rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb-102883</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Mercedes-Benz GLB is back for its second generation and this time it’s available with either a mild-hybrid or battery electric powertrain. It’s also packed with new tech. Is the EV the pick of the line-up?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Nicholson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mercedes-benz-glb-102883</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:01:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Geely Starray 2026 review: EM-i AWD – Australian first drive | Jaecoo J7 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/geely-starray-em-i-awd-102880</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As the old children&rsquo;s story told us - slow and steady wins the race.If the likes of BYD, Chery and GWM are the Hare, Geely may end up being the automotive equivalent of the Tortoise. Now in its second year in the Australian market, the brand has expanded deliberately slowly.It started with the EX5 electric mid-size SUV, added the similar-sized Starray plug-in hybrid (or Super Hybrid as they like to call it) and then earlier this year the smaller EX2 electric SUV.Now comes its latest addition, the Starray all-wheel drive (AWD), which joins the existing front-wheel drive offerings.What does the 2026 Geely Starray EM-i AWD offer?There&rsquo;s only a single, high-grade variant of the AWD model available, the Inspire. It&rsquo;s priced from $44,990, before on-road costs, and features the same equipment as the Inspire front-wheel drive that starts at $41,490 (while the Complete FWD still kicks-off the range at $37,490).  @carsguide.com.au The 2026 Geely Starray EM-i is now available with all-wheel drive as a new addition to the brand&rsquo;s quiver. Could this help it take on BYD and GWM? #geely #starray #suv #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   Standard equipment includes:LED headlights and tail-lights19-inch alloysKeyless entry and ignitionPanoramic sunroofPower tailgatePower-adjustable front seats with heatingA 15.4-inch multimedia touchscreen&nbsp;Ambient interior lightingA 16-speaker, 1000-watt premium sound system&nbsp;&nbsp;What the 2026 Geely Starray EM-i AWD lacks in style, it makes up for in spaceIn terms of design, there isn&rsquo;t anything noticeably different about this new AWD model, with the same inoffensive exterior and functional cabin. But what it lacks in design flair, inside and out, it compensates for with space.&nbsp;For this size of SUV the Starray is roomy, especially in the second row, so it makes it a genuine family car option in this mid-size SUV segment.As for cargo space, the main boot area remains 428 litres, however with the introduction of the rear-mounted electric motor, this AWD variant has 72L less underfloor storage than the FWD models.More power but the same driving experienceThat rear motor adds not only all-wheel drive but also more performance. Power is up 80kW (to 220kW) and torque is up 150Nm (to 412Nm), so there is notably more punch when you put your foot down.Unfortunately, while there is a new multi-link rear suspension set-up, Geely continues to stick with the more European-orientated tuning for the ride and handling. While it&rsquo;s better than the usual softly sprung approach for the Chinese domestic market, the firmer Euro-spec doesn&rsquo;t suit Australia&rsquo;s patchwork roads.The ride can sometimes feel too &lsquo;floaty&rsquo;, lacking composure and control, while at other times it can feel too firm and hit bumps harshly.&nbsp;Then there&rsquo;s the steering, which is too light and vague most of the time, then hyperactive when the lane keeping assistance is activated. Obviously a mid-size SUV like this doesn&rsquo;t need steering dynamically-tuned for spirited driving, but it shouldn&rsquo;t feel this numb when you&rsquo;re on the move.More Australian influence or European expertise is neededBut Geely Australia management is adamant local ride and handling tuning is not on the agenda, at least any time soon, despite other Chinese brands (most notably GWM) investing heavily in the practice.Instead, the brand says it can call on experience from other brands Geely owns, such as Lotus, but it&rsquo;s not clear exactly what involvement those engineers have or can have on any upcoming Geely models.The same need for improvement can be said for the active safety features, which require further development and tuning to make them more seamlessly integrated into the driving experience. As it stands, the Starray offers up a steady stream of beeps, bongs and other alerts when it feels things aren't in order.The lane keeping assistance is perhaps the most]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/geely-starray-em-i-awd-102880</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[BMW iX3 2026 review: 50 xDrive | Volvo EX60 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/bmw-ix3-50-xdrive-102820</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The new BMW iX3 is the first production model to arrive on BMW’s new Neue Klasse EV architecture. Has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/bmw-ix3-50-xdrive-102820</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Subaru Impreza 2026 review: 2.0S | Toyota Corolla rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/subaru-impreza-20s-102822</link>
            <description><![CDATA[In a world of more and more electric car drivers are you a Subaru Impreza driver? You either know this already or might know after our quick review of the Impreza 2.0S.Ten years ago the Impreza was one of the go-to small small cars buyers choose, along with the Hyundai i30, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla.These four small cars ruled suburbia and they&rsquo;re still Aussie favourites, but the world is changing and now more people are heading to electric cars and hybrids such as the Chery Tiggo 4 SUV and MG 4 hatch.And that reminds me, opting for the Impreza represents a choice not to buy an SUV, too.&nbsp;In fact, buying one of these is showing a bit of resistance to just doing what everybody else is and that&rsquo;s pretty great.The 2026 Subaru Impreza 2.0S - the price and best featuresThe 2.0S is the most expensive grade in the Impreza range at $40,990, before on-road costs, which is about $7500 more than the entry-grade 2.0L.Can I just also throw it out there that for less than $8000 more there&rsquo;s the close-to-perfect-for-the-money sporty sibling to the Impreza - the entry grade Subaru WRX with the six-speed manual gearbox?&nbsp;I don&rsquo;t know&hellip; you&rsquo;ve come this far, knocked back an EV, snubbed SUVs&hellip; and the WRX is iconic and probably one of the best performance cars I&rsquo;ve driven for the dollars. Totally up to you. Did I say it had a manual? All right, I&rsquo;ll stop.The 2.0S is good value and I think the standard features list is better than almost all its rivals with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, leather seats (heated up front and power driver&rsquo;s), 11.6-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, proximity unlocking, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.&nbsp;Some quality touches such as the alloy pedal trims and rear door sills with mountain motifs just reinforce the Subaru reputation for making affordable cars that (I think) are so much better than they need to be.Driving the 2026 Subaru Impreza 2.0SThat better-than-it-needs-to-be business I&rsquo;m talking about is apparent in the driving of the Impreza, too.All-wheel drive is completely unnecessary, but the stability and traction it brings makes this a safer and more enjoyable car to drive.Same goes for the horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine. A very different design to its rivals' powerplants, it sits lower and improves handling.The ride comfort is also lovely for a car at this price, and if that&rsquo;s what you're looking for the WRX with its harder ride is definitely not for you.Really, the only part letting the side down here is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) which I&rsquo;ve always felt stifles a car&rsquo;s ability to lock in power to its wheels and that affects the fun factor for me, big time.&nbsp;You can&rsquo;t get the Impreza with a manual, unfortunately, so you&rsquo;ll have to live with acceleration which isn&rsquo;t bad but also not great. The Impreza&rsquo;s four-cylinder engine with its 119kW and 196Nm is more than capable but, yes, the CVT clips its wings.Even with a dull CVT I think the Impreza is a lot more fun to drive than an EV, and being a regular hatch rather than an SUV makes it so lovely to pilot with none of that wobbling raised wagons do through every roundabout and over speed bumps.Talking of SUVs, the Impreza and the Subaru Crosstek small SUV are very closely related in almost every way apart from looks, but the engine and platform are identical.&nbsp;Even so, the Impreza is much better to drive because of its lower ride height which brings better dynamics.&nbsp;The only downsides are for those who want to sit a bit higher in traffic and the scrapping of the Impresza's surprisingly low front lip on driveways (occasionally... sorry, Subaru!). &nbsp;&nbsp;2026 Subaru Impreza 2.0S not so &lsquo;impressive&rsquo; fuel economyThe 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the Impreza does not have a hybrid system and its 7.5L/100km official fuel]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/subaru-impreza-20s-102822</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-6e Azami 2026 review: snapshot | Tesla Model Y rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mazda-cx-6e-azami-102829</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Mazda CX-6e Azami tops the electric SUV range in Australia, listing at $56,990. That&rsquo;s only three grand more than the GT($53,990), but that&rsquo;s because you don&rsquo;t get a whole bunch more stuff.Both models get the following as standard:LED lightsPanoramic glass roofBlack Maztech trimHeated and ventilated front seatsA massive 26.45-inch multimedia screenHead-up displayWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto21-speaker stereoYou do get bigger 21-inch alloys on the Azami, which we like, and digital wing mirrors, which we don&rsquo;t, so we think the cheaper GT is the better bang-for-bucks purchase here.&nbsp;&nbsp;There&rsquo;s a single motor at the rear axle, making 190kW and 290Nm, while its 78kWh LFP battery, producing a WLTP driving range of up to 484kms.The CX-6e is covered by Mazda&rsquo;s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is a little underwhelming by today&rsquo;s standards, though the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000kms.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Chesterton]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mazda-cx-6e-azami-102829</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Farizon V7E 2026 review: Extended Range | Ford E-Transit Custom rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/farizon-v7e-extended-range-102821</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Farizon V7E joins a growing number of full-electric commercial vans on offer, but does it represent a compelling alternative to long established diesel rivals in Australia's popular mid-size van market?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Oastler]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/tradies/farizon-v7e-extended-range-102821</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Tradies</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Skoda Epiq 2027 review: International first drive | BYD Atto 2 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/skoda-epiq-102859</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Skoda Epiq is a new entry EV that will join the compact Elroq and mid-size Enyaq SUVs from the middle of next year, with pricing estimated to inhabit the space between $35,000-$40,000.Developed alongside the Cupra Raval, Volkswagen I.D Polo and ID. Cross, the Epiq has more in common with the small VW SUV, although all four share the MEB Entry platform and come with the same battery and powertrain tech.We got some time behind the wheel at compact SUV's global launch to see how it will fit into Australia's ever-growing EV landscape.What is the 2027 Skoda Epiq powered by?In Europe, the Skoda Epiq comes in three flavours &ndash; the Epiq 35, Epiq 40 and flagship Epiq 55.The base Epiq 35 and mid-spec 40 come with a smaller 37kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is combined with either an 85kW (35) or 99kW (40) e-motor driving the front wheels, each producing an identical 267Nm of torque.  @carsguide.com.au Nothing is groundbreaking or state-of-the-art, but the 2026 Skoda Epiq might just be the Czech brand&rsquo;s best EV yet! #skoda #skodaepiq #ev #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   The lower-powered Skoda hatch accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds, with the Epiq 40 carving a second off the same sprint (9.8 seconds).For those who need more performance, the Epiq 55 obliges with the combination of a bigger 52kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery and a punchier front electric motor that pushes out 155kW and a more muscular 290Nm of torque for a brisk 0-100km/h dash of 7.1 seconds.How efficient is the 2027 Skoda Epiq and what's its range?Whichever Skoda Epiq you choose, the small SUV comes with remarkable efficiency for an EV, with either version capable of averaging around 13kWh/100km.That means the Epiq 35 and 40 with the LFP battery can drive up to 310km on a charge, while the Epiq 55 with the NMC powerpack travels up to 441km, bettering the BYD Atto 2 with the longest range (430km), despite having a significantly smaller battery (52kWh vs 65kWh).Slashing real-world energy consumption is the heavily revised MEB Entry platform that has been redesigned to save weight, with even the flagship version tipping the scales at 1544kg, which isn't bad for an EV. A BYD Atto 2 with the bigger battery fitted weighs 176kg more.Helping it slip through the air easily, the Epiq also comes with some trick aero tech that slashes its drag coefficient to 0.275. Achieving that figure for an upright SUV wasn't easy and needed active air shutters behind the front bumper that only open when the battery needs cool air.Other additions include a set of wind-cheating wheels and a pair of air curtains that channel air through the bumper and around the front wheels.An optimised flat underfloor that leads air to a rear diffuser, plus a rear tailgate spoiler and tail-lights and wheel-arch cladding's that have all been fine-tuned in the wind tunnel complete the extensive aero tweaks.How long does it take for the 2027 Skoda Epiq to range?Choose the most basic Skoda Epiq 35 and DC charging is capped at just 50kW, which isn't the best for how long you'll be hanging around a fast-charge, with the benchmark 10 to 80 per cent top-up taking 33 minutes.A better bet is paying more for the Epiq 40 that can accept a 90kW charge for a quicker 25-minute recharge.The Epiq 55, meanwhile, thanks to its different chemistry, can be charged at up to 105kW for the quickest 24-minute 10 to 80 per cent refill.Using the standard 11kW AC charger a 10-100 per cent top-up takes four hours for the entry and mid-spec Epiq and around 5.5 hours for the Epiq 55.What's the 2027 Skoda Epiq like on the inside?While its sister car, the Cupra Raval hatch, stuns you with its design, the Epiq wins you over with its classy cabin that mixes high-quality materials with loads of space and slick, intuitive tech.Even though it's not as big as some of its rivals at 4171mm long, 1798mm wide and 1581mm tall, the Epiq's designers have managed to squeeze in generous rear]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[John Mahoney]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/skoda-epiq-102859</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-6e GT 2026 review: snapshot | BYD Sealion 7 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mazda-cx-6e-gt-102828</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Mazda CX-6e range opens with the GT, which lists at $53,990 before on-road costs, and is &mdash; in our opinion &mdash; the pick of the two-grade line-up.That&rsquo;s because, aside from bigger alloys and annoying digital wing mirrors, it gets the same and pretty generous equipment as the flagship Azami. That includes things like:19-inch alloysLED lightsPanoramic glass roofBlack Maztech trimHeated and ventilated front seatsA massive 26.45-inch multimedia screenHead-up displayWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto21-speaker stereoThere&rsquo;s a single motor at the rear axle, making 190kW and 290Nm, while its 78kWh LFP battery, producing a WLTP driving range of up to 484kms.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Chesterton]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mazda-cx-6e-gt-102828</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Tayron 2026 review: 150TSI eHybrid Elegance long-term | Part 1 | BYD Sealion 8 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/volkswagen-tayron-150tsi-ehybrid-elegance-long-term-part-1-102818</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;re on the hunt for a spacious, family friendly SUV, you&rsquo;ve never been more spoiled for choice.You can now pick big SUVs in all sorts of formats. Five seats, seven seats, petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid. There&rsquo;s so much choice it can be overwhelming.This car, which I have for my next long-term test, is Volkswagen&rsquo;s new Tayron.It replaces the Tiguan Allspace, but follows the same formula, effectively being a stretched Tiguan allowing space for a third row of seating.Only, this one doesn&rsquo;t get three rows of seating, trading it away to facilitate large plug-in hybrid (PHEV) batteries under the floor.It&rsquo;s an SUV that asks - do you prefer your extended family or kid&rsquo;s friends over 100km of electric driving range and glorious boot space?Is it worth the trade? I&rsquo;ve been finding out.Is the VW Tayron 150TSI eHybrid good value?I'm testing the Elegance, which is the more affordable of the two plug-in hybrid grades. Its priced at $62,390 before on-road costs.It sounds like good value when you compare it to the equivalent combustion version, which is only $2000 less at $60,390, but the eHybrid loses both the third row of seating and all-wheel drive traction in favour of its electric driving range.On that topic, the eHybrid version comes with a 19.7kWh battery pack granting it a 116km driving range (WLTP), but more on that later.Not so long ago, only plug-in hybrids from China would offer that kind of electric driving range at this price, so the Tayron highlights how competitive the market is.This is especially true when you consider it against its natural rival, the Kia Sorento, which, in its most affordable plug-in hybrid form is $71,175 before on-roads. However, it keeps all-wheel drive and its third seating row.Another key rival is the BYD Sealion 8 Dynamic AWD, from $63,990 (BOC), another three-row SUV.Other rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger are only available as plugless hybrids in Australia, but other competitors are more affordable like the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid (FWD - $45,990 drive-away) and Jaecoo J8 (AWD - $59,990 BOC).What standard equipment does the VW Tayron eHybrid Elegance come with?This version sits in middle of the Tayron line-up, bringing with it highlights including 19-inch wheels (with efficient Hankook Ventus Evo tyres), synthetic leather interior trim with power adjust for the driver and front passenger, memory settings, as well as heating, ventilation, and even massage settings, which is already a solid level of inclusions.However, our car also has the &lsquo;Sound and Vision&rsquo; pack ($4200) which adds upgraded Matrix headlights and animated rear light clusters, an even larger multimedia touchscreen (from 12.9-inch to 15.0-inches), a premium audio system and a sportier steering tune.But wait, our car also has the panoramic sunroof, which adds another $2100 to the price.That brings the total for ours to $69,690, which is approaching premium territory.&nbsp;You don&rsquo;t want for cabin luxuries at all though, and it comes with the usual air of Volkswagen refinement.Is the Volkswagen Tayron practical?While you can probably live without all-wheel drive, missing out on the extra seating changes the value dynamic.Then again, losing them brings massive benefits, making this version of the car one of the more practical choices in the segment.&nbsp;One such benefit is the enormous 705-litre boot which makes our largest CarsGuide case look tiny. The sheer volume of space here makes it a really clever family hauler, because you could fit a pram and loads of luggage without issue, but in some other mid-to-large SUVs that might be a squeeze.There is also a ridiculous amount of room for passengers in the second row. There's heaps of airspace between my knees and the back of the front seat set to my driving position. I&rsquo;m 182cm tall, for reference. It has some clever additions like window shades built into the rear doors, dual USB-C outlets,]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/volkswagen-tayron-150tsi-ehybrid-elegance-long-term-part-1-102818</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Ferrari Purosangue 2026 review: Handling Speciale - International first drive | Aston Martin DBX rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/ferrari-purosangue-102835</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Arriving three years after its launch, the Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale isn't an unhinged track-focused creation in the same vein as the latest 296 Speciale.Instead, it's the Prancing Horse's answer for those current Purosangue owners who wish their four-seat, four-door Ferrari drove more like a lighter supercar.What's wild is the Purosangue was hardly a dynamic dunce and, even without the &euro;40,000 ($A65,000) option ticked, it remains in contention as one of the sportiest SUVs ever, but as the Ferrari nudges middle age the upgrade could help it maintain its edge.  @carsguide.com.au The sportiest SUV in the world just got sportier with the 2026 Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale. #ferrari #purosangue #supercar #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   What's the 2027 Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale powered by?Under the bonnet, engineers have left the glorious naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 well alone, with it still producing 533kW and 716Nm of torque for an identical 0-100km/h sprint of 3.3 seconds and a 310km/h top speed.The current car's eight-speed dual-clutch rear-mounted transaxle-style transmission also carries over but now punches home more aggressive upshifts over 5500rpm in Race mode and can kick down for the optimum gear around 25 per cent quicker than before.Further recalibration of the valved sport exhaust, meanwhile, provide for a noisier cold start and extra V12 noise when you're in the mood to annoy the neighbours.What's the biggest change of the Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale?Achieving its aim of adding extra nimbleness to the 2033kg Purosangue, engineers say the big Ferrari benefits from all the work that went into developing both the F80 hypercar and upcoming Luce EV that all share the same active suspension.The suspension differs from usual active or adaptive dampers by using 48-volt motors to apply force to each individual wheel and reduce the pitch or drive associated with accelerating or braking. The same system effectively cancels out body roll too, with the tech able to adjust the trick dampers every 0.05 seconds.Without any hardware changes, engineers say the HS calibrations slash body movements by 10 per cent &ndash; crucially &ndash; without any penalty in ride comfort.A subtle advertisement that you've ticked the box for the HS upgrades, the sharper Purosangue comes with black diamond cut alloy wheels, black carbon-fibre fender shields, special kick plates, satin black exhaust tailpipe finishers and a black Prancing Horse.Inside, all models come with a Handling Speciale plaque but no other changes.Ferrari says it won't offer the pack retrospectively, with it only available from the latest 2027 Model Year Purosangue as a factory option.What's the 2027 Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale like to drive?Behind the wheel, the Ferrari SUV still takes time to adjust to, not least once the V12 fires up. It's still hard to compute that such an exotic soundtrack accompanies something with four seats and a reasonable 473-litre boot.Select first gear via the oversized carbon paddles and the Purosangue smoothly shifts away and, if we're completely honest, it doesn't feel as fast as its claimed figures suggest.Of course it is, we're just spoilt by both turbocharged V8s and, whisper it, EVs.To extract the best from the Ferrari SUV, you have to drive it like a proper supercar.Luckily on a proving ground owned by the carmaker's former owner, we can stretch the Purosangue's legs. It's then you find how noise regulations have muted some of the Ferrari's voice.Over some narrow undulating blacktop that mimic an Italian country road, grip mustered from the wide rubber is overwhelming, while the body control is exemplary both when cornering and under hard braking.What's not so good about the 2027 Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale?The Ferrari, of course, still isn't a supercar on stilts, it scuffs its snout too easily and feels too nose-heavy for that but it's still easy to]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[John Mahoney]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/ferrari-purosangue-102835</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Nissan X-Trail 2026 review: e-Power 4x2 & Rock Creek – Australian first drive | Toyota RAV4 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/nissan-x-trail-e-power-4x2-rock-creek-102836</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Nissan X-Trail has been well-liked since its inception 25 years ago and the current generation has done reasonably well in an increasingly crowded mid-size SUV market.While not the front-runner in terms of sales - the Toyota RAV4 holds that title, of course - the Nissan X-Trail is one of a few mid-size SUVs to break the 1000-sales mark this year so far, a feat increasingly achieved by newcomer Chinese models.To strengthen its place in the market, Nissan has broadened the X-Trail offering to include more affordable (and more efficient) two-wheel drive versions of its e-Power hybrid grades, as well as a style-focused soft-roader version called the Rock Creek.Starting with the most visually obvious addition, the X-Trail Rock Creek is a $48,315 ask, before-on roads, for its single seven-seat grade.The Rock Creek uses the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the rest of the combustion-powered range, with 135kW and 244Nm driving all four of its wheels.It&rsquo;s built on the same spec as the ST-L, but adds plenty of unique styling and black trim, with orange accents and stitching inside, plus a unique set of 18-inch alloy wheels.Inside, ballistic nylon-trimmed seats are joined by a step-up from the donor ST-L in the form of a 12.3-inch driver display and 10.8-inch head-up display.The front seats are comfortable, spacious and ergonomically sensible, and the second row has a decent amount of room and some adjustability to account for the third row. That back row is, however, pretty useless for adults due to the cramped space.Nissan says the Rock Creek has the same 465 litres of boot space as other seven-seat grades, measured from floor to roof with the third folded flat.2026 Nissan X-Trail e-Power goes 2WDThe 2WD e-Power on the other hand starts from $45,990 in ST-L grade, $50,915 for the mid-spec Ti and up to $54,715 for the Ti-L.They&rsquo;re all five-seaters with equipment matching that of their 4WD counterparts. That means the ST-L gets some basics like leather-accented trim and a surround-view camera, while the Ti gets a sunroof and head-up display, and the Ti-L gets all the fruit like a Bose 10-speaker sound system and heated seats even in the second row.The five-seat e-Power has 575L of boot space with all the seats up, 10 litres less than the five-seat petrol.The e-Power 2WD has very similar outputs to the e-Power 4X4, with 150kW and 330Nm from its front-mounted electric motor.The same 106kW/250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine powers the very small 2.1kWh battery, but not the wheels.2026 Nissan X-Trail&rsquo;s new grades on the roadRegardless of grade, the X-Trail uses a 55L fuel tank and can run on 91RON unleaded fuel, though Nissan recommends 95RON for the e-Power.The 4X4 petrol Rock Creek sips 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle according to the claim, though with some off-roading and unsealed road driving the trip computer shower 9.7L.The 2WD e-Power should use 5.4L according to the specs, but 6.2L was the displayed rate on the drive.You shouldn&rsquo;t need to try hard to get better figures than those we saw on the launch, as test-driving involved a combination of fast driving on twisty NZ roads and gentle off-roading around Lake Wakatipu and the Rees River.The current X-Trail has always been easy to work with from behind the wheel and the front-drive versions don&rsquo;t lose much of the smoothness and urge the all-wheel drive version of the hybrid X-Trails boast.While it doesn&rsquo;t feel like the lightest SUV, the steering is accurate enough to take any guesswork out of cornering and the electric motors get the mid-sizer moving quickly.Traction doesn&rsquo;t suffer much without the rear wheels in play, though given the limited drive time in each grade on the launch it&rsquo;s possible very wet conditions or rough roads could show up flaws.The Rock Creek on the other hand should be safe as houses when it comes to light off-roading, given its 4x4 system, though its on-road prowess is somewhat dulled by its]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/family/nissan-x-trail-e-power-4x2-rock-creek-102836</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Family</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-6e 2026 review: Australian first drive | Zeekr 7X  rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mazda-cx-6e-102826</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The CX-6e is the second model to arrive in the Mazda's recent EV push, and it gives the brand a model to go head to head with top-selling EVs like the Tesla Model Y and the Zeekr 7X. And, like both those rivals, the CX-6e is produced in China, through Mazda's partnership with Changan. We put it to the test at is Australian launch to see how it measures up.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Chesterton]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/mazda-cx-6e-102826</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Used BMW 5 Series review: 2017-2023]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/bmw-5-series-102759</link>
            <description><![CDATA[BMW&rsquo;s mid-sized sedans and station-wagons have always represented a classy, high-end way to move a family. Competing directly with vehicles such as Audi&rsquo;s A6-based models and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series has won its share of admirers over the years as a quality car albeit at a premium price.But now that they&rsquo;re second-hand, premium models like the BMW 5 Series tend to drop retained value pretty sharply, making them great used-car buys provided you buy the right one.As with any conventional sedan or wagon, however, the BMW has suffered in popularity terms at the hands of the SUV. In fact, while this generation of 5 Series sedans lasted from 2017 to 2023 as the G30 model, the G31 station-wagon that launched alongside it in 2017, left showrooms in 2020 as demand for SUVs made selling a conventional wagon a very tough job.BMW also made the 5 Series line-up a pretty complex, constantly changing animal, so there are the mainstream models to look for as well as some quite specific variants that are worth investigating.Of the mainstream four-door sedan versions, things kicked off with the 520i with its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, 135kW and 290Nm. The 520d was next with a 2.0 diesel, 140kW and 400Nm. The 530i was also a 2.0L four-cylinder, but claimed 185kW and 350Nm due to a different tune.The first of BMW&rsquo;s famous inline sixes arrived with the 530d with its 3.0 inline six-cylinder diesel and 195kW and 620Nm. The 540i was a 3.0 petrol six-cylinder with 250kW and 450Nm, while the big hitter was the M550i with its twin-turbo 4.4-litre petrol V8, 340kW and 650Nm.In station-wagon variants, there was a 520d (diesel) and a 530i (petrol).The more specialised variants included the 530e PHEV with 185kW and 420Nm and a small EV battery and electric motor. And then there was the really specialised 530d xDrive wagon with the 530d&rsquo;s engine teamed with an all-wheel drive platform. There was also a sedan called the M550i xDrive which was more or less a 550i sedan with all-wheel drive, 390kW and 750Nm.If that all sounds a bit complicated, that&rsquo;s because it is. And it also means when you&rsquo;re shopping for a second-hand G30 or G31 BMW, it&rsquo;s vital to know exactly what you&rsquo;re looking at as the used prices vary enormously.Is BMW 5 Series a good car?The BMW 5 Series has always been portrayed as the driver&rsquo;s choice in four-door sedans and it remains an entertaining drive in this form. Its interior space has grown over the years to remain relevant in the face of SUVs and the level of standard equipment is good.The best thing about these cars is the way they depreciate heavily in the first few years, making them good value (compared to their new price) as relatively new used cars.BMW 5 Series reliabilityBMW&rsquo;s reputation for building a quality product has been questioned before this model was ever on sale. However, many of the potential issues are the same ones facing other modern cars with their complex drivelines and requirement to meet ever stricter emissions and fuel economy targets.While many owners of this make and model have had great experiences, the BMW 5 Series is not without its problem areas.BMW 5 Series problemsLike any modern, high-performance engine, the turbocharged engines in the G30 5 Series are fairly highly stressed in their search for maximum performance with minimum fuel consumption. As such, turbochargers have a pretty hard life and can sometimes require complete replacement. Increasingly, the turbo unit is being seen as a consumable item in modern car design. The BMW&rsquo;s is no different.Plastic fittings in the cooling system of modern BMWs have also caused their share of problems. Thousands of heat cycles can eventually take their toll on these plastic fittings, and relacing them is often the only option. Due to the engine layout, this isn&rsquo;t always an easy or cheap job.Diesel engines have been known to experience premature crankshaft]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/luxury/bmw-5-series-102759</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Luxury</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Honda Civic 2026 review: Type R | VW Golf R rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/honda-civic-type-r-102761</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Civic Type R might be the best front-wheel drive hot hatch ever built. It's almost certainly one of the greatest cars of this century so far.In fact, you can meet me outside if you reckon the Type R isn&rsquo;t the most capable sports car of its kind ever built.Now that we&rsquo;ve got that out of the way, let&rsquo;s get into why.The 2026 Honda Civic Type R, at an uncomfortable $85,000, drive-away, isn&rsquo;t a car you can just go and buy. At least not all the time.The latest run launched in July this year, with just a tick under 100 units anticipated for local buyers. Deliveries start in December.It&rsquo;s more expensive than another benchmark rival, the VW Golf R, by almost $15,000 and it&rsquo;s not as practical to live with. But even though you can run your daily errands in the Civic Type R, that would be doing it a disservice.See, the Type R is a five-door hatchback with only four seats, and the front two are very figure-hugging sports bucket seats. It&rsquo;s also only available in manual, so that rules it off the list for some seeking an easy daily driver.&nbsp;2026 Honda Civic Type R specs and featuresIts 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine is probably a bit much for the daily grind, too, producing 235kW and 420Nm and sending that entirely through the front wheels.But there is a Comfort mode, and you even get a wireless phone charger. Heated seats? No, but the climate controls are always there - because they&rsquo;re physical buttons and knobs. And the knobs are delightfully clicky.This is all to say that when you shell out your $85K, you&rsquo;re paying more for what&rsquo;s under the metal than the mod-cons in the cabin. Here&rsquo;s what you do get:10.2-inch digital driver display&nbsp;9.0-inch multimedia touchscreenWireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android AutoDigital and AM/FM radioBluetooth and USB connectivityEight-speaker audioLogR performance data tracking system&nbsp;Red suede-style upholsteryType R sports bucket front seatsAlloy shift knobAlloy sports pedalsWireless phone chargerDual-zone climate controlKeyless entry with push button startLED headlights (auto-levelling and dusk-sensing) and tail-lights19-inch black alloy wheelsMichelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (265/30 ZR19)It all comes together in a package that looks rather aggressive and modern, but feels just far enough removed from the software-driven cars of today that it&rsquo;s still focused on the driving experience.The exterior styling in particular when it comes to the FL5 Type R (launched in 2023) compared to the more angular FK8 that proceeded it seems to be less divisive.It looks slightly less like it&rsquo;s come off the screen of an anime, for better or worse. Some specific praise can be levelled at the toning-down of decorative elements that made the FK8 look overly busy.But that doesn&rsquo;t mean it&rsquo;s any less suited to total road domination.FL5 Honda Civic Type R on the roadThe FK8, a car I spent plenty of time in during the late 2010s, won awards all over the world for its prowess.&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve driven the FL5 on track, but not on public bitumen before this road test. It was immediately obvious this car holds the same ability to turn from a sharp yet manageable city car into a slick corner-hunting weapon outside of urban areas. Nothing had been lost between FK8 and FL5. Praise be.The current Type R continues to be arguably the most capable hot hatch around, with its individual elements - steering, brakes, clutch, all of it - working perfectly and obediently to make this Civic move as quickly as possible. And with little fuss.The front tyres are surely working hard, but there&rsquo;s mechanical grip in abundance and the helical limited-slip differential ensures traction.  @carsguide.com.au The 2026 Honda Civic Type R: just a hot hatch or one of the best cars built this century? This is a front-drive sports car that should make you reconsider that VW Golf R or Toyota GR Corolla. #honda #civictyper #hothatch #cartok #fyp]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/honda-civic-type-r-102761</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Urban</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Isuzu D-Max 2026 review: X-Rider 2.2L - off-road test | Ford Ranger rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/isuzu-d-max-x-rider-22l-102747</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Isuzu’s 3.0-litre D-Max has a strong following but versions with the newer 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are marketed as better on fuel. However, there’s a substantial trade-off in terms of power and torque against the 3.0-litre (120kW and 400Nm versus 140kW and 450Nm).
So, how does the mid-spec 2.2-litre X-Rider perform as a daily driver and, more importantly, off-roader?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/adventure/isuzu-d-max-x-rider-22l-102747</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Adventure</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 3 2026 review: Evo – Australian first drive | Kia EV5 rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/byd-atto-3-evo-102790</link>
            <description><![CDATA[It may look like the old one but this new BYD Atto 3 Evo is a very different proposition. The company has given its popular mid-size SUV a major upgrade, introducing an all-new, rear-wheel drive option for the first time.
So how does this new version stack up? We put it through its paces to find out if the unseen changes make up for the lack of new looks.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/byd-atto-3-evo-102790</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 2 2026 review: DM-i PHEV – Australian first drive | Chery C5 Hybrid rival tested]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/byd-atto-2-dm-i-phev-102777</link>
            <description><![CDATA[BYD clearly has no plans on settling for second-best.The fast-rising Chinese brand looks set to finish 2026 as the closest rival to Toyota. And now, hot on the heels of announcing the cheapest electric vehicle in the country, it has now added the most-affordable plug-in hybrid, too.The Atto 2 DM-i is the newest addition as the brand looks to expand its range in Australia. In theory it ticks a lot of boxes, too. It gives buyers looking for cheaper running costs a new option. It should appeal to those looking to electrify but not ready for the all-electric switch. And, it&rsquo;s also just an affordable small SUV, regardless of what&rsquo;s under the bonnet.&nbsp;So, does it actually tick those boxes?  @carsguide.com.au EV or plug-in hybrid? The 2026 BYD Atto 2 now offers both! The MG ZS and Leapmotor B10 small SUV rival is now available as Australia&rsquo;s cheapest PHEV. #byd #bydatto2 #phev #cartok #cars &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   Is the 2026 BYD Atto 2 good value?Well, let&rsquo;s start with the question of value, and the Atto 2 DM-i makes a strong opening statement. There are two models to choose from and both start under $30,000.&nbsp;The Essential kicks off the line-up at just $24,990, before on-road costs, which is cheaper than the Chery 5 hybrid (from $31,990), GWM Haval Jolion hybrid (from $32,990) and is even cheaper than the petrol-powered Hyundai Kona (from $33,700).Even the better-equipped Premium starts at just $29,990, before on-roads, which is an impressive number for a hybrid, let alone a plug-in hybrid. Especially when the Atto 2 EV is priced from an already appealing $31,990 for the Dynamic and $35,990 for the Premium.Despite its modest price the Essential still comes equipped with:360-degree view parking camerasAdaptive cruise controlTraffic sign recognitionForward collision warningRear collision warning&nbsp;Rear cross-traffic alertLED headlights&nbsp;Keyless entry and ignitionFour-speaker sound system10.1-inch multimedia touchscreenWireless Android Auto and Apple Car PlayPremium adds:Vehicle-to-load (V2L)50W wireless smartphone charger12.8-inch multimedia touchscreenEight-speaker sound systemPanoramic sunroofSynthetic leather seatsAmbient lightingA new power dynamic for the 2026 BYD Atto 2Obviously the key difference between the Atto 2 models is the powertrain. The DM-i uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor that makes a combined 122kW in the Essential and 156kW in the Premium.Both are equipped with BYD&rsquo;s trademark Blade battery with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The Essential has a 7.85kWh battery that provides 39km of EV range and a claimed fuel economy return of just 1.0L/100km.The Premium gets a much larger 18.03kWh battery, which means a 90km EV range, and a claimed fuel economy figure of 0.7L/100km. Obviously that is a very impressive and attention-grabbing figure but like all plug-in hybrids, the published economy is a best-case-scenario, so don&rsquo;t expect to see 1.0L/100km or less in the real-world.Our test drive was predominantly on open roads, so it wasn&rsquo;t representative of what you&rsquo;ll likely find in a predominantly urban environment, which is where a PHEV shines. So we&rsquo;ll reserve our judgement on the efficiency of the Atto 2 DM-i until a later date.What the 2026 BYD Atto 2 is like on the roadWhat our test drive did clearly demonstrate is that the Atto 2 is a well-built car. It may not be particularly quick, but it&rsquo;s not weak either, comfortably cruising at 80km/h and faster on the open road.&nbsp;It also did a nice job when the going got twisty. Again, measuring it against its mainstream and affordable peers rather than any dynamic benchmark, the Atto 2 DM-i felt solid and predictable on the road. The ride was respectable and soaked up bigger bumpers with relative ease, which is commendable on such an affordable car.One issue this reviewer had whilst driving was the seating position, which reminded]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/ev/byd-atto-2-dm-i-phev-102777</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>EV</dc:category>
                    </item>
            </channel>
</rss>